Hello Everyone,
So, I have registered for my first class and I start tonight. It's Anatomy and Physiology. The Medical Transcription program has several courses I can take ahead of time, which means a lighter course load (and more hours for employment) next fall.
That is, if I get in. They only accept up to 20 students and this year, they only accepted 15. It's industry driven and there were more jobs than graduates last year (which is great for job prospects). I filled out my application form on Saturday and spoke with an instructor.
I decided to take some courses ahead of time before I make my final decision to enroll. That way, I have a better idea of the course load, can I still make it as an in-class student, and is this information I can learn. I didn't take biology in high school - just chemistry, so my experience in medical stuff is the first aid manuals and watching Grey's Anatomy.
Here goes testing the waters...
Have a great day!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
How Credit Scores Work
Hello Everyone,
I received a flyer from a financial advisor about how credit scores work. This is based on the FICO score, which is a unique number between 300 and 900, used by Equifax and TransUnion.
From your score...
35% payment history (do you pay your bills on time)
30% amount owed (how close are you to your credit limit)
15% length of credit history (how long have your accounts been active)
10% new credit (how many accounts have been opened recently)
10% types of credit used (mortgage, revolving - credit card, auto loan)
You can request your credit score report for free by mail if you go to www.transunion.ca or www.equifax.com/home/en_ca.
It's been a couple years since I got my last one so it's about time for a new one. Financial advisors usually recommend checking it every year or so.
I received a flyer from a financial advisor about how credit scores work. This is based on the FICO score, which is a unique number between 300 and 900, used by Equifax and TransUnion.
From your score...
35% payment history (do you pay your bills on time)
30% amount owed (how close are you to your credit limit)
15% length of credit history (how long have your accounts been active)
10% new credit (how many accounts have been opened recently)
10% types of credit used (mortgage, revolving - credit card, auto loan)
You can request your credit score report for free by mail if you go to www.transunion.ca or www.equifax.com/home/en_ca.
It's been a couple years since I got my last one so it's about time for a new one. Financial advisors usually recommend checking it every year or so.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Stupid Chuck E Cheese
Hello Everyone,
So, I was on Chuck E Cheese's website to print off coupons. I saw the American coupons.
US - buy 60 tokens and get 30 tokens free $15
Can - buy 60 tokens and get 20 tokens free $19.80
I want my 10 extra tokens and $4.80
Stupid Chuck E Cheese.
but I like their games too much...
So, I was on Chuck E Cheese's website to print off coupons. I saw the American coupons.
US - buy 60 tokens and get 30 tokens free $15
Can - buy 60 tokens and get 20 tokens free $19.80
I want my 10 extra tokens and $4.80
Stupid Chuck E Cheese.
but I like their games too much...
Yay for Jerry!
Hello Everyone,
So Jerry starts training November 14th with Canada Post. It's 10 days of training followed by 2 tests. After that, if all goes well, he'll be on-call.
He was hoping to start mid-October but isn't complaining about the wait. At least he's almost there.
It'll be a tight October for us but we can make do. I now have to put off my job search for a couple months as I won't risk my steady pay cheque with Jerry's instability.
But it does bring me back to school in the fall. SAIT is having an open house at the end of October so I can apply to the medical transcription prgram for free (save $50). I've been thinking about this for a while. You can take it through other schools by correspondence but I think I want to be in class for this. They also include a practicum. It would mean I could work in a hospital or clinic for a couple years and then have the freedom to work from home. The pay is comparable to what I'm making now and there is increasing demand.
So, do I look for another payroll opportunity or stay with Akita and see what happens next fall?
Payroll was not on my radar as a career and I accepted my position after being at reception. It's given me lots of opportunity - fair pay, education, new experience. But it's not something I love. It's a job. But, I'm good at it and I've invested a lot of time toward my education.
If I take the risk, I need to come up with $7000 to cover all the tuition, student fees etc. And then figure out how to cover my monthly expenses as it's full-time. I don't have savings right now as all my leftover money is going toward debt repayment (past mistakes that I've learned from). But it would mean once I'm done, I would have a new career (that I chose for myself), slightly lower at first but increasing wages (that will be back to par in about a year), a way to supplement my income by picking up a few at-home contracts and the freedom to work wherever I live.
Jerry has said he will help financially but it'll take time before he's on with Canada Post permanently. And I can pick up a part-time job. I can make it work - I can be financially creative.
And that's crazy tuition! My first year in the navigation program cost $2,298.35. I still remember that because it was the largest cheque amount I had ever written at the time. But the current tuition amount includes books, student fees, transit pass (included in fees) etc and it's for 9 straight months.
Or, I could take it by correspondence and it costs $5800 but it would mean I could continue to work full-time. And have no life because it's 20+ hours of studying each week. Or I could take a couple years to build up some savings and delay the opportunity.
I don't know.
Anyways, I hope you have a great day!
So Jerry starts training November 14th with Canada Post. It's 10 days of training followed by 2 tests. After that, if all goes well, he'll be on-call.
He was hoping to start mid-October but isn't complaining about the wait. At least he's almost there.
It'll be a tight October for us but we can make do. I now have to put off my job search for a couple months as I won't risk my steady pay cheque with Jerry's instability.
But it does bring me back to school in the fall. SAIT is having an open house at the end of October so I can apply to the medical transcription prgram for free (save $50). I've been thinking about this for a while. You can take it through other schools by correspondence but I think I want to be in class for this. They also include a practicum. It would mean I could work in a hospital or clinic for a couple years and then have the freedom to work from home. The pay is comparable to what I'm making now and there is increasing demand.
So, do I look for another payroll opportunity or stay with Akita and see what happens next fall?
Payroll was not on my radar as a career and I accepted my position after being at reception. It's given me lots of opportunity - fair pay, education, new experience. But it's not something I love. It's a job. But, I'm good at it and I've invested a lot of time toward my education.
If I take the risk, I need to come up with $7000 to cover all the tuition, student fees etc. And then figure out how to cover my monthly expenses as it's full-time. I don't have savings right now as all my leftover money is going toward debt repayment (past mistakes that I've learned from). But it would mean once I'm done, I would have a new career (that I chose for myself), slightly lower at first but increasing wages (that will be back to par in about a year), a way to supplement my income by picking up a few at-home contracts and the freedom to work wherever I live.
Jerry has said he will help financially but it'll take time before he's on with Canada Post permanently. And I can pick up a part-time job. I can make it work - I can be financially creative.
And that's crazy tuition! My first year in the navigation program cost $2,298.35. I still remember that because it was the largest cheque amount I had ever written at the time. But the current tuition amount includes books, student fees, transit pass (included in fees) etc and it's for 9 straight months.
Or, I could take it by correspondence and it costs $5800 but it would mean I could continue to work full-time. And have no life because it's 20+ hours of studying each week. Or I could take a couple years to build up some savings and delay the opportunity.
I don't know.
Anyways, I hope you have a great day!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
stupid cold
Hello Everyone,
I've caught a cold but at the early stage. Had a 3 hour nap when I got home from work.
Good news for Jerry. He retook the Canada Post exam and is now at the final stage. He goes for a medical this weekend and if all is good, will start training mid-October. I will be very happy if it all work out. He's been excited at the prospect of working for them. And I'll be happy for the stability.
I've decided to withdraw from my Finance course. I'll get a partial refund as it's within the first month of class. The material was a lot more than I can handle right now. I keep the text book though so if I decide to give it another shot, I can do extra reading beforehand.
And I've decided I'm going to leave Akita. It's been four years and I'm at a stand still. I've done the same work for four years and nothing would change for another 3 (when the current payroll manager wants to cut her hours a bit). I'll take my time though to make sure something is lined up first. Although Calgary has weathered the financial difficulites fairly well, there are some indications that something is going to happen.
Mary is built and is lovely to ride. Smooth and fun. I'll post photos soon. Have a good day!
I've caught a cold but at the early stage. Had a 3 hour nap when I got home from work.
Good news for Jerry. He retook the Canada Post exam and is now at the final stage. He goes for a medical this weekend and if all is good, will start training mid-October. I will be very happy if it all work out. He's been excited at the prospect of working for them. And I'll be happy for the stability.
I've decided to withdraw from my Finance course. I'll get a partial refund as it's within the first month of class. The material was a lot more than I can handle right now. I keep the text book though so if I decide to give it another shot, I can do extra reading beforehand.
And I've decided I'm going to leave Akita. It's been four years and I'm at a stand still. I've done the same work for four years and nothing would change for another 3 (when the current payroll manager wants to cut her hours a bit). I'll take my time though to make sure something is lined up first. Although Calgary has weathered the financial difficulites fairly well, there are some indications that something is going to happen.
Mary is built and is lovely to ride. Smooth and fun. I'll post photos soon. Have a good day!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Proud Kitty Mom
Hello Everyone,
Mike passed his second major hurdle with toilet training. After a week of using the full tray, we cut out the first hole. It has gotten a lot of giggles from us. It looks a lot like a sex toy depicting a certain part of the female anatomy.
So, I brought Mike into the bathroom last night, set him up on the bathtub and showed him the change. I mixed cat nip into the litter and soon he was up exploring. The first step was a bit scary for him since the tray flexed a bit (vs completely solid). And he sniffed a lot around the hole. And after some investigation, he jumped down and got a kitty treat.
This morning, Jerry got up and checked to see if Mike had used the tray.
Nope.
He then got dressed and checked again.
Yep!
Mike very proudly came into our room for cuddles and treats.
My dumb cat has us trained very well.
Have a great day!
Mike passed his second major hurdle with toilet training. After a week of using the full tray, we cut out the first hole. It has gotten a lot of giggles from us. It looks a lot like a sex toy depicting a certain part of the female anatomy.
So, I brought Mike into the bathroom last night, set him up on the bathtub and showed him the change. I mixed cat nip into the litter and soon he was up exploring. The first step was a bit scary for him since the tray flexed a bit (vs completely solid). And he sniffed a lot around the hole. And after some investigation, he jumped down and got a kitty treat.
This morning, Jerry got up and checked to see if Mike had used the tray.
Nope.
He then got dressed and checked again.
Yep!
Mike very proudly came into our room for cuddles and treats.
My dumb cat has us trained very well.
Have a great day!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Jack
Hello Everyone,
Our household went very quiet this morning when we saw the news that Jack Layton passed away. I may not have always agreed with him but I had a lot of respect for his passion and committment to making Canada a better country.
Text of Jack Layton's letter to Canadians
By The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press – 2 hours 40 minutes ago
..TORONTO - Jack Layton's family has released a letter the federal NDP leader wrote just two days prior to his death today at the age of 61. The text of that letter follows.
August 20, 2011
Toronto, Ontario
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don't be discouraged that my own journey hasn't gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don't let them tell you it can't be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
Our household went very quiet this morning when we saw the news that Jack Layton passed away. I may not have always agreed with him but I had a lot of respect for his passion and committment to making Canada a better country.
Text of Jack Layton's letter to Canadians
By The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press – 2 hours 40 minutes ago
..TORONTO - Jack Layton's family has released a letter the federal NDP leader wrote just two days prior to his death today at the age of 61. The text of that letter follows.
August 20, 2011
Toronto, Ontario
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don't be discouraged that my own journey hasn't gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don't let them tell you it can't be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Couch!
Hello Everyone,
Yes, after months of waiting, our couch is now in our livingroom. It is very comfortable. When I sit on it, my feet don't dangle and when I stretch out, my feet don't fall off the end or get squished by the arm. We took the night off from apartment stuff, rented a movie and had popcorn.
It was wonderful.
The apartment is coming along and I hope to have photos in the next week or two.
Mike has gone to the bathroom on the toilet! We have a tray that sits between the toilet and seat that has litter in it. Progressively, we remove a ring inside until he is able to go using the seat itself. We're still at the first stage. This morning, while getting ready for work, Mike jumped up and went (which I thought was very odd cat behaviour). But he gets fish flakes every time he does so...
The bike frame I wanted to order didn't have the colours I wanted this year (end of season). So, I picked up a track frame for the same price on eBay. I have some parts on order with the bike shop so once everything arrives, I'll have a new Polly. I'm very excited. She will be very dark green sparkly with chrome on the fork and end of the seat stay. I think I will rename her to "Mary" since it is a Mercier frame. We'll see.
Jerry re-applied for Canada Post and passed the first stage. He has an interview next week. It's on-call part-time to start but it's how you get started with them.
Have a great day!
Yes, after months of waiting, our couch is now in our livingroom. It is very comfortable. When I sit on it, my feet don't dangle and when I stretch out, my feet don't fall off the end or get squished by the arm. We took the night off from apartment stuff, rented a movie and had popcorn.
It was wonderful.
The apartment is coming along and I hope to have photos in the next week or two.
Mike has gone to the bathroom on the toilet! We have a tray that sits between the toilet and seat that has litter in it. Progressively, we remove a ring inside until he is able to go using the seat itself. We're still at the first stage. This morning, while getting ready for work, Mike jumped up and went (which I thought was very odd cat behaviour). But he gets fish flakes every time he does so...
The bike frame I wanted to order didn't have the colours I wanted this year (end of season). So, I picked up a track frame for the same price on eBay. I have some parts on order with the bike shop so once everything arrives, I'll have a new Polly. I'm very excited. She will be very dark green sparkly with chrome on the fork and end of the seat stay. I think I will rename her to "Mary" since it is a Mercier frame. We'll see.
Jerry re-applied for Canada Post and passed the first stage. He has an interview next week. It's on-call part-time to start but it's how you get started with them.
Have a great day!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
A lovely weekend
Hello Everyone,
So we had a nice time in Ontario. We flew in on the Thursday before the long weekend and the airport shuttle dropped us off right at the cottage. We were able to take transit to the airport, which was a nice budget break. The water was wonderful and it was great to see everyone. On Monday we arrived Chesley. Tuesday was Keady and it was super hot. It was nice to get fresh produce at a proper farmer's market, not what we have here. We have cheaper prices in the grocery store and most of the produce is celophane packaged and imported. We went up to Tobermory on Thursday and played on Flowerpot Island.
Saturday was the afternoon social and I enjoyed catching up with everyone. AndvJerry had fun too, putting faces with names and stories I've told him.
We flew back on Sunday. Mike missed us terribly and I think Whiskers did too. We came to an apartment filled with boxes and we are working through them slowly. Our new couch is scheduled for delivery on Wednesday and I will be very happy when it does. It will make it much easier to tie the livingroom together.
I have sold Sasha the roadbike and put the money toward Polly 2.0 Although Polly is a great ride, the frame was designed for gears which means there are guides on the top tube. They cause bruises on the inner thigh if you're not paying attention. My new frame will be clean lines, grey with a pink fork. I'll take most of the componentns from Polly and maybe a few from Charlotte to build a fabulous new bike. I'm very excited. It'll probably be a month or so before everything is done.
So after we visited BikeBike, we went for a leisurly ride along the Elbow River, went around the Stampede grounds, through a couple parks and then went home along the Bow River. It was very relaxing to do a ride like this - it's been a long time since we've done one and we hope to make it part of our regular routine.
Today we floated down the Bow on inner tubes.
A lovely weekend.
So we had a nice time in Ontario. We flew in on the Thursday before the long weekend and the airport shuttle dropped us off right at the cottage. We were able to take transit to the airport, which was a nice budget break. The water was wonderful and it was great to see everyone. On Monday we arrived Chesley. Tuesday was Keady and it was super hot. It was nice to get fresh produce at a proper farmer's market, not what we have here. We have cheaper prices in the grocery store and most of the produce is celophane packaged and imported. We went up to Tobermory on Thursday and played on Flowerpot Island.
Saturday was the afternoon social and I enjoyed catching up with everyone. AndvJerry had fun too, putting faces with names and stories I've told him.
We flew back on Sunday. Mike missed us terribly and I think Whiskers did too. We came to an apartment filled with boxes and we are working through them slowly. Our new couch is scheduled for delivery on Wednesday and I will be very happy when it does. It will make it much easier to tie the livingroom together.
I have sold Sasha the roadbike and put the money toward Polly 2.0 Although Polly is a great ride, the frame was designed for gears which means there are guides on the top tube. They cause bruises on the inner thigh if you're not paying attention. My new frame will be clean lines, grey with a pink fork. I'll take most of the componentns from Polly and maybe a few from Charlotte to build a fabulous new bike. I'm very excited. It'll probably be a month or so before everything is done.
So after we visited BikeBike, we went for a leisurly ride along the Elbow River, went around the Stampede grounds, through a couple parks and then went home along the Bow River. It was very relaxing to do a ride like this - it's been a long time since we've done one and we hope to make it part of our regular routine.
Today we floated down the Bow on inner tubes.
A lovely weekend.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
It put a smile on my face
Goldfish survive in earthquake city
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Two goldfish have survived 134 days without food after the earthquake in New Zealand
Two goldfish have survived 134 days since a devastating earthquake hit New Zealand without any pet food or electricity to power their tank filter.
The goldfish, named Shaggy and Daphne after characters in the television show Scooby Doo, were in a 26-gallon tank in the reception area at Quantum Chartered Accountants in Christchurch when the earthquake struck, killing 181 people.
It was only this month that Quantum workers were allowed back into the building and found the fish alive.
Curator Paul Clarkson at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California said bacteria may have kept the water clean enough to sustain life and the fish may have eaten algae growing in the tank.
Three companion goldfish - presumably called Scooby, Fred and Velma - disappeared without any trace.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Two goldfish have survived 134 days without food after the earthquake in New Zealand
Two goldfish have survived 134 days since a devastating earthquake hit New Zealand without any pet food or electricity to power their tank filter.
The goldfish, named Shaggy and Daphne after characters in the television show Scooby Doo, were in a 26-gallon tank in the reception area at Quantum Chartered Accountants in Christchurch when the earthquake struck, killing 181 people.
It was only this month that Quantum workers were allowed back into the building and found the fish alive.
Curator Paul Clarkson at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California said bacteria may have kept the water clean enough to sustain life and the fish may have eaten algae growing in the tank.
Three companion goldfish - presumably called Scooby, Fred and Velma - disappeared without any trace.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Busy Weekend
Hello Everyone,
So Jerry and I did the GranFondo, 100 km on Sunday (my computer had 103.6 km and a co-worker had 110 km for the actual distance). My longest ride yet - average speed 19.1 km/hr (I was hoping for 20 but am happy with above 18), top speed was 52 (headwind), time was aroung 5:15 (I accidently resumed my bike computer going from the finish to the car). It wasn't the 140 km I was hoping for but I wasn't properly trained for the longer distance. I had also fooled around with my saddle distance the night before, which resulted in a very painful neck and upper shoulders. I got rather bored during the ride and I don't think long rides are for me. It was too much like exercise. I like city riding. You can still get a great work-out but you have to be a lot more alert and there are always things going on around you. And biking to a destination (farmer's market, park etc) does not seem like work. I think I will try mountain biking next year. There's a program at Can-Olympic Park for women to learn and you can rent the bikes there too.
The house is almost ready for inspection. We hired a guy on Saturday to haul a load to the dump and the garage is tidied up. I just have to patch holes in the wall, paint touch-ups, sweep/mop the floor and clean the washer/dryer. Then it's just yard work and we're done. The apartment is a crazy mess of boxes but we're going to leave everything as is until we're back from Ontario. And our couch should be ready for us then too and I'm really looking foward to it.
Very much looking forward to our vacation and having a chance to relax.
Have a great day!
So Jerry and I did the GranFondo, 100 km on Sunday (my computer had 103.6 km and a co-worker had 110 km for the actual distance). My longest ride yet - average speed 19.1 km/hr (I was hoping for 20 but am happy with above 18), top speed was 52 (headwind), time was aroung 5:15 (I accidently resumed my bike computer going from the finish to the car). It wasn't the 140 km I was hoping for but I wasn't properly trained for the longer distance. I had also fooled around with my saddle distance the night before, which resulted in a very painful neck and upper shoulders. I got rather bored during the ride and I don't think long rides are for me. It was too much like exercise. I like city riding. You can still get a great work-out but you have to be a lot more alert and there are always things going on around you. And biking to a destination (farmer's market, park etc) does not seem like work. I think I will try mountain biking next year. There's a program at Can-Olympic Park for women to learn and you can rent the bikes there too.
The house is almost ready for inspection. We hired a guy on Saturday to haul a load to the dump and the garage is tidied up. I just have to patch holes in the wall, paint touch-ups, sweep/mop the floor and clean the washer/dryer. Then it's just yard work and we're done. The apartment is a crazy mess of boxes but we're going to leave everything as is until we're back from Ontario. And our couch should be ready for us then too and I'm really looking foward to it.
Very much looking forward to our vacation and having a chance to relax.
Have a great day!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Bike Ride
Hello Everyone,
Mike & Whiskers went on their first bike ride last night. I sat in the cargo bike and had Whiskers beside me in a bag. Mike sat on my lap. Both did very well.
Last night was our first night at the new apartment and it felt great to be sleeping on our mattress again. It's starting to come together. We are having a cleaner come on Thursday and someone to haul away our garbage on Saturday.
Have a great day!
Mike & Whiskers went on their first bike ride last night. I sat in the cargo bike and had Whiskers beside me in a bag. Mike sat on my lap. Both did very well.
Last night was our first night at the new apartment and it felt great to be sleeping on our mattress again. It's starting to come together. We are having a cleaner come on Thursday and someone to haul away our garbage on Saturday.
Have a great day!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Poor Mike
Hello Everyone,
So, Mike has been escaping the backyard and getting into trouble. He was sitting on the front porch (like usual) when we got back from our final load last night. He didn't act like his usual needy self and he was missing his collar.
This morning, he hid from us and didn't want to eat.
I came home around 1:30 and there was a terrible smell in the house - sweet icky smell (of infection). Mike's right ear was all yucky inside so we went to the vet.
It turns out he was in a fight with another cat and got bit inside his ear. The vet couldn't tell if it was just the one or if there was a second nip too. It got infected. And it was draining inside.
Poor sweetie. He was in a lot of pain.
So, he got a pain killer, a shot, and now we have to give him penicilin twice a day and put drops in his ear once a day.
He's been slumping around the house all afternoon into early evening.
But on a later load, he came upstairs and sat in the window. And he went out on the front porch to watch me load a few things.
He doesn't like the pills or drops.
We've got most of our stuff moved over to the new place. $1 obo garage sale on Saturday. And we'll move in on Sunday.
And I hope you will all be able to come to mom & dad's on the Saturday after the long weekend to meet Jerry.
Have a great day!
So, Mike has been escaping the backyard and getting into trouble. He was sitting on the front porch (like usual) when we got back from our final load last night. He didn't act like his usual needy self and he was missing his collar.
This morning, he hid from us and didn't want to eat.
I came home around 1:30 and there was a terrible smell in the house - sweet icky smell (of infection). Mike's right ear was all yucky inside so we went to the vet.
It turns out he was in a fight with another cat and got bit inside his ear. The vet couldn't tell if it was just the one or if there was a second nip too. It got infected. And it was draining inside.
Poor sweetie. He was in a lot of pain.
So, he got a pain killer, a shot, and now we have to give him penicilin twice a day and put drops in his ear once a day.
He's been slumping around the house all afternoon into early evening.
But on a later load, he came upstairs and sat in the window. And he went out on the front porch to watch me load a few things.
He doesn't like the pills or drops.
We've got most of our stuff moved over to the new place. $1 obo garage sale on Saturday. And we'll move in on Sunday.
And I hope you will all be able to come to mom & dad's on the Saturday after the long weekend to meet Jerry.
Have a great day!
Monday, July 11, 2011
What a weekend
Hello Everyone,
It was just one of those weekends. On Saturday, we headed out for Banff and ran into wind. Steady 30 km/hr head wind. Averaging 12 km/hr. We got as far as Ghost Lake (40 km from Calgary) when we called it. Luckily the hotel was able to move our reservation to September so we have a nice vacation in the fall.
Came home and went to a Stampede party that evening. Went to the Stampede grounds on Sunday.
We went on a couple midway rides, ate deep fried macaroni and cheese & a bag of cotton candy. Watched the cattle cutting. Got a few things at the market. Had a fun and relaxing time.
This week will be a busy one with Stampede functions and moving. We will likely be moved into the new place by the end of the week. The cable/internet/phone gets hooked up on Wednesday. I am very much looking forward to our dishwasher. We are also looking at a portable two-in-one washer/dryer. They're the ones you hook up to your kitchen sink. We priced it out and we would make our money back in one year by the time you consider the cost of the coin machines downstairs and the convenience of having an in-suite. Does anyone have experience with these? It looks like there are two types - regular and steam.
Have a great day!
It was just one of those weekends. On Saturday, we headed out for Banff and ran into wind. Steady 30 km/hr head wind. Averaging 12 km/hr. We got as far as Ghost Lake (40 km from Calgary) when we called it. Luckily the hotel was able to move our reservation to September so we have a nice vacation in the fall.
Came home and went to a Stampede party that evening. Went to the Stampede grounds on Sunday.
We went on a couple midway rides, ate deep fried macaroni and cheese & a bag of cotton candy. Watched the cattle cutting. Got a few things at the market. Had a fun and relaxing time.
This week will be a busy one with Stampede functions and moving. We will likely be moved into the new place by the end of the week. The cable/internet/phone gets hooked up on Wednesday. I am very much looking forward to our dishwasher. We are also looking at a portable two-in-one washer/dryer. They're the ones you hook up to your kitchen sink. We priced it out and we would make our money back in one year by the time you consider the cost of the coin machines downstairs and the convenience of having an in-suite. Does anyone have experience with these? It looks like there are two types - regular and steam.
Have a great day!
Monday, July 04, 2011
busy weekend
Hello Everyone,
So we have everything that requires a truck now in the new apartment. I am tired, sore and bruised. But, I'm glad that's done and we can slowly put the little things in. I can only do an hour or so each night until Wednesday as I have my exam that night. We have a lot of down-sizing to do.
I spent Friday bringing small items over in the cargo bike. Jerry got his mountain time and had fun playing on a glacier. Some of the loads were up to 200 lbs and because of its design, I didn't have a problem. I moved mostly boxes but Jerry moved the bed frame and kitchen table for me. I then brought over the kitchen chairs.
Thursday was my IUD insertion and it suprised me how bad I felt afterward. I didn't take ibuprofen beforehand like they recommended as I thought it was only to handle the cramps of the other prescription I took. It turns out I should have because it would have already been in my system and made everything less painful. The procedure was very quick but afterward I felt nausous, weak, sleepy, crampy and irritable. Luckily I brought a very supportive friend and I felt better once the ibuprofen kicked in. Oh, and the ice-cream. I recovered quickly though and felt fine Friday afternoon.
Mike the bulimic kitty is rather upset with the crazy household. Whiskers doesn't seem to mind as we have been leaving her outside to play. Mike has been hiding in various rooms, gobbling down his food and then promptly throwing it up on our stuff.
This weekend we plan to cycle to Banff and back. It will be a crazy long bike ride and I'm a bit nervous of the distance - 130km each way. It's a climb up but Jerry keeps telling me the ride back is quite quick.
Have a great day!
So we have everything that requires a truck now in the new apartment. I am tired, sore and bruised. But, I'm glad that's done and we can slowly put the little things in. I can only do an hour or so each night until Wednesday as I have my exam that night. We have a lot of down-sizing to do.
I spent Friday bringing small items over in the cargo bike. Jerry got his mountain time and had fun playing on a glacier. Some of the loads were up to 200 lbs and because of its design, I didn't have a problem. I moved mostly boxes but Jerry moved the bed frame and kitchen table for me. I then brought over the kitchen chairs.
Thursday was my IUD insertion and it suprised me how bad I felt afterward. I didn't take ibuprofen beforehand like they recommended as I thought it was only to handle the cramps of the other prescription I took. It turns out I should have because it would have already been in my system and made everything less painful. The procedure was very quick but afterward I felt nausous, weak, sleepy, crampy and irritable. Luckily I brought a very supportive friend and I felt better once the ibuprofen kicked in. Oh, and the ice-cream. I recovered quickly though and felt fine Friday afternoon.
Mike the bulimic kitty is rather upset with the crazy household. Whiskers doesn't seem to mind as we have been leaving her outside to play. Mike has been hiding in various rooms, gobbling down his food and then promptly throwing it up on our stuff.
This weekend we plan to cycle to Banff and back. It will be a crazy long bike ride and I'm a bit nervous of the distance - 130km each way. It's a climb up but Jerry keeps telling me the ride back is quite quick.
Have a great day!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
stupid charity
Hello Everyone,
stupid charity
putting pretty cupcakes out on a table
forcing me to put a yummy chocolate cupcake with floral decoration into my tummy
now i want more cupcakes
stupid charity
putting pretty cupcakes out on a table
forcing me to put a yummy chocolate cupcake with floral decoration into my tummy
now i want more cupcakes
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Things coming along
Hello Everyone,
I did a big school push last night and finished the assignment I needed to do for my payroll course last week. So, I'm rather tired today but it's one less thing on my mind. My course was on benefits and compensation and was more interesting than I expected. Basically I learned about group benefits packages - health, dental, flex plans, life insurance, etc. My final assignment was to advise a new owner what kind of package would be suitable for his company.
Tomorrow is Mike's annual vet appointment. Hopefully he's on his best kitty behaviour.
I've started changing our utilities over to the new address. We get possession as of the 1st (maybe sooner). I'm very super excited. Since it's not far from our current place, I'll move little things each night using my little old lady cart. We can also move boxes in Jerry's cargo bike as it can hold 5 file boxes. We also brought our diningroom table set home that way in the fall. That will leave just a few large items that we'll need a vehicle for. Jerry hopes to borrow a truck from work. I have someone from work interested in taking our garden.
No plans for the long weekend. I am having an IUD insertion on the Thursday so I plan to take it easy. Jerry hopes to go to the mountains and snowboard down Rae Glacier. I have no desire to see snow in summer. It will mean quiet time for moving a few things, study time and I can complete my final assignment for Statistics. After this course, I think I'll take a month or two off. I need a break. I will be at the almost half-way point of my studies - 6 classes done, 7 to go once that course finishes up.
It was a rainy weekend and we were in Lethbridge visiting Jerry's family. Our rental had a sun roof and I had a lot of fun playing with it. If you stick your hands up and down, the person driving can feel it in the steering wheel. Today looks like a nice day and we finally have some proper sun.
Have a great day!
I did a big school push last night and finished the assignment I needed to do for my payroll course last week. So, I'm rather tired today but it's one less thing on my mind. My course was on benefits and compensation and was more interesting than I expected. Basically I learned about group benefits packages - health, dental, flex plans, life insurance, etc. My final assignment was to advise a new owner what kind of package would be suitable for his company.
Tomorrow is Mike's annual vet appointment. Hopefully he's on his best kitty behaviour.
I've started changing our utilities over to the new address. We get possession as of the 1st (maybe sooner). I'm very super excited. Since it's not far from our current place, I'll move little things each night using my little old lady cart. We can also move boxes in Jerry's cargo bike as it can hold 5 file boxes. We also brought our diningroom table set home that way in the fall. That will leave just a few large items that we'll need a vehicle for. Jerry hopes to borrow a truck from work. I have someone from work interested in taking our garden.
No plans for the long weekend. I am having an IUD insertion on the Thursday so I plan to take it easy. Jerry hopes to go to the mountains and snowboard down Rae Glacier. I have no desire to see snow in summer. It will mean quiet time for moving a few things, study time and I can complete my final assignment for Statistics. After this course, I think I'll take a month or two off. I need a break. I will be at the almost half-way point of my studies - 6 classes done, 7 to go once that course finishes up.
It was a rainy weekend and we were in Lethbridge visiting Jerry's family. Our rental had a sun roof and I had a lot of fun playing with it. If you stick your hands up and down, the person driving can feel it in the steering wheel. Today looks like a nice day and we finally have some proper sun.
Have a great day!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Apartment search - part 2
Hello Everyone,
Happy dance!
I just got word this morning that the apartment we loved is ours. We sign the papers tonight.
Yippee!
Happy dance!
I just got word this morning that the apartment we loved is ours. We sign the papers tonight.
Yippee!
Apartment seaching
Hello Everyone,
Yep, the search is on. We gave our notice to move out at the end of July. Keith is moving out at the end of the month and our house is too big, the rent is too high, there's too much work and the utilities are crazy.
We're looking for a 2 bedroom suite that allows pets in the general area we're currently in.
As soon as you add in the pets, you go from 7 pages of listings to 2.5.
We fell in love with one that we saw on Wednesday but haven't heard back yet. Will follow up with them later today. We saw a small place last night that I didn't like and we have another one to see tonight. There are also a few more I want to check out.
We weren't planning to move so soon but there was a lot available and the first place required us to give our notice since they would be phoning our current landlord. And it will mean a better chance to avoid the students. And we'd have a month to downsize and move. Which I like. It's expensive since you're paying rent at two places but the stress level is less than half and it'll be a considerable downsize.
We've donated a bunch of "stuff" already and a few furniture pieces. I think we're dropping off electronics this weekend.
We're heading to Lethbridge for the weekend to visit with Jerry's family.
And I have no idea what we're doing with the garden yet.
Have a good day!
Yep, the search is on. We gave our notice to move out at the end of July. Keith is moving out at the end of the month and our house is too big, the rent is too high, there's too much work and the utilities are crazy.
We're looking for a 2 bedroom suite that allows pets in the general area we're currently in.
As soon as you add in the pets, you go from 7 pages of listings to 2.5.
We fell in love with one that we saw on Wednesday but haven't heard back yet. Will follow up with them later today. We saw a small place last night that I didn't like and we have another one to see tonight. There are also a few more I want to check out.
We weren't planning to move so soon but there was a lot available and the first place required us to give our notice since they would be phoning our current landlord. And it will mean a better chance to avoid the students. And we'd have a month to downsize and move. Which I like. It's expensive since you're paying rent at two places but the stress level is less than half and it'll be a considerable downsize.
We've donated a bunch of "stuff" already and a few furniture pieces. I think we're dropping off electronics this weekend.
We're heading to Lethbridge for the weekend to visit with Jerry's family.
And I have no idea what we're doing with the garden yet.
Have a good day!
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Scary News with a Happy Ending
Hello Everyone,
So Joseph had an accident on Tuesday. He was up in Greg & Stacey's room and fell through the screen of the window onto the porch.
They airlifted him to London (a helicopter adventure) and did all sorts of test.
The result? A concussion, a fractured cheekbone and a broken arm.
That's it! It's amazing what children's bodies are capable of handling. His arm is casted "It's stuck" and is already starting to heal. His cheekbone stayed in place and they don't need to do anything with it and the swelling around his eye has come down.
So, when we come visit in a couple months, he'll be able to compare arm breaks with Uncle Jerry (who has some "cool looking" scars from his).
Mom said that he's eaten yougurt and is sitting up. Cast'll be on for probably 4 weeks or so. The big thing will be to keep him slowed down enough that he doesn't wack his head again until it's fully healed.
Maddy can't wait for Joseph to come home so she can colour his cast.
So Joseph had an accident on Tuesday. He was up in Greg & Stacey's room and fell through the screen of the window onto the porch.
They airlifted him to London (a helicopter adventure) and did all sorts of test.
The result? A concussion, a fractured cheekbone and a broken arm.
That's it! It's amazing what children's bodies are capable of handling. His arm is casted "It's stuck" and is already starting to heal. His cheekbone stayed in place and they don't need to do anything with it and the swelling around his eye has come down.
So, when we come visit in a couple months, he'll be able to compare arm breaks with Uncle Jerry (who has some "cool looking" scars from his).
Mom said that he's eaten yougurt and is sitting up. Cast'll be on for probably 4 weeks or so. The big thing will be to keep him slowed down enough that he doesn't wack his head again until it's fully healed.
Maddy can't wait for Joseph to come home so she can colour his cast.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tour de France news
Hello Everyone,
It's just over a month until the Tour starts (July 2-24) and I was on their website checking things out. My cute Schleck brothers have moved to a new team, Leopard Trek (apparently pronounced lay-o-pard rather than the funnier leopard).
And it's the 100th anniversary of a crazy climb - the galibier
In 2011, the Tour will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the first crossing of the galibier by the peloton, the mountain pass which has been visited the most by the race. The finishing line of the 18th stage will be marked out there at an altitude of 2, 645 metres!
The Tour’s peloton had hardly recovered from the shock of discovering the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet, on its trip to the Pyrenees during the 1910 Tour. And now there was talk of a new summit to be climbed, another whim resulting from the imagination of Henri Desgrange and Alphonse Steinès, the adventure enthusiasts. In 1911, the Tour de France’s peloton began its assault on the Galibier which was even higher, even harder and even colder than anything that any of the cyclists had ever experienced.
After expressing anger and hostility, the riders, who were perched between heaven and earth, were in fact fascinated by the setting and were conscious of the feat to be achieved. “It knocks you for six”, uttered proudly to spectators, émile Georget, the first rider to climb up to the summit of the Col du Galibier, at an altitude of 2, 556 metres, on 10 July 1911. The pioneer of pioneers, who did not get off his bicycle once during the entire ascent, had just completed the 34-kilometre climb, from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, via the Col du Télégraphe. As he was very impressed by the spectacular encounter of these heroes and was amazed by the historic day that had just been experienced by the Tour, Henri Desgrange wrote a hymn of worship for the riders in L’Auto (the daily sports paper):
“Haven’t they got wings, our men who have been able to climb up to heights where even eagles don’t fly? … Oh Sappey, Oh Laffrey, Oh Col Bayard, Oh Tourmalet! I shall not fail in my duty to proclaim to the world that you are like an insignificant and common beer compared to the Galibier: all one can do before this giant is doff one’s hat and bow.”
Out of respect for the prophecy of the Tour’s founder, cyclists have appeared before this giant for one hundred years with the same humility. Some of them have overcome it, and have even succeeded in using its steepests lopes to create a name for themselves. Gino Bartali, for example, succeeded in getting rid of the threat of Louison Bobet by dominating the Galibier, in 1948. However four years later, he suffered from the advent of the younger generation, due to the performance achieved by Fausto Coppi: “He’s like a cable-car on a steel wire rope”, said Jacques Goddet, with great enthusiasm, at the time.
Subsequently, Bahamontes, Gaul, Merckx, Zoetemelk, Ocana and Pantani have all gone over the summit first, which has moreover increased by one hundred or so metres since the tunnel was closed and the new road was built. And in 2011, a new name will become legendary, with the first finish judged at the summit of the Col du Galibier. At an altitude of 2, 645 metres, it will be the highest finish in the Tour’s history.
Super cool exciting, eh?
Oh, and TSN won the broadcasting rights so we don't have to subscribe to extra cable channels for the month. Happy dance!
It's just over a month until the Tour starts (July 2-24) and I was on their website checking things out. My cute Schleck brothers have moved to a new team, Leopard Trek (apparently pronounced lay-o-pard rather than the funnier leopard).
And it's the 100th anniversary of a crazy climb - the galibier
In 2011, the Tour will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the first crossing of the galibier by the peloton, the mountain pass which has been visited the most by the race. The finishing line of the 18th stage will be marked out there at an altitude of 2, 645 metres!
The Tour’s peloton had hardly recovered from the shock of discovering the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet, on its trip to the Pyrenees during the 1910 Tour. And now there was talk of a new summit to be climbed, another whim resulting from the imagination of Henri Desgrange and Alphonse Steinès, the adventure enthusiasts. In 1911, the Tour de France’s peloton began its assault on the Galibier which was even higher, even harder and even colder than anything that any of the cyclists had ever experienced.
After expressing anger and hostility, the riders, who were perched between heaven and earth, were in fact fascinated by the setting and were conscious of the feat to be achieved. “It knocks you for six”, uttered proudly to spectators, émile Georget, the first rider to climb up to the summit of the Col du Galibier, at an altitude of 2, 556 metres, on 10 July 1911. The pioneer of pioneers, who did not get off his bicycle once during the entire ascent, had just completed the 34-kilometre climb, from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, via the Col du Télégraphe. As he was very impressed by the spectacular encounter of these heroes and was amazed by the historic day that had just been experienced by the Tour, Henri Desgrange wrote a hymn of worship for the riders in L’Auto (the daily sports paper):
“Haven’t they got wings, our men who have been able to climb up to heights where even eagles don’t fly? … Oh Sappey, Oh Laffrey, Oh Col Bayard, Oh Tourmalet! I shall not fail in my duty to proclaim to the world that you are like an insignificant and common beer compared to the Galibier: all one can do before this giant is doff one’s hat and bow.”
Out of respect for the prophecy of the Tour’s founder, cyclists have appeared before this giant for one hundred years with the same humility. Some of them have overcome it, and have even succeeded in using its steepests lopes to create a name for themselves. Gino Bartali, for example, succeeded in getting rid of the threat of Louison Bobet by dominating the Galibier, in 1948. However four years later, he suffered from the advent of the younger generation, due to the performance achieved by Fausto Coppi: “He’s like a cable-car on a steel wire rope”, said Jacques Goddet, with great enthusiasm, at the time.
Subsequently, Bahamontes, Gaul, Merckx, Zoetemelk, Ocana and Pantani have all gone over the summit first, which has moreover increased by one hundred or so metres since the tunnel was closed and the new road was built. And in 2011, a new name will become legendary, with the first finish judged at the summit of the Col du Galibier. At an altitude of 2, 645 metres, it will be the highest finish in the Tour’s history.
Super cool exciting, eh?
Oh, and TSN won the broadcasting rights so we don't have to subscribe to extra cable channels for the month. Happy dance!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunburnt Nose
Hello Everyone,
We had a riding adventure yesterday and my nose ended up getting a sunburn. Our goal was to reach Balzac, a community close to Calgary that is about 24 km from home. Between detours, construction and gravel roads, we only made it to 20 km. So, we toured around suburbia and went to the Lilac Festival later in the day. The festival was very crowded and a lot more venders than organization booths.
Training is slowly coming along. I'm going to start doing Wednesday rides to Cochrane for the practise. We've also figured out our super long rides. One will be Calgary - Cochrane - Bragg Creek - Calgary (common training ride) and our super major one will be Calgary to Banff. Once we reach Canmore, there's a new pathway linking it to Banff that we've been wanting to check out. It's 110 km to Banff but Jerry says it's a pretty ride. It's uphill going there so the return (which makes the ride over my training guide) is supposedly quick. We also have crazy west winds. It'll be a really good judge to see if I'm ready for the Gran Fondo.
We bring the rest of the plants out to the garden this coming Saturday. I need to pick up twine for the tomatoes but everything else is ready to go. With all the crazy rain last week, I was unable to plant the potatoes but I hope to in the next couple days.
Jerry has applied to SAIT for a welding program. It's the schooling he'll need to get his second level. Then, he just needs to put in his hours before writing the exams. I'm unsure how long it takes to hear if he gets accepted. The program starts in the fall. I hope he gets in and that it's something he'll enjoy.
Have a great day!
We had a riding adventure yesterday and my nose ended up getting a sunburn. Our goal was to reach Balzac, a community close to Calgary that is about 24 km from home. Between detours, construction and gravel roads, we only made it to 20 km. So, we toured around suburbia and went to the Lilac Festival later in the day. The festival was very crowded and a lot more venders than organization booths.
Training is slowly coming along. I'm going to start doing Wednesday rides to Cochrane for the practise. We've also figured out our super long rides. One will be Calgary - Cochrane - Bragg Creek - Calgary (common training ride) and our super major one will be Calgary to Banff. Once we reach Canmore, there's a new pathway linking it to Banff that we've been wanting to check out. It's 110 km to Banff but Jerry says it's a pretty ride. It's uphill going there so the return (which makes the ride over my training guide) is supposedly quick. We also have crazy west winds. It'll be a really good judge to see if I'm ready for the Gran Fondo.
We bring the rest of the plants out to the garden this coming Saturday. I need to pick up twine for the tomatoes but everything else is ready to go. With all the crazy rain last week, I was unable to plant the potatoes but I hope to in the next couple days.
Jerry has applied to SAIT for a welding program. It's the schooling he'll need to get his second level. Then, he just needs to put in his hours before writing the exams. I'm unsure how long it takes to hear if he gets accepted. The program starts in the fall. I hope he gets in and that it's something he'll enjoy.
Have a great day!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Happy Birthday to Me!
Hello Everyone,
What a lovely birthday I had. Low key and relaxing.
Starting on Friday, I got a great pair of jeans, trouser cut and suitable for work for $35 - 1/3 of the original price.
Saturday, I went to hot yoga, had a massage and Jerry took me out for dinner. We tried the Indian restaurant near our house and it was super yummy. Really delicious food and great service.
Sunday, we caught the C-train to the end of the line and rode out to Cochrane. It's a very common training route as there is a huge hill heading down to Cochrane. Altogether, about 42 km round trip. For dinner, we gobbled down cheese fondue and Jerry made ice-cream.
Today, Jerry made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. We did house tidying stuff and laundry. I then went for a bike ride and saw my first gosling of the season. For dinner, Jerry made yummy fried chicken.
So, a wonderful birthday weekend.
Have a great day!
What a lovely birthday I had. Low key and relaxing.
Starting on Friday, I got a great pair of jeans, trouser cut and suitable for work for $35 - 1/3 of the original price.
Saturday, I went to hot yoga, had a massage and Jerry took me out for dinner. We tried the Indian restaurant near our house and it was super yummy. Really delicious food and great service.
Sunday, we caught the C-train to the end of the line and rode out to Cochrane. It's a very common training route as there is a huge hill heading down to Cochrane. Altogether, about 42 km round trip. For dinner, we gobbled down cheese fondue and Jerry made ice-cream.
Today, Jerry made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. We did house tidying stuff and laundry. I then went for a bike ride and saw my first gosling of the season. For dinner, Jerry made yummy fried chicken.
So, a wonderful birthday weekend.
Have a great day!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
..US Atheists Offer Pet Rescue After Judgment Day
Actual news article:
By Sandy Huffaker | AFP News – 21 hours ago
When judgment day comes -- which some US Christian fundamentalists insist will happen on Saturday -- have you thought about what you're going to do with the family dog and cat?
In 26 US states, you could have them rescued and adopted by enterprising atheists who have set up a business to care for the animal companions of any Christians who are selected to go to heaven when Jesus Christ comes back.
"You've committed your life to Jesus. You know you're saved. But when the Rapture comes, what's to become of your loving pets who are left behind?" Eternal Earth-Bound Pets says on its website, offering to "take that burden off your mind."
The post-doomsday pet rescue service already has 259 clients, who have paid $135 for the first pet and $20 for each additional pet at the same address, to ensure the faithful animal companions are looked after and loved even when their Christian owners have gone to the other side.
All the rescuers are sworn atheists, which means they will definitely be left behind on Earth, ready to rescue pets after the Rapture, which one US Christian fundamentalist group has penciled for Saturday.
When judgment day happens, Eternal Earth-Bound Pets co-founder Bart Centre "will notify all of our rescuers to go into action and they will drive to the homes of anyone who's signed a contract with us, pick up their pets and take them home and adopt them as their own, keeping them happy and healthy for the rest of their lives.
"This will happen only if and when the Rapture happens. So we do not expect to have to do anything on Saturday," Centre told AFP.
Contracts are good for 10 years, just in case the Mayan calendar prophesy, which predicts the world will end in December next year, comes true.
By Sandy Huffaker | AFP News – 21 hours ago
When judgment day comes -- which some US Christian fundamentalists insist will happen on Saturday -- have you thought about what you're going to do with the family dog and cat?
In 26 US states, you could have them rescued and adopted by enterprising atheists who have set up a business to care for the animal companions of any Christians who are selected to go to heaven when Jesus Christ comes back.
"You've committed your life to Jesus. You know you're saved. But when the Rapture comes, what's to become of your loving pets who are left behind?" Eternal Earth-Bound Pets says on its website, offering to "take that burden off your mind."
The post-doomsday pet rescue service already has 259 clients, who have paid $135 for the first pet and $20 for each additional pet at the same address, to ensure the faithful animal companions are looked after and loved even when their Christian owners have gone to the other side.
All the rescuers are sworn atheists, which means they will definitely be left behind on Earth, ready to rescue pets after the Rapture, which one US Christian fundamentalist group has penciled for Saturday.
When judgment day happens, Eternal Earth-Bound Pets co-founder Bart Centre "will notify all of our rescuers to go into action and they will drive to the homes of anyone who's signed a contract with us, pick up their pets and take them home and adopt them as their own, keeping them happy and healthy for the rest of their lives.
"This will happen only if and when the Rapture happens. So we do not expect to have to do anything on Saturday," Centre told AFP.
Contracts are good for 10 years, just in case the Mayan calendar prophesy, which predicts the world will end in December next year, comes true.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
What a week so far...
Hello Everyone,
So, after my first training ride Monday night, I came home to a phone message from Jerry saying that he was in the hospital. Chest pains, difficulty breathing so his boss took him in.
So I headed off to the hospital in a panic to find out what was going on.
They still had him in emergency when I arrived (but in a bed in a curtained off room) and I stayed with him until around 10:30 pm when they admitted him. Rather scary seeing him all hooked up, stickers everywhere, wires and he had an oxygen tube in his nose. Everything had settled down after they gave him a nitroglycerin patch.
According to him, he started developing chest pains and then breathing problems. Pain between his shoulder blades. Cold extremities (but no tingling) yet he felt hot. They did blood tests but it was not a heart attack.
On Tuesday, he did a stress test and there was an abnormality. He has to go back in a couple weeks for more tests. And by the end (he was so proud that he "finished"), his heart rate had tripled. But for now, the doctors told him to continue his normal activity level and that he could go back to work. And he has to carry nitroglycerin with him (it's now a spray) and take the low dose aspirin. He was released mid morning and decided to walk home.
Luckily I got the message, called him and met him part-way. I didn't care what the docs said - I was keeping an eye on him for the day. They had sent me home from work as I wasn't sure how long the testing would take and what kind of care he needed. And I was exhausted. So a leisurely walk home and I had to keep him from doing all sorts of activities since he "felt fine". Grrrrr.
So, now it's wait and see. His symptoms sound a lot like angina to me. The doctors wonder if maybe he's always had "something" but it didn't show up bad enough until the change in activity type.
I did a bit of studying last night and have my notes with me today. They provide the formulas so I think I'll do ok. I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a good day!
So, after my first training ride Monday night, I came home to a phone message from Jerry saying that he was in the hospital. Chest pains, difficulty breathing so his boss took him in.
So I headed off to the hospital in a panic to find out what was going on.
They still had him in emergency when I arrived (but in a bed in a curtained off room) and I stayed with him until around 10:30 pm when they admitted him. Rather scary seeing him all hooked up, stickers everywhere, wires and he had an oxygen tube in his nose. Everything had settled down after they gave him a nitroglycerin patch.
According to him, he started developing chest pains and then breathing problems. Pain between his shoulder blades. Cold extremities (but no tingling) yet he felt hot. They did blood tests but it was not a heart attack.
On Tuesday, he did a stress test and there was an abnormality. He has to go back in a couple weeks for more tests. And by the end (he was so proud that he "finished"), his heart rate had tripled. But for now, the doctors told him to continue his normal activity level and that he could go back to work. And he has to carry nitroglycerin with him (it's now a spray) and take the low dose aspirin. He was released mid morning and decided to walk home.
Luckily I got the message, called him and met him part-way. I didn't care what the docs said - I was keeping an eye on him for the day. They had sent me home from work as I wasn't sure how long the testing would take and what kind of care he needed. And I was exhausted. So a leisurely walk home and I had to keep him from doing all sorts of activities since he "felt fine". Grrrrr.
So, now it's wait and see. His symptoms sound a lot like angina to me. The doctors wonder if maybe he's always had "something" but it didn't show up bad enough until the change in activity type.
I did a bit of studying last night and have my notes with me today. They provide the formulas so I think I'll do ok. I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a good day!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, smelly Monday
Hello Everyone,
They put new carpet in the office over the weekend so we had Friday off (my office was already packed up). Spent the day in the sun, running errands, planting, watching Whiskers hop around the yard.
Saturday was study day - finished my last chapter for the exam on Wednesday. Did my assignment on Sunday. Got my mark back (I'm happy)so I can working on my study notes. Messed up a couple questions but I'm glad to get the results so quickly.
So, if you look to my links section, you'll see one called Crazy Bike Ride. Jerry and I are registered for the 140km. I'm training for the 170km (aka Century Ride - 100 miles)but plan to do the lesser mileage. The terrain is hilly and there can be nasty winds. I've never done this long of a distance but it is realistic and I start my training tonight. Three "short" rides a week and one "long" ride. This week my short rides are 15 km each and my long ride is 40 km. I'm on a 10 week training schedule which is designed to prepare you without over stressing your body. I'm rather excited since the long rides will get us out of the city to explore a few towns nearby.
The nice thing about the ride is there are several distances. For example, if the wind is bad/weather nasty, we can turn around at the 50 km mark. If it's good, we can turn around at the planned 70 km mark. If it's fabulous, we're feeling good and our time is ok, we can push it to the 85 km mark. We have from 7 am to 4:30 pm to complete the ride (9.5 hrs) so with a riding average of 20 km/hr, we could do the full GranFondo. A bit daunting but it should be a pretty ride.
Have a great day!
They put new carpet in the office over the weekend so we had Friday off (my office was already packed up). Spent the day in the sun, running errands, planting, watching Whiskers hop around the yard.
Saturday was study day - finished my last chapter for the exam on Wednesday. Did my assignment on Sunday. Got my mark back (I'm happy)so I can working on my study notes. Messed up a couple questions but I'm glad to get the results so quickly.
So, if you look to my links section, you'll see one called Crazy Bike Ride. Jerry and I are registered for the 140km. I'm training for the 170km (aka Century Ride - 100 miles)but plan to do the lesser mileage. The terrain is hilly and there can be nasty winds. I've never done this long of a distance but it is realistic and I start my training tonight. Three "short" rides a week and one "long" ride. This week my short rides are 15 km each and my long ride is 40 km. I'm on a 10 week training schedule which is designed to prepare you without over stressing your body. I'm rather excited since the long rides will get us out of the city to explore a few towns nearby.
The nice thing about the ride is there are several distances. For example, if the wind is bad/weather nasty, we can turn around at the 50 km mark. If it's good, we can turn around at the planned 70 km mark. If it's fabulous, we're feeling good and our time is ok, we can push it to the 85 km mark. We have from 7 am to 4:30 pm to complete the ride (9.5 hrs) so with a riding average of 20 km/hr, we could do the full GranFondo. A bit daunting but it should be a pretty ride.
Have a great day!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Ontario bound
Hello Everyone,
Flights are booked so Jerry & I will be in Ontario this summer. We fly into Toronto on July 28 and catch a shuttle up to the cottage. After the cottage for the long weekend, we return to Chesley. Followed by Keady market! And then some visiting.
There are tentative plans for an afternoon social on August 6 (so Jerry can be grilled by the general public). And then we fly back out of London on the 7th.
I already have my spreadsheet started with a basic schedule and list of things to do. Jerry laughed when I showed him. Has anyone done the zip line & canopy walk at Scenic Caves (Collingwood)?
Have a great day!
Flights are booked so Jerry & I will be in Ontario this summer. We fly into Toronto on July 28 and catch a shuttle up to the cottage. After the cottage for the long weekend, we return to Chesley. Followed by Keady market! And then some visiting.
There are tentative plans for an afternoon social on August 6 (so Jerry can be grilled by the general public). And then we fly back out of London on the 7th.
I already have my spreadsheet started with a basic schedule and list of things to do. Jerry laughed when I showed him. Has anyone done the zip line & canopy walk at Scenic Caves (Collingwood)?
Have a great day!
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Almost the weekend
Hello Everyone,
Counting down to the weekend when I can get some sleep and study. The household routine is starting to get back into place. Jerry's week is going well. It's hard work but they only have clean-up for about a month and then it's lawn cutting.
I didn't like the bikini bootcamp so I have not continuted. Luckily it only cost me $20. It wasn't so much the workout but how it was being run. Large class and the instructor was teach both private students and students registered with the company. No clear introduction or advice for us newbies. It also seemed like the stretching at the end was an afterthought – very little of it and holding for short periods of time. I was also expecting several representatives at the first (and last) session to go over goals, measurements and fitness tests (like what is in the brochure). The instructor seemed to dismiss the diet plan and told us to e-mail the company for it if we were interested. I was expecting a print-out and some discussion about why changing your diet while doing a boot camp would lead to better results. I also would have liked a brief introduction from the instructor, indicating how a typical class runs and something motivating before we started. I could see from her view that it would be more challenging to handle a group with such a wide range of fitness levels and experience. I guess I'm either a one-on-one instruction person or a solo exerciser.
So, I created a new challenge. And if I complete X number of weeks, I get a reward! So, 2 aerobic workouts (kickboxing, cycling, dancing etc), 2 yoga or ballet (isometrics - actually quite challenging) and 1 short yoga (1/2 hour) each week. Once I've accumulated 4 weeks, I get a massage (hooray work benefits!) At 12 weeks, I get to add a manicure. And once I reach 26 weeks, a half day at the spa.
And Jerry is supportive of this too. We're both trying to eat healthier and he knows that my body shape has been bothering me. And that I don't have as much energy to do the things we like to do together (hiking, snowboarding etc.) I have my little spreadsheet all done up and I'm looking forward to it.
Oh, and the matsoni yougurt worked! A bit runny on the first attempt but it worked! We make more tonight. I sweetened it with honey and added cinnamon. So, ingredients list: milk, yougurt culture, honey, cinnamon. So simple! I'll probably alternate between cinnamon and vanilla. Now I don't have to feel bad about throwing away all those little yougurt containers as there is no plastic recycling at work. Yes, Calgary in many ways is really that behind the times.
My new glasses are wonderful. Everything is so much sharper, even more than just usual "got new glasses" sharp. And they're cute. They remind me of something from the 60s.
Have a great day!
Counting down to the weekend when I can get some sleep and study. The household routine is starting to get back into place. Jerry's week is going well. It's hard work but they only have clean-up for about a month and then it's lawn cutting.
I didn't like the bikini bootcamp so I have not continuted. Luckily it only cost me $20. It wasn't so much the workout but how it was being run. Large class and the instructor was teach both private students and students registered with the company. No clear introduction or advice for us newbies. It also seemed like the stretching at the end was an afterthought – very little of it and holding for short periods of time. I was also expecting several representatives at the first (and last) session to go over goals, measurements and fitness tests (like what is in the brochure). The instructor seemed to dismiss the diet plan and told us to e-mail the company for it if we were interested. I was expecting a print-out and some discussion about why changing your diet while doing a boot camp would lead to better results. I also would have liked a brief introduction from the instructor, indicating how a typical class runs and something motivating before we started. I could see from her view that it would be more challenging to handle a group with such a wide range of fitness levels and experience. I guess I'm either a one-on-one instruction person or a solo exerciser.
So, I created a new challenge. And if I complete X number of weeks, I get a reward! So, 2 aerobic workouts (kickboxing, cycling, dancing etc), 2 yoga or ballet (isometrics - actually quite challenging) and 1 short yoga (1/2 hour) each week. Once I've accumulated 4 weeks, I get a massage (hooray work benefits!) At 12 weeks, I get to add a manicure. And once I reach 26 weeks, a half day at the spa.
And Jerry is supportive of this too. We're both trying to eat healthier and he knows that my body shape has been bothering me. And that I don't have as much energy to do the things we like to do together (hiking, snowboarding etc.) I have my little spreadsheet all done up and I'm looking forward to it.
Oh, and the matsoni yougurt worked! A bit runny on the first attempt but it worked! We make more tonight. I sweetened it with honey and added cinnamon. So, ingredients list: milk, yougurt culture, honey, cinnamon. So simple! I'll probably alternate between cinnamon and vanilla. Now I don't have to feel bad about throwing away all those little yougurt containers as there is no plastic recycling at work. Yes, Calgary in many ways is really that behind the times.
My new glasses are wonderful. Everything is so much sharper, even more than just usual "got new glasses" sharp. And they're cute. They remind me of something from the 60s.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Grrr...
Hello Everyone,
Well, the results last night weren't what I was hoping for but the Canadian people (or at least those who bothered to show up) spoke.
They ran a segment on CBC, "If I were Prime Minister" leading up to election night. Here is what I would do:
• Mandatory voting. People can spoil their ballots but they have to at least show up. Penalties would be similar to a few other countries – increased income tax and reduction in government services.
• Free post-secondary education in exchange for 2 years of government service. This could take several forms: military, coast guard, parks, entry level government positions, etc. We get extra work, educated people and graduates that have work experience.
• Maximum 8 year terms for MPs & Senators
• Allow constituents to recall MPs.
• Reform House of Commons so ridings are set by population. It’s currently very Atlantic Canada heavy when you consider the population. Create extra seats so you also have popular vote representation.
• Reform Senate to elected and set seats by province. Each province (regardless of size) will get x number of seats. That will create a balance between the two houses.
• Set election dates (every 4 years)
• Make work projects:
o Bike path beside each national highway
o Bike path beside each major road in a national park. Safer for all, more people using the park, more fees collected to help with conservation
o National passenger railway
o Nice rest areas on the national highways, like when you’re driving on the Interstates in the US.
o Money to provinces for provincial passenger railway
o Money to cities for transit to link the above points together
o Overhaul government buildings (including residences) to make more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Old does not necessarily mean re-replicate it. Old and new can look nice together
• Mandatory English and French class in all provinces from grade 1-8
• Immigrants must be able to communicate in either English or French
• Easier for immigrants to transfer education, work licenses etc. to work in their field in Canada
• Remembrance Day a statutory holiday
• Tax cigarettes even more and regulate the sale of marijuana to the general public. It will make it easier for people to access it for medical purposes (it’s currently very expensive and if you grow it yourself, you can be targeted by criminals) and if you want to use it personally, at least it's not as bad as cigarettes. Get rid of the criminal element, regulate it and tax it. Take the tax money and put toward Health Care.
• Look at cell phone, telephone, internet and cable. We have some of the highest user fees in the world and we’re lagging behind in technology. Make it more competitive and get some lower fees.
• Work with Natives for self governance and the ability to own their own homes. Many reserves are set up so Natives don’t own the houses and government inspectors can come in at any time, with no notice, to do an inspection. Would you take pride in your home if someone did that to you? Even renters have more protection than that. Work with them to ensure water quality, education, housing, etc are at Canadian standards.
So, based on this, none of the parties fit my platform. And it's frustrating and discouraging. But I'll be out again in 4 years and I hope you are too.
Have a good day!
Well, the results last night weren't what I was hoping for but the Canadian people (or at least those who bothered to show up) spoke.
They ran a segment on CBC, "If I were Prime Minister" leading up to election night. Here is what I would do:
• Mandatory voting. People can spoil their ballots but they have to at least show up. Penalties would be similar to a few other countries – increased income tax and reduction in government services.
• Free post-secondary education in exchange for 2 years of government service. This could take several forms: military, coast guard, parks, entry level government positions, etc. We get extra work, educated people and graduates that have work experience.
• Maximum 8 year terms for MPs & Senators
• Allow constituents to recall MPs.
• Reform House of Commons so ridings are set by population. It’s currently very Atlantic Canada heavy when you consider the population. Create extra seats so you also have popular vote representation.
• Reform Senate to elected and set seats by province. Each province (regardless of size) will get x number of seats. That will create a balance between the two houses.
• Set election dates (every 4 years)
• Make work projects:
o Bike path beside each national highway
o Bike path beside each major road in a national park. Safer for all, more people using the park, more fees collected to help with conservation
o National passenger railway
o Nice rest areas on the national highways, like when you’re driving on the Interstates in the US.
o Money to provinces for provincial passenger railway
o Money to cities for transit to link the above points together
o Overhaul government buildings (including residences) to make more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Old does not necessarily mean re-replicate it. Old and new can look nice together
• Mandatory English and French class in all provinces from grade 1-8
• Immigrants must be able to communicate in either English or French
• Easier for immigrants to transfer education, work licenses etc. to work in their field in Canada
• Remembrance Day a statutory holiday
• Tax cigarettes even more and regulate the sale of marijuana to the general public. It will make it easier for people to access it for medical purposes (it’s currently very expensive and if you grow it yourself, you can be targeted by criminals) and if you want to use it personally, at least it's not as bad as cigarettes. Get rid of the criminal element, regulate it and tax it. Take the tax money and put toward Health Care.
• Look at cell phone, telephone, internet and cable. We have some of the highest user fees in the world and we’re lagging behind in technology. Make it more competitive and get some lower fees.
• Work with Natives for self governance and the ability to own their own homes. Many reserves are set up so Natives don’t own the houses and government inspectors can come in at any time, with no notice, to do an inspection. Would you take pride in your home if someone did that to you? Even renters have more protection than that. Work with them to ensure water quality, education, housing, etc are at Canadian standards.
So, based on this, none of the parties fit my platform. And it's frustrating and discouraging. But I'll be out again in 4 years and I hope you are too.
Have a good day!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Awwwwww!
Hello Everyone,
Yep, we were up to watch the wedding. A friend came over around 1ish as she doesn't have cable. Jerry got up at 3 to start muffins. He woke me up at 3:15 so I could be alert enough to watch the royals arrive and see Kate. I loved the dress - from what I have read/saw about her, it suited her style very well. I stayed up until after the ring was presented and went back to bed until 6:15. Got up again to see the balcony kiss and then got ready for work.
Overall, not feeling too tired and I thought the wedding was quite lovely. Simple (for a royal wedding) and the couple looked like they were enjoying the day.
I made my first yougurt culture and will attempt Matsoni yougurt this weekend. It can be made on the kitchen counter and as long as I save a bit, it's renewable. I'll let you know how it goes.
Icky weather this week so Jerry's job start was moved to Monday.
This weekend I'm going to two trade shows - a craft show and the women's show. I think I'll be in estrogen overload by Saturday night. On Sunday we're going for brunch with friends.
Seedlings are doing great. My corn is now 1 1/2' high and one of the squash plants looks like it wants to flower. Jerry says it's because of the grow lights we have over them. I replanted some seeds that didn't germinate and already they're popping through the peat. How exciting! The tomato and pepper plants are coming along nicely.
Have a great day!
Yep, we were up to watch the wedding. A friend came over around 1ish as she doesn't have cable. Jerry got up at 3 to start muffins. He woke me up at 3:15 so I could be alert enough to watch the royals arrive and see Kate. I loved the dress - from what I have read/saw about her, it suited her style very well. I stayed up until after the ring was presented and went back to bed until 6:15. Got up again to see the balcony kiss and then got ready for work.
Overall, not feeling too tired and I thought the wedding was quite lovely. Simple (for a royal wedding) and the couple looked like they were enjoying the day.
I made my first yougurt culture and will attempt Matsoni yougurt this weekend. It can be made on the kitchen counter and as long as I save a bit, it's renewable. I'll let you know how it goes.
Icky weather this week so Jerry's job start was moved to Monday.
This weekend I'm going to two trade shows - a craft show and the women's show. I think I'll be in estrogen overload by Saturday night. On Sunday we're going for brunch with friends.
Seedlings are doing great. My corn is now 1 1/2' high and one of the squash plants looks like it wants to flower. Jerry says it's because of the grow lights we have over them. I replanted some seeds that didn't germinate and already they're popping through the peat. How exciting! The tomato and pepper plants are coming along nicely.
Have a great day!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Happy Monday!
Hello Everyone,
It's not too often Monday is happy but today it is.
1. Jerry accepted a job offer today to do lawn cutting this summer. He starts on Wednesday doing spring clean-up. It pays ok, little stress and flexibility if he needs some time off (holidays, perhaps school). And it's only a few blocks from our house so he doesn't have to trapse all across the city to pick up the equipment.
2. I ordered new glasses. They're a cute frame and will have digitally made lenses. They are suppose to do wonders for me (and my halos).
3. We did our first planting yesterday. Onions, shallots, garlic, spinach and peas. Jerry is planting radish and turnip this afternoon. And from now until early June we have something to plant each week. My corn is over 1'. They're lining the windowsill. And we had 2 swiss chard plants survive the winter! Rhubarb is peaking out of the ground. And we think all the fruit bushes survived.
4. I got registered in time for bikini boot camp starting in May. I got a $20 voucher for one month of training (which is 90% off the regular price). I'm hoping it'll help me with my health and fitness levels. They're not great right now (eating well but nothing is happening with my size) and I want energy to do lots of fun activities this summer.
We had a good Easter. The bus was relaxing and we had a nice visit with Jerry's family. We got up super early on Sunday and went to the sunrise service. They fed us hot crossed buns after. And then a three hour nap. It was a beautiful day and I ate too much chocolate.
Have a great day!
It's not too often Monday is happy but today it is.
1. Jerry accepted a job offer today to do lawn cutting this summer. He starts on Wednesday doing spring clean-up. It pays ok, little stress and flexibility if he needs some time off (holidays, perhaps school). And it's only a few blocks from our house so he doesn't have to trapse all across the city to pick up the equipment.
2. I ordered new glasses. They're a cute frame and will have digitally made lenses. They are suppose to do wonders for me (and my halos).
3. We did our first planting yesterday. Onions, shallots, garlic, spinach and peas. Jerry is planting radish and turnip this afternoon. And from now until early June we have something to plant each week. My corn is over 1'. They're lining the windowsill. And we had 2 swiss chard plants survive the winter! Rhubarb is peaking out of the ground. And we think all the fruit bushes survived.
4. I got registered in time for bikini boot camp starting in May. I got a $20 voucher for one month of training (which is 90% off the regular price). I'm hoping it'll help me with my health and fitness levels. They're not great right now (eating well but nothing is happening with my size) and I want energy to do lots of fun activities this summer.
We had a good Easter. The bus was relaxing and we had a nice visit with Jerry's family. We got up super early on Sunday and went to the sunrise service. They fed us hot crossed buns after. And then a three hour nap. It was a beautiful day and I ate too much chocolate.
Have a great day!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Enough already!
Hello Everyone,
In defiance of a -17C wind chill this morning, I'm wearing white pants.
Have a great day!
In defiance of a -17C wind chill this morning, I'm wearing white pants.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
April flying by...
Hello Everyone,
It's a bit of a shock to me that April is almost half over. It's been a crazy home whirlwind that's only now starting to calm. On the weekend, we were able to get a new china cabinet for half price at Ikea. It looks really nice, fits with our other furniture and has better storage than the used one I found when we first moved to the house. I also found a used steel cabinet (for tools) that is now key lime green and is doubling as a buffet in the dining room. Jerry painted it for me so tonight's job is to fill it with dining stuff. After that, our dining room will be darn close to looking grown-up.
Jerry's still out of work and his job search has been put off by health issues. He goes for x-rays today and his doctor suspects bronchitis. It's been a damp spring, he has allergies and his immune system was alreay down. He's got some meds now but I'll be very glad when he's better. No energy, exhausted after walking a couple blocks, wheezing. My sleep has been affected because of all the weird sounds so he's spent a couple nights in Mike's room and comes to bed shortly before the alarm goes off so I still get to wake up beside him.
For Easter we're heading to Lethbridge via bus. Enterprise stopped their great weekend deal (after 3+ years) so until we find a better option, we're stuck with Greyhound.
School is coming along slowly. I booked my mid-term for mid-May so it'll motivate me to get my butt in gear and stick to my study schedule.
Have a great day!
It's a bit of a shock to me that April is almost half over. It's been a crazy home whirlwind that's only now starting to calm. On the weekend, we were able to get a new china cabinet for half price at Ikea. It looks really nice, fits with our other furniture and has better storage than the used one I found when we first moved to the house. I also found a used steel cabinet (for tools) that is now key lime green and is doubling as a buffet in the dining room. Jerry painted it for me so tonight's job is to fill it with dining stuff. After that, our dining room will be darn close to looking grown-up.
Jerry's still out of work and his job search has been put off by health issues. He goes for x-rays today and his doctor suspects bronchitis. It's been a damp spring, he has allergies and his immune system was alreay down. He's got some meds now but I'll be very glad when he's better. No energy, exhausted after walking a couple blocks, wheezing. My sleep has been affected because of all the weird sounds so he's spent a couple nights in Mike's room and comes to bed shortly before the alarm goes off so I still get to wake up beside him.
For Easter we're heading to Lethbridge via bus. Enterprise stopped their great weekend deal (after 3+ years) so until we find a better option, we're stuck with Greyhound.
School is coming along slowly. I booked my mid-term for mid-May so it'll motivate me to get my butt in gear and stick to my study schedule.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Another Calgary Anniversary
Hello Everyone,
It's been seven years now and I still like Calgary. There are its ups and downs but more ups than downs.
Oh, and there's snow on the ground today. Snowman building snow.
Just wanted to share.
Have a great day!
It's been seven years now and I still like Calgary. There are its ups and downs but more ups than downs.
Oh, and there's snow on the ground today. Snowman building snow.
Just wanted to share.
Have a great day!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hello Again!
Hello Everyone,
Yes, it's been ages since I've updated. It's been crazy since we got back and I've been sitting in front of computers for too long.
So now I'm Mrs Karen Halliday Hoult. My ID is still in Halliday as I'm waiting for our marriage certificate to get translated. The wedding was lovely. Mexico was fun. Merida was great as our hostel was on the main plaza and there was lots of people watching and beautiful architecture. I didn't like Cancun or the resort itself. For a 5 star resort, I thought they provided little ammendities and the food was so-so. Isla Mujeres was fabulous and we plan to go back.
When we got back, Jerry's business stuff went really bad. There were issues before we left concerning the franchise he has shares in and it got really messy. Which affected his work in Calgary as the person at the centre of things is the franchise owner. Long story short, Jerry terminated his contract, still hasn't been paid for 1 1/2 months of work and gets to visit a lawyer this week to see if there's anything he can do. He's been at home for a couple weeks now and his stress level is decreasing, he's sleeping better and he's less grumpy. We're ok financially for the next several months so he's taking some time off to figure out what he wants to do next with his life. He's in a bit of an identity crises right now. We'll be ok and I'm personally glad he's done with that company.
Back to happier news.
We went to Banff last weekend on a pre-paid great deal of a trip. Went to 3 museums as I had never been to any of them. One of them was a collection of stuffed animals and birds that you would find in the park. Creepy but quite interesting. We then did an ice walk tour the next day and had a lot of fun. Very relaxing.
On the weekend, we were in Pincher Creek for the cat skiing trip I won. I spend Saturday in the relaxing hotel room and the guys had fun. I did a half day on Sunday and it was a confidence booster. Warm spring conditions.
This coming weekend is the wedding reception and I will be very glad when it is over. All the planning is wearing on me and it'll be nice to wrap wedding activities up so we can start our marriage.
Oh, and we bought our first piece of furniture together. We bought a leather sofa with some wedding present money and it'll arrive at the end of June. It is really comfortable and doesn't look manly/bulky like a lot of leather sofas do. Our first real furniture that isn't assembled using allen keys. lol I'm very excited.
And lastly Jerry and I are changing our eating lifestyle to the Mayo (as in Mayo Clinic) diet. It's a well-rounded lifestyle change that will help to make us healthier. Today is day 1.
Have a great day!
Yes, it's been ages since I've updated. It's been crazy since we got back and I've been sitting in front of computers for too long.
So now I'm Mrs Karen Halliday Hoult. My ID is still in Halliday as I'm waiting for our marriage certificate to get translated. The wedding was lovely. Mexico was fun. Merida was great as our hostel was on the main plaza and there was lots of people watching and beautiful architecture. I didn't like Cancun or the resort itself. For a 5 star resort, I thought they provided little ammendities and the food was so-so. Isla Mujeres was fabulous and we plan to go back.
When we got back, Jerry's business stuff went really bad. There were issues before we left concerning the franchise he has shares in and it got really messy. Which affected his work in Calgary as the person at the centre of things is the franchise owner. Long story short, Jerry terminated his contract, still hasn't been paid for 1 1/2 months of work and gets to visit a lawyer this week to see if there's anything he can do. He's been at home for a couple weeks now and his stress level is decreasing, he's sleeping better and he's less grumpy. We're ok financially for the next several months so he's taking some time off to figure out what he wants to do next with his life. He's in a bit of an identity crises right now. We'll be ok and I'm personally glad he's done with that company.
Back to happier news.
We went to Banff last weekend on a pre-paid great deal of a trip. Went to 3 museums as I had never been to any of them. One of them was a collection of stuffed animals and birds that you would find in the park. Creepy but quite interesting. We then did an ice walk tour the next day and had a lot of fun. Very relaxing.
On the weekend, we were in Pincher Creek for the cat skiing trip I won. I spend Saturday in the relaxing hotel room and the guys had fun. I did a half day on Sunday and it was a confidence booster. Warm spring conditions.
This coming weekend is the wedding reception and I will be very glad when it is over. All the planning is wearing on me and it'll be nice to wrap wedding activities up so we can start our marriage.
Oh, and we bought our first piece of furniture together. We bought a leather sofa with some wedding present money and it'll arrive at the end of June. It is really comfortable and doesn't look manly/bulky like a lot of leather sofas do. Our first real furniture that isn't assembled using allen keys. lol I'm very excited.
And lastly Jerry and I are changing our eating lifestyle to the Mayo (as in Mayo Clinic) diet. It's a well-rounded lifestyle change that will help to make us healthier. Today is day 1.
Have a great day!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Countdown is On
Hello Everyone,
Last night I double checked my luggage and yes, I can fit everything into carry-on with a bit of room to spare. All my liquids were checked for size and I had all the new guidelines printed off for reference. So, I'm feeling a lot more reassured now.
And relaxed.
I've run out of jasmine tea so Jerry's now giving me Tetley "Sooth" herbal tea. And I'll admit it's pretty good at calming my nerves and stomach. Work stuff to wrap up, studying for exam, getting house clean, getting ready for trip...
Coursework is all done and as long as I pass the exam (required), I'll have a nice mark in the course. Really didn't learn too much except that I like database stuff. It makes sense to me. So I have my study notes to look over and that's about all I can do until Saturday.
Exciting news - I won a contest! Trip for 4 to Castle Mountain for one day of cat skiing and one day of regular skiing plus accommodations. So, I spoke with the reps and I'm giving the cat skiing to Jerry for his birthday. That way him and three friends can go play in the back country while I happily use the ski passes for a weekend of easier snowboarding at the resort. They giggled like little school girls when I told them. lol
Have a good day!
Last night I double checked my luggage and yes, I can fit everything into carry-on with a bit of room to spare. All my liquids were checked for size and I had all the new guidelines printed off for reference. So, I'm feeling a lot more reassured now.
And relaxed.
I've run out of jasmine tea so Jerry's now giving me Tetley "Sooth" herbal tea. And I'll admit it's pretty good at calming my nerves and stomach. Work stuff to wrap up, studying for exam, getting house clean, getting ready for trip...
Coursework is all done and as long as I pass the exam (required), I'll have a nice mark in the course. Really didn't learn too much except that I like database stuff. It makes sense to me. So I have my study notes to look over and that's about all I can do until Saturday.
Exciting news - I won a contest! Trip for 4 to Castle Mountain for one day of cat skiing and one day of regular skiing plus accommodations. So, I spoke with the reps and I'm giving the cat skiing to Jerry for his birthday. That way him and three friends can go play in the back country while I happily use the ski passes for a weekend of easier snowboarding at the resort. They giggled like little school girls when I told them. lol
Have a good day!
Friday, February 04, 2011
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
3/4 done course
Hello Everyone,
I just finished up part 3 of my course so I just have PowerPoint left. Exam on the 12th. I actually enjoyed my Access section. It has changed a lot since I last took a course and this one wasn't nearly as in depth. A lot more user-friendly. And databases make sense to me.
So, if I stay on track, PowerPoint will be finished on Sunday and I'll have the week to study.
My bridal shower was on Saturday so I drove down to Lethbridge for the day. Small gathering but it was nice to meet a few more of Jerry's relatives. And yes, they made me wear the stupid hat covered in bows.
Packing is coming along. I'm gathering everything and throwing it in a box. Next week, I'll start real packing. Got my final hair cut and it's something that's soft but easy to style.
I was all giddy yesterday since I got to switch my calendar at work. Getting excited!
Weather was nasty cold for about a week (high -20C) but broke yesterday afternoon. Today is high of 3C. Crazy weather jumps.
The guys are kidnapping Jerry for the weekend for his bachelor party. I don't think anything is planned for me but I may get together with friends for a school break.
I just finished up part 3 of my course so I just have PowerPoint left. Exam on the 12th. I actually enjoyed my Access section. It has changed a lot since I last took a course and this one wasn't nearly as in depth. A lot more user-friendly. And databases make sense to me.
So, if I stay on track, PowerPoint will be finished on Sunday and I'll have the week to study.
My bridal shower was on Saturday so I drove down to Lethbridge for the day. Small gathering but it was nice to meet a few more of Jerry's relatives. And yes, they made me wear the stupid hat covered in bows.
Packing is coming along. I'm gathering everything and throwing it in a box. Next week, I'll start real packing. Got my final hair cut and it's something that's soft but easy to style.
I was all giddy yesterday since I got to switch my calendar at work. Getting excited!
Weather was nasty cold for about a week (high -20C) but broke yesterday afternoon. Today is high of 3C. Crazy weather jumps.
The guys are kidnapping Jerry for the weekend for his bachelor party. I don't think anything is planned for me but I may get together with friends for a school break.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
One More Month of Freedom!
Hello Everyone,
lol
I'll have to tease Jerry tonight.
We had our 3.5 year dating anniversary last night so I got to eat ice-cream in bed. I was tied up finishing my school assignment that I didn't realize we were missing ice-cream until I was already in my pjs.
We had some excitement at our house yesterday. Someone set fire to Keith's old truck in the alleyway. The fire department thinks it was the arsonist who's been setting garages on fire. They figure he couldn't get into the garage so the truck was the next best thing. Keith was planning to donate it anyways so there wasn't much value lost. Just the inside of the cab damaged. All the tools in the back were safe and no damage to anything outside. Luckily a neighbour saw the truck smoldering and the fire truck was only a few blocks away.
I'm a little over half done my school course. Still haven't learned anything amazing yet. I chatted with Jerry last night and he's willing to support me getting my BA in management once I'm done my certificate (which should be completed spring 2013). The extra courses will take 5-6 years. But as long as work is willing to pay for it...
Have a great day!
lol
I'll have to tease Jerry tonight.
We had our 3.5 year dating anniversary last night so I got to eat ice-cream in bed. I was tied up finishing my school assignment that I didn't realize we were missing ice-cream until I was already in my pjs.
We had some excitement at our house yesterday. Someone set fire to Keith's old truck in the alleyway. The fire department thinks it was the arsonist who's been setting garages on fire. They figure he couldn't get into the garage so the truck was the next best thing. Keith was planning to donate it anyways so there wasn't much value lost. Just the inside of the cab damaged. All the tools in the back were safe and no damage to anything outside. Luckily a neighbour saw the truck smoldering and the fire truck was only a few blocks away.
I'm a little over half done my school course. Still haven't learned anything amazing yet. I chatted with Jerry last night and he's willing to support me getting my BA in management once I'm done my certificate (which should be completed spring 2013). The extra courses will take 5-6 years. But as long as work is willing to pay for it...
Have a great day!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
A good week
Hello Everyone,
So, school is coming along, which has meant some computer-filled, Jerry ignored evenings. But he's very understand and has been very helpful. Last night I had him holepunching some wedding stuff and tying ribbons. It was very cute.
I should be done my Excel tonight, which puts me ahead of schedule and will give me extra time for PowerPoint and Access. I'm glad for this as I rarely use PowerPoint and I haven't used Access in almost 4 years.
I got my mark from my payroll final exam - 74, which is a couple marks higher than I predicted but was still in the range I was expecting. I really do prefer when they set out the marking scheme right on the exam so there are no surprises. I haven't decided on my next class yet but I'm looking toward something not computers. There's a one week (intense) benefits course I want to take in June so I'll need to put my request in shortly for the time off. And in the meanwhile, have another course going on since Athabasca gives you six months to complete one course. Plenty of flexible time.
Had an overdose of girliness on the weekend. Was very glad when Jerry got home tp bring balance back into my life. They were off snowboarding for the weekend and a friend of mine wanted to make sure I wasn't lonely. So, we saw Burlesque on Saturday - enjoyed it, quite fluffy and predictable but was better than my expectations. On Sunday we went to Bridal Fantasy show. Crazy over the top stuff with a castle themed fashion show - complete with story line of dancing peasants and fairies.
I think Jerry'll be home this weekend as snow conditions are unpleasant. We'll do wedding stuff I think.
Have a great day!
So, school is coming along, which has meant some computer-filled, Jerry ignored evenings. But he's very understand and has been very helpful. Last night I had him holepunching some wedding stuff and tying ribbons. It was very cute.
I should be done my Excel tonight, which puts me ahead of schedule and will give me extra time for PowerPoint and Access. I'm glad for this as I rarely use PowerPoint and I haven't used Access in almost 4 years.
I got my mark from my payroll final exam - 74, which is a couple marks higher than I predicted but was still in the range I was expecting. I really do prefer when they set out the marking scheme right on the exam so there are no surprises. I haven't decided on my next class yet but I'm looking toward something not computers. There's a one week (intense) benefits course I want to take in June so I'll need to put my request in shortly for the time off. And in the meanwhile, have another course going on since Athabasca gives you six months to complete one course. Plenty of flexible time.
Had an overdose of girliness on the weekend. Was very glad when Jerry got home tp bring balance back into my life. They were off snowboarding for the weekend and a friend of mine wanted to make sure I wasn't lonely. So, we saw Burlesque on Saturday - enjoyed it, quite fluffy and predictable but was better than my expectations. On Sunday we went to Bridal Fantasy show. Crazy over the top stuff with a castle themed fashion show - complete with story line of dancing peasants and fairies.
I think Jerry'll be home this weekend as snow conditions are unpleasant. We'll do wedding stuff I think.
Have a great day!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
i miss coffee
Hello Everyone!
So, I picked up Martha's wedding magazine last week and she had some bride preparations tips (diet, exercise, stress management etc). One of the tips was cutting your coffee intake to 3/week and subsituting it with green tea.
I only drink one regular travel coffee sized cup (about 2.5 cups on the coffee maker) during the week day. And that's throughout the day.
But I decided to take Martha's advice and went one step further. No more coffee until the wedding. Apparently the green tea has some stupid antioxidants and other healthy crap in it.
So Jerry's now making me jasmine green tea in the morning. I bring the tea bag with me so I can drink as much as I like at work.
i miss my honey sweetened coffee.
i'm spoiled.
(oh, and the tea is rather lovely. I've also found I'm not as hungry throughout the day too - added bonus. i'm just complaining about something I can't have.)
Have a great day!
So, I picked up Martha's wedding magazine last week and she had some bride preparations tips (diet, exercise, stress management etc). One of the tips was cutting your coffee intake to 3/week and subsituting it with green tea.
I only drink one regular travel coffee sized cup (about 2.5 cups on the coffee maker) during the week day. And that's throughout the day.
But I decided to take Martha's advice and went one step further. No more coffee until the wedding. Apparently the green tea has some stupid antioxidants and other healthy crap in it.
So Jerry's now making me jasmine green tea in the morning. I bring the tea bag with me so I can drink as much as I like at work.
i miss my honey sweetened coffee.
i'm spoiled.
(oh, and the tea is rather lovely. I've also found I'm not as hungry throughout the day too - added bonus. i'm just complaining about something I can't have.)
Have a great day!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Happy Wednesday!
Hello Everyone,
My small piece of lasagna looks rather sad on my plate but it's my own fault - too many sweets at Christmas means small meat/cheese portions and lots of fruits and veggies. It's good lasagna though - first time I made it from scratch. I followed the recipe on the whole wheat lasagna noodles box.
I tried on my dress on the weekend to make sure it still fit. It does (with some crazy acrobats getting the zipper up now) so all I need to do now is tone up my upper back and shoulders. And it turns out I was putting my veil in my hair wrong. I experimented by putting it on the side and having the veil go sideways over my hair and it looks so much better. My test hair appointment is at the end of the month so I'll bring everything in and have them photograph it.
I'm getting rather excited - a month and a day before we fly out.
The last big thing is the marriage contract (new phrase for pre-nup). I've ordered a kit so we can write one up. Although neither of us really has anything and we're heading into this marriage as equals, Jerry's a business owner. He felt so afraid to ask me for one (his lawyer clients advised him to get one) so I shocked him when I told him I was going to ask for one anyways. Mostly for him since it keeps his business stuff out of our marriage. You don't have to go to a lawyer - just have a couple witnesses sign. And I've told him I want a clause that if there are any children, the contract is void and a new one is drawn up. Kids brings in a whole bunch of other stuff. We just need a super basic one. And I picked up a will kit too since your will becomes void when you get married.
Did lots of tidying around the house on the weekend as the boys were down playing in powder. They told me it was the best conditions in several years and had a lot of fun.
I have my Office Applications exam booked for the day before we leave. Definitely put me on a schedule. I'm a quarter done now and I don't anticipate any issues as long as I remain focused. Picked up a couple things in the Word chapter but I don't see a lot of the info being useful for what I use Office for. This would have been a lot more useful 2 years ago when we switched to a Microsoft based payroll system, with most of the data entry done using Excel.
Whiskers was running around the house last night and seemed to have a lot of fun. We had to shut Mike's door so he was a bit confused and then she chased him down the hall. She eventually hopped back up on the couch and I gave her a cuddle before putting her back in her home.
This weekend I think I'm going to see Burlesque at the cheap theatre with a friend, do wedding stuff and homework. I think I'm losing the guys again. It's amazing how much stuff I can get done without them. Cleaning can be a challenge because Jerry tends to get distracted by side jobs he discovers mid-cleaning. But at least he helps with cleaning and is much better at certain tasks than I am.
Have a great day!
My small piece of lasagna looks rather sad on my plate but it's my own fault - too many sweets at Christmas means small meat/cheese portions and lots of fruits and veggies. It's good lasagna though - first time I made it from scratch. I followed the recipe on the whole wheat lasagna noodles box.
I tried on my dress on the weekend to make sure it still fit. It does (with some crazy acrobats getting the zipper up now) so all I need to do now is tone up my upper back and shoulders. And it turns out I was putting my veil in my hair wrong. I experimented by putting it on the side and having the veil go sideways over my hair and it looks so much better. My test hair appointment is at the end of the month so I'll bring everything in and have them photograph it.
I'm getting rather excited - a month and a day before we fly out.
The last big thing is the marriage contract (new phrase for pre-nup). I've ordered a kit so we can write one up. Although neither of us really has anything and we're heading into this marriage as equals, Jerry's a business owner. He felt so afraid to ask me for one (his lawyer clients advised him to get one) so I shocked him when I told him I was going to ask for one anyways. Mostly for him since it keeps his business stuff out of our marriage. You don't have to go to a lawyer - just have a couple witnesses sign. And I've told him I want a clause that if there are any children, the contract is void and a new one is drawn up. Kids brings in a whole bunch of other stuff. We just need a super basic one. And I picked up a will kit too since your will becomes void when you get married.
Did lots of tidying around the house on the weekend as the boys were down playing in powder. They told me it was the best conditions in several years and had a lot of fun.
I have my Office Applications exam booked for the day before we leave. Definitely put me on a schedule. I'm a quarter done now and I don't anticipate any issues as long as I remain focused. Picked up a couple things in the Word chapter but I don't see a lot of the info being useful for what I use Office for. This would have been a lot more useful 2 years ago when we switched to a Microsoft based payroll system, with most of the data entry done using Excel.
Whiskers was running around the house last night and seemed to have a lot of fun. We had to shut Mike's door so he was a bit confused and then she chased him down the hall. She eventually hopped back up on the couch and I gave her a cuddle before putting her back in her home.
This weekend I think I'm going to see Burlesque at the cheap theatre with a friend, do wedding stuff and homework. I think I'm losing the guys again. It's amazing how much stuff I can get done without them. Cleaning can be a challenge because Jerry tends to get distracted by side jobs he discovers mid-cleaning. But at least he helps with cleaning and is much better at certain tasks than I am.
Have a great day!
Monday, January 03, 2011
Yummy food
Hello Everyone,
From December 31 to January 2, I managed to eat the following tasty animals:
duck
lamb
pig
bison
deer
elk
chicken
We had Chinese for New Years eve and headed out to Banff Saturday morning. A very relaxing weekend. Went to Sunshine on Sunday. Rather sore today. A bit cold in the morning but it was a nice afternoon.
Now we're back and putting away the Christmas decorations. We're reorganizing the livingroom after a major purchase - a flat screen tv we got an amazing deal on. It fits on the fireplace mantle (fireplace doesn't work) so we've eliminated a crazy fat tv and a table. I'll be glad to get the livingroom put together so I can start working on the other rooms again. It seems that just as one room gets to the point that I'm happy with, another room needs to be decluttered, mega cleaned and reorganized.
I'm coming down with a cold so I've mixed my apple cinnamon flavoured Neocitran with hot chocolate. It tastes pretty good with marshmallows. The straight apple cinnamon tastes like ****.
Have a great day!
From December 31 to January 2, I managed to eat the following tasty animals:
duck
lamb
pig
bison
deer
elk
chicken
We had Chinese for New Years eve and headed out to Banff Saturday morning. A very relaxing weekend. Went to Sunshine on Sunday. Rather sore today. A bit cold in the morning but it was a nice afternoon.
Now we're back and putting away the Christmas decorations. We're reorganizing the livingroom after a major purchase - a flat screen tv we got an amazing deal on. It fits on the fireplace mantle (fireplace doesn't work) so we've eliminated a crazy fat tv and a table. I'll be glad to get the livingroom put together so I can start working on the other rooms again. It seems that just as one room gets to the point that I'm happy with, another room needs to be decluttered, mega cleaned and reorganized.
I'm coming down with a cold so I've mixed my apple cinnamon flavoured Neocitran with hot chocolate. It tastes pretty good with marshmallows. The straight apple cinnamon tastes like ****.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
New Lipstick
Hello Everyone,
So, I was cosmetics shopping with a friend and found the most wonderful shade of lipstick. It's L'Oreal Colour Riche 301 - Real Red.
You know how sometimes red lipstick can be a bit too orange? Or they're a tacky fushia red? Well, this is a rich red, leaning toward a cherry tone.
And I picked it up at Murale, which is a branch of Shopper's Drug Mart for only $12.49.
So I had to share.
Because I think it would look pretty on everyone.
Have a great day!
So, I was cosmetics shopping with a friend and found the most wonderful shade of lipstick. It's L'Oreal Colour Riche 301 - Real Red.
You know how sometimes red lipstick can be a bit too orange? Or they're a tacky fushia red? Well, this is a rich red, leaning toward a cherry tone.
And I picked it up at Murale, which is a branch of Shopper's Drug Mart for only $12.49.
So I had to share.
Because I think it would look pretty on everyone.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Good Tuesday
Hello Everyone,
The payroll is looking good so it's not been the stressful week that I imagined. Took it easy on the weekend. Watched Knight and Day - the Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz "spy thriller". It was hilarious! So, I now understand why it was trashed so badly. If you were expecting an actual spy thriller, it was terrible. If you saw how much they were making fun of spy thriller movies, it was very well done.
Got my Christmas (now "winter" since they'll be too late for Christmas) letters printed off so they'll be dropped off at the post office tomorrow. They should arrive sometime in January.
I have my Christmas baking left to do. I'm not doing much this year so a good chunk will be done tonight and the rest over the next few days. Everything else is done and this'll be the first Christmas in years that I'm not stressed about presents/travel/work/lack of sleep.
Have a great day!
The payroll is looking good so it's not been the stressful week that I imagined. Took it easy on the weekend. Watched Knight and Day - the Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz "spy thriller". It was hilarious! So, I now understand why it was trashed so badly. If you were expecting an actual spy thriller, it was terrible. If you saw how much they were making fun of spy thriller movies, it was very well done.
Got my Christmas (now "winter" since they'll be too late for Christmas) letters printed off so they'll be dropped off at the post office tomorrow. They should arrive sometime in January.
I have my Christmas baking left to do. I'm not doing much this year so a good chunk will be done tonight and the rest over the next few days. Everything else is done and this'll be the first Christmas in years that I'm not stressed about presents/travel/work/lack of sleep.
Have a great day!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
sigh of contentment
Hello Everyone,
So I just sent off the last bit of information to the resort for the wedding. Bouquet, cake, breakfast etc confirmed. And made the final resort payment yesterday. I giggled when I got off the phone and a big weight lifted from my shoulders. Now, anything extra is just that - extras we want but are not mandatory.
And so I updated my to-do spreadsheet and it's looking very reasonable. No craziness of busy wedding stuff like I see on tv. The spreadsheet has 3 columns - Karen, Jerry and Both. Jerry only has a few things on his - mostly paperwork. I have the most but it's all very manageable and things I enjoy doing.
And for anyone curious, the final decision on my future name. And this was the closest we came to an argument. Professional and in the eyes of the government, I will remain "Halliday". Socially I will be "Hoult". I will change my driver's license to "Halliday Hoult". In Canada, taking a married name is not a legal name change so if I change my mind in the future, I don't have to do any major paperwork. I'll use my Halliday name at one bank and Hoult at the other. That way, if someone writes me a cheque, I can still cash it :-) Jerry was hoping I would take his name but when I explain all the issues (SIN, pension, work logins/e-mail, certificates etc), he understood where I was coming from. I don't think he really understood my initial hang-up of me suddenly losing my identity. So, a different approach was needed. We're both content with the solution.
Oh, and I tried on my dress and it fits just like I wanted now. It's back in the box, hiding in the closet. Jerry's been worried that he'll accidently see it but I've been reassuring him that it's super obvious. After all, it a huge box - about 2'x3' and says "David's Bridal" in big writing across the front. And it's behind my storage unit on my side of the closet. Once I have it packed, I'll bring out the box so we can laugh.
Jerry's off to the mountains this weekend. I'm not sure if it's just for 1 day or all weekend. It'll give me a chance to get things done around the house before Christmas. And have a proper de-stress weekend. I'm very much looking forward to a long soak in a bubble bath.
We had a lovely few days of warm weather (averaging around 0ish) but the cooler weather is back to the minus teens.
So, I'm content. Life is good. Have a great day!
So I just sent off the last bit of information to the resort for the wedding. Bouquet, cake, breakfast etc confirmed. And made the final resort payment yesterday. I giggled when I got off the phone and a big weight lifted from my shoulders. Now, anything extra is just that - extras we want but are not mandatory.
And so I updated my to-do spreadsheet and it's looking very reasonable. No craziness of busy wedding stuff like I see on tv. The spreadsheet has 3 columns - Karen, Jerry and Both. Jerry only has a few things on his - mostly paperwork. I have the most but it's all very manageable and things I enjoy doing.
And for anyone curious, the final decision on my future name. And this was the closest we came to an argument. Professional and in the eyes of the government, I will remain "Halliday". Socially I will be "Hoult". I will change my driver's license to "Halliday Hoult". In Canada, taking a married name is not a legal name change so if I change my mind in the future, I don't have to do any major paperwork. I'll use my Halliday name at one bank and Hoult at the other. That way, if someone writes me a cheque, I can still cash it :-) Jerry was hoping I would take his name but when I explain all the issues (SIN, pension, work logins/e-mail, certificates etc), he understood where I was coming from. I don't think he really understood my initial hang-up of me suddenly losing my identity. So, a different approach was needed. We're both content with the solution.
Oh, and I tried on my dress and it fits just like I wanted now. It's back in the box, hiding in the closet. Jerry's been worried that he'll accidently see it but I've been reassuring him that it's super obvious. After all, it a huge box - about 2'x3' and says "David's Bridal" in big writing across the front. And it's behind my storage unit on my side of the closet. Once I have it packed, I'll bring out the box so we can laugh.
Jerry's off to the mountains this weekend. I'm not sure if it's just for 1 day or all weekend. It'll give me a chance to get things done around the house before Christmas. And have a proper de-stress weekend. I'm very much looking forward to a long soak in a bubble bath.
We had a lovely few days of warm weather (averaging around 0ish) but the cooler weather is back to the minus teens.
So, I'm content. Life is good. Have a great day!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Satisfied with Exam
Hello Everyone,
I did my exam last night and feel confident enough to say I passed. It takes about 6 weeks to get the results. But we knew the marking scheme of each question and I had more than enough solid answers to pass. I'm guessing my mark around 72-75 but if they want to be tough, it could go as low as 67. And since 60 is a pass, that's good enough for me. I'm not one of those people who tries to get the highest mark - I'm not that good at exams and I don't think the stress level is worth it for this type of course (balanced against work).
So now I get to focus on my computer course (Microsoft Office applications) and Spanish (Rosetta Stone). I hope to have the computer course done by the time we leave for Mexico (68 days!)and I'll have a better idea if this is realistic by the end of the month.
And I just found out my final payroll course I need will be offered on line next fall. Which means no more dealing with transit to get to Mount Royal University! That should get me my Certified Payroll Manager designation mid 2012. And yes, I use this blog to help keep me on track with my schooling.
Oh, and we've changed the first part of our Mexican adventure. We were originally heading to Tulum when we arrived to stay at the nature park there. I worked out the logistics and it would be a bit messy. We're now going to Merida, the capital of the area. Jerry had mentioned a couple times about the place, I checked it out, and both of us think it would be a better introduction to the Yucatan. I'm hoping to take a cooking class while we're there. And our hostel is right on a plaza in the old quarter. And very good bus connections between there and Cancun.
That's about it for now. Christmas will be my next focus and I'm still aiming to get our Christmas letters out before the day. Now, that's not saying they'll be at your homes by then...
Have a great day!
I did my exam last night and feel confident enough to say I passed. It takes about 6 weeks to get the results. But we knew the marking scheme of each question and I had more than enough solid answers to pass. I'm guessing my mark around 72-75 but if they want to be tough, it could go as low as 67. And since 60 is a pass, that's good enough for me. I'm not one of those people who tries to get the highest mark - I'm not that good at exams and I don't think the stress level is worth it for this type of course (balanced against work).
So now I get to focus on my computer course (Microsoft Office applications) and Spanish (Rosetta Stone). I hope to have the computer course done by the time we leave for Mexico (68 days!)and I'll have a better idea if this is realistic by the end of the month.
And I just found out my final payroll course I need will be offered on line next fall. Which means no more dealing with transit to get to Mount Royal University! That should get me my Certified Payroll Manager designation mid 2012. And yes, I use this blog to help keep me on track with my schooling.
Oh, and we've changed the first part of our Mexican adventure. We were originally heading to Tulum when we arrived to stay at the nature park there. I worked out the logistics and it would be a bit messy. We're now going to Merida, the capital of the area. Jerry had mentioned a couple times about the place, I checked it out, and both of us think it would be a better introduction to the Yucatan. I'm hoping to take a cooking class while we're there. And our hostel is right on a plaza in the old quarter. And very good bus connections between there and Cancun.
That's about it for now. Christmas will be my next focus and I'm still aiming to get our Christmas letters out before the day. Now, that's not saying they'll be at your homes by then...
Have a great day!
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Rice Cooker Pot Roast
Hello Everyone,
Yes, you can make pot roast in a rice cooker
...and it tastes pretty good.
I found though after hour 2 you may want to flip your meat. It got a bit caramelly on the bottom but not burnt.
On another note, I finished my cue cards questions to prepare for my exam on Monday. Tonight I'll start on my exam sheet - a one page cram sheet that I'll need to re-produce by memory so I can remember everything. It seems to work for me. Then, once I get my exam, before I open it and panic, I write my cram sheet on the spare paper, take a breath, and then look at what I need to do.
Today is our work lunch Christmas party and Jerry's work Christmas party is on Saturday. We're having some of his co-workers from Edmonton staying with us for the weekend and I warned him I cannot play host. I'll be in our room studying, only coming out for caffeine and cuddles with the furry family.
But soon it will be over and my goal is the required 60%. I'm not one of those people aiming for perfect. I'm looking for a reasonable result, since most of this material should be referenced rather than memorized.
Have a great day!
Yes, you can make pot roast in a rice cooker
...and it tastes pretty good.
I found though after hour 2 you may want to flip your meat. It got a bit caramelly on the bottom but not burnt.
On another note, I finished my cue cards questions to prepare for my exam on Monday. Tonight I'll start on my exam sheet - a one page cram sheet that I'll need to re-produce by memory so I can remember everything. It seems to work for me. Then, once I get my exam, before I open it and panic, I write my cram sheet on the spare paper, take a breath, and then look at what I need to do.
Today is our work lunch Christmas party and Jerry's work Christmas party is on Saturday. We're having some of his co-workers from Edmonton staying with us for the weekend and I warned him I cannot play host. I'll be in our room studying, only coming out for caffeine and cuddles with the furry family.
But soon it will be over and my goal is the required 60%. I'm not one of those people aiming for perfect. I'm looking for a reasonable result, since most of this material should be referenced rather than memorized.
Have a great day!
Thursday, December 02, 2010
A clear winner
Hello Everyone,
So we ate some fruit cake on the weekend and Jerry's favourite was 2. Just like everyone elses. Grandma Armstrong wins! It actually tastes good and was the easiest to make.
I ordered the little boxes for it to go in this week. They're called a double truffle box and I got them online. Most of the boxes I've seen were square, which wouldn't work since the cake is just over 2" tall. These boxes will fit a 1" piece quite nicely.
We also ordered a horribly tacky cake knife and serving set. I think there will be a cake cutting at the reception but I couldn't justify spending a lot of money on these items. Most of them were impractible (bows to get stuck in icing, heart shaped servers that won't slide a piece of cake very well). So, on the same website where I got the boxes, I was able to order From Fashioncraft’s exclusive Finishing Touches Collection, the 13” long knife and 10 ½” server both have stainless steel tops (blade and server) and white poly resin handles with dipped beaded design tops, elegant carved seashells and starfish, a faux pearl accent, a sea foam blue wave design at the tip and blue rhinestones sprinkled throughout. Truly one for the ages, each beach themed wedding cake knife and server set comes delightfully packaged in a white with ivory seashell design gift box with a clear acetate window front for beautiful display and storage. I giggled when I saw it and Jerry agreed that everything we saw looked pretty bad and he enjoyed my giggling.
I also went to a seamstress last night concerning my dress. Although my dress fit from the waist down, there had been something bothering me about the top. I had bought my undergarments earlier in the week and was ready to see what was wrong. She pinned a few things and I lost 15 pounds caused by fabric drape. Once she was done, I got back up on the round stand and almost burst into tears because the dress looked so pretty. I pick it up in two weeks. I'm not concerned about having it done so early because a) I needed the reassurance that the dress would look right and b) even though I'm working out to get toned up, the areas that's she's bringing in won't be affected, or at least not enough to make a noticeable difference when it comes to the fit c) if something happens to the dress - slip in crazy road crap filled puddle and soaks the dress - I still have enough time to order a new one.
The design for the wishing tree is coming along so now it's just a matter of pulling the branches out of the pile in the alley and getting the tags ready. I'll probably do that this month so it's one less thing on my to-do list.
Overall, wedding plans are coming along nicely. No major deadlines or stressful things to worry about. More just fun things to deal with.
80 days left according to the registry!
So we ate some fruit cake on the weekend and Jerry's favourite was 2. Just like everyone elses. Grandma Armstrong wins! It actually tastes good and was the easiest to make.
I ordered the little boxes for it to go in this week. They're called a double truffle box and I got them online. Most of the boxes I've seen were square, which wouldn't work since the cake is just over 2" tall. These boxes will fit a 1" piece quite nicely.
We also ordered a horribly tacky cake knife and serving set. I think there will be a cake cutting at the reception but I couldn't justify spending a lot of money on these items. Most of them were impractible (bows to get stuck in icing, heart shaped servers that won't slide a piece of cake very well). So, on the same website where I got the boxes, I was able to order From Fashioncraft’s exclusive Finishing Touches Collection, the 13” long knife and 10 ½” server both have stainless steel tops (blade and server) and white poly resin handles with dipped beaded design tops, elegant carved seashells and starfish, a faux pearl accent, a sea foam blue wave design at the tip and blue rhinestones sprinkled throughout. Truly one for the ages, each beach themed wedding cake knife and server set comes delightfully packaged in a white with ivory seashell design gift box with a clear acetate window front for beautiful display and storage. I giggled when I saw it and Jerry agreed that everything we saw looked pretty bad and he enjoyed my giggling.
I also went to a seamstress last night concerning my dress. Although my dress fit from the waist down, there had been something bothering me about the top. I had bought my undergarments earlier in the week and was ready to see what was wrong. She pinned a few things and I lost 15 pounds caused by fabric drape. Once she was done, I got back up on the round stand and almost burst into tears because the dress looked so pretty. I pick it up in two weeks. I'm not concerned about having it done so early because a) I needed the reassurance that the dress would look right and b) even though I'm working out to get toned up, the areas that's she's bringing in won't be affected, or at least not enough to make a noticeable difference when it comes to the fit c) if something happens to the dress - slip in crazy road crap filled puddle and soaks the dress - I still have enough time to order a new one.
The design for the wishing tree is coming along so now it's just a matter of pulling the branches out of the pile in the alley and getting the tags ready. I'll probably do that this month so it's one less thing on my to-do list.
Overall, wedding plans are coming along nicely. No major deadlines or stressful things to worry about. More just fun things to deal with.
80 days left according to the registry!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
A break in the weather
Hello Everyone,
The weather changed overnight, which meant almost a 15C temperature change between yesterday and today. I'm happy though, as that frigid weather was very draining.
No Banff this weekend after all. Jerry's folks don't have their winter tires on yet and his Mom fell yesterday on the ice outside their house and broke her arm. They're staying with Jerry's brother and sister (yes - this is correct. They're Jerry's half siblings so neither are blood related to each other) recovering.
So, the weekend will be busy with Christmas preparations. Final big tidy before we decorate and this'll be the last weekend I have Jerry as the mountains are calling.
Have a great day!
The weather changed overnight, which meant almost a 15C temperature change between yesterday and today. I'm happy though, as that frigid weather was very draining.
No Banff this weekend after all. Jerry's folks don't have their winter tires on yet and his Mom fell yesterday on the ice outside their house and broke her arm. They're staying with Jerry's brother and sister (yes - this is correct. They're Jerry's half siblings so neither are blood related to each other) recovering.
So, the weekend will be busy with Christmas preparations. Final big tidy before we decorate and this'll be the last weekend I have Jerry as the mountains are calling.
Have a great day!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Brrrrrr
Hello Everyone,
So an Arctic front moved in last Monday night and it's been -20 ever since. It should break on Thursday night but it's made for some challenging times. Jerry got his winter bike built up on Wednesday. I wore snowpants today (last week it was other layers)and we need to get the plastic up on the windows. Our home is very leaky. Even the walls radiate cold. As a plus though, Jerry was out snowboarding on Saturday and he enjoyed himself.
Things are quiet with me. Big school assignment due next week. Course done in a month and I will be very glad for it. Most of my Christmas shopping done and I'll start planning my Christmas baking.
This weekend I'm taking my future mil to Banff with my friend Lara. Jerry'll spend the weekend with his Dad. We're heading up after lunch on Saturday and back around the same time on Sunday. Jerry's in charge of American Thanksgiving to be served Sunday night. The Christmas lights get to be turned on on Sunday. Yippee!!!
Have a great day!
So an Arctic front moved in last Monday night and it's been -20 ever since. It should break on Thursday night but it's made for some challenging times. Jerry got his winter bike built up on Wednesday. I wore snowpants today (last week it was other layers)and we need to get the plastic up on the windows. Our home is very leaky. Even the walls radiate cold. As a plus though, Jerry was out snowboarding on Saturday and he enjoyed himself.
Things are quiet with me. Big school assignment due next week. Course done in a month and I will be very glad for it. Most of my Christmas shopping done and I'll start planning my Christmas baking.
This weekend I'm taking my future mil to Banff with my friend Lara. Jerry'll spend the weekend with his Dad. We're heading up after lunch on Saturday and back around the same time on Sunday. Jerry's in charge of American Thanksgiving to be served Sunday night. The Christmas lights get to be turned on on Sunday. Yippee!!!
Have a great day!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Willie
Hello Everyone,
We have a new addition to the household - Willie. Willie is our xbox Kinect. Jerry adopted him on Saturday.
I've actually had a lot of fun with Willie. I'm not a video game person so I think xbox designed Kinect for someone like me. In my non-technical jargon, it's like a video camera that scans you, figures out how far away you are and then puts your image on the tv screen. Last night I was doing the work-out game. The scan was rather unflattering but realistic to what my body shape actually is. When you wave to Willie, your image waves too. I had a lot of fun with the work outs and the games they had. I was playing the adventure game on Saturday where if you flap your arms, you can fly and pop bubbles.
Jerry told me he bought the Kinect for me. His "reasoning" - so I could work out without going to the gym. lol - he's been eyeing up both this and the wii for a year or so. And with the xbox, he can still play his shoot the aliens and decapitate the orcs with a sword games.
Have a great day!
We have a new addition to the household - Willie. Willie is our xbox Kinect. Jerry adopted him on Saturday.
I've actually had a lot of fun with Willie. I'm not a video game person so I think xbox designed Kinect for someone like me. In my non-technical jargon, it's like a video camera that scans you, figures out how far away you are and then puts your image on the tv screen. Last night I was doing the work-out game. The scan was rather unflattering but realistic to what my body shape actually is. When you wave to Willie, your image waves too. I had a lot of fun with the work outs and the games they had. I was playing the adventure game on Saturday where if you flap your arms, you can fly and pop bubbles.
Jerry told me he bought the Kinect for me. His "reasoning" - so I could work out without going to the gym. lol - he's been eyeing up both this and the wii for a year or so. And with the xbox, he can still play his shoot the aliens and decapitate the orcs with a sword games.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
brunette
Hello Everyone,
I'm back to a brunette. I had some red in my hair for the summer but it's grown out and I re-dyed it last night. The red dye was a semi-permanent (1 month)but the colour stuck around like a permanent so I had to go permanent this time. The brown's a bit darker than my natural colour but it's rather pretty.
Made some apple liqueur last night. 1 batch with Macs, 1/2 batch with a Mac/Gala mix, 1/2 batch Gala. We're testing to see the impact of the sweetness of the apple. Last year we did it with crabapples but we got busy when the apples fell and they rotted on us. We'll know in a little over a month if it turned out.
I have tomorrow off work so I'll watch the Remembrance Day observances on tv. Jerry'll be on stand-by as some of the offices downtown will stay open and they move the day off to Friday. I get very upset when they do this (some did it last year too) because they treat it like a long weekend rather than a day to remember the sacrifices our armed forces have made over the years.
Have a great day!
I'm back to a brunette. I had some red in my hair for the summer but it's grown out and I re-dyed it last night. The red dye was a semi-permanent (1 month)but the colour stuck around like a permanent so I had to go permanent this time. The brown's a bit darker than my natural colour but it's rather pretty.
Made some apple liqueur last night. 1 batch with Macs, 1/2 batch with a Mac/Gala mix, 1/2 batch Gala. We're testing to see the impact of the sweetness of the apple. Last year we did it with crabapples but we got busy when the apples fell and they rotted on us. We'll know in a little over a month if it turned out.
I have tomorrow off work so I'll watch the Remembrance Day observances on tv. Jerry'll be on stand-by as some of the offices downtown will stay open and they move the day off to Friday. I get very upset when they do this (some did it last year too) because they treat it like a long weekend rather than a day to remember the sacrifices our armed forces have made over the years.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Mike Halliday - Hunter Kitty
Hello Everyone,
It was quite the excitement in our household last night after class. I was tidying up when I heard a yowl from Mike. It was the yowl he does when he needs to you come right away.
And there, right in the front hallway was Mike and his prize.
A cute baby mouse.
Quite dead.
And he was very proud of his new toy.
So I petted him and told him what a wonderful hunter kitty he was and then grabbed the phone to call Jerry to find out what I should do.
Jerry told me to leave the mouse and he'd take care of it when he got home. My brave fiance - taking care of icky stuff.
Mike carried that poor mouse all over the upstairs - dropping it in the hallway, livingroom, dining room, back to the hallway. After about 15 minutes, he got tired of playing with it and went back downstairs. When I went to bed, it was on the diningroom floor and Mike was eating his dinner.
When Jerry got home about 5 minutes later, the mouse was no longer where I saw it at bedtime. We did a bit of a search and found it in another place in the diningroom - missing its head. Jerry warned me so I didn't see the poor little mouse. And Mike looking very proud.
Jerry got rid of the mouse.
So, we have no idea where the mouse came from. Mike could have caught it outside earlier that evening and snuck it in. It may have come from downstairs. Mike has been spending an unusual amount of time down there so maybe he found something. But there are no signs of mice - no droppings, grease marks, holes etc.
I'm just shocked that Mike finally knew what to do with a mouse.
So he's our brave Hunter Kitty.
Have a great day!
It was quite the excitement in our household last night after class. I was tidying up when I heard a yowl from Mike. It was the yowl he does when he needs to you come right away.
And there, right in the front hallway was Mike and his prize.
A cute baby mouse.
Quite dead.
And he was very proud of his new toy.
So I petted him and told him what a wonderful hunter kitty he was and then grabbed the phone to call Jerry to find out what I should do.
Jerry told me to leave the mouse and he'd take care of it when he got home. My brave fiance - taking care of icky stuff.
Mike carried that poor mouse all over the upstairs - dropping it in the hallway, livingroom, dining room, back to the hallway. After about 15 minutes, he got tired of playing with it and went back downstairs. When I went to bed, it was on the diningroom floor and Mike was eating his dinner.
When Jerry got home about 5 minutes later, the mouse was no longer where I saw it at bedtime. We did a bit of a search and found it in another place in the diningroom - missing its head. Jerry warned me so I didn't see the poor little mouse. And Mike looking very proud.
Jerry got rid of the mouse.
So, we have no idea where the mouse came from. Mike could have caught it outside earlier that evening and snuck it in. It may have come from downstairs. Mike has been spending an unusual amount of time down there so maybe he found something. But there are no signs of mice - no droppings, grease marks, holes etc.
I'm just shocked that Mike finally knew what to do with a mouse.
So he's our brave Hunter Kitty.
Have a great day!
Friday, November 05, 2010
107 days
Hello Everyone,
The Bay really knows how to freak engaged couples. When you go to the website, there's a countdown to the wedding. I'll admit the first time I saw it, I pannicked a bit. Now I giggle. So, any time I print it off, I black out the countdown for Jerry. lol
I haven't done a wedding update in a while so here goes...
Dress - fits lovely
Veil - check
Shoes - check (and comfy)
Jewelry - check
Jerry's clothes - no idea. I told him he's on his own and I don't want to know what he's wearing until I see him with the JP. Athough I had a couple requests: no shorts (but capris were fine), no crazy ruffle shirt with tuxedo, and I would still marry him in a speedo (but would have a hard time keeping a straight face saying my vows).
Rings - check. I was initially going to use my green engagement ring as a proxy ring until we chose something together. But I love my karma ring. Once I'm married, I'll tuck it away and wear my wedding ring. I was going to get a ring & band but didn't quite like the look of it. I love my ring and Jerry's band has the same finish as mine.
Hair - growing. It's coming into the bob I wanted and I'll get about another inch. Pretty sure on the style and will do a dry run with my hairdresser to get photos. Will have my hair done at the salon down there
Make-up - will do myself. I like a natural look and I find make-up stylists use too much mascara. When you're getting married at 1pm, you don't want crazy caked make-up. And I'll do my own nails.
Bouquet - check
Cake - flavours narrowed down but no decision yet
Boutineer - Jerry hasn't picked one yet
Paperwork - Got my passport (looks like I'm going to murder someone) but Jerry still needs to get his. All paperwork set up in Mexico. My vaccines are up to date and Jerry's looking into his.
Vacation - hotels/resorts booked
Language - lol We picked up Rosetta Stone and are slowly coming along. Most of the people we'll be dealing with speak English and the JP will be bilingual.
Vows - have asked for a copy from the wedding planner to look over
Budget - On track
Name - Had a few arguments on this one but we compromised. I'll keep Halliday professionally. And in public I'll be Karen Halliday Hoult. No hyphen. But I'll change my driver's license. Jerry wanted me to completely change my name but I explained some of the complications (SIN, pension & government issues, business accounts/passwords etc) on top of my own preference. Rather than give up my indentity as a Halliday, I wanted to embrace both families.
So, when we get back, Jerry's family wants to host a reception for us. They also want to have a bridal shower for me. Their initial plans were to have the shower on Boxing Day and the reception on Easter weekend. And yes, you can laugh. There was reasoning behind this. We wouldn't have the extra cost of renting a car and most family members are in the Lethbridge area anyways.
We got the shower changed to the end of January and the reception to the end of March. I was hoping for an informal afternoon get-together (like a tea social) but no luck - they were super excited for a full blown reception. It's been almost 20 years since the last wedding in their family and Jerry's the youngest. So, it can be a bit to reign in their enthusiasm (although it's very sweet). As it stands, Jerry's mom asked us for wording of the reception invitations and we found something we like that calls it a party rather than reception. Less formal and more fun sounding. A couple hours socializing, dinner and then dancing.
We'll do a wish tree rather than a guest book. It's a dutch tradition and basically you create a "tree" and people hang notes on it with wishes for the couple. We have some great branches from my lilac butchering this year and some stones from Ontario to put in a vase for a base. I've seen some online and it looks rather pretty.
Fruit cake tasting (hopefully) this weekend. 3 cakes to try and we'll decide on which will work best for the favours. We'll have a real cake at the party for dessert. Dinner we're looking at beef on a bun (to avoid cold lumpy potatoes, overcooked dry meat and tasteless soggy vegetables).
I think on the table we'll have trivia cards with photos of us. I won't know many people and Jerry hasn't seen some of them in several years. That way people can get to know us in a fun way. For example, if you look at our initials, Jerry's are JLH and mine are KLH. I find it funny I won't need to change my monogram. As well, there may be some clay flowerpots with flower seed packets in them. Nothing decided yet. I don't like a cluttered table personally. And I think we're looking at 60-80 people.
We're still planning to have a Mexican fiesta at our place when we get back but I think it'll be pretty laid back. Just friends of ours that we can show photos and socialize. We've got a small home and the weather will be unpredictable. And in all honesty, I wouldn't want a big crowd. Maybe a come-and-go afternoon with snacks and drinks.
So I think that's it for now. Our registry is done except for an item they're having problems adding. We found a beautiful leather sofa and we don't expect someone to buy it for us. If you put it on your registery and buy it within 1 year of your wedding date, you automatically get 10% off. And if you get a Bay card at the same time, another 10% off. And for newlyweds they offer a couple payment options over a two year span. Which when you encompass the discounts, is the reason why we're adding it to the registry.
I don't need to make any more major decisions until the beginning of January, which is when we confirm the flowers, cake, extras with the resort. So, it's a matter of relaxing and making payments.
Have a great day!
The Bay really knows how to freak engaged couples. When you go to the website, there's a countdown to the wedding. I'll admit the first time I saw it, I pannicked a bit. Now I giggle. So, any time I print it off, I black out the countdown for Jerry. lol
I haven't done a wedding update in a while so here goes...
Dress - fits lovely
Veil - check
Shoes - check (and comfy)
Jewelry - check
Jerry's clothes - no idea. I told him he's on his own and I don't want to know what he's wearing until I see him with the JP. Athough I had a couple requests: no shorts (but capris were fine), no crazy ruffle shirt with tuxedo, and I would still marry him in a speedo (but would have a hard time keeping a straight face saying my vows).
Rings - check. I was initially going to use my green engagement ring as a proxy ring until we chose something together. But I love my karma ring. Once I'm married, I'll tuck it away and wear my wedding ring. I was going to get a ring & band but didn't quite like the look of it. I love my ring and Jerry's band has the same finish as mine.
Hair - growing. It's coming into the bob I wanted and I'll get about another inch. Pretty sure on the style and will do a dry run with my hairdresser to get photos. Will have my hair done at the salon down there
Make-up - will do myself. I like a natural look and I find make-up stylists use too much mascara. When you're getting married at 1pm, you don't want crazy caked make-up. And I'll do my own nails.
Bouquet - check
Cake - flavours narrowed down but no decision yet
Boutineer - Jerry hasn't picked one yet
Paperwork - Got my passport (looks like I'm going to murder someone) but Jerry still needs to get his. All paperwork set up in Mexico. My vaccines are up to date and Jerry's looking into his.
Vacation - hotels/resorts booked
Language - lol We picked up Rosetta Stone and are slowly coming along. Most of the people we'll be dealing with speak English and the JP will be bilingual.
Vows - have asked for a copy from the wedding planner to look over
Budget - On track
Name - Had a few arguments on this one but we compromised. I'll keep Halliday professionally. And in public I'll be Karen Halliday Hoult. No hyphen. But I'll change my driver's license. Jerry wanted me to completely change my name but I explained some of the complications (SIN, pension & government issues, business accounts/passwords etc) on top of my own preference. Rather than give up my indentity as a Halliday, I wanted to embrace both families.
So, when we get back, Jerry's family wants to host a reception for us. They also want to have a bridal shower for me. Their initial plans were to have the shower on Boxing Day and the reception on Easter weekend. And yes, you can laugh. There was reasoning behind this. We wouldn't have the extra cost of renting a car and most family members are in the Lethbridge area anyways.
We got the shower changed to the end of January and the reception to the end of March. I was hoping for an informal afternoon get-together (like a tea social) but no luck - they were super excited for a full blown reception. It's been almost 20 years since the last wedding in their family and Jerry's the youngest. So, it can be a bit to reign in their enthusiasm (although it's very sweet). As it stands, Jerry's mom asked us for wording of the reception invitations and we found something we like that calls it a party rather than reception. Less formal and more fun sounding. A couple hours socializing, dinner and then dancing.
We'll do a wish tree rather than a guest book. It's a dutch tradition and basically you create a "tree" and people hang notes on it with wishes for the couple. We have some great branches from my lilac butchering this year and some stones from Ontario to put in a vase for a base. I've seen some online and it looks rather pretty.
Fruit cake tasting (hopefully) this weekend. 3 cakes to try and we'll decide on which will work best for the favours. We'll have a real cake at the party for dessert. Dinner we're looking at beef on a bun (to avoid cold lumpy potatoes, overcooked dry meat and tasteless soggy vegetables).
I think on the table we'll have trivia cards with photos of us. I won't know many people and Jerry hasn't seen some of them in several years. That way people can get to know us in a fun way. For example, if you look at our initials, Jerry's are JLH and mine are KLH. I find it funny I won't need to change my monogram. As well, there may be some clay flowerpots with flower seed packets in them. Nothing decided yet. I don't like a cluttered table personally. And I think we're looking at 60-80 people.
We're still planning to have a Mexican fiesta at our place when we get back but I think it'll be pretty laid back. Just friends of ours that we can show photos and socialize. We've got a small home and the weather will be unpredictable. And in all honesty, I wouldn't want a big crowd. Maybe a come-and-go afternoon with snacks and drinks.
So I think that's it for now. Our registry is done except for an item they're having problems adding. We found a beautiful leather sofa and we don't expect someone to buy it for us. If you put it on your registery and buy it within 1 year of your wedding date, you automatically get 10% off. And if you get a Bay card at the same time, another 10% off. And for newlyweds they offer a couple payment options over a two year span. Which when you encompass the discounts, is the reason why we're adding it to the registry.
I don't need to make any more major decisions until the beginning of January, which is when we confirm the flowers, cake, extras with the resort. So, it's a matter of relaxing and making payments.
Have a great day!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Circus
Hello Everyone,
Jerry & I went to Cirque du Soleil on Friday night (date night!) to see Kooza. First time seeing them live. It was amazing! They had it in a big tent (just like circuses - circi ?) should be. We got 40% off tickets since they're closing in a couple days and I was a bit worried about our seats. Second last row, along the side. But, with the small venue we could see everything, really well. Very exciting, great costumes & music and overall a fabulous time. If you have an opportunity to see them in their travelling show, go for it. It's worth the money.
A cool weekend. Chance of snow. Spent the afternoon yesterday with a friend hanging out on 17th Ave. Interesting shops and a relaxing day. Today I finish my school presentation and report - Legistlative changes to ROEs. It may sound like dry material but within my company, I was the major implementor when major changes were brought in last year.
And we're having turkey for dinner tonight. I really like the Butterball stuffed turkey breasts. Nice portion size - enough for us and a meal of leftovers and very delicious.
Have a great day!
Jerry & I went to Cirque du Soleil on Friday night (date night!) to see Kooza. First time seeing them live. It was amazing! They had it in a big tent (just like circuses - circi ?) should be. We got 40% off tickets since they're closing in a couple days and I was a bit worried about our seats. Second last row, along the side. But, with the small venue we could see everything, really well. Very exciting, great costumes & music and overall a fabulous time. If you have an opportunity to see them in their travelling show, go for it. It's worth the money.
A cool weekend. Chance of snow. Spent the afternoon yesterday with a friend hanging out on 17th Ave. Interesting shops and a relaxing day. Today I finish my school presentation and report - Legistlative changes to ROEs. It may sound like dry material but within my company, I was the major implementor when major changes were brought in last year.
And we're having turkey for dinner tonight. I really like the Butterball stuffed turkey breasts. Nice portion size - enough for us and a meal of leftovers and very delicious.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Satisfying
Hello everyone,
My afternoon. Most of the time phone calls I get from employees are "How much was my pay cheque?" (check your bank account - I wish I was allowed to say that), "My pay cheque is wrong." (supervisor entered wrong hours/rate of pay) etc. And it can get frustrating.
And then there are afternoons like this.
Phone call 1 was from an employee that wanted to go over a few things. Then he wanted to talk. We recently had an employee die in a car accident and he wanted to know if there were children. If so, he wanted to start up a fund for them. Couldn't release this info (privacy act) but I recommended he ask around unofficially. This was coming from a guy who's had a pretty rough go at life. Long time employee, in jail for a few year. Within a couple days of returning to work for us, he was on the phone with me letting me know he pays family maintenance. One of the few responsible guys who use the system to make sure his kids are taken care of properly. The call restored my faith in the goodness of our often rough & gruff employees.
Phone call 2 flabergasted me. Someone actually wanted a step-by-step breakdown of his pay and how pay cheques were calculated. What were statutory deductions (complete with each of their purpose and the %), regular & OT calculations, group insurance (health benefits) etc. And then he wanted to know about my education. So, told him about my certifications and my current progress. So then he wanted to know about my experience with Athabasca because he was considering them. Just a super friendly, curious employee who is using his time at the rig to make some money and get out quickly. It's extremely rare for anyone to ask me to go into their pay cheque in this much detail. I think it's only happened one other time in my entire payroll career. I was giddy by the time I got off the phone because I love sharing knowledge with other.
I've still got a smile on my face.
And I wanted to share.
Have a fabulous day!
My afternoon. Most of the time phone calls I get from employees are "How much was my pay cheque?" (check your bank account - I wish I was allowed to say that), "My pay cheque is wrong." (supervisor entered wrong hours/rate of pay) etc. And it can get frustrating.
And then there are afternoons like this.
Phone call 1 was from an employee that wanted to go over a few things. Then he wanted to talk. We recently had an employee die in a car accident and he wanted to know if there were children. If so, he wanted to start up a fund for them. Couldn't release this info (privacy act) but I recommended he ask around unofficially. This was coming from a guy who's had a pretty rough go at life. Long time employee, in jail for a few year. Within a couple days of returning to work for us, he was on the phone with me letting me know he pays family maintenance. One of the few responsible guys who use the system to make sure his kids are taken care of properly. The call restored my faith in the goodness of our often rough & gruff employees.
Phone call 2 flabergasted me. Someone actually wanted a step-by-step breakdown of his pay and how pay cheques were calculated. What were statutory deductions (complete with each of their purpose and the %), regular & OT calculations, group insurance (health benefits) etc. And then he wanted to know about my education. So, told him about my certifications and my current progress. So then he wanted to know about my experience with Athabasca because he was considering them. Just a super friendly, curious employee who is using his time at the rig to make some money and get out quickly. It's extremely rare for anyone to ask me to go into their pay cheque in this much detail. I think it's only happened one other time in my entire payroll career. I was giddy by the time I got off the phone because I love sharing knowledge with other.
I've still got a smile on my face.
And I wanted to share.
Have a fabulous day!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
New Mayor!
Hello Everyone,
I'm very excited - we got a new mayor and there was a large voter turn-out. I think we were all just fed up with how city hall was running. Out of the top 3 candidates (in a dead heat the last week of the campaign), 2 were complete outsiders. And the person I was supporting won. I liked Nenshi's campaign. Really used social media, well thought out platform and ideas, positive messages.
Things are ok right now. Busy and tired but that's how it goes. I have a major project and presentation due on Monday for school that I need to focus on. Money is tight so I'm looking at creative ways to stretch my budget. Luckily I don't any anticipated large purchase over the next few months and most of my Christmas shopping is done.
As for my diet, I can only afford one more visit to the naturopath. My benefits cover most of the consulting fee but none of the supplements. And that powdered drink crap works out to $40/week. Since I don't need it and it just means I would lose the weight slower, I'm cutting it out. I'm also a bit suspicious of the supplement doses she's recommended. It's anywhere from twice to four times the amount on the label. And for the vitamin B12, when she didn't have any of the liquid drops and switched to the under the tongue pill, the dosage quadupled without any comments from her. I'm going to switch to the label recommendations and at my appointment next week, ask her about vitamin d supplement requirements for winter. I haven't noticed any change or weight loss over the past 1 1/2 weeks whereas she mentioned 1-2 lbs a week. And those protein portions are huge! It's hard to eat all that food on the list - I'm just too full. So, I'm still going to stick with the very reduced grains, lots of veggies and healthy food. But I have my doubts. At least my energy level has remained and I'm feeling good about myself.
Got my flu shot on Friday and I can still feel where they stuck the needle. Had a plasma donation in the same arm on Wednesday and after a fiasco there, it bruised. At least it stopped hurting Sunday night. My donations generally go smooth but a night like that with what seemed like a very inexperience nurse makes me second guess my donation. I'm a universal donor for plasma so I'm valuable but I felt horrid for 1 1/2 days and had a sore arm for 5.
Mike is funny. We had one of Keith's friends stay with us Friday & Saturday and he slept in Mike's room. Jerry was in and out all weekend as it was Con-Version (sci-fi, fantasy, horror convention). Mike would not go in his room, even after the guy left. I changed the bedding on Sunday. He still wouldn't go in. I ended up having Jerry put some of his dirty shirts on the bed and Mike quite happily curled up on them. I suspect it was because Mike's room didn't "smell" like Jerry - it smelled like another male. I managed to grab one of the shirts and throw it in the laundry and he's quite happy curling up on the other. Even though he has the entire bed (and entire house) to lounge.
Have a great day!
I'm very excited - we got a new mayor and there was a large voter turn-out. I think we were all just fed up with how city hall was running. Out of the top 3 candidates (in a dead heat the last week of the campaign), 2 were complete outsiders. And the person I was supporting won. I liked Nenshi's campaign. Really used social media, well thought out platform and ideas, positive messages.
Things are ok right now. Busy and tired but that's how it goes. I have a major project and presentation due on Monday for school that I need to focus on. Money is tight so I'm looking at creative ways to stretch my budget. Luckily I don't any anticipated large purchase over the next few months and most of my Christmas shopping is done.
As for my diet, I can only afford one more visit to the naturopath. My benefits cover most of the consulting fee but none of the supplements. And that powdered drink crap works out to $40/week. Since I don't need it and it just means I would lose the weight slower, I'm cutting it out. I'm also a bit suspicious of the supplement doses she's recommended. It's anywhere from twice to four times the amount on the label. And for the vitamin B12, when she didn't have any of the liquid drops and switched to the under the tongue pill, the dosage quadupled without any comments from her. I'm going to switch to the label recommendations and at my appointment next week, ask her about vitamin d supplement requirements for winter. I haven't noticed any change or weight loss over the past 1 1/2 weeks whereas she mentioned 1-2 lbs a week. And those protein portions are huge! It's hard to eat all that food on the list - I'm just too full. So, I'm still going to stick with the very reduced grains, lots of veggies and healthy food. But I have my doubts. At least my energy level has remained and I'm feeling good about myself.
Got my flu shot on Friday and I can still feel where they stuck the needle. Had a plasma donation in the same arm on Wednesday and after a fiasco there, it bruised. At least it stopped hurting Sunday night. My donations generally go smooth but a night like that with what seemed like a very inexperience nurse makes me second guess my donation. I'm a universal donor for plasma so I'm valuable but I felt horrid for 1 1/2 days and had a sore arm for 5.
Mike is funny. We had one of Keith's friends stay with us Friday & Saturday and he slept in Mike's room. Jerry was in and out all weekend as it was Con-Version (sci-fi, fantasy, horror convention). Mike would not go in his room, even after the guy left. I changed the bedding on Sunday. He still wouldn't go in. I ended up having Jerry put some of his dirty shirts on the bed and Mike quite happily curled up on them. I suspect it was because Mike's room didn't "smell" like Jerry - it smelled like another male. I managed to grab one of the shirts and throw it in the laundry and he's quite happy curling up on the other. Even though he has the entire bed (and entire house) to lounge.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Wednesday
Hello Everyone,
I have a love/hate relationship with Wednesdays. It's hump day so I know my work week only gets shorter come noon. But usually there is so much to do when I get home.
Dr appointment went good. I'm no longer on no wheat - just super limited wheat. She's now given me weird diet to follow until I'm back down to healthy weight. I've got 25-30 lbs to lose. According to dr, this will have me lose on average 3 lbs of fat (not weight, fat) per week, in a healthy fashion. So, for example, if I lose 3 lbs of fat but gain 2 lbs of muscle, I only have a 1 lbs weight loss on the scale. But she measured how much of my body is water, fat, muscle etc and will monitor me that way rather than a scale. And I have good water in my body - my cells are plump like grapes.
So each day I can have:
2 powdered drinks - icky gritty crap stuff but I can get it down quickly
2 "concentrated protein" - meat (3 oz) and some cheeses
1 legume (1/2 cup)
1 dairy/alternative - milk, yogurt, other cheeses
1 nuts (10-18, depending on the type)
As much salad/leafy veggies as I like
1 sugary vegetable - potato, beets, winter squash (1/2 cup)
1-2 fruits
1 grains (1/2 cup)
4 oils (1 tsp)
I can work with this. 1 icky powder for breakfast, when I take my vitamins, 1 icky powder for afternoon snack. My lunch was "normal" sized today. Apple for a snack and then figure out something for dinner.
Yesterday, I rewarded myself for sticking to the gluten-free for 7 weeks. Had a cup cake and 3 small slices of pizza. So far not feeling terrible today, although I was warned. That pizza was super yummy (and I ate it with a huge salad). On this new diet, I could eat 1 slice but I'd be limited what I could eat for the rest of the day. I like though that I can now go out for dinner, or over to someone's house and not be super vigilant about the ingredients of the meal.
This is the strict lose weight diet and once I get to my desired (and healthy) weight, it changes to maintenance portions. It does help to measure the portions out so if anything, it'll teach me about that.
We're off to Lethbridge for Thanksgiving. Will try to make 1 fruit cake tonight, 1 tomorrow night and then Jerry can make one on Monday. Then, in 3 weeks, we sample to see which will work the best for the favours at the reception Jerry's folks are hosting.
Have a great day!
I have a love/hate relationship with Wednesdays. It's hump day so I know my work week only gets shorter come noon. But usually there is so much to do when I get home.
Dr appointment went good. I'm no longer on no wheat - just super limited wheat. She's now given me weird diet to follow until I'm back down to healthy weight. I've got 25-30 lbs to lose. According to dr, this will have me lose on average 3 lbs of fat (not weight, fat) per week, in a healthy fashion. So, for example, if I lose 3 lbs of fat but gain 2 lbs of muscle, I only have a 1 lbs weight loss on the scale. But she measured how much of my body is water, fat, muscle etc and will monitor me that way rather than a scale. And I have good water in my body - my cells are plump like grapes.
So each day I can have:
2 powdered drinks - icky gritty crap stuff but I can get it down quickly
2 "concentrated protein" - meat (3 oz) and some cheeses
1 legume (1/2 cup)
1 dairy/alternative - milk, yogurt, other cheeses
1 nuts (10-18, depending on the type)
As much salad/leafy veggies as I like
1 sugary vegetable - potato, beets, winter squash (1/2 cup)
1-2 fruits
1 grains (1/2 cup)
4 oils (1 tsp)
I can work with this. 1 icky powder for breakfast, when I take my vitamins, 1 icky powder for afternoon snack. My lunch was "normal" sized today. Apple for a snack and then figure out something for dinner.
Yesterday, I rewarded myself for sticking to the gluten-free for 7 weeks. Had a cup cake and 3 small slices of pizza. So far not feeling terrible today, although I was warned. That pizza was super yummy (and I ate it with a huge salad). On this new diet, I could eat 1 slice but I'd be limited what I could eat for the rest of the day. I like though that I can now go out for dinner, or over to someone's house and not be super vigilant about the ingredients of the meal.
This is the strict lose weight diet and once I get to my desired (and healthy) weight, it changes to maintenance portions. It does help to measure the portions out so if anything, it'll teach me about that.
We're off to Lethbridge for Thanksgiving. Will try to make 1 fruit cake tonight, 1 tomorrow night and then Jerry can make one on Monday. Then, in 3 weeks, we sample to see which will work the best for the favours at the reception Jerry's folks are hosting.
Have a great day!
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