Thursday, March 31, 2005
Love is In the Air...
There are finally signs of spring around here. Sarah, my 19 year old, has fallen for a new boy named Dylan. So far I like Dylan, mostly because he is close to her age, smells decent (ie. clean) and greeted me with a smile when we met. He also graduated from high school, which to me shows some kind of fortitude. She had broken up with her old boyfriend about a week earlier, with much weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. He was a nice enough guy, but he was about ten years older... way ahead of her developmentally.
At around the same time, Amelia has finally found her soul mate. His name is Rob and he must be about 6 feet tall... which is very cute, because she is not quite 5 feet. I don't know him well yet, but he has graduated from high school too. Amelia has stated for years that she isn't interested in boys or dating. Things have really changed for her this past six months, what with getting a job and actually attending school on a regular basis.
Over the long weekend, Sarah and Amelia both "snuck" their boys in overnight. I say "snuck" because they did not ask permission. The rule is pretty straightforward... I gotta know who is sleeping under my roof. This rule is based on several things... like: if there is a fire and we want to know if everyone made it out. Or, what if some parent is looking for their errant child? (I've had to deal with this many times)
I tried not to be too hard on them, because they are "twitterpated" and I remember those feelings. The early, heady days of love... so fragile and naive. In both cases, they stayed up all night, talking. (Ok, they were making out too)
Generally our kids have been pretty good about "sleepovers" whether with boys or girls. Meaning, they don't have them very often, and when they do, we sort out the logistics and permission ahead of time. As well, so far, with the exception of Eric's eldest daughter Elizabeth who doesn't live with us, none of the girls have been sexually active until over age 18. Hopefully Amelia will make it to her 18th birthday in June!
Having My Day In Court
So this morning I did my first "motion" for a court order in front of a real judge all by myself. Meaning, my supervising lawyer wasn't there... but there were tons of other lawyers there, trying not to laugh.
It was scheduled to start at 10 am, and at 9:30 I was still not sure if I was even allowed to appear before the judge -- the rules on what Articling Students can do is pretty strict and generally if a real judge is involved, you can forget it. And the lady at the family court counter scared me even more by saying that for all motions, you have to be "gowned". (In Canada, lawyers wear black gowns, special shirts and vests when they appear in front of judges)
Well, I don't have a gown BECAUSE I AM NOT ACTUALLY A LAWYER YET! So I was panicking and I called my boss at 9:30 am. He told me to relax and go ask the actual court clerk when they opened the court room doors. So I did. And unfortunately for me, she said "of course you can do a motion" because the type of motion I was doing is a "procedural motion". Meaning it's not that serious.
Anyhoo... so the court clerk told me that I would be second. I said "What? I don't want to be second, I want to be last". She gave me a funny look - and I explained... "I want to watch the other lawyers do it... and besides, they will leave after they are finished so they won't see me screw up." There were two lawyers in the room at the time and they started laughing at me. One of them said... "oh no, we will wait and watch you afterwards". The clerk said... "well... there are only two, so you are second." Luckily for me, two more lawyers showed up, so I ended up being fourth. (and last)
So the Judge came in and I honestly thought I would throw up. I tried concentrating on what the other lawyers were saying but I heard the Judge say "where's your notice of motion?" I thought... "I don't know where my notice of motion is!" OH MY GOD. He is going to yell at me.
Suddenly it was my turn. By now, the earlier lawyers had left the courtroom, but, wait a minute, there were about 8 more now waiting for me to get done. I moved forward to the table and said a weak "Good morning." (I think I forgot to say Your Honour).
I started saying my little presentation about why our client (an ex-wife) should be given her divorce because basically her ex-husband had disappeared for some months...etc. blah blah. And he interrupted me. He very nicely said "Do you think you could speak up?" So I started over, speaking a bit louder. He left me finish my schpiel and then said....
"There is a section in the Divorce Act that I must consider while making my decision... do you know what section that would be?" My ears started buzzing, my face was even hotter and redder than it had been, and I stammered... "No, I'm so sorry, I don't know." Then he launched into a story of how many years ago when he was articling he had been reamed out by a judge because he hadn't known the law. He looked at me very kindly and said..."don't worry, I won't do that to you my dear".
Then he did something hilarious. He looked at the other lawyers in the courtroom and said, "what about the rest of you? Does anyone else know the provision I am thinking of?" I felt like I was back at law school. One keener said, "I think it is section 8". The Judge said "No, that's not it. Anyone else?" An older lawyer, who had his family law book in his hand, said "I believe that it is section 11 (b)." "Right!" said the Judge.
The judge took a few minutes to read the materials and occasionally asked me some questions. The sweetest part was when he asked me whether the woman we were representing had another relationship on the go. "Does she want to marry someone else?" So I said, "I believe so your honour". And he smiled knowingly, and said, "I will agree to grant your order".
I was shocked. It seemed to be over and I had gotten what I had requested. It was pretty amazing. And overwhelming. I think I will frame my first order. And have a beer.
It was scheduled to start at 10 am, and at 9:30 I was still not sure if I was even allowed to appear before the judge -- the rules on what Articling Students can do is pretty strict and generally if a real judge is involved, you can forget it. And the lady at the family court counter scared me even more by saying that for all motions, you have to be "gowned". (In Canada, lawyers wear black gowns, special shirts and vests when they appear in front of judges)
Well, I don't have a gown BECAUSE I AM NOT ACTUALLY A LAWYER YET! So I was panicking and I called my boss at 9:30 am. He told me to relax and go ask the actual court clerk when they opened the court room doors. So I did. And unfortunately for me, she said "of course you can do a motion" because the type of motion I was doing is a "procedural motion". Meaning it's not that serious.
Anyhoo... so the court clerk told me that I would be second. I said "What? I don't want to be second, I want to be last". She gave me a funny look - and I explained... "I want to watch the other lawyers do it... and besides, they will leave after they are finished so they won't see me screw up." There were two lawyers in the room at the time and they started laughing at me. One of them said... "oh no, we will wait and watch you afterwards". The clerk said... "well... there are only two, so you are second." Luckily for me, two more lawyers showed up, so I ended up being fourth. (and last)
So the Judge came in and I honestly thought I would throw up. I tried concentrating on what the other lawyers were saying but I heard the Judge say "where's your notice of motion?" I thought... "I don't know where my notice of motion is!" OH MY GOD. He is going to yell at me.
Suddenly it was my turn. By now, the earlier lawyers had left the courtroom, but, wait a minute, there were about 8 more now waiting for me to get done. I moved forward to the table and said a weak "Good morning." (I think I forgot to say Your Honour).
I started saying my little presentation about why our client (an ex-wife) should be given her divorce because basically her ex-husband had disappeared for some months...etc. blah blah. And he interrupted me. He very nicely said "Do you think you could speak up?" So I started over, speaking a bit louder. He left me finish my schpiel and then said....
"There is a section in the Divorce Act that I must consider while making my decision... do you know what section that would be?" My ears started buzzing, my face was even hotter and redder than it had been, and I stammered... "No, I'm so sorry, I don't know." Then he launched into a story of how many years ago when he was articling he had been reamed out by a judge because he hadn't known the law. He looked at me very kindly and said..."don't worry, I won't do that to you my dear".
Then he did something hilarious. He looked at the other lawyers in the courtroom and said, "what about the rest of you? Does anyone else know the provision I am thinking of?" I felt like I was back at law school. One keener said, "I think it is section 8". The Judge said "No, that's not it. Anyone else?" An older lawyer, who had his family law book in his hand, said "I believe that it is section 11 (b)." "Right!" said the Judge.
The judge took a few minutes to read the materials and occasionally asked me some questions. The sweetest part was when he asked me whether the woman we were representing had another relationship on the go. "Does she want to marry someone else?" So I said, "I believe so your honour". And he smiled knowingly, and said, "I will agree to grant your order".
I was shocked. It seemed to be over and I had gotten what I had requested. It was pretty amazing. And overwhelming. I think I will frame my first order. And have a beer.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Mom's Movie Reviews
Looking for decent movies to watch with your children? This great site has movie reviews for over 900 movies, old and new. Although I might not agree with the letter grade she gives each movie, the reviews are very detailed and have a mini report on topics such as sexual content, violence, scariness, swearing, alcohol & drugs, as well as diversity issues such as anti-gay content.
Overall I found this site very helpful, and you can send in feedback too.
Overall I found this site very helpful, and you can send in feedback too.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Drugs R Us
This picture was taken in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There is a general belief that drug use in Canada is more accepted than in the U.S. Canadians generally are more open minded about the use of Marijuana.
Our Criminal Code makes it illegal to possess marijuana, but for small amounts, such as a joint, people are not likely to be arrested or charged. There are stores that openly sell drug paraphernalia, such as this one.
This conflicts with the messages being given in our schools. Most high schools have a zero tolerance policy about drug posession and use. This means that if students are caught with pipes they can be suspended and for larger amounts, police will certainly be involved.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Attack on Paper Work
In Canada, the Easter Long Weekend is weird. Eric had Friday off, but not Monday. Sarah had Sunday off... Some people have both Friday and Monday off (govt. and bank employees). The kids don't have school, so I stayed home.
My incredible procrastination has made me almost get into trouble. So today I have been organizing all of the paper work to deal with my financial issues. I am just about ready to fax:
- the papers for my daycare subsidy to prove I HAVE NO INCOME
- the papers for my student loans to show that I can't start repaying them yet as I HAVE NO INCOME
- the papers for a new student loan that I should qualify for because I HAVE NO INCOME
See the theme here? It is hoped that in another year I will have a good job and/or be making tons of money so that I can pay off all this debt.
My incredible procrastination has made me almost get into trouble. So today I have been organizing all of the paper work to deal with my financial issues. I am just about ready to fax:
- the papers for my daycare subsidy to prove I HAVE NO INCOME
- the papers for my student loans to show that I can't start repaying them yet as I HAVE NO INCOME
- the papers for a new student loan that I should qualify for because I HAVE NO INCOME
See the theme here? It is hoped that in another year I will have a good job and/or be making tons of money so that I can pay off all this debt.
Mother Goose Rocks!
This is a really cool site with lots of music, videos and activities. Celebrity singers are in the rockin' videos.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Busy Weekend
This long weekend is unique as we get 4 days off. So I planned to get tons of stuff done... so far I have:
Friday
- had lunch and went shopping with my mom to Quebec for the afternoon (for those of you who don't know, Ottawa is right beside the border of Quebec, so we can go over the Ottawa River anytime to shop, buy alcohol, etc. as they are almost always open. They also have a lower drinking age, 18, than we do...ours is 19)
- went to Ruth's in the evening with Zoe and Owen to play games.
Saturday
- cleaned the bathtub (long time coming)
- went to someone's "moving sale" and spent $100 on: a wooden table with 4 chairs, a wooden bookshelf and a lamp (all from IKEA)... I plan to use most of this stuff in my new office.
- got the groceries
- watched Fried Green Tomatoes with Zoe
- made a Prime Rib Roast, mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans for dinner
- had Darby, her kids and her hubby Guy over for dinner
- watched My Fair Lady with Zoe
Sunday
- made brunch: pancakes, bacon, eggs, fresh fruit salad (peaches, plums, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, apples, kiwis, strawberries), home fries, scalloped potatoes, croissants, orange juice)
- Who came? Me, Eric, Dad, Dorothy, Sarah, Zoe, Owen, Amelia, Rob (her boyfriend), Ruth and Dennis
(more to come)
Friday
- had lunch and went shopping with my mom to Quebec for the afternoon (for those of you who don't know, Ottawa is right beside the border of Quebec, so we can go over the Ottawa River anytime to shop, buy alcohol, etc. as they are almost always open. They also have a lower drinking age, 18, than we do...ours is 19)
- went to Ruth's in the evening with Zoe and Owen to play games.
Saturday
- cleaned the bathtub (long time coming)
- went to someone's "moving sale" and spent $100 on: a wooden table with 4 chairs, a wooden bookshelf and a lamp (all from IKEA)... I plan to use most of this stuff in my new office.
- got the groceries
- watched Fried Green Tomatoes with Zoe
- made a Prime Rib Roast, mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans for dinner
- had Darby, her kids and her hubby Guy over for dinner
- watched My Fair Lady with Zoe
Sunday
- made brunch: pancakes, bacon, eggs, fresh fruit salad (peaches, plums, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, apples, kiwis, strawberries), home fries, scalloped potatoes, croissants, orange juice)
- Who came? Me, Eric, Dad, Dorothy, Sarah, Zoe, Owen, Amelia, Rob (her boyfriend), Ruth and Dennis
(more to come)
Friday, March 25, 2005
The Meaning of Easter?
First, I want to say that I was raised in a Christian household, attending an Evangelical church. My mother was very involved in the church, as the pianist, choir leader, youth leader, etc. One of the problems that I had was that we were forced to go, it was not a choice, and we were usually there 3-4 times a week. So, by the time I was 14, I was fed up, and not open to Christianity any longer. That being said, I still entered adulthood believing in some kind of God, Godess, or supreme spiritual power. But I certainly felt that it was up to me to introduce these subjects to my children in my own way. Well...
We had an interesting conversation at our dinner table last night. My dad, Dorothy, Zoe, Owen and myself were halfway through our meal talking about the traditions of hiding Easter eggs. At one point, Zoe asked about the history of Easter. I responded by talking about Ostara, the ancient pagan beliefs of fertility, and how eggs and rabbits were connected.
Owen interrupted me and said, "I know the true meaning of Easter". We all looked towards him and listened. He said... "Jesus, God's son, sacrificed his life to die for our sins. After three days, he rose from the grave and then went to heaven to live with his father."
My dad asked "do you know how he died?".
Owen said "Bad people killed him on a cross."
Because of my past issues with religion during my childhood, I had never told him this story. Curious, I asked him who had told him this. He said he learned about it at school where they are learning about "Celebrations".
I thought this was pretty interesting for a public school. My dad asked him if they had learned about Passover, Chanukah, or Ramadan. He said "No." I have to say this caused me some concern.
I am thinking about whether I should contact his teacher to discuss this.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
AACK!
My boss told me today that one week from now I have to do my first motion...alone. This means that I have to go to court, stand in front of a judge, and say something about a case (that I don't know anything about). Crap. I am having a mini panic attack about this.
For one thing, what should I wear??? Usually you have to wear something really serious, preferably a black suit with a white shirt. And shoes. Shoes must be worn. Or else the judge might get offended and side against you.
The file in question is over one foot thick - so I will be reading some of it over this "holiday" weekend. Did I mention "crap"???
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Super Smash Brothers???
For years, I hated video games. My hatred and avoidance was on the level of how I banned all violent games/toys (ie. Guns) from our house. I remember once, a teen nephew gave my daughters his old Nintendo system, as he was upgrading, along with tons of games. My husband became quite addicted for several months, until he “beat” the games, but my daughters were not as interested. Finally we were able to get rid of the thing in a yard sale.
Seven years ago, something happened to change all of this. I had a baby boy. As he got older, I started realizing that it was going to be hard to control his exposure to and, I hate to say it, his interest in violence. I couldn’t believe by age three as he fit the “stereotypes” of boys, and repeatedly wanted to shoot guns (even if he had made them or used his own fingers). I came to believe that somehow there is a hard wiring difference between boys and girls – maybe some kind of masculine/testosterone thing.
In any event, I started dating Eric when Owen was about three. Eric and his three children loved playing video games. What surprised me even more was that two of his kids were teen girls! I thought this was really bizarre as my three girls had never really been interested in gaming. Eric explained to me that he found playing video games very relaxing but also stimulating to his brain. I didn’t get it at all.
I decided that I had to explore this phenomenon. As I got to know Eric and his kids, I discovered that they didn’t play “first person shooter” games. Rather, they played RPGs, or Role Playing Games. These games had nothing to do with violence. Okay, yes, sometimes you had to kill monsters, and usually there are “bosses” (the really supreme bad guys) to defeat at the end of each game. But more often than not, you are trying to solve a complex puzzle or logic game.
Over the past four years, I have really changed my views about the value of video games. I decided that since video games are so important to Owen, I had to make an effort, and I learned to play Mario Party with him (which is basically playing a board game on a tv screen). I have even recently found this site by homeschoolers who argue that video games are educational and valuable.
Now, we have three game systems in our home. Eric brought his Nintendo 64, which is only used by Owen these days for Mario Party or his friend Kayla, who likes Pokemon Snap. Eric also has a Playstation 2, for which he must own about a dozen games. Recently, I negotiated the purchase of a Game Cube for Owen (as a birthday present) so that he could play his favorite game, Super Smash Brothers, at home. He also bought some used games recently with his allowance.
I still think video games are pretty boring, and I don’t get how so many gamers love watching each other play for hours. But, I respect their right to pick what they do for recreation. I just think it’s more fun to read, garden or sleep.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Wanna Lose Some Weight?
Nina over at Nina turns 40 had this link to some weight watchers diet cards from the 1970's. I must have lost some weight laughing! No wonder my poor mom could never stick to her diet.
Mega Plant Database
Visit the Plant Files where there are over 94,000 pictures in the database. You can find any plant here. Lots of ideas for your future dream garden!
Intriguiging Game with Neat Music
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Lets Hear it For the 70s
Some people have been ranting about the 1980's... by then I was married with two kids... I found this site which has tons of neat stuff from the 1970's... now this was a cool decade... the one that I grew up in. In 1976 I was 13 and I got to enjoy all kinds of great music, clothing, tv shows and more.
Do you remember anything from the 1970's?
Do you remember anything from the 1970's?
The Meaning of "Gay Positive"
I teach a sex education course for our church. Our church is Unitarian and we believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. It is a "welcoming congregation" and we fly a rainbow flag right inside the door, which means that we welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons into our congregation. Our minister has been performing same sex marriages for many years, before it was "legal". This is one of the reasons I have chosen to become an active member at this church.
Last fall we had a weekend training for senior high students and one of the panels we had were guests from various community organizations. Two of these guests were from the Pride Centre
at the University of Ottawa. Mostly, they were accepted and given big hugs. Slowly, one by one, they were able to "come out" to their family members. But it was heartbreaking hearing about how these two young persons had been treated by a few people at their high schools, church, community and even their own close family members.
Luckily, when they went to university, they met many other broad-minded people (gay or straight) who accepted them for who they are. In that safer environment, they are able to develop strategies for dealing with homophobia in their day to day lives. What I found wonderful was that they had learned to use their own sense of humour to deal with rude or insensitive comments. For example, the guy who was speaking said when someone calls him a "Fag" he looks at the person and says "No duh!" and smiles.
Why is this topic still such a big deal in our society? As our teens grow up and discover their sexuality, we should embrace them for who they are. Each time my kids bring home someone of either sex, I stop myself from making assumptions about whether they might be a friend or a "potential boyfriend/girlfriend". I just hope that this new person will be a good person for my child to be with in any capacity.
Even if you don't have teens yet, the messages we send very young children are important. The fact that a family can be made up of many different combinations of people can be discussed with 4 year olds. When my daughter was in grade one, one of her best friends was in a Lesbian headed family. She was so lucky to have two moms! My kids have learned early on that one's sexual orientation does not matter - the kind of person they are is what counts.
How would you feel if one of your children came out of the closet?
Last fall we had a weekend training for senior high students and one of the panels we had were guests from various community organizations. Two of these guests were from the Pride Centre
at the University of Ottawa. Mostly, they were accepted and given big hugs. Slowly, one by one, they were able to "come out" to their family members. But it was heartbreaking hearing about how these two young persons had been treated by a few people at their high schools, church, community and even their own close family members.
Luckily, when they went to university, they met many other broad-minded people (gay or straight) who accepted them for who they are. In that safer environment, they are able to develop strategies for dealing with homophobia in their day to day lives. What I found wonderful was that they had learned to use their own sense of humour to deal with rude or insensitive comments. For example, the guy who was speaking said when someone calls him a "Fag" he looks at the person and says "No duh!" and smiles.
Why is this topic still such a big deal in our society? As our teens grow up and discover their sexuality, we should embrace them for who they are. Each time my kids bring home someone of either sex, I stop myself from making assumptions about whether they might be a friend or a "potential boyfriend/girlfriend". I just hope that this new person will be a good person for my child to be with in any capacity.
Even if you don't have teens yet, the messages we send very young children are important. The fact that a family can be made up of many different combinations of people can be discussed with 4 year olds. When my daughter was in grade one, one of her best friends was in a Lesbian headed family. She was so lucky to have two moms! My kids have learned early on that one's sexual orientation does not matter - the kind of person they are is what counts.
How would you feel if one of your children came out of the closet?
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Did I Mention I Cut Hair?
Zoe dyes her hair every few months...usually dark reddish/brown. This week she decided it was time to cut her hair really short. (photo to come)
The main reason for this new do is that she is playing the lead in Peter Pan in a few weeks. That's right! Our little Zoe (age 14) is playing Peter. Owen is also in this show, his first full performance - he is a "lost boy".
The main reason for this new do is that she is playing the lead in Peter Pan in a few weeks. That's right! Our little Zoe (age 14) is playing Peter. Owen is also in this show, his first full performance - he is a "lost boy".
Surviving a Day at the Beach
A the end of a day at the beach in Newfoundland, Canada, you never know what you will find when you get back to your car.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Great Homeschooling Resources
Here are various links I have found in the past few months that have a lot to offer:
Maps of the World
McCoy's Guide to Theater and Performance Studies
Kid's Click (the master list that libarians made for kids to find information)
--- Andrea found this one a while back.
Gastropod Seashells Identification Guide
Rock Key (identification of rocks)
NASA Planetary Data System
Nick's Mathematical Puzzles
Aaron's Learning Channel
---(here you will find dozens of amazing links that a homeschooling mom has collected - excellent list)
Maps of the World
McCoy's Guide to Theater and Performance Studies
Kid's Click (the master list that libarians made for kids to find information)
--- Andrea found this one a while back.
Gastropod Seashells Identification Guide
Rock Key (identification of rocks)
NASA Planetary Data System
Nick's Mathematical Puzzles
Aaron's Learning Channel
---(here you will find dozens of amazing links that a homeschooling mom has collected - excellent list)
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Going to the Dentist
When I was 4 o4 5, I remember my parents taking me to the dentist and there, I was given medicine which made me fall asleep. When I woke up, at least 4 of my molars had been taken out. It was very painful and I soon learned that going to the dentist was painful and scary.
This morning was Owen's long awaited dentist appointment. Because of his panic attacks, I take him to a children's specialist whom we have been seeing for about ten years (Dorothy saw him until she was 19). Besides being very gentle, kind and patient, this guy has a fish tank, a castle, as well as lots of books and pictures to look at. Another important point is that he will give Nitrous Oxide to children. This was the last of four appointments over the past six months to deal with his serious cavities and screwed up teeth.
The use of "laughing gas" during dentist appointments has produced interesting effects on my kids. Dorothy would laugh whenever the dentist used the drill. She also was certain that she could see through her nose while under the influence. Zoe asked the dentist to marry her one day. Generally it gives Owen enough a relaxed feeling so that he can tolerate the procedures.
Today, I don't think the dentist waited long enough, as Owen started having a panic attack when he started spraying on the initial numbing agent to his gum. He was crying and screaming by the time the dentist tried to use the needle. So we stopped. The dentist gave him more time to get "relaxed"... and then everything was fine. At least until the filling was done and then Owen realized that the dentist was about to pull out one of his teeth. (This was a tooth that would not come out on its own and the new one was pushing up from underneath)
Owen became very angry and said "I don't agree with you pulling out my tooth!" (actually he shouted this). So we had to stop again and explain it to him. He was very upset - even with promises of tooth fairy visits and maybe a chocolate milkshake later in the day. Poor little guy.
I was smarter this time and had brought our coats and boots into a small room nearby, so that after the appointment was over we could leave quickly out the back door. This way we could avoid the crowds of kids waiting with parents in the waiting room.
On the way home, sobbing, Owen said..."I really hate going to the dentist". I said..."Me too."
This morning was Owen's long awaited dentist appointment. Because of his panic attacks, I take him to a children's specialist whom we have been seeing for about ten years (Dorothy saw him until she was 19). Besides being very gentle, kind and patient, this guy has a fish tank, a castle, as well as lots of books and pictures to look at. Another important point is that he will give Nitrous Oxide to children. This was the last of four appointments over the past six months to deal with his serious cavities and screwed up teeth.
The use of "laughing gas" during dentist appointments has produced interesting effects on my kids. Dorothy would laugh whenever the dentist used the drill. She also was certain that she could see through her nose while under the influence. Zoe asked the dentist to marry her one day. Generally it gives Owen enough a relaxed feeling so that he can tolerate the procedures.
Today, I don't think the dentist waited long enough, as Owen started having a panic attack when he started spraying on the initial numbing agent to his gum. He was crying and screaming by the time the dentist tried to use the needle. So we stopped. The dentist gave him more time to get "relaxed"... and then everything was fine. At least until the filling was done and then Owen realized that the dentist was about to pull out one of his teeth. (This was a tooth that would not come out on its own and the new one was pushing up from underneath)
Owen became very angry and said "I don't agree with you pulling out my tooth!" (actually he shouted this). So we had to stop again and explain it to him. He was very upset - even with promises of tooth fairy visits and maybe a chocolate milkshake later in the day. Poor little guy.
I was smarter this time and had brought our coats and boots into a small room nearby, so that after the appointment was over we could leave quickly out the back door. This way we could avoid the crowds of kids waiting with parents in the waiting room.
On the way home, sobbing, Owen said..."I really hate going to the dentist". I said..."Me too."
Welcome Gentle Spring...
There are more birds around, lots of huge puddles and visits from spiders as well as flies. But there is still more than a foot of snow on our front lawn! I am anxious for it to recede so we can start cleaning up the aftermath of winter.
This is a spider plant, another interesting plant from Texas!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
My Week "Off"
It is March Break here, for Zoe, Owen and Amelia... so I told both of my bosses weeks ago that I wanted to have the week off. My plan is to catch up on a lot of things that have literally piled up around here. (ie. laundry, mail, bills, crap on my desk, etc.)
What is interesting is that I still have had to bring "work" home to do, as there are deadlines to meet. I think this is a portent of my future life as a lawyer.
Must Do:
- help Zoe with her room
- clean my bedroom and bathroom
- wash the kitchen floor
- mudding and sanding the new basement walls
- painting
- FAX LSUC application
- call re: ODSP training in April
We have had some fun so far. Zoe, Eric and I went to see RENT on Sunday afternoon - it was the last day it was playing at the National Arts Centre. This is the third time I've seen it and I loved it. It was a very strong cast and I love the music.
Otherwise it's pretty boring around here - I am trying to think of other things we can do that would be fun and not cost money. (other than play Mario Party 3 with Owen) There is still a ton of snow outside, but it is melting some due to above freezing temperatures this week. (so lots of huge puddles everywhere)
Maybe we will take the dog for a walk. (I would have to offer treats to Owen to do this, as he will not think it is fun to take the dog for a walk).
What is interesting is that I still have had to bring "work" home to do, as there are deadlines to meet. I think this is a portent of my future life as a lawyer.
Must Do:
- help Zoe with her room
- clean my bedroom and bathroom
- wash the kitchen floor
- mudding and sanding the new basement walls
- painting
- FAX LSUC application
- call re: ODSP training in April
We have had some fun so far. Zoe, Eric and I went to see RENT on Sunday afternoon - it was the last day it was playing at the National Arts Centre. This is the third time I've seen it and I loved it. It was a very strong cast and I love the music.
Otherwise it's pretty boring around here - I am trying to think of other things we can do that would be fun and not cost money. (other than play Mario Party 3 with Owen) There is still a ton of snow outside, but it is melting some due to above freezing temperatures this week. (so lots of huge puddles everywhere)
Maybe we will take the dog for a walk. (I would have to offer treats to Owen to do this, as he will not think it is fun to take the dog for a walk).
Yoga Kitty
I seem to be on a cat theme here... this site is very interesting if you like yoga and cats. It explains how to do yoga with your cat.
And here is the link for What Kind of Cat Parent Are You?
And here is the link for What Kind of Cat Parent Are You?
Monday, March 14, 2005
Take the Test...
Insane Cat Lady: Yes, you are insane but your cats
are probably happier than any other cats on the
planet! Maybe you should try interacting with
some HUMANS once in awhile...
What kind of Cat Parent are you?
brought to you by
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Properties of Hell
A friend of mine from law school who is a mom, and has 3 degrees, sent me this:
The following is supposedly an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.
Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic ( absorbs heat)?
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different Religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially.
Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added. This gives twopossibilities: 1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate thanthe rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose. 2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over. So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that,"it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you, and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that itis not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct...leaving only Heaven thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God."
THIS STUDENT RECEIVED THE ONLY A
The following is supposedly an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.
Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic ( absorbs heat)?
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different Religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially.
Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added. This gives twopossibilities: 1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate thanthe rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose. 2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over. So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that,"it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you, and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that itis not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct...leaving only Heaven thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God."
THIS STUDENT RECEIVED THE ONLY A
Dog Called as Witness but Stays Quiet as a Cat
(Bentonville, Arkansas -WABC, March 09, 2005) —
Prosecutors routinely subpoena a defendant's co-workers, friends and even family members -- but this time they were barking up the wrong tree.
In an Arkansas murder trial, prosecutors ordered five-year-old Murphy Smith to court for pre-trial testimony. But a deputy wouldn't let Murphy into the courthouse: no dogs allowed.
Officials had sent out subpoenas to anyone who had contact with Albert Smith while he was in jail awaiting trial. The murder suspect had written his dog a letter from his prison cell. That landed the pooch on the witness list.
A prosecutor says Murphy "was friendly enough" and likely "would have been a very cooperative witness." But she says the appearance wasn't necessary.
Smith is charged with killing a man who had a relationship with his former wife.
Prosecutors routinely subpoena a defendant's co-workers, friends and even family members -- but this time they were barking up the wrong tree.
In an Arkansas murder trial, prosecutors ordered five-year-old Murphy Smith to court for pre-trial testimony. But a deputy wouldn't let Murphy into the courthouse: no dogs allowed.
Officials had sent out subpoenas to anyone who had contact with Albert Smith while he was in jail awaiting trial. The murder suspect had written his dog a letter from his prison cell. That landed the pooch on the witness list.
A prosecutor says Murphy "was friendly enough" and likely "would have been a very cooperative witness." But she says the appearance wasn't necessary.
Smith is charged with killing a man who had a relationship with his former wife.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Sarah over at Poppins Classical Academy has challenged other bloggers to think about how our family members would answer the age old quesiton...
Is the glass half full or half empty?
Dorothy: I don’t want to talk about that. Would you like to see my dolls?
Sarah: That reminds me of a song I know (breaking into song)
...The water ain't safe, the land's made of water
... I hug a half empty glass my dignity's trying to corner
... I'm trying to see the future in a tea cup and a saucer…
(she walks away singing)
Amelia: Who the fuck drank my water? (Door slams as she stomps out of the room)
Zoe: After measuring the liquid in the glass, I can definitively say that the glass is more empty than full.
Oliver: How come Owen got the bigger glass? It’s not fair.
Owen: Well…the glass is half full, but I need a bigger glass ‘cause I’m really thirsty.
Grandpa: My glass appears to be empty. But I think it was full when I started. Can I get another shot?
Suki: Woof!
Eric: Why can’t you put your empty glasses in the DISHWASHER?
Me: After drinking at least 8 full glasses of water, I think it’s time to switch to wine.
Bugs and Daffy in the Future
Warner Bros has decided to revamp the Looney Toons for a new Saturday morning cartoon airing this fall. Apparently test groups of kids love it. Set in the future, the new toons are leaner, tougher and have super powers. I am sure Owen is going to want to check out this show.
Here is a breathtaking picture of Wild Azalea from Texas.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
What do these 5 blogs have in common?
These five blogs are created by moms who love to take pictures (or at least like to post interesting pictures on their blogs regularly). One of the best parts of blog surfing is discovering what is going on around the world... and pictures help me learn about and understand other people's lives. The saying "A picture is worth 1000 words" really rings true for me.
This picture is from Teri's blog... Khadijateri... over in Libya!
I love Kim's blog, relaxed homeskool for several reasons... one is because she always posts interesting pictures whenever she blogs... I really am a visual person and words alone aren't as interesting to me... also, she is an unschooler, which is exactly my way of approaching education.
She also writes really cool stuff that I am interested in.
I discovered the quirky nomads site recently... it is a photoblog by an American family who have moved to Toronto. They post a new picture & story just about every day. Hundreds of interesting pictures, mostly of random people, in their archives. I really like this one though... it reminds me of Bert from Sesame St. Whatever happened to Bert?
Andrea over at atypical life has an amazing gallery full of family pictures... I especially love the ones with the food or nature. This is one of my favorites.
Bedtime Conversation
This is a conversation at this mother's house the other night... (she uses initials to identify her various family members... MB4 = 5 year old son, MG = 3 year old daughter, MD = her husband, MM = herself.)
MG: Look MB4, I’m wearing underwear like you!
MB4: No you’re not, you have purple Dora and mine are white.
MM: MB4, she meant that she is wearing underwear too.
MG: I’m not two, I’m phree.
MB4: Stop lying MG, you’re three.
MG: THAT’S WHAT I SAID!! PHREEEE!!
MM: Knock it off. It’s over. Let’s read this book.
MB4: And your underwear are not like mine.
MM: MB4, her underwear are not like yours but she is wearing underwear also.
MB4: But not like mine.
MM: No, not like yours.
MB4: Say it MG - say you’re not wearing underwear like mine.
MG: But I am. I am wearing underwear like you.
Mb4: NO.YOU’RE.NOT!! You are wearing purple Dora underwear. I don’t wear purple underwear or Dora underwear. I only wear white underwear and I only wear underwear for boys and you wear underwear for girls and you are only 3 and not very smart and I am 5 and I can read and I eat brain food and you just don’t know.
MG: BLAHBLEHBLAHBLEH!!
MM: Oh my sweet geezus. That’s it. No story. I’m out of here. You two don’t talk to each other for the rest of your lives.
MB4/MG: [wail bitch moan cry]
MM: Ok, but no more fighting about underwear. Mommy’s marbles can’t hack it.
MB4/MG: Ok. We promise.
MB4: MG, just look at my underwear. Is it purple? No. You are not like me.
MM: I’m outta here.MB4/MG: [wail bitch moan cry]
_____________________
MM: Your kids want a bed time story.
MD: My kids? El mood-o change-o?
MM: Sí.MD: Words of wisdom?
MM: Don’t mention the fucking underwear.
MD: ……………….
MG: Look MB4, I’m wearing underwear like you!
MB4: No you’re not, you have purple Dora and mine are white.
MM: MB4, she meant that she is wearing underwear too.
MG: I’m not two, I’m phree.
MB4: Stop lying MG, you’re three.
MG: THAT’S WHAT I SAID!! PHREEEE!!
MM: Knock it off. It’s over. Let’s read this book.
MB4: And your underwear are not like mine.
MM: MB4, her underwear are not like yours but she is wearing underwear also.
MB4: But not like mine.
MM: No, not like yours.
MB4: Say it MG - say you’re not wearing underwear like mine.
MG: But I am. I am wearing underwear like you.
Mb4: NO.YOU’RE.NOT!! You are wearing purple Dora underwear. I don’t wear purple underwear or Dora underwear. I only wear white underwear and I only wear underwear for boys and you wear underwear for girls and you are only 3 and not very smart and I am 5 and I can read and I eat brain food and you just don’t know.
MG: BLAHBLEHBLAHBLEH!!
MM: Oh my sweet geezus. That’s it. No story. I’m out of here. You two don’t talk to each other for the rest of your lives.
MB4/MG: [wail bitch moan cry]
MM: Ok, but no more fighting about underwear. Mommy’s marbles can’t hack it.
MB4/MG: Ok. We promise.
MB4: MG, just look at my underwear. Is it purple? No. You are not like me.
MM: I’m outta here.MB4/MG: [wail bitch moan cry]
_____________________
MM: Your kids want a bed time story.
MD: My kids? El mood-o change-o?
MM: Sí.MD: Words of wisdom?
MM: Don’t mention the fucking underwear.
MD: ……………….
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Down By the Sea
Imagine that you are at the beach with the waves lapping at your feet. The sea gulls are flying high above you against the pure blue sky. Your kids laugh and shriek as they jump over the waves. As you nod off with a book in your lap, you wonder if the sunscreen is working...
Owen and I have been learning about seashells... this is a great kids site with tons of links that are full of fun! This is a wonderful subject to study in the winter...
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
International Women's Day
My heart broke to hear about the story yesterday in Toronto (not very far from where I live) about the estranged husband/father who attempted to kill his 5 year old little girl by throwing her off of a highway overpass into the oncoiming traffic of highway 401, which running through Toronto is probably the biggest, fastest, 8 lane highway in Canada. After that, he jumped and killed himself.
It was at which point I found myself thinking, "thank God", the bastard is dead. I don't usually wish anyone ill, but at least now this man cannot terrorize his ex-wife and children for years to come.
Luckily the little girl survived and is recovering in hospital. This story is so disturbing because not only was it an act of violence against the little girl, but also her mother, who was attempting to escape a life of abuse and violence by separating from this man.
International Women's Day started with the first Women's Conference held back in 1975. Since then, many things have improved for women, at least in western countries. But there is still so far to go.
This article talks about what has and hasn't changed over the years.
Ten years later... women are more visible, gender equality "has become a working concept worldwide," and "women and men are now mobilized to see women's issues as societal issues, whether they like it or not."
Former U.N. assistant secretary-general Angela King, who was Secretary-General Kofi Annan (news - web sites)'s top adviser on women and organized the 2000 U.N. women's conference, said the challenges of five years ago are the challenges of today.
A growing number of women live in poverty, women are lagging behind in economic advancement, globalization is hurting many women, the incidence of HIV (news - web sites)/AIDS (news - web sites) is rising among young women and violence against women is increasing in armed conflict, at home and through trafficking, she said.
King said progress is slow for a host of reasons — no budgets for gender programs, only four female prime ministers of independent countries and the difficulty in changing stereotypes of women's limited roles.
"In 1975, the Mexico conference ignited a spark of awareness among women of their shared hopes and common problems," King said. "With each successive conference, the spark grew until it became a living flame in Beijing."
"Let us pledge today as the United Nations (news - web sites) community, as governments, regions and individuals, that the flame for women's freedom and equality become a shining beacon for action to fully realize gender equality, development and peace," she said.
Let us all take a moment to think about all of the women who have been harmed by violence, poverty and shame in this world.
Let us each take one action to help a woman who is suffering.
It was at which point I found myself thinking, "thank God", the bastard is dead. I don't usually wish anyone ill, but at least now this man cannot terrorize his ex-wife and children for years to come.
Luckily the little girl survived and is recovering in hospital. This story is so disturbing because not only was it an act of violence against the little girl, but also her mother, who was attempting to escape a life of abuse and violence by separating from this man.
International Women's Day started with the first Women's Conference held back in 1975. Since then, many things have improved for women, at least in western countries. But there is still so far to go.
This article talks about what has and hasn't changed over the years.
Ten years later... women are more visible, gender equality "has become a working concept worldwide," and "women and men are now mobilized to see women's issues as societal issues, whether they like it or not."
Former U.N. assistant secretary-general Angela King, who was Secretary-General Kofi Annan (news - web sites)'s top adviser on women and organized the 2000 U.N. women's conference, said the challenges of five years ago are the challenges of today.
A growing number of women live in poverty, women are lagging behind in economic advancement, globalization is hurting many women, the incidence of HIV (news - web sites)/AIDS (news - web sites) is rising among young women and violence against women is increasing in armed conflict, at home and through trafficking, she said.
King said progress is slow for a host of reasons — no budgets for gender programs, only four female prime ministers of independent countries and the difficulty in changing stereotypes of women's limited roles.
"In 1975, the Mexico conference ignited a spark of awareness among women of their shared hopes and common problems," King said. "With each successive conference, the spark grew until it became a living flame in Beijing."
"Let us pledge today as the United Nations (news - web sites) community, as governments, regions and individuals, that the flame for women's freedom and equality become a shining beacon for action to fully realize gender equality, development and peace," she said.
Let us all take a moment to think about all of the women who have been harmed by violence, poverty and shame in this world.
Let us each take one action to help a woman who is suffering.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Spring in Texas
Check out Texas Trifles to see some breathtaking pictures of spring in Texas. There is also a link to a list of the common wildflowers found in Texas. I may post some of these pictures in the next few weeks... I have never seen some of these varieties before.
Spring is coming to Texas! Check it out...
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Happy Birthday???
This blogger has an interesting way of calculating how old his child is:
If I had to guestimate how long I've been father, based on how quickly/slowly time has flown/crawled by since Birthday #0, I'd reckon about ((F-5) + ((S*3) / (W2 - A)) - C) months, where F is my current frustration level on a scale from 1 to 10 (with 0 as "child asleep" and 10 as "in the middle of trying to change diaper while child simulates a paint shaker"), S = my current sleep debt (in hours), W = number of times in the past four weeks the kid has successfully prevented The Queen and I from wrasslin' by employing one of his many Sibling Prevention Techniques, A = number of alcoholic beverages I've consumed prior to contemplating the question, and C = his cuteness constant of 210.
It actually reminds me of Eric, the math wizard in our house.
If I had to guestimate how long I've been father, based on how quickly/slowly time has flown/crawled by since Birthday #0, I'd reckon about ((F-5) + ((S*3) / (W2 - A)) - C) months, where F is my current frustration level on a scale from 1 to 10 (with 0 as "child asleep" and 10 as "in the middle of trying to change diaper while child simulates a paint shaker"), S = my current sleep debt (in hours), W = number of times in the past four weeks the kid has successfully prevented The Queen and I from wrasslin' by employing one of his many Sibling Prevention Techniques, A = number of alcoholic beverages I've consumed prior to contemplating the question, and C = his cuteness constant of 210.
It actually reminds me of Eric, the math wizard in our house.
Welcome to the Real World
Poor Sarah rushed to do her income tax return as soon as she got her T4 from work on Friday. She was so excited about seeing how much refund she would get this year, as it was over $1000 last year. Also, she was proud to be able to figure out the forms. (We use the online filing program, but encourage the kids to do it by hand a few times so they understand it)
Unfortunately, she made way more money this year (over $14,000), which really isn't much money (especially in Canadian dollars), but she did work full time this year, for the whole year, and she doesn't qualify for special deductions, like dependents, or being a student, so she ended up OWING MONEY. Not much, really, about $80... but to her, this is the end of the world. She is so upset, and says she won't pay it... no way. And there is a lot of muttering about "who do they think they are, taking my refund?"
This led to a bit of a talk on why we like living in Canada... that we benefit from things like free schools, police, roads, social assistance and HEALTH CARE. It didn't help much... all she could think about was her plans for that lovely refund going up in smoke.
Ah... the young. I did try to mention the idea of having a BUDGET again...but still no bite.
Unfortunately, she made way more money this year (over $14,000), which really isn't much money (especially in Canadian dollars), but she did work full time this year, for the whole year, and she doesn't qualify for special deductions, like dependents, or being a student, so she ended up OWING MONEY. Not much, really, about $80... but to her, this is the end of the world. She is so upset, and says she won't pay it... no way. And there is a lot of muttering about "who do they think they are, taking my refund?"
This led to a bit of a talk on why we like living in Canada... that we benefit from things like free schools, police, roads, social assistance and HEALTH CARE. It didn't help much... all she could think about was her plans for that lovely refund going up in smoke.
Ah... the young. I did try to mention the idea of having a BUDGET again...but still no bite.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Catching up with Family
I finally got through to my Nana out in Victoria, B.C. today. A few weeks ago, I heard through my sister and my aunt Cindy in Colorado that my grandfather had taken a fall on Valentine's day when leaving a restaurant. He fell and hit his head, which left him with a bad head injur. My grandfather is over 90, and has had several heart-related issues in the past. Needless to say, this has left him in the hospital since then, and apparently he has good days and bad.
My Nana said that she doesn't expect him to be able to come home, and that she is planning on moving into a smaller apartment near the nursing home where he ends up. She is quite a bit younger than he is. They have been together over 40 years and I am worried about her. She is going to be very lonely.
Growing up, I was much closer to my Nana than my Grandpa. She was always friendly, caring and loving to us, even though we were her "step" grandchildren. She married my grandpa after his first wife (my mom's mom) died young. In fact, my mom got married just before my grandpa got re-married. My mom had my older sister Dana in early 1962, then my Nana had my aunt Cindy at the end of 1962, and finally, I was born in late 1963.
The three of us did a lot together in our early years. Because we were so close in age, Dana and I would go to the cottage with my grandparents and Cindy regularly, and one summer, Dana and I got invited to drive down to Florida with them all. I still remember seeing the Blue Ridge Mountains with them. It was so beautiful.
Later on, I had similar interests to Cindy, so we spent two summers together at a Christian summer camp that was on a ranch in the Eastern Townships, south of Montreal. By then, my family had moved to Ontario, so we only got to see each other during summer vacations. That is probably one of the last times I got to spend any length of time with Cindy. The next year, they had decided to move to Florida, and so we didn't get to see them much after that.
We did spend one last Christmas with them, probably in 1977 or 1978, as I was about 14-15 years old. Unfortunately, my mom and my grandpa (her dad) had a huge fight on the day before Christmas eve, and my mom insisted we had to leave. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a flight back home until after Christmas and we had no money for a place to stay. That was one of the most bizarre Christmases we ever had. We ended up spending Christmas with the taxi driver who had picked us up at the airport. We stayed in his apartment, and then had Christmas dinner with his mother. They were very kind people, and he even brought us home a tiny real Christmas tree on Christmas eve so we could feel better.
Over the years, my mom made it up with her dad, and they visited us a few times. The problem seemed to be that my grandpa did not approve of the way my mother was living her life. As I got older, I just stayed out of it, and tried to keep in contact once or twice a year with my grandparents.
I know that my Nana thinks that I have not kept in contact enough -- and that has hurt them. Part of me thinks that they did not keep in touch with me much either - that is was kind of a recipricol agreement. It probably doesn't help much to say that I have kept my own immediate family (ie. sisters, mom) at arms length, because I don't feel like I trust them not to hurt me.
I guess the only thing I can say with true honesty is that I have had to focus on my own life, and my own kids, because of a survivor mentality. As an optimistic person, I try to look ahead at the wonderful possibilities, instead of dwelling on the past.
I realize now that I learned as a young child that it was safer keep people (especially family) at arms length, because I grew up in a house that was somewhat unstable. My mother was a passionate, born again Christian, who was out to save the world. She trusted in God to provide for us, but often we did not have food in the house, which made me start disbelieving in God by the time I was about 14.
The other thing I believe is that in this world, you can invent our own "family". Family are not just blood relatives, but can include those who are there for you on a regular basis, through good times and bad. Not only do I have many family members (blood relatives) here in Ottawa, I have a other "family" here -- people who are my closest friends.
Who are your family?
My Nana said that she doesn't expect him to be able to come home, and that she is planning on moving into a smaller apartment near the nursing home where he ends up. She is quite a bit younger than he is. They have been together over 40 years and I am worried about her. She is going to be very lonely.
Growing up, I was much closer to my Nana than my Grandpa. She was always friendly, caring and loving to us, even though we were her "step" grandchildren. She married my grandpa after his first wife (my mom's mom) died young. In fact, my mom got married just before my grandpa got re-married. My mom had my older sister Dana in early 1962, then my Nana had my aunt Cindy at the end of 1962, and finally, I was born in late 1963.
The three of us did a lot together in our early years. Because we were so close in age, Dana and I would go to the cottage with my grandparents and Cindy regularly, and one summer, Dana and I got invited to drive down to Florida with them all. I still remember seeing the Blue Ridge Mountains with them. It was so beautiful.
Later on, I had similar interests to Cindy, so we spent two summers together at a Christian summer camp that was on a ranch in the Eastern Townships, south of Montreal. By then, my family had moved to Ontario, so we only got to see each other during summer vacations. That is probably one of the last times I got to spend any length of time with Cindy. The next year, they had decided to move to Florida, and so we didn't get to see them much after that.
We did spend one last Christmas with them, probably in 1977 or 1978, as I was about 14-15 years old. Unfortunately, my mom and my grandpa (her dad) had a huge fight on the day before Christmas eve, and my mom insisted we had to leave. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a flight back home until after Christmas and we had no money for a place to stay. That was one of the most bizarre Christmases we ever had. We ended up spending Christmas with the taxi driver who had picked us up at the airport. We stayed in his apartment, and then had Christmas dinner with his mother. They were very kind people, and he even brought us home a tiny real Christmas tree on Christmas eve so we could feel better.
Over the years, my mom made it up with her dad, and they visited us a few times. The problem seemed to be that my grandpa did not approve of the way my mother was living her life. As I got older, I just stayed out of it, and tried to keep in contact once or twice a year with my grandparents.
I know that my Nana thinks that I have not kept in contact enough -- and that has hurt them. Part of me thinks that they did not keep in touch with me much either - that is was kind of a recipricol agreement. It probably doesn't help much to say that I have kept my own immediate family (ie. sisters, mom) at arms length, because I don't feel like I trust them not to hurt me.
I guess the only thing I can say with true honesty is that I have had to focus on my own life, and my own kids, because of a survivor mentality. As an optimistic person, I try to look ahead at the wonderful possibilities, instead of dwelling on the past.
I realize now that I learned as a young child that it was safer keep people (especially family) at arms length, because I grew up in a house that was somewhat unstable. My mother was a passionate, born again Christian, who was out to save the world. She trusted in God to provide for us, but often we did not have food in the house, which made me start disbelieving in God by the time I was about 14.
The other thing I believe is that in this world, you can invent our own "family". Family are not just blood relatives, but can include those who are there for you on a regular basis, through good times and bad. Not only do I have many family members (blood relatives) here in Ottawa, I have a other "family" here -- people who are my closest friends.
Who are your family?
A Few of My Favorite Things...
My name is Suki... I am a nine month old English Cocker Spaniel... I have become obsessed with certain items in our house. I love socks...especially my mom Lisa's socks...especially when they are full of her incredible odour... they make me feel loved, even when she is not around. I love to keep one of her socks in every room of the house, just in case I need one...
I also love boots... especially Lisa's smelly old winter boots...these boots have magical powers of protection...they keep me safe when I am alone and afraid of things like the dark... or whent he cats are picking on me... I try to keep one in my crate, for those special times when I get locked in there... and I keep another one hidden somewhere so that only I know where to find it when there is a crisis.
My other love is protecting our family from attackers... I learned from my friend Anouk that when the doorbell rings, I must rush towards the door and bar alot, to frighten away the attackers... I also have learned to identify attacks of snakes on our possessions...somehow they seem to have the ability to attach themselves like leeches... it is my sworn duty to chew these items up and remove them from the items that they are attacking... somehow Lisa doesn't seem to appreciate the danger I face in fighting with these... she always puts me back in my crate and throws out the remains of the snakes...
Sometimes I am just not appreciated!
Friday, March 04, 2005
Cat Loses One Life During Dramatic Ride
INKOM, Idaho - Torri Hutchinson's cat might just have one less life to live. Hutchison was driving along Interstate 15 one day recently when a motorist kept trying to get her attention and pointing to the roof of her car.
She said she was wary of the man, but wondered if perhaps her ski rack might have come loose.
She pulled over to the side, but kept her doors locked and the motor running.
The man pulled up behind her. Hutchinson rolled down her window to hear the man frantically shouting, "Your cat! Your cat!"
He reached for the roof of her car and handed the shocked Hutchinson her orange tabby.
She had driven about 10 miles with the cat on top of the car, and didn't even notice the feline when she stopped for gas.
Hutchinson said Cuddle Bug, or C.B. for short, had climbed into the back of her car as she was getting ready to leave. She put him out, but he must have jumped on the roof while she wasn't looking, she said.
Immigration Conference
Today I got to go to an Immigration Conference. Aside from seeing old friends and professors, there were some great speakers, including:
- someone from Casa Vive, the Immigration Support Centre in Buffalo New York, which provides services to refugees, explaining how crappy it is for people who are sent back to the US (failed refugee claimants) ... basically they get deported back to their own countries...
- someone from Canada Immigration Centre who was explaining that they aren't happy with the 3 year processing time for sponsorship applications (for spouses and dependents) under Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds (sheesh)
- someone from HRDC (Human Resource Development Canada) who deals with work permit applications for foreign workers - giving tips on how "NOT" to put in your applications...
- a guy who has worked on the sponsorship of same-sex partners (very cool)
- a woman who has done tons of federal court appeal work...
lots of fun and knowledge was had by all!
- someone from Casa Vive, the Immigration Support Centre in Buffalo New York, which provides services to refugees, explaining how crappy it is for people who are sent back to the US (failed refugee claimants) ... basically they get deported back to their own countries...
- someone from Canada Immigration Centre who was explaining that they aren't happy with the 3 year processing time for sponsorship applications (for spouses and dependents) under Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds (sheesh)
- someone from HRDC (Human Resource Development Canada) who deals with work permit applications for foreign workers - giving tips on how "NOT" to put in your applications...
- a guy who has worked on the sponsorship of same-sex partners (very cool)
- a woman who has done tons of federal court appeal work...
lots of fun and knowledge was had by all!
AHA!
I didn't know what AHA was until this happened... (take a look)
Thanks Kim for blogviewing me... you are truly amazing keeping all of these sites and podcasts going... on top of being a homeschooling mom.
Thanks Kim for blogviewing me... you are truly amazing keeping all of these sites and podcasts going... on top of being a homeschooling mom.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Introducing the Mean Teacher
The Mystery of the Missing Snake...
Apparently a 3 1/2 foot boa constrictor has gone missing from the Toronto Science Centre.
"That snake was a valuable educational tool," said Hooley McLaughlin, an official at the Ontario Science Centre. "We used (it) to attract attention to teach young people about the rain forest."
The red-tip boa constrictor was reported missing from the center's rain forest exhibit on Tuesday, but staff speculate it could have gone missing as early as Monday evening. It was kept in a large locked cage, entry to which was restricted to trained staff.
McLaughlin said the snake was not expensive -- the center paid C$200 ($161) for it two years ago -- but added that it is a particularly pretty sub-species of the boa constrictor.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Take the Sex-Fu Challenge
This is an amazing site... with lots of information about sex education. There is a great martial arts based game to test your skills and knowledge about sex.
Take the test!
Take the test!
Tickle Your Funny Bone
Here are some funny sites I have seen on other people's blogs:
(I meant to keep track of where I saw them, but its been a crazy week or two, so forgive me)
Ugly Wedding Dresses
Error Message Generator
(I meant to keep track of where I saw them, but its been a crazy week or two, so forgive me)
Ugly Wedding Dresses
Error Message Generator
Another Extraordinary Feline...
