Halloween

The kids are so stinking excited about today. They have a beautiful night to go Trick or Treating. Yay! Especially since it's my night to go with them. I've got a vampire princess and a chinese cinderella. SWEET.

It'll be fun. Just hope the hubby gets home in time to give out candy! I hate sticking them by the door because some kids take more than their share...and of course, you've got the crappy kid that may just take the whole bowl. But if he's not home in time, that's just the way it is. BAD karma to the kid that takes it all. 

My block is kind of crazy with decorations. I'm sure it's beat the Jones' attitude. But there is this one house, seriously...I get cold sweats just walking up the stairs. Last year, I made it partway up the stairs and had to retreat back I was so freaked out. And my one kid this year wants to "risk" it and go to the house. She's on her fricken own. My ticker can't handle that house. It's that awesomely horrifying. She'll probably scream the whole time. NICE.

So another year, another Halloween. Hope everybody has a great time!

Soap Products

Soap products are fun to shop for. Lately, I've seen more african soap products. Are they any better or worse? Not sure. But they are different...I'm thinking that they probably have other ingredients that we don't have as much here. But call me a cheapie. I don't like to spend that much on soap. I'm pretty sure my regular stuff is just fine and I'm clean from it. But whenever I feel the need to splurge, these types of soaps might be the ticket.

Winter

Ahhh...winter is approaching. I can't say I'm looking forward to it. But it's coming whether or not I want it. I have to find a day to change my tires to snow tires. Some folks are ok with All Season tires and that's great. I just need that extra boost of confidence as I do drive a fair distance to work. I'm glad that I don't have to deal with ski racks. That seems like it's a bit of work. But maybe if I did ski, maybe I would think differently. Hopefully this winter will be a mild one...crossing my fingers!

Oprah chat

Oprah haters...don't even read this. For my Oprah peeps...read on! Today, I had a chance to have a good chat with a friend about Oprah's Life Classes. She's been watching what she can but she seems to be really enjoying the series. Me too!!! My friend and I both agree that we already live in a way that does reflect the lessons talked about on Oprah's webcast. But we're still getting "A HA" moments. That's a good thing as that means we're constantly learning. I disagree with some stuff...and some of it's too hokey...even for me. If anything, it's an opportunity to discuss difficult topics and continuously understand how we can evolve. Topics on Anger and Energy were excellent. Didn't like the Paula Deen one. Maybe it's because I pictured her putting 3 pounds of butter on her own advice. So, I'm continuing with the Oprah Life Lessons...despite the eye rolling from a certain some one....

Parity

Goody! The Canadian dollar is above parity compared to the US dollar. Awesome. Well, maybe not so much for businesses to Canada. However, it's good for my pocket when shopping in the states...especially groceries. Been getting some great deals. But it also goes to show that the Retail System here in this country needs a boost or a change. For example, charging us the US price for books!!! I still can't stand that. I feel terrible that I've been shopping in the US so much. But if I'm saving that much, why wouldn't I? Gotta save where I can.

Projects

Many years ago, I was a Project Officer. Basically, my job was to recommend funding for projects, write up the contract, then monitor the project to the end of the contract. I was responsible for projects as "little" as $2,000 and some projects up to $500,000 or more. Some projects were easier than others just due to the nature of certain project criteria. However, some were more difficult. But for a new project trying to get funding, those were the most difficult ones to deal with. As an officer, I had to make sure it met all the right criteria...but the risk was that there was no previous history...would it do well? Would it fail? Is it worthy? And in a job such as this, you have to go with your gut. Sometimes new projects were better than ones that had been funded for 10 years because the new projects were innovative and help a new market. One of the projects I funded was a centre to help street workers get off the street. This was in the form of finding legitimate work, helping in obtaining skills in legitimate work, finding housing, etc. I really had to fight to get this project funded because it was outside of the norm of projects that were funded. It was new and people were unsure that this was a risk that the organization should take. But I knew it would be a good choice. And I knew it would help those individuals that are some of the most vulnerable people in society. And fast forward to today...saw that the centre is celebrating 10 years. I'm reading about some of the success stories that have come out of that centre. Just amazing. The people that come to that centre have turned their life around in some form or fashion. Granted, maybe the numbers are not as huge as mainstream centres that help unemployed folks. But considering the population and how difficult it is to get them to trust anybody and also get off the street...nothing short of a miracle I say. Glad to see the centre is still running. Glad I went with my gut on funding this place. And so, so happy for those that have turned their life around.

Geocaching

This weekend, I tried looking for my first geocache! And I can see why people do this now. One of the reasons people geocache is to explore parts of the city/world/area that others are wanting them to enjoy. And at the end of it, find a little treasure, momento or just a chance to say you were there through a notebook or the geocache itself. Every item and signature brings a story which is another great reason people do this. I tried it as I had a small bit of time to kill and it was such a beautiful day on Saturday. I went to an area by Granville and 75th...would have never ventured there on a regular day. And I'm so glad I did! My youngest daughter was with me and we found this public pathway that took us to a beautiful view of the water. We had a chance to walk the pathway, enjoy the sun and each other's company while looking for the geocache. Unfortunately, due to the limited time, we didn't find it. Though I know we were in the right area. But my daughter was very interested and can't wait for her next search with me! I'm hooked!

Jello

Jello really is one of the bestest snacks and treats out there. I love the stuff!!! Blackberry and Razzleberry Blue are 2 of my favourites. Of course, there are the regular favourites...I'd say strawberry is one of the classics. So imagine my glee when I saw the jello app for the iPhone. Oh yeah, Jello that jiggles to the best of your music. Yeah...Jello, you are now even COOLER in my books!

Mirrors

A friend of mine posted a video on Facebook. And I thought it was going to be this cheesy video. I mean, how many "good" videos have you seen out there that are on youtube? But I loved this one! Totally fun and different! I want one for my bathroom! And one for my kid's bathroom! Though, they may never come out because they were having so much fun.

Sunglasses Part II

Oooo...I found some sunglasses that are well within my range. And they seem to offer much better protection than the crappy ones I have! I've never heard of julbo sunglasses but they seem neat. Yeah...even sunglasses for kids! I think the prices are reasonable and something I'd be willing to buy...and look like a responsible adult for once. One day, I'll be all grown up.

Hello?

OMG. There is this one person on the 3rd floor in our office that is a total snob. Seriously...this person has worked in the building for years. And every time I say hello...this person totally ignores me and walks away. Ummmm...what happened to common greetings? I keep saying hello to this person as it's some stupid game now. Fine, you don't want to talk to me? I'll keep talking to you. Let me continue to bother you. The fascinating part is that this not the first person to do this. There is another person that used to do this to me. After 11 years, I broke this person down. And now I can't shut them up. Serves me right.

Gift Ideas

I don't know about other women out there, but I hate buying presents for my husband. I find him terribly difficult to shop for. Either he's already bought the items for himself or what I bought wasn't the right model...or whatever I thought he'd like, he hates. So I try different search words in google...top gift ideas for men, what to get for a husband, what to get a geek...blah, blah. I didn't say anything but it worked out that this Christmas, we will be buying a joint gift for each other. And next year, if all goes as planned, I will be taking my husband to China and Hong Kong...and paying his way. I told him if it works out, that is his "every special event that I have to buy you a gift" present. I'm scott free next year. Only one gift and that's it!!! Oh, that is well worth every penny.

Way to Be Remembered

I was talking to a friend the other day and somehow we got on the conversation of scorned lovers. "Remember that astronaut that went nutso to get her lover back?" "Oh, the one that wore those adult diapers so she wouldn't have to stop anywhere?" "Yeah. That one. Those must have been good diapers. But I'd hate to be remembered by that." And unfortunately, for this woman, she'll always be remembered as the astronaut that wore diapers. So sad. I know that love can make us do strange things. But I hope I never do that!!

Sunglasses

We've had a nice couple of days of sunny weather. Awesome! I can never have enough of this. It's crisp, but it's Fall. I can bundle up...and it's so worth it to see the sun. However, sunny days are not good when you don't have sunglasses while driving. I thought I was going to go blind the other day. I wish I could pay good money to get a really awesome pair of sunglasses like a pair of prada sunglasses. I think the quality is there, but I need quantity. I break and lose so many pairs of glasses that I could never keep up in buying expensive sunglasses. One day, when I grow up and get my act together, I will buy a pair of expensive sunglasses.

Short Film

I love films...short films are good too. But a short film about cupcakes? Holy smokes! I'm totally in!!

I ended up this short film and I really enjoyed it and I thought I would share!

Recette filmée : Cupcakes from ))) datafone on Vimeo.

Winter Tires

I have to find a weekend in the next bit to change my "all season" tires to my "winter" tires. I like to be prepared and I want some extra "assistance" if there is frost on the roads, etc.

I'm wanting to get on this as they keep predicting it will be the coldest winter we've had in a long time. I'm ok with cold as long as there is no snow. I don't like the stuff...but we need it for water...so let it snow abundantly on the mountains!

No matter how much it snows, I highly doubt I'll ever need to get snow chains for the city. And thank goodness I don't have to travel to places where I'll need those.

Let's hope the winter is an ok one with minimal snow on the ground here.

Boxes

Not too long ago, my husband comes home and is wanting to show me something. He pulls up a chair next to me. I'm at my computer desk and he puts this beautiful box on it. It's black, sleek and about the size of a small photo album. I see a round shiny thing...but it's quite big like one of those industrial bearings.

He's opening the box with such care and precision. Wow. I'm thinking he's won some big award again!

Boy, was I ever wrong. It was the case for Gears of War 3. BAH. Once I saw that, I knew I wasn't going to see him for days. He'd be playing that damn game.

I think I would have preferred the award.

Beds

My hubby has been complaining about our mattress lately. Says it's too firm. He's the one with the bad back so it probably affects him more. He mentioned he'd love to buy a memory foam mattress.

It would be nice. But they are not in our price range at this time. I remember trying one out and thinking I didn't want to ever leave the bed. EVER. They were that comfortable.

So, we'll see how it goes. Maybe there's the option to try just the topper. Not sure if those are the same. But that might be the in between option that would work out for us.

Selling

In my attempt at selling my kids stuff on Craigslist, I thought I'd go through the house and start pulling out stuff that I no longer use and sell. For example, my jewelry beads supply, or some paints, or some of my fabric from some of the fabric flowers I made.

Of course, every time I start pulling out stuff to sell, my kids see it and are totally interested in trying the craft. Then I have to put it all back. All that work for nothing.

I think I'm going to have to send them off to a grandparent's house and then start pulling out the stuff to sell. Now I'm thinking!

Oprah

Oh Oprah. How I love thee! I love that you're back with some new life classes.

Tonight's topic is a good one. Anger. What is it, how do we learn from it and how do we move on.

I've dealt with issues my own way. And this class put a new perspective on things. It's a good thing!

oooo...I wonder what tomorrow's topic will be?!

Until then, time to pull on my Oprah sweatshirt and finish watching this episode!

Collections

I have a friend that used to work in one of those commercial collection agencies. Honestly, I'm not sure how he did it. Those would be tough phones calls to make. And I'm sure you don't get people saying how happy they are that you called them. Probably one of the hardest times of people's lives and the job would entail you calling them and getting them to pay back what they owe.

Not saying it can't be done. And there are people that are great at this type of work. However, I'm not one of them.

Thanksgiving

Well, another Thanksgiving come and gone. This year was a little different in terms of celebrating...that's because half the family isn't here!

We ended up hosting Thanksgiving this year. We had my family (4 of us) and my brother in law, sister in law and their son. So 7 of us in total. That's it! Easy, peasy!

Because my kids and I had a dentist appointment that day, I couldn't make a turkey. No offence to my husband, I just didn't trust him with the bird. For those that know me...remember the story of the first meal he made for me. Enough said!

I just ended up buying 2 roast chickens...and just made a ton of easy sides. All the sides were done within an hour. It was awesome.

Then we all just chilled, the kids played and a good time was had by all. That is, until the evening!

OMG. I was the only one that ate the tzatziki. I had checked the expiry date and I wasn't even close to it. Let's just say I had food poisoning that night from 2 bites of that stuff. I guess I didn't remember what date I opened it and thought it was still good. The bucket and washroom were my best friends.

Regardless of a yucky evening, I had a great time with family. I have lots to be grateful for.

Yoga Mats

I've tried yoga before, but it's just not my thing. If I'm going to exercise, I like to punch things instead. It's a great way to beat out some anger.

But I know many people who do yoga that really enjoy it. And they look so cute with all their gear! I like the clothing, but I'd just look like a fat sausage. However, the one thing I'd consider buying is one of those sunshine yoga mats. With a name attached to sunshine, it makes me happy already.

But until I learn to like it, I think I'll leave the yoga gear to those that actually like it.

Searches

I shop for Christmas gifts throughout the year because I hate shopping in the malls during December. BAH. That just gives me heartburn!

Sometimes I shop on the internet depending on the gift. I could search ski goggles canada for one of my brother in laws. Or just "cool DVDs" for another brother in law. Oooo...I love searching for "gifts for geeks" for my husband.

And so the search words continue. However, at the end of the night, I end up searching for information that has nothing to do with what I started with. Good times...but I need to focus better!

The Web

Many moons ago, I actually got a certificate in Web Development. Part of the reason why I went into that field was I saw many Web Developer Jobs. Having completed my certificate, I couldn't find work.

Maybe I didn't try hard enough. And I think my timing was a bit on the off side...as in, the boom of internet web developers had already hit and was on the decline.

Real shame as I had hoped to go into that field, use some of my creativity mixed in with web media to work on some cool creative projects. But that didn't happen.

Was it a waste? No. Education is never a waste. But it'll just have to be a hobby rather than a job.

Ads

I know that Facebook "tracks" me in some form or fashion. This way, they can give me the "best" ads. But why would I get something for HCG weight loss Austin. I don't understand this...I don't live in Austin! Weight loss, maybe...but really, somewhere in the states that takes at least 8 hours to fly to? Can't say it's close by.

So Facebook gnomes...time to go back and do your homework about my preferences and what ads I should see.

Lingerie

In every women's or even my husband's guy magazines, there are always ads for women's lingerie. There are teddies for women, beautiful bras and panty sets, etc. I don't mind looking at it as some of it's pretty beautiful. As for me wearing it? Whatever!

Honestly, just like high heels who were invented by men, lingerie was also invented by them.

I'd like to see what women are going to create that men will think is a necessity...but a total pain to wear.

RVs

My husband doesn't speak Chinese. Even though there is a language barrier, he tries his best to talk about things that are interesting to my parents. I'm sure he doesn't care about the topics, but good on him for putting an effort in.

So, at one of our last dinners, my dad decided he wanted to talk about RVs. That's right. The big honking vehicles to travel around in. He talked about a model he liked and what he'd use it for. My husband took out his phone and started doing a web search to ask if it's the one my dad was interested in.

They kept yapping about it. But I think it's a pipe dream for him right now. I don't think he's even gotten a rv insurance quote or thought about gas.

But hopefully, he will get his RV one day. He'd have a blast.

Looking

I need to get more organized around the house. I might be good at organizing at work, my schedule, and sometimes even my life...but my house? Gosh...have to work on that.

For example, I was trying to find a pair of Link To Copy: box cutters so I could open a box. Simple right? And I know there are 5 pairs in the house. But do you think I ever put it back where it belongs? No.

So, I end up cursing, finding unsafe ways to open a box, and usually end up buying 1 more pair of cutters. Why?!!! I just have to put it back where it belongs.

You'd think by now I'd get it. Obviously not.

Supplies

I was watching the Food Network yesterday (suprise, suprise!) and I was watching The Opener. Pretty good show. But I was extra interested as they were showcasing a Vancouver restaurant called The Helm. Basically 4 friends, all under the age of 25 pooled their money together to start a restaurant. But none of them have ever run a business before. YIKES!

Got a chance to see the chaos in ordering bar supplies, furniture, food, etc. I don't think I'd ever have the heart to start a restaurant. The thought of cost over runs and not understanding costs and mark ups would give me heartburn and I'm sure a heart attack.

I will have to say that even though they got their act in gear at the end, the dumbest choice they made was to let go of their chef. She was awesome and she totally understood the farm to table concept which was the concept of the whole business.

I've checked out their website and it's totally sad to see that whole concept now gone. Such a shame....