A few days ago, we gave K's friend a ride home from school. L asked if she could drive B part of the way to his house. She climbs into the driver's seat and B pronounces after a while 'she's way better than my mom was when she was learning'. I say 'B, how long ago was that?' He says 'oh, I was about 4 or 5 years old'. I go, 'you still remember that?' He says 'yes, I used to wear a blindfold when I went out with her'. Then after we dropped him off, K chuckled and said B was laughing so much (in a quiet way), because I kept going 'oooooo' whenever L drove past a parked car.
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Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Sales galore
I had one of my favourite lunches today. Leftover bits of smoked ham, potato and egg salad, tossed salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing and lemon meringue pie (what else?) for dessert. So much texture in that lunch. Ok, I do enjoy my food.
On the gossip side, K told me that his friend didn't join the basketball team because his girlfriend didn't want him to. (They're 13 years old). My girlfriend whose husband was smitten with Bell's Palsy about 9 months ago reports that his facial paralysis is 90% gone. It appears the nerves often take that amount of time to heal. She found a great nerve specialist from a magazine of all places, and they're really happy with him. It's great news for them as he can go back to his normal life, pretty much.
I'm receiving all these great sale flyers (30 - 50% off) for the coming weekend. All you need is money to shop. Our timing is off, L and K got a bunch of clothes this past weekend that they're already wearing. A friend and her husband are coming over for pizza and a basement inspection tomorrow evening. (Unfortunately no charge, Barbara!) It's funny, pizza sounds easy, then I was at the grocery store this morning picking up dessert, salad ingredients and drinks, and thinking about appetizers.
Today I'm making a pot roast I got for 50% off as it had to be used today.
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On the gossip side, K told me that his friend didn't join the basketball team because his girlfriend didn't want him to. (They're 13 years old). My girlfriend whose husband was smitten with Bell's Palsy about 9 months ago reports that his facial paralysis is 90% gone. It appears the nerves often take that amount of time to heal. She found a great nerve specialist from a magazine of all places, and they're really happy with him. It's great news for them as he can go back to his normal life, pretty much.
I'm receiving all these great sale flyers (30 - 50% off) for the coming weekend. All you need is money to shop. Our timing is off, L and K got a bunch of clothes this past weekend that they're already wearing. A friend and her husband are coming over for pizza and a basement inspection tomorrow evening. (Unfortunately no charge, Barbara!) It's funny, pizza sounds easy, then I was at the grocery store this morning picking up dessert, salad ingredients and drinks, and thinking about appetizers.
Today I'm making a pot roast I got for 50% off as it had to be used today.
News
Evidence too weak to link pesticides to cancer - yet
Canadians wait longer to see medical specialists
Video game makers predict jingle bells at registers (Reuters)
Women And Men Experience Health Problems Differently, Yet Women Don't Know It: Study
The science of cooking: 10 little known food facts
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
PAUSE
I subscribe to this free weekly e-zine called PAUSE. Here's an interesting article I received this morning:
"REFLECTION:It was late in the evening just before Hallowe'en. I was chatting on the phone with my daughter, and had just recited the litany of tasks tackled so far that day. It had been a demanding day in the office. I had followed up my post-work exercise class by running several errands on the way home. And, I'd invested a couple of hours getting things ready around the house to host a guest for the weekend.
As I finished giving report on my day, I heard myself say, "And I still HAVE TO carve the pumpkin before I can go to bed."
Wise offspring played back my very own words. "You HAVE TO carve the pumpkin?" I could hear the raised eyebrow in her voice. She knows how much I enjoy creating those Hallowee'en jacks.
And in that moment, I realized I'd just loaded myself down with yet another DB - a Discretionary Burden.
There are all kinds of tasks and experiences that will take a certain amount of time no matter what our frame of mind: traveling to a business engagement, attending a community meeting, visiting an elderly relative, even carving a pumpkin.
But the nature of our experience depends on whether we approach it from an overburdened sense of duty and obligation or with a lighthearted sense of joy and service.
Each task that we peg as an obligation adds to our feelings of overload. Those tasks approached in the willing spirit of service have an entirely different impact. They contribute directly to our satisfaction and a sense of purposeful engagement with the world.
ACTION:
The good news is we are each in charge of our own mindset. When you feel overloaded and overwhelmed, watch your thoughts and listen to your words.
See how many tasks you turn into Discretionary Burdens as you make your way through the day. The fewer tasks you tag as DB's, the lighter your load will be."
>From the e-zine, 'PAUSE '. Copyright 2008 Patricia Katz,Optimus Consulting. (877) 728-5289 or www.pauseworks.com.
"REFLECTION:It was late in the evening just before Hallowe'en. I was chatting on the phone with my daughter, and had just recited the litany of tasks tackled so far that day. It had been a demanding day in the office. I had followed up my post-work exercise class by running several errands on the way home. And, I'd invested a couple of hours getting things ready around the house to host a guest for the weekend.
As I finished giving report on my day, I heard myself say, "And I still HAVE TO carve the pumpkin before I can go to bed."
Wise offspring played back my very own words. "You HAVE TO carve the pumpkin?" I could hear the raised eyebrow in her voice. She knows how much I enjoy creating those Hallowee'en jacks.
And in that moment, I realized I'd just loaded myself down with yet another DB - a Discretionary Burden.
There are all kinds of tasks and experiences that will take a certain amount of time no matter what our frame of mind: traveling to a business engagement, attending a community meeting, visiting an elderly relative, even carving a pumpkin.
But the nature of our experience depends on whether we approach it from an overburdened sense of duty and obligation or with a lighthearted sense of joy and service.
Each task that we peg as an obligation adds to our feelings of overload. Those tasks approached in the willing spirit of service have an entirely different impact. They contribute directly to our satisfaction and a sense of purposeful engagement with the world.
ACTION:
The good news is we are each in charge of our own mindset. When you feel overloaded and overwhelmed, watch your thoughts and listen to your words.
See how many tasks you turn into Discretionary Burdens as you make your way through the day. The fewer tasks you tag as DB's, the lighter your load will be."
>From the e-zine, 'PAUSE '. Copyright 2008 Patricia Katz,Optimus Consulting. (877) 728-5289 or www.pauseworks.com.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I didn't lose
The gym was crowded this morning, although traffic was lighter due to the Remembrance Day holiday. Watched Ted Turner being interviewed on CNN (which he founded). He was selling his new book. He told the interviewer 'I didn't lose, I was learning to win', in reference to his former sailing career. That winning attitude has earned him billions in accomplishments. It was an interesting interview, he seems so self- assured and comfortable with himself. He's 70 years old now.
Loblaws grocery store is selling these half-size pies which are wonderful. I got myself a lemon meringue one (as I'm the only one that likes this kind) and I know I will be able to finish it on my own. I got some low fat, 2 bite brownies for the kids and some muffins for M. They also make bite-sized cookies. Such a great idea in these days when we're all cutting back and doing portion control.
My blink prize pack arrived (thanks mind of a mom) and it all looks like stuff we can really use. Neat little packs of wipes that you can hang in the car and keep it clean, along with some handy tote bags.
Just a plane ride away published this fantastic Moroccan chicken tajine recipe in her post yesterday. It's so flavourful and simple to make. The best part is you don't actually need a tajine to bake it in.
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Loblaws grocery store is selling these half-size pies which are wonderful. I got myself a lemon meringue one (as I'm the only one that likes this kind) and I know I will be able to finish it on my own. I got some low fat, 2 bite brownies for the kids and some muffins for M. They also make bite-sized cookies. Such a great idea in these days when we're all cutting back and doing portion control.
My blink prize pack arrived (thanks mind of a mom) and it all looks like stuff we can really use. Neat little packs of wipes that you can hang in the car and keep it clean, along with some handy tote bags.
Just a plane ride away published this fantastic Moroccan chicken tajine recipe in her post yesterday. It's so flavourful and simple to make. The best part is you don't actually need a tajine to bake it in.
News
Holiday spending could surpass last year: survey
Obese kids have arteries of 45-year-olds: study
YouTube To Show Full-Length TV Shows And Movies
Scientists Discover How Spammers Make A Profit
Monday, November 10, 2008
And the winner is
And the winner is Yes, I just won a contest give-away at the mind of a mom. So I got inspired and entered a supermarket survey. Those questions just went on and on. I also said 'no' to a couple of telemarketers today.
It's windy and cold today, not one to be out raking leaves. The kids are off school today, it's nice to have everyone at home catching up on stuff. My mom, sister and her family came over last night to have a look at the new basement. So did L's friend and her parents. We've had 3 'showings' so far. M seems to delight in telling the stories of what went wrong with the basement and no one can seem to see any problem. In fact, everyone loves it. Some people tell of real horror stories where the costs blew up and the work was left unfinished.
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It's windy and cold today, not one to be out raking leaves. The kids are off school today, it's nice to have everyone at home catching up on stuff. My mom, sister and her family came over last night to have a look at the new basement. So did L's friend and her parents. We've had 3 'showings' so far. M seems to delight in telling the stories of what went wrong with the basement and no one can seem to see any problem. In fact, everyone loves it. Some people tell of real horror stories where the costs blew up and the work was left unfinished.
News
Flu shots may lower blood clot risk, study says
Heartbeats may power future pacemakers
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Christmas gift
I went to church this morning, said thanks to God for a few things and prayed for some people. They had the craft sale still running, so I bought my first Christmas gift and a loaf of crumbly sweet coconut bread which is delicious with my tea. I'm amazed at how many people leave their expensive purses on the benches as they go up for Holy Communion. It is a public place in a big town after all.
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Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Boulevard Club
M and I were invited to The Boulevard Club downtown for a lovely buffet luncheon this morning. There was orange juice with champagne to start, various salads, roast beef, chicken, salmon, eggs, bacon, sausages. For dessert we chose from tiramisu, mocha and chocolate cakes, almond croissants, cheeses and fruit. We sat at a table overlooking the waterfront and watched some people canoeing. The sun even decided to come out. We were given the orchid centrepiece as we left and a couple of mugs of coffee and tea goodies. the Christmas season is well underway and what a way to start! I almost forgot to mention the interesting people we met at our table and the stimulating conversation. Lots of talk on politics and the economy of course.
L has a sleepover at an old friend's tonight, as soon as she gets home from her tennis lesson. K was doing homework and is now playing Xbox, which apparently looks phenominal on the new TV. He hooked it up while we were out.
Unfortunately, I missed 2 Christmas craft sales at the nearby churches this morning, but I had to make a choice!
Yesterday I was overly efficient and managed not only to get the kids their flu shots, but a Menactra meningitis shot. Only to discover when I went home that they had already had the shot 2 years ago! So I'm $260 poorer for no reason. Kick me. I don't think it's any harm for them to have it twice otherwise.
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L has a sleepover at an old friend's tonight, as soon as she gets home from her tennis lesson. K was doing homework and is now playing Xbox, which apparently looks phenominal on the new TV. He hooked it up while we were out.
Unfortunately, I missed 2 Christmas craft sales at the nearby churches this morning, but I had to make a choice!
Yesterday I was overly efficient and managed not only to get the kids their flu shots, but a Menactra meningitis shot. Only to discover when I went home that they had already had the shot 2 years ago! So I'm $260 poorer for no reason. Kick me. I don't think it's any harm for them to have it twice otherwise.
News
Eight secrets to healthier holiday eating
Best ways to beat holiday stress
How To Detoxify Your Home
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