Chum City Christmas Wish

We filled toy orders today for the CHUM city Christmas Wish. So for example, you'd get a 'shopping list' for 15 toys for girls aged 9 and 2 toys for girls aged 11. You'd go to the bins and pick out the appropriate toys. Kyle got 3 volunteer hours although he found it boring. We also helped sort one of the huge toy bins. We got a lot of instructions, like if there's a toy avalanche, move out of the way. We saw that they are in need of gifts for teenagers as they always are. They are already booked out for volunteers for the rest of the season, it's a popular activity, especially on Christmas Eve.

L said the Twilight movie is not as good as the book and she did not think the lead actress was a good actress, although physically she fit the role perfectly. So that's her opinion if anyone's interested.

Time to downsize

It's cold, and we're expecting a major snowstorm starting tomorrow night. There goes Monday's plans. I have a Monday morning ultrasound (routine) and K has orthodontist later that the evening. The kids are just hoping for a snow day. So yesterday I waited at home until 12.45pm suspecting I might have an online delivery. Then I said, I must go for my walk. Guess when it came? (signature required). So they'll try again sometime on Monday. Let's hope.

Tomorrow the kids and I are doing some volunteer work for the CP24 CHUM city Christmas Wish. A friend is picking us up. I think we'll be sorting toys but we've never done this before so it will be interesting. It's a popular activity so you have to book well in advance and sign a disclaimer that you don't mind having your picture taken for news media purposes (it's a Radio and TV place).

I called a friend of mine last night and she was saying she and her husband are finding it hard to lift their Christmas tree these days. They are in their early sixties. I suggested she downsize to a smaller tree and make things easier for herself.

Well, I better get on with my day.


News

Research on mice links fast food to Alzheimer's

It's cold

Our home insurance guy came over today to assess the basement renovations and he's going to get back to us about the adjustments. That gives me a certain peace of mind, I believe in insurance.

Gosh, winter is here early. I even shovelled a bit yesterday. Thinking about putting up the Xmas decorations. I never go overboard, and this year I think I'm going to do less. But I'll always put the tree up.

M and K are going to a Raptor's basketball game tonight, L has an evening driving lesson. Tomorrow's schedule is scary in that everyone is doing something different. M is chauffeuring L to a swim test in the morning, tennis lesson in the afternoon and a movie (Twilight) sweet 16 party in the evening. He wants to go the the gym somewhere in there. K and I will be getting his friend over to work on the big Science project for the day. Then we'll be heading over to my mom and sister's place for an Xmas party.

We're also setting up some dates to do some entertaining over the holidays. Last year, I seem to have got away without doing too much and I think it's our turn this year.

Well, have to go for my walk.

News

Reusable bags contain bacteria, mould: study

Shrimp fried rice

Took K to the dentist for a checkup this morning. He gets cleanings every 3 months as he tends to build up tartar. High maintenance kid. As it is, they told him to pay extra attention to gum brushing. He missed a History test, but I guess that means more time to study! I blew my top last night because for some reason he ended up at Science tutorial that evening instead of Math which needs more help.

I stopped by Costco Wholesaler and picked up a few things, including the new Il Divo CD. More of the same, I guess, but easy listening. They have an upcoming concert next May in Toronto, but I decided to pass on tickets, recession and all. I had seen them last year. Costco has a new 'Rib and Fries' combo in their restaurant, I should try that sometime. I just got a Starbucks latte for $1.99 because it's a good deal at Costco.

It's shaping up to be a busy weekend, with everyone doing different things, more on that as it happens. Well, I'm off to make shrimp fried rice and then I AM going to purposefully engage myself in doing Christmas cards.

Here's my shrimp fried rice recipe (very roughly out of my head)

one pack of large frozen shrimp, deveined, shell on, thawed and seasoned with salt, garlic powder and pepper to taste (about 20 of them)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 Tbs oyster sauce
2 Tbs soy sauce
3 Tbs canola oil
1 1/2 - 2 cups of uncooked white rice
3 eggs, scrambled with salt and pepper to taste

Cook the white rice (even better with leftover rice). In a large pan, saute the shrimp, shell on for about 7 minutes until pink (cooked). Remove shells and cut shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oyster sauce, and soy sauce into the cooked rice. Using the same pan with the shrimp flavour, heat canola oil and saute the rice until warmed through. Mix eggs and shrimp in. Remove to a serving bowl. You can sprinkle chopped green onions over top for texture, if you don't have picky kids.

News

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Restaurant Owner Uses Facebook To Find Customers Who Stiffed Him

Today's Excitement

Well, today's excitement had to be L calling me from school in the afternoon to say that her backpack containing her valuables had gone missing. So that would be her cell phone, debit card and G1 Driver's permit, textbook and test notes. She had left it in the hall like a lot of kids do, while she ran to be first in line for the lunch specials. (can't blame her for that part!) Normally she doesn't have her valuables in the knapsack but she had needed a nail file from her purse for a broken nail. She enlisted most of the school in a search for a black knapsack, of which there were at least 13 identical ones located. Finally she spotted one under a chair in the library and bingo! She's now at home recovering from the stress.

Meanwhile, I had been efficient and had her debit card cancelled right away. I was about to cancel her cell phone when she called to say everything was ok. This was a good thing, because it is near impossible to get service from our cell phone company (Roger's Wireless). You have to talk to this electronic voice, then finally wade your way through the menu to obtain an actual person, then you're put on hold indefinitely. I didn't notice an emergency number anywhere on the billing statement. It would've been another hassle to get another phone set up.

On the way home, the bank was still open, so they re-instated her card and told me I should activate my new debit card with the chip, so I did. All's well that ends well.

I managed to purchase 2 xmas gift cards after my step class today, so I even accomplished a bit of Christmas 'shopping' before the December rush. I had to drag myself into exercise class today, but was glad after. Then I made a top sirloin roast with rice and a salad, so we're all set for supper. I find top sirloin to be very tender and has much less fat than prime rib, so it's now my preference.

More PAUSE

This week's PAUSE article from Patricia Katz:

'REFLECTION:
I'm a big fan of Marshall Goldsmith and his thinking about human behaviour and leadership. And so it was no surprise that his brief article in the November 2008 Harvard Management Update caught my eye.

The article focuses on a common roadblock to advancing change in our lives.

Goldman refers to it as a fantasy held tightly by good people with great intentions. The fantasy delusion reads something like this: "I'm desperately busy at the moment. My life is out of control. My challenges are unique. The situation is temporary. Once the worst of it is over, THEN I'll get started on X."

Does this script play in your life? I know it makes guest appearances in mine.

Goldman's take on the situation, is that there will always be challenges, busyness, and crazy pressure. This means that the perfect time for diving in is unlikely to be just around the corner - once we're caught up, as things settle down, or when we get to the end of the list. The chances that someone is going to gift us with a couple of free weeks to tackle X are slim to non-existent.

So, the critical question becomes, 'In the midst of the muddle, despite the busyness and distractions, what am I willing to change now?'

ACTION:
Take a look at one of the items on your back burners, lingering there in hopes that this perfect storm will soon subside.

Ask yourself the question: What am I willing to change now?

Act accordingly - one small action - one first step.

Let the storm continue to swirl around your feet as you step forward in a new direction.'
_________________________

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Accept the craziness of your life. Do what you can do now. Let go of everything else." - Marshall Goldman
_________________________


>From the e-zine, 'PAUSE '. Copyright 2008 Patricia Katz,
Optimus Consulting. (877) 728-5289 or www.pauseworks.com.


News

Distracted easily? You're getting older

Shoppers May Soon Pay For Plastic Bags At All Major Grocery Chains

Online networks a magnet for job-seekers (Reuters)

So you think you can dance Canada

Yesterday I picked up some maple walnut flavoured yogurt ice cream from the supermarket. It's 30% less fat than regular ice cream and wow, it's amazing, especially if maple walnut is one of your favourite flavours. It's a great dessert idea for those watching their calories, try to stick to half cup portions. I think I did 3/4 cup last night!

Today, I received a new debit card with a chip implanted in it. It's supposed to be more secure.

We don't do a lot of online shopping, but last night M ordered some electrical cables online and it says it will arrive today for an unbelievable price including shipping. We used paypal, and that may be more secure than using your credit card directly. Maybe online shopping is the new way to go, if we get used to it. It would be a real time saver for certain things. Being cautious, we're typically not the first ones to embrace new technology. And online shopping has come a long way.

'So You Think You Can Dance Canada has to be rated one of the most successful shows ever produced in this country. Six weeks into the series, launched on Sept. 11, the show came in as No. 1 of all the new fall programs.' according to the news story below. The dancing really is top notch.

News

Give Thanks by Paying It Forward

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Are these baby dolls cute or creepy?

Five foods that perk up your skin

Great TV but it's not all dance

Warehouse sales

I went a cosmetic warehouse sale this morning, hoping to find my favourite perfume at a bargain price and they did have it. I also ended up getting some great stocking stuffers for L and even found something for K. It struck me that last year I was still doing the toy warehouse sales and now I'm doing the cosmetic ones. Then I got some groceries, am just about to finish cooking, and go for a walk. (I'm doing salmon, roasted cauliflower and wine soup). Then it will be time to get the kids. Didn't really get started on the Christmas cards yet. Everyone likes to sign them, so it's like a production line.

My poor car is down to 10% oil life, they recommend service at 15%, which is was at last week when it started complaining. I'm taking it in tomorrow morning. Maybe it should complain when it's at 20% oil life.

News

Authorities Arrest 'Butt Bandit' Suspect After 2 Yrs. Of Leaving A Bad Impression

Decision Making

Winter Wonderland the other morning


L and I went to church today, she is a sponsor for her cousin's confirmation and they had a little ceremony to enrol those kids. The choir was particularly bad today, one of the soloists had a voice that kept cracking. The deacon delivered a nice speech however, he's a good speaker. Today it was about helping others less fortunate.

I should get started on my Christmas cards, considering I already bought the stamps and I'll go for a walk in the cold, I've been neglecting my exercise the past few days.

Oh, here are the 5 steps you should go through in decision making:

-Identify the problem
-List your options/alternatives
-List the consequences of your options
-Choose an option
-Evaluate your decision

I suppose we all do this unconsciously, but it can be helpful to see the steps listed out. Decisions can take a lot of thought.

News

Economy has made conspicuous consumption tacky

Conflict Management

I was helping K study for a Health test last night and we were going through Conflict Management. Turns out there are 4 basic responses to conflict and maybe we could all use a refresher:

flight - running away from it
diversion - delaying or changing the subject, keeping issues unacknowledged
fight - verbally or physically
conflict resolution - resolving conflicts with actions that are mutually satisfying

We laughed about it, because as a way of getting him to relate to the topic, I said I think I manage conflict by running away from it. He said he uses diversion tactics, and we all agreed L uses conflict resolution which might explain her success in life to this point. We said M's mom usually fights, being a feisty character.

Maybe tomorrow I'll cover decision making steps, I like this stuff.

K and I are off to do some quick shopping this morning if I can get him up. Hopefully we can find him a snazzy new winter coat because the new teenage thing is to wear as little as possible outside and show how manly you are to brave the elements. I tried explaining that certain things don't make sense although peer pressure is unavoidable at this age.

L is going to tennis lessons and directly to a sweet 16 party after. Luckily her dad is willing to chauffeur her around. M is still working on his big screen TV components. This week he was finally hooking up all the stereo components and discovered they had shipped him an incompatible European receiver. So he had to get them to re-deliver the proper part. Now he's deciding which HD cables to get for the video games.


News

Learning about different cultures before working abroad can greatly enhance your chances of success

European countries top places for women to live

Should You Invest Now Or Hang On To Your Money?

Fast food

Well, I lined up in the bitter cold this morning to attend the local country chrismas craft show. Well, it was sunny and bright and Santa made an appearance, even singing Christmas carols. I found a few little things for myself, and some little gifts (jewellery). I seem to have a collection of little Christmas trees going. I got M his favourite banana walnut bread from the usual stand and passed on the miniature Mennonite cookie selection.

I think I'm taking a break from the cooking today, and we'll do fast food. Everyone always eats that.

News

Weird Secret Santa Office Gifts Can Reveal More About You Than You Might Like

Children Get A Fifth Of Daily Calories From Drinks: StatsCan

Salsa Verde

I bought some green salsa today, as suggested by Just a Plane Ride Away. It's made with tomatillos and I was really keen on trying it. It tastes a bit like regular salsa, just green. So it may be a good idea for my next Christmas party, something different.

Gosh, I had a busy day today. K had a checkup with the thyroid doctor. His levels were great, so he gets to stay on the same medication and follow up in about a year's time.

Oh, we woke up to a winter wonderland, but it didn't last. Maybe it's better that way. Although I did hear that they've started skiing up north in Barrie already.


News

Green Bin Program Hits Condos, Apartments

Great Gifts Under $30

Food for thought

I forget which magazine I was reading in a doctor's office, but the topic was communication within families and wills. It cited examples where misunderstandings about inheritances lead to lifelong estrangement. It said you have to be fair to your children. For example, if you helped one child with a downpayment on a house, and then leave him an equal share upon your death...the other siblings may have bad feelings toward that child. The fair thing would be to count that downpayment as part of his inheritance. This other example was about this good son that had supported his ailing mom for 18 years. He was financially well off and was happy to do it. Then he suddenly passed away and his sister, who is not as well off or able, is now having to cope with looking after their mother. It seems his will left everything to his wife who now refuses to help. The sister is no longer speaking to his wife. The best thing would've been for the brother to have stated his wishes in his will, but he never thought he'd pre-decease his mom. So it advises people to talk about their plans before the fact so there is no misunderstanding. Well, this was my quick interpretation of the article anyway. Food for thought.

Went for a quick walk in the cold with a friend. It's supposed to snow later this afternoon and into tomorrow. I bought stamps to mail my Christmas cards, it's such a habit now. Wonder if one day they will become obsolete?

News

HP launches first multi-touch laptop, the TouchSmart tx2

Stem cells restore hearing, vision in animals

Woman gets first trachea transplant without drugs

Baby it's cold outside

and they're predicting significant snow on Thursday.

Well, I'm proud of myself for putting air in my own tire this morning. The car was complaining about it and I didn't think I should wait too long. I've done it before, but I'm not too mechanical, being a more analytical type of person. So saying, I know a mom that goes to full serve for her gas fillups. I think most people do that for themselves, even in winter.

I found some date/almond rolls at the grocery that are low calorie and taste good if you like dates. The cashier told me they reminded her of a recipe she uses from her aunt that was rice krispies, nuts and date squares. I should google that.

My mom's follow-up appointment with the heart specialist went very quickly this afternoon, I was amazed when she was called in right on time especially as the waiting room was very busy. The waiting room serves several doctors, though. I waited an hour for my own doctor yesterday.

News

Toronto Could Get First Significant Snow For Thursday Morning Commute

Tooth Decay Contagious, Dentists Warn, And Parents Pass It To Their Children

Unhappy folks watch more TV, happy ones read: study

Kangaroo genes close to humans

Scientists find prehistoric "nuclear family"

Twilight

The new Twilight movie is all the rage here, opening this weekend I think. The stars are already famous and the movie hasn't even opened yet! They made a live appearance at a local TV station last week and there was a huge noisy crowd of teenagers all over the street outside.

I notice that people are sending a lot of emails from their iphones and blackberries these days, I thought graduating to a wireless laptop computer was a step up, but there are people now that are hooked up wherever they go with these other tools. Talk about addiction.

I'm 'purposefully engaged' this week with a round of doctor appointments. I just got back from mine, my mom has one tomorrow and K has one on Thursday. My doc would go and tell me to book a routine ultrasound, the one where you have to drink 4 glasses of water. (yuk) And my car is telling me it's time for service, this light comes on every time I start the engine.

The good news is that a friend of ours that suffered a major heart attack a little over a year ago told us he's recovered most of his heart function through all the new medication they have now. He only had about 35% of heart function right after the attack.

News

Discovery offers way of tracking cancer in blood

Monitoring your vices online

Toilet news and other things

My girlfriend made this lovely fresh fall arrangment for me, she's a florist and was over for pizza Friday night.

Notice all the birds in the trees?

Christmas display at the mall

You have to read this toilet story below! It starts 'Would you, if given the choice, forsake a roll of paper and select a toilet that offered a warm seat, a cleansing spray, and a waft of warm air to gently dry the essentials?'

It's that time of year again, when our newspaper delivery guy starts leaving our newspaper right at the front door instead of on the sidewalk. We usually leave a tip towards Christmas.

K has a big science project starting up on hydraulic and pneumatic systems, so I started doing a bit of research in order to be able to help him. I must admit that I'm getting immersed in this learning. Engineering has never been my forte, but you do get engrossed if you give yourself up to discovery and new challenges. I figure I'm warding off alzheimer's and keeping the brain sharp this way. Did you know the heart is a hydraulic system and that your lungs are pneumatic systems? Youtube has some great videos on pneumatic systems, so I'll get him to have a look at those today.

K's new favourite clothing store is now West 49, we got him a new hoodie sweater from there yesterday. He told me he likes lighter, bright colours and seems to know exactly what he wants the minute he sees it. I'm like that with furniture. My new favourite store is Pier 1 Imports.

M and L went to the tennis bash last night to pick up this huge trophy that she gets to keep for a year. They gave her a smaller one that is hers to keep. I heard the food was really good too. The bad news is she mislaid her emergency asthma spray that I just refilled days ago. Hopefully it will turn up this week, else I'll have to go get another one.

It snowed a bit this morning and there's still some on the grass.

News

Toilet habits are no laughing matter

Bed Bug Epidemic Hits Toronto

Other Planets

I found this neat floor planner software at The Clutter Diet. There is a free version and it allows you to re-arrange your furniture virtually. It's fun.

It's an awesome story below where they've captured images of planets outside our solar system. "It's only a matter of time before we get a dot that's blue and Earthlike" believes the astronomer who helped find them after an 8 year search. What do you think? I think there must be other earth-like planets out there, and maybe for good reason we haven't found them yet. Star Wars could become a reality.

News

Images captured of 4 planets outside solar system

Will Canada's high-end coffee sellers keep percolating?

Gadget geeks on a budget will likely trade down

Got their kicks Sneaker freaks may be making a smart investment

Learning to drive

A few days ago, we gave K's friend a ride home from school. L asked if she could drive B part of the way to his house. She climbs into the driver's seat and B pronounces after a while 'she's way better than my mom was when she was learning'. I say 'B, how long ago was that?' He says 'oh, I was about 4 or 5 years old'. I go, 'you still remember that?' He says 'yes, I used to wear a blindfold when I went out with her'. Then after we dropped him off, K chuckled and said B was laughing so much (in a quiet way), because I kept going 'oooooo' whenever L drove past a parked car.

News

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Swimming with crocs in Australia: 'It's for the adrenaline junkies'

Sales galore

I had one of my favourite lunches today. Leftover bits of smoked ham, potato and egg salad, tossed salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing and lemon meringue pie (what else?) for dessert. So much texture in that lunch. Ok, I do enjoy my food.

On the gossip side, K told me that his friend didn't join the basketball team because his girlfriend didn't want him to. (They're 13 years old). My girlfriend whose husband was smitten with Bell's Palsy about 9 months ago reports that his facial paralysis is 90% gone. It appears the nerves often take that amount of time to heal. She found a great nerve specialist from a magazine of all places, and they're really happy with him. It's great news for them as he can go back to his normal life, pretty much.

I'm receiving all these great sale flyers (30 - 50% off) for the coming weekend. All you need is money to shop. Our timing is off, L and K got a bunch of clothes this past weekend that they're already wearing. A friend and her husband are coming over for pizza and a basement inspection tomorrow evening. (Unfortunately no charge, Barbara!) It's funny, pizza sounds easy, then I was at the grocery store this morning picking up dessert, salad ingredients and drinks, and thinking about appetizers.

Today I'm making a pot roast I got for 50% off as it had to be used today.

News

Evidence too weak to link pesticides to cancer - yet

Canadians wait longer to see medical specialists

Video game makers predict jingle bells at registers (Reuters)

Women And Men Experience Health Problems Differently, Yet Women Don't Know It: Study

The science of cooking: 10 little known food facts

PAUSE

I subscribe to this free weekly e-zine called PAUSE. Here's an interesting article I received this morning:

"REFLECTION:It was late in the evening just before Hallowe'en. I was chatting on the phone with my daughter, and had just recited the litany of tasks tackled so far that day. It had been a demanding day in the office. I had followed up my post-work exercise class by running several errands on the way home. And, I'd invested a couple of hours getting things ready around the house to host a guest for the weekend.
As I finished giving report on my day, I heard myself say, "And I still HAVE TO carve the pumpkin before I can go to bed."
Wise offspring played back my very own words. "You HAVE TO carve the pumpkin?" I could hear the raised eyebrow in her voice. She knows how much I enjoy creating those Hallowee'en jacks.
And in that moment, I realized I'd just loaded myself down with yet another DB - a Discretionary Burden.
There are all kinds of tasks and experiences that will take a certain amount of time no matter what our frame of mind: traveling to a business engagement, attending a community meeting, visiting an elderly relative, even carving a pumpkin.
But the nature of our experience depends on whether we approach it from an overburdened sense of duty and obligation or with a lighthearted sense of joy and service.
Each task that we peg as an obligation adds to our feelings of overload. Those tasks approached in the willing spirit of service have an entirely different impact. They contribute directly to our satisfaction and a sense of purposeful engagement with the world.
ACTION:
The good news is we are each in charge of our own mindset. When you feel overloaded and overwhelmed, watch your thoughts and listen to your words.
See how many tasks you turn into Discretionary Burdens as you make your way through the day. The fewer tasks you tag as DB's, the lighter your load will be."

>From the e-zine, 'PAUSE '. Copyright 2008 Patricia Katz,Optimus Consulting. (877) 728-5289 or www.pauseworks.com.

I didn't lose

The gym was crowded this morning, although traffic was lighter due to the Remembrance Day holiday. Watched Ted Turner being interviewed on CNN (which he founded). He was selling his new book. He told the interviewer 'I didn't lose, I was learning to win', in reference to his former sailing career. That winning attitude has earned him billions in accomplishments. It was an interesting interview, he seems so self- assured and comfortable with himself. He's 70 years old now.



Loblaws grocery store is selling these half-size pies which are wonderful. I got myself a lemon meringue one (as I'm the only one that likes this kind) and I know I will be able to finish it on my own. I got some low fat, 2 bite brownies for the kids and some muffins for M. They also make bite-sized cookies. Such a great idea in these days when we're all cutting back and doing portion control.



My blink prize pack arrived (thanks mind of a mom) and it all looks like stuff we can really use. Neat little packs of wipes that you can hang in the car and keep it clean, along with some handy tote bags.



Just a plane ride away published this fantastic Moroccan chicken tajine recipe in her post yesterday. It's so flavourful and simple to make. The best part is you don't actually need a tajine to bake it in.

News

Holiday spending could surpass last year: survey

Obese kids have arteries of 45-year-olds: study

YouTube To Show Full-Length TV Shows And Movies

Scientists Discover How Spammers Make A Profit

And the winner is

And the winner is Yes, I just won a contest give-away at the mind of a mom. So I got inspired and entered a supermarket survey. Those questions just went on and on. I also said 'no' to a couple of telemarketers today.

It's windy and cold today, not one to be out raking leaves. The kids are off school today, it's nice to have everyone at home catching up on stuff. My mom, sister and her family came over last night to have a look at the new basement. So did L's friend and her parents. We've had 3 'showings' so far. M seems to delight in telling the stories of what went wrong with the basement and no one can seem to see any problem. In fact, everyone loves it. Some people tell of real horror stories where the costs blew up and the work was left unfinished.


News

Flu shots may lower blood clot risk, study says

Heartbeats may power future pacemakers

Christmas gift

I went to church this morning, said thanks to God for a few things and prayed for some people. They had the craft sale still running, so I bought my first Christmas gift and a loaf of crumbly sweet coconut bread which is delicious with my tea. I'm amazed at how many people leave their expensive purses on the benches as they go up for Holy Communion. It is a public place in a big town after all.

News

Hazel McCallion Celebrates 30 Years As Mississauga Mayor With Visit From Regis Philbin

5 dumb car shopping moves

The Boulevard Club

M and I were invited to The Boulevard Club downtown for a lovely buffet luncheon this morning. There was orange juice with champagne to start, various salads, roast beef, chicken, salmon, eggs, bacon, sausages. For dessert we chose from tiramisu, mocha and chocolate cakes, almond croissants, cheeses and fruit. We sat at a table overlooking the waterfront and watched some people canoeing. The sun even decided to come out. We were given the orchid centrepiece as we left and a couple of mugs of coffee and tea goodies. the Christmas season is well underway and what a way to start! I almost forgot to mention the interesting people we met at our table and the stimulating conversation. Lots of talk on politics and the economy of course.

L has a sleepover at an old friend's tonight, as soon as she gets home from her tennis lesson. K was doing homework and is now playing Xbox, which apparently looks phenominal on the new TV. He hooked it up while we were out.

Unfortunately, I missed 2 Christmas craft sales at the nearby churches this morning, but I had to make a choice!

Yesterday I was overly efficient and managed not only to get the kids their flu shots, but a Menactra meningitis shot. Only to discover when I went home that they had already had the shot 2 years ago! So I'm $260 poorer for no reason. Kick me. I don't think it's any harm for them to have it twice otherwise.


News

Eight secrets to healthier holiday eating

Best ways to beat holiday stress

How To Detoxify Your Home

Surrogate Dad

I heard on the radio the other morning that there is a trend for older dads such as Larry King (CNN) to hire younger men to play with the kids and do the sports, etc that they can no longer keep up with. (Surrogate dad?)

The cashiers in the supermarket yesterday were already wearing Xmas T-shirts and we've started getting all the sale flyers full of seasonal goodies. I even bought a package of xmas rice krispie squares. A couple of good friends are going away for the holidays this year. Maybe that's a good idea to avoid all the stress? I've never wanted to plan a trip at Christmas unless it was to visit family.

We observe Remembrance Day in Canada on Nov 11th. Government employees get the day off. The schools usually have a special assembly. People wear poppies on their lapels.



News

Bullies may enjoy seeing others in pain, study says

Shot In The Foot The Solution For Pain-Free High Heels

Puttering about

In the past few months, I've noticed K spends a lot of time combing his hair in the mornings. So I asked him if all his friends are doing that too. He said yes, they're always in the washroom at school fixing their hair, except for maybe one boy who doesn't care. It's interesting watching the kids as they go through various stages of life. For the latest Science project, the teacher told them to choose partners. No one chose K or his friend J. So K decided to choose him and problem solved, sort of. All the kids tried to grab the smartest kids to work with, for obvious reasons. He says they'll do just fine and I told him he did the right thing, as long as they check in for lots of guidance.

M and I are trying to put an Ikea TV stand together, darned if the screws will go in.

I'm puttering about the house today, choosing things that can start going down to the basement. A friend may drop by to have a peek at the basement. The fireplace guy is dropping by to check the gas lines and show us how to turn the pilot light on and the contractor is supposed to pop in later on as he forgot to nail one of the kickboards to the kitchen.

The driving instructor took L on a sort of main road last night. I don't know how I'm going to do that. He seems to have nerves of steel along with brakes on the other side of the car. Well, to do a job like that, you must be pretty adventurous. A friend also suggested we take her out when it's snowing too.


News

Will Removing Basketball Nets In Troubled Areas Reduce Crime?

Writers welcome a literary president-elect

Canadian vehicle sales up in October

Busy week so far

Another gorgeous 'near tshirt' day. It's hard to believe it'll be freezing again soon. We stayed up a bit late to watch Obama's moving, historic speech, what a decisive victory. The country wanted a change.

I'm going to fold 2 loads of laundry then head out to my step class. Afterward I have to run an errand, then pick L up as she only has a half day of school today. We're giving a friend of hers a ride home. We may do a sushi lunch then a driving lesson. She has an instructor lesson later this evening. When I pick K up, I'll try to take him for a blood test as he's due for his next hypothyroid checkup. Somewhere in there I'll make dinner and supervise any homework. It's been a busy week so far.

Yesterday M took K out of school a bit early to see the retinal specialist as he thought he saw a new floater in his eye. It turns out he was seeing the scarring from the laser as it heals. The doc says he's ready to go back to gym class and things are fine until the next follow up. Whew!

L just found out she won a junior tennis award at her local club for role model or something exemplary. So she gets her name engraved on a big trophy for the year and free tickets to the year end bash, so she can go with her dad. She's over the moon. K is motivated to do something like that now.

Have a great day everyone!


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Obamamania

It's near t-shirt weather today, wow. I went for my haircut and all the talk is about the U.S. elections and Obamamania. We recently had federal elections in Canada and there wasn't half this excitement. People think Obama is young and intelligent and they think McCain closely reflects the Bush policies. Obama wear is very popular up here as the 'in' thing. (dresses, scarves, t-shirts)

Our (M's) new big screen TV arrived today, all 50 inch screen of it. It's now on the basement wall. What is the lure of a big screen TV, why does it seem to be every male's dream and desire? And M usually isn't into all the electronic toys like a lot of guys.

Took L for a 5 minute driving lesson down a neighbourhood street. It's nerve-wracking, although she's cautious. The instructor thinks this is a good idea.

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Thoughts turn to Christmas

I saw this xmas palm tree in a local department store, something different. Yes, it's time to start thinking about Christmas.

It's raining today with a promise of a few days of sunny, summerlike weather tomorrow. Looking forward to that. My mom and I are going to get our flu shots later this morning and we have to renew some prescriptions. Hopefully I can go for a walk before that. Oops, it's raining...but that shouldn't be a problem.

I was reading The Bold Soul last night and came across a mean comment that someone left to her. She's recently been married and ecstatically happy and this lady said 'we get it, already' or something to that effect. So why even read it if you 'get it already', much less to be sarcastic in someone's comment box? I must admit, (knock on wood) that I don't see too much of this in the blogs I read.


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The Presidential Suite

L went to another fabulous Sweet 16 party last night. This was the one where about 20 girls loaded into a limo bus and were driven to a fancy hotel by the airport. The limo bus was all leather inside and you could stand, sleep, have drinks or whatever, like the buses the rock stars travel in apparently. They were presented with a lovely dinner menu in the hotel restaurant. L said she chose a beef barley soup with a crouton floating on top that was shaped in the number '16'. She then chose a pasta dish and remarked that her friend's gourmet burger also looked fabulous. There was also fish and chips. There was a 2-tier cake (chocolate and vanilla layers) in pink and black motif (to match the invitation). Then they headed up to the top of the hotel to 'The presidential suite'. It was a huge 2-story house really that Prime Ministers stay in when they visit. L said they didn't manage to see the whole suite, it was so big and she was really impressed at how luxurious it was. The guest of honour spent the night there with a couple of close friends. Her mom was there, but otherwise no adults.

We rolled our clocks back one hour last night. Do you notice this time change requires no adjustment? The extra hour seems to just get used up in no time.

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Halloween went well

Halloween went well this year. L had 3 friends over and at the last minute as usual, she got to work 'setting up the haunt'. She painted a scary poster, had some really scary music coming from the garage. Her dad picked up a scary facemask from Walmart. She and her friends acted really scary as the little kids came up to the door and I heard at least 4 of them ran away without getting candy. We have 4 year old triplets living in the house behind our house. They were very cute and brave and got their candy. So it seems we had about 20 kids which is a lot for us. The warm weather would've helped.

At my sister's house, K met up with his cousin and about 6 other teenage boys and ran around their neighbourhood for a couple of hours. They brought back heavy bags of candy. My sister had about 80 kids visit. My niece went out separately with her own friends, they were goth type characters.

I subscribe to this organizing newsletter and found some interesting tips today on organizing your life. For example,

'Catch them doing something right

It's easy to notice when people are doing things that annoy us or make us feel uncomfortable. But if that's what we are always focusing on, that's pretty much what we'll always get; people will behave the way we expect them to. Challenge yourself to catch those around you doing something right and praise them for it. Not only will this make you feel better, it will also encourage the other person to repeat the positive behavior. If you can find things to appreciate in others, you will dramatically shift the way you see the people in your life and your relationships will be transformed.'

© Copyright 2008 by Hellen Buttigieg, We Organize U. Reprinted with permission from the We Organize U Newsletter. Visit http://www.weorganizeu.com

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