I have to admit - I didn't quite get to 30 published posts in 30 days. I do have several in my drafts folder that will be published, but past the November 30th deadline. Faithful readers, don't worry, just because November is over, doesn't mean I will stop writing.
I was trying to formulate the thoughts about what I wanted this last day of the NaBloPoMo to be about.
How does one start to write about thoughts in their head? It is a crazy process that sometimes starts off in the middle of the night and actually wakes you up and if you don't get up to write about it, you will forget your thoughts (that has happened). You start to listen to people's conversations in a different way, or listen to the radio and pick up on something that someone has said that sparks a thought in your head.
One day I sat down to write and had the thought in my head. When I sat down at the keyboard and the post was finished, it was actually about a completely different thought that my subconscious had more control over my hands then I did. It was a great post, but the original story was never told.
I can say that this experience has made me want to write more. My mother keeps telling me I need to write a book. But what would it be about? I read so many novels and get so swept up in them, could I write the next great Canadian novel? How would I start? I wonder how Margaret Attwod, Danielle Steele, Emily Giffen, Lauren Weisberger or any of the number of women novel writers I read sat down to write their first words, sentences, paragraphs?
Maybe my lead character will be a travel agent who has been in the business of making people's dreams come true for over 20 years and wants to know is there more out there? Maybe she needs to meet her Mr. Right and let him tell her all the amazing things about herself that she already knows and how to make her dreams a reality? Maybe she figures out that living life on the side lines vs. playing the game really isn't the way to live.
I hope you will continue to check back on this blog and see what other stories I have to share with you. I have enjoyed writing and I hope you have enjoyed reading!
to be continued.....
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
staying the course
I can't belive that November is almost over. When this month started and I challenged a friend of mine to blog every day for a month I really didn't know if I could do it. For the most part (just this past week) I have written a post every single day this month.
There are so many thoughts that go through my head every day and thoughts to sit down and write about. Sometimes they actually go out of my head if I don't write them down, sometimes they come back as a different thought or topic and then maybe they don't.
I have had so much feedback on my writing, it is overwhelming. People have sent me messages that my thoughts and theirs are in the same place at the same time. How what I am writing about strikes chords in people. I am writing my life as I see it, and if I can write how someone else may be feeling but not able (or willing) to put it out there, that is okay. I am willing to put it out there.
Putting yourself out there is hard work. No matter what anyone says, you care about what others think about you. Do they like what they are reading? Do they think I am full of s**t, does any of it make sense to anyone other than myself? Does anyone feel the way I feel? Am I making them laugh, cry, think about their own life? I would like to think (and hope) that the answers are yes to these questions.
Something I found out about myself that has really impressed me. I am not always the best person for follow through. I say that I want to do this or that, and have big ideas and don't always see them through, but for the last 27 days I have seen this through. I have stayed the course and made the committment to myself and that is just one of the many things I will take away from this experience. To thine own self be true...Shakespeare right?
Stay tuned...a few days left of "Me"vember.....and more thoughts from the way I see it....
There are so many thoughts that go through my head every day and thoughts to sit down and write about. Sometimes they actually go out of my head if I don't write them down, sometimes they come back as a different thought or topic and then maybe they don't.
I have had so much feedback on my writing, it is overwhelming. People have sent me messages that my thoughts and theirs are in the same place at the same time. How what I am writing about strikes chords in people. I am writing my life as I see it, and if I can write how someone else may be feeling but not able (or willing) to put it out there, that is okay. I am willing to put it out there.
Putting yourself out there is hard work. No matter what anyone says, you care about what others think about you. Do they like what they are reading? Do they think I am full of s**t, does any of it make sense to anyone other than myself? Does anyone feel the way I feel? Am I making them laugh, cry, think about their own life? I would like to think (and hope) that the answers are yes to these questions.
Something I found out about myself that has really impressed me. I am not always the best person for follow through. I say that I want to do this or that, and have big ideas and don't always see them through, but for the last 27 days I have seen this through. I have stayed the course and made the committment to myself and that is just one of the many things I will take away from this experience. To thine own self be true...Shakespeare right?
Stay tuned...a few days left of "Me"vember.....and more thoughts from the way I see it....
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Time moves really fast.....
This time of the year always seems to move very fast. It feels like from October 31st onwards the rest of the year is a blur. Before the halloween is even over, the candy is still on the shelves, the shelves are being stocked with Christmas cards, decorations, and everything else that goes along with this time of the year. There are always the one or two shelves for the blue and white of Chanukah, but otherwise it is a sea of red and green.
Until I found the Bouclair flyer at my parents house a few weeks ago. Guess what, this holiday season is a sea of purple and fuschia - I found my heaven! LOL. Seriously, I was tempted to buy the purple feather christmas tree and the dozens of purple, silver and fuschia ornaments to put on it. But alas, I settled on some purple and fuschia nutcrackers to put on the display. I may go back and buy the small little tree with the mini ornaments in purple - they are just too pretty to pass up. And for the record, 'festive' not religious, so what the heck, they are PURPLE!
This time of the year always introduces the all christmas, all the time radio station channels. I like Christmas music, but I think starting on November 20th is a bit early.....December 1st and for the month...okay....but how many different ways can you hear, Frosty the Snowman, Little drummer boy, Silent night, and all the other songs. Of course, other than Adam Sandler and the Chanukah song, how many songs are there about Chanukah....? I dare you to let me know.....haha.
I really DO LOVE Christmas. Over the years I have had amazing opprotunities to spend amazing holidays with my friends family's, sitting by their fire and their trees. I have to say that it has always meant so much to me when I would go to the Gilliland's for Christmas cheer that there was always a gift for me under the tree. Her mom has always treated me like part of the family, and last year, her brother's family did the same. I always cherish those memories over the last wow - probably close to 12 years.
The funniest part of spending December 24th with friends is that my own family was always waiting for me to come home so that we can do what everyone else we know that wasn't celebrating Christmas was doing - either going for Chinese food or ordering it in for delivery or pick up!
It is a very busy time of the year. A time for me that I ususally reflect. Reflect on the year that has been, and this year there is time for a lot of reflection. Writing every day for the past month has made me realize that.
The musical interlude today is really one of my favourite songs. Going back to my post the other day about singing loud and proud in the car - if you pull up beside me this time of the year, and this song is on, you can believe that I am singing along with Bono, Sting, and the others....turn up the volume and sing with me today!
Enjoy!
Until I found the Bouclair flyer at my parents house a few weeks ago. Guess what, this holiday season is a sea of purple and fuschia - I found my heaven! LOL. Seriously, I was tempted to buy the purple feather christmas tree and the dozens of purple, silver and fuschia ornaments to put on it. But alas, I settled on some purple and fuschia nutcrackers to put on the display. I may go back and buy the small little tree with the mini ornaments in purple - they are just too pretty to pass up. And for the record, 'festive' not religious, so what the heck, they are PURPLE!
This time of the year always introduces the all christmas, all the time radio station channels. I like Christmas music, but I think starting on November 20th is a bit early.....December 1st and for the month...okay....but how many different ways can you hear, Frosty the Snowman, Little drummer boy, Silent night, and all the other songs. Of course, other than Adam Sandler and the Chanukah song, how many songs are there about Chanukah....? I dare you to let me know.....haha.
I really DO LOVE Christmas. Over the years I have had amazing opprotunities to spend amazing holidays with my friends family's, sitting by their fire and their trees. I have to say that it has always meant so much to me when I would go to the Gilliland's for Christmas cheer that there was always a gift for me under the tree. Her mom has always treated me like part of the family, and last year, her brother's family did the same. I always cherish those memories over the last wow - probably close to 12 years.
The funniest part of spending December 24th with friends is that my own family was always waiting for me to come home so that we can do what everyone else we know that wasn't celebrating Christmas was doing - either going for Chinese food or ordering it in for delivery or pick up!
It is a very busy time of the year. A time for me that I ususally reflect. Reflect on the year that has been, and this year there is time for a lot of reflection. Writing every day for the past month has made me realize that.
The musical interlude today is really one of my favourite songs. Going back to my post the other day about singing loud and proud in the car - if you pull up beside me this time of the year, and this song is on, you can believe that I am singing along with Bono, Sting, and the others....turn up the volume and sing with me today!
Enjoy!
Friday, November 25, 2011
American Pie - do you know the words?
A long long time ago
I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And maybe they'd be happy for a while
But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died
So bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Did you write the book of love
And do you have faith in God above
If the Bible tells you so?
Now do you believe in rock and roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?
Well, I know that you're in love with him
'cause I saw you dancing in the gym
You both kicked off your shoes
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues
I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died
I started singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Now, for ten years we've been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rolling stone
But that's not how it used to be
When the Jester sang for the king and queen
In a coat he borrowed from James Dean
And a voice that came from you and me
Oh and while the king was looking down
The Jester stole his thorny crown
The courtroom was adjourned
No verdict was returned
And while Lenin read a book on Marx
The quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died
We were singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Helter skelter in a summer swelter
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter
Eight miles high and falling fast
Landed foul on the grass
The players tried for a forward pass
With the Jester on the sidelines in a cast
Now the half-time air was sweet perfume
While sergeants played a marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance
'Cause the players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?
We started singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Oh, and there we were all in one place
A generation lost in space
With no time left to start again
So come on Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack Flash sat on a candlestick
'Cause fire is the devil's only friend
And as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage
No angel born in hell
Could break that Satan's spell
And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite
I saw Satan laughing with delight
The day the music died
He was singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
I met a girl who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news
But she just smiled and turned away
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
And in the streets the children screamed
The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The church bells all were broken
And the three men I admire most
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died
And they were singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And maybe they'd be happy for a while
But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died
So bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Did you write the book of love
And do you have faith in God above
If the Bible tells you so?
Now do you believe in rock and roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?
Well, I know that you're in love with him
'cause I saw you dancing in the gym
You both kicked off your shoes
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues
I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died
I started singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Now, for ten years we've been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rolling stone
But that's not how it used to be
When the Jester sang for the king and queen
In a coat he borrowed from James Dean
And a voice that came from you and me
Oh and while the king was looking down
The Jester stole his thorny crown
The courtroom was adjourned
No verdict was returned
And while Lenin read a book on Marx
The quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died
We were singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Helter skelter in a summer swelter
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter
Eight miles high and falling fast
Landed foul on the grass
The players tried for a forward pass
With the Jester on the sidelines in a cast
Now the half-time air was sweet perfume
While sergeants played a marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance
'Cause the players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?
We started singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Oh, and there we were all in one place
A generation lost in space
With no time left to start again
So come on Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack Flash sat on a candlestick
'Cause fire is the devil's only friend
And as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage
No angel born in hell
Could break that Satan's spell
And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite
I saw Satan laughing with delight
The day the music died
He was singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
I met a girl who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news
But she just smiled and turned away
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
And in the streets the children screamed
The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The church bells all were broken
And the three men I admire most
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died
And they were singing
Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Music is the fabric of my life
I don't know about you, but I couldn't live without music in my life. Maybe it stems back to Saturday nights when I was a kid and my parents used to tape the Saturday night 'oldies' show off the radio onto cassette tapes. Or maybe it was when I found my mothers case of 45's in our basement and found songs like "going to the Chapel" or "it's my party" just to name a few.
Or maybe it was being at Northland and remembering when my counsellors had to get special permission to leave for an overnight day off to go to Toronto to see Bruce Springsteen, or listening to You've got a friend, or Fire and Rain by James Taylor for the first time. Or sitting and listening to In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins in my back yard with my friends when we were 15. Or learning camp songs and cabin cheers.
Or maybe it was having music class in school. Deciding to pick the clarinet as my instrument and loving it. Going to live theatre and listening intently to them warming up and hearing the clarinet. Even now, I just went a month ago to see my friend perform at the York Symphony and I listened for the clarinet. I always said if I could have a do over, I would love to play the clarinet in live theatre on Broadway.
Or maybe it was being old enough while sitting in Synagouge the first time I realized how powerful the prayer Hineni was. Watching my cantor start at the back of the congregation in his high holiday head dress and walking towards the front chanting his prayer, and then getting to the front and bowing in front of the Torahs. That cantor has long since retired, but earlier this year I attended a funeral where he was asked to be the cantor and just to hear his voice again brought tears to my eyes.
I remember being a bus moniter when I worked at Fundale (now Centre camp). I used to bring a 'boom box' on the bus. Believe it or not, I taught those kids the words to American Pie by Don McLean. They had NO idea what they were singing about, but they knew the words as we pulled up to the camp and they were screaming out the windows, "bye bye miss American Pie, drove my Chevy to the levy but the levy was dry." I remember when I was in New Orleans with Brad and we drove past the levy in the 9th ward that broke during Katrina, that song was going through my head.
Maybe it was all the times being in the car and hearing a great song on the radio. I have been known (and seen) to belt out my inner Carly Simon (you're so vain), Diana Ross (upside down your turning me), Don Mclean (American Pie ALL THE WORDS), and more recently Maroon 5 (moves like Jagger). Lots of other car songs have meaning as well. I remember being on a road trip and listening to Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen. I think it was that road trip that I started to learn about songs and their hidden meanings between the lines.
Now, it is listening to my nieces when we compare what camp songs they have learned and how the same song that I sang at 7 years old is 'sort of' the same song now. And when they sing the Bruchas on Shabbat, and their songs from Hebrew School. And my little nephew whose anthem seems to be LMAFO Party Rockers in the house tonight. To see him "shuffling" to that song just makes me smile.
Don't be afraid to turn up the radio and sing in your car. Don't just dance like no one is watching, sing your heart out whenever you want! I know that I won't stop!
Today's video clip is from Ally McBeal.....if you watched that show you know that she had music playing in her head through different times in her life (remember the dancing ugga chaka baby)....I hope you will smile and watch this clip!
Or maybe it was being at Northland and remembering when my counsellors had to get special permission to leave for an overnight day off to go to Toronto to see Bruce Springsteen, or listening to You've got a friend, or Fire and Rain by James Taylor for the first time. Or sitting and listening to In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins in my back yard with my friends when we were 15. Or learning camp songs and cabin cheers.
Or maybe it was having music class in school. Deciding to pick the clarinet as my instrument and loving it. Going to live theatre and listening intently to them warming up and hearing the clarinet. Even now, I just went a month ago to see my friend perform at the York Symphony and I listened for the clarinet. I always said if I could have a do over, I would love to play the clarinet in live theatre on Broadway.
Or maybe it was being old enough while sitting in Synagouge the first time I realized how powerful the prayer Hineni was. Watching my cantor start at the back of the congregation in his high holiday head dress and walking towards the front chanting his prayer, and then getting to the front and bowing in front of the Torahs. That cantor has long since retired, but earlier this year I attended a funeral where he was asked to be the cantor and just to hear his voice again brought tears to my eyes.
I remember being a bus moniter when I worked at Fundale (now Centre camp). I used to bring a 'boom box' on the bus. Believe it or not, I taught those kids the words to American Pie by Don McLean. They had NO idea what they were singing about, but they knew the words as we pulled up to the camp and they were screaming out the windows, "bye bye miss American Pie, drove my Chevy to the levy but the levy was dry." I remember when I was in New Orleans with Brad and we drove past the levy in the 9th ward that broke during Katrina, that song was going through my head.
Maybe it was all the times being in the car and hearing a great song on the radio. I have been known (and seen) to belt out my inner Carly Simon (you're so vain), Diana Ross (upside down your turning me), Don Mclean (American Pie ALL THE WORDS), and more recently Maroon 5 (moves like Jagger). Lots of other car songs have meaning as well. I remember being on a road trip and listening to Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen. I think it was that road trip that I started to learn about songs and their hidden meanings between the lines.
Now, it is listening to my nieces when we compare what camp songs they have learned and how the same song that I sang at 7 years old is 'sort of' the same song now. And when they sing the Bruchas on Shabbat, and their songs from Hebrew School. And my little nephew whose anthem seems to be LMAFO Party Rockers in the house tonight. To see him "shuffling" to that song just makes me smile.
Don't be afraid to turn up the radio and sing in your car. Don't just dance like no one is watching, sing your heart out whenever you want! I know that I won't stop!
Today's video clip is from Ally McBeal.....if you watched that show you know that she had music playing in her head through different times in her life (remember the dancing ugga chaka baby)....I hope you will smile and watch this clip!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The MRI experience
Yesterday I had to have an MRI. It was hopefully the last piece to the unsolved mystery of my stomach illness earlier this year. It is hard to explain how I feel. Of course I don't want there to be anything wrong with me, but if you get a result that says, "all clear", it means that I will probably never know what it was that took up space in my body and life for such a long time. I just want to move on already, I don't want any more tests, etc.
I am not sure if any of you have ever had an MRI before, but let me tell you....what an experience. It wasn't a horrible experience, but if you have never had one, it is hard to explain. Some people have only had to have a MRI on their knee or head or a part of the body that does not require you to go full body into the machine...mine of course was on my liver and abdomen....so all the way in.
I have watched Guy Fieri on the food channel visit restaurants where they are making their own saugsages, and putting the meeat into the casing....yeah, not a great visual, but yes, you go full body into the MRI machine just like that. I was 'wrapped' with these pads that had magnets (I assume) in them that would allow the imaging of my abdomen area to recieve the imaging.
My test was about a half hour long. Let me tell you it felt like a day not just a half hour. My hands were straight up above my head the whole time (with an IV in my right hand) and you can't move while you are in there. You are also wearing headphones because the magnets swirling all around you and they are LOUD. When I asked if they play music, the tech said no. Which really, they are missing something on that...it would really ease the anxiety if you had music to distract you while in the machine.
I should mention, they give you a panic button. Interesting term, but of course totally necessary. After a half an hour of this you start to go a bit crazy. I didn't have to push it because I was okay, but I am sure that there are people that need to be pulled out mid test and I get it. I was 'this close' to really needing to get out before they said I was done.
All in all, not a bad experience, but not one that I want/need/have to repeat again any time soon! LET'S HOPE!
On a funny side note, I just had to include the video below, keeping with all things Muppets this weekend. My nieces were singing a version of this song over Rosh Hashana and my nephew loved it and giggles and laughs and participates when we still bring it up at the table now.
This video is brought to you by the letters M, R and I - enjoy!
I am not sure if any of you have ever had an MRI before, but let me tell you....what an experience. It wasn't a horrible experience, but if you have never had one, it is hard to explain. Some people have only had to have a MRI on their knee or head or a part of the body that does not require you to go full body into the machine...mine of course was on my liver and abdomen....so all the way in.
I have watched Guy Fieri on the food channel visit restaurants where they are making their own saugsages, and putting the meeat into the casing....yeah, not a great visual, but yes, you go full body into the MRI machine just like that. I was 'wrapped' with these pads that had magnets (I assume) in them that would allow the imaging of my abdomen area to recieve the imaging.
My test was about a half hour long. Let me tell you it felt like a day not just a half hour. My hands were straight up above my head the whole time (with an IV in my right hand) and you can't move while you are in there. You are also wearing headphones because the magnets swirling all around you and they are LOUD. When I asked if they play music, the tech said no. Which really, they are missing something on that...it would really ease the anxiety if you had music to distract you while in the machine.
I should mention, they give you a panic button. Interesting term, but of course totally necessary. After a half an hour of this you start to go a bit crazy. I didn't have to push it because I was okay, but I am sure that there are people that need to be pulled out mid test and I get it. I was 'this close' to really needing to get out before they said I was done.
All in all, not a bad experience, but not one that I want/need/have to repeat again any time soon! LET'S HOPE!
On a funny side note, I just had to include the video below, keeping with all things Muppets this weekend. My nieces were singing a version of this song over Rosh Hashana and my nephew loved it and giggles and laughs and participates when we still bring it up at the table now.
This video is brought to you by the letters M, R and I - enjoy!
Monday, November 21, 2011
'Tis the season.....to pay it forward....in a very small way
Today I was driving to work and was listening to Chumfm. Roger was discussing that today was the launch of this years Christmas wish campaign and how you can bring a toy to the station or to any of the 190 branches of RBC in the gta or cash is accepted as well. I know that other stations have their toy mountains, and doctor's offices and everywhere we turn there are some sort of gift drives that will start to pop up for the next five weeks leading up to the holidays.
I would like to bring up another type of donating that doesn't just happen for the five weeks from now until December 25th. This is something you can do any day of any week of the year.
I have to admit, until a friend of mine did this a few years ago, I hadn't really thought about it, but now I just want to pass it on, and have people I know talk about it in their offices, companies, amongst friends, etc.
What I am talking about is simple - the next time you go to buy your coffee at Tim's, Starbucks, or your shampoo, or pick up a perscription at Shoppers drug mart - buy a gift card - and donate it to The Hospital for Sick Kids. (http://www.sickkids.ca/VisitingSickKids/main-street/index.html)
You are going to ask me - why does that help? Why is that a donation? To whom?
- think about a parent that may need a toothbrush or tooth paste after they have spend the night with their sick child at the hospital.
- think about the child that may want a treat while they are waiting for the doctor to see them.
- think about that parent that has been up all night and just HAS to have their coffee - either from Tim's or Starbucks.
I can go on and on about the different scenarios, but you get the point.
The reason for those three stores is because they are onsite at the hospital.
I have brought this up at my Hadassah chapter exec meeting in the summer and we have added a gift card drive to our annual Chanukah party and gift exchange. I hope that we raise hundreds of $$$$ worth of gift cards to deliver to the hospital. The key is to get small denominations ($5) so that they can hand them out to families in need in small ways. The more small cards they have, the more families they can give a gift to.
Please discuss this with your teams in your companies, with the friends you meet at Starbucks or Tim's for coffee, any social group you are part of. Make it something you start as a new tradition in your family. Buy them with your kids and then make a trip to the hosptial to deliver your gift of holiday cheer.
Help a family, help yourself - remember Tikkun Olam!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Mother Hubbard's Kosher Kupboard
TIKKUN OLAM - Repairing the World
- Taking responsibility for the material, moral and spiritual welfare of a society at large, Jewish and non Jewish.
A few years ago I brought some Kosher food to Beth Tikvah. They had a wooden cupboard in the foyer and it was called "Mother Hubbard's Kosher Cupboard" which I thought was a great play on the child story about the cupboard being bare and how we should help the community that needs help by filling the cupboard with food.
On Kol Nidre night, the shule does a collection for the food back and I always bring a bag to donate at that time as well.
Once a year they also call and ask if we can make a donation and it can be picked up from your house. I have to go shopping anyways, so what's a few more items if they will pick them up from my house. The pick up was today.
- Taking responsibility for the material, moral and spiritual welfare of a society at large, Jewish and non Jewish.
On Kol Nidre night, the shule does a collection for the food back and I always bring a bag to donate at that time as well.
Once a year they also call and ask if we can make a donation and it can be picked up from your house. I have to go shopping anyways, so what's a few more items if they will pick them up from my house. The pick up was today.
So, on Friday I was at the Real Canadian Superstore to pick up my mom's birthday cake and went to the Kosher aisle to pick up the items for the food drive. There seemed to be a lot of items on sale ranging from .79 to about 1.49 price range. The perfect amount of money to spend on items for a food drive.
So, filled one bag of wacky mac, biselli, soups and tuna. A pretty good mix of items.
Yesterday I was at No Frills and again, in the Kosher section there happened to be a lot of items that were in the same price range. Perhaps the Synagouges in the area contacted the stores and let them know there was a food drive. Hmmm...perhaps.
Even when we are facing our own hard times, it is always nice to do for others. What if we were that person that needed to go to the food bank at one time in our life? Everyone can be one step away from needing help at any time in our lives.
Gemilut Chasadim - acts of lovingkindness...............
416 vs 905
I was one of the lucky teens that got their own telephone line in my parents house 'back in the day'. This was way before cell phones, computers, texting and all the rest of it. There was no voicemail, or call waiting, call answer - NOTHING! This was even before you had to dial 10 digits to call someone. This was an old fashioned telephone. I don't even know if my first phone was even touch tone. I do remember my phone number 416-590-9878. Back then, you didn't have to use the area code, as there were still enough numbers to go around.
My parents still have the same phone number that they had when they moved into their first apartment which I can tell you was 1967. The SAME number. When call waiting first came out my mother wouldn't get the call waiting because she had to change her phone number. It wasn't until years later that they offered it in her extension area and she got call waiting.
Back to my story. I remember when I bought my condo I was thinking about not only changing my phone number, but MY AREA CODE. I was going to be "one of those people". The people that live 'north of the city'. What was I going to do?
The day came, to move and sign up for home phone service and cable, etc. I remember that when I called to set up my phone number I asked them if I could have the last four digits the same as my cell phone four digits. Flat out - NO! I said, "but I know a lot of people that have their numbers the same"....still the answer was no. She said she could only give me a number that was in her sequence. Okay fine.
So....for everyone number she gave me I had to push the keys on the phone pad to see if it was easy to dial. I must have said no to at least 10 numbers before I came up with the one that I accepted. And away I went. I was now a resident of 905. Gone was 416-590-9878....
It has now been five and a half years....
Funny....to see the growth that has happened in this area in the last eight years. I live on what used to be the site of the Disera Motel. For those of you who used to drive up Bathurst Street past Promenade mall you know what I mean....low rise motel that almost looked like they should rent by the hour and not by the night, but it was the motel in the area before the area. Now the area it sat on and the area around it is moving with the times.
My parents still have the same phone number that they had when they moved into their first apartment which I can tell you was 1967. The SAME number. When call waiting first came out my mother wouldn't get the call waiting because she had to change her phone number. It wasn't until years later that they offered it in her extension area and she got call waiting.
Back to my story. I remember when I bought my condo I was thinking about not only changing my phone number, but MY AREA CODE. I was going to be "one of those people". The people that live 'north of the city'. What was I going to do?
The day came, to move and sign up for home phone service and cable, etc. I remember that when I called to set up my phone number I asked them if I could have the last four digits the same as my cell phone four digits. Flat out - NO! I said, "but I know a lot of people that have their numbers the same"....still the answer was no. She said she could only give me a number that was in her sequence. Okay fine.
So....for everyone number she gave me I had to push the keys on the phone pad to see if it was easy to dial. I must have said no to at least 10 numbers before I came up with the one that I accepted. And away I went. I was now a resident of 905. Gone was 416-590-9878....
It has now been five and a half years....
Funny....to see the growth that has happened in this area in the last eight years. I live on what used to be the site of the Disera Motel. For those of you who used to drive up Bathurst Street past Promenade mall you know what I mean....low rise motel that almost looked like they should rent by the hour and not by the night, but it was the motel in the area before the area. Now the area it sat on and the area around it is moving with the times.
Grease is the word....
This really wasn't what I was going to write about today....but while I was surfing the Rogers guide and came across Grease with the year (1978) beside the name, I started to think about how old (young) I was when I saw this movie. How the content was so inappropriate to a seven year old and how so many movies today are inappropriate for the kids that live in our world today.
Life was different in 1978. I remember playing on our street with the kids in the neighbourhood hide and seek. It was okay to hide behind your neighbours cars on their driveway, on their porch, etc. Would we even think about doing that today? Are you crazy?! Back on Mother's day we were having brunch at my brother's house and his 8 1/2 year old niece asked if they could play in the front of the house. The answer of course was no, we are all in back, so you can stay and play out here.
My cousin's lived a few streets away from us at that time. I remember that their side door to their house was never locked. Honestly, and I know that there are other people that have said their doors were never locked as well.
It is amazing how 'old' the young people in my life appear. Children are exposed to so much more in today's world then we EVER were at that the same age and stage. My nieces can navigate their way through an Ipad, Iphone, they know how to Skype, and so much more.
They live in a world where picture taking is instant gratification. "Back in the day", we had to wait until the pictures were developed to see what our birthday party looked like. Now, my 17 month old nephew knows how to touch the iphone/ipad screen to scroll through the pictures. As soon as you take his picture he holds his hands out to hold the camera and look at himself.
Which brings me back to Grease. I heard an where John Travolta was talking about the Grease Lightning sequence. John played Kenicky on Broadway and said that the song was very sexual. If you watch the videio he takes a roll of saran wrap and moves it across his lower area. "You know there ain't no shit, we'll be getting lots of tit in Greased Lighting". "I am not bragging, she's a reall pussy wagon, Greased Lighting"
The funny thing is that this movie, even with it 'mature content' was tame by comparison to some of the movies kids are seeing today. I have no clue about these vampire movies, but the kids love them, as much as their moms...who were their age probably watching Grease for the first time.
Life was different in 1978. I remember playing on our street with the kids in the neighbourhood hide and seek. It was okay to hide behind your neighbours cars on their driveway, on their porch, etc. Would we even think about doing that today? Are you crazy?! Back on Mother's day we were having brunch at my brother's house and his 8 1/2 year old niece asked if they could play in the front of the house. The answer of course was no, we are all in back, so you can stay and play out here.
My cousin's lived a few streets away from us at that time. I remember that their side door to their house was never locked. Honestly, and I know that there are other people that have said their doors were never locked as well.
It is amazing how 'old' the young people in my life appear. Children are exposed to so much more in today's world then we EVER were at that the same age and stage. My nieces can navigate their way through an Ipad, Iphone, they know how to Skype, and so much more.
They live in a world where picture taking is instant gratification. "Back in the day", we had to wait until the pictures were developed to see what our birthday party looked like. Now, my 17 month old nephew knows how to touch the iphone/ipad screen to scroll through the pictures. As soon as you take his picture he holds his hands out to hold the camera and look at himself.
Which brings me back to Grease. I heard an where John Travolta was talking about the Grease Lightning sequence. John played Kenicky on Broadway and said that the song was very sexual. If you watch the videio he takes a roll of saran wrap and moves it across his lower area. "You know there ain't no shit, we'll be getting lots of tit in Greased Lighting". "I am not bragging, she's a reall pussy wagon, Greased Lighting"
The funny thing is that this movie, even with it 'mature content' was tame by comparison to some of the movies kids are seeing today. I have no clue about these vampire movies, but the kids love them, as much as their moms...who were their age probably watching Grease for the first time.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Your public life vs. your private life
Ashton and Demi, Kim and Kris, Taylor Armstrong from Real Housewives of BH.....just to name a few. These are people who live their life in the spotlight, on television, big screen magazines. People who put there life on display for others to see, and then in the face of their own troubles, want their privacy. Their good times can be shown in every medium possible, but their bad times, "please give us some privacy".
I am not saying that they don't deserve their privacy, let's get that out right now. I am just saying that it is hard to define when you can leave someone alone when you make them such a part of your life, that total strangers feel like they have a right to judge or comment on your life. We, the general public, the readers of their twitter accounts, the followers on facebook, the ones who watch the entertainment shows, go to their movies and all that we do, don't know these people. And that is what they are, people, human beings who have a life outside of the their public live and living their mistakes just like you and I.
I am sure we all know people that have had trouble in their lives. I know people who have been cheated on, people who have ended their marriages, suffered illness and loss, people with personal issues that are not in the spotlight. They don't have 'good press' or 'bad press', they have live each day in their own spotlight.
I know that earlier this year when I was having my unknown stomach issues, that my own brother had to ask me what was going on. When I asked why, his reply was, "my friends have been reading your status updates and they have been calling me to find out what is going on with you and if you are okay".
When you put your life out in the public, even if you are not a celebrity making $750,000 for a half hour tv show, or $20 million dollars for a movie, you open yourself up to "YOUR" public. For me, that is my 373 connections on facebook, or my followers here in this blog, or the people that follow me on twitter. This is MY celebrity. Even though I share a lot of my life in my public forums, I try to keep an open mind that you will all read with an open heart and mind.
Thank you for following me, and allowing me to share my life with you. My life the way I see it......
I am not saying that they don't deserve their privacy, let's get that out right now. I am just saying that it is hard to define when you can leave someone alone when you make them such a part of your life, that total strangers feel like they have a right to judge or comment on your life. We, the general public, the readers of their twitter accounts, the followers on facebook, the ones who watch the entertainment shows, go to their movies and all that we do, don't know these people. And that is what they are, people, human beings who have a life outside of the their public live and living their mistakes just like you and I.
I am sure we all know people that have had trouble in their lives. I know people who have been cheated on, people who have ended their marriages, suffered illness and loss, people with personal issues that are not in the spotlight. They don't have 'good press' or 'bad press', they have live each day in their own spotlight.
I know that earlier this year when I was having my unknown stomach issues, that my own brother had to ask me what was going on. When I asked why, his reply was, "my friends have been reading your status updates and they have been calling me to find out what is going on with you and if you are okay".
When you put your life out in the public, even if you are not a celebrity making $750,000 for a half hour tv show, or $20 million dollars for a movie, you open yourself up to "YOUR" public. For me, that is my 373 connections on facebook, or my followers here in this blog, or the people that follow me on twitter. This is MY celebrity. Even though I share a lot of my life in my public forums, I try to keep an open mind that you will all read with an open heart and mind.
Thank you for following me, and allowing me to share my life with you. My life the way I see it......
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Birthday cards
There was a recent episode of Parenthood where the 'deadbeat' dad is trying to make mends with his children. He decides the best thing to do for his family is to leave and let them get on with their lives without him. When his daughter comes home she finds two envelopes on the table, one for her and one for her brother - the note says something like "for all the ones that I missed".
The daughter (now 19 or 20) opens up the package and in it are cards from each year of her life - You are now 1, to my beautiful 2 year old, on your sweet 16, you get the drift. In each one there is a note from her dad asking for her forgiveness for missing each year. The picture fades away while we watch her connect with a father she doesn't really know.
We live in the electronic age now, and we can't escape it. Electronic greeting cards have been around for a while now, and now with Facebook you are updated when your 'friends' have birthdays. I have had a few facebook birthdays and I can say that it really makes you feel good to see your wall fill up with good wishes for the year to come.
So....where does that leave the greeting card industry? I am not going to cry for Hallmark or Carlton cards, but I would venture to say that they have seen a shift in their profits from their greetings over recent years. Especially with the increase of discounts stores like dollarama. Sure, you will probably not find the "BEST" greeting card on the planet at dollarama, but it is $1. I bought an anniversary card for my parents in October and the card was $5.49 plus taxes. I love my parents and the card was totally appropriate for them, so I paid the price.
But where do all 'used' greeting cards go? I guess it depends on the person. I would think that your 1st birthday would be something your parents would want to keep. Bar Mitzvah, Sweet 16, 21, 30, Engagment? Wedding? Baby? Where does it end? It doesn't.
I admit to having too much 'stuff' in my life. I do keep cards from special occasions, some thank you cards, especially the ones that have personal pictures on them, hand made cards from my nieces. I have a box of cards that were given to me on this special birthday this year. So many people made such an effort to come to my party, and pick out cards for me, that I don't want to throw them out.....
but when do you throw them out? Which comes back to the earlier point...about electronic greetings, birthday texts, messages on facebook. We can enjoy them for the day and then move on....
The daughter (now 19 or 20) opens up the package and in it are cards from each year of her life - You are now 1, to my beautiful 2 year old, on your sweet 16, you get the drift. In each one there is a note from her dad asking for her forgiveness for missing each year. The picture fades away while we watch her connect with a father she doesn't really know.
We live in the electronic age now, and we can't escape it. Electronic greeting cards have been around for a while now, and now with Facebook you are updated when your 'friends' have birthdays. I have had a few facebook birthdays and I can say that it really makes you feel good to see your wall fill up with good wishes for the year to come.
So....where does that leave the greeting card industry? I am not going to cry for Hallmark or Carlton cards, but I would venture to say that they have seen a shift in their profits from their greetings over recent years. Especially with the increase of discounts stores like dollarama. Sure, you will probably not find the "BEST" greeting card on the planet at dollarama, but it is $1. I bought an anniversary card for my parents in October and the card was $5.49 plus taxes. I love my parents and the card was totally appropriate for them, so I paid the price.
But where do all 'used' greeting cards go? I guess it depends on the person. I would think that your 1st birthday would be something your parents would want to keep. Bar Mitzvah, Sweet 16, 21, 30, Engagment? Wedding? Baby? Where does it end? It doesn't.
I admit to having too much 'stuff' in my life. I do keep cards from special occasions, some thank you cards, especially the ones that have personal pictures on them, hand made cards from my nieces. I have a box of cards that were given to me on this special birthday this year. So many people made such an effort to come to my party, and pick out cards for me, that I don't want to throw them out.....
but when do you throw them out? Which comes back to the earlier point...about electronic greetings, birthday texts, messages on facebook. We can enjoy them for the day and then move on....
Monday, November 14, 2011
"friend"
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg,
I am writing you today to ask you why you used the term "friend" as your way of connecting people together on Facebook. Not everyone who you are connected with on Facebook is a "friend". They are someone that you meet through someone, work related, family member, someone you knew 20 years ago, and they found you again on facebook.
Some of these people turn out to be friends. But what about the people that you haven't seen in 20 years and then you re-connect. You agree to meet and go for dinner, drinks or coffee. Then it goes a few different ways - you decide, "hey I think that person is someone I want to be friends with again after 20 years, let's see where this takes us" or perhaps, "yeah, well, there was a reason why maybe we didn't stay connected after high school and the past should be left in the past".
I had a situation last year when I was "unfriended" and I have to be honest with you - it was a horrible feeling and an experience I would never want to repeat. At first I thought it was a mistake, and then I tried it myself and you have to do a two step process to remove someone as a friend, up to that point I had never "unfriended" anyone. It asks you, "are you sure you want to unfriend this person, because this action cannot be undone". Once you click yes, you are done...that person is no longer your friend and you don't exist.
This happened again to me this summer with someone I thought was a good friend. This person said that "facebook" did it and when she tried to click on a picture it said, "add as friend".....well...we cleared that up, and then last night, the same person, I noticed when I tried to find the profile and was not able, came up "add as friend." Another 'mutual' connection I found out last night removed me as a friend as well.
Facebook has coined many new terms in our vocabulary, like "in box me" or "friend me" or "post on my wall".... and you all know that I really enjoy using facebook to share thoughts, ideas, tv show tips, food tricks, and all of that. I am not saying I don't like facebook or don't want to use it anymore (the HORROR LOL)
As I said in my post over the weekend, if you are sick of all my posts, updates, shared links, etc, there is a "Hide" button that you can use. I hope you won't choose to do that to me, but if you do, I will understand, my facebook life is not everyone's facebook life. I have used "hide" before, and it is much better than some one you think is a "friend" to find out than in fact you are not, and they don't want to be "friends" with you anymore.
Thank you for listening,
Your facebook "fan" not friend,
Lisa
I am writing you today to ask you why you used the term "friend" as your way of connecting people together on Facebook. Not everyone who you are connected with on Facebook is a "friend". They are someone that you meet through someone, work related, family member, someone you knew 20 years ago, and they found you again on facebook.
Some of these people turn out to be friends. But what about the people that you haven't seen in 20 years and then you re-connect. You agree to meet and go for dinner, drinks or coffee. Then it goes a few different ways - you decide, "hey I think that person is someone I want to be friends with again after 20 years, let's see where this takes us" or perhaps, "yeah, well, there was a reason why maybe we didn't stay connected after high school and the past should be left in the past".
I had a situation last year when I was "unfriended" and I have to be honest with you - it was a horrible feeling and an experience I would never want to repeat. At first I thought it was a mistake, and then I tried it myself and you have to do a two step process to remove someone as a friend, up to that point I had never "unfriended" anyone. It asks you, "are you sure you want to unfriend this person, because this action cannot be undone". Once you click yes, you are done...that person is no longer your friend and you don't exist.
This happened again to me this summer with someone I thought was a good friend. This person said that "facebook" did it and when she tried to click on a picture it said, "add as friend".....well...we cleared that up, and then last night, the same person, I noticed when I tried to find the profile and was not able, came up "add as friend." Another 'mutual' connection I found out last night removed me as a friend as well.
Facebook has coined many new terms in our vocabulary, like "in box me" or "friend me" or "post on my wall".... and you all know that I really enjoy using facebook to share thoughts, ideas, tv show tips, food tricks, and all of that. I am not saying I don't like facebook or don't want to use it anymore (the HORROR LOL)
As I said in my post over the weekend, if you are sick of all my posts, updates, shared links, etc, there is a "Hide" button that you can use. I hope you won't choose to do that to me, but if you do, I will understand, my facebook life is not everyone's facebook life. I have used "hide" before, and it is much better than some one you think is a "friend" to find out than in fact you are not, and they don't want to be "friends" with you anymore.
Thank you for listening,
Your facebook "fan" not friend,
Lisa
THE cake
I was looking back through my posts from 2011 and realized that there was not ONE post about my birthday. WHY NOT? I have no idea really.
I thought I would go back and share some thoughts about my birthday.
Originally I wanted to go away for my birthday. I just thought it would be amazing to be celebrating a new decade anywhere but home. But that was not to be. So, I decided to throw myself a party.
I didn't just want "any" cake - not cakes by Robert, not store bought, but created, by a designer....maybe my love for Cake Boss or Ace of Cakes, but that is what I wanted.
When I shared this idea with a friend, she advised that I contact the lady that made the cake for her wedding. So I did.
Her name is Karey Large and she owns a company called Kake Kreations http://www.kakekreations.ca/index.html and when I emailed her I told her what I wanted to do. She told me to email her some pictures of my idea and she would let me know. So I did.
I thought I would go back and share some thoughts about my birthday.
Originally I wanted to go away for my birthday. I just thought it would be amazing to be celebrating a new decade anywhere but home. But that was not to be. So, I decided to throw myself a party.
I didn't just want "any" cake - not cakes by Robert, not store bought, but created, by a designer....maybe my love for Cake Boss or Ace of Cakes, but that is what I wanted.
When I shared this idea with a friend, she advised that I contact the lady that made the cake for her wedding. So I did.
Her name is Karey Large and she owns a company called Kake Kreations http://www.kakekreations.ca/index.html and when I emailed her I told her what I wanted to do. She told me to email her some pictures of my idea and she would let me know. So I did.
I was so happy when Karey wrote me back and said that she also was a lover of Coach and she was so excited to make the cake I wanted. She told me to send her picture of my purse so she could get an idea of how to make it.
As you can see from the pictures on the side, this cake was EQUAL to anything seen on Cake Boss or Ace of Cakes. It was so real and true to life, it blew me away.
When Karey came to deliver the cake my mom went out to help her and when she opened the trunk, my mother didn't realize that the cake was the cake. When they brought it into the room, I was blown away. I had no idea WHAT to expect, but it was amazing, and so real to life.
I had put the cake on the dessert table and it was the only item on the table, and when people started to come into the party, they thought it was a gift table and my purse was on the table....until I had to say, "did you see the cake?" The reply was "what cake?".
The pictures don't even really do it justice. It was a 3D - masterpiece. It was almost 24" high (and even wider), close to 12" deep and every single part of it was edible - the hardware, buckles, the straps, even the coach 'tags' that she cleverly put on the cake. Mind blowing!
When it was time to cut into the cake, I didn't know how I was going to do it, or if I even wanted to.
The intertesting thing was the way it was constructed. If you have every seen some of the cake shows, you see that they use PVC pipe, and have to screw it down to the base of the cake so that has they build up, it all stays together. As you can see from below, that is what she did for my cake.
The cake was filled with chocolate and vanilla cake, with mocha butter cream and then covered in fondant to make the amazing design of the coach purse. I forgot to include a picture here of the actual purse which you would not believe how amazingly real this cake was.
Even all these months later, people are still talking about the cake. A friend told me yesterday she showed someone a picture of it just last week. That is a good feeling, that the lasting impression of an amazing cake at an amazing birthday party will last a very long time!~
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Silent followers - this one is for you
A few weeks ago, the movie Julie and Julia was on tv. I hadn't seen it before and sat down to watch it. I really enjoyed it. Since I have started NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) and started blogging every day, I find it more relevant to my life.
She gave herself one year to complete all the recipes in Julia Child's cookbook and she was going to blog about it. At one point she stares at the computer and types, "is there anyone out there? Are you reading this? Anyone?" And then she starts to get feedback, phone calls comments, etc.
I understand what she was going through. When you type a story, thought process, something you want to share out there in the 'blogsphere', it is hard to not feel like you are really just typing for yourself. Inner thoughts out in public forum. So many people are afraid of that. People don't put personal things on facebook, don't really share thoughts or ideas of their own. They are the first to joke about knowing all about my life. Trust me when I tell you that I have been the brunt of many facebook jokes and that people probably even know when I go to the bathroom.
I find that it is a form of flattery to be honest with you, that if they make so many commetns about me and my life - that they are actually FOLLOWING ME! They WANT to know what is going on in my life or they wouldn't notice, or hide me, or even worse unfriend me.
I have been told twice in the last two days that these specific people are following my blog posting a day and not just for the last 12 days, but for a long time now. They follow from afar, don't make comments on the blog or on the facebook statuses, but they take note of it all.
I am glad that I have a 'fan base' and whether you follow silently or comment on every single blog post or status update I make (really, would you do that??), I plan on writing for as long as there are readers. I am not sure if I can keep up the pace of writing every single day, but we will see what happens at the end of November. I plan on writing every day for at least that long.
So keep reading...and I will keep writing....
Until tomorrow.... G'nite!
She gave herself one year to complete all the recipes in Julia Child's cookbook and she was going to blog about it. At one point she stares at the computer and types, "is there anyone out there? Are you reading this? Anyone?" And then she starts to get feedback, phone calls comments, etc.
I understand what she was going through. When you type a story, thought process, something you want to share out there in the 'blogsphere', it is hard to not feel like you are really just typing for yourself. Inner thoughts out in public forum. So many people are afraid of that. People don't put personal things on facebook, don't really share thoughts or ideas of their own. They are the first to joke about knowing all about my life. Trust me when I tell you that I have been the brunt of many facebook jokes and that people probably even know when I go to the bathroom.
I find that it is a form of flattery to be honest with you, that if they make so many commetns about me and my life - that they are actually FOLLOWING ME! They WANT to know what is going on in my life or they wouldn't notice, or hide me, or even worse unfriend me.
I have been told twice in the last two days that these specific people are following my blog posting a day and not just for the last 12 days, but for a long time now. They follow from afar, don't make comments on the blog or on the facebook statuses, but they take note of it all.
I am glad that I have a 'fan base' and whether you follow silently or comment on every single blog post or status update I make (really, would you do that??), I plan on writing for as long as there are readers. I am not sure if I can keep up the pace of writing every single day, but we will see what happens at the end of November. I plan on writing every day for at least that long.
So keep reading...and I will keep writing....
Until tomorrow.... G'nite!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Missing the message
I am reading some of the comments made about the post last night about the development that is going to happen along Bathurst street in the years to come. Perhaps I have given the impression that I think that our small number of residents are going to show up at this city hall meeting this week and expect that we are going to stop the project. I just want to clarify that I am fully aware that this project is going to happen whether we like it or not.
As I said in yesterday's post, the reps from the developer came to the meeting last night. They were a well practiced, well rehearsed machine of individuals ready to say that their "vision" for the community is the greatest thing since construction started and how this is the landscape of what is to come. In fact, there were comments made about the power they hold and the "big corporate machine" and you should have heard how we "offended" them by saying it. It is the truth, and they know it.
They know that they are a key factor in the growth of this community for the last 7 years and the years to come. They have already built 8 buildings and townhomes and now have three more buildings under construction, on less than 20 acres of land! That isn't even the new development that I am talking about here in my posts.
As the one rep said last night, "do you know how smart our vision was? That we saw Disera Motel here all those years ago and bought it and all the land around it for development? That is the vision for this community." She isn't really wrong....if you have lived here that long, you will all remember the Disera motel. You can all remember the big open space of land that used to sit north of Promenade Mall, that is now home to Walmart and Disera Drive.....which is a very alive thriving part of the community now. I get all of that.
If you build it, they will come....wasn't that the message in Field of Dreams? I am fully aware of that. My community has changed so much in the five years that I have lived here and will change again and again and again.
One more thing....the land that sits behind Constanzia retirement home, is already purchased and zoned for high density residential as well. The same as I said about the land just north of me and south of the high school at Bathurst and Beverley Glen.
In 10 years you will not recognize this area...it will be a new concrete jungle in the city above Toronto. It is not a bad thing necessarily, just something to think about.
As I said in yesterday's post, the reps from the developer came to the meeting last night. They were a well practiced, well rehearsed machine of individuals ready to say that their "vision" for the community is the greatest thing since construction started and how this is the landscape of what is to come. In fact, there were comments made about the power they hold and the "big corporate machine" and you should have heard how we "offended" them by saying it. It is the truth, and they know it.
They know that they are a key factor in the growth of this community for the last 7 years and the years to come. They have already built 8 buildings and townhomes and now have three more buildings under construction, on less than 20 acres of land! That isn't even the new development that I am talking about here in my posts.
As the one rep said last night, "do you know how smart our vision was? That we saw Disera Motel here all those years ago and bought it and all the land around it for development? That is the vision for this community." She isn't really wrong....if you have lived here that long, you will all remember the Disera motel. You can all remember the big open space of land that used to sit north of Promenade Mall, that is now home to Walmart and Disera Drive.....which is a very alive thriving part of the community now. I get all of that.
If you build it, they will come....wasn't that the message in Field of Dreams? I am fully aware of that. My community has changed so much in the five years that I have lived here and will change again and again and again.
One more thing....the land that sits behind Constanzia retirement home, is already purchased and zoned for high density residential as well. The same as I said about the land just north of me and south of the high school at Bathurst and Beverley Glen.
In 10 years you will not recognize this area...it will be a new concrete jungle in the city above Toronto. It is not a bad thing necessarily, just something to think about.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
A changing landscape - if you think Bathurst is bad now?
Are you one of the thousands of cars that battles the traffic up and down Bathurst street at anytime of the day, not just rush hour times?
If you drive north and south on Bathurst, the Liberty Sales centre office just north of Centre Street has been a permenant fixture since early 2003. It has been the home to the sales of 50-60 Disera, 7-15 North Park Road , 20-30 North Park and the townhomes, and now the Foutains at the southwest corner of North Park Road and New Westminister drive.
There has been tremendous growth in this community since the mid 2000's. HUGE growth along Disera drive with a Walmart (eyesore) to the numerous restuarants, shops, banks, and other community necessities. There is now a Russian Jewish Centre under construction at North Park Road and Bathurst.
Where that sales centre stands, was originally zoned for a 2 story commercial space to occupy the land. Last September there was a change to the city plan to have that area zoned for a mixed commercial - mid rise residential mix. Liberty developement has made a proposal to the city to change the zoning to a high density condo complex mixed with commercial on that exact site.
They are proposing two high rise towers - 1 32 story and 1 1story buidling on that property, bringing close to 600 more units to our bustling community.
Not to mention, the land just north of there (where the green fence is) is owned by a developer who is just waiting to build what is also zoned for high density condo developement.
I attended a condo board meeting tonight and the head people at Liberty where at the meeting trying to convince us "what a great thing" this is for the community. Sure, from a builder's perspective, it is a great thing. But from a resident, who already sees the issues of traffic and safety, I am not so sure.
There is a public hearing at Vaughan City hall this coming Tuesday night at city hall. This application to ammend the city's official plan is being put forth. Our buildings are trying to rally as many people to come to this meeting as possible.
If you live in this area, and have a view or opinion, or know someone who does, I encourage you to pass this information on. Maybe in the grand scheme of things, we cannot fight the big corporate machine, but at least we can try.
Here are the details about the meeting:
Committee of the whole (public hearing)
November 15th, 2011 @ 7pm
Vaughan City Hall, council chambers
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Application: to ammend the city's Official Plan and Zoning by-law 1-88 to redesignate the subject lands from "Town Centre Commercial" to "High Density Residential/Commercial" and rezone the subject lands from C2 General Commercial Zone to RA3 Apartment Residential Zone with specific provisions.
Should be an interesting night next week - I hope there is a good turnout. Anyone want to come with me?
If you drive north and south on Bathurst, the Liberty Sales centre office just north of Centre Street has been a permenant fixture since early 2003. It has been the home to the sales of 50-60 Disera, 7-15 North Park Road , 20-30 North Park and the townhomes, and now the Foutains at the southwest corner of North Park Road and New Westminister drive.
There has been tremendous growth in this community since the mid 2000's. HUGE growth along Disera drive with a Walmart (eyesore) to the numerous restuarants, shops, banks, and other community necessities. There is now a Russian Jewish Centre under construction at North Park Road and Bathurst.
Where that sales centre stands, was originally zoned for a 2 story commercial space to occupy the land. Last September there was a change to the city plan to have that area zoned for a mixed commercial - mid rise residential mix. Liberty developement has made a proposal to the city to change the zoning to a high density condo complex mixed with commercial on that exact site.
They are proposing two high rise towers - 1 32 story and 1 1story buidling on that property, bringing close to 600 more units to our bustling community.
Not to mention, the land just north of there (where the green fence is) is owned by a developer who is just waiting to build what is also zoned for high density condo developement.
I attended a condo board meeting tonight and the head people at Liberty where at the meeting trying to convince us "what a great thing" this is for the community. Sure, from a builder's perspective, it is a great thing. But from a resident, who already sees the issues of traffic and safety, I am not so sure.
There is a public hearing at Vaughan City hall this coming Tuesday night at city hall. This application to ammend the city's official plan is being put forth. Our buildings are trying to rally as many people to come to this meeting as possible.
If you live in this area, and have a view or opinion, or know someone who does, I encourage you to pass this information on. Maybe in the grand scheme of things, we cannot fight the big corporate machine, but at least we can try.
Here are the details about the meeting:
Committee of the whole (public hearing)
November 15th, 2011 @ 7pm
Vaughan City Hall, council chambers
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Application: to ammend the city's Official Plan and Zoning by-law 1-88 to redesignate the subject lands from "Town Centre Commercial" to "High Density Residential/Commercial" and rezone the subject lands from C2 General Commercial Zone to RA3 Apartment Residential Zone with specific provisions.
Should be an interesting night next week - I hope there is a good turnout. Anyone want to come with me?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Coffee
It may seem kind of funny to you that until I turned 40 that I actually started to enjoy coffee. I mean, I have had coffee off and on for years, but never really liked it unless it had a lot of milk in it, more latte style.
Crazy....considering meeting people at Starbucks is a natural meeting place for me, and I meet people there all the time. I usually order a skinny vanilla bean latte, so not really a "coffee" per se, but you know what I mean.
This summer I have to admit to enjoying my iced coffees. Afterall, they were $1 at McD's and after many many many attempts I was able to enjoy one that didn't have 1000 calories. It was a crazy process. They have the McCafe machines, that will make drinks using 1% milk....but the Iced Cofees that they make they either use cream or 2%. How hard was it to go to the other machine and pump out the 1% milk? Well, for most staff at McD's....it was very hard. Once I knew how to order it, I was on my way.
Now, I make it at my house....which is a good thing because I can enjoy a drink on the way to work, but as I found out today, a bad thing for my teeth.
I had to get a filling done today...and when my dentist came into the room to freeze me, he looked at my teeth and said, "why are they so stained?" YIKES! When I told him what I had been drinking this summer and now, he told me to stop. Well....I guess I could...I mean, I don't HAVE to have iced coffees at home, I haven't had them for this long, why start now?
I will try not to have coffee starting today. However, I did notice on the way out of his office he had one of those commercial "tassimo" type machines in his office. I went into his private office and suggested that if he is going to recommend to his patience they give up coffee, that he should not have it available in his office. Very good point he replied....
Good thing I didn't put the Keuring on my list for Hannukah Harry!~
Crazy....considering meeting people at Starbucks is a natural meeting place for me, and I meet people there all the time. I usually order a skinny vanilla bean latte, so not really a "coffee" per se, but you know what I mean.
This summer I have to admit to enjoying my iced coffees. Afterall, they were $1 at McD's and after many many many attempts I was able to enjoy one that didn't have 1000 calories. It was a crazy process. They have the McCafe machines, that will make drinks using 1% milk....but the Iced Cofees that they make they either use cream or 2%. How hard was it to go to the other machine and pump out the 1% milk? Well, for most staff at McD's....it was very hard. Once I knew how to order it, I was on my way.
Now, I make it at my house....which is a good thing because I can enjoy a drink on the way to work, but as I found out today, a bad thing for my teeth.
I had to get a filling done today...and when my dentist came into the room to freeze me, he looked at my teeth and said, "why are they so stained?" YIKES! When I told him what I had been drinking this summer and now, he told me to stop. Well....I guess I could...I mean, I don't HAVE to have iced coffees at home, I haven't had them for this long, why start now?
I will try not to have coffee starting today. However, I did notice on the way out of his office he had one of those commercial "tassimo" type machines in his office. I went into his private office and suggested that if he is going to recommend to his patience they give up coffee, that he should not have it available in his office. Very good point he replied....
Good thing I didn't put the Keuring on my list for Hannukah Harry!~
The foods we remember
After my post yesterday I was thinking more about different food we ate as kids and do we still enjoy them as much as adults. I think that everyone has a special meal that their mother made or that that grandmother made when they would go to visit. I know that I have mine. My mother is a good cook, and my grandmother was a good cook.
One of my favourite dishes that my grandmother used to make was pineapple chicken. It was always there for the holidays, and even when I would go to Montreal to visit, it was always waiting for me. It was warm, and sweet and comforting. It was made with love, and you could taste it.
She never really taught me how to make it, and the recipe is a bit sketchy (as I am sure a lot of your grandparent's recipes were). Who really needed to know "EXACTLY" what to do, they were the ones making it each time, so they knew what to do.
I tried to make it this year. I had the chicken cut up the way she used to do it. I had the bag of flour and seasoning mixed, and I followed the best I could. I liked it when it came out of the oven (of course I had to eat a piece), but wasn't sure how the rest of the family would feel.
On Rosh Hashanah night, Mark sits down at the table and says, "Pineapple chicken, who made this?" He then proceeded to eat a few pieces. That made me feel good. My family did enjoy it, but it wasn't THE pineapple chicken from my childhood. Or maybe that is exactly how it was supposed to taste, and the memory of the anticipation of my grandmother making it for me is what made it taste so incredible.
I know it wasn't as good as my grandmothers....practice makes perfect as they say. I don't know if there will every be such as thing as perfect when you already had what you remember to be the best, but I will try again and see if I can make it like hers.
One of my favourite dishes that my grandmother used to make was pineapple chicken. It was always there for the holidays, and even when I would go to Montreal to visit, it was always waiting for me. It was warm, and sweet and comforting. It was made with love, and you could taste it.
She never really taught me how to make it, and the recipe is a bit sketchy (as I am sure a lot of your grandparent's recipes were). Who really needed to know "EXACTLY" what to do, they were the ones making it each time, so they knew what to do.
I tried to make it this year. I had the chicken cut up the way she used to do it. I had the bag of flour and seasoning mixed, and I followed the best I could. I liked it when it came out of the oven (of course I had to eat a piece), but wasn't sure how the rest of the family would feel.
On Rosh Hashanah night, Mark sits down at the table and says, "Pineapple chicken, who made this?" He then proceeded to eat a few pieces. That made me feel good. My family did enjoy it, but it wasn't THE pineapple chicken from my childhood. Or maybe that is exactly how it was supposed to taste, and the memory of the anticipation of my grandmother making it for me is what made it taste so incredible.
I know it wasn't as good as my grandmothers....practice makes perfect as they say. I don't know if there will every be such as thing as perfect when you already had what you remember to be the best, but I will try again and see if I can make it like hers.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Breafast in the city above the city
Move over Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte - you may have known where to go for brunch in NYC, but a few of my friends and I are trying to seek out breakfast places north of the T-dot in the 905! We are making the rounds, so to speak.
A few friends of mine have kids in Sunday school and while the kids are away, the ladies should play...well, we have to eat don't we?
The first stop was the (then) new Bagel World at Dufferin and Major Mac. It had only been open two weeks at the time. They are the home to the Flagel. If you don't know what a Flagel is take "flat" and "bagel" and put it together. They are also the home to the Bagelini. Which is a flagel stuffed with different options put in a panini press, so the cheese gets all melty and yummy and everything is nice and warm and crispy. Confused yet?
So six of us sit down for breakfast and the place is packed. Most of us at the table know at least one person coming in or out of the restaurant. The food was very good, but the service was not. The server actually didn't tell our friend that the plate was hot, and instead of puttng down on the table, handed it to her, which caused her to burn her hand. Her reply was, "oh, I guess I am used to it by now". It got worse from there, and that actually resulted in us discussing the situation with the manager and we had the choice to get a discount off the bills or....1/2 dozen bagels per person......DUH - who doesn't want fresh, FREE bagels?
One more comment re: bagelinis - TRY ONE when you go to Bagel world. They have 3 - 4 different combinations like - Tuna, tomato, cheese and red onion; or avocado, cheese and tomato and some italian style one.
I like the tuna one because it reminds of my parents house growing up. We had a sandwich maker (who didn't) and of course grilled cheese and tomato soup nights -YUMMO! As I got older I added things to my grilled cheese, like tomato and then of course made tuna melts in the maker. The best was went you would try to make a tuna melt on a bagel in the sandwich maker. Everything would spill out, the bagel wouldn't fully let the press close and it was a yummy gooey mess when you were done.....but so good. This was long before the days of the home panini press.
Back to breakfast.....our tour of breakfast places has taken us to What a bagel, Centre Street deli and this week to Sunset Grill (also at Dufferin and Major Mac). Again, being a busy Sunday morning at peak time has its ups and downs with food and service. Another 'hot plate' episode actually. The server came to the table, holding the plate WITH A TOWEL, and handed it to my friend....."no, it's not that hot"....well why are you holding it with a towel? And the breakfast potatoes - were not cooked very well, and had no flavour....I'm just sayin'.
We did try to go to Pancers new location but found out that they only open at 11am on Sundays. I know it is not your traditional 'breakfast' joint, BUT across the street from that location is the bagel world and the sunset grill, you would think they would want to jump on the weekend breakfast traffic.
A few friends of mine have kids in Sunday school and while the kids are away, the ladies should play...well, we have to eat don't we?
The first stop was the (then) new Bagel World at Dufferin and Major Mac. It had only been open two weeks at the time. They are the home to the Flagel. If you don't know what a Flagel is take "flat" and "bagel" and put it together. They are also the home to the Bagelini. Which is a flagel stuffed with different options put in a panini press, so the cheese gets all melty and yummy and everything is nice and warm and crispy. Confused yet?
So six of us sit down for breakfast and the place is packed. Most of us at the table know at least one person coming in or out of the restaurant. The food was very good, but the service was not. The server actually didn't tell our friend that the plate was hot, and instead of puttng down on the table, handed it to her, which caused her to burn her hand. Her reply was, "oh, I guess I am used to it by now". It got worse from there, and that actually resulted in us discussing the situation with the manager and we had the choice to get a discount off the bills or....1/2 dozen bagels per person......DUH - who doesn't want fresh, FREE bagels?
One more comment re: bagelinis - TRY ONE when you go to Bagel world. They have 3 - 4 different combinations like - Tuna, tomato, cheese and red onion; or avocado, cheese and tomato and some italian style one.
I like the tuna one because it reminds of my parents house growing up. We had a sandwich maker (who didn't) and of course grilled cheese and tomato soup nights -YUMMO! As I got older I added things to my grilled cheese, like tomato and then of course made tuna melts in the maker. The best was went you would try to make a tuna melt on a bagel in the sandwich maker. Everything would spill out, the bagel wouldn't fully let the press close and it was a yummy gooey mess when you were done.....but so good. This was long before the days of the home panini press.
Back to breakfast.....our tour of breakfast places has taken us to What a bagel, Centre Street deli and this week to Sunset Grill (also at Dufferin and Major Mac). Again, being a busy Sunday morning at peak time has its ups and downs with food and service. Another 'hot plate' episode actually. The server came to the table, holding the plate WITH A TOWEL, and handed it to my friend....."no, it's not that hot"....well why are you holding it with a towel? And the breakfast potatoes - were not cooked very well, and had no flavour....I'm just sayin'.
We did try to go to Pancers new location but found out that they only open at 11am on Sundays. I know it is not your traditional 'breakfast' joint, BUT across the street from that location is the bagel world and the sunset grill, you would think they would want to jump on the weekend breakfast traffic.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Nastarovia - To Life, L'Chaim
Thank you for reading my blog and coming along with me on the journey of my life and how I see it. I never really knew how easy it would be to write when you had something to write about. I have always known that I have a lot of things to say about a lot of different things and it is really gratifying to know that others think so as well.
I need to bring you back to 2009 for a few minutes. Please indulge me while I do that.
As you all know, my car accident was in February that year. The months to follow were very hard and emotional for me. And then Shari got sick and we all know what happened to me after that. But there is something you may not know.
The company I work for has what is called "Pinnacle Club" and to reach Pinnacle Club you need to have a certain level of sales per fiscal year. That year, 2008/09 though all the hardships and everything, I was able to reach Pinnacle Status, which meant being able to go with my peers on a trip - to Vegas.
Brad was able to join me on that trip. It was an amazing three days and it meant so much to be there with Brad, who as you know, I met in Vegas. We did amazing things, like riding in a helicopter over the strip at night, lots of work stuff, but lots of time to spend together as friends.
On the last night the company treated us to an amazing dinner at Manadalay Bay, then off to Lion King and then up to the 64th Floor of THE hotel in the Manadalay to a bar called The Mix. There we had a roped off section, table bottle service and the most amazing view of Las Vegas.
It was a really good night. I just remember always having a drink in my hand, and dancing with Louise, and not having a worry in the world. I drank a lot that night, but never seemed to feel it. It was such a freeing experience to be with your friends feeling safe enough to let go. I will always remember that night.
Now...you are asking...what does that have to with November 2011? I will tell you.
As with 2009, the year of 2011 has had challenges for me in many aspects of my life. I am not going to dwell on them now, but they were (are) there. A couple of weeks ago a few friends on facebook (old skool friends) wanted to plan a small get together. What a great idea, so what was the plan? Well, my friend (many) is Russian and said, "how about a Russian restaurant" experience - and my "Mama's" Vodka.....how could that be bad?
And off we went......
I will come back to the Russian experience later because that was not really the point of this story. The point of this story was that being with people I trusted, in a safe setting, allowed me to feel the same sense of freedom I felt that night in Las Vegas. Free to partake in as many NASTAROVIA shots as I felt like, free to dance, laugh, share with friends. I want to thank my friends that were there with me last night, for allowing me to have such a well deserved good time.
Nastarovia, L'Chaim, to long life, good friendship and good health!
I need to bring you back to 2009 for a few minutes. Please indulge me while I do that.
As you all know, my car accident was in February that year. The months to follow were very hard and emotional for me. And then Shari got sick and we all know what happened to me after that. But there is something you may not know.
The company I work for has what is called "Pinnacle Club" and to reach Pinnacle Club you need to have a certain level of sales per fiscal year. That year, 2008/09 though all the hardships and everything, I was able to reach Pinnacle Status, which meant being able to go with my peers on a trip - to Vegas.
Brad was able to join me on that trip. It was an amazing three days and it meant so much to be there with Brad, who as you know, I met in Vegas. We did amazing things, like riding in a helicopter over the strip at night, lots of work stuff, but lots of time to spend together as friends.
On the last night the company treated us to an amazing dinner at Manadalay Bay, then off to Lion King and then up to the 64th Floor of THE hotel in the Manadalay to a bar called The Mix. There we had a roped off section, table bottle service and the most amazing view of Las Vegas.
It was a really good night. I just remember always having a drink in my hand, and dancing with Louise, and not having a worry in the world. I drank a lot that night, but never seemed to feel it. It was such a freeing experience to be with your friends feeling safe enough to let go. I will always remember that night.
Now...you are asking...what does that have to with November 2011? I will tell you.
As with 2009, the year of 2011 has had challenges for me in many aspects of my life. I am not going to dwell on them now, but they were (are) there. A couple of weeks ago a few friends on facebook (old skool friends) wanted to plan a small get together. What a great idea, so what was the plan? Well, my friend (many) is Russian and said, "how about a Russian restaurant" experience - and my "Mama's" Vodka.....how could that be bad?
And off we went......
I will come back to the Russian experience later because that was not really the point of this story. The point of this story was that being with people I trusted, in a safe setting, allowed me to feel the same sense of freedom I felt that night in Las Vegas. Free to partake in as many NASTAROVIA shots as I felt like, free to dance, laugh, share with friends. I want to thank my friends that were there with me last night, for allowing me to have such a well deserved good time.
Nastarovia, L'Chaim, to long life, good friendship and good health!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Mall gift cards
For my birthday this year, among many gift cards from book store, clothing stores, etc, I was the lucky recipient of 2 Cadillac fairview gift cards. One I used to buy a new camera bag earlier this year and one I am still using. I noticed when making purchases they make you sign as if it is a credit card. I just signed for the purchases and didn't think anything of it.
Until today.....I was at Visage today (celebrating MEvember with some new makeup) and the sales rep was preparing the receipt confirmed with another rep, "I circle Mastercard on the bill, right?" To which I asked the owner, "if it is considered a credit card transaction does the merchant pay the fee?" Yes....was the answer.
She then said that a lot of stores in the mall are not accepting the mall gift cards anymore for that exact reason. So far at Blacks, Coach, Visage and I think Roots have all let me use my cards.
I think gift cards for a WHOLE mall are great gift ideas, but I have to admit, if I was excited to use my birthday gift at a store in the mall and they told me that they wouldn't accept the mall gift card, I would be pretty ticked off....
Until today.....I was at Visage today (celebrating MEvember with some new makeup) and the sales rep was preparing the receipt confirmed with another rep, "I circle Mastercard on the bill, right?" To which I asked the owner, "if it is considered a credit card transaction does the merchant pay the fee?" Yes....was the answer.
She then said that a lot of stores in the mall are not accepting the mall gift cards anymore for that exact reason. So far at Blacks, Coach, Visage and I think Roots have all let me use my cards.
I think gift cards for a WHOLE mall are great gift ideas, but I have to admit, if I was excited to use my birthday gift at a store in the mall and they told me that they wouldn't accept the mall gift card, I would be pretty ticked off....
Day 4 - a few hours late.....
Yesterday was November 4th....and I didn't want to miss a day of writing but when I tried to express the thoughts I had in my head, it just wasn't happening. But thoughts flow all the time, and at 530am, here I am.
I really just wanted to talk about having a nephew and how different it is than having Zoe and Jaime in my life.
What I love about Zoe and Jaime is...well everything. They are both so smart, and energetic and interesting. They have amazing things to say and conversations are always interesting. The discussion at dinner last night from Jaime was about aunts and uncles and how many she had. It went beyond the scope of her immediate aunts (Lisa, Erin and myself) and her uncles (Sam and Alan) but she started to ask about ALL her aunts and uncles, which got all of us involved remembering the people in our extended family. It was a very interesting conversation and I was very impressed by her.
Zoe has always blown me away. She continues to do so each and every day. I have to keep reminding myself that she is growing up, and it is as such a rapid pace I can't keep up sometimes. She and Jaime and both in Hebrew school and are really embracing it. Zoe has a book on the Hebrew alphabet and we were going over letters, and vowles and words. I am sure that I will learn from her as well. That is exciting to be a part of the learning process.
At Shabbat dinner last night, it was really nice to hear them singing the blessings over the candles and then Zoe took the challah that my mom made and said ha'motzi. It was really nice.
And now....there is Ezra. He is sweet, and charming and I just can't get enough of him. He is smart, and knows so much already at 16 months. I brought him a stuffed dolphin that I received at a trade show and it was so sweet to see him hugging his new friend, and showing it to everyone. He is very engaging and he really lights up my life. I look at him, and I wonder, what is his voice going to sound like? I already know that his laughter is infectious I just want to bottle it up and open it when I need to smile.
Is he going to like arts and crafts like the girls do? He LOVES music and dancing, Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO is one of his fave songs from the summer. Will he play soccer or baseball, or will he want to go to dance class? Or both? All I know is I can't wait to watch and see how this unfolds.
I really just wanted to talk about having a nephew and how different it is than having Zoe and Jaime in my life.
What I love about Zoe and Jaime is...well everything. They are both so smart, and energetic and interesting. They have amazing things to say and conversations are always interesting. The discussion at dinner last night from Jaime was about aunts and uncles and how many she had. It went beyond the scope of her immediate aunts (Lisa, Erin and myself) and her uncles (Sam and Alan) but she started to ask about ALL her aunts and uncles, which got all of us involved remembering the people in our extended family. It was a very interesting conversation and I was very impressed by her.
Zoe has always blown me away. She continues to do so each and every day. I have to keep reminding myself that she is growing up, and it is as such a rapid pace I can't keep up sometimes. She and Jaime and both in Hebrew school and are really embracing it. Zoe has a book on the Hebrew alphabet and we were going over letters, and vowles and words. I am sure that I will learn from her as well. That is exciting to be a part of the learning process.
At Shabbat dinner last night, it was really nice to hear them singing the blessings over the candles and then Zoe took the challah that my mom made and said ha'motzi. It was really nice.
And now....there is Ezra. He is sweet, and charming and I just can't get enough of him. He is smart, and knows so much already at 16 months. I brought him a stuffed dolphin that I received at a trade show and it was so sweet to see him hugging his new friend, and showing it to everyone. He is very engaging and he really lights up my life. I look at him, and I wonder, what is his voice going to sound like? I already know that his laughter is infectious I just want to bottle it up and open it when I need to smile.
Is he going to like arts and crafts like the girls do? He LOVES music and dancing, Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO is one of his fave songs from the summer. Will he play soccer or baseball, or will he want to go to dance class? Or both? All I know is I can't wait to watch and see how this unfolds.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Innovations
I just recently got a blackberry (finally) much to the chagrin of my Iphone lovin' friends. I just don't really like the touch screen for typing, I like a keyboard. I love bbm and I also love that my iphone lovin' friends can download the Whatsapp for 0.99cents and we can chat as well. I didn't know what I was missing when I didn't have a bb. Now I know what I was missing.....
Same effect when I decided to jump into the world of the PVR - Personal video recorder, DVR, TiVo, whatever you want to call it. Up until 2 years ago, I only had a regular digital box, which was perfectly fine for me - UNTIL I decided to book a trip to California to visit Brad - and my vacation was going to coincide with the season finales of Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and a few other shows. THE HORROR! What would it be if I couldn't see the season finales of my favourite shows?
Oh wait....I could just record them....but no, I can't, I don't have a PVR....not anymore....I ordered it from rogers, picked up the new box and away I went. Life has never been the same since....
I know I am sounding dramatic over something such a tv shows, but for someone who enjoys popular culture, daytime shows when you work during the day, night time shows when you want to meet friends for dinner, coffee, whatever....
And let me tell you, I LOVE MY PVR! I can watch the live chat with Regis and Kelly and then delete. I can watch Hot Topics on The View and then delete. I can tape shows that I would not normally want to sit all the way through, but would love to fast forward through the boring parts (yes, that usually means soaps....haha).
Sometimes I save the shows that I really liked or would watch over and over again. That is great....except when your PVR is almost full...then you have to watch and delete, watch and delete. Then there are times like Oprah's life classes, which you want to keep, but they take up too much space. I guess the good thing about Oprah is that we can almost bet that they will be out on DVD soon for purchase.
My mom always has something to say if we make dinner plans or are out when her show(s) are on. I keep telling her to get a pvr box already and she won't miss another show. She hasn't done it yet....I wonder when she will.
What's on your PVR right now? Either saved or scheduled?
Same effect when I decided to jump into the world of the PVR - Personal video recorder, DVR, TiVo, whatever you want to call it. Up until 2 years ago, I only had a regular digital box, which was perfectly fine for me - UNTIL I decided to book a trip to California to visit Brad - and my vacation was going to coincide with the season finales of Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and a few other shows. THE HORROR! What would it be if I couldn't see the season finales of my favourite shows?
Oh wait....I could just record them....but no, I can't, I don't have a PVR....not anymore....I ordered it from rogers, picked up the new box and away I went. Life has never been the same since....
I know I am sounding dramatic over something such a tv shows, but for someone who enjoys popular culture, daytime shows when you work during the day, night time shows when you want to meet friends for dinner, coffee, whatever....
And let me tell you, I LOVE MY PVR! I can watch the live chat with Regis and Kelly and then delete. I can watch Hot Topics on The View and then delete. I can tape shows that I would not normally want to sit all the way through, but would love to fast forward through the boring parts (yes, that usually means soaps....haha).
Sometimes I save the shows that I really liked or would watch over and over again. That is great....except when your PVR is almost full...then you have to watch and delete, watch and delete. Then there are times like Oprah's life classes, which you want to keep, but they take up too much space. I guess the good thing about Oprah is that we can almost bet that they will be out on DVD soon for purchase.
My mom always has something to say if we make dinner plans or are out when her show(s) are on. I keep telling her to get a pvr box already and she won't miss another show. She hasn't done it yet....I wonder when she will.
What's on your PVR right now? Either saved or scheduled?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
"Transform and Grow"
In July of this year, several friends of mine went to Israel. They went as part of a women's mission group with an organization called Jewish Women's Renaissance Project (http://www.jwrp.org/) taking back our values. I really didn't want to go to Israel in July so I didn't bother to apply. BUT....while they were there another trip was released for October and my friend Gayla and I decided to apply together.
If you look at the website it is all about Jewish Women, 'girl power', going to Israel to transform and grow and come back as 'sisters' and bring a stronger sense of Judaism back to the community.
"Our mission is to create a Jewish women’s movement that inspires a renaissance of positive values that transforms ourselves, our families, and our communities."
The application said that this trip "was designed primarily for women who have children 18 and younger at home". The organization believes that women have power in the home where it relates to religion, beliefs, etc, and that is fine, I actually agree with that. But what about someone who is currently unmarried and without children. Wouldn't that person be a PERFECT candidate to 'transform and grow' and come back a stronger WOMAN in the Jewish community and ready to take on the challenge of finding a life partner and possibly having children.
That is what I thought, but not the case for the person handling my interview process. I am not going to mention names here, but this person, a Rebbitzn and someone that one would look up to in the community, ended up having no filter in her 'personal' beliefs and in turn, made me feel so inadequate, and an outcast in my own community by not having a spouse or children.
A very wise friend, someone I respect told me very honestly, "Lisa, it is not personal, it is the rules. If you don't meet the criteria set forth in the trip, that is the way it is. It is not a personal attack on you, She is just teling you like it is." That part is very true. Perhaps this person needs a lesson on filtering ones personal thoughts, but never the less. Once I was further enough away from it, I was able to see that.
But that doesn't stop the human side of how I felt.
So, the trip is now almost over, and my friend that I was supposed to go with is on her way home now. I was following her pictures and posts on facebook with happiness for her, but envy and sadness for myself. As much as I wanted to be there with her, it was her time to transform and grow, and hopefully someday I will get the opprotunity to have the same kind of mission as well.
If you look at the website it is all about Jewish Women, 'girl power', going to Israel to transform and grow and come back as 'sisters' and bring a stronger sense of Judaism back to the community.
"Our mission is to create a Jewish women’s movement that inspires a renaissance of positive values that transforms ourselves, our families, and our communities."
The application said that this trip "was designed primarily for women who have children 18 and younger at home". The organization believes that women have power in the home where it relates to religion, beliefs, etc, and that is fine, I actually agree with that. But what about someone who is currently unmarried and without children. Wouldn't that person be a PERFECT candidate to 'transform and grow' and come back a stronger WOMAN in the Jewish community and ready to take on the challenge of finding a life partner and possibly having children.
That is what I thought, but not the case for the person handling my interview process. I am not going to mention names here, but this person, a Rebbitzn and someone that one would look up to in the community, ended up having no filter in her 'personal' beliefs and in turn, made me feel so inadequate, and an outcast in my own community by not having a spouse or children.
A very wise friend, someone I respect told me very honestly, "Lisa, it is not personal, it is the rules. If you don't meet the criteria set forth in the trip, that is the way it is. It is not a personal attack on you, She is just teling you like it is." That part is very true. Perhaps this person needs a lesson on filtering ones personal thoughts, but never the less. Once I was further enough away from it, I was able to see that.
But that doesn't stop the human side of how I felt.
So, the trip is now almost over, and my friend that I was supposed to go with is on her way home now. I was following her pictures and posts on facebook with happiness for her, but envy and sadness for myself. As much as I wanted to be there with her, it was her time to transform and grow, and hopefully someday I will get the opprotunity to have the same kind of mission as well.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Amazing....
Just re-read my post about halloween.
I think I need to use a thesauras and find another word for amazing....it was over used in the previous post.
LOL!!
Suggestions for alternative words for amazing are appreciated!
I think I need to use a thesauras and find another word for amazing....it was over used in the previous post.
LOL!!
Suggestions for alternative words for amazing are appreciated!
NaBloPoMo
So, not only is it Movember to promote awareness to Men's cancers, but I was just made aware from another blogger that it is NaBloPoMo which is National Blog Posting Month. A fellow blogger, and one I follow (http://dawnponders.blogspot.com/) said in honour of this month she is going to try to blog everyday. I think that is a GREAT challenge and I am going to try that as well.
Last night was Halloween as you know. It was in FULL swing in Thornhill Woods. Now that I have my nieces and nephew I spend this night with them. It was so much fun seeing Ezra in his tiger costume and how at first he hated it, but then after a while he didn't want to take it off. And of course...as long as he could enjoy his mini aero bar....he kept saying, "more, more, more".
Zoe was really into it this year. She was a witch and tried very hard during picture taking to make her best "witchy" face. She was in full halloween swing and when it was taking her dad too long to get going, she said, "come on dad, I am getting bored of this..."
Jaime got into the lipstick before she got dressed and looked very sweet as a princess. She was not as excited to go out with the rest of her family. She went out for a bit but was happier home giving out the candy to others.
Then of course we went to our cousin's house - 71 Chopin, where there was Halloween Extravaganza taking place. Spotlights, haunted houses, moving corpses, you name it. They had such a crowd, and it was amazing. They accepted donation for the Yellow Brick House (http://www.yellowbrickhouse.org/english/) and they had a rep there with pamphlets about their organziation. they had a photographer taking pictures with a green screen. It was AMAZING! I saw so many people I knew there. Zoe was so excited. It was amazing to see her eyes open so wide with amazement.
All it all, it was a great halloween, and a great time spent with my family. That is the most important thing of all.
See y'all tomorrow.....
Last night was Halloween as you know. It was in FULL swing in Thornhill Woods. Now that I have my nieces and nephew I spend this night with them. It was so much fun seeing Ezra in his tiger costume and how at first he hated it, but then after a while he didn't want to take it off. And of course...as long as he could enjoy his mini aero bar....he kept saying, "more, more, more".
Zoe was really into it this year. She was a witch and tried very hard during picture taking to make her best "witchy" face. She was in full halloween swing and when it was taking her dad too long to get going, she said, "come on dad, I am getting bored of this..."
Jaime got into the lipstick before she got dressed and looked very sweet as a princess. She was not as excited to go out with the rest of her family. She went out for a bit but was happier home giving out the candy to others.
Then of course we went to our cousin's house - 71 Chopin, where there was Halloween Extravaganza taking place. Spotlights, haunted houses, moving corpses, you name it. They had such a crowd, and it was amazing. They accepted donation for the Yellow Brick House (http://www.yellowbrickhouse.org/english/) and they had a rep there with pamphlets about their organziation. they had a photographer taking pictures with a green screen. It was AMAZING! I saw so many people I knew there. Zoe was so excited. It was amazing to see her eyes open so wide with amazement.
All it all, it was a great halloween, and a great time spent with my family. That is the most important thing of all.
See y'all tomorrow.....
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