I went to the gym yesterday after a 2 day break. I felt so guilty. In the evening M and I went to Ikea to check out their Xmas sale event and to have some Swedish meatballs. Do you know they've stopped serving it with boiled potatoes, they have mashed potatoes instead. They are becoming as streamlined as McDonald's. But you can't beat a yogurt ice cream for $1 or a hot dog for 50 cents.
I've decided to do a top sirloin roast for this evening's dinner, and I believe we have some sparkling wine to go with that. I'm not much of a drinker, but it is New Year's Eve!
Happy New Year when it comes, everyone! Let's hope for a good new decade, especially if the past one hasn't been so good for you. And good luck with those resolutions, I haven't really made any.
News
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Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Feng Shui Horoscope
I received this in an email and found it very entertaining!
Take just a couple of minutes to take this test & see what
happens! If you are honest this tells the truth -- it's pretty good.
Write your answers on a piece of paper, NO cheating!! The answers are at the bottom...
1. Which is your favorite color: red, black, blue, green, or yellow?
2. Your first initial?
3. Your month of birth?
4. Which color do you like more, black or white?
5 . Name of a person of the same sex as yours.
6. Your favorite number?
7. Do you like California or Florida more?
8. Do you like a lake or the ocean more?
9. Write down a wish. (a realistic one)
When you're done , scroll down. Don't cheat
Answers:
1. If you choose:
Red - You are alert and your life is full of love.
Black - you are conservative and aggressive.
Green - Your soul is relaxed and you are laid back
Blue - You are spontaneous and love kisses and affection from
the ones you love.
Yellow - You are a very happy person and give good advice to
those who are down.
2. If your initial is:
A-K - You have a lot of love and friendships in your life.
L-R - You try to enjoy your life to the maximum and your love
life is soon to blossom.
S-Z - You like to help others and your future love life looks
very good.
3. If you were born in:
JAN - MAR: The year will go very well for you and you will
discover that you fall in love with someone totally unexpected.
APR - JUN: You will have a strong love relationship that will
last forever.
JUL - SEP: You will have a great year and will experience a
major life-changing experience f or the good.
OCT - DEC: Your love life will be great, you will find your
soul mate.
4. If you chose...
Black: Your life will take on a different direction, it will
be the best thing for you, and you will be glad for the change.
White: You have a friend who completely confides in you and
would do anything for you, but you may not realize it.
5. This person should be your best friend.
6. This is how many close friends you will have in your
lifetime.
7. If you chose:
California : You like adventure.
Florida : You are a laid back person.
8. If you chose:
Lake : You are loyal to your friends and your lover and are
very reserved.
Ocean: You are spontaneous and like to please people
9. This wish will come true if you send this to 1 person in
one hour. Send it to ten people, and it will come true before your next
Birthday
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Entertaining
The grocery stores were crowded yesterday although the road traffic seemed lighter. We had a light dusting of snow. For this evening's dinner, I'll be using this recipe from 'For the Love of Cooking' as we have some chicken lovers. I'll also be doing a boneless pork rib roast in a Jamaican jerk sauce. I decided to get a pre-made fruit tray and a pre-mixed green salad to lessen my stress. One of the families had to cancel at the last minute due to other priorities, things happen.
We will be entertaining again on New Year's Eve, we're having some more friends over for what should be a quiet, casual dinner. It's a busy week for entertaining.
We will be entertaining again on New Year's Eve, we're having some more friends over for what should be a quiet, casual dinner. It's a busy week for entertaining.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Olympic Rings in Vancouver
My uncle sent me this beautiful photo of the Vancouver skyline with the Olympic rings
Yesterday K had 3 friends over for the evening, and one of them slept over. It was his friends from elementary school, so it was a sort of reunion. L and K's former piano teacher came over to wish us a Merry Christmas and brought some gifts. We were busy chatting and hardly noticed the 4 boys leaving out the front door. Then we realized we had no idea where they went and when they would be back. So upon their return an hour later we had to set the rules straight. It turns out they went tobogganing at the park. I just thought that if their parents called for any reason, I wouldn't be able to say where they were and they're still only 14 and it was dark outside. Then they started playing hide and seek in the basement and we heard lots of loud booming noises and could only hope nothing was broken. Never a dull moment. Things became quiet when they started to watch a movie.
We have 3 families coming for dinner tomorrow, so today is grocery shopping day. L is attending a party tonight.
News
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Yesterday K had 3 friends over for the evening, and one of them slept over. It was his friends from elementary school, so it was a sort of reunion. L and K's former piano teacher came over to wish us a Merry Christmas and brought some gifts. We were busy chatting and hardly noticed the 4 boys leaving out the front door. Then we realized we had no idea where they went and when they would be back. So upon their return an hour later we had to set the rules straight. It turns out they went tobogganing at the park. I just thought that if their parents called for any reason, I wouldn't be able to say where they were and they're still only 14 and it was dark outside. Then they started playing hide and seek in the basement and we heard lots of loud booming noises and could only hope nothing was broken. Never a dull moment. Things became quiet when they started to watch a movie.
We have 3 families coming for dinner tomorrow, so today is grocery shopping day. L is attending a party tonight.
News
20 Secrets Your Waiter Will Never Tell You
What Twitter and Facebook's 2009 Trends tell us about ourselves
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas Recap
This is our gingerbread house all decorated. The jellybeans are really delicious.
Isn't this the cutest little bear, she brought a smile to my face when I first saw her. A friend gave it to me, filled with delicious Lindt chocolates.
It was mild and drizzling lightly yesterday afternoon, but I decided to go for a walk, umbrella in hand. I had my turkey fix on Christmas day and did have seconds. My mother-in-law loved the Masai Figurines we got her for Christmas. M and the kids gave me an Oliver and Bonacini restaurant gift certificate. L is very happy with her new hair straightener and K is busy playing his new Xbox wrestling game. We got M a new wallet with a change compartment.
News
Kindle Ebooks outsell real books at Christmas
Ingredient: Marching to the beet of root veggies
Isn't this the cutest little bear, she brought a smile to my face when I first saw her. A friend gave it to me, filled with delicious Lindt chocolates.
It was mild and drizzling lightly yesterday afternoon, but I decided to go for a walk, umbrella in hand. I had my turkey fix on Christmas day and did have seconds. My mother-in-law loved the Masai Figurines we got her for Christmas. M and the kids gave me an Oliver and Bonacini restaurant gift certificate. L is very happy with her new hair straightener and K is busy playing his new Xbox wrestling game. We got M a new wallet with a change compartment.
News
Kindle Ebooks outsell real books at Christmas
Ingredient: Marching to the beet of root veggies
- There is a recipe for roasted beet in here
Recommended Reads: CTV.ca's holiday book list - a good array of interesting books here
Recommended Reads: CTV.ca's holiday book list - a good array of interesting books here
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Precious
Well, Christmas Day went well, although it rained all day quite heavily. We are all breathing a sigh of relief because if it had been snow, it would have been very difficult to get around.
Here's a funny video of a kid going crazy over his Xbox 360 present.
L was telling me about this movie called 'Precious' that she saw recently. It's no Cinderella story. Imagine a horrific life that seems to just get worse through no fault of your own. And you keep going until it improves, although things will never be perfect.
On the lighter side, I've been making these low fat Pillsbury crescent rolls with a smear of light cream cheese and they are great for a quick breakfast. Just smear less than a teaspoon of your favourite cream cheese onto the croissants before rolling them up and bake. We like the 'light garlic' or 'light chive and onion' flavours.
News
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Here's a funny video of a kid going crazy over his Xbox 360 present.
L was telling me about this movie called 'Precious' that she saw recently. It's no Cinderella story. Imagine a horrific life that seems to just get worse through no fault of your own. And you keep going until it improves, although things will never be perfect.
On the lighter side, I've been making these low fat Pillsbury crescent rolls with a smear of light cream cheese and they are great for a quick breakfast. Just smear less than a teaspoon of your favourite cream cheese onto the croissants before rolling them up and bake. We like the 'light garlic' or 'light chive and onion' flavours.
News
Selfish giving: Charity's dark side
3 Powerful Social Good Trends in 2010
Environmental factors, not genetics, determine aging of face: study
The snacking laws
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thrilling
The gym was busy yesterday, and one of the regulars told me she will be in over Christmas. It seems the gym will be open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
We went to see 'The Jersey Boys' musical last night and enjoyed it very much. It's a life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
L received scholarship offers from 2 of the universities she applied to. They are about her 5th and 6th choice universities. It's so thrilling, especially at this time of year.
We're going out to dinner with my sister's family tonight and we'll open some gifts and hopefully make some phone calls to family abroad.
Well, it's Christmas Day tomorrow, so I'll wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I plan to post again on the 26th!
News
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We went to see 'The Jersey Boys' musical last night and enjoyed it very much. It's a life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
L received scholarship offers from 2 of the universities she applied to. They are about her 5th and 6th choice universities. It's so thrilling, especially at this time of year.
We're going out to dinner with my sister's family tonight and we'll open some gifts and hopefully make some phone calls to family abroad.
Well, it's Christmas Day tomorrow, so I'll wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I plan to post again on the 26th!
News
Pepsi to skip Super Bowl Ads in Favour of $20M Social Media Campaign
Edible dishes are something to munch on
'Good' cholesterol less protective in diabetes
Food addiction underrecognized, argue some
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Youtu.be
L and I watched 'The Painted Veil' the other night. It was a good movie, but very quiet and slow paced, sort of the complete opposite of Avatar.
I answered the phone and ended up making a small donation to the Pediatric Aids Canada organization. It seems my donation will help buy much needed medicine for a third world country such as Africa and I will receive a tax receipt. The nice man on the phone took the trouble to explain to me that any registered charity will have 'RR' in its charitable registration number.
You know, I have so many pre-printed address labels from a variety of charities collected over the years, I realize I'll probably never use them all.
Have you heard that Youtube now has a shortened URL? So you just type in 'youtu.be' and you're there!
KathyG posted this 'PMS Survival Tips' video on her blog and it's quite funny.
News
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I answered the phone and ended up making a small donation to the Pediatric Aids Canada organization. It seems my donation will help buy much needed medicine for a third world country such as Africa and I will receive a tax receipt. The nice man on the phone took the trouble to explain to me that any registered charity will have 'RR' in its charitable registration number.
You know, I have so many pre-printed address labels from a variety of charities collected over the years, I realize I'll probably never use them all.
Have you heard that Youtube now has a shortened URL? So you just type in 'youtu.be' and you're there!
KathyG posted this 'PMS Survival Tips' video on her blog and it's quite funny.
News
Modern Santa Claus: He's multilingual, trim and a good listener
Many people who say "I feel your pain" really do
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Insane Canadian Fisherman
This is a good video:
Insane Canadian Fisherman
And another:
Guerrilla Handbell Strikeforce
And are there any Elvis fans out there?
M, L and K went to see 'New Moon' at the theatres on Sunday night. L had wanted to see it for awhile and finally found the time.
I made some slow-baked spare ribs in barbecue sauce yesterday. Well, quick slow baked...2 hours as opposed to 4 hours. Baby back ribs are 3 times as expensive but will bake in half an hour. Next time, I'll have to remember to keep basting the slow cooked ribs as they did start to burn a little, but the flavour was amazing. Anyway, it's a work in progress.
As the weather seemed relatively mild (no wind), I went for a walk with my friend S. We stopped off at the library and she recommended this movie called 'The Painted Veil' with Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, so I borrowed it. I actually can't wait to see it.
Today, K has a dental cleaning and both kids are going for much-needed haircuts.
News
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Keeping workouts on track in December (and forgiving holiday indulgences)
Insane Canadian Fisherman
And another:
Guerrilla Handbell Strikeforce
And are there any Elvis fans out there?
M, L and K went to see 'New Moon' at the theatres on Sunday night. L had wanted to see it for awhile and finally found the time.
I made some slow-baked spare ribs in barbecue sauce yesterday. Well, quick slow baked...2 hours as opposed to 4 hours. Baby back ribs are 3 times as expensive but will bake in half an hour. Next time, I'll have to remember to keep basting the slow cooked ribs as they did start to burn a little, but the flavour was amazing. Anyway, it's a work in progress.
As the weather seemed relatively mild (no wind), I went for a walk with my friend S. We stopped off at the library and she recommended this movie called 'The Painted Veil' with Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, so I borrowed it. I actually can't wait to see it.
Today, K has a dental cleaning and both kids are going for much-needed haircuts.
News
Health Canada proposes putting anti-cancer drug into french fries, potato chips
Potatoes, algae replacing oil in plastics
Scientists say paper battery could be in the works
Keeping workouts on track in December (and forgiving holiday indulgences)
Monday, December 21, 2009
4 Days and Counting
Xmas Flower Arrangement at the Mall
Well, K is excited and actually counting the days to Christmas. We ended up seeing the 10 pm Avatar movie in 3D on Saturday night as the earlier shows were sold out. We normally wait until the crowds die down, but we decided to go ahead and brave the lines (after reading all the great reviews). It was a long movie and we left the theatre at 1 am. L was at a sleepover. M and K loved it. I appreciated all the work that went into making the movie and it is certainly memorable. It's non stop action and excitement, and will be sure to appeal to the guys. I felt a bit tense afterward. My sister in California and her family also saw it and they loved it.
So we bought our 10pm tickets and went home for a couple of hours before the show. Some friends called, they were making their Christmas deliveries, so we were able to see them that night. They brought a homemade cranberry nut loaf, some assorted homemade cookies and some nice chocolates. Between that and the buttered popcorn at the movies...and the kids decorating the gingerbread house...it's becoming difficult to track what's going into my mouth.
I took a walk to church yesterday, it was very icy just on some of the pathways, otherwise no new snow until perhaps later in the week. They sang 'happy birthday' for the priest who celebrates today. It was really crowded, even the upstairs seats were filled, it's that time of year.
The kids have appointments today to get their seasonal flu shots at the doctor.
News
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Well, K is excited and actually counting the days to Christmas. We ended up seeing the 10 pm Avatar movie in 3D on Saturday night as the earlier shows were sold out. We normally wait until the crowds die down, but we decided to go ahead and brave the lines (after reading all the great reviews). It was a long movie and we left the theatre at 1 am. L was at a sleepover. M and K loved it. I appreciated all the work that went into making the movie and it is certainly memorable. It's non stop action and excitement, and will be sure to appeal to the guys. I felt a bit tense afterward. My sister in California and her family also saw it and they loved it.
So we bought our 10pm tickets and went home for a couple of hours before the show. Some friends called, they were making their Christmas deliveries, so we were able to see them that night. They brought a homemade cranberry nut loaf, some assorted homemade cookies and some nice chocolates. Between that and the buttered popcorn at the movies...and the kids decorating the gingerbread house...it's becoming difficult to track what's going into my mouth.
I took a walk to church yesterday, it was very icy just on some of the pathways, otherwise no new snow until perhaps later in the week. They sang 'happy birthday' for the priest who celebrates today. It was really crowded, even the upstairs seats were filled, it's that time of year.
The kids have appointments today to get their seasonal flu shots at the doctor.
News
The Best Places to Shop for Last-Minute Gifts
It's not fair! Cash, gift cards a no-no for Christmas, study finds
Study Reveals Almost Half Of Men Are Last-Minute Shoppers
What do you do when your cell phone falls in water!!??!!?
How to Live Happily on 75 Percent Less
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Avatar
'Dylan's Candy Bar' Gift Basket
The new movie Avatar is being hailed as 'a visually stunning masterpiece that is sure to alter the course of cinema for years to come'. It sounds like a movie to see, if only for the effects.
In other exciting news, there was a knock on the door yesterday morning and we received a Dylan's Candy Bar Gingerbread House Kit from our financial advisor. It's already assembled, so the kids can decorate it with all the fixings, hopefully today. L told me Dylan Lauren is the owner and founder of this upscale candy store and the daughter of designer Ralph Lauren. She saw her on a TV episode of 'Cake Boss'.
News
Review: Avatar
James Cameron's Latest Spectacle - this review contains a series of movie clips, the animation looks so natural
The new movie Avatar is being hailed as 'a visually stunning masterpiece that is sure to alter the course of cinema for years to come'. It sounds like a movie to see, if only for the effects.
In other exciting news, there was a knock on the door yesterday morning and we received a Dylan's Candy Bar Gingerbread House Kit from our financial advisor. It's already assembled, so the kids can decorate it with all the fixings, hopefully today. L told me Dylan Lauren is the owner and founder of this upscale candy store and the daughter of designer Ralph Lauren. She saw her on a TV episode of 'Cake Boss'.
News
Review: Avatar
James Cameron's Latest Spectacle - this review contains a series of movie clips, the animation looks so natural
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Your ecological footprint
How big is your ecological footprint? You can go online and complete a quiz to calculate it.
I figure most people in North America have a bigger footprint than they should and awareness is the first step to solving the problem.
L got nominated by her school for one of the big full scholarships at the university of her choice. Each school can only nominate one or two people depending on the university. We're thrilled, although there are likely a lot of contenders. Also, that's one more application for her to complete. She also already got acceptances into 2 other universities. It's less than a week since she applied.
News
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I figure most people in North America have a bigger footprint than they should and awareness is the first step to solving the problem.
L got nominated by her school for one of the big full scholarships at the university of her choice. Each school can only nominate one or two people depending on the university. We're thrilled, although there are likely a lot of contenders. Also, that's one more application for her to complete. She also already got acceptances into 2 other universities. It's less than a week since she applied.
News
The Five Best Christmas Albums of All Time
6 Worst Fast-Food Burgers (and What You Should Eat Instead!)
Friday, December 18, 2009
I'm Right
Well, the Olympic Torch was in town yesterday. It was cold, but it's exciting to think of it making its way to Vancouver for the winter Olympics.
We have this Scotiabank TV commercial called 'I'm Right'. I wish I could find a youtube video for it. This couple is sitting in front of a financial advisor at a desk. The wife says 'can you please explain to him that now is not the time to invest?' She goes on and on about the reasons why and if the advisor could please set him straight. So the advisor gets this knowing look on her face, looks at the husband and says 'he's right'. The husband immediately rips his shirt off revealing this white t-shirt trimmed in the bank's red colour that says 'I'm right'. Yesterday morning's local TV station was having fun with the joke. All the men at the station were wearing these 'I'm right' t-shirts and they had to explain to the female co-host what this was all about. It was funny. All the men were looking so pleased with themselves at this inside joke they're calling the new 'male anthem'. I just found the Breakfast Television video called 'I'm right', it's under the caption 'BT bites'.
It's a great morning station, they were also demonstrating live streaming videos, now on the Iphone. So a team downstairs started filming, and the team upstairs could see what they were filming live on their own iphones. Filming must not be the right word for this (capturing images?).
News
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We have this Scotiabank TV commercial called 'I'm Right'. I wish I could find a youtube video for it. This couple is sitting in front of a financial advisor at a desk. The wife says 'can you please explain to him that now is not the time to invest?' She goes on and on about the reasons why and if the advisor could please set him straight. So the advisor gets this knowing look on her face, looks at the husband and says 'he's right'. The husband immediately rips his shirt off revealing this white t-shirt trimmed in the bank's red colour that says 'I'm right'. Yesterday morning's local TV station was having fun with the joke. All the men at the station were wearing these 'I'm right' t-shirts and they had to explain to the female co-host what this was all about. It was funny. All the men were looking so pleased with themselves at this inside joke they're calling the new 'male anthem'. I just found the Breakfast Television video called 'I'm right', it's under the caption 'BT bites'.
It's a great morning station, they were also demonstrating live streaming videos, now on the Iphone. So a team downstairs started filming, and the team upstairs could see what they were filming live on their own iphones. Filming must not be the right word for this (capturing images?).
News
Top 10 places to enjoy a cup of tea
Kinder Surprises: Banned in the U.S.A.
From blog to book deal, how 6 authors did it
Prayer boosts forgiveness: study
Scientists discover Earth-like, water-rich planet: study
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Some healthy and delicious recipes
My friend's basement started flooding last week and they still haven't found the problem. Then their furnace stopped working and there was a carbon monoxide build-up. They think it was starting to make her sick. They had older detectors that obviously weren't working. Her husband told us we should likely be changing them every 3 years or so and also that the newer ones detect a wider range of gases. So we are going to get some new ones, ours are OLD. How old are your carbon monoxide detectors? Another friend just mentioned to me that she has a detector near the furnace as well as in other parts of the house.
I just received this recipe for a Salmon Vegetable Chowder, it looks healthy and delicious. The regular seafood chowder recipes are usually quite rich.
Or how about some Yogurt strawberry jam - jam muffins?
News
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I just received this recipe for a Salmon Vegetable Chowder, it looks healthy and delicious. The regular seafood chowder recipes are usually quite rich.
Or how about some Yogurt strawberry jam - jam muffins?
News
The Gift That Needs Forgiving
Alzheimer's disease linked to hunger hormone: study
5 Foods you should never ditch when you diet
3 Gut-Busting Holiday Foods
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Jersey Boys
SoccerMom had asked for a photo of our Christmas Tree and here it is, all decorated! I sort of threw everything on vertically, lights and garlands.
We just made plans with some friends to go see 'Jersey Boys' playing in Toronto over the Xmas holidays. So we will go to dinner somewhere first and it sounds like a nice night out, I am looking forward to it. They are advertising the show quite a bit on TV and we almost didn't get the tickets we wanted.
I forced myself to exercise at the gym yesterday morning and passed on buying that small lemon meringue pie at the grocery store later on. (270 calories for one quarter slice, pies are dangerous) Instead, I found this recipe for chewy peanut butter cookies at Blogger for Hire
and we made them. They really are chewy and I ate one too many.
One of L's teachers witnessed a fatal car accident yesterday and the poor lady was still in shock today. She was asking all the students to please take care on the roads and not to speed. This person was speeding on slippery roads, his car slid under an 18-wheeler truck and that was it, in an instant. He was driving right in front of the teacher's car.
News
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N.S. lab gets green light to test cancer vaccine - a test vaccine for breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, wow.
Drinking coffee, tea sharply reduces risk of diabetes: Study
10 great digital gifts for social media lovers
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Creative Tuesday - Festive
Here's my contribution to the 'Festive' theme for Mr. Toast's Creative Tuesday. See the sidebar for details if you would like to participate. I really do think art helps you to 'think outside of the box' and be more spontaneous. I was inspired by a little toy flamingo I put out every Christmas, it was a gift one year from a friend in Florida.
I have to say, the weather yesterday was not bad at all, 2C (34F) was positively balmy, if a bit wet. It sure beats living in Canada's prairie provinces (like Winnipeg) right now, with dangerous -40C (-40F)wind chills.
L has officially submitted her university applications, hurray! There are some supplementary application forms due next February for a few of the universities, but those can be done in due time.
News
Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas: Cute Seasonal Video
America's 'new poor' making painful choices - this article sounds like a good argument for universal health care
Giant pandas may not have taste buds for meat
I have to say, the weather yesterday was not bad at all, 2C (34F) was positively balmy, if a bit wet. It sure beats living in Canada's prairie provinces (like Winnipeg) right now, with dangerous -40C (-40F)wind chills.
L has officially submitted her university applications, hurray! There are some supplementary application forms due next February for a few of the universities, but those can be done in due time.
News
Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas: Cute Seasonal Video
America's 'new poor' making painful choices - this article sounds like a good argument for universal health care
Giant pandas may not have taste buds for meat
Monday, December 14, 2009
Diamonds are a girl's best friend
I had planned to go to church this weekend, but decided to hibernate yesterday. Although the temperatures did go above freezing, but there was freezing rain. The new washer and dryer arrived and they are amazing. I didn't seem to be stuffing a load in and there are 2 rinse cycles on the washer. L and I ate apple fritter doughnuts from Tim Horton's on Saturday and loved them so much, M got some more yesterday. I hadn't had one for awhile so maybe that's why they tasted extra good. We chose those because we read that they are one of the more healthy kinds of doughnuts.
L and K go on Xmas break at the end of the week. L is giving gifts to 7 of her teachers, as it's her final year of high school. The Olympic flame is in town and will be at various venues this week. M decided to mail some Olympic t-shirts to some relatives in the U.S. as a Christmas gift. It's funny how he's all caught up on the Tiger Woods gossip, just because he's this sports icon. Normally, he's never that aware of all the scandals going around.
Oh, one of the friends we had dinner with on Friday had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Her husband gave her this beautiful diamond ring encircled with smaller diamonds. Wow, she was really happy with that.
News
Comfort Foods That Won't Pack On the Pounds!
Video games take bigger role in education
Fat intake has little bearing on weight gain: study
L and K go on Xmas break at the end of the week. L is giving gifts to 7 of her teachers, as it's her final year of high school. The Olympic flame is in town and will be at various venues this week. M decided to mail some Olympic t-shirts to some relatives in the U.S. as a Christmas gift. It's funny how he's all caught up on the Tiger Woods gossip, just because he's this sports icon. Normally, he's never that aware of all the scandals going around.
Oh, one of the friends we had dinner with on Friday had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Her husband gave her this beautiful diamond ring encircled with smaller diamonds. Wow, she was really happy with that.
News
Comfort Foods That Won't Pack On the Pounds!
Video games take bigger role in education
Fat intake has little bearing on weight gain: study
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Windfall
Financial Abundance angel!
She really does work like magic!
A friend sent this abundance angel to me in an email, and I thought it was a nice wish to share.
M said he saw this well-dressed lady in Walmart with a small child. She tried 2 credit cards and 1 debit card and they all failed. She was unable to pay her $40 bill.
It's that time of year again, the newspaper delivery man has started to leave the paper right in front of our door. So it must be 'tip' time.
News
Why most women like to shop
Ontario's cottage country buried in snow
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Lock De-Icer
Well, it was a busy day yesterday. It started when one of my car tires complained about air pressure, so in -8C (16F) weather, I took the kids to school then stopped off at the gas station. However, this has been my 3rd or so time doing this, so the process went quite smoothly. There was another lady there ahead of me, but there was a man in another car that came to help her. So I was proud of my non-mechanical self. I've found the major thing for me to remember when I'm doing this is to make sure I'm wearing my progressive lens eyeglasses, so that I don't have to squint at the tire pressure readings on the gauge.
Then, I had a few errands to run, and get my exercise in before I picked the kids up again. L just had a half day of school.
Towards evening, I went to the mailbox only to find the lock was frozen shut. Really, it feels like January or February. We have super mailboxes on the street corners in the suburbs that you access with a key. So, what we do is go hunting for the bottle of lock de-icer and that usually helps a lot. It didn't this time, so we'll try again later. L says she managed to force it open last year.
After that, I took K to his tennis lesson. Then we had plans to meet some people for dinner, so my only problem by then was to find a nice, warm, yet dressy cardigan to wear for the occasion! I heard they had 80 cms of snow in Northern Ontario, roads were closed off.
News
Sepsis killing Canadians at a higher rate than strokes, heart attacks: Report
Then, I had a few errands to run, and get my exercise in before I picked the kids up again. L just had a half day of school.
Towards evening, I went to the mailbox only to find the lock was frozen shut. Really, it feels like January or February. We have super mailboxes on the street corners in the suburbs that you access with a key. So, what we do is go hunting for the bottle of lock de-icer and that usually helps a lot. It didn't this time, so we'll try again later. L says she managed to force it open last year.
After that, I took K to his tennis lesson. Then we had plans to meet some people for dinner, so my only problem by then was to find a nice, warm, yet dressy cardigan to wear for the occasion! I heard they had 80 cms of snow in Northern Ontario, roads were closed off.
News
Sepsis killing Canadians at a higher rate than strokes, heart attacks: Report
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friendly Banter
Yesterday, I decided to have the coffee and muffin special at McDonald's after my workout ($1.46 including tax). A retired gentleman was at the cashier. He told her he's almost coming to regard her as a friend. In fact, he told her he could add her as his Facebook friend. She laughed and said 'Oh, you have Facebook too?'. He said 'Of course I do!' (Well, I enjoy this friendly banter). The manager was telling him he had spent 16 hours the previous night cleaning up a grease fire, declaring them to be the worst kind.
My girlfriend had given K a nice wallet for Christmas, but I had to exchange it for one with a change compartment. It was not that easy to find one. Where do men put their change?
Then, I waited for over an hour in the doctor's office. I needed to refill a prescription and decided to get the seasonal flu shot. This young lady sitting next to me was not feeling well, and thought it might be the flu. Oh dear. My doctor was suffering from allergies himself, he thinks it's to the cold, no kidding.
News
Find that scent-sational gift
Snaphaven keeps your photos safe for life
My girlfriend had given K a nice wallet for Christmas, but I had to exchange it for one with a change compartment. It was not that easy to find one. Where do men put their change?
Then, I waited for over an hour in the doctor's office. I needed to refill a prescription and decided to get the seasonal flu shot. This young lady sitting next to me was not feeling well, and thought it might be the flu. Oh dear. My doctor was suffering from allergies himself, he thinks it's to the cold, no kidding.
News
Find that scent-sational gift
Snaphaven keeps your photos safe for life
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Connected Home
The other day I was just wondering why we would want to have a computer (internet capability) on our appliances. The news story below demonstrates with an excellent example. Distracting to say the least, what do you think, are you ready for this?
News
Youtube-streaming microwave turns dinner into a show
8 Must have traits of tomorrow's journalist
Top color for 2010 is `transporting' turquoise
Eggnog: Fluid, festive and fattening
A few extra pounds may help elderly live longer
News
Youtube-streaming microwave turns dinner into a show
8 Must have traits of tomorrow's journalist
Top color for 2010 is `transporting' turquoise
Eggnog: Fluid, festive and fattening
A few extra pounds may help elderly live longer
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Striptease
I woke up this morning to our first snowstorm of the year! It looks like about 10cms of the white stuff and it is heavy and wet. School buses are delayed and there is a car stuck in the snow just up the road.
Well, our old clothes dryer is pretty much dead, fortunately it managed to do half loads and we were able to finish a load of laundry. We decided to upgrade to a new washer as well, so they will be arriving soon. Things have changed in the last decade, and I'm sure we'll be impressed with all the new features. We really just got a basic set, nothing too fancy, but there have still been improvements. I told M I couldn't get excited about a new washer or dryer (basic white's just fine). I thought the most important things would be capacity and whether the company would take the old ones away for us.
We gave some 'Quality Street' chocolates to K's orthodontist and his staff the other night. The receptionist thanked us and assured us they would be enjoyed. A bit later on, the brilliant, busy, young doctor himself strolled out to the reception area to thank me personally, to say that I shouldn't have, and to wish me a Merry Christmas. Well, I had a big smile on my face for a bit! All I could think of to say was 'Don't work too hard', to which he replied 'I'm actually going to take a few weeks off for Christmas for the first time.' It can really be more gratifying to give than receive.
SoccerMom has this video on her blog today and I just had to share it. Bear with us!
Oh, Mmm at Hot Toast and Jam has taken over Lissa's Create Tuesdays, see my sidebar for details. There is already a lot of interest!
News
One-fifth of Canadians research news, topics for holiday party chat fodder: survey
From mommy blogging to mainstream
Google revamps search with real-time results
Jamaica: Insiders' guide to an island food paradise
Well, our old clothes dryer is pretty much dead, fortunately it managed to do half loads and we were able to finish a load of laundry. We decided to upgrade to a new washer as well, so they will be arriving soon. Things have changed in the last decade, and I'm sure we'll be impressed with all the new features. We really just got a basic set, nothing too fancy, but there have still been improvements. I told M I couldn't get excited about a new washer or dryer (basic white's just fine). I thought the most important things would be capacity and whether the company would take the old ones away for us.
We gave some 'Quality Street' chocolates to K's orthodontist and his staff the other night. The receptionist thanked us and assured us they would be enjoyed. A bit later on, the brilliant, busy, young doctor himself strolled out to the reception area to thank me personally, to say that I shouldn't have, and to wish me a Merry Christmas. Well, I had a big smile on my face for a bit! All I could think of to say was 'Don't work too hard', to which he replied 'I'm actually going to take a few weeks off for Christmas for the first time.' It can really be more gratifying to give than receive.
SoccerMom has this video on her blog today and I just had to share it. Bear with us!
Oh, Mmm at Hot Toast and Jam has taken over Lissa's Create Tuesdays, see my sidebar for details. There is already a lot of interest!
News
One-fifth of Canadians research news, topics for holiday party chat fodder: survey
From mommy blogging to mainstream
Google revamps search with real-time results
Jamaica: Insiders' guide to an island food paradise
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Staydrenched
We had a sudden power outage late Sunday night. It was awkward, grabbing flashlights and lighting candles. L finished her homework with a lantern. We ended up setting the travel alarm so that we would be sure to get up on time the next morning. We have a gas fireplace in the basement, so we reasoned that if it got unbearably cold, we could use that as a source of heat. The power returned at 12.20am. (Whew!) The good side of this is that we were able to watch the season finale of 'The Amazing Race' before the outage.
This is the cutest video:
The drench Clever Hamsters jazz band - official ad
Here are some other good ones:
Identity theft on Facebook is easy
Florida State lineman
News
Police piece together fake Lego gun case, after armed takedown
This is the cutest video:
The drench Clever Hamsters jazz band - official ad
Here are some other good ones:
Identity theft on Facebook is easy
Florida State lineman
News
Police piece together fake Lego gun case, after armed takedown
Monday, December 7, 2009
Just call me John
The kids were watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) on tv the other night. They love that movie, L says it's 'magical and so creative'. The chocolate theme must help. I should stop calling them 'kids', more 'teenagers'. L drove them to their tennis party the other night and even gave a couple of friends a ride.
Here's a funny joke for you:
The Navy Chief noticed a new seaman and barked at him "Get over here! What's your name sailor?"
"John" the new seaman replied.
"Look, I don't know what kind of bleeding-heart pansy junk they're teaching sailors in boot camp these days, but I don't call anyone by his first name," the chief scowled. "It breeds familiarity, and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my sailors by their last names only; Smith, Jones, Baker, whatever... And you are to refer to me as 'Chief.' Do I make myself clear?"
"Aye, Aye Chief!"
"Now that we've got that straight, what's your last name?"
The seaman sighed. "Darling. My name is John Darling, Chief.."
"Okay........ John, here's what I want you to do......"
News
Midlife anxieties laid bare in insightful "Men" - this looks like an interesting movie, something different
YouTube makes videos "Feather" light
Here's a funny joke for you:
The Navy Chief noticed a new seaman and barked at him "Get over here! What's your name sailor?"
"John" the new seaman replied.
"Look, I don't know what kind of bleeding-heart pansy junk they're teaching sailors in boot camp these days, but I don't call anyone by his first name," the chief scowled. "It breeds familiarity, and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my sailors by their last names only; Smith, Jones, Baker, whatever... And you are to refer to me as 'Chief.' Do I make myself clear?"
"Aye, Aye Chief!"
"Now that we've got that straight, what's your last name?"
The seaman sighed. "Darling. My name is John Darling, Chief.."
"Okay........ John, here's what I want you to do......"
News
Midlife anxieties laid bare in insightful "Men" - this looks like an interesting movie, something different
YouTube makes videos "Feather" light
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It's getting cold outside
I officially went into my winter jacket yesterday, it felt cold and my fingers have started to split from not wearing gloves. The cold, dry air does that to my skin in the winter. I have various creams and lotions to help. I got the tree up last night and put the decorations out. This designer had mentioned on a recent TV show that she now strings her lights vertically down the tree (instead of wrapping them around), so I thought I would try that, and I think it works just fine. I even did that with the garlands.
I'm going for a cold walk with a friend this morning then we're all going out for lunch to celebrate the season and exchange gifts. The kids have a tennis party after their tennis lessons this afternoon, they'll be tired but it will be good, healthy exercise including pizza.
We were finally able to co-ordinate with two other families and the twelve of us will be meeting at a restaurant for dinner next weekend.
L has started her drama club rehearsals and declares it amazing fun. She loves improvising,the creativity and self expression of it all. She was at a birthday party with her school friends last night. The parties are now boy and girl parties. There is a fascination with alcohol although the legal drinking age here is 19 and parents are not always around.
K went on an Art field trip this week to the Art Gallery of Ontario to view the King Tut exhibition. He came back with a nice sketch he made while he was there.
I have two-bite butter tarts and mince tarts in the house...yum, I got them from the supermarket. K likes the plain butter tarts without nuts or raisins.
News
Pasta myths--debunked
Davis boy, 12, honored for saving dad's life
I'm going for a cold walk with a friend this morning then we're all going out for lunch to celebrate the season and exchange gifts. The kids have a tennis party after their tennis lessons this afternoon, they'll be tired but it will be good, healthy exercise including pizza.
We were finally able to co-ordinate with two other families and the twelve of us will be meeting at a restaurant for dinner next weekend.
L has started her drama club rehearsals and declares it amazing fun. She loves improvising,the creativity and self expression of it all. She was at a birthday party with her school friends last night. The parties are now boy and girl parties. There is a fascination with alcohol although the legal drinking age here is 19 and parents are not always around.
K went on an Art field trip this week to the Art Gallery of Ontario to view the King Tut exhibition. He came back with a nice sketch he made while he was there.
I have two-bite butter tarts and mince tarts in the house...yum, I got them from the supermarket. K likes the plain butter tarts without nuts or raisins.
News
Pasta myths--debunked
Davis boy, 12, honored for saving dad's life
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tiger Woods Christmas Card
Okay, it's a slow news day and I thought I'd run with this one! Yes, the jokes have started. Some other ones going around:
He's going to have to change his name.... to Cheetah.
His wife's the only one that can beat him with golf clubs.
In other news, here's a new viral video called 'Pink Glove Dance'. And
Adam Lambert sings on Ellen's 12 Days of Giveaways.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Interesting Point
I was listening to the radio yesterday morning and heard a caller telling everyone he had organized his co-workers with an idea to pool money that would've been secret santa gifts for themselves. Instead, they used the money to buy assorted toys for the local CP24/CHUM Christmas Wish Toy Drive. The point he wanted to make was that people are more than willing to help out on something like this, but what is often missing is an organizer, someone who will 'run with the idea'. So it was a call to 'event planner' type personalities out there. That was an interesting point, I thought.
Shortly after that, I heard two Walmart sales employees talking about the in-store sales being really amazing lately. We must really be out of recession, sounds like good news.
The real good news is that all our (thirty plus) Christmas cards are done and ready for mailing! On to decorations and some gift wrapping.
News
America's Cheapest Health Foods
Tis the Season For Free Gmail Holiday Postcards
10 Unique gifts you can make with help from the web
Give yourself the gift of a stress-free holiday
Shortly after that, I heard two Walmart sales employees talking about the in-store sales being really amazing lately. We must really be out of recession, sounds like good news.
The real good news is that all our (thirty plus) Christmas cards are done and ready for mailing! On to decorations and some gift wrapping.
News
America's Cheapest Health Foods
Tis the Season For Free Gmail Holiday Postcards
10 Unique gifts you can make with help from the web
Give yourself the gift of a stress-free holiday
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Virus Alert
well, Mr. Toast had a fabulous virtual tea party last night. I'd say he outdid himself! Thanks again, Mr. Toast.
I got this in an e-mail and it sounds real. There's also a heart warming story in the news section below.
'All,
Checked with Norton Anti-Virus, and they are gearing up for this virus!
Checked Snopes, and it is for real.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS!
You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,'regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C drive of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address on his/her contact list. That is the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it!
If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even if it is sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN.
It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever.. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.
COPY THIS, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS.
REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US'
News
Wrong Number Miracle
I got this in an e-mail and it sounds real. There's also a heart warming story in the news section below.
'All,
Checked with Norton Anti-Virus, and they are gearing up for this virus!
Checked Snopes, and it is for real.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS!
You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,'regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C drive of your computer.
This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address on his/her contact list. That is the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it!
If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even if it is sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN.
It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever.. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.
COPY THIS, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS.
REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US'
News
Wrong Number Miracle
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Mr. Toast's First Annual Christmas Tea
Do stop in on Mr. Toast's first annual Christmas tea today from 4 - 10pm (MST). I'm 'taking' delicate finger sandwiches with cucumber, egg salad, cream cheese, seafood, and chicken salad fillings for at least 60 people. The pinwheel ones are so pretty. Oh, and it's formal attire. I have the perfect chocolate brown evening dress with a bit of bling on it. My black faux fur coat should keep me nice and warm. I'll change into strappy dress sandals once I get inside.
I received our first Christmas card yesterday. I also found a nice hair straightener for L. Hopefully I can get the cards done this week. I hope K will start wearing his winter coat because he's been going off to school wearing just a thick sweater and it was 2C in the morning, just a bit above freezing.
News
I found this video quite funny in a weird way. It's called 'The Box spoof'.
Little boy steals the show at Santa Monica (video)
Kindle breaks sales record in November
Twitter declared most popular English word of 2009
I received our first Christmas card yesterday. I also found a nice hair straightener for L. Hopefully I can get the cards done this week. I hope K will start wearing his winter coat because he's been going off to school wearing just a thick sweater and it was 2C in the morning, just a bit above freezing.
News
I found this video quite funny in a weird way. It's called 'The Box spoof'.
Little boy steals the show at Santa Monica (video)
Kindle breaks sales record in November
Twitter declared most popular English word of 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Movember
Have you heard of Movember?
'Movember (the month formerly known as November) is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health.' Here is the Canada website. Well, I know it's the end of the month, but I just found out about it!
M went to a Grey Cup (Canadian Football) party last night. A friend of his has one every year (just the boys kind of thing) and he finally had the time to attend this year.
The Amazing Race is down to the last 3 contestants, with the exciting season finale next week. L had a seasonal gingerbread latte from Starbucks with non-fat milk, only 140 calories, she said it was delicious. It does have added sugar though.
One of my nephews turns 18 today, whew!
News
Low fertility means Canada getting older: StatsCan
'Movember (the month formerly known as November) is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health.' Here is the Canada website. Well, I know it's the end of the month, but I just found out about it!
M went to a Grey Cup (Canadian Football) party last night. A friend of his has one every year (just the boys kind of thing) and he finally had the time to attend this year.
The Amazing Race is down to the last 3 contestants, with the exciting season finale next week. L had a seasonal gingerbread latte from Starbucks with non-fat milk, only 140 calories, she said it was delicious. It does have added sugar though.
One of my nephews turns 18 today, whew!
News
Low fertility means Canada getting older: StatsCan
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Masai Figurines
M and I went to a Christmas Craft Sale at the church yesterday morning. We bought these 3 hand-carved wooden Masai figurines from a Kenya mission. The money goes toward their school in Kenya. The figurines are only about 3 or 4 inches tall so they don't take up a lot of room and we thought M's mother would like them as a Christmas present. So, if she doesn't like that bird with spiky legs that I already found for her, we've improved our chances of success! M also got a delicious assortment of cookies from the large bake sale.
Afterwards, we had a lovely brunch with another family. The couple is interesting and lively, so we had a great time. It helps that they also have 3 teenage girls, so our kids were kept entertained.
There is an interesting article below concerning Roma immigrants to Canada and how they are challenging local educators. It's worth a read.
News
Roma children perplex local educators
10 Gift Suggestion Sites for Hapless Holiday Shoppers
Eating well boosts immune system
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Spelt Flour
We're meeting another family for brunch this morning. I hope to stop in on the church Christmas craft sale, just to have a look. The kids have tennis lessons, then L is attending another party in the evening. She tries to keep Sundays free for just homework. It's a good idea for K as well.
At our restaurant dinner last night, I had a 'spelt linguine primavera' (pasta with vegetables). I had never heard of spelt flour before. It tastes a bit like whole wheat, and is considered slightly more nutritious, with more protein and a bit less calories than whole wheat flour. It has been cultivated for hundreds of years.
News
It's not where you go, but how you get there that matters most
Want to Buy a Dual-Screen Laptop?
Staring at computer screens may be causing chronic eye ailments
At our restaurant dinner last night, I had a 'spelt linguine primavera' (pasta with vegetables). I had never heard of spelt flour before. It tastes a bit like whole wheat, and is considered slightly more nutritious, with more protein and a bit less calories than whole wheat flour. It has been cultivated for hundreds of years.
News
It's not where you go, but how you get there that matters most
Want to Buy a Dual-Screen Laptop?
Staring at computer screens may be causing chronic eye ailments
Friday, November 27, 2009
Yummy
I made a pork roast yesterday and also roasted a butternut squash flavoured with cinnamon and brown sugar. Then I forced myself to dust and clean, thinking that I will be setting up the Christmas decorations soon. I packed most of the fall decorations away and even got some of the Christmas ones out. I decided which box of cards I will mail out this year. L wants a new, salon quality hair straightener for Christmas, but I am unsure which are the best brands.
My friend sent me this peanut butter and shortbread recipe that she tasted at a friend's house. She declared them 'yummy'!
We're meeting friends for dinner tonight. L is going to a friend's party. I've started wrapping some gifts. It's a stressful season because your regular routine things still have to get done, right?
News
Zhu Zhu race off shelves as hit holiday toy
My friend sent me this peanut butter and shortbread recipe that she tasted at a friend's house. She declared them 'yummy'!
We're meeting friends for dinner tonight. L is going to a friend's party. I've started wrapping some gifts. It's a stressful season because your regular routine things still have to get done, right?
News
Zhu Zhu race off shelves as hit holiday toy
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy AmericanThanksgiving
It's a big holiday in the U.S. today, best wishes to all for a safe and happy holiday. We have to wait until Christmas before we start over-eating again! Maybe I should bake some squash today to help with the celebrations!
Yesterday, I went to see my blood pressure specialist for a checkup and I've been given the all clear and she doesn't need to see me anymore unless things change. This is a good thing.
Adam Lambert is all over the news and I'm having trouble keeping up with all his TV and radio appearances after his controversial AMA performance. He did a wonderful show on the CBS Early Show after ABC's Good Morning America cancelled his appearance as they were concerned about viewer complaints. His official website crashed about 20 minutes after he announced that his new music video was online. My sister thinks the real reason was that the moderators could not handle the volume of comments as people fight back and forth. This whole thing is unbelievable. I hope he survives this and safely. His new CD is doing really well.
Check out the genius marketing strategy video below. I think it means that if you don't have a Facebook account yet, you need to get with the times, as it has moved into the business world.
News
IKEA Facebook Showroom (video)- genius marketing strategy
Getting the friendly facts about fats
Yesterday, I went to see my blood pressure specialist for a checkup and I've been given the all clear and she doesn't need to see me anymore unless things change. This is a good thing.
Adam Lambert is all over the news and I'm having trouble keeping up with all his TV and radio appearances after his controversial AMA performance. He did a wonderful show on the CBS Early Show after ABC's Good Morning America cancelled his appearance as they were concerned about viewer complaints. His official website crashed about 20 minutes after he announced that his new music video was online. My sister thinks the real reason was that the moderators could not handle the volume of comments as people fight back and forth. This whole thing is unbelievable. I hope he survives this and safely. His new CD is doing really well.
Check out the genius marketing strategy video below. I think it means that if you don't have a Facebook account yet, you need to get with the times, as it has moved into the business world.
News
IKEA Facebook Showroom (video)- genius marketing strategy
Getting the friendly facts about fats
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Flu Mask
I heard that if your cellphone, ipod or whatever, is accidentally immersed in water, you can put it in the middle of a bag of rice and it will remove the moisture from the insides and repair your device. That sounds worth a try. And now, for the joke of the day:
News
The world's first Twitter lottery -To enter, all you have to do is follow twterlotto on Twitter. There is no cost or risk to enter.
5 habits you thought weren't healthy but are
Are nail polish removers bad for your health?
7 spices that heal
In case we run out of masks
during the flu H1N1 season,
here is a ‘homemade’ mask you
can make yourself. It is even
compatible with the wearing of glasses.
News
The world's first Twitter lottery -To enter, all you have to do is follow twterlotto on Twitter. There is no cost or risk to enter.
5 habits you thought weren't healthy but are
Are nail polish removers bad for your health?
7 spices that heal
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Beef Stir Fry with Chili Garlic Sauce
I had luck with a quick beef stir fry yesterday and thought I'd share the recipe. I had a 2 pound beef sirloin tip roast and decided to cut it into small strips for stir frying. It was a tender cut of beef, which may be part of the secret. I'll call this:
Beef stir fry with chili garlic sauce
2 lbs beef sirloin tip, cut into thin strips
1 inch of fresh ginger, sliced into thin strips
2 tbs soy sauce (or to taste)
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tbs oyster sauce
2 tsp chili garlic sauce (or to taste)
1 tsp corn starch
2-4 tbs canola oil
Mix all the ingredients together except the canola oil.
Heat half the oil in a large saucepan on medium high heat. Add half the beef mixture and stir fry constantly for about 5 minutes. I've learned it's not good to overcrowd the pan. Neither is it good to overcook the beef. Empty the now saucy contents into a serving dish. Heat the other half of the oil in the saucepan. Now stir fry the rest of the beef mixture for about 5 minutes. Empty into the serving dish. You're done!
We had it with steamed white rice and some mixed vegetables.
I think the chili garlic sauce sounds hotter than it is, and brings a lot of flavour to the dish.
News
Soccer Goalie Scores on Own Team (video)
Face-off with a deadly predator (video)
Beef stir fry with chili garlic sauce
2 lbs beef sirloin tip, cut into thin strips
1 inch of fresh ginger, sliced into thin strips
2 tbs soy sauce (or to taste)
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tbs oyster sauce
2 tsp chili garlic sauce (or to taste)
1 tsp corn starch
2-4 tbs canola oil
Mix all the ingredients together except the canola oil.
Heat half the oil in a large saucepan on medium high heat. Add half the beef mixture and stir fry constantly for about 5 minutes. I've learned it's not good to overcrowd the pan. Neither is it good to overcook the beef. Empty the now saucy contents into a serving dish. Heat the other half of the oil in the saucepan. Now stir fry the rest of the beef mixture for about 5 minutes. Empty into the serving dish. You're done!
We had it with steamed white rice and some mixed vegetables.
I think the chili garlic sauce sounds hotter than it is, and brings a lot of flavour to the dish.
News
Soccer Goalie Scores on Own Team (video)
Face-off with a deadly predator (video)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Inner growth
M and I were at the drugstore yesterday morning taking advantage of the 'Sunday/Monday' specials. We don't often get around to doing that, but the 'Quality Street' chocolates were on sale, so we got a bunch for his mom and one for us. They're great to hand out at the doctor's offices too. We ran into my friend S and as the weather was so sunny and warm, we decided to go for a walk while M headed off to the gym. S ran into some friends of hers at the drugstore. It turns out they have a child in a wheelchair, and S told me that mom's biceps are so developed from hauling the wheelchair around. It occurred to me that people who live with such a disability in the family must have developed a lot of real inner strength and would have grown in many ways.
News
There, I fixed it
News
There, I fixed it
Politically correct children's toys hitting holiday gift guides
Getting meaningful things done using "fixed-schedule productivity"
Getting meaningful things done using "fixed-schedule productivity"
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Still Balmy
I took another nice, balmy walk yesterday evening, it makes you worry about global warming, much as I enjoyed it. But M did say we may even get snow by the end of the week. There is a lot of traffic about town on Saturday evenings, not to mention that a lot of dogs need walking.
Our dinner plans for this past Friday got cancelled as there is a problem with everyone not being available at the same time. It was the teenage girls' schedules that seemed to be the problem, so we've left it up to them to co-ordinate a future, suitable time. It was just as well because K had tons of homework that we are still struggling through for most of this weekend. He got a good mark on the latest Science quiz but the challenge is to keep the standard up. He seems more interested in perfecting the latest dance move (the C-walk) and in the finer points of editing it onto youtube. L said she saw him and his group members walk into their tennis lesson in a 'V' formation line, all cool. The teacher had to laugh.
Tonight we have to tape the Amazing Race because we want to watch the American Music Awards on TV. What a dilemma. But Adam Lambert is apparently closing the show with his new single. My sister and I are still avid fans.
News
Popcorn, soda at the movies pack the caloric punch of three burgers: study - this is disheartening, as I LOVE buttered popcorn at the movies.
Best & Worst Ice Cream in America
Our dinner plans for this past Friday got cancelled as there is a problem with everyone not being available at the same time. It was the teenage girls' schedules that seemed to be the problem, so we've left it up to them to co-ordinate a future, suitable time. It was just as well because K had tons of homework that we are still struggling through for most of this weekend. He got a good mark on the latest Science quiz but the challenge is to keep the standard up. He seems more interested in perfecting the latest dance move (the C-walk) and in the finer points of editing it onto youtube. L said she saw him and his group members walk into their tennis lesson in a 'V' formation line, all cool. The teacher had to laugh.
Tonight we have to tape the Amazing Race because we want to watch the American Music Awards on TV. What a dilemma. But Adam Lambert is apparently closing the show with his new single. My sister and I are still avid fans.
News
Popcorn, soda at the movies pack the caloric punch of three burgers: study - this is disheartening, as I LOVE buttered popcorn at the movies.
Best & Worst Ice Cream in America
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Christmas Prices
K and I stopped by the mall after school yesterday to buy him some new clothes and the prices literally went up overnight. I know because I had been at the mall the day before and brought him back to try some stuff on. So, unless you really need something that's not a gift, it's better to wait until after Christmas. Well, we still got him a few outfits, but it hurt.
M heard on the news last night that Santa is now asking kids to hand sanitize before sitting with him! I found a similar news story below.
News
Visit with Santa includes hand sanitizer
New Website Lets You Buy Gift Cards At Discount Prices
Are you a sucker for maple and bacon lollipops?
Lifelong learning key to great jobs
M heard on the news last night that Santa is now asking kids to hand sanitize before sitting with him! I found a similar news story below.
News
Visit with Santa includes hand sanitizer
New Website Lets You Buy Gift Cards At Discount Prices
Are you a sucker for maple and bacon lollipops?
Lifelong learning key to great jobs
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Kids are Alright
Mind of a Mom gave me a 'heads up' on this website where you can send a free 'thank you' postcard to U.S Military personnel.
Well, I went for my usual haircut yesterday. It turns out my hairdresser of 25 years had been ill recently and went for an angioplasty. He said he was in hospital for about a week and worked shorter days for a few more weeks after that, but he said he's fine now. He had to quit smoking and takes about 5 medicines a day now. He's close to 60 years old, I think. The other thing was that he cut into my cheek by accident with a snip of his sharp scissors and was most apologetic, but I'm wondering if it will soon be time to find a new hairdresser! M doesn't think this is a major incident and K found it a bit hilarious, it not being his cheek. L is totally horrified and advised me to put polysporin every hour until it heals to prevent scarring and that furthermore I should stop going there. Hmm. It's not that he's that great, it's just a comfortable habit I developed.
Here's a funny email I received:
The Kids Are Alright, Part 1...
Below, are examples of sixth grade research projects. Enjoy...
1. Ancient Egypt was inhabited by mummies and they all wrote in hydraulics. They lived in the Sarah Dessert. the climate of the Sarah is such that the inhabitants have to live elsewhere.
2. Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread which is bread made without any ingredients. Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandments. He died before he ever reached Canada.
3. Solomon had three hundred wives and seven porcupines.
4. The Greeks were a highly sculptured people and without them we wouldn't have history. The Greeks also had myths. A myth is a female moth.
5. Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who went around giving people advice. They killed him. Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock. After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.
6. In the Olympic games, Greeks ran races, jumped, hurled biscuits, and threw the java.
7. Julius Caesar extinquished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March murdered him because they thought he was going to be made king. Dying, he gasped out Tee hee, Brutus.
8. Joan of Arc was burnt to a steak and was canonized by Bernard Shaw.
News
Webby Awards name top 10 Internet moments of the decade
Stressed out with papers and exams? Just say 'om'
Sitting all day can be hazardous to your health, and exercise doesn't help
Canadians falling short in all food groups, nutritionist says
Well, I went for my usual haircut yesterday. It turns out my hairdresser of 25 years had been ill recently and went for an angioplasty. He said he was in hospital for about a week and worked shorter days for a few more weeks after that, but he said he's fine now. He had to quit smoking and takes about 5 medicines a day now. He's close to 60 years old, I think. The other thing was that he cut into my cheek by accident with a snip of his sharp scissors and was most apologetic, but I'm wondering if it will soon be time to find a new hairdresser! M doesn't think this is a major incident and K found it a bit hilarious, it not being his cheek. L is totally horrified and advised me to put polysporin every hour until it heals to prevent scarring and that furthermore I should stop going there. Hmm. It's not that he's that great, it's just a comfortable habit I developed.
Here's a funny email I received:
The Kids Are Alright, Part 1...
Below, are examples of sixth grade research projects. Enjoy...
1. Ancient Egypt was inhabited by mummies and they all wrote in hydraulics. They lived in the Sarah Dessert. the climate of the Sarah is such that the inhabitants have to live elsewhere.
2. Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread which is bread made without any ingredients. Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandments. He died before he ever reached Canada.
3. Solomon had three hundred wives and seven porcupines.
4. The Greeks were a highly sculptured people and without them we wouldn't have history. The Greeks also had myths. A myth is a female moth.
5. Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who went around giving people advice. They killed him. Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock. After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.
6. In the Olympic games, Greeks ran races, jumped, hurled biscuits, and threw the java.
7. Julius Caesar extinquished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March murdered him because they thought he was going to be made king. Dying, he gasped out Tee hee, Brutus.
8. Joan of Arc was burnt to a steak and was canonized by Bernard Shaw.
News
Webby Awards name top 10 Internet moments of the decade
Stressed out with papers and exams? Just say 'om'
Sitting all day can be hazardous to your health, and exercise doesn't help
Canadians falling short in all food groups, nutritionist says
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Coffee Mocha
Kay at Musings said she has her coffee with 1/3 chocolate milk (mocha), so I decided to try it yesterday and it was delicious, thanks for the tip, Kay.
They have now started giving H1N1 shots to the general public, so I was one of the first in line yesterday morning. I got to the clinic about 20 minutes before it opened at 10am and I was given number 61. I left the building at about 10.30 am, so I was happily there less than an hour.
News
High income translates into longer life: Study
More Canadians to give gift cards this Christmas: Study
World's Top 5 germiest attractions
CN Tower casts a shadow on a low cloud layer (photo)
They have now started giving H1N1 shots to the general public, so I was one of the first in line yesterday morning. I got to the clinic about 20 minutes before it opened at 10am and I was given number 61. I left the building at about 10.30 am, so I was happily there less than an hour.
News
High income translates into longer life: Study
More Canadians to give gift cards this Christmas: Study
World's Top 5 germiest attractions
CN Tower casts a shadow on a low cloud layer (photo)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Charter for Compassion
This is a moving 2 minute viral video that is very inspirational:
Charter for Compassion
News
Don't blame fast food: Mummies had heart disease
Stressful Jobs That Pay Badly
Charter for Compassion
News
Don't blame fast food: Mummies had heart disease
Stressful Jobs That Pay Badly
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Create Tuesday 12
Here's my entry for Lissa's Create Tuesday 12.
Click on the link in the sidebar for more details if you would like to participate.
This week's theme is:
Procrastination
I just found out about this new website called Evernote:
'Welcome to your notable world. Use Evernote to save your ideas, things you see, and things you like. Then find them all on any computer or device you use. For free.'
It sounds perfect for someone like me, I'm always saving clippings and all sorts of things to remember and now I could possibly reduce clutter and have it online and readily accessible. It's such a new world out there.
News
'Unfriend' selected as Oxford dictionary's word of the year
2 year old touched by Michael Jackson's music (video)
Vitamin D deficiency linked to strokes, heart disease: Study
Canadians Plan To Curb Spending This Holiday Season
Click on the link in the sidebar for more details if you would like to participate.
This week's theme is:
Procrastination
I just found out about this new website called Evernote:
'Welcome to your notable world. Use Evernote to save your ideas, things you see, and things you like. Then find them all on any computer or device you use. For free.'
It sounds perfect for someone like me, I'm always saving clippings and all sorts of things to remember and now I could possibly reduce clutter and have it online and readily accessible. It's such a new world out there.
News
'Unfriend' selected as Oxford dictionary's word of the year
2 year old touched by Michael Jackson's music (video)
Vitamin D deficiency linked to strokes, heart disease: Study
Canadians Plan To Curb Spending This Holiday Season
Monday, November 16, 2009
Beware 90# on your telephone
I got this in an email from my sister, and it sounds legitimate in North America, anyway:
I dialed '0', to check this out, asked the operator, who confirmed that this was correct
so please pass it on . . . (l also checked out Snopes.com . This is true, and also applies to cell phones!)
PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW
I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service Technician (could also be Telus) who was conducting a test on the telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine(9), zero(0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused.
Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number.
I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.
After checking with Verizon they also said it was true, so do not dial 90# for anyone!!!!! PLEASE HIT THAT FORWARD BUTTON AND PASS THIS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!
To continue with the rest of this post, I went for a late evening walk yesterday, just before dusk. It was lovely, the air was balmy and fresh. It was strange to see the houses all lit up as I'm usually out earlier in the day. It 'warmed up' the atmosphere. M and K went to get a Festive Special at Swiss Chalet Restaurant for our dinner. Roast Chicken, stuffing, cranberry sauce, Lindor chocolate truffles, what's not to love? (-: I think everyone's tired of my cooking, including me, so takeout was in order.
For those of you living in Canada, McDonald's is giving out free small coffees around breakfast time for the next 2 weeks. They had a similar promotion last year.
In the News:
Just Thinking of a Loved One Can Reduce Physical Pain
Kids aware of racism by age 9, study finds
Rescue of a teenage boy trapped on an ice floe in Nunavut
BEWARE!!!!!!!!!
90# on your telephone
I dialed '0', to check this out, asked the operator, who confirmed that this was correct
so please pass it on . . . (l also checked out Snopes.com . This is true, and also applies to cell phones!)
PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW
I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service Technician (could also be Telus) who was conducting a test on the telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine(9), zero(0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused.
Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number.
I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.
After checking with Verizon they also said it was true, so do not dial 90# for anyone!!!!! PLEASE HIT THAT FORWARD BUTTON AND PASS THIS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!
To continue with the rest of this post, I went for a late evening walk yesterday, just before dusk. It was lovely, the air was balmy and fresh. It was strange to see the houses all lit up as I'm usually out earlier in the day. It 'warmed up' the atmosphere. M and K went to get a Festive Special at Swiss Chalet Restaurant for our dinner. Roast Chicken, stuffing, cranberry sauce, Lindor chocolate truffles, what's not to love? (-: I think everyone's tired of my cooking, including me, so takeout was in order.
For those of you living in Canada, McDonald's is giving out free small coffees around breakfast time for the next 2 weeks. They had a similar promotion last year.
In the News:
Just Thinking of a Loved One Can Reduce Physical Pain
Kids aware of racism by age 9, study finds
Rescue of a teenage boy trapped on an ice floe in Nunavut
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Indian Summer
We're having the most gorgeous 'Indian Summer' weather, where it's unseasonably warm. It just spoils us for the cold to come. We've had a few frosty mornings, but then it gets warmer in the days. We seem to have dinner plans for next weekend and maybe 2 engagements for the week after. And it's not even December yet. They are already playing Christmas music in the stores. L went to a tennis banquet and won a lovely tennis racquet bag. She can't make it to the dinner next weekend, as one of her good friends is having a birthday party.
At church yesterday, I noticed there was no 'handshake of peace' during mass. They also did that during the SARS outbreak. It gets really dark by 6pm now, so it was a bit tricky walking home.
We bought a carpet steamer that will even do upholstery, like couches. I hope we use it, it will be a good thing. We got a new food processor a few months back and I still haven't used it! I don't think I'm machine oriented.
News
Canada has more H1N1 vaccine than most countries
Conrad Black on teaching fellow inmates - interesting article by a former Canadian newspaper magnate serving time in prison. Read the comments too.
Bird Cloud (video)
At church yesterday, I noticed there was no 'handshake of peace' during mass. They also did that during the SARS outbreak. It gets really dark by 6pm now, so it was a bit tricky walking home.
We bought a carpet steamer that will even do upholstery, like couches. I hope we use it, it will be a good thing. We got a new food processor a few months back and I still haven't used it! I don't think I'm machine oriented.
News
Canada has more H1N1 vaccine than most countries
Conrad Black on teaching fellow inmates - interesting article by a former Canadian newspaper magnate serving time in prison. Read the comments too.
Bird Cloud (video)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
My Life is Average
L was telling me about this website called 'My Life is Average', it's actually quite funny once you start reading the entries a few times. This is how it describes itself:
'About MyLifeIsAverage
News
The best window on overall health? Your mouth
Go beyond plain ol' porridge: It's a piece of cake
Advertisers shifting their dollars to digital
8 fat fighting foods
Humans Still Evolving as Our Brains Shrink
'About MyLifeIsAverage
MyLifeIsAverage is a place to share your everyday mediocrity. It is a place to post the mundane things in your life, and read about what makes life normal for other people.
We believe that for every fail story, or good story, there are about a million normal stories. So tell the world what makes your life average. Anyone can submit a story, because everyone's lives are unexciting and insignificant at some time or another.'
News
The best window on overall health? Your mouth
Go beyond plain ol' porridge: It's a piece of cake
Advertisers shifting their dollars to digital
8 fat fighting foods
Humans Still Evolving as Our Brains Shrink
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tooth Whitening
I did the laundry after 9 p.m. last night. This is to take advantage of the 'time of use' on our electricity bill. The charge is 4 cents per kilowatt hour at low peak periods and 9 cents at high peak. In the spring, I would have to do the laundry after 10pm to get these prices. It's also helping the environment.
Yesterday, at the gym, there was a lady selling a tooth whitening procedure. She basically bleaches your teeth with some kind of peroxide that keeps them sparkly white for about a year. She was right beside my elliptical machine, so I was curious about what she was setting up. She said she usually charges $300 at the dentist's office but here, she was doing it for $120. I did see a girl come in for an appointment.
I also watched a bit of the FoodTV channel as I did my workout. Ricardo was on, a French Canadian chef. He was doing a special on Asian pears. Surprisingly, the trees can grow in Canada and they are very resistant to disease as the insects find the pears too crispy to bite into. I also did not know that these pears can be stored for up to 6 months in your refrigerator which is a good thing. Then he proceeded to cook the pears in carmelized sugar and make a delicious, healthier dessert.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Where does the time go?
I bought a few Christmas gifts a couple of days ago. I got an ice wine vodka in a pretty bottle for one of our good friends. Costco is selling a 3-pack of Starbucks mugs filled with chocolates, so I picked up a pack, thinking it would be perfect for a bunch of L's favourite teachers/mentors. Costco sells all kinds of great gifts, I saw spa certificates, movie certificates, restaurant certificates. Something for everyone, really.
K told me he wants the 2010 Wrestling Video Game for I forget which gaming system, so that will be easy. My mother-in-law seems to like wild animal figurines, so last month or so I got her this bird that stands on its skinny legs and for some reason L says it scares her. Well, hopefully my mother-in-law won't think the same thing!
L is about to get even busier as rehearsals are starting up for the school Drama production, and she got a big part with lots of lines. She is also starting to do her university applications. She told us she will be out of town on a school field trip on her 18th birthday (next April). It's sad to think she's turning into an adult really fast. Where does the time go?
What's interesting to me today:
Dubai Fountain (video)
Therapy Dogs Get Their Due
8 Perfect Stay-Young Foods -
'If it’s dessert you want, go with regular yogurt; but if it’s protein, go Greek. What sets the two apart? Greek yogurt is separated from the watery whey that sits on top of regular yogurt, and the process removes excessive sugars, such as lactose, and increases the concentration of protein by as much as three times. That means it fills your belly more like a meal than a snack. Plus a single cup has about a quarter of your day’s calcium, and studies show that dieters on calcium-rich diets have an easier time losing body fat.'
Real French women really do get fat: Study
Faster eating may be leading to bigger waistlines: Study
K told me he wants the 2010 Wrestling Video Game for I forget which gaming system, so that will be easy. My mother-in-law seems to like wild animal figurines, so last month or so I got her this bird that stands on its skinny legs and for some reason L says it scares her. Well, hopefully my mother-in-law won't think the same thing!
L is about to get even busier as rehearsals are starting up for the school Drama production, and she got a big part with lots of lines. She is also starting to do her university applications. She told us she will be out of town on a school field trip on her 18th birthday (next April). It's sad to think she's turning into an adult really fast. Where does the time go?
What's interesting to me today:
Dubai Fountain (video)
Therapy Dogs Get Their Due
8 Perfect Stay-Young Foods -
'If it’s dessert you want, go with regular yogurt; but if it’s protein, go Greek. What sets the two apart? Greek yogurt is separated from the watery whey that sits on top of regular yogurt, and the process removes excessive sugars, such as lactose, and increases the concentration of protein by as much as three times. That means it fills your belly more like a meal than a snack. Plus a single cup has about a quarter of your day’s calcium, and studies show that dieters on calcium-rich diets have an easier time losing body fat.'
Real French women really do get fat: Study
Faster eating may be leading to bigger waistlines: Study
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Garbage Truck Wisdom
Let's pause for two minutes at 11 a.m. today Remembrance Day to honour our country’s fallen soldiers.
I got the following in an email and thought it would be worth sharing:
Garbage Truck
'One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car drove out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital! This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, So....Love the people who treat you right. Ignore the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
Have a marvelous, garbage-free day! The seeds you plant today, determine the harvest you reap tomorrow.'
What's Interesting Today:
10 Things You Should Have in Your Closet
Rainwater is safe for your health: Study
New online store sells designer duds at bargain prices
I got the following in an email and thought it would be worth sharing:
Garbage Truck
'One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car drove out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.
My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital! This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, So....Love the people who treat you right. Ignore the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
Have a marvelous, garbage-free day! The seeds you plant today, determine the harvest you reap tomorrow.'
What's Interesting Today:
10 Things You Should Have in Your Closet
Rainwater is safe for your health: Study
New online store sells designer duds at bargain prices
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What a Treat
Let's pause for two minutes at 11 a.m. tomorrow on Remembrance Day to honour our country’s fallen soldiers.
Look what Lissa mailed to me yesterday. It's a prize for participating in her 'Create Tuesday' art meme. It was such a treat just receiving a mystery package. There are 2 lovely books in, along with 2 nice journals and some good watercolour pencils. It came in a pretty fabric bag. Thanks again Lissa!
What's Interesting Today:
Why retirement is bad for you
"I've got nothing " - Chartjackers Music Video
Secret knock detecting lock (video)
Guy dancing like Michael Jackson at a bus stop (video)
Look what Lissa mailed to me yesterday. It's a prize for participating in her 'Create Tuesday' art meme. It was such a treat just receiving a mystery package. There are 2 lovely books in, along with 2 nice journals and some good watercolour pencils. It came in a pretty fabric bag. Thanks again Lissa!
What's Interesting Today:
Why retirement is bad for you
"I've got nothing " - Chartjackers Music Video
Secret knock detecting lock (video)
Guy dancing like Michael Jackson at a bus stop (video)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Funny 'Fail' Photo
I thought this was a beautiful staircase in a downtown Toronto skyscraper. The steps are marble on the other side.
L sent me this funny 'fail' photo, you have to look at it here!
We're under a warm spell for yet another day, t-shirt weather really. They are predicting a high of 19C (70F) today! The confectionery on Main Street has been as busy as on summer days. A lot of people are wearing their Remembrance Day poppies.
I have an overdue library book for what may be the first time in my life. I meant to renew it last week, but I got busy and it slipped my mind even though it was on my 'todo' list. The pain of it is that you can't seem to renew electronically once the book has passed the due date, and L still needs it for schoolwork. So I'll have to sort that out today.
Check out the story below, about this blogger who makes $40,000 per month from blogging. Here's his blog, it's a rather busy looking one, but I sense a true entrepreneur here. I decided to add him to my blogroll, he's interesting. I watched his homepage video and liked what he had to say.
News
Blogging, tweeting his way to riches
What Canadians are thinking about
New 'smart' electrical meters raise privacy issues
L sent me this funny 'fail' photo, you have to look at it here!
We're under a warm spell for yet another day, t-shirt weather really. They are predicting a high of 19C (70F) today! The confectionery on Main Street has been as busy as on summer days. A lot of people are wearing their Remembrance Day poppies.
I have an overdue library book for what may be the first time in my life. I meant to renew it last week, but I got busy and it slipped my mind even though it was on my 'todo' list. The pain of it is that you can't seem to renew electronically once the book has passed the due date, and L still needs it for schoolwork. So I'll have to sort that out today.
Check out the story below, about this blogger who makes $40,000 per month from blogging. Here's his blog, it's a rather busy looking one, but I sense a true entrepreneur here. I decided to add him to my blogroll, he's interesting. I watched his homepage video and liked what he had to say.
News
Blogging, tweeting his way to riches
What Canadians are thinking about
New 'smart' electrical meters raise privacy issues
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Blog Tea Party
K got his H1N1 shot at the pediatrician's yesterday. It was very busy there and in fact, his name was not on the waitlist that had been started up at the first clinic earlier in the week. Fortunately, he somehow got squeezed in as we showed up early enough in the day. So now, it's just me that has to wait until the clinics start giving the shots to non-priority people, or hopefully my doctor will get some in.
And have you ever been to a blog tea party? That's what Mmm at Hot Toast and Jam is hosting December 1st! See my sidebar for details. It'll be a great way to get into the seasonal spirit. It will be 'held' in scenic, upscale Aspen. Think minced pies and hot cocoa.
It's a gorgeous weekend, a good chance to do some yard cleanup or go walking. Yesterday, it was about 15C (60'sF) and a lucky bride and groom were out on Main Street having wedding pictures taken. You do take your chances on the weather in November.
News
How to eat a chicken wing (viral video)
Google allows users to view, delete personal information
Study links high blood pressure to memory trouble
The proven power of flowers
And have you ever been to a blog tea party? That's what Mmm at Hot Toast and Jam is hosting December 1st! See my sidebar for details. It'll be a great way to get into the seasonal spirit. It will be 'held' in scenic, upscale Aspen. Think minced pies and hot cocoa.
It's a gorgeous weekend, a good chance to do some yard cleanup or go walking. Yesterday, it was about 15C (60'sF) and a lucky bride and groom were out on Main Street having wedding pictures taken. You do take your chances on the weather in November.
News
How to eat a chicken wing (viral video)
Google allows users to view, delete personal information
Study links high blood pressure to memory trouble
The proven power of flowers
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Happy Hour - Jungle Fruit Alcohol
READ BEFORE WATCHING THE VIDEO!!
This is a real video from a French documentary about Africa. There are trees that grow in Africa which, once a year, produce very Juicy fruits that contain a large percentage of alcohol.
Because there Is a shortage of water, as soon as the fruits are ripe, animals come there to help protect themselves from the heat. What happens next, you can watch for yourselves.
News
New gene therapy halts 2 boys' rare brain disease
Why we should all just say no to sit-ups
Japan's NEC offers eyewear translator
New Japanese glasses bring tears to the eyes
How to cut back on sugar
This is a real video from a French documentary about Africa. There are trees that grow in Africa which, once a year, produce very Juicy fruits that contain a large percentage of alcohol.
Because there Is a shortage of water, as soon as the fruits are ripe, animals come there to help protect themselves from the heat. What happens next, you can watch for yourselves.
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New Japanese glasses bring tears to the eyes
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Friday, November 6, 2009
Homemade Facial Mask
L drove to school yesterday as I had to go downtown with M on some errands and didn't need my car. I can see where this taste of independence will only heighten the longing for one's own car. It's a good thing for the most part, I guess (as is 'growing up'). Some of her friends already have their own cars in Grade 12. L says her friend's mom gets upset every time the friend mentions the word 'university'. This girl is the baby of the family and her mom is having separation anxiety. This girl will go to a Toronto university so that she can stay home and this girl is ok with that. I think that whatever works for each family is a good thing. Some friends can't wait to leave their parents' home.
If anyone is interested in homemade facial treatments, my sister just sent this to 'recipe' to us out of the blue. I know L was asking me what to do to get rid of bags under her eyes, but I couldn't really get interested in her problem! Maybe my sister would know.
Acne/Oily Skin Facial Mask
2 tsp aloe vera gel - fresh from plant
1 tsp lemon juice
1 egg white
1/4 tsp honey
Beat egg white and add all other ingredients. Apply to skin preferably with a small brush and allow to dry. Reapply and leave mask on for 10 minutes, rinse and moisturise.
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Danish firm launches vitamin-rich gum for 3rd world kids
Does your baby cry in French or German?
If anyone is interested in homemade facial treatments, my sister just sent this to 'recipe' to us out of the blue. I know L was asking me what to do to get rid of bags under her eyes, but I couldn't really get interested in her problem! Maybe my sister would know.
Acne/Oily Skin Facial Mask
2 tsp aloe vera gel - fresh from plant
1 tsp lemon juice
1 egg white
1/4 tsp honey
Beat egg white and add all other ingredients. Apply to skin preferably with a small brush and allow to dry. Reapply and leave mask on for 10 minutes, rinse and moisturise.
News
Danish firm launches vitamin-rich gum for 3rd world kids
Does your baby cry in French or German?
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