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Monday, June 30, 2008

A walk and a chat

I had a lovely walk and a chat with my friend this afternoon. I really recommend exercise to generate a feeling of well-being. I even met some other friends out on Main Street. It's a social time of year with everyone out and about. It's also the Canada Day long weekend and M's birthday tomorrow.

K enjoyed his tennis camp today. L is helping him with his piano ear training and scales.

Scary stuff

Yesterday K asked me to snip a loose thread off the tshirt he was wearing. If I didn't snip a piece of his neck skin in the process! I didn't even think it was the sharp pair of scissors! He'll be fine, it's just a little nip, but scary stuff just the same.

I've been feeling a bit down lately, several things seem to be happening (or going to happen) that I don't have a lot of control over. It's hard to take one day at a time sometimes.

There's a guy coming over to give us a costing on finishing our basement. We'll see what his pricing looks like. We don't want too much done, we think, just one large open concept room, with a 3 piece bathroom and a kitchen counter with sink. Mind you, it's a big basement.

I'm planning to meet a friend for coffee in the afternoon.

L wants to meet up with a friend at Wonderland, which she's probably ready for...hmm.
I don't consider that place at all safe.

News

Most food safety assumptions are half-baked

Court orders eBay to pay LVMH over counterfeits

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Honey Garlic chicken wings


Here are the cherries on one of my cherry trees...gorgeous. The birds love them.


It's rainy and overcast today, also a bit cooler which is nice.

I just made up a new chicken wing recipe. It smells good. K likes it. Sometimes you need a change from all the bottled sauces.

Honey Garlic chicken wings

2 pounds of chicken wings
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup honey
juice of one lemon
1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
1 or 2 tbs dark soy sauce

Mix all ingredients together. Place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a pre-heated 350F oven for 30 minutes.

News

What do the world's ultra-rich spend their money on?

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Scientists to test if cancer cure can work in humans

M and I went to check Ikea's summer sale. M got a new power bar, but other than that, I didn't see anything I liked. I could've used some more shelves or storage units. Maybe I should just de-clutter some more.

I went for a walk and had a coke froster. The manager noticed that I always get only the coke flavour. He said I should try the other good flavours, but I told him it's only the coke one that I've ever liked since I was a kid. My brother is the same way I heard.

My sister in Florida tells me the U.S. is in a recession and I think Canada will be soon. All these major companies are having layoffs. It's only the resource sector that is doing well at the moment. It's scary because we've had many years of good times. Some of us will have to really learn what it means to cut back.

News

Scientists to test if cancer cure can work in humans

Macho man is going out of fashion

More Staying Home As Economy And Gas Fluctuate

Friday, June 27, 2008

Quail eggs

I went for a haircut today. Friday traffic is bad, and all the summer construction doesn't help. I've been going to the same hairdresser for more than 20 years, if I think about it! They treat me really well, especially if they're not too busy. I get a hot cup of coffee and my favourite magazines handed to me. I've changed hairstyles maybe twice in that time. Exciting person I am.

Afterwards, I stopped by the T&T Chinese supermarket. I picked up some tiny quail eggs which I have a vague memory of from early childhood. It has a recipe in the package, it seems you just boil them and can use them in appetizers. K might like these. They also had some great looking cherries, oranges and atulfo mangoes.

L went to an afternoon movie with a friend. In the evening we'll go to dinner at a restaurant with my mom, my sister and her family and our visiting actress cousin. K is progressing with his daily piano practice which includes sightreading, ear training, scales and memorizing his 5 pieces.


News

What Your Grandparents Can Teach You About Saving A Buck And Saving The Planet

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Facebook asks its users to state gender

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Fructose warning

I had a busy day today, had to go downtown with M on some personal business. We met a friend by chance and ended up chatting into the evening rush hour. So it takes 40 minutes to drive downtown in the early afternoon, and 2 plus hours to get back home during the evening rush hour.

We're having a Swiss Chalet family pack takeout for supper, although I'm going to make some meatballs in gravy for tomorrow.

News

From Making Reservations To Sitting On Hold, Online Virtual Assistants Will Save You Time For A Fee

Diabetics experience memory loss after high-fat meal

Demand for vitamin D tests soars as benefits touted

Back pain may be caused by low vitamin D levels

Too Much Fructose Leads To Serious Health Problems: Study

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Stellar report card

One of M's co-workers had a major heart attack while out cycling recently. The man wouldn't be more than 45 and seemed to be in good shape. He's recovering, but this sort of thing is very scary.

Did I mention I'm going to stop buying unsalted cashew nuts and switch to almonds? I heard they're much healthier. (a third of a cup at a time) I also read that omega 3 eggs don't have a significant amount of omega 3, so I'm switching to free run eggs. These are the ones where the chickens can roam freely in the barn. Or I'll just buy regular eggs if I can't find those. The kids and I take omega 3 supplements anyway. M doesn't seem to care about it.

A friend of mine got her mom a birthday letter signed by the prime minister to commemorate her 70th birthday. What a great idea for some moms!

L received her usual stellar report card today. Some teachers can really write good report card comments, I believe it's a skill. Did I mention K passed all his subjects for grade 7? Now we just have to worry about grade 8. He's off on birthday sleepover party tonight.

I made some delicious shrimp fried rice today. The secret seems to lie in using up whatever leftover meat you might have. I had baked some shrimp in a ginger teriyaki marinade so it already had quite a bit of flavour.


Shrimp Fried Rice

4 cups cooked white rice
2 tbs light soy sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 eggs
1 cup of cooked shrimp shelled and cut into small pieces
3 green onions cut into small pieces
3 tbs canola oil

Mix soy sauce, salt, pepper into the cooked rice. In a saute pan,
scramble 2 eggs in a bit of canola oil and remove from your saute pan. Warm shrimp pieces, remove from saute pan. Add 2 tbs canola oil to saute pan. Stir the rice in. When warmed up, mix in eggs, shrimp, and green onions. you're done!

News

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This is going to use a lot of electricity - World's first 'building in motion' coming to Dubai

Internet-based care aids blood pressure control

Study suggests colon cancer vaccine possible

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Tornado sightings

Lots of interesting news today. Not to mention the fact that tornados were spotted in the Markham area yesterday, luckily none of them touched down, but the bad weather is expected to resume on Thursday. This is scary.

My favourite perfume is L'air du Temps, by Nina Ricci. I tend to stick with what I like, but I gave 'Premier Jour' by Nina Ricci at try today, and it's not bad. I guess I like French perfume.

Today when I took my mom to the dentist, I was reading a recent Chatelaine magazine. It was talking about Carla Bruni, wife of the French president Nicolas Sarkozy. It seems she has a penchant for powerful men, and being stunningly beautiful, she tends to get her man. Here is a bit about her colourful personal life, according to Wikipedia:

Relationships

It has been claimed that Carla Bruni was involved with Louis Bertignac, Mick Jagger (Jagger's wife acknowledged his affair with Bruni was a reason for their separation), Eric Clapton, Donald Trump, Léos Carax, Charles Berling, Arno Klarsfeld, Vincent Perez and former French Prime Minister Laurent Fabius.

She has said she is easily "bored with monogamy", and "Love lasts a long time, but burning desire - two to three weeks".


The Enthovens
While living with Jean-Paul Enthoven, Bruni fell in love and started an affair with his son, philosophy professor Raphaël Enthoven (track 2, Raphäel, of Carla's album Quelqu'un m'a dit is named after him), who was at the time married to novelist Justine Lévy, daughter of philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy.

The affair and the ending of her marriage were inspiration for Justine Lévy's book Rien de grave (Nothing Serious), published in 2004. In it, Lévy paints a vitriolic portrait of "Paula", the female who steals the protagonist's husband, as "a praying mantis" with "a Terminator smile".

Bruni and Raphaël Enthoven had a son, Aurélien, in 2001.



News

The Not-So-Lost Tribe - I was completely taken in by this

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Does Facelift By Acupuncture Really Work?

Wealthy Canadians leave bigger eco-footprints

Dating service that bans ugliness comes to Canada

Alzheimer's test 'ready to be applied': company

Monday, June 23, 2008

Get Smart

We went to see the new 'Get Smart' movie and we loved it. It is funny, action-packed, witty and even original. No wonder it's the number one movie this weekend!

News

Penned pigs prefer three square meals a day

Baby crocs start chatting even before they hatch

Low vitamin D levels linked to higher risk of death

Researchers say they've found clue to Alzheimer's

Ornish diet alters genes in prostate cancer patients

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Missed it

M and I went to check out this year's Markham Village Music Festival only to find out that it was held yesterday and the day before! K was looking forward to us bringing him back a corn dog. M wanted a peameal bacon sandwich. I don't know why I bother to cook sometimes.

Everyone seemed to be out and about today in this lovely summer weather. It's nice looking at the trees suddenly full of new leaves. Now we're having a bit of a thunderstorm.

L is having a quiet day for a change.

News

High risk of pandemic in next decade, report says

Saturday, June 21, 2008

First Day of Summer

It was an absolutely gorgeous morning, just the right temperature, with lots of bright sunshine. It's my birthday. I've received lots of good wishes, a few nice cards, a couple of gifts, it's nice to be remembered.

It's time to renew the kids' SPC student discount cards. If you do it online, you get a $10 Guess card as well.

http://www.spccard.ca/

I rarely go to Tim Horton's anymore, I think McDonald's is far better value and there are healthy options. My favourite lunch at the moment is a hamburger with a small hazelnut iced coffee. Have you seen the Tim Horton's small-sized coffee lately? It's really small.

K is now refusing to use any kind of shampoo except the tea tree oil shampoo that costs $16 for a smallish bottle. M noticed he hadn't been shampooing recently, he's been saving the bit that's left because I told him he'd have to start using cheaper shampoo. He's convinced the tea tree oil shampoo keeps his hair really clean and not dry. So we'll just get him some more with his SPC discount card.

The doorbell just rang, it was a delivery of an edible fruit basket from a friend! Did I mention it's my birthday? You know you're getting old when people start remembering in such nice ways.


News

Bling around the collar

Virginia man sheds 80 pounds eating at McDonald's

Friday, June 20, 2008

Have a plan

It's amazing how much you can get done in the day when you have a plan going into it.
Even if it's not a busy day, there is always stuff that needs taking care of. It's really the stress free way to go.

Just saw L on TV...she went down to the Much On Demand CHUM/FM show with some friends, pretty cool. At least I know she made it there. My sister just told me that if I think I never see her anymore, wait until she gets her driver's licence in a couple of years! In the States, they can get a license at 15 years old in some states.

News

This is an inspiring story - Doctor's diagnosis: Success

Approach enlists immune system to fight leukemia

Weight-loss surgery lowers blood sugar levels

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Cauliflower recipe

Turmeric is supposed to be good for the heart. Here is a colourful cauliflower recipe for you to try. I just made it yesterday and thought it was delicious, so I wrote down all the ingredients! I think the lemon juice and chili flakes add something to it.

Cauliflower and Turmeric saute

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 cauliflower cut into bite-sized pieces
juice of one lemon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 onion chopped
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 tsp mustard powder
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup water

Heat oil in saute pan. Saute onions until tender. Stir in cauliflower, salt, pepper, chili, turmeric, mustard. Squeeze in the lemon juice, add chicken stock and water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Grab it if you like it

It's cool outside, back to the light jackets. And L is attending a pool party tonight, wonder how that will work out?

I got new running shoes yesterday with a gift certificate from a kind friend. For some reason I chose a bright, modern pair (white with red trim) instead of my usual conservative colours. There were these other Clarks sandals in Winners that I had my eye on, then when I went back to take another look, they were gone! It made me want them even more! I can always find things to buy in Winners, but it seems you have to grab it if you like it else it'll be gone!

I just received K's new health card in the mail, I thought there was going to be a delay but it's just on time. It's good for the next 3 years.

Have you tried the Persimmon fruit? They seem to be in season at the grocery store. They are very sweet but worth a try. They look like medium-sized orange coloured tomatoes.

My PVC shower curtains have been replaced with cloth ones at a minimal cost. They look so much better and I don't have to worry about the recent PVC health warnings.

News

Man Who Offered Life For Sale On eBay Will Pick Winner This Sun

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Gadget buyers seen as assertive, even arrogant: study

Vitamin D improves colon cancer survival rates

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Summer routine

Heading out to my step class in a little while, looking forward to it. I've been a bit down lately, don't know if it's hormonal or due to life's complications. I do have my birthday coming up on Saturday, but haven't been giving that much thought. Although I think I did look older in the mirror yesterday, and I was tired, so that wouldn't have helped.

Well, I want to run a few errands today as well, and I think a summer routine is starting to form. That is comforting. If you consider every day being different a summer routine!

I was thinking I don't even know how to make a fire, and these days you never know what disaster will strike. Also, I've had some large plastic containers filled with water in the basement for quite a few years, the water must not be good anymore, considering it's stored in plastic.

News

Man's own immune cells put melanoma in remission

Anti-spanking bill passes through Senate

Ten Percent Of Torontonians Are Obese: Stats Can

Canadians 'trading down' as food prices rise

Stomach surgery reduces cancer risk in obese patients

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Beef Congee

I went for a walk first thing this morning, before any rain, as the forecast is not good for the next 3 days. K's teeth are hurting as his braces were tightened yesterday. He doesn't complain, just doesn't eat much! I made some microwaved oatmeal for his breakfast and there's some jello setting in the refrigerator.

L had a meeting with her guidance counsellor today and got lots of good advice for the coming year, course planning, that kind of stuff. It's never too early to start thinking about university too.

L is doing me a big favour and helping K with his ear training for piano. She's hoping to play some tennis with a friend later in the afternoon if the weather holds up, before she goes to work.

Well, I'm going to make a beef congee for K, haven't made that for a while. It's a savoury rice based porridge flavoured with ginger slices and chicken stock.


Beef Congee

1 cup of lean ground beef
half a cup of ginger slices
3/4 cup of white rice
half a cup of chicken (or beef or vegetable)stock
1/2 tablespoon of salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cups of water
1 tbs canola oil

In your soup pot, brown the separated bits of beef in canola oil. Add salt, onion powder, pepper, rice, and ginger slices. Stir all ingredients together, add water and stock and bring to a boil. Simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. I skim any fat off the top before serving.


News

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Monday, June 16, 2008

Hailstorm

I just got caught in the scariest hailstorm, I thought this was 'it' for me. It pounded quite hard on the car, and I was just at the top of my street, so I just kept going, albeit slowly in minimal visibility. It didn't last long, but my hands were shaking when I got out of the car. The kids were worried, K tried calling me, but the cell phone wasn't receiving calls for some reason.

Oh well, we're off to the orthodontist shortly!

I don't think I mentioned that L had her eyebrows waxed last week using a spa gift certificate, and I noticed she went off to her party wearing nice makeup. I think the eyebrows were done very nicely, in a natural manner, but it does look a lot cleaner. So I think I have to buy more eyeshadow. It was startling to learn that some of her classmates (Grade 10) have boyfriends. One of them went to the Grade 12 prom with her grade 12 boyfriend.

The secretary at our Doctor's office is sending her toddler son to a local Montessori school in the fall where he will apparently learn 4 languages. Wow.

A better mood

I went for a walk this morning. We're supposed to get more rain later on. I'm taking my mom for a routine doctor appointment this afternoon. K has his orthodontist checkup in the evening. L has a birthday party to attend.

I made some Chinese wine soup for lunch. The recipe can be found by searching the 'recipes' label in this blog.

I'm tired today and could be in a better mood. Let's hope it lifts!

News

A new waist management plan
Worried its citizens are becoming 'metabo,' Japan is forcing many midriffs to be measured

Most cancer doctors avoid straight talk: study

Coffee Beans May Be Newest Stress-Buster

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Roasted Corn

I went for a walk with a friend this morning, it was a warm one. Then we all went to dim sum to celebrate my birthday (which is next weekend actually) and Father's Day, I suppose. K made M and nice powerpoint slideshow for Father's Day, and L contributed to it.

K had a really good time at last night's Batmitzvah, he came home with a lot of prizes he won during the games and the dancing. He said everyone was really dressed up except for one kid who came casual as he didn't realize it was such an occasion.

I have some ears of corn that M will roast today on the barbecue hopefully.

News

With high gas prices, car-sharing rises in popularity

Europe offers lessons in carbon-trading

Saturday, June 14, 2008

It was a blast

K ended up wearing his suit to the Batmitzvah, it didn't look short, really and it's a really dressy affair, so it's good that he's looking his best. We thought we would pick him up at 10.30 pm but it will be closer to midnight as we were told the cake won't even be cut until 11pm!

L just came back from 4 hours of playing tennis.

The step-a-thon was such a blast, the most energetic step class in awhile. I've missed our former instructor's energy. I think I have to start hanging out with more 30 yr olds. One of the other instructors just got engaged and was sporting quite the rock on her finger. Turns out she's getting her PhD her handsome fiance is also a part-time instructor. I thought she was a kid, but she's 30 years old too.

Step-a-thon

This is a 'new' drink that L discovered, it's called Arizona Green tea with Ginseng and Honey. It's only 70 calories per cup and very light tasting, like a flavoured water.



Coreopsis in bloom


Poppy in bloom





I'm going to a step-a-thon at the gym this afternoon. It's to raise money for a kid's foundation. I'll also see my old step instructor who is visiting for the event.

K is going to a fancy Batmitzvah party tonight, he's looking forward to seeing all his friends. I didn't bother getting him a new suit jacket, he should be fine in a dress shirt, tie and dress pants. It's quite warm today as a matter of fact. L is playing a lot of tennis this afternoon, hope the weather co-operates, she is terrified of any kind of lightning and rightly so. We saw so much lightning last night, wow.

News

Are HDTVs the office 'windows' of the future?

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High commodity prices could slice into growth, warns G8 - that would be like oil and food

Friday, June 13, 2008

Low-fat bran muffins

Took my mom to the lab for a routine blood test early this morning. I like to beat the line up. Then I went for a walk. It's almost time to get L from her sleepover party.

It's supposed to rain all weekend. K got a new XBOX 360 Elite system, so it's taking up a lot of his time at the moment, until the novelty wears off.

I'm planning to make spaghetti and meatballs this evening for supper. I got some delicious low-fat bran muffins from NoFrills supermarket. They are a small size, I just heat them in the microwave for 20 seconds, slice through the middle and insert a little bit of butter(non-hydrogenated margarine)...yum.

News

Canada dodges food price crisis

Scientists: 115-year-old's brain worked perfectly

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Japanese Firm Demonstrates Car That Runs On Water

Why Friday The 13th May Actually Be Your Lucky Day

Endangered sea dragon at Ga. aquarium pregnant

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Professional Crime

It's a bit cooler outside today. L has a dental appointment today then she's going to a sleepover party in the afternoon.

I went for a walk this morning for the exercise. The neighbourhood flowers are amazing. I'm going to make some fried rice for brunch with leftover chicken. K has to start focussing on his piano practice. He'll also be doing a lot of basketball and tennis this summer.

M told me he sees people helping themselves to the contents of the Salvation Army donation boxes at the mall. He also heard that people purchase electronics and games from Best Buy, use them, then have them professionally shrink wrapped at the Chinese Pacific Mall and return them. So now when you return electronics, Best Buy has to open the product to check if everything is still there. They will do things like swap the hard disk out. I think the city is getting too big and horrendous. We're talking professional crime here.

News


New Website Answers Those Bizarre Questions You Never Thought To Ask

New Website Spills The Beans On Salaries And Working Conditions At Major Companies

Cutting salt intake saves lives and money: study

New bird flu vaccine looks promising

Half of Canadians don't treat stroke as emergency

Your plastic shower curtain may be a health hazard

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Flip flops and summer weather

The kids are off school, so we are out and about together quite a bit the past few days, it's expensive and tiring. My routine is shot until I can adjust to a new one. A lot of summer visitors also trickle into town. Flip flops and summer weather, who can complain? Hopefully M will make it home early enough to barbecue some chicken that I have had marinating in a mild jerk sauce for 2 days now. Otherwise I'll have to bake it. I don't personally use the barbecue, gas fires scare me.

Cora's yesterday was ok, the service a this location could've been better. Who can complain about being served a large platter of good, colourful food?


News

Skyscraper of steel toy parts sparkles in New York

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Ontarians with diabetes projected to double

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Cora's

We had a horrible thunder and lightning storm last night, evidenced by the news reports of trees ripped out in various parts of the city.

L had brunch yesterday at Cora's . She said it was sooo good, we're going to go to one of their locations today so K and I can try it. M's at work, but we can't wait and he doesn't mind. She said you get this platter with everything...mounds of fresh fruit, fruit crepes, any kind of toast that you can think to ask for, eggs, potatoes, bacon. There's lots of other combinations apparently.

M finally agreed we don't have to save all our electronics boxes, some are so huge. So we now have tons of styrofoam and cardboard to take to the nearest recycle depot. This all started because of the upcoming no tag garbage day. I just found 2 bags of extra actual garbage. It's good that we can recyle a lot of things now and they don't have to go to garbage.

News

Ancient labourer burial ground excavated in Rome - I like stories of how people lived

Scientists find monkeys who know how to fish

Monday, June 9, 2008

Cinnamon Honey

L has her last exam today then she's going over to a friend's house after which a bunch of them will be going to the new Zohan movie. Sex and the City had been one of the choices but a few of the moms including me said it wouldn't be a good choice for them. K is sleeping in, then he has to do some piano practice as his exam is looming in August. Tonight my sister and I will be meeting an aunt of mine for dinner as she's in town.

I also have a bunch of errands to run, so I'm going to have some of that new cinnamon honey (with toast)that I bought at the Unionville Festival and get going. The lady said it's just whipped honey.

News

McDonald's Removes Tomatoes From Menu Following Salmonella Outbreak

Phony Airline Website Comes Too Close To Reality

Impulse Buy: Clovermead Apiaries Cinnamon Honey Spread - I bought a similar product on the weekend, it's a nice treat

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Pesticide clarification

At the Unionville Festival yesterday morning I was browsing at the pesticide booth and it cleared up an issue for me. It seems Markham is already under the pesticide by-law since January 2008, but the rest of Ontario won't be until January 2009. So you can still buy pesticide in the stores because it's not illegal in Ontario as a whole, but you shouldn't.

I also learned at this booth that was selling their own honey that you should never microwave your honey as it kills all the natural goodness. It's best to just warm it in a bowl of warm water.

I made it to church today. They are starting up the process for confirmation for the kids who will be in Grade 8 in the fall. I have to pick up a letter for K and decide if we will go through with it. L cannot believe how short this year's French Open final was this year. Nadal won too easily against Federer. Pity the people who paid all that money for front row seats.

We had a couple of friends over for a barbecue yesterday. We decided to eat inside due to the heat and the bugs, although we did sit outside for a short while. Their kids are older than ours and into relationships with the opposite sex. Parents are never free of worry, it's just another stage. Chances are, if you have reservations about your kids' chosen partner, that's probably the one he's going to marry! At the moment I just need to get my son to reach high school!

News

The flip-flop fad could be causing long-term pain - I love wearing flip flops!

Nova Scotia may add years to your life

Air travellers packing more into carry-on luggage

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Pigeon English

For some reason I feel exhausted. A friend is coming over in a few minutes to go for a walk, maybe that will help. There is a festival on Main Street this weekend, we plan to walk through it quickly. I have my shorts and tank top on, as it already feels quite warm. I'm happy the forecast changed from rain to sun today as we are having a couple of friends over for a barbecue.

An actress cousin of mine called to say she's in town working for the next month. So we will have to get together with her. She lives in Jamaica and does Jamaican stage plays in patois, our pigeon English. I've only met her once, briefly, but it's interesting to meet close cousins that you don't know very well. You see the genetic similarities and all that.

News

Experts warn Canadians to prepare for tornadoes

Multi-sensory environments provide relief, escape

Friday, June 6, 2008

Sex and the City

We decided to go to the movies last night. K said he hadn't been out in months. M and K saw Indiana Jones and I went in to Sex and the City. They were both really good, and crowded. (L stayed home to study for an exam tomorrow). But I wouldn't take any kids under 18 to see Sex and the City, it is very risque. Some brief scenes leave nothing to the imagination. But the fashion conscious would love that movie, the ladies change fabulous outfits and shoes every 2 minutes. It is such a good story, I laughed so much in parts and felt teary eyed in some. Very good acting and well written. A few hunks in there too. Mostly older woman audience.

L is watching a French Open semifinal match Nadal vs. Djokovic, glued to the tv. I didn't realize the big players like Nadal wear copies of the same outfit throughout the tournament, like a trademark identifier.

It is like a tropical rainforest outside. I tried to do a bit of weeding and cleaning up and had to give up due to the ferocious mosquitos. They were actually following me around!

News

Busy teens down energy drinks, with some risk

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Fork type trowel

I learned from this garden show on tv that you should use a fork type trowel instead of a spade to tease the weeds out, because if you just break the root off, it just spreads. Most of my flowers and shrubs seem to be in bloom, so pretty.

K got a haircut after his last exam today. It seemed to have gone well. We've been getting so much McDonald's lately, next time we're going to try the Teriyaki place that recently opened in that plaza, now that he's pretty much done with school. He says he wants to see 'Ironman', the movie. His dad wants to see the new Indiana Jones. They can go to both together, I'd rather see 'Sex and the City'. Bring on the summer! We're preparing for a very muggy 31C type of weekend.

L is still in study mode, finishing on Monday.

News

Lack of vitamin D may cause juvenile diabetes

Short, high-intensity exercise just as good for heart

BBQ Health Makeover

Disney creates Google Earth map of Disney World

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

History Lesson

The schedule is so different with the kids in school exams, I only realized at the last minute that I could make it to my regular Wednesday aerobics class. It was a great workout and I'm currently enjoying a feeling of well-being. The gym was playing 80's music in the background as well, it brought me back to my younger days. It's also quite the social event, quite a lot of us say hello to each other and exchange a few words.

A man in Best Buy was looking for the new WII Fit game without much luck, it is VERY popular and hard to get at the moment. Consumerism at its finest.

Last night L was telling me all about World War One right up to the Canadian Constitution events before I had to go to bed last night. I'm so much more informed today. It helps her study and she does a great job of explaining it all.

K has his last exam tomorrow, it's French, so that's what he'll be studying later. I asked him 'What's worse, studying, or the test itself?'. He didn't hesitate, he said 'studying'.

We have friends coming over for a BBQ on Saturday, to add to the weekend's events. There are so many bugs outside, maybe we can eat inside. I have a bite right in the middle of my forehead, just from briefly stepping out to pull some weeds.

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Former Homeless Man Wins $5 Million Lottery

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Her best shot

K is having a nap after a particularly gruelling Science exam this morning. L is studying for a few tough exams tomorrow. M is having lunch with a work friend downtown today.

I notice there is a 'no tag' garbage day coming up next week. Would love to dump some stuff, the problem is to identify what we can get rid of. M finds it impossible to throw stuff away, largely due to his upbringing I think. His mother is the same. We have so many large cardboard boxes that housed electronic equipment and he feels we might need them one day.

The weekend is already getting busy. On Friday night, K has a sleepover party, and the rest of us have a function to attend. M wants to see the new Indiana Jones movie one of these days.

L registered for an NLS Lifeguard training course this summer. She's going to give it her best shot.

A friend whose husband is suffering the effects of the shingles virus took a turn for the worse in the past week. It has apparently spread to his brain and he had 2 strokes, but is being put on anti viral medication and it is helping a lot. Hope he'll be ok, they seem to have got into the hospital quickly.

News

Brain cancer vaccine boosts survival for some: study

Nutrition: Summer is no time to stop eating healthy

EcoGeeks get all the girls

Food production must rise 50 per cent by 2030: UN

Monday, June 2, 2008

Strolling hand in hand

I was able to go for a nice walk yesterday evening. Everyone was out, I saw a couple of geese flying over Main Street, a few young couples strolling hand in hand, parents with little kids and people walking with dogs. It's a great time of year.

It's a hot summery day today, the kind that makes my bones hurt. I took my car in for regular maintenance and also got some shopping done. I got a couple of birthday presents for the kids' upcoming parties among other things.

K seems to have survived his 2 exams today and is now studying for another one tomorrow. L is complaining about the poetry on her English exam this afternoon, she just couldn't get it. Poetry does that to you sometimes!

News

Study shows young adults hit by 'news fatigue'

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Home DNA Test: Is It Worth The Money?

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Under stress

Wow, it's June already, time to flip the calendars!

K got a lot of studying done yesterday and we hope to repeat the process today. Can't wait for Thursday when we'll be free to pursue other challenges (move on)! Although, I always philosophically say it's good to have a purpose in life. Things seem extra funny to me when I'm under stress. I saw this M&M chocolate commercial on tv yesterday and I thought it was the funniest thing, the round little orange M&M guy looked so cute rolling around.

L is enjoying her job. She's playing in her first Ontario Tennis Association match today, mostly for the experience, as she's not really that good yet. Some people take this stuff very seriously.

M's shoulder has been acting up, they think it's an inflamed rotator cap (I think that's what he said) that needs rest and a possible x-ray. We middle-aged people have to slow down.

News

Uncontacted Amazon tribe photos

'High fees' sap Canadians' retirement savings: report

Drug fights breast cancer spread: doctors

Smoothies and juice may do more harm than good