Planning

I'm a bit of an organized freak. I know that looking inside my house you would never think that. But I like planning things. It's fun. And when you have others helping you, even better.

My one co-worker and I are thinking of taking our kids to Disneyland around the same time. But we're trying to be somewhat frugal about it too. A great idea we got from a friend was that instead of buying the glow sticks at the park, you buy a crapload of them at home for a buck and just tell the kids you got it there. Mine are young enough to believe that stuff. That alone is going to save me a ton of dollars!

So, my one co-worker and I are sharing tips, going on the internet to find deals and hints. Some things like looking up hotels near Disneyland will have to be done at a closer time. But there are so many things to look up now.

However, I think most of my plans will go out the window as it sounds like my husband wants to stay at the resort. It's going to be a while before we go...but I can't wait!

Celebrities

Ok, I love listening to celebrity gossip. But sometimes I even think it's too stupid.

For example, Jessica Simpson. I am so thankful I'm not her as she seems to have had it rough lately...and the press is eating it up. Granted, I'm not sure how high maintenance she is and maybe that's why this is all happening.

But how many days do we have to hear about Daisy...her dog that got mauled by a coyote? Yes, I get that it's sad that she has lost her much loved pet. Ummm...there really has to be more to report out there than to give me a full page about Daisy.

I guess everybody loves to hate Jessica. Even her acne treatment infomercials have been dumped. I hope it gets better for her soon. It's not looking too good for her.....

Numbers

Wow. There really is a number for everything. I love categorization of things!!! It makes me happy. So, when looking for things like a water filter, I can just type in it's code of ukf7003axx. When I want a new car...just type in the model number.
Works for me. It almost sounds like government talk! But like anything, numbers are only as useful to those that it makes sense to.

On a totally different tanget about numbers, the show Numbers will be coming on soon. I swear, I'm a total lover of that show!!! To me, it's just amazing what they can do with math. I must admit, at one point, I was veering to be a statistician. I thought the math was just fascinating. But no, I opted for other things.

Anyways, just a random post about numbers...such wonderful things....

Medical System

Recently, there's been a ton of debate down in the states about the medical system. Medicare supplement, insurance, privatization...etc. Comparisons even between the European and Canadian systems.

I hate that they say that the Canadian system is terrible and will murder thousands if not millions of citizens because they won't be served. Yes, I agree that our system must improve in some way. However, I'm truly thankful for the medical services that my family receives. I pay premiums and I may have to wait for some services...but for those that need services immediately, they get it. At least that is what my experience has been. Regardless, I can afford medical care in this country where I'm not sure if I could if I were in the states today. To me, it's terrible to think that I couldn't afford to bring my child in because they were sick. I'm glad I never have to make a choice of whether or not they'll have to see a doctor.

Hotels

Hotels, hotels. One of the most expensive parts of the trip. But I secretly love them. I never have to clean up, my bed is always made, I always have fresh towels and I always want to see how cheezy the art is that they have on the wall.

Anyways, I started to search for hotels because I got my weekly travel discount e-newsletter. I don't know why I sign up for these because I end up wanting to go only to know that I don't have the actual time, getting care for my kids can be more work, and to determine where I want to go first!!! The world is a big place....

So I searched hotels in daytona beach...but I'll make sure it's not spring break. Hotels in Portland...no tax. Hotels in Indonesia because I loved being there before, and it's the one place that I can afford 5 star hotels at rock bottom prices. Hotels in Perth. Want to go visit a friend in Aussie land. Oh, the list goes on.

But I'm just going to have to wait a bit longer for my long travelling days again....

First day of School

Well, today was the first day of my one kid going to Grade 1. It was a good day. She was excited to see friends, to see a school she loves and to learn. I love that! Having a kid excited to learn is half the battle. And as exciting as today was, I was actually somewhat annoyed at the US school system today.

I didn't realize until last week that President Obama was going to do a Presidential speech to all children in the US today. However, many parents were up in arms and upset to the 10th degree because they thought that the President would use the platform to forward his political agenda. Hmmmm. What President in history has done so? Isn't it usually a feel good message of doing well in school, the future is yours for the taking, we are Americans and therefore we need to educate ourselves, blah, blah, blah?

I couldn't believe that some folks that I knew were dead set against hearing the President. They wanted the school to pre-screen or not to show the speech at all.
Everybody is entitled to their opinion but I do not share that thought.

I did hear one mother say that the kids should listen to the speech and make up their own minds. I agree. And what did the kids focus on? They focussed on how motivating the speech was, how they think the President really spoke to them to do well for their country and for themselves. I highly doubt a President would be stupid enough to give out some government dogma during one of these events. It would hurt him too much.

But if we want to teach our children about politics and making an informed decision on who to vote for, what issues are important, etc., I think moments like these are great. I'd like to ask, for all those that said no to the President's speech, would it be ok to have religion televised to all students in public schools? Don't make me even go there....

Listening

As a parent, sometimes you talk to your children and you don't know if they're really listening. Especially when it comes to important messages. I know I must sound like a broken record, but there are some things that when I think it's a good opportunity, I'll just start talking about it with them. For example, the topic of strangers.

I don't want to freak the daylights out of them, but I think it's important to tell them what they need to do, how to interact with strangers, etc. You just never know these days.

So, imagine how happy I was when I found out that at least one of my kids listen to me. My dad had both of my kids this week. And he happened to take my youngest kid out to go to the local pharmacy to pick up up something quickly. She was ok with going as she's been there plenty of times and knows the staff there. However, this one day, there happened to be a pharmacist that my kid did not know. My dad and the pharmacist talked, got caught up and had some good laughs. Then she turned her attention to my kid. And this is how the conversation went:

Pharmacist: Hey, it's so great that you're here with Grandpa. How about a treat? You see all these chocolates and candies? Pick anything you want.

Kid: No thank you.

Pharmacist: Why not?

Kid: You're a stranger.

Pharmacist: That's a good answer, and that's good that you listen to your parents. But I'm your grandad's friend. Why don't you pick a treat?

Kid: No, thank you. Your still a stranger because you're not my momma's friend.

! NICE. I was so proud of my little girl and it just gave me a little boost to know that maybe I am doing something right as a mother.

Rants and Raves

Well, today will prove to be a bit of a rant and rave day. Sometimes, we need to get out all the crap stuff and also praise all the wonderful stuff.

Rant: To all the crappy drivers this morning that tailgated me and were more than close enough to smash into me. You all suck. I'm stopping my car to turn, but if there's a person crossing the road and I know I can hit her, I'll wait for the person to finish crossing. Don't be a fricken moron. Remember if you hit into me, you're in the wrong, not me.

Rave: I went out to a local congee joint for awewsome food. That always makes me feel good.

Rant: Some co-workers really need to learn when to gossip. Dudette, don't gossip in the middle of the hallway about me because you'll know I'll walk by. Murphy's law. And sure enough, that happened today...hmmm...you were blushing, guess you knew that I heard you?

Rave: The weather was actually quite perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. Better enjoy it because Fall and Winter are just around the corner.

Rant: Why can't people understand that co-workers don't have to be best friends. You might not like me, and I can totally understand that because I may not necessarily like you, but we need to work together. Let's just be professional and not get catty. I want to go home at the end of the day and forget your ugly attitude and face. But I will not treat you like crap while at work though I'd love to just kick you to the curb. Let's just say that I had to deal with some serious f#$@ers today. You all suck.

Rave: I'm just about done my cold. That's awesome. Maybe sleep will come to me now....

So, some good and bad and that's just the way it is. I'm thankful for a job but I really could do without some of the characters that can make my life a living hell at times. But that goes with the territory. And tomorrow is a new day. Hopefully no rants...just raves.

Regrets

I really try to live my life and make choices that I will not regret in the long run. Do I have some? Sure I do but I believe that they're small regrets and I can live with them. But regret is an ugly thing. So, I want to be able to forgive myself so that at the end of my life whenever that may be, I want to be able to die peacefully knowing that I didn't regret any action or inaction during my life.

For example, I have a co-worker (frick, everything is about co-workers today) that mentioned something about being regrettful about some choices she made recently. Too me, it was about a job she didn't take. And the regret has been eating her up and I can see that it's actually adding to some of her bitterness.

I told her that whatever decision she did make, she needs to let go. Regret will eat you up inside and will take you down the bitter road. Life just isn't pleasant and you start missing out on all the great things that are in your life. You miss out on all that life has to offer because you're still stewing over this one decision.

Forgive yourself and move on. Probably easier said than done. But there's nothing you can change about that decision now as it's over and your life has taken on a different trajectory based on those choices. But it doesn't mean that the choices that come to you will be bad. It might bring about better options that you didn't know existed. So live in the present rather than thinking about the past.

Unity

I find it very funny how some things unite us. Today, I talked to a co-worker that I hadn't seen in weeks as she was on holidays, then I was on holidays...and we basically kept missing each other.

Anyways, I asked her what she did on her holidays. She said a couple of things...and then she mentioned her sister. Me, being nosey as hell, decided to probe a little further. She had taken 3 weeks off as her sister had breast cancer. Her sister was staying with her while she recovered from a double masectomy. They were going to do further surgery as it looked like the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. For goodness sake, the woman is only 38 and with 2 kids.

I tried to comfort her in letting her know that my husband had cancer and I understand the emotional drain. I hoped that she was taking care of herself while taking care of her sister. I know the fears she is encountering. Though there are differences in treatment, to me, cancer is cancer. A disease is a disease. Doesn't matter...it's draining and anxiety ridden for all those involved.

Now, I'm not particularly close to this co-worker, but having had this conversation, it gave me an opportunity to understand her as a person, to be more sympathetic to what she is going through at this time, and to offer support where needed. I know how important that support was to me when my husband was recovering...I hope that I can offer some of that to her and to others that need it.

Phone Calls

In such a busy time, busy place, busy life, we sometimes forget to just keep in touch. With e-mail, facebook, twitter, etc., it makes it a little easier. But nothing replaces the human voice or an actual phone call.

You never know what you're going to hear on the other end. Perhaps great news you didn't expect or maybe terrible news. Something suprising or just odd. And sometimes, it's a just a call to let the other person know you're thinking of them.

I've been thinking about a special friend in my life and glad I picked up the phone today. No, her news wasn't great, but she is sure one tough cookie. And her family is strong and supportive. If anything, it gave me an opportunity to let her know that I was thinking of her and the rest of her family. As well, it helped me in hearing her voice as I knew she was ok despite the not so great news. And I hope that when she heard my voice, it was actually a welcome call that maybe took her mind off of things even for a couple of minutes. But if anything, she knew that I cared.

Life is short folks. So, pick up the phone...you never know what a phone call can mean to someone.

Blogs

There at least a billion webpages. But some are just better than others. My husband introduced me Fail Blog and I swear, it's like crack for adults. Try not to laugh...I dare you.

http://failblog.org/