Vacations

Seems like everybody is going on one...except me! We have a lady at the office that is going to Africa for about 4 or 5 weeks. Good on her, well, more like I'll get quiet at the office. But that's besides the point. Someone upstairs is taking one of those orlando vacations. Someone else is going to New Zealand. I miss my travelling days.

Oh, I think I'd be happy if I had to Greyhound it somewhere....

Work

We always plan for a certain type of work day...but holy smokes! Any of my "planned days" for the last bit have not looked remotely like it should! It's quite humourous in some ways. I figure it's easier to laugh about it or get pissed about all the things that I wish were different.

But I'm not complaining because I still really do enjoy my job. But sometimes I have to shake my head and just do all that I can possibly do in a day. The work will still there be tomorrow.

I guess I'm just tired. It's been a while since I've had a serious break from kids, errands, chores, playing chauffeur, etc. I'm not expecting to take a "real" holiday anytime soon.

But I just have to power through this. I have a date day planned with my husband soon so that should help lighten my mood a bit. Every bit of play time helps....

Informercials

I'm notorious for watching these things. It's like a car crash...no matter how bad they are, you just can't stop watching.

Anyways, I'm sure most folks have seen the walk in bath one. Lately I've been seeing it more or maybe it's just on and I'm paying more attention to it. Part of it is that I'm thinking about my parents. They aren't spring chickens and their bath tub is quite low. I'm always worried that they will slip and fall. I know my dad took a dive on the side walk not too long ago...a bathtub is way easier to slip in.

So, yes, I might have to get a brochure or something just to see how much they cost. Who knows what my parents will need as they age? I'm sure there will be many more infomercials to watch....

Computers

Oh, I just talked about things being backed up...and at work, we have a network where everything gets backed up. But OMG. When one of the hard drives at work take a dive and a person has saved their stuff there rather than the network, they're screwed.

There is nothing like an officer coming into to work trying to get their laptop to function when it goes to crap. I can not tell you in the last year how many blue screens of death I've had on my laptop at work. But knowing that I saved it on the network, doesn't bother me much.

I wonder if the techies should just remove those drives from some of the officers...maybe it'll force them to save on the network like they're supposed to.

Pictures

I love the fact that I have the option of digital cameras these days. There is a certain cool factor with old school cameras. But knowing that I can take a gazillion pictures just because I can and see them right away is really quite amazing.

However, because I'm taking THAT many pictures, it means storage is an issue. I think my pc is going to max out soon. But part of my concern is if my computer craps out. Thank goodness for the external hard drive. That baby has saved my butt once and I was grateful. Basically I back up all my pictures on this drive. If my computer goes bye bye, I still have all my pictures. Everything else is easy to replace...pictures are not.

So, if you haven't backed up lately or don't have a source to, find something like this so that you're not kicking yourself when you lose some of your most precious memories.

Movie

The family went out to a movie today. It was between Where the Wild Things Are or Astroboy. When my husband showed the girls the previews for both of the films, my one kid when watching Where the Wild Things are shouted "that's boring me!" Ok, guess the decision was made to go watch the colourful Astroboy.

I used to watch that Japanese cartoon ALL the time when growing up. Every Sunday at 4:30pm on UTv which is now City TV. It was a rocking show...red boots and all. So, I was quite stoked about watching this movie as I really did have fond memories of the cartoon.

The animation was great! And the little boy looked just as I remembered and cute as can be. I must say, I fell in love with the film. I actually cried in a number of places as the story was really well done. I totally bought into the whole story line. And the machine guns out of the butt scene never gets old.

So if you have kids that are the appropriate age, I'd take them. Great messages about finding our place in this world (small MWS reference to all those that know who this...LOL!, love, acceptance and friendship. Kudos to the film.

Ads

So, I was on Facebook the other day (suprise, suprise...but my café needs me!)...and I clicked on one of those ads on the side. I know...crazy, but I did. Sometimes they do have somewhat intriguing ads.

Anyways, there was mention of an insurance company. I can't remember what the "draw" was. But the message was something along the lines of "compare the biggest life insurance carriers for free." Then it got me thinking...how many life insurance carriers are out there? I'm with two different ones and my husband is one that is the same as one of mine. But these are pretty big companies. Are there really THAT many out there?

I'm glad I didn't know about them because it would be way too much research for me to do. And I would probably get frustrated and not buy any. But at least, I've got it and my family is protected.

Window Shopping

The other day, I took my one kid out to her Girl Guides meeting. So, I had about 50 minutes to kill and I had my other kid with me. So, we wandered over to one of the malls. Everything was pretty much closed except one store. We went in and just wandered around. Now, it's not like I have much that I would change around the house...but I saw this lighting fixture that I wanted!

Believe me when I say that I'm not a person that gets THAT excited about things like this. But I thought it was classic, but yet modernized enough that it was chic and wouldn't lose it's charm.

I'm telling you...window shopping is DANGEROUS. I didn't buy it but now I have this stupid idea in my head that it would be nice to get.

Bed

When I was younger, I read the articles on how much it would cost to raise a kid to a certain age. I think at that time it was about $125,000. Hee hee. The other day, I heard the same type of report and that number has been boosted up to about $250,000+. And I believe it.

Every day, it seems like the kids come home from school for some fundraising event or some pamphlet to buy something. Or they're growing out of their clothes and shoes so fast that you're constantly buying stuff. Or maybe because you need to buy your kid a mattress. My one kid is sleeping off an older bed that's really more futon like than anything else. She's more than happy with it, but it's starting to come apart, i.e. little balls. It's odd. But that's a good chunk of change gone and to add to the looming $250,000 bill.

Storage

I know some of my friends do the backup thing by doing an an online backup. It has its pros and cons. Pro - it's online and you don't have any extra equipment lying around. And it really will last "forever." However, paying for the service is a con. Obviously, these guys have to make money. But I think for me to back up all that I want, it would cost way too much. I don't know how many thousands of pictures I have, or e-mails, or personal documents. I don't think I could afford it long term. Knowing my luck, I'd probably forget my password and lose all my data. But having the choice is good enough for me.

Uniforms

The other night, I went to a dinner that was provided by Coke-a-Cola. This is they company that I'll be working for as a contractor during the Olympic games. The dinner was a chance for the team members to meet each other and to also give staff a chance to see the new uniforms.

I was a little worried about these uniforms because if they were anything like the Beijing Canada ones, I was going to quit. The 2008 ones were TERRIBLE and I mocked them like there was no tomorrow.

Dinner was fantastic! And extra awesome because it was free. Can't remember the last time the company paid for a meal.

But the uniforms were totally wicked. Basically we all get some variation of the uniform. Long sleeve shirts, zip up hoodies, hats, mittens, roll on duffel bags, etc. I was very happy with the colours, the uniform wasn't tacky and it would be something that I wouldn't be embarrased to wear. What amazed me even more about the uniforms and gear...it's worth approximateyly $900. Whoa. For one month of work, they will pay people to wear uniforms that cost that much?! Wow. They must be rolling in the dough. As a sidenote, did you know that the Coke company (beverages of all kinds) sells approximately 11,000 drinks worldwide every 1.4 seconds?!!!

Anyways, I'm happy and will be proud to wear the uniform.

Dedicated Pet Owners

Well, I'm no dedicated pet owner because I won't even get goldfish for my kids. I'm allergic to furry animals. But the way I've been talking about how I'm allergic to animals, the kids are convinced that I'm allergic to things like goldfish. Let them hold onto that idea for many years to come. I don't want a pet...it's like a kid.

But one of my co-workers is dedicated as can be. Instead of going out for lunch or breaks, she will go out with her dog 3 times while she's at work. She has an electric blanket in the car for the dog. I mean, that is well beyond what I would do for any pet.

Good on her, but she can do it for me too. I'm really not a pet lover and will never be.

Other Ideas

So, after seeing some of these reno magazines that my husband brought home, I've been thinking of having some tiles on the wall behind my stove. Eeeek. The splashes of oil, sauce, etc., are starting to take a toll on that wall.

I saw some stainless steel tiles that looked neat. But I'm not so sure. One of the reasons why we didn't get a stainless steel fridge was due to all the fingerprints!!! They never leave or you're constantly wiping down the appliance. I have enough on my hands.

So, what kind of backsplash? Not sure...but one that's easy to clean for sure and one that matches the decor of the house....

Oh, the possibilities.

US Channels

When I watch my shows, I usually tape them 3 hours ahead of time. The only problem is I get all the US commercials too. Most of them are fine and what we would get her. But OMG. When I start getting things for things like the Tacoma car accident lawyer, or for the carpet place in the middle of nowhere, then I get annoyed. Partly because none of that stuff has to do with me. But I guess the little guys have to advertise somehow too. Wish I could filter that stuff.

Oh wait. That's what a PVR is for!!!

Laughter in the Workplace

We have a semi-new employee at the office and she's sweet as can be. But she's never worked in government before and I have to remember that...especially when she has questions that I really want to giggle at. The question, not the person.

The last little bit, she's been having problems logging in. Basically it's just taking way too long. On the one day she worked at home, she asked her techie husband what could be the problem. He said that the laptop may not have enough computer memory.

She came back to the office and she asked her manager if she could get more memorry for her laptop to run better. His response was, go ahead and ask the techies but don't be suprised if they laugh at you and walk away.

The techies aren't mean. But really, when it comes to certain government departments and technology, we are like 5 years behind. MS office 2003? WHATEVER. I'll have to wait until at least 2012. And that's probably ahead of the game.

So my co-worker didn't want to be laughed at...at least not today and decided not to ask the techies.

Exercise Equipment

My girlfriend has a Life Fitness treadmill. Looks pretty fancy shmancy. But the treadmill isn't my thing. Impact is hard on my knees. And I don't really have the right area to put the thing. Maybe in front of the tv would be good?!

But no, I'm not getting one. I tend to like trying different equipment but can get bored very easily. I should look into rental of equipment...once I get bored of something, can I trade it in for something else? And if it's too big, I can return it without the hassle.

Haven't found the service yet so I will have to stick to my bulky equipment.

Sinks

I don't know why my husband brings home reno magazines or pictures of really nice houses that we can't even afford. Those are nice magazines...but I really don't need to be looking at houses that are 5 million dollars.

The renos seem a little more reasonable. And it's not that I need to do renovations now, but wow, I've been thinking about them because of these magazines!! We haven't finished the basement yet, so the reno ideas could most likely be used there. I've been looking at the stone sinks. Those look pretty awesome. I have no idea of the price and I guess I don't have to worry about it until then.

Ooooo...the possibilities!

Gobble Gobble

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. And it was good this year. The in-laws invited us and they didn't need us to bring anything. We had an early dinner which meant we all got home at a decent time but we all felt like we actually caught up with each other and enjoyed each other's company.

My girls got some much needed downtime. Oh, they needed it. With all their activities and homework, they just needed to enjoy time off too. My husband and I caught up on a ton of tv. We cleaned up. Got lots of baking done.

And we even got to go to the One of a Kind show. It was ok as much of the vendors were the same. But it was just nice to try the new Canada Line. THAT is skookum by the way. And just being downtown on a beautiful day...just fantastic.

So anything earth shattering I did? Nope. It's just what we needed though.

However, tomorrow it's back to the grind. Waiting for the next long weekend....

Accessories

I've never been a car accessories type of person. My car might have garbage, food bits, books and tissues around. But never accessories. I don't even like to hang those dangly things on my rearview mirror. Too distracting. And those air fresheners, not my thing. Stuffies? Only my kids stuffies. Those seem neat in someone else's car...but not mine. I'm a plain Jane when it comes to these types of things. And I'm just too darn cheap to buy any.

Losses and Gains

I had a friend that went big time onto some weight loss pills. Personal choice. However, after taking a full round of these things...she wasn't careful and continued on some bad habits. So, within days, everything came back. So she's pretty pissed and I don't blame her.

Maintenance is the key. But I should be one to talk. I was doing so well, but life got in the way. Everybody got sick. The kids are in a gazillion lessons. Work is nuts. And the commute it long. Though my work life balance is pretty good, it's obvious it needs to get better so I can exercise more regularly.

But that's life. I'll get the balance at some point.

Cigars

I must admit, I'm a total square when it comes to smoking. I've never tried it, never wanted to and couldn't care less about it. But for some reason, the smell of a good cigar seems ok and actually pretty good! Not that I'm willing to try it because I'm worried that I might actually like it!!! Then I'll be poor from buying really good ones.

Anyways, I find that there is almost something appealing about a person that smokes these things. Ironic, I know.

Oh well, not everything makes sense in my world.

Websites

Lately, I've been finding a ton of new foodie websites or kitchen related ones. I just find it so much fun to read and get some awesome reviews on things that I may be thinking of buying. But I find it ironic that usually the ads on the side are for top weight loss pills. But hey, sites need advertisers. That's just the way it is. Who am I to judge what a site uses for advertising and gaining revenue?

In the meantime, I will continue to find new websites that I can drool over....