How to clean in 31 days?! I'm so in. Seriously, I look at this house and wonder how we have that much stuff and why we can't clean properly?! I'd like to know that if someone were to come and visit me unannounced, my house would be decent. More like, I just don't want to be embarrassed.
So I'm willing to give 31 Days to Clean - Having a Martha House the Mary Way. I'll let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Breaktime
It's hard to believe it's almost May. But the months have just been rushing by! There is so much to do, especially with the kids in school. But I'm heading off to Portland tomorrow...and I can't wait!
Just to spend some time with some peeps chatting, shopping, eating and goodness knows what other trouble we'll get into. But some serious down time for me. I'm hoping to recharge my batteries!
And we all need breaks like this. Hope you and your loved ones find some time to celebrate Easter but to also take time to just chill.
Just to spend some time with some peeps chatting, shopping, eating and goodness knows what other trouble we'll get into. But some serious down time for me. I'm hoping to recharge my batteries!
And we all need breaks like this. Hope you and your loved ones find some time to celebrate Easter but to also take time to just chill.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Coffee and Life
This afternoon, I was able to go out and meet a friend for coffee. It has been a long time since I've seen this friend, though we've kept in touch here and there. I met her while working at Coke (insert mocking here from a certain someone...LOL!).
My time with her was much too short today. But it was so great to just pick up where we left off. And one of the things we talked about was how cancer affected our own personal lives. In this case though, she was the patient.
What's more interesting was the conversation about supports and how people deal with stuff like this. After 2 bouts of cancer for my husband, I know who my real friends are and who isn't. I know that those that you count on and thought would be there might not be. And that's because they don't want to deal with it, it's cumbersome, they're scared and they don't know what to do. Unfortunately for my friend, she is finding out who her real supports are...and she's sorely disappointed.
If you don't know how to deal with someone's diagnosis...then just ask. I know it can be scary and so hard to deal with. But it's not about you, it's about your loved ones and what they need at that point. Having dealt with sick family/friends before, I know it doesn't take much to make them feel loved and supported. And really, if it could possibly be their last days on earth, don't you think that might be a little more important than your feelings of being scared?
My time with her was much too short today. But it was so great to just pick up where we left off. And one of the things we talked about was how cancer affected our own personal lives. In this case though, she was the patient.
What's more interesting was the conversation about supports and how people deal with stuff like this. After 2 bouts of cancer for my husband, I know who my real friends are and who isn't. I know that those that you count on and thought would be there might not be. And that's because they don't want to deal with it, it's cumbersome, they're scared and they don't know what to do. Unfortunately for my friend, she is finding out who her real supports are...and she's sorely disappointed.
If you don't know how to deal with someone's diagnosis...then just ask. I know it can be scary and so hard to deal with. But it's not about you, it's about your loved ones and what they need at that point. Having dealt with sick family/friends before, I know it doesn't take much to make them feel loved and supported. And really, if it could possibly be their last days on earth, don't you think that might be a little more important than your feelings of being scared?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Lipdub and Make A Wish
I graduated from UBC many, many years ago. But I do have fond memories of the place. If I could redo a segment of my life, university life would be it. So, I was all excited about the UBC libdub. If you haven't seen the video, well, just watch it here:
At the end of the video, the credits roll and they show the Make A Wish Foundation logo. My one kid happened to be watching the video with me and saw all the credits. She asked what this foundation was. I explained that there are many sick kids that will die. The foundation grants children wishes to them and their families so that they all will remember a truly unique event/activity together. So the child makes a wish and hopefully it is the day/event that they wished for.
I started to tear up when the following conversation continued:
"Why can't they wish for a longer life?"
"Honey, I'm sure they do...every single day. But sometimes it's just not possible."
"But why isn't it possible?"
"Because some kids are just very sick and we just don't know how to fix them."
I know I complain about how frustrating parenthood is sometimes. But it's nothing comopared to what these kids and families have to go through. Thank you UBC for making a fun video...but if anything, I hope it makes a ton of donations for Make A Wish.
At the end of the video, the credits roll and they show the Make A Wish Foundation logo. My one kid happened to be watching the video with me and saw all the credits. She asked what this foundation was. I explained that there are many sick kids that will die. The foundation grants children wishes to them and their families so that they all will remember a truly unique event/activity together. So the child makes a wish and hopefully it is the day/event that they wished for.
I started to tear up when the following conversation continued:
"Why can't they wish for a longer life?"
"Honey, I'm sure they do...every single day. But sometimes it's just not possible."
"But why isn't it possible?"
"Because some kids are just very sick and we just don't know how to fix them."
I know I complain about how frustrating parenthood is sometimes. But it's nothing comopared to what these kids and families have to go through. Thank you UBC for making a fun video...but if anything, I hope it makes a ton of donations for Make A Wish.
Orientation
Yesterday, my youngest went to her first Kindergarten orientation. I say first because there really is another orientation for her. Seriously, remember when we went to kindergarten? We were dropped off, told not to cry and that was about it.
She was so excited about the orientation. When she went to go pick out her clothes, she picked out something nice without me even telling her. When we were in the car, she was bouncing up and down in her chair...she couldn't keep in her excitement.
When we got to the school, she was ready to go to class. But she had to sit for a little bit for opening remarks, etc. While we were waiting, a girl came over and was smilling and started to do a long drawn out "Ohhhhhhhh...." I had no clue who she was. And then she asked, "Are you Kaylee? I'm your sister's big buddy! I'm so happy to meet you!" Well, if that didn't make Kaylee feel special. And of course, Kaylee was lucky enough to be in her sister's big buddy group for orientation. And so cute, this big buddy who is in grade 6 came back afterwards to say that Kaylee was extremely sweet and great. Thanks for taking her around big buddy!!
And when we left, each kid, all 36 of them got a goody bag that must have been worth over $10. Holy smokes! Talk about getting kids excited! And there was some good stuff there. While we left, she talked non stop about how fun it was, what she saw, friends she met, etc. I loved it! I know that this transition will be a wonderful one for her and one that won't be traumatic.
What I remember from this orientation is that my kid is ready to go to a big school. This is my baby going to a big school and though I think she's big, she seemed so small in this school. And though I try to help my kids in making good decisions for themselves and learning about life, when I saw how tiny my kid was this afternoon, I just wanted to take her in my arms and shelter her from all that's bad about life. I know this is just step 1 of learning to let go in some form or fashion. It wasn't difficult with the eldest because I knew I still had one more kid. This time it's different. I still can't believe my baby is ready for kindergarten.....
She was so excited about the orientation. When she went to go pick out her clothes, she picked out something nice without me even telling her. When we were in the car, she was bouncing up and down in her chair...she couldn't keep in her excitement.
When we got to the school, she was ready to go to class. But she had to sit for a little bit for opening remarks, etc. While we were waiting, a girl came over and was smilling and started to do a long drawn out "Ohhhhhhhh...." I had no clue who she was. And then she asked, "Are you Kaylee? I'm your sister's big buddy! I'm so happy to meet you!" Well, if that didn't make Kaylee feel special. And of course, Kaylee was lucky enough to be in her sister's big buddy group for orientation. And so cute, this big buddy who is in grade 6 came back afterwards to say that Kaylee was extremely sweet and great. Thanks for taking her around big buddy!!
And when we left, each kid, all 36 of them got a goody bag that must have been worth over $10. Holy smokes! Talk about getting kids excited! And there was some good stuff there. While we left, she talked non stop about how fun it was, what she saw, friends she met, etc. I loved it! I know that this transition will be a wonderful one for her and one that won't be traumatic.
What I remember from this orientation is that my kid is ready to go to a big school. This is my baby going to a big school and though I think she's big, she seemed so small in this school. And though I try to help my kids in making good decisions for themselves and learning about life, when I saw how tiny my kid was this afternoon, I just wanted to take her in my arms and shelter her from all that's bad about life. I know this is just step 1 of learning to let go in some form or fashion. It wasn't difficult with the eldest because I knew I still had one more kid. This time it's different. I still can't believe my baby is ready for kindergarten.....
Executive Decision
No, I didn't make one. I finally saw the entire movie. Holy smokes, it's not like it is a stellar movie. However, I started watching it while at the dentist. I had some long procedure that required that I stay in the dentist chair for a while. She has a big tv in the room and there was nothing to watch. But for whatever reason, this movie kept my decision and kept me from being entirely bored. But my dentist being so efficient finished before the movie ended! Dang. I was getting pretty close to the end of the movie. I had invested time in this movie and no matter how good or terrible, I wanted to finish it.
This was a couple of months ago. From that point on, the movie has been on tv. But I never get to the part where I missed. Could I have PVR'd it? For sure, but during those times, my PVR was always full!!! When I set up a recording of when it would be on, the PVR always taped some other show. But today was the day. Today I finally got to watch the remaining 15 minutes I had been missing. It was finally meant to be. Would I watch it again? Nope...but I can finally say I watched the whole damn thing.
This was a couple of months ago. From that point on, the movie has been on tv. But I never get to the part where I missed. Could I have PVR'd it? For sure, but during those times, my PVR was always full!!! When I set up a recording of when it would be on, the PVR always taped some other show. But today was the day. Today I finally got to watch the remaining 15 minutes I had been missing. It was finally meant to be. Would I watch it again? Nope...but I can finally say I watched the whole damn thing.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
More Cute Food
Oh, thank you Epicute for being awesome. They show the cutest things...even with food. For my foodies, I don't know how you're not going to "awwwwww" over these pictures.
I recently celebrated a birthday, so I related to these bits of happiness.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Imperfectionism
I was surfing last week and caught a speaker on PBS speaking about letting go of who you think you're supposed to be and being who you really are. That really grabbed my attention. So I went to see when it was on again and PVR'd it. 
I checked my PVR the other night and saw that the whole show was taped. I started to watch it and was very much intrigued. I haven't finished watching it. But I really liked the premise of it...talking about why imperfectionism is a gift. And why we should embrace this rather than be ashamed about it. She also talked about other variables that can add to the idea of our own imperfection: shame and guilt. Her ideas and studies behind these variables are interesting (yes, I'm geeky and love this scientific stuff). I thought about what she said and thought how it had a bearing on my life. And many aspects of her presentation is what I do think of myself and what I tell others. I really do know I'm imperfect and I'm most of the time ok with it. I can't be what everybody else wants me to be because that's now who I am. And when I do try to be what others want, I get resentful and very angry. So I'm imperfect. I don't need to compare myself to others as I'm just setting myself up for failure. As mentioned, I haven't watched the whole program, but I got to the part of living whole heartedly. See graphic below. I am looking forward to hearing the rest. If you're interested, it should be on PBS soon. Or google Brené Brown, check out her website, find her on PBS, or on Ted.com (love TED!).
I checked my PVR the other night and saw that the whole show was taped. I started to watch it and was very much intrigued. I haven't finished watching it. But I really liked the premise of it...talking about why imperfectionism is a gift. And why we should embrace this rather than be ashamed about it. She also talked about other variables that can add to the idea of our own imperfection: shame and guilt. Her ideas and studies behind these variables are interesting (yes, I'm geeky and love this scientific stuff). I thought about what she said and thought how it had a bearing on my life. And many aspects of her presentation is what I do think of myself and what I tell others. I really do know I'm imperfect and I'm most of the time ok with it. I can't be what everybody else wants me to be because that's now who I am. And when I do try to be what others want, I get resentful and very angry. So I'm imperfect. I don't need to compare myself to others as I'm just setting myself up for failure. As mentioned, I haven't watched the whole program, but I got to the part of living whole heartedly. See graphic below. I am looking forward to hearing the rest. If you're interested, it should be on PBS soon. Or google Brené Brown, check out her website, find her on PBS, or on Ted.com (love TED!). 
Covers
When you buy big items, there are always "extra" costs that you might not have thought about...and think, maybe I won't buy it to save some extra money. But sometimes, it's worth spending that extra money to ensure your expensive item doesn't lose its value.
I say hot tubs is one of those big expensive items that you want to spend a little extra on and get the hot tub cover that goes along with it. I've been to people's houses where they opted out of getting one of these...leaves and bird poop get into the water. If it clogs the system, etc., your hot tub is no good.
Well, I guess I don't have to worry about this since I don't have time for a hot tub.
I say hot tubs is one of those big expensive items that you want to spend a little extra on and get the hot tub cover that goes along with it. I've been to people's houses where they opted out of getting one of these...leaves and bird poop get into the water. If it clogs the system, etc., your hot tub is no good.
Well, I guess I don't have to worry about this since I don't have time for a hot tub.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Election Time
As we all know, the next Canadian election will be held on May 2. I'll be out there voting. I always go because I know how fortunate we are to have the right to vote in a democratic society.
Usually I'm sure of who I will vote for...but this time, I'm not so sure. Lots of questions I have and I don't like any of the answers. And some of the platforms are just recycled platforms from previous years.
For years, my parents never voted. And I got really upset with them. They have been given the opportunity to vote and to be heard. For them to squander that seemed crazy. So we had our talk and eventually they started to vote. And they have voted in every election every since. I think that's fantastic.
What's more interesting is that they have a fricken political sign up...and it's not a political sign that I thought they would have up! I asked them about it because I was very interested in why and when in the world did they switch to be a supporter of a different political party. Basically, they didn't like the work or platform of their previous party which they followed for years and decided to switch. Well. I was gobsmacked. But I was also very happy that they were really getting to be a part of this process.
Nice job parental units! But it doesn't mean I agree with them. =)
Usually I'm sure of who I will vote for...but this time, I'm not so sure. Lots of questions I have and I don't like any of the answers. And some of the platforms are just recycled platforms from previous years.
For years, my parents never voted. And I got really upset with them. They have been given the opportunity to vote and to be heard. For them to squander that seemed crazy. So we had our talk and eventually they started to vote. And they have voted in every election every since. I think that's fantastic.
What's more interesting is that they have a fricken political sign up...and it's not a political sign that I thought they would have up! I asked them about it because I was very interested in why and when in the world did they switch to be a supporter of a different political party. Basically, they didn't like the work or platform of their previous party which they followed for years and decided to switch. Well. I was gobsmacked. But I was also very happy that they were really getting to be a part of this process.
Nice job parental units! But it doesn't mean I agree with them. =)
Telework
It's too bad that folks can't telework more. Some jobs will never be telework friendly, but for those that can be, it sure would be nice to be able to work at home more.
I get that from a management standpoint, it would be difficult to assess what the person is really doing. There would definitely need to be some concrete goals and projects.
But in this day of web conferencing, calls, instant messenger, e-mail and other forms of communication, telework is really a way to go. I know that I've always been able to deliver my work when I work at home.
I guess time will tell if this will be a more common type of practice. Hopefully, I get to monopolize on this.
I get that from a management standpoint, it would be difficult to assess what the person is really doing. There would definitely need to be some concrete goals and projects.
But in this day of web conferencing, calls, instant messenger, e-mail and other forms of communication, telework is really a way to go. I know that I've always been able to deliver my work when I work at home.
I guess time will tell if this will be a more common type of practice. Hopefully, I get to monopolize on this.
Medical Equipment
I'm a chatty person by nature. And I'm pretty chatty where I can basically hold a conversation with most people and probably start one wherever I go. Sometimes I just start conversations because I'm just stinking nosy.
And sure enough, I started a conversation recently with someone as they had some weird device on their leg. It looked like a "regular" ankle brace...but not really if that makes any sense. So I asked the person what it was. They said it was an aircast air stirrup.
Uh, ok. Sounds so "space age." I was told that it's basically for serious 3rd degree injuries. Wow. Sucks to be them...but I'm glad they have something to assist.
The things that we learn just being nosy.
And sure enough, I started a conversation recently with someone as they had some weird device on their leg. It looked like a "regular" ankle brace...but not really if that makes any sense. So I asked the person what it was. They said it was an aircast air stirrup.
Uh, ok. Sounds so "space age." I was told that it's basically for serious 3rd degree injuries. Wow. Sucks to be them...but I'm glad they have something to assist.
The things that we learn just being nosy.
Shiny Things
On my quest of looking at "shiny" things...I found Barbados jewelry. Yep, lots of cool, cute and unique shiny things. I know it may not seem like I'm a girly-girl, but I can be at times.
Sometimes I like the real big chunky stuff. And sometimes I just like the simplistic beauty of some stones/metals. I guess it all depends on my mood.
So, if my husband could kindly win the lotto so I can buy all types to suit my mood, that would be lovely.
Sometimes I like the real big chunky stuff. And sometimes I just like the simplistic beauty of some stones/metals. I guess it all depends on my mood.
So, if my husband could kindly win the lotto so I can buy all types to suit my mood, that would be lovely.
Computers
We have users in the office that use pc towers or laptops. I'm a laptop user as my previous job required that I have one. Though my current job does not require that I have one, I continue to use it as it provides me with the option to work at home if need be. For example, during big snow storms. There is no way I'm going to drive to work, risk my life for the sake of working. It's a long distance from me to go to work. Working straight from home on days like this is great because I have maximum productivity without the stress of having to get to and from work. Really, a win-win for me.
But my little laptop is getting old...and it's heavy to lug around. I really am hoping for a new one as I'm sure many from the office are too! Crossing my fingers for this fiscal year!
But my little laptop is getting old...and it's heavy to lug around. I really am hoping for a new one as I'm sure many from the office are too! Crossing my fingers for this fiscal year!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Links
I need to be a little more careful with the links that I click on. Sometimes it just sounds interesting and I have to click on it. I should know better. Who knows what can happen with the viruses that are hanging out there in cyberspace ready to attack my computer?!
I saw something for cissus quadrangularis side effects. Honestly, I thought it was some disease. But it wasn't. For some weight loss drug. Maybe it was a sign for me. Or maybe I should just stop clicking links.
I saw something for cissus quadrangularis side effects. Honestly, I thought it was some disease. But it wasn't. For some weight loss drug. Maybe it was a sign for me. Or maybe I should just stop clicking links.
Camera
On my Disneyland trip, I decided to buy a new camera. I have a slick Nikon DSLR camera that I love. But it really was too bulky to take with me. And the concern of losing it or damaging it was too much for me. I couldn't afford another camera like this as it would cost me $800.
So I opted for a new point and shoot since my other one is in pieces. I did research on different types. I searched mainly Canon and Nikon. I didn't just look at the camera, but I looked things like the cost of replacing one of those canon camera batteries, or the cost of a nikon charger, etc.
Pretty anal for a point and shoot. But if the replacement is going to cost more than the camera...why bother?
I am happy with my choice of cameras. Can't wait to use it in Portland!
So I opted for a new point and shoot since my other one is in pieces. I did research on different types. I searched mainly Canon and Nikon. I didn't just look at the camera, but I looked things like the cost of replacing one of those canon camera batteries, or the cost of a nikon charger, etc.
Pretty anal for a point and shoot. But if the replacement is going to cost more than the camera...why bother?
I am happy with my choice of cameras. Can't wait to use it in Portland!
Other Travellers
I went back to work this week. And the first week back is always a little tough because you're catching up on everything that's happened and then having to do the work that is currently coming your way. But it was a good catch up and I felt like I accomplished a lot this week.
One of the advantages of going back to work is seeing some friends. And it seems that there were quite a few people at work that also chose California as their trip destination at the same time I did.
In my last entry I talked about the monsoon rains. And yes, I still had fun, but I would have had more fun in the sun. But I guess I shouldn't complain...at all. One person went to San Diego only to find the same storm system, same rain, but she got big balls of hail. It was so bad on her first day there she didn't even bother to go out.
Another friend decided that he would go to San Francisco. Love that place! But planes were grounded as there was a mini tornado apparently. CRAZINESS.
So really, I have nothing to complain about.
One of the advantages of going back to work is seeing some friends. And it seems that there were quite a few people at work that also chose California as their trip destination at the same time I did.
In my last entry I talked about the monsoon rains. And yes, I still had fun, but I would have had more fun in the sun. But I guess I shouldn't complain...at all. One person went to San Diego only to find the same storm system, same rain, but she got big balls of hail. It was so bad on her first day there she didn't even bother to go out.
Another friend decided that he would go to San Francisco. Love that place! But planes were grounded as there was a mini tornado apparently. CRAZINESS.
So really, I have nothing to complain about.
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