Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Hello Everyone,
Mom reminded me tonight that I forgot to upload photos of the house before we had the party. Here's the latest (with the fabulous curtains):
Here's the dining room with stuff in the china cabinet. We're getting a free table from work but it'll be a couple weeks before we can get it.
And here's the livingroom with the curtains I love so much. The clear chair is back up in the livingroom (the guys had "borrowed" it for the cave). The white unit in the corner is where we keep all the games and puzzles. Behind the lamp is Jerry's photo screen but since I hate cleaning glass and we didn't have photos for it, some wrapping paper worked great to cover the squares.
A Nice Day
Hello Everyone,
The pressure from last week is now off so today is going well. It was down to the wire though on Monday to make sure everyone got paid on time. Not a situation I like to be. Got my other payroll done yesterday so I have no official deadline until next week.
Over did it at yoga on Monday and my shoulders are angry with me. We don't have class next week (Family Day) so I'll be able to take a bit more time to recover.
Went to Kensington neighbourhood on Saturday with Jerry. Tried out some bike trainers and strolled around. Lots of fun. I have one more trainer to try out (probably tomorrow night) and then I'll make my decision on the weekend.
Jerry's planning to buy a motorcycle with a side car, namebrand "Ural" in the next few months so we need to start studying for our beginner's license. Although you can be a beginner using your regular driver's licence, we will be taking classes, which require the official beginner's license. I can write the test across the street and will probably do so next month. I think Jerry was quite surprised I'm willing to go along with his idea. The thing is, we don't need a car yet, a motorcycle with side car will fit both of us with our camping gear and this motorcycle is designed for all-season travel. It's made in Russia, originally for the military so Jerry would be able to do all the mechanical stuff. I'll keep you updated with how things go.
Work approved my back to school request. Not sure if I told you about this. Athabasca University has a Certificate in Management Applications that I'm enrolling in. Classes are online or by correspondence so I'd be a part-time student. Since 3 of the 10 courses are required by the CPA (Canadian Payroll Association), it made sense to get an additional certification. It offers a wide over-view of several business-related topics that I think will be quite interesting. My first course will be Computer and Management Information Systems Supporting End-User Computing. I think this and the other computer course that I'm required to take will be the most uninteresting but likely the most important courses I take. Who knows - maybe they'll find a way to make computer stuff interesting.
Getting excited for the weekend. I have a car rented and we're off to Banff for snowshoeing. I have both Friday and Tuesday booked off so it'll be a nice break.
Have a great day!
The pressure from last week is now off so today is going well. It was down to the wire though on Monday to make sure everyone got paid on time. Not a situation I like to be. Got my other payroll done yesterday so I have no official deadline until next week.
Over did it at yoga on Monday and my shoulders are angry with me. We don't have class next week (Family Day) so I'll be able to take a bit more time to recover.
Went to Kensington neighbourhood on Saturday with Jerry. Tried out some bike trainers and strolled around. Lots of fun. I have one more trainer to try out (probably tomorrow night) and then I'll make my decision on the weekend.
Jerry's planning to buy a motorcycle with a side car, namebrand "Ural" in the next few months so we need to start studying for our beginner's license. Although you can be a beginner using your regular driver's licence, we will be taking classes, which require the official beginner's license. I can write the test across the street and will probably do so next month. I think Jerry was quite surprised I'm willing to go along with his idea. The thing is, we don't need a car yet, a motorcycle with side car will fit both of us with our camping gear and this motorcycle is designed for all-season travel. It's made in Russia, originally for the military so Jerry would be able to do all the mechanical stuff. I'll keep you updated with how things go.
Work approved my back to school request. Not sure if I told you about this. Athabasca University has a Certificate in Management Applications that I'm enrolling in. Classes are online or by correspondence so I'd be a part-time student. Since 3 of the 10 courses are required by the CPA (Canadian Payroll Association), it made sense to get an additional certification. It offers a wide over-view of several business-related topics that I think will be quite interesting. My first course will be Computer and Management Information Systems Supporting End-User Computing. I think this and the other computer course that I'm required to take will be the most uninteresting but likely the most important courses I take. Who knows - maybe they'll find a way to make computer stuff interesting.
Getting excited for the weekend. I have a car rented and we're off to Banff for snowshoeing. I have both Friday and Tuesday booked off so it'll be a nice break.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
A Long Week
Hello Everyone,
So I'm mostly over my cold. Back to full work on Thursday and have only a little sniffle since then.
Work week is crazy. The other person in payroll is in the hospital for the week and we're in the second week of payroll. Basically, over a 2 week cycle, we gather all the time from the previous week and the first week of our cycle for processing on the last Friday of the cycle. The problem is that this person handles the electronic hours and I handle the manual hours. We were unable to decipher the corrections he did so we had to start from scratch, doing 2 weeks of work into one. On top of that, my supervisor, who is helping me, is still getting trained up (by me) on the system and this is her first live payroll from start to end. And, we're experimenting with a new reconciliation system.
What this in a nutshell means is some very long days of unpaid OT. I'm salary so the few OT days I have are balanced out over the year and no extra $. Mon was 8-5:30, Tues was 8-5:30 + 1 1/2 hours at home, today will be 8-5:30 + 3 hrs at home and I suspect tomorrow will be similar.
But in the end, everyone will get paid, the reconciliation changes we wanted to implement will be done, auditors will be happier and Karen can have a drink.
Have a great day!
So I'm mostly over my cold. Back to full work on Thursday and have only a little sniffle since then.
Work week is crazy. The other person in payroll is in the hospital for the week and we're in the second week of payroll. Basically, over a 2 week cycle, we gather all the time from the previous week and the first week of our cycle for processing on the last Friday of the cycle. The problem is that this person handles the electronic hours and I handle the manual hours. We were unable to decipher the corrections he did so we had to start from scratch, doing 2 weeks of work into one. On top of that, my supervisor, who is helping me, is still getting trained up (by me) on the system and this is her first live payroll from start to end. And, we're experimenting with a new reconciliation system.
What this in a nutshell means is some very long days of unpaid OT. I'm salary so the few OT days I have are balanced out over the year and no extra $. Mon was 8-5:30, Tues was 8-5:30 + 1 1/2 hours at home, today will be 8-5:30 + 3 hrs at home and I suspect tomorrow will be similar.
But in the end, everyone will get paid, the reconciliation changes we wanted to implement will be done, auditors will be happier and Karen can have a drink.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Stupid cold
Hello Everyone,
So, I started coming down with a cold on Saturday and it hit me on Monday. Did 3/4 days of work on Monday and Tuesday. It finally moved out of my head/happy land to a proper cold so at least now I can treat it.
It's a sinus cold and although I picked up some medication recommended by the pharmicist, it didn't do much. He warned me that it was daytime medication so I would have troubles sleeping. Troubles sleeping my ***! After I got home from work, I took a couple and promptly had a 2 hour nap with Whiskers. I also took some before I went to bed. After 2 hours of icky dripping, I got fed up, took some allergy medication and went to sleep out on the couch. I didn't want to keep Jerry up and the extra pillows made it easier to breath.
Feeling a bit better today. I'm processing a payroll so I have to be on the ball for at least the morning. I'll see how the afternoon goes.
Jerry's been super nice. Last night he drew me a milk bath with tea tree oil and epson salts. Such a luxury and I felt much better.
Whiskers has been super cuddly and patient with my naps. I tuck her in beside me and she keeps me warm under the snuggies (yes, it took 2 of them to almost keep me warm). Mike on the other hand was his usual self and refuses to have anything to do with a person who disturbs his sleep.
Have a great day!
So, I started coming down with a cold on Saturday and it hit me on Monday. Did 3/4 days of work on Monday and Tuesday. It finally moved out of my head/happy land to a proper cold so at least now I can treat it.
It's a sinus cold and although I picked up some medication recommended by the pharmicist, it didn't do much. He warned me that it was daytime medication so I would have troubles sleeping. Troubles sleeping my ***! After I got home from work, I took a couple and promptly had a 2 hour nap with Whiskers. I also took some before I went to bed. After 2 hours of icky dripping, I got fed up, took some allergy medication and went to sleep out on the couch. I didn't want to keep Jerry up and the extra pillows made it easier to breath.
Feeling a bit better today. I'm processing a payroll so I have to be on the ball for at least the morning. I'll see how the afternoon goes.
Jerry's been super nice. Last night he drew me a milk bath with tea tree oil and epson salts. Such a luxury and I felt much better.
Whiskers has been super cuddly and patient with my naps. I tuck her in beside me and she keeps me warm under the snuggies (yes, it took 2 of them to almost keep me warm). Mike on the other hand was his usual self and refuses to have anything to do with a person who disturbs his sleep.
Have a great day!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A Lazy Sorta Weekend
Hello Everyone,
After a long week at work, it was nice to have a relaxing weekend. We did pub night on Friday (basically ate appetizers for dinner) and lazed on the couch watching tv.
Saturday was a sleep-in day. We went over to friends' place last night and watched a double feature - Hercules and The Adventures of Hercules, starring Lou Ferrigno (the actor who played The Incredible Hulk on tv). The movies were horribly funny. I would recommend seeing the first one, if only for the crazy costumes and robots. Yes, robots. Between the four of us, I don't think we managed to watch the sequel but every time I woke up, all I could think was, "Huh, What the %$#@?"
Today is an at-home day. Doing little chores. We need to a draught stopper on the bottom of the front door, shrink-wrap the windows, wrap the hot water heater, make a meal plan for the week, tidy the house etc. It sounds rather boring but it's necessary and pleasurable in its own way.
Have a great day!
After a long week at work, it was nice to have a relaxing weekend. We did pub night on Friday (basically ate appetizers for dinner) and lazed on the couch watching tv.
Saturday was a sleep-in day. We went over to friends' place last night and watched a double feature - Hercules and The Adventures of Hercules, starring Lou Ferrigno (the actor who played The Incredible Hulk on tv). The movies were horribly funny. I would recommend seeing the first one, if only for the crazy costumes and robots. Yes, robots. Between the four of us, I don't think we managed to watch the sequel but every time I woke up, all I could think was, "Huh, What the %$#@?"
Today is an at-home day. Doing little chores. We need to a draught stopper on the bottom of the front door, shrink-wrap the windows, wrap the hot water heater, make a meal plan for the week, tidy the house etc. It sounds rather boring but it's necessary and pleasurable in its own way.
Have a great day!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sad Day
Hello Everyone,
Wednesday was a sad day in the household - Gilbert the guinea pig passed away at the ripe old age of 6. I found him stiff in his cage when I checked on him after work so he had passed on sometime during the day.
I'm sad but I know he had a long and happy life. He was really showing (and feeling his) age at the last. Not eating his hay, you could feel his bones under his fur, harder time getting up on his hind legs to reach treats.
I wrapped him in tissue paper and he's in a plastic lettuce box in the freezer until springtime. Then, we'll bury him out in the backyard. He was a very good friend and was my first connection to family in Calgary.
Wednesday was a sad day in the household - Gilbert the guinea pig passed away at the ripe old age of 6. I found him stiff in his cage when I checked on him after work so he had passed on sometime during the day.
I'm sad but I know he had a long and happy life. He was really showing (and feeling his) age at the last. Not eating his hay, you could feel his bones under his fur, harder time getting up on his hind legs to reach treats.
I wrapped him in tissue paper and he's in a plastic lettuce box in the freezer until springtime. Then, we'll bury him out in the backyard. He was a very good friend and was my first connection to family in Calgary.
Monday, January 04, 2010
A Quiet New Years
Hello Everyone,
It was a quiet weekend with some much needed down time. Watched a couple movies and had cheese fondue for New Years eve. Had coffee with home-made Baileys brought to me in bed the next day. Ate lots of chocolate. Went to Zoolights with friends on Friday night. Zoolights is basically a huge Christmas lights display that's held at the zoo. Saw a couple animals but most of the indoor exhibits were closed and quite a few of the other areas were closed off.
Tidied, filed, organized and ate pizza on Sunday.
So, a fabulous weekend overall.
Tonight we go to our first yoga class. I've done beginner's yoga a few times and Jerry has attended a class or two but there's a studio down the street. I think it should be a lot of fun. On Saturday we are holding a January party. It's a combination housewarming/everyone is broke after Christmas dinner and should be a lot of fun.
Have a great day!
It was a quiet weekend with some much needed down time. Watched a couple movies and had cheese fondue for New Years eve. Had coffee with home-made Baileys brought to me in bed the next day. Ate lots of chocolate. Went to Zoolights with friends on Friday night. Zoolights is basically a huge Christmas lights display that's held at the zoo. Saw a couple animals but most of the indoor exhibits were closed and quite a few of the other areas were closed off.
Tidied, filed, organized and ate pizza on Sunday.
So, a fabulous weekend overall.
Tonight we go to our first yoga class. I've done beginner's yoga a few times and Jerry has attended a class or two but there's a studio down the street. I think it should be a lot of fun. On Saturday we are holding a January party. It's a combination housewarming/everyone is broke after Christmas dinner and should be a lot of fun.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Hello Everyone,
I hope your Christmas was well. I'm back to work for the next couple days and then off again for the long weekend. No holidays for payroll at Christmas :-(
Anyways, had a nice break. Office closed at noon and we got all our stuff done without having to work OT. Went to church service in Calgary and then opened our presents at 12:04am Christmas morning. Drove down to Lethbridge in the morning and had dinner at Jerry's sister's place. Turkey wasn't as dry as past meals and it was a nice time. Saw Avatar on Boxing Day. It was visually beautiful but I got bored with the story line. Picked up a pair of used skates.
Came back on Sunday, went to a friend's place for more turkey.
Went to Ikea on Monday and made myself broke. Lots of organizational stuff that will really help with tidying the place and got some curtains. Amazing find for livingroom curtains - $24 for a set of gorgeous lined floral print curtains (orange & pink tones) that look fabulous in the livingroom. Got some fabric to make curtains for the bedroom. That will be my project this weekend. Once everything is done, will take pictures.
Have a great day!
I hope your Christmas was well. I'm back to work for the next couple days and then off again for the long weekend. No holidays for payroll at Christmas :-(
Anyways, had a nice break. Office closed at noon and we got all our stuff done without having to work OT. Went to church service in Calgary and then opened our presents at 12:04am Christmas morning. Drove down to Lethbridge in the morning and had dinner at Jerry's sister's place. Turkey wasn't as dry as past meals and it was a nice time. Saw Avatar on Boxing Day. It was visually beautiful but I got bored with the story line. Picked up a pair of used skates.
Came back on Sunday, went to a friend's place for more turkey.
Went to Ikea on Monday and made myself broke. Lots of organizational stuff that will really help with tidying the place and got some curtains. Amazing find for livingroom curtains - $24 for a set of gorgeous lined floral print curtains (orange & pink tones) that look fabulous in the livingroom. Got some fabric to make curtains for the bedroom. That will be my project this weekend. Once everything is done, will take pictures.
Have a great day!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Alice
Hello Everyone,
Last weekend I watched "Alice" on Showcase. It was a two-part movie sequel to "Alice in Wonderland". It's an adult (or teenager) show that I thought was fantastic. Great visually and some very interesting ideas. It's on the next couple weeks so if you have some time on the weekend, I definitely recommend it.
Have a great day!
Last weekend I watched "Alice" on Showcase. It was a two-part movie sequel to "Alice in Wonderland". It's an adult (or teenager) show that I thought was fantastic. Great visually and some very interesting ideas. It's on the next couple weeks so if you have some time on the weekend, I definitely recommend it.
Have a great day!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
List
Hello Everyone,
I got some inspiriation from cousin Amy's blog and have developed a "List of 10 Things that Happened to Karen in 2009". It is in no particular order.
1. Moved in with Jerry in NE Calgary
2. Visited Ontario
3. Completed Payroll Compliance Practitioner certification
4. Got my Can-Bike 1 Instructor certification
5. Moved to NW Calgary in the spring
6. Sold my piano (bittersweet)
7. Snowboarded down my first black (advanced) run
8. Tried indoor wall climbing
9. Square foot gardening, and learning how to can/preserve the fruits of our labour
10.Went to Spock Days
I got some inspiriation from cousin Amy's blog and have developed a "List of 10 Things that Happened to Karen in 2009". It is in no particular order.
1. Moved in with Jerry in NE Calgary
2. Visited Ontario
3. Completed Payroll Compliance Practitioner certification
4. Got my Can-Bike 1 Instructor certification
5. Moved to NW Calgary in the spring
6. Sold my piano (bittersweet)
7. Snowboarded down my first black (advanced) run
8. Tried indoor wall climbing
9. Square foot gardening, and learning how to can/preserve the fruits of our labour
10.Went to Spock Days
Boys are dumb
Hello Everyone,
The title is a quote from Happy Bunny and I think she goes on to mention something about smelling bad too.
So, Jerry was over at a friend's place to watch hockey with the guys. They came up with a contest.
Premise: Who has the best hang-over cure?
Procedures: Drink your face off. Create your hang-over cure the next day
Criteria to win: Whoever can not only function but thrive the next day at work
When he came home and described this to me, I burst out laughing. He then explained how his hang-over cure would work so much better and talked about his "scientific" theory. I laughed some more. I went to bed laughing.
But I was very good this morning. I didn't comment on him looking a bit rough. I accepted the rather strong coffee without comment. I kissed him good-bye. I didn't laugh.
Boys
The title is a quote from Happy Bunny and I think she goes on to mention something about smelling bad too.
So, Jerry was over at a friend's place to watch hockey with the guys. They came up with a contest.
Premise: Who has the best hang-over cure?
Procedures: Drink your face off. Create your hang-over cure the next day
Criteria to win: Whoever can not only function but thrive the next day at work
When he came home and described this to me, I burst out laughing. He then explained how his hang-over cure would work so much better and talked about his "scientific" theory. I laughed some more. I went to bed laughing.
But I was very good this morning. I didn't comment on him looking a bit rough. I accepted the rather strong coffee without comment. I kissed him good-bye. I didn't laugh.
Boys
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
Brrrr...
Hello Everyone,
It's warmed up to -23C and I finished my coffee by the time I got in to work. I wore my snowboard pants and overall was quite comfy. What a storm we had!
Friday - office shut down at 3. Shovelled sidewalk when I got home. Shovelled again late that night (with Jerry)
Saturday - Jerry & I shovelled once. Keith was off to BC so we had a vehicle to drive. Glad it was a truck and we went to Home Depot. None of the residential roads were plowed (and none will be in Calgary - it's "not in the snow clearing budget") and a couple feet of snow on the road. Drifts were higher. Temperature dropped into the minus teens.
Sunday - Jerry did a quick shovel. Back to Home Depot for more things. Temperature now down in the minus twenties.
So we stayed at home and got a whole bunch of stuff done. Home Depot had pantry storage units (3 shelves, 5' tall) for really cheap so we picked up one on Saturday for our board games/puzzles and another one on Sunday for our canned goods and extra food storage. We also picked up some extra shelving and odds and ends. Lots of organizing and the house feels a lot more put together
We also got a Christmas tree! Jerry was going to give me a fresh-cut tree but we decided to get a real tree (in a pot). It's a Norfolk pine and permanently lives indoors. Including the pot, it's about 4' high and it's quite pretty. Not strong enough for full ornaments (and it needs daily misting) so we're going to put on tinsel and a couple light ornaments. My sparkly larger ornaments are hung by thread from the livingroom curtain rod. It looks rather pretty and festive. We'll decorate the tree next weekend but I have the rest of the decorations up around the house. I hope to create decorating traditions based on the Advent Sundays. And Jerry has given me free rein with decorating.
1st - outdoor lights get turned on
2nd - indoor decorations
3rd - tree decorated
4th - not sure yet, probably involving baking or a get-together with friends.
I'm very excited about the tree since it is pretty and can stay in the house year round (sans decorations). It will grow bigger but probably only a foot each year. We have our presents around the tree and so far Mike has ignored the tree. He generally leaves Christmas trees/ornaments alone. We wrapped up a bird feeder for him that attaches to the window. It likely won't get warm enough until after Christmas anyways to get it put up.
So, I think there's a chance of no neighbourhood party. Next weekend is opening weekend at Castle and Jerry may be heading down there. I likely wouldn't so he can have a guy's weekend out. As fun as it would be, the idea of sharing a trailer with a bunch of smelly, beer drinking carnivore men is just not my cup of tea. Especially since it would be a great weekend for a bunch of baking.
Jerry's getting the hang of shovelling snow. I usually do it when I get home but he was feeling energetic on the weekend. Since he spent his winters in Arizona and his landlord has always been responsible in the past for snow clearing, he didn't have much experience. I found it rather amusing since he technique is a bit off but he is getting the hang of it.
Have a great day!
It's warmed up to -23C and I finished my coffee by the time I got in to work. I wore my snowboard pants and overall was quite comfy. What a storm we had!
Friday - office shut down at 3. Shovelled sidewalk when I got home. Shovelled again late that night (with Jerry)
Saturday - Jerry & I shovelled once. Keith was off to BC so we had a vehicle to drive. Glad it was a truck and we went to Home Depot. None of the residential roads were plowed (and none will be in Calgary - it's "not in the snow clearing budget") and a couple feet of snow on the road. Drifts were higher. Temperature dropped into the minus teens.
Sunday - Jerry did a quick shovel. Back to Home Depot for more things. Temperature now down in the minus twenties.
So we stayed at home and got a whole bunch of stuff done. Home Depot had pantry storage units (3 shelves, 5' tall) for really cheap so we picked up one on Saturday for our board games/puzzles and another one on Sunday for our canned goods and extra food storage. We also picked up some extra shelving and odds and ends. Lots of organizing and the house feels a lot more put together
We also got a Christmas tree! Jerry was going to give me a fresh-cut tree but we decided to get a real tree (in a pot). It's a Norfolk pine and permanently lives indoors. Including the pot, it's about 4' high and it's quite pretty. Not strong enough for full ornaments (and it needs daily misting) so we're going to put on tinsel and a couple light ornaments. My sparkly larger ornaments are hung by thread from the livingroom curtain rod. It looks rather pretty and festive. We'll decorate the tree next weekend but I have the rest of the decorations up around the house. I hope to create decorating traditions based on the Advent Sundays. And Jerry has given me free rein with decorating.
1st - outdoor lights get turned on
2nd - indoor decorations
3rd - tree decorated
4th - not sure yet, probably involving baking or a get-together with friends.
I'm very excited about the tree since it is pretty and can stay in the house year round (sans decorations). It will grow bigger but probably only a foot each year. We have our presents around the tree and so far Mike has ignored the tree. He generally leaves Christmas trees/ornaments alone. We wrapped up a bird feeder for him that attaches to the window. It likely won't get warm enough until after Christmas anyways to get it put up.
So, I think there's a chance of no neighbourhood party. Next weekend is opening weekend at Castle and Jerry may be heading down there. I likely wouldn't so he can have a guy's weekend out. As fun as it would be, the idea of sharing a trailer with a bunch of smelly, beer drinking carnivore men is just not my cup of tea. Especially since it would be a great weekend for a bunch of baking.
Jerry's getting the hang of shovelling snow. I usually do it when I get home but he was feeling energetic on the weekend. Since he spent his winters in Arizona and his landlord has always been responsible in the past for snow clearing, he didn't have much experience. I found it rather amusing since he technique is a bit off but he is getting the hang of it.
Have a great day!
Friday, December 04, 2009
Winter Storm Coming
Hello Everyone,
The area has been under a winter storm warning watch since yesterday afternoon and it's starting to hit Calgary now. 10-20 cm of snow, flurries for the next couple days and then a temperature drop to a high of -19 on Monday. So, I wore my fur coat for the first time.
For those who don't know the story, when I was back in Ontario this summer, Jerry & I went to Kensington market (in Toronto) to look around. While there, I found a lovely, full-length rabbit fur coat for $35. Needless to say, I haulled it from the store, packed it in my luggage and now it's here. I normally wouldn't buy fur but here are my thoughts:
a) I wear leather - it would be hypocritical of me to object to fur
b) It was $35 for a winter coat
c) It's a full length coat that fits me and has a huge hood
d) It's very warm
e) It's not new
f) It's soft and pretty
g) Whiskers didn't attack me when I put it on
h) When I wear it, I think of the rabbits and appreciate their gift
I was toasty warm walking in to work and the hood is really deep (and fur-lined) so my face was well protected.
Have lots of things to do this weekend. We want to meet our neighbours so I'll be baking cookies to drop off to households in the area with an invitation to a "meet our neighbours" party. We'll see how it goes but I think people would be receptive.
And more Christmas decorating!
Have a great day!
The area has been under a winter storm warning watch since yesterday afternoon and it's starting to hit Calgary now. 10-20 cm of snow, flurries for the next couple days and then a temperature drop to a high of -19 on Monday. So, I wore my fur coat for the first time.
For those who don't know the story, when I was back in Ontario this summer, Jerry & I went to Kensington market (in Toronto) to look around. While there, I found a lovely, full-length rabbit fur coat for $35. Needless to say, I haulled it from the store, packed it in my luggage and now it's here. I normally wouldn't buy fur but here are my thoughts:
a) I wear leather - it would be hypocritical of me to object to fur
b) It was $35 for a winter coat
c) It's a full length coat that fits me and has a huge hood
d) It's very warm
e) It's not new
f) It's soft and pretty
g) Whiskers didn't attack me when I put it on
h) When I wear it, I think of the rabbits and appreciate their gift
I was toasty warm walking in to work and the hood is really deep (and fur-lined) so my face was well protected.
Have lots of things to do this weekend. We want to meet our neighbours so I'll be baking cookies to drop off to households in the area with an invitation to a "meet our neighbours" party. We'll see how it goes but I think people would be receptive.
And more Christmas decorating!
Have a great day!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A quiet sort of week
Hello Everyone,
Not much interesting going on. We bought Christmas lights on Sunday and we're going to put them up along the front of the house on Saturday. Starting to get into the Christmas spirit - wrapped present on Monday and started making my baking list. Will work on Christmas cards this weekend.
Had to work late last night and Jerry surprised me by making dinner. We take turns with meals but I didn't have to help with anything - I just showed up at the table. It was really nice after a long day. He has a pasta maker so we have fresh pasta at least once a week. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and tastes so much better than the dried kind.
Things going well at work. It's going to get really busy over the next month with Christmas deadlines for processing payroll and year end stuff. We're not having a formal corporate Christmas dinner. Instead, we're having a lunch, which I prefer.
Have a great day!
Not much interesting going on. We bought Christmas lights on Sunday and we're going to put them up along the front of the house on Saturday. Starting to get into the Christmas spirit - wrapped present on Monday and started making my baking list. Will work on Christmas cards this weekend.
Had to work late last night and Jerry surprised me by making dinner. We take turns with meals but I didn't have to help with anything - I just showed up at the table. It was really nice after a long day. He has a pasta maker so we have fresh pasta at least once a week. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and tastes so much better than the dried kind.
Things going well at work. It's going to get really busy over the next month with Christmas deadlines for processing payroll and year end stuff. We're not having a formal corporate Christmas dinner. Instead, we're having a lunch, which I prefer.
Have a great day!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Social Insurance Numbers - Important
Hello Everyone,
I found out something very interesting and alarming from my year-end course that involves S.I.N.s. This will mostly apply to women so please pass this information on to everyone you know.
If you have had a name change, make sure your S.I.N. card matches your new name. All employers are required by law to see your SIN at time of hire. There are fines that can be levied if an employer does not attempt to view it.
Anyways, if the name of the card does not match the name on the employment application form, your employer is suppose to refuse to accept it. They are then to instruct the employee to go to the Service Canada office and obtain a new card. In theory, if the employer never does get the proper number, they should put 000 000 000 on the T4 and the CRA will deal with you.
Practially speaking, employers do not necessarily check the name and this can cause huge problems for married women or women who have had a name change since their SIN was originally issued.
If you get laid off and make a claim for EI, if the name on your SIN does not match your ROE, your claim will be delayed until you get a new (updated) card. As well, previous employment records under the other name are not automatically linked so you could be missing hours that could go toward your claim.
You could also miss out on CPP entitlements that fell under different names.
Another problem can happen for beneficiaries. You will need to fight for your entitlement if your name does not match the SIN. So, if there is a female in your family that has passed away, check for any records under all names (maiden, married, etc) in case they did not update their card.
Your SIN does not automatically update (despite what people were told years ago) when you get married and submit your papers to the government. Go to the Service Canada website, find out what paperwork you need and get it changed asap. The website for this info is:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/how.shtml
I found out something very interesting and alarming from my year-end course that involves S.I.N.s. This will mostly apply to women so please pass this information on to everyone you know.
If you have had a name change, make sure your S.I.N. card matches your new name. All employers are required by law to see your SIN at time of hire. There are fines that can be levied if an employer does not attempt to view it.
Anyways, if the name of the card does not match the name on the employment application form, your employer is suppose to refuse to accept it. They are then to instruct the employee to go to the Service Canada office and obtain a new card. In theory, if the employer never does get the proper number, they should put 000 000 000 on the T4 and the CRA will deal with you.
Practially speaking, employers do not necessarily check the name and this can cause huge problems for married women or women who have had a name change since their SIN was originally issued.
If you get laid off and make a claim for EI, if the name on your SIN does not match your ROE, your claim will be delayed until you get a new (updated) card. As well, previous employment records under the other name are not automatically linked so you could be missing hours that could go toward your claim.
You could also miss out on CPP entitlements that fell under different names.
Another problem can happen for beneficiaries. You will need to fight for your entitlement if your name does not match the SIN. So, if there is a female in your family that has passed away, check for any records under all names (maiden, married, etc) in case they did not update their card.
Your SIN does not automatically update (despite what people were told years ago) when you get married and submit your papers to the government. Go to the Service Canada website, find out what paperwork you need and get it changed asap. The website for this info is:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/how.shtml
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
S'mores
Hello Everyone,
So, Jerry was talking about his work Christmas party last night and wasn't sure if he wanted to attend. I joked and said we could come up with an excuse and then hide in the house all night and eat s'mores.
that lead to a craving of s'mores
so I went to the grocery store for ingredients
and we pulled out my fabulous microwave s'mores maker
it has little hands that come down so the top cracker doesn't slide off the marshmallow in a gooey heap
it holds 2 s'mores.
we ate the whole row of graham squares making them
it was a good (and sticky) night
hooray for stain remover that can remove chocolate off a light pink dress shirt
Have a great day!
So, Jerry was talking about his work Christmas party last night and wasn't sure if he wanted to attend. I joked and said we could come up with an excuse and then hide in the house all night and eat s'mores.
that lead to a craving of s'mores
so I went to the grocery store for ingredients
and we pulled out my fabulous microwave s'mores maker
it has little hands that come down so the top cracker doesn't slide off the marshmallow in a gooey heap
it holds 2 s'mores.
we ate the whole row of graham squares making them
it was a good (and sticky) night
hooray for stain remover that can remove chocolate off a light pink dress shirt
Have a great day!
Monday, November 09, 2009
A good weekend
Hello Everyone,
It was a nice weekend for me. Friday night I made fondue for Jerry and we had a nice romantic evening. I could only find my fondue set so the meal ended up taking 5 hours. First & second course had salad served with it (with a pear guave dressing). First course was swiss cheese and bread. Second course was beef cooked in a butter/oil mixture, served with a worchestershire based sauce. Third course was chocolate served with fruit. Dairy Milk finally reintroduced their family sized chocolate bars that have bits of toffee in them. It worked great for the fondue - all we did was add a bit of half & half from the fridge. For wine we had a rose merlot. This was my first rose made with merlot and it was very delicious. Fruity but light.
Saturday was raking leaves
Sunday was raking leaves
We ended up with 21 bags of leaves and this was the first time Jerry had ever done this autumn activity. Growing up, he was in Arizona during the fall and then when he came up to Canada, his landlord(s) took care of the yardwork. His bagging technique was a bit clumbsy and he was surprised how much work it was. But the lawn looks great and he now understands why this activity is done every year.
As well, on Sunday, we started to organize the spare room/office. It's definitely coming together - rather old fashioned but cute. We need to get curtain rods and then that'll be all until after Christmas when we do an Ikea run to pick up the rest of the shelving we need.
We're going to put a fountain in the fireplace. I don't want to risk anything warm (even with the gas capped off) and Calgary is so dry. We were thinking of one anyways and I think it would be a good spot. And a couple big plants on either side will really frame the mantle nicely. We'll built a platform over the gas line (it stands about 6" above the ground) so a nice table sized fountain should work good. And Mike may enjoy it too.
Mike's slowly turning into a proper cat. I think he likes having more people around to play with and he's chasing more shadows, getting into mischief, etc.
I attended the Mennonite church on Sunday. Not like the Mennonites back home - no buggies and funky clothes. Interesting service - they are doing a series of lectures on other religions and the speaker yesterday was Jewish. Next week the speaker is Sufi. It sounds interesting so I'll try to attend. The service was very simple (in a good way) and no rote prayers and procedures. Lots of hymns. No offering collection - you can put some in the back offering box if you want. It was nice that there wasn't a lot of things going on so the entire hour was spent focusing on worshiping and prayer. They seem very nice.
Have a great day!
It was a nice weekend for me. Friday night I made fondue for Jerry and we had a nice romantic evening. I could only find my fondue set so the meal ended up taking 5 hours. First & second course had salad served with it (with a pear guave dressing). First course was swiss cheese and bread. Second course was beef cooked in a butter/oil mixture, served with a worchestershire based sauce. Third course was chocolate served with fruit. Dairy Milk finally reintroduced their family sized chocolate bars that have bits of toffee in them. It worked great for the fondue - all we did was add a bit of half & half from the fridge. For wine we had a rose merlot. This was my first rose made with merlot and it was very delicious. Fruity but light.
Saturday was raking leaves
Sunday was raking leaves
We ended up with 21 bags of leaves and this was the first time Jerry had ever done this autumn activity. Growing up, he was in Arizona during the fall and then when he came up to Canada, his landlord(s) took care of the yardwork. His bagging technique was a bit clumbsy and he was surprised how much work it was. But the lawn looks great and he now understands why this activity is done every year.
As well, on Sunday, we started to organize the spare room/office. It's definitely coming together - rather old fashioned but cute. We need to get curtain rods and then that'll be all until after Christmas when we do an Ikea run to pick up the rest of the shelving we need.
We're going to put a fountain in the fireplace. I don't want to risk anything warm (even with the gas capped off) and Calgary is so dry. We were thinking of one anyways and I think it would be a good spot. And a couple big plants on either side will really frame the mantle nicely. We'll built a platform over the gas line (it stands about 6" above the ground) so a nice table sized fountain should work good. And Mike may enjoy it too.
Mike's slowly turning into a proper cat. I think he likes having more people around to play with and he's chasing more shadows, getting into mischief, etc.
I attended the Mennonite church on Sunday. Not like the Mennonites back home - no buggies and funky clothes. Interesting service - they are doing a series of lectures on other religions and the speaker yesterday was Jewish. Next week the speaker is Sufi. It sounds interesting so I'll try to attend. The service was very simple (in a good way) and no rote prayers and procedures. Lots of hymns. No offering collection - you can put some in the back offering box if you want. It was nice that there wasn't a lot of things going on so the entire hour was spent focusing on worshiping and prayer. They seem very nice.
Have a great day!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Book Recommendation
Hello Everyone,
I just finished "Why Women Should Rule the World" by Dee Dee Myers. I thought it was a very interesting book for both women and men. It gave me a bit more background as to how men and women in general behave differently in business and politics and where these differences come from. I like that the book thought that both sexes were important in these fields as each approach problems differently.
It has an American slant (the author was ex-press secretary to Clinton) but I think the lessons can be applied here too.
Have a great day!
I just finished "Why Women Should Rule the World" by Dee Dee Myers. I thought it was a very interesting book for both women and men. It gave me a bit more background as to how men and women in general behave differently in business and politics and where these differences come from. I like that the book thought that both sexes were important in these fields as each approach problems differently.
It has an American slant (the author was ex-press secretary to Clinton) but I think the lessons can be applied here too.
Have a great day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
