Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2011


Merry Christmas, everyone.

I have to work this Christmas Eve and for whatever reason it's extremely busy. So I must get going but I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

And as I am off next week, I also want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope 2011 brings you happiness, health and your heart's desires.

LisaDay

Thursday, December 23, 2010

My Mommy

My little guy’s latest thing is give me a giant hug, tell me ‘My Mommy’ and asks for The Song.

The Song is me singing You Are My Sunshine and adding my little guy’s name in it.

I did this once last week and since then he asks for it daily. It seems to make him happy as I have to sing it over and over, much to the dismay of my husband who doesn’t appreciate my voice as much as our two-year-old does.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your families.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Where are You Christmas Lights?


One of my columnists from work commented in a recent posting about the lack of Christmas lights in his area. He wondered if it had to do with the recent hike in hydro rates.

I don’t know the reason but his observation about the lack of holiday spirit is obvious in the places I drive through as well.

My little guy loves looking at Christmas lights and his face lights up each time he sees light displays. Sadly, Christmas light displays are no longer the norm but rather a rare treat.

Friday, December 17, 2010

FYI – The Old Wives’ Tale Seems to Be True

People take note. The Old Wives’ Tale that says if you pull out a grey hair, two will grow back in its place seems to have a ring of truth to it.

This week, while stuck in traffic, I have been pulling out my grey hair, strand by strand. Last night I even pulled out the little curly ones that seem to stick straight up and out. While I wasn’t completely grey/white-free, the colour-less hair was certainly harder to find.

I woke up this morning to find more grey hair, not two per one pulled (otherwise I would have woken up to a head of grey hair) but enough to make me think perhaps I will just leave the grey ones alone.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

To Flush or Not to Flush…While You are On Your Cellphone



I realize I am a bit old-fashioned. While I have a cellphone, it’s old. It allows texting but there is no Internet access and I certainly can’t take a photo.

I like having a cellphone in case of an emergency, if I need pick up or son or if I need to stop at the grocery store on my way home.

I don’t understand the need to be constantly connected. Do I really care if someone just posted something to my facebook? Not really. Do I want instant messages while I am trying to enjoy dinner or a movie? Not particularly. In fact, I find that completely rude.

And while I understand the desire to make a work meetings go faster by reading and sending text messages, it’s bad form and people shouldn’t do it.

But what bugs me the most about people who are unable to let go of technology are those who talk on their cellphones not only while they are in the bathroom, but going to the bathroom.

How do you explain to the person on the other end of the phone call the noise they hear is you peeing?

Not only is it completely ignorant to the person you are talking to, but it’s rude and inconsiderate to people who are sharing the bathroom with you.

Sadly, this talking and peeing is a constant occurrence, even at work.

The proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back was a recent business conversation a coworker was having as she entered the bathroom, locked the door, unzipped and started to pee.

I didn’t know what to do. Should I stop peeing? Should I flush when there was a break in her conversation or should I not worry about it and let her explain why she can’t hear the person talking?

People, if your conversation is so important, wait until its finished before heading to the bathroom. Or here’s a thought, tell the person you need to go to the washroom and call them back.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Sick of Winter

Is it bad that I am already sick of winter?

Well I am. Let's keep the falling and blowing snow and freezing temperatures until Jan. 1. Then let it melt away and be zero for the rest of the winter.

Come on spring.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Too Much Christmas Music?


There was a great piece on the radio a week ago where the reporter interviewed retail employees on their view of Christmas music.

Apparently if you work 12-hour days, Christmas music gets a little less – well – jolly.
On one man’s hit list was the Little Drummer Boy.

I have been listening to Christmas music since November. I realize I, too, have a Christmas music hit list.

It includes:

Santa Baby. I hate this song because it screams commercialism. If you want something from Tiffany’s, buy it yourself. Santa shouldn’t be bringing you that or a car in baby blue. However, it has a catchy tune.

Oh Christmas Tree
. Speed it up, people.
First Day of Christmas. Apparently it will cost more than $900,000 to purchase everything from maids a milking to a partridge in a pear tree. The reason? The cost of gold is going up.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. This song makes this list not because I don’t like it, but because it makes me nervous.

Do They Know It’s Christmas.
I also like this song but can some please explain this line: ‘So tonight thank god it’s them, instead of you’?
Is it just me or is that really awful?

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Exciting and Not Exciting News


Exciting news, people.
On Saturday night I received seven hours of sleep – the first time in two years.

Now I can’t say it was seven hours in a row. I got up once to pee. While I usually get up at least once a night to relieve a full bladder, I am often still sleeping when I do so.

Not Saturday night. I woke up and thought, ‘I hope I can fall back to sleep.’

I did but it meant I didn’t get seven hours uninterrupted sleep. But I did get seven hours of almost uninterrupted sleep. I woke up feeling pretty rested. That feeling went away almost immediately, but it felt good waking up refreshed.

Oh Christmas Tree
We got our Christmas tree Saturday. I am a fan of cut your own. We went to a farm, had a wagon ride and found the perfect tree.

Sunday morning, after securing it to the wall with fishing line, we decorated it.

Saturday night’s sleep wasn’t as great as I was every couple of hours watering it and retrieving Cosmo, the kitten, from its base.

The good news is other than finding ornaments strewn across the living room, the tree is still standing and nothing has been broken.

The Not-So-Exciting News
We had a first snowfall yesterday and as such I had my first awful drive into work. Two and a half hours later, I finally sat down at my desk.
To winter driving. Blah.

Friday, December 3, 2010

These Are a Few of My Favourite Gifts


Yesterday I was talking about the success of coming up with THE gift for my little guy, which made me think back to the fantastic gifts I have received from my parents over the years.

1. Anne of Green Gables. If you are looking for a great book, this story about an orphan who is adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert is amazing. I remember discovering this book, carefully opening it and reading it under the twinkling lights of the tree.

2. Hope chest. I didn’t ask for this amazing box that up until recently stored my old journals and hid Christmas presents, but I was so happy to receive it. It’s personalized and I still love going through it looking at stuff from year’s past.

3. Classic Winnie the Pooh bookends. I think I really wanted the book ends that have Christopher Robin and Rabbit pulling Pooh out of Rabbit’s hole at one end and Pooh’s bum coming out of Rabbit’s (oh my, think of what this could have said before I realized how awful it sounded) living space at the other. I think I might have cried. They have a place of honour, holding the Anne of Green Gables series and other Lucy Maud Montgomery books on my library.

4. Desk. A desk of my own with drawers and spaces for writing gear. It now holds the computer and one of the one drawer is filled with stuff for the babe to play with.

Each year I received other gifts that I loved and appreciated, but these are the things that stick out in my mind and in which I will treasure forever.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

THE Gift


I love Christmas and I have to thank my parents for creating wonderful traditions and memories.

It’s my goal my son has Christmas memories to treasure as well.

For the past month, I have been struggling to come up with a gift my guy would love. He is two. He just had a birthday. What does he really need? He has asked Santa for a cheap digital camera and as he has been a great little boy, I see no reason to believe he will not receive one.

But what about THE gift from Mommy and Daddy?

Finally after looking at toy flyers and asking others, I came up with THE idea, the gift that will make him happy. And it’s my guy who actually came up with it.

My daycare provider L told me recently that E loves Cailou, a cartoon he watches in the morning with J, L’s husband, while L takes the kids to the bus stop.

Last night we were in the basement, feeding the fish and retrieving the balls he threw down the stairs. He turned on the TV and quite clearly asked to ‘watch Cailou.’

I was writing that story down in my journal this morning when it hit me.

THE gift.

I am going to get our guy a Cailou video, book and doll. We will be a hit.
Now where does one find such a thing? Any suggestions?

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Allergic to Work

For the last couple of weeks, I have had a headache every day.

I jokingly mentioned to Joanne from Coconut Palm Designs that I was allergic to work.

Now I think I really am because I also noticed those same headaches that make me want to throw up and push my head in to relieve the pain miraculously go away once I leave the office for the day, only to return when I step inside the building.

I spoke to the human resources person about testing the air quality inside the office. She suggested getting rid of old newspapers, which collect dust, and will check the vents.

However, the air quality was tested two years ago and everything was fine.

I wonder if I can go on long-term disability due to my allergic reaction to work.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Curse These Dental Implants


I am not good with time – or details once time passes – but more than five years ago, I had jaw surgery, which saw my lower jaw pushed back and my upper jaw moved forward (or vice versus).

The purpose was to fix my TMJ and hopefully stop my headaches.

Since I was changing the look of my face any way, I also decided to have two implants put in: one for an eye tooth that never came in and one for a bottom molar, which was removed years earlier by a dentist who felt I had too many teeth in my mouth and yanked a couple of them, leaving me with gaping holes and eventually bone loss. (And that meant I had a bone graph, removing it from my hip, prior to having the implant inserted.)

Implants, if you have the money, are apparently the way to go. They are permanent so you don’t have to worry about pain associated with dentures or bridges and they ‘look so real people never know they aren’t.’

Ahh, if only that was the case.

I have hated my dental implants since Day 1.

My former dentist blames the oral surgeon for the look of my upper implant that shows the titanium when I smile. He says the oral surgeon didn’t do the implant correctly.

The oral surgeon didn’t blame any one, nor except the blame, but did say he would do a gum graph, which would cover the titanium, and while there gum graph the rest of the my teeth making them less sensitive. (I am leaning toward this option, however, the former dentist also believes it will happen again as this area of the gum often recedes. The problem is I am not sure I believe this dentist any longer particularly after what happened to Dental Implant No. 2.)

During the summer, I was eating and swore I felt my implant (No. 2) lift. I wiggled it, but didn’t notice anything. I tried eating something else and it didn’t seem to happen again.

A day later I was flossing and the tooth shot out of my mouth and bounced across the bathroom floor.

I freaked. I thought my gums were so far receded I would need to have surgery to put the tooth back on.

I made an appointment with the former dentist (who I left due to the location not anything else originally) who told me implants sometimes come off, particularly if you are eating something sticky. He re-cemented it and I was on my way.

Fast forward to Saturday morning. I was eating a gumdrop and the tooth came off and hit my other teeth.

I am pissed. I spent a lot of money on these implants. I was told they are the best. There is no pain (the top one hurts), they look real (scoff) and they are permanent.

I should be able to eat sticky taffy and the implant shouldn’t come off, not after five years and certainly not after four months. I am not going back to the former dentist to have it fixed, rather I am going to our new dentist to see if she can do a better job.

Curse these implants.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Did You Just Call Me Mommy?

I was at my brother and sister-in-law’s house Friday visiting my niece and new nephew. I was chatting to S and L when I heard a voice say ‘Here, Lisa.’

I stopped in mid-sentence, looked down and saw my little guy reaching up to give me some of his cousin’s toys.

‘Did you just call me Lisa?'
Yes, he did.
‘My name is Mommy,’ I replied. He giggled and ran away.

On Sunday he was in the tub with Daddy when I heard ‘Leeessssa’ being bellowed from the bathroom.
I went in to see a giggling baby calling me by my name.

‘My name is Mommy.’
‘Lisa’
‘Mommy.’
‘Lisa.’
‘Mommy.’
‘Mommy?’
Yes.

Apparently he found calling me by my name quite funny.
I must admit. So did I.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Christmas List

My husband gave me a $25 gift certificate for Chapters, a bookstore chain, for Mother's Day.

There was a time when I would have cashed in the gift certificate as soon as I received it. Now my time is precious and any moment I am not at work, I am at home with my little guy.

Earlier this month, however, I needed to pick up a book I ordered. So I left work early and spent a leisurely hour looking at the end displays and special sections I wouldn't usual look at. And because the Christmas season is upon us, the store was filled with all things seasonal - from knick knacks to books.

Not only was it completely relaxing to spend time within a place filled with books, it was a joy to not have to worry about money and simply buy what I wanted.

I found three Christmas books on sale, one of which was called The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans. I read The Christmas Box, also written by Evans, each Christmas.

The Christmas List is as good as The Christmas Box A Christmas Carol with a character more nasty than Ebenezer Scrooge. It was a fantastic book that haunted me days after. It was another book I had to re-read parts in order to get it out of my head.

A recommended read to anyone who loves Christmas and happy stories.

Friday, November 12, 2010

People Watching

I like people. I like watching people. I always want to know their stories.

At 6:50 each morning, I drive along this windy road. It’s not in the middle of nowhere, but it’s close.

There are no streetlights, the houses are spaced far apart and the nearest town – on foot – would be about a hour away.

Since September, there has been two people on that lonely stretch of road – a woman and a young.

What are they doing at lonely bus stop so early in the morning Where are the going? Is the girl going to school and the mom leaves from there to go to work? Where are the coming from?

If they were heading in the same direction I was, I might stop to see if they would like to get out of the cold and tell me their stories.

Because everyone has a story, you just have to find it.

Six Weeks Until Christmas

I confess. I have actually listened to a song or two of Christmas music when it comes on the iPod for the last month.

But today, I actually picked a Christmas album and listened to it on the ride into work this morning.

Harry Potter Comes to Theatres


People! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 comes to theatres Nov. 19.

I am so excited.
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Pause to Remember


Today, Canadians across the world will be honouring those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians pause for two minutes of silence to remember the men and women who left behind their loved ones to join in the fight for freedom.

The day marks the end of the First World War on Nov. 11, 1918 – the war to end all wars, which of course did not happen.

So on Nov. 11, we also remember men and women who fought in the Second World War, Korea and those still fighting in Afghanistan.

Remembrance Day should not be political. Whether you believe in Canada’s role in Afghanistan or not, Nov. 11 should be a day of thanks. Thanks to the people who thought of others before themselves; thanks to their families for sharing their loved ones with others; and thanks to people who stand up to bullies.

Thank you, veterans – Canadian and otherwise – for fighting to ensure we can speak out for what we believe.


A Special Thanks
I received a phone called from a woman from The Source, and not the Sources book, a contact resource for journalists, which I asked when she called.

No, this was an employee from The Source, the electronic store, who noticed a weird order placed on my credit card and who was kind enough to call not only my house, but my work, to question the more than $300 worth of Playstation equipment charged to my credit card.

Thank you to the employee from The Source, whose name I didn’t catch, for being so diligent and saving me a lot of time, grief and money.

Sick Babe

The babe was sick last week, hence the long absence from my blog.

We went straight to emerg when his fever hit 102, his body going into seizures with projectile vomiting and a little boy who really wasn’t with us.

He is only now getting back to normal.

Thank you to our wonderful daycare providers and the doctors and nurses at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Again.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

It Seems Cold


This morning on the radio there was a story about the latest hurricane to strike the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. At the end, the broadcaster informs us of one American tourist who is reported missing and presumed dead.

Next story.

In fairness, it’s radio. It’s also Canadian radio so why do we care about this faceless American whose family is likely in a panic wondering about their whereabouts of their daughter, mother, sister, niece or aunt.

But the same thing happens in local traffic reports.

Someone is dead due to an accident on Hwy. 401, which means traffic is stopped and won’t improve until long after the rush hour.

How rude of that person to get into a car accident, die and inconvenience the rest of us trying to get to work that day.

I realize it’s the traffic report and that is why people are listening, but it often doesn’t become news either.

And to me, it just seems cold.

Someone is dead. Dozens of other people will no longer be the same and we glazed over the end of their story for headaches about our morning commute.

It just seems cold.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Happy Halloween Everyone


It's three days before Halloween.

Do you know what you are going to be?

Today, I am a fairy. Not a Disney fairy, just a fairy with green wings, a green crown and a green wand.

As Sunday night is suppose to have a windchill, making the temperature feel like zero, I think I will be Maleficent, the witch from Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

She is an impressive woman with a long flowing gown – perfect for layers.

Happy Halloween, everyone.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thank you, Mangiabella

I received a message on my blog yesterday that I am a winner of the $25 gift certificate from The Vintage Pearl, courtesy of Mangibella.

In my three decades plus of living, I think I have won one thing in a contest – a bag from the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire).

I used to create about five new weekly contests for our readers, ranging from books to trips.

When calling the winners, I always appreciated the people who were excited about receiving a prize and who remembered entering the contest.

I am not sure if my initial email to Mangiabella showed my appreciation of winning a gift certificate from The Vintage Pearl.

But I did want her to know I not only appreciate the gift certificate, but the winning made a stressful week a happier one.

Thank you for picking me. I look forward to picking out something beautiful.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Squeezer

I might be overly critical today because I have spent most of my commute this week sitting in traffic so slow my spedometre didn’t register for long periods of time.

However, I think I really dislike The Squeezer.

You know this person. Perhaps you yourself are a Squeezer.

These are the people who ignore the large space I have left for people to merge into my lane but instead choose to squeeze themselves into a spot one car ahead.

I particularly like the Squeezer who does this to transport trucks.

People, truckers leave this space because they take longer to slow down. By squeezing in, you deserve to be hit.



My initial feelings about the Nissan Cube remains – this is one ugly car.

And one particular Cube driver is not only a Squeezer but also a jerk. After squeezing in, he continued to go really slow, effectively blocking in the guy he cut off in the first place.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Election Day – Anniversary of Persons


It's Election Day in Ontario.

I have voted in every election since I have turned 18. It is my right – and my duty – to learn what I can and vote with what my heart is telling me.

It angers me people don’t vote, although I have stopped voicing this opinion to those around me.

People have to do what they feel is important but the reasons for not voting – not knowing who is running and what they stand for – doesn’t fly particularly now we have the Internet and a quick search would give you everything you need to know.

Now there is another reason, particularly for women, to take the opportunity to vote.

I received this email from my aunt this morning. It’s a powerful message that shows why we need to exercise our right and vote.

As a note, I do not know the validity of this email. However, it's a fact women stood up and fought for our right to be a person and to vote. I think these women, and women like them, would be horrified to know people are choosing not to vote today due to laziness.


Anniversary As Persons (WOMEN) – forwarded email
This is the story of women who were ground-breakers. These brave women from the early 1900's made all the difference in the lives we live today.

Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.

The women were innocent and defenseless, but when, in North America , women picketed in front of the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote, they were jailed.


And by the end of the first night in jail, those women were barely alive.
Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing
went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of
'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'


(Lucy Burns)
They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above
her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping
for air.

(Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her
head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate,
Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack.
Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging,
beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.

Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917,
when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his
guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because
they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right
to vote.

For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their
food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

(Alice Paul)
When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a
chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited.
She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.

All women who have ever voted, have ever owned property, have ever enjoyed equal rights need to remember that women's rights had to be fought for in Canada as well.

Do our daughters and our sisters know the price that was paid to earn rights for women here, in North America ?

2010 is the 81th Anniversary of the Persons Case in Canada ,
which finally declared women in Canada to be Persons!

Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know, so that we remember to celebrate the rights we enjoy.


"Knowledge is Freedom: hide it, and it withers; share it, and it blooms" (P. Hill)

Photo is of Alice Paul and was attached in the email. I do not know who to credit either the email or the photo. But thank you to that person.

Friday, October 22, 2010

It’s The Weekend – Yaaaaaaa!


On Friday mornings on the way to daycare, I tell my little guy 'It’s Friday.'

I then ask him: ‘Do you know what that means? It’s the weekend.’

And we both clap loudly and say ‘Yaaaaaa.’

Despite having a wonderful day off yesterday – the boy is now two – I am glad it’s Friday.

It means a visit with the family Saturday, likely some jumping in leaves, napping and playing.

It’s Friday everyone. Yaaaaaaaaaaa!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Happy?


Whenever it's someone's birthday, I ask my guy if we should sing that person the birthday song.

He often says yes, but then interrupts the singing to say I should sing to Nana and Popa rather than whoever's birthday it actually is.

The babe is now at the age where he will ‘sing’ along to the song, injecting the words he knows into his humming. It’s really cute. So we will be singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and he will say ‘high’ and ‘up’ and ‘sky’.

The Little Duck song is filled with unknown words then ‘fat’ and ‘tall’ and ‘one’ and ‘quack, quack, quack’ said so quietly you have to strain to hear what he is saying.

Literally in the last day, he has asked for ‘Happy?’ (yes, said as a question), wanting the Happy Birthday song, which is the babe singing the tune and injecting ‘Happy’ into the appropriate places.

It’s my guy’s second birthday tomorrow. “Happy’ birthday to him.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Why Joan Rivers?


Joan Rivers is the new spokesperson for Shops at Don Mills at Don Mills Road and Lawrence Avenue in Toronto.

Each time I heard the ridiculous radio commercials promoting the local mall, I wondered what Shops at Don Mills was trying to say by using the comedian.

According to http://www.extremegroup.com/work/63, “If Joan Rivers thinks it’s fabulous, it must be.”

Does the average listener care what Joan Rivers has to say? Does the average person really believe because Joan Rivers thinks something is fabulous, it must be? Does the Extreme Group really believe because Joan Rivers thinks we should go to Shops at Don Mills at Lawrence, we will?

I find the commercials so stupid, I don’t want to set foot at the Shops at Don Mills. In fact, by using Joan Rivers as opposed to a Canadian celebrity, I don’t want to spend any of my money at Shops at Don Mills.

Note: No offence is meant to Joan Rivers. The photo has been taken from her website at http://www.joanrivers.com/

Friday, October 8, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving


Canadians are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend.

While the holiday falls on Monday, we have always had our turkey dinner Sunday.

As a child, it involved gathering leaves and chestnuts and creating baskets for our aunts, uncle and grandparents with the preserves mom made in the summer. It was a day to hang out with cousins, go for a walk through the trails behind my parents’ house and enjoy great food with a fantastic family.

Now it involves two turkey dinners (no, you can not have too much turkey).

Saturday, my stepdaughter comes home for the first time since we dropped her off at her college residence in September. Her boyfriend, my brother-in-law and his girlfriend will join her.

We will spend the day with our family, catching up on news, playing with my son and walking throughout the neighbourhood after dinner and before digging into dessert, which will include the apple caramel pie found at October farm’s blog.

Thank you again, October farm.

Sunday, we’ll make the drive to my parents’ house, where I will hang out with my cousins and aunts, enjoy great food and fantastic family.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Everyone Knows. Obviously!

Everyone knows.
Obviously.

These are three words that should never be in copy – print, online or broadcast.

Everyone knows.
Really!

Does the writer know every single person knows everything about a type of music or designers, for example?

I don’t know about designers. I don’t know a lot about music – past or present – unless you include Disney tunes, Christmas music or musical soundtracks.

You should never assume someone knows something.

And then there is ‘obviously.’

‘She obviously voted for herself.’

Why is that obvious?
Maybe she had cold feet and decided she didn’t want to be elected and voted for the competition.

It’s not obvious because we don’t know what she did or what she is thinking.

While we are at, take out ‘of course’ when it precedes ‘everyone knows.’

‘Of course, everyone knows…’

See above for why this is a double yuck.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Kid Talk

I didn’t want to be one of those people who talk about every thing her child has ever said or done.

Instead I became one of those people who talk about her cat.

Realizing this, I now I try to talk about neither.

Because while people often ask about the babe, when I begin to chat about what he did or said, their eyes start to glaze over so I know they really aren’t that interested.

Thankfully, most people like to talk about themselves so it’s easy to steer the conversation in a direction they are interested in.

Friday, October 1, 2010

I Can’t Speak for Rob Ford, But I am Offended

Municipal elections are in full swing in Ontario.

The mayor of Toronto race is heating up with a candidate no one thought had a chance becoming the frontrunner.

Rob Ford is a longtime councillor who is hoping to bring his say-it-like-it-is, penny-pinching ways to the mayor's office, and Torontonians have embraced it.

Last night at an all-candidates debate, a man stood up, introduced himself as a doctor and told Ford he was looking at him as a patient. He said because Ford is so big, the doctor was worried Ford wasn’t healthy enough for the job.

Ford, surprisingly, answered the man’s question by saying he knew he had to loose some weight but he has always been a big guy and his doctor had given him a clean bill of health.

Ford also said he was offended by the question.

I am disgusted. What gives anyone the right to question someone’s weight? What business is it of anyone other than Ford? And how dare someone get up in a public forum and ask Ford that sort of question.

I guess this is another reason why I couldn’t be in the public’s eye. I would have told the doctor to piss off.

Poem in Remembrance

A few of my friends and a fellow blogger recently had to put down their cherished pets.
My aunt sent me this poem when we put down Sylvester, a year ago in August. I thought it was lovely.

They are gone
From your sight…
But never our memory,
Gone from our hearing…
But never from our hearts,
Gone from our touch…
But their presence is felt,
And the love that they gave us
Never departs.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Look! It’s the Vultures

Someone I know calls tow truck drivers ‘vultures.’

Somehow, the name sticks.

Earlier this week, I heard the in-the-air traffic reporter talk about an accident on the highway and ended the conversation with: ‘I can’t believe I am going to say this, but we need a tow truck driver here.’

This morning, I came to a standstill as soon as I got on the highway.

Up a head, I noticed a sea of red brake lights. I also noticed a black tow truck driver heading north, drive across the grassy medium and squeeze himself into the southbound lanes. (I would have liked to do the same but I would have gone in the opposite direction.)

Minutes later, a white tow truck driver whipped by us all travelling on the right-hand shoulder, followed closely by a second white tow truck.

When I finally reached the accident, the black tow truck was nowhere in the sight, but the two white ones were protectively wrapping the crashed vehicles.

They may be vultures, but at least I knew why I was stopped at 6:55 a.m.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Blow Your Mind


Christine from Write-Brained had a Wordless Wednesday post on her blog recently that showed someone reading a book titled ‘The Power of Books’, which, literally, blew the reader’s mind.

I found it a disturbing picture but obviously it has stuck in my mind.

I am exhausted this week because I have been rereading Harry Potter. The power of the words laid down by author Jk Rowling has kept me up way past my bedtime each night and stopped me from doing anything other then the necessities when it comes to home upkeep.

The power of books is also obvious when I have recently quoted passages from a book I read when I was a preteen.

I have no idea what this book was called but I believe it had Brooklyn in the title. It was huge, thousands of pages. I have a vague idea what it was about but there was a part in it that I still remember – vividly.

The woman’s child wouldn’t stop breastfeeding so she drew a scary face on her breast and when her five-year-old son lifted up her shirt to help himself, he saw the face, screamed, and ran away. I would imagine that child is still in therapy.

I have cried, laughed out loud, snorted in disbelief and worried with the books I have read.

I believe in the power of books.

Here are a couple books you should read:


On the Beach by Neville Shute
Onyx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland
The Haunting at Cliff House by Karleen Bradford (YA)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

I Had a Dream


I Had a Dream
…That I owned an army-issued Hummer and I drove down the middle of the northbound and southbound lanes of the highway rather than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic all weekend.

I Had a Dream

…That I foolish spend money and bought one of those Transformers logos for the Focus so it looks like it is an Autobot.

I Had a Dream
…That I won the lottery, paid off our debt and went on a vacation to a hot sunny destination with the family.

I Had a Dream
…That the boss gave me tomorrow off just so the babe and I could spend the day sleeping in, going to a library program, playing on the swings and just hanging out for an extra day.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Apple Picking is Fun



For the second time this month, the family and I went apple picking.

We went to a local orchard a couple of weekends ago with a friend and her family and the boys enjoyed the toys the farmers had set up just as much as the experience of getting an apple from the tree. (Or in the case of my son, from the ground.)

I have never been apple picking before. And compared to the back-breaking labour of strawberry picking, apple harvesting is a breeze. We got a couple dozen apples in five minutes.

We went for the second time Sunday and this time picked several dozen Jonamacs (a cross between a Jonathon and a Mac), then spent the next hour playing at the park while enjoying a fresh-free-the-tree apple.

I would recommend apple picking. Not only is a great way to spend time outdoors with your family, the apples are delicious, fresh and cheaper.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Interesting Interviews and Terry Fox


Yesterday I was commenting on how I am not going to be a celebrity groupie.
However, there are a number of people I would love to interview professionally including:

The Royal family.
I would love to chat with any one of them but particularly Queen Elizabeth, princes William and Harry, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew.

The Barenaked Ladies.
I love their music. I think the members are funny, down to earth and intelligent. What I love most about them is it doesn’t appear success has gone to their heads. One of the members lives near my friend in Bloor West Village. That’s the great thing about Canadian celebrities, and perhaps Canadians themselves, you can go about your life without too much of a hassle.

Jean Little
I spent my pre-teen years reading everything this Canadian children’s author wrote. I also have her biography, which shows this writer with her seeing-eye dog.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
This couple just seems interesting. I think I am most curious about what their lives are like outside of Hollywood.

And the worst interview …

I would not want to interview Robin Williams. I think he would be an awful interview, an interesting person, but a terrible interviewee. I would never know if he was serious, and how do you capture that animation in print? I realized I would hate to interview him after watching him talk about the movie Jumanji. Yikes.

And speaking of celebrities, Sunday marks the 30th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run.
Terry Fox, who had his leg amputated above the knee because of bone cancer, became a Canadian household name when he began his Marathon of Hope, a coast-to-coast run beginning in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on April 12, 1980, to raise awareness and money – $1 from every person in the country – for cancer research.
He ran almost a marathon a day in all types of weather on a prosthetic leg stopping in communities across the country.
Terry Fox was forced to stop his journey just outside Thunder Bay, Ont., Sept. 1, 1980, because cancer made its return. He died June 28, 1981.
But while Terry Fox was in hospital, a man got in touch with him to tell Terry he was going to continue Terry’s journey by hosting an annual run in his honour. Terry Fox agreed but said the run shouldn’t have winners or losers and there was no minimum donation people could make.
Today, Terry Fox runs hold the same values, offering community-based events where people ride, walk, wheel or blade to raise money for cancer research.
Now there was a celebrity worth knowing.

Photo from terryfox.org

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! (Scream of Joy)


The celebrities – movie, music and sports – have come out to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and so, too, have the fans.

I love movies. I often spend my hour-long commute spending the money I would make if I was a celebrity.

I don’t, however, want to be a celebrity.

Other than my inability to act, make music and play sports, the main reason why I couldn’t be a celebrity is I wouldn’t want to be followed by screaming, shouting, gasping fans, and the photographers who capture my every moment for those same people.

I heard one person tell a radio reporter yesterday the reason he stands on the red carpet or outside a hotel room is so he can catch a glimpse of an actor and make a connection.

Do people really believe this is a connection?

Does meeting one’s eye count for a connection? Say it went further and you had an actor stop and chat with you, hug you for a picture or sign an autograph, is this considered a connection? Will this person remember you among the hundreds he meets each day?

To be truthful, there are a few people I would like to meet.

However, I am not interested in a quick wave and a dashing smile. I would want to sit down with a hot chocolate, a homemade cookie – or six – and get to know you and your family.

I would want to ask questions and see you in action.

I would want a real connection.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Qur’an Burning


There are a couple of things I would like to say to the so-called man of God in Florida, who is going mark the sad anniversary of 9-11 by burning the Qu’ran.

Terry Jones is hosting an International Qu’ran Burning Day on Sept. 11 in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks and in protest of a mosque being built near Ground Zero in New York City, according to new reports.

To Terry Jones:

1. Remember the golden rule of Christianity – treat others as you wish to be treated.
Would you like have an International Day of Bible burning on say the beginning of World War Two or the start of the Rwanda Genocide when ‘good’ Christian folks turned their backs on the atrocities committed by their fellow man?

2. How is burning millions of people’s holy book remembering – and honouring – those whose lives were destroyed by extremists?
Is burning the Qur’an a good way to open dialogue with the Muslims of New York who are building their mosque?

3. Do you really believe most Muslims are different from you?
Do you think people who follow Islam don’t hurt? Worry about job security? Have child-raising guilt?
Perhaps Jones, you need to look beyond one’s religious views and remember Muslims are people, too, going about their lives in the same way. Instead of inciting fear and hate, maybe you can preach acceptance and understanding, you know, the words of the God you believe in.

The powerful editorial cartoon is by Qur’an talented cartoonist Patrick LaMontagne. Listen and think about what it is saying.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

A Gross Thing Happened One Morning…


The other morning I noticed a giant spider on our curtains.

Usually I ignore spiders provided they stay away from me. But this one was the size of a quarter and it couldn’t live.

My son and Cosmo, the kitten, were playing nearby so I quickly ran upstairs, grabbed my husband’s shoe in one hand, while still Cheese Whiz toast in the other, and squished it.

Before I could get something to pick up the carcass, Cosmo started to eat it, which promptly made me loose my appetite.

Telling the kitten that was gross, I headed back upstairs to throw my toast out.
Then I heard a voice.

‘Mommee.’

I looked down and there was the babe holding something dark with legs.

I thanked him, took the spider, which I hoped was really dead, and threw it out.
I may not be able to eat Cheese Whiz again.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Happy Friday+Blogs of Note


It’s Friday everyone.

Yah. Happy Friday.

I don’t have much to talk about today so I thought I would chat about others instead.

I didn’t blog much in the month of August because I was vacationing, then I was sick, then I had a few days off prior to my cousin’s wedding last weekend.

While I missed writing and reading everyone’s comments about my writing, I also missed reading the blogs I follow.

I am now following quite a few blogs. And while I have come to realize blogging etiquette suggests if someone follows you, you need to follow back, I don’t agree.

It makes me happy when someone follows me, however, I will only follow back if I enjoy your blog and plan to read it on a consistent basis.

So while I try to read all the blogs I follow on a daily basis, when it’s time to play catchup, the following list, in no particular order, are the ones I will read past postings as well.

Check them out:

http://mz-cellaneous.blogspot.com
This blogger is fantastic. She loves chickens and long-horned cows. She is an amazing photographer who takes unique engagement shots. I never tire of her blog.


http://lady-mama.blogspot.com/

This blogger took a break and now is back. I missed her while she was gone. I like her writing and what she writes about.


http://me-myself-and-pie.blogspot.com/2010/08

This blogger says she wasn't a cook but boy, everything looks fantastic. And she takes great food photos, which is a real skill.


http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com

This blogger has a Halloween countdown on her blog. She collects witch items, she is a fantastic cook and photographer and I never tire of reading her blog.

http://rainforestmommy.blogspot.com
This blogger is a longtime friend, but I love this blog because I learn so much about her interesting life in the jungle.

http://thekatherinewheel.blogspot.com
I never tire of this woman's posts. She is a fantastic writer who easily gets her thoughts across. I also like that she appreciates her family and being together.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thursday Catchup



From He to It
Cosmo is now an It.

The kitten, who turns five months old in September, was fixed and returned home staggering but seemingly happy to be here.

My stepdaughter showed me a YouTube video about a cat that had obviously underwent its own surgery. The video was of the cat trying to get rid of the effects of anesthetic. My stepdaughter was killing herself laughing.

I suppose we could have shot our own video of Cosmo post-surgery, but I didn’t find it funny. I felt sorry for the guy who kept trying to jump but falling back down, who walked like he had too much to drink and who spent a lot of time not being able to do what he wanted to do.

The next day, the effects wore off and he was back to his old self, albeit a little calmer.

Wedding Day
We went to my cousin’s wedding in Gatineau, Quebec, on the weekend. I do confess I was completely stressed out about the drive and leaving poor Cosmo by himself after surgery.

I shouldn’t have worried.

My guy was fantastic in the car. We made two stops on the way there, both more than a hour long, and three stops on the way back. He laughed and played, read his books, coloured, played with stickers and chatted.

He had a complete meltdown as we were turning on our street. He screamed and cried and hit and refused to get out of the car.

I can’t say I blame him. If I wasn’t more than 30 years older than my guy, I would have behaved the same way.

Cosmo was also fine. My neighbour came in at least twice a day and spent at least a half a hour each time cuddling and playing with the kitten.

I think Cosmo was sorry we didn’t stay away longer.

Off to College
My stepdaughter is off to college this weekend. She is moving into residence.

I am excited for her. College, and residence living, was such a wonderful time in my own life that I am happy she has finally reached this new chapter in her’s.

I remember my mom telling me she remembered lying in bed after dropping me off at residence and realizing how many things she forgot to tell me.

I have my own list for A., which includes how to spot a cult, content insurance and the need to get enough iron in her diet.

Last Weekend of Summer
It’s Labour Day this weekend, which means the end of summer vacation for school kids and the unofficial end to summer for everyone else.

I have been reading many blogs by women who have talked about the end of summer for a couple of weeks now. Why are kids going to school in August? Does that mean they are out earlier in June or do they have longer breaks during the school year. Answers?

Weekend Weather

Sadly, this weekend’s weather is suppose to be cool and rainy. Rain likely can be blamed on Hurricane Earl. The cold? I am not sure whom we can blame but I am not happy about it.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Cosmo’s Big Day


Cosmo is being fixed tomorrow and I am really nervous about it.

I am more nervous about the kitten’s surgery than I was about Sylvester, who lost his manhood later in life.

I think part of the worry is Cosmo has been doing this weird panting behaviour when I make him chase after a string – up and down stairs, up and down the couch and the bed and in circles – for a period of time.

It’s possible I am working him too hard, but many of my pets died due to heart conditions, so it’s in the back of my mind that Cosmo will have troubles, too.

And then there is the fact I have to drop him at the shelter tonight for surgery tomorrow.

How do I explain to Cosmo we are not abandoning him and we’ll see him again soon? Won't he be scared being locked in a cage away from everyone he knows and loves? How can I leave him alone?

Cosmo is four months old. We have had him for three months, and while he bites and scratches and climbs the screens, I love him to pieces. I know he will be fine, but I will miss him.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Blog Warning

I heard a story on the radio this morning that makes me sick.

I am writing about in hopes it will ease the pressure on my heart and allow me to put it aside.

A Toronto two-year-old, who was left inside a SUV in Houston, Texas, for two hours, has died.

The inside temperature of the car reached 50 C (122 F).

The radio report I heard said the toddler’s older sibling was having a seizure, which is why the child was left in the car parked outside a relative’s house.

Initial reports, which I have been reading, didn’t have that information but said the child was forgotten in the confusion of unloading the car from a shopping trip.

Please do not think I am judging because I certainly am not. I understand things get busy and people get distracted. I also understand that is easy to think your spouse is dealing with one child, while you deal with the other.

I guess this awful, tragic and incredibly sad story is a reminder to never let your guard down.

For me it was so hard to continue to drive to work. I wanted to race back to my son, scoop him up and hug him tight.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

What I Learned While On Vacation



While I was on vacation, I realized:
• I can be a stay-at-home mom.
Sometimes I wonder if that is what I really want or if I am one of those people who only want what she can’t have. But after staying home for two weeks, one week just hanging out and the second camping, I realize I could do this full time.

• One never tires of swinging.
I think my son and I were on the swing for at least a hour several times a day. My guy likes to go high – by himself (on a regular swing) or with mommy or daddy. We went to several parks my first week off and the swings were always his favourite part.

• Exploring the world.
While camping, my mom told me to just let my guy explore the world. She said it’s amazing to let kids go off ‘by themselves’, to see what they do when they don’t think we are watching.
Mom, of course, was right.
I can see why kids disappear. My guy headed straight for the forest behind the trailer and picked up sticks, gathered leaves and went further and further away.
He also left several times, giant bag in hand, to go for a car ride. In that case, he would say ‘bye’, blow kisses, come back for real kisses and hugs and head toward the car, or sit in the grass and play.
It was amazing.
There isn’t as much opportunity to let him head off by himself where we live, however, he did go exploring at neighbour’s property this week.

• Time flies when you are having fun.
My mom also said a vacation wouldn’t be as fun if you were off all the time.
I have to disagree. When I was off for a year’s maternity leave, I still enjoyed last’s year camping vacation.

On a different note, I heard on the radio today the head of Google was saying in the future he could see today’s teens having to change their names because they revealed way too much on facebook and other social media sites.
It’s an interesting point and one everyone – not just teens – should keep in mind.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wordless Wednesday – Camping with My Family

The first week of August, my son, my mom, my sister-in-law, my niece and I went camping. It was fantastic.





Tuesday, August 17, 2010

One Of These Days…

Does anyone know if action dreams, or sleepwalking, can kill you?

I am sure one of these days my heart is going to give out after a night of action in my sleep.

Last night, I woke up screaming with my husband yelling at me to stop. I was dreaming Cosmo our kitten was pulled up to ceiling by his string toy and wrapped around the ceiling fan, which we do not have. I also lost our son and suspected he was up there, too.

Thankful, the baby was in bed and the kitten was lying calmly beside me.
The husband, not so much.

Not only was he extremely displeased I woke him up again, but I think he was embarrassed and kept checking the window and muttering ‘people will think I am murdering you in here.’

My heart was beating so fast and my body was trembling. It took a good 10 minutes before my heart returned to normal speed.

While camping with my mom, sister-in-law and niece, I had another action dream, this one seeing me push hard on the light above my head.

I dreamed someone was trying to get to my family through the light and I was pushing them back in the light.

I was thankful my mom woke me up because I think if she waited much longer I might have broken the light. Again, my heart was racing in fear.

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger but I am wonder how many years my poor heart can handle this kind of drama.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Crayons Melt

In a car on a hot day, crayons will melt.

This may seem obvious to most people. Apparently, I am not most people.

But on a silver lining note, when hardened, melted crayons make a shiny, pretty mess.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Turn Your Headlights On


It’s 8 a.m. It’s dark. It’s raining. Hard.

During the drive down the highway this morning, the rain was coming down so hard even with my windshield wipers on high, it was barely keeping my windshield clean.

Despite that, there was a person driving a SUV without his full headlight system on.

Daytime running lights are a great thing, however, please turn your full headlights on in the rain.

Last day

Despite this being my last day before two weeks of vacation, I am excited to be here.

I have a list of things to do including finishing off my article on living donors, learning a new job and striking off my pre-vacation to-do list.

Happy days.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Living Donor


I have back-to-back interviews this morning about the living donor program at St. Mike’s Hospital in Toronto.

I have thought about doing an article about the selfless people who donate a kidney or other organ to loved ones in the past but it went to the top of my list when I read through Designing DNA about Cathy at The Stylish House, who was desperately searching for someone to save her daughter who is dying of liver disease.

While her story made me sad, I couldn’t imagine giving up an organ or part of an organ. What if I needed it later?

There was an update on Cathy's blog. Someone, a stranger, has stepped forward to save Heather.

It was then I decided I would do what I do best – provide people with information about the living donor program, why it’s important and the risks associated with it, so people can make an informed decision, and not one based on fear, about how they can make a difference in one’s life.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Communication Pet Peeves


Despite, or perhaps because of, the advances in technology, there are several things that annoy me when communicating, or not, with people.

Acknowledgement
It takes so little to acknowledge someone.

In most email programs there is something called a signature, which adds whatever information you want to an email.

I have a signature for almost every occasion, which means I do not have to type out the same message each time someone emails me looking to promote his event, for example.

I simply click a signature, which greats the person and tells them I have forwarded their email to a managing editor, with that editor’s email address. I always personalize the email with the sender’s name, respond to specific questions or add condolences or congratulations when necessary.

It takes a couple of minutes and people always email back to say thank you for responding so quickly.

Voicemail
There is nothing worse than reaching someone’s voicemail only to hear they are in the office today and to leave a message.

Are they in the office or are they on vacation?

I change my voicemail every day. I figure if I am sick one day, the fact my voicemail says yesterday’s date is an indication I am not t here. My voicemail also tells people how to reach someone who can help them.

This is not a pet peeve but rather a note to self.
Not everyone remembers to take out people’s personal message before forwarding an email along.

So while it’s tempting to make a smart-mouthed comment to your coworker, you might want to rethink that strategy unless you are OK with everyone, including the author, reading your words.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Only One Person to Blame

I have a summer cold.

It started Monday morning with a new voice and today I have the accompanying running nose.

I didn’t bring my trusty Vaseline jar, which means I will be less shiny but more red and raw.

There is only one person to blame for this summer misery – my little guy who grabbed my head on Saturday and pulled me in for multiple full-mouth kisses.

This cold is so worth it.

Vacation Time
It’s vacation time. I can see my vacation on the horizon and it’s calling my name – ‘Lisa, come spend two weeks just playing with your son.’

I am ready vacation. Bring on the sun and bring on two weeks of happiness.

I am expecting, bloggy friends, that I will not be writing nearly as often, particularly during the second week when I am RVing with my parents and brother and family, but know that all is well and I will be one happy mom.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Oh Yes, I Remember Now

Saturday night I broke many of my own rules. I went outside after putting the baby to bed and I went out of my house wearing only shorts, a T-shirt and sandals.

That will learn you.





Praise to Cosmo

On a non-itchy note, our four-month-old kitten got lots of praise when we got home from the grocery store Saturday morning.

Cosmo caught – and killed – his first mouse.

Way to go, Cosmo.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Thursday’s Tidbits


Hot, Hot, Hot
It’s going to be a hot one today.
Yippee.

Air Canada Response
I recently posted about an Air Canada commercial I heard on a local radio station. The commercial was talking about how wonderfully first-class people are treated by the airline.

I was disgusted by the commercial and sent the blog posting directly to Air Canada.

A representative of the airline did respond.

Here is what, in part, they said:

“We regret to learn of your disappointment with the commercial you heard on radio station 680 news. While we are unfortunately unable to recreate the commercial and its details, we certainly apologize for any misunderstanding that may have occurred.

“Please be advised Ms. Day, that Air Canada is committed and strives on providing the same exceptional service to all of our customers despite the class of service each individual chooses to travel in…"


My response to this email:
“I am glad to hear Air Canada strives to treat everyone equally…Remember, we may not have lots of money, but we travel, usually in groups.”

In response to that, I received a ‘token of their appreciation’, five per cent off of the base fare of my next booking at aircanada.com

Wow. Thank you Air Canada. Five per cent! I wonder what first-class passengers would receive if they offered a complaint?

Picture Day
It’s picture day at my son’s swimming lessons tonight. Last time he took swimming lessons, it’s was picture day whenever we wanted.

When I brought my camera to my son's first swimming class July 5, the lifeguard in charge took it away from me, to protect children from sexual predators.

I appreciate they are trying to protect our children, mine included, but as pool staff does not confiscate cameras at the door nor do they take away people’s cellphones, many of which have cameras installed, I do not see how taking away my camera and not allowing me to take pictures of my son in action in an area where there are lots of people watching, is being protective.

I tried to argue and reason but I gave up. I will bring my camera tonight and take pictures of a jumping, climbing and swimming little boy.


Sideswiped

I was almost broadsided while coming to work yesterday. My heart thumped wildly for the rest of the drive.

Today I must be really tired because I almost hit the cars in front of me several times because while I noticed brake lights, it didn’t click as to what those meant. You know, I should slow down.


Self-promotion

I was excited about a piece was I was going to write about green cleaning.

And while it turned out OK, it could have been better if one of my sources was willing to have a conversation rather than being so worried she would only quote from documents.

I learned from my mistakes and said no to another person who I knew was going to be the same way.

For those interested in cleaning the Guide to Less Toxic Products is a fantastic resource.

Click here for the green cleaning article.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Why Are We Surprised?

There was an awful story on the news yesterday about a 61-year-old woman who was raped and beaten unconscious while visiting her mother’s gravesite at Toronto cemetery.

People are outraged and disgusted.

I agree with the feelings. What I don’t understand is people’s surprise and outrage that it should happen at a cemetery.

Let me clarify.

A cemetery is a place of peace, as one woman said. It’s bad enough losing your loved one, but then to be attacked while reflecting on your loss and remembering that person is disgusting.

But why are people surprised a lowlife, who obviously doesn’t care about people, would attack a woman in a place where no one is around.

People are using normal, sane judgments on a person who is neither normal nor sane.

What is obvious to us is not obvious to a person who could rape and beat someone unconscious.

We are learning today that 10 months ago, a homeless elderly man was beaten to death in the same cemetery.

I don’t remember hearing much about this.

Are people also outraged and angry an old man was beaten in a place of peace?

Apparently not.

I feel sickened by the story of the woman who remains in hospital and I hope her physical and emotional health recovers quickly. I do not wish to make light of her suffering as I can’t imagine what she is going through.

However, I think we need to feel disgusted, saddened and angry by every story that shows people can do completely terrible things to each other.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Tuesday Thoughts




Time Flies
I mentioned in a recent post how I know time flies, but I would like to reiterate that time really does fly.

My husband gave me a mini digital frame to bring to work so pictures of our son could surround me, and I just saw a series of photos of my guy when he was just born out. The day and the time leading up to that wonderful day is so clear in my mind. I can’t believe he will be two in October.

I was thinking about how incredibly lucky I am to have this little guy in my life and how happy I am to watch him grow and learn. And while I am close thankfully close to my niece and have watch many cousins grow, it’s not the same thing as having your own bundle of joy.

Time Flies 2
On Aug. 5, it will be a year since we put Sylvester, our cat, down.

I am looking at pictures of that beautiful creature and I am still sad he is not a part of our son’s life.

However, despite the work, the loss of skin and the 2 a.m. wakeup call by a licking tongue, a purring body and a batting paw, I am happy my son and Cosmo, the crazy kitten, are getting along so well.

How much can you get into a Mini?
I am not sure if this happens where you live, but often there is a fundraiser that involves seeing how many people you can cram into a traditional Volkswagen Bug.

I am reminded of that because of how much stuff my cousin could cram into her Mini Cooper.

My cousin, who is getting married in August, was at my parents’ house for her shower in June.

She drove five hours with her best friend and her mom in her Mini Cooper. She had to get everyone back, plus her gifts, in that same Mini Cooper.

I had my doubts, but she was successful.

Of course, I felt sorry for the person who picked the short straw and had to sit in the backseat, but the point is she did it.

Vacation time
Finally, traffic has improved. I guess enough people are on vacation.

I am looking forward to my two weeks off. I plan to do a whole lot of playing, colouring, swimming, colouring, stacking blocks, painting, colouring, playing with playdough, and camping where I will be doing the above-mentioned activities.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Rather Ridiculous


Smart Cars are ridiculous.

Each time one of these mini vehicles pass me, I wonder why people would buy one.

They must be one of the most inconvenient vehicles around. Who are they good for?

You couldn’t own one if you had children or a dog bigger than your lap.

If you scuba dived, biked or did any other sport that required equipment, this car wouldn’t be for you. And if you would like to pick up more than a couple groceries after work, where do you put them?

But most importantly, when everyone else around you is driving pickup trucks and SUVs, do you really want to be driving a smart Car?

I don’t care how much of Mercedes-Benz safety features are in this mini-car, if you are driving one and you get hit by a one-ton pickup, the pickup is going to win.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Rich for the weekend


There was a Ferrari parked in my work’s parking lot yesterday morning.

After I stopped drooling after the black beauty, I had a giggle – there is no way the owner works in editorial – and a suffered a small twinge of jealousy.

Wouldn’t it be great to be rich?

I am sure the rich have their share of troubles, but I want to be rich – and worry-free – for one weekend.

One weekend of buying what I want simply because it struck my fancy; of stocking my cupboards and freezer with enough great food to keep us fed for months; of going out for breakfast and dinner at our favourite restaurants; and of deciding to go on a trip and jetting off to some destination, bringing my entire family along for the ride.

Someone suggested once you got a taste for that kind of lifestyle, you couldn’t give it up.

I think if I had one weekend of carefree living, I would grab that chance, enjoy every moment and then be content in the life I am leading now.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Two New Taxes On One Day – Happy Birthday, Canada


Wow, Canada’s governments sure know how to make a birthday a happy one.

By your birthday, you have to fork out about $75 to get your sticker renewed for your car.

On Canada’s birthday, July 1, the Ontario government stuck us with the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which makes the tax on a number of things 13 per cent, and a second tax, the Eco Tax, was slipped in quietly as well.

According to a Toronto Star report, Amanda Harper Sevonty, a spokesperson for Stewardship Ontario, the agency that is overseeing this lovely new tax, said the organization would rather spend the money dedicated to telling people about another tax grab on education rather than warning people it was coming prior to July 1.

“Our message to consumers isn’t about the eco fees. Our message to consumers is about here are the materials and what to do with them,” she told The Toronto Star.

And that makes so much sense.

Unfortunately, I only heard about the eco tax on a headline news station. The articles in Toronto’s dailies don’t have much information either, particularly in the why department.

And sadly I can’t get on either the Stewardship Ontario website nor the makethedrop.ca website, which is where you can get a full list of taxed products.

I read one story the eco fees are being passed along to the consumer from the manufacturer who is being charged to dispose of these products.

Pardon?

Why is the government allowing manufacturers to get their money back from the consumer when I am sure the same companies are already increasing the price of their product to make up for the shortfall?

I am trying to be eco-friendly. I am trying to green my life, eat sustainably, buy locally and combine trips to use my car less.

I am doing this for the environment as well as to save what little money I have.
How am I supposed to stay a float when my income is staying the same and everything else is going up? How are people supposed to manage?

I appreciate I live in a country that offers ‘free’ health care and education, and I realize these things actually do come with a cost and we do have to pay for them, which I am happy to do, but adding more taxes to people already struggling doesn’t seem right.

I don’t know what the solution is, but sneaking in a second tax on top of the HST may have just broken the proverbial camel’s back.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Hot, Humid – Delightful


It is going to be hot and humid this weekend.

I was speaking to a man this morning who is dreading the weekend weather. He said he can’t breath when the air is heavy and full.

I do feel badly for him. However, the main part of me is smiling broadly at the forecast that is sunny and gorgeous until next week.


Happy Birthday to You

Yesterday, July 1, was Canada’s birthday.

Our great nation turned 143 years old and the Queen was on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, the nation’s capital, to help celebrate it.

I like the royal family.

I know many Canadians think it’s time to sever our ties to England, but I like the history of it and say they should continue to be the head of our country.

Long Weekends
And because yesterday was a holiday, many people are taking today off to have an extra-long long weekend.

For me, it made my commute in a breeze.

I heard some people are suggesting we start celebrating Canada Day on the first Monday of July regardless if it’s July 1 or not.

Ridiculous.

You don’t celebrate your birthday on a Friday or a Monday because you want more time off, you celebrate it the actually day of your birth.

I like having a day off mid-week. And any day you can take off in the summer is a great day.

Happy July 4
Happy Independence Day to anyone who celebrates it.