Laws of the natural universe

Law of Mechanical Repair: After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

Law of the Telephone: When you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal.

Law of the Alibi: If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.

Variation Law: If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will start to move faster than the one you are in now. (works every time)

Bath Theorem: When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

Law of Close Encounters: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

Law of the Result: When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

Law of Biomechanics: The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

Theatre Rule: At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.

Law of Coffee: As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

Murphy's Law of Lockers: If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

Law of Dirty Rugs/Carpets: The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich of landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.

Law of Location: No matter where you go, there you are.

Law of Logical Argument: Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

Brown's Law: If the shoe fits, it's ugly.

Oliver's Law: A closed mouth gathers no feet.

Thanks For ......

I am Thankful :

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS HE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I A M CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY,

FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

THANKSGIVING

Here in Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving in October. For me it is mostly an excuse for a day off all to myself. Don't get me wrong, I do give thought to the things I am thankful for, but I don't really need one day a year to do this, I try to do it everyday.

There are other reasons that I don't really celebrate this holiday. I am vegetarian, and HATE tofu, so no tofurkey for me, thanks! Most holidays are centred around two things, food and family. I have an adult son, and that is my family. All other members of my family live in England, and they don't have a Thanksgiving holiday there. So no family, no turkey equals no Thanksgiving!

I work in a school and am always grateful for a day off, especially this one, as it is the first after going back to school. So plans for this long weekend are as follows:
Shopping
Cleaning
Scrapbooking
Relaxing
Reading
Walking in the crisp fall temperatures in my neighbourhood in Toronto

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE

*Check out the link on the title.

Laughing baby

I got this link from an email today, it's not the first time. But today when I turned up my speakers and listened for a few minutes, I really smiled at this.
I had a long day today helping out with the school cross country run, and was very tired when I got home. After listening to this simple giggle, I was really uplifted and found more energy to get other things done.

Just click on the title and turn up your speakers, its cute, and it will make you smile.

40 Year Old Virgin

Beatriz and I went to Amore for dinner last night it was fabulous as usual.

We then went on to see the movie '40 year old virgin.'

It was so funny, I almost wet myself laughing! We were laughing so loud, but it just couldn't be helped.

Go see this movie!

But a warning to those who are offended by sexually explicit language, you might want to pass!

Make Poverty History

Back to School

Well my first week back at school, and it went really well.

Having spent the last 3 months at home it was a relief to get back to work. The usual 2 months off during the summer was great, but then with the sudden surgery date, and I ended up having another 4 weeks off. So eventhough I am not quite fully healed I just had to get back into the swing of things in the classroom.

I am working with 3 classrooms and love them all. I am divided up between 2 kindergarten classrooms during the morning and a grade 2/3 for the afternoons. I am in contact with 4 children with autism thoroughout the day, as well as about 7 or so behavio0ural kids. I realised yesterday that I can't do the physical stuff I used just now, as I got hit and one of my scars opened up and started to bleed a little. So I will have to leave that stuff up to the Educational Assistant for now.

Beatriz and I will be checking out a movie today. She has been waiting to see "40 Year Old Virgin" as I haven't been able to laugh without hurting, so we will be able to have a good laugh today.

How to deal with toxic people

Remember that you can’t change toxic people, but you can learn to cope with them and neutralize their impact on your life. Here are some effective strategies to try.

1. Always stand at eye level with the person you are confronting. Never have them standing over you, looking down.

2. Respect the toxic person and always expect respect in return. Settle for nothing less.

3. Remain calm. A calm cool response to an angry verbal barrage can neutralize a toxic experience.

4. Listen attentively.

5. Don’t argue or interrupt, just listen.

6. Don’t accuse or judge, just state how you feel about the situation..

7. If the toxic person tries to verbally bully you, just say, “ I’m sorry but I don’t allow people to treat me this way. Perhaps we can continue this when you have calmed down.” Then slowly and calmly walk away.

8. When someone is being toxic to you here is a powerful response and one that is easy to use because you don’t have to say a word. In the midst of a toxic attack just ........ PAUSE....LOOK AT THE PERSON, WITHOUT EMOTION......TURN AND WALK AWAY. It works!

9. While anger is sometimes a valid response it has to be used as a last resort. Anger doesn’t usually accomplish anything with a difficult parent and can actually cause further alienation.

10. Put your qualifications on display. Whether people like to admit it or not they are impressed by paper qualifications. When you enter a doctor’s office you see behind his/her desk all the degrees, diplomas and additional courses taken in various medical fields etc. When you see this you begin having more confidence in the expertise of the doctor. I think teachers should do the same. Behind your desk have copies of your degrees, teacher’s certificates, professional courses taken etc. mounted on the wall for all to see.

11. When Interviewing a difficult parent never sit behind your desk.. Move your chair out from behind the desk and place it close to and in front of the parent. This sends a strong assertive message to the one being interviewed. It says, “ I am comfortable and confident in this situation. That’s just the message your want to send.

12. Never underestimate the power of a stern, disapproving look. It certainly saves you words and allows you to assert yourself with minimum risk. If someone is doing or saying something that puts you down or tries to overpower you, give them a look of disapproval which says loudly and clearly, “BACK OFF”.

13. Selective silence is one of the most effective ways of dealing with difficult people. It is easy to use, and very low threat. When people are being difficult, they are often seeking attention and power. When you respond verbally to their toxic attack you are giving them attention and power they desire. When you use selective silence you deny them both attention and power. You are basically ignoring them and no one likes to be ignored.

14. When you are being harassed by a fellow staff member you must, in the interest of professional ethics, have the courage to confront. You can do this verbally face to face, or in writing. Stay calm and professional. You can say something like this. “ It has come to my attention that you have some concern about my teaching. Is this true?” Listen calmly and carefully to their response. Follow up with “ Perhaps you could put your concerns in writing. I will study them and get back to you with my written response.”Great harm is done to a teacher’s reputation and well-being by a fellow teacher acting unprofessionally. Challenge them.

REMEMBER.... You don’t exist to be anyone’s doormat.

Dinner and a movie

Yesterday, Beatriz a friend of mine, invited me to a movie. We went to a wonderful restaurant for dinner first and ate salad , pizza and had a beer each. We then made our way to Famous Players theatre and chose the movie "The Wedding Crasher" because we wanted a laugh!
The movie was okay but not as funny as I had anticipated. My biggest complaint is how fast some of the actors talked. It's just not natural!
Another problem I had was with the movie theatre. All those commercials, it's just like sitting at home watching t.v.! And then of course they show so many trailers and they are so long and loud that you just get turned off. I hate having that loud, fast paced, in your face, explosive advertising thrown at me.
However, in the end I can't really complain, I did get a free movie with popcorn and a drink out of it!

Busy month

Well I left Canada on June 30 and arrived in England the following day to visit my family and friends. I spent the first part of my holiday battling the 'flu! But then the weather got better and so did I.

The plan was to go home to help my sisters out who have been keeping an eye on my dad since last year when my mum died suddenly. I spent the whole 10 days with him, despite the fact her has a dog and I have allergies! Thank goodness for antihistamines!

I did get to see a few friends and although we seldon see each other any more it amazes me how close we all are. I visited some old family friends and that made me miss my mum even more. I enjoyed the company of my cousin, my aunt, my sisters, my brother, and my nephews and nieces. I did have a few days out visiting local scenery, and those were the best days. I went to a wedding on very short notice, and it was lovely, along with the weather.

After 19 days I returned to Toronto and realised that I still had until the end of August to rest and relax. My son moved back home after 4 years away at university. That'll be a big change having him around again. But he tells me he plans to go away to somewhere in Asia to teach English as a second language.

I also got the go ahead for surgery that I am looking forward to. August 26 can't come along soon enough for me. However it means I won't be returning to work at the beginning of September, but after Thanksgiving in October.

Dad and his Grandson 

Scrapbook pages

Here are a few scrapbook pages for your viewing pleasure!

Not much to report!

It's been almost 3 weeks since my new room mate moved in and all is going well. I was a little concerned that things may be difficult, but so far, so good.

Had a scare last week. My sister told me that my dad had been rushed to hospital fearing a heart attack. It was not however, and we are extremely greatful for that.

My brother and dad have been out fishing, and that is a good thing. Always glad to hear my dad is doing stuff, especially stuff he loves.

I have an appointment with the dr. on Monday to see if I am a good candidate for reduction surgery! Yeah, yeah, I hear you! But when you have too much it's just no fun. Guys love it, but I'd love to see them carrying them around, see how long they could handle things that limit their activities!! Anyway wish me luck, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Little else has happened in the past few weeks, hense my lack of writing! A new pope was elected, but I'm not into religion and politics. We had a few nice days this week, but today it hasn't stopped raining. So I guess it's a great day for doing the laundry!

I'm going out tonight for some drinks and dancing! I'm taking my new roomie to the Hard Rock's club 279. My friend works there and so we will have a blast!

I have been included in two meetings this week at work, and that was a good thing. All too often the people that count the most get left out, but I am happy to say that the principal at my school is pretty cool when it comes to things of this nature.

Well as you can see I have so little to write, that I am scraping the bottom here!

Next time there will be a better entry!

A New Room Mate

It is strange how things work out.

I recently reaquainted myself with Marina, the daughter of my partner who died 8 years ago. I had found some photos of her dad, and wanted to pass them on to her. I found her through her aunt. Marina was delighted to get the pictures.

Since that time we have gone out a few times, for dinner, a movie, chatted online and spoke on the phone. Marina has just finished her 2nd year of university, and has been living on campus. She now wants to live in her own place, and when she told me this, I suggested she come and live with me for a few months while she looks for a place. She has accepted. I am so happy.

When her dad was still alive, Marina didn't really like me that much. I think perhaps she thought I was taking her father away from her. He was divorced from her mother, and had just ended a very bad relationship with another woman. Perhaps Marina didn't want to see her dad get hurt again and that is why she didn't get close to her dad's girlfriends. But we get on so well now. Granted we haven't really spent much time together, but I get the feeling that this was not a chance reunion, but destined to be.

I feel as though I have a new daughter, well not a daughter really, but a very special friend. I hope that this friendship grows to be full of laughter, enlightenment and good times.

bookcrossing.com

Go and check out this website right now!
www.bookcrossing.com

I came across it by accident one day while surfing the net. Basically you read a book, register it on the website, then put a number in the book, and leave it somewhere for someone else to find. They go to the website and key in the number and let you know that they found it. Then they can read it and leave it for someone else to read. Some of the books have traveled all over the world. Very cool.

I released 4 books yesterday. I left one on the subway train, one on a streetcar, one in the changeroom at my physiotherapist, and the last one I left at the sleep disorders clinic where I had an appointment. Ironically the title of the book I left at the clinic was, "Sleeping Beauty."

I know that one was already picked up, as someone has already logged into the website. The one on the streetcar was picked up as soon as I left my seat. I think the others will be picked up pretty quickly.

Anyway I thought it was a great way to pass on books, and to track where they go.

Go look at the website now!

Spring Cleaning

Well it's about time I got back to work! Having had all this time off, it's almost like I've had a holiday, other than the fact I have been sick! But I am looking forward to getting back to work. Only 3 more months then I am off for 2 months for the summer!!

I decided that I needed to clean my apartment because I probably have all those germs lying in wait until I get healthy again. So I called my friend Beatriz who agreed to come and help me. Before that though, I needed to declutter my place. Yes, I am a pack rat, and decluttering hurts me so bad! I started with my bathroom cupboard under the sink, as it was one of my 101 things to do. I had so much stuff, and put it up on freecycle. I had many responses, but the one from the women's shelter was the one I chose. I called them up and told them to come in 2 days and I would have loads of stuff for them. Now I had a deadline! I am happy to announce that I got rid of almost 30 bags of stuff. But I don't think you can tell by looking at my place, it still looks the same!

If you don't know about freecycle, check it out. There is probably one in your city. You add anything that you want to get rid of, and people will answer and pick it up. Of course you get nothing in return, except knowing that you have given someone something that you once loved. www.freecycle.org is the website, check it out.

Beatriz came over to help me clean on Friday, and we did a great job. We tore up my wall to wall carpet, and washed the floors, and dusted everything. In the midst of it all, my son came home to visit for the day, so he got to help us out too! He was not happy that I tore up the carpet, and I began to agree that it was probably a mistake. But because I had cut in the middle of it, I couldn't put it back! So now I have waxed the parquet floors, and will go and buy an area rug when I get my tax refund! It sure is rewarding though, to get that cleaning behind me. I HATE cleaning.

This has been Easter weekend, and although my son came home for a day, I haven't done anything special. I dropped by my friend Carla's yesterday and took her some flowers. I smelled someone cooking dinner on my floor yesterday, and that was when I realised I missed my family. These holidays are all based on celebrating with family, and with all mine in England I do sometimes feel quite alone.

So as stated in the begining of this post, I am looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow.

It pays to complain.

I was extremely shocked recently, when I went to a dentist to get an estimate for dental implants. I explained that I was there because I had already been to another dentist and was given an estimate, and it was about a 1/4 of my annual income. I was hoping to find a lower estimate. After lots of discussion the dentist told me that he wasn't able to give me an estimate as he would send me out to different places for different parts of the procedure. I was told they would call these places and send me the estimates later.

When I went to pay for the consultation, I almost fainted when I heard how much they wanted. $181.00 for less than 1/2 an hours work!

After 2 1/2 weeks I still had not received the estimates so I called to complain. They arrived a few days later and were astronomical!

I sat down and wrote the dentist a lengthy letter explaining my disgust at the fact he didn't listen to me when I said I didn't have a lot of money. I told him that I wasn't prepared when told the consultation fee, and told him that I felt as though I had been taken advantage of.

Two weeks later his secretary called, but I told her I didn't want to speak to her, I wanted the dentist to speak to me. He called another week later and said he didn't like people to feel unfairly treated and asked me what I wanted. I told him that I thought it was important that I tell him how I felt, so that he was aware of my disappointment, and hopefully he wouldn't treat patients as such in the future. He offered to pay me half the fee back, and to try to get me in to the university's dental implant program. I said that would be fine. Even if he doesn't bother about the university, at least I will be getting $90 back, and thats an acheivement!

Some dentists are a joke! 

Jury Duty

Well it has been a very interesting week for me. I was asked to go to the court house to be a potential juror. I sat for almost a full week awaiting to be called. On Monday my panel was called, and I was chosen to be a trier for the first case. Basically this involves me talking to another person to decide if a potential juror looked good enough for the counsellors to consider. So within the first pick, I was sent back to the body of the court. But after 20 people had been considered, there was still 1 juror short, so my name was picked again. However I didn't get to face the accused, because they chose someone before me.
The next day I was chosen and faced the accused, but was 'challenged' by the crown, so I joined the body of the court again. And that was it. On Wednesday and Thursday they sent us home saying our services were not required for the rest of those days. The also told us that we would not be required to come back on Friday, either. I was a little disappointed, as I would have liked to sit on a jury, I think it would be very interesting. Real life drama.

So today is the beginning of March Break. No real plans, except for taking it easy and trying to get a little spring cleaning done. The school has decided to add March Break and Easter together, so I won't be going back to work till Tuesday March 29th.

I haven't been able to spend any time on my 101 things yet, (except a little knitting) but hope to get something started during the break.

Summer 2004 

Sick of being sick

Having been sick for over 2 weeks now, it has become apparent that I need to deep clean my apartment. There are most likely nasty germs living in my carpets, bedding and god know where else in my home. So as soon as I get better I will solicit the help of my friends Beatriz and Carla and give this place a really good going over.

I visited the Dr. yesterday who gave me a note allowing me a couple more days off. So I can REALLY focus on getting completely well.

However, after this weekend when I would normally be going back to work, I have to sit for selection committee for jury duty. That could take anywhere from 3 to 5 days! Then starting next Friday March Break/Easter holidays start. So there is the chance that I won't be back to work until March 29!

101 things in 1001 days

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

1. Put an entire paycheck directly into my savings account. (DONE)
2. Spend a week without using a television (DONE)
3. Spend a week without using a computer (DONE)
4. Go to the library 12 times a year(DONE)
5. Have a party at my house (DONE)
6. Go to a film festival (DONE)
7. Wash dishes every night for a week. (DONE)
8. Iron clothes for a month
9. Declutter the coat closet. Only have coats and shoes in there.(DONE)
10. Volunteer my time for a charity.(DONE)
11. Serve jury duty. (DONE)
12. Write a journal everyday for a week (DONE)
13. Stay in touch with people I miss(DONE)
14. Read unread books on my bookshelf (DONE)
15. Publish this list on the web (DONE)
16. Take 25 early morning walks
17. Yoga at least once a week for a year
18. Write 20 personal letters(DO CHRISTMAS CARDS COUNT!)
19. Floss every day for a month
20. Work out 2x a week for 8 weeks(DONE)
21. Take vitamins every day for a month (DONE)
22. Eat meals at the dining room table every day for a month(DONE)
23. Knit or crochet 10 items for charity (2 pairs of mitts, 1 hat)
24. Organize my photos(DONE)
25. Complete 48 scrapbook pages in a year (DONE)
26. Build up a 2 month emergency fund. (DONE)
27. Put all photos on disk, making an additional disc for the featured person(DONE)
28. Remove paperwork from previous years and file(DONE)
29. Sort, declutter and organize craft supplies and tools (DONE)
30. Declutter and reorganise bookshelves (DONE)
31. Renew my passport (DONE)
32. Drink 6 cups of plain water a day for 2 months (DONE)
33. Minimize the storage room(DONE)
34. Deep clean the apartment (DONE)
35. Replace the wall to wall carpet (CARPET REMOVED, REPLACED IT WITH AN AREA RUG)
36. Find someone to go to the ballet with (Saw the Nutcracker)
37. Go to 3 theatre shows (DONE) Witches, Spamalot, We Will Rock You
38. Do respite care for a family of child with autism
39. Visit the hut at Walton (DONE)
40. Call one person each month with whom I haven't spoken in a while (30X)
41. Have a breast reduction performed on OHIP (DONE)
42. Lose 20lbs over 1001 days (10lbs so far)
43. Have garage sales (10X) (3 so far)
44. Keep all receipts to see how my money is actually spent and record them (DONE)
45. Go to a movie once a month for a year (DONE)
46. Go out for dinner once a month for a year (DONE)
47. Declutter my bed room (DONE)
48. Declutter my living room (DONE)
49. Declutter my sun room (DONE)
50. Declutter my dining room (DONE)
51. Declutter my kitchen(DONE)
52. Declutter my storage room (DONE)
53. Transcribe sessions with Psychics
54. Redo family tree (DONE)
55. Vacuum entire apartment every Sunday(DONE)
56. Dust every Friday afternoon
57. Clean the bathroom every Thursday afternoon
58. Wash all floors every Saturday morning
59. Clean out the cupboard under the sink in the bathroom(DONE)
60. Cut down tv viewing hours to 3 per night (DONE)
61. Call my Dad every Sunday (DONE)
62. Contact Son twice a week (DONE)
63. Utilize Freecycle regularly(4 times in a year so far)
64. Go on dates once a month for a year (Perhaps 4 in 2005)
65. Take a vacation in the sun before 1001 days are up (DONE)
66. Give a scrapbook workshop (Hosted a crop)
67. Go to physiotherapy (GOING 2X A WEEK)
68. Have less knee and ankle pain(DONE)
69. Only buy good quality shoes (3 pairs while in England)
70. Tell my friends how important they are to me(DONE)
71. Visit family in South Africa
72. Visit family in New Zealand
73. Visit family in Australia (DONE)
74. Visit family in Ireland
75. Visit family in England (DONE)
76. When knees are stronger, ride bike once a week for 3 months (Ride 5 days a week)
77. Cook a full meal from scratch at least once a week for a month (DONE)
78. Have a professional pedicure (DONE)
79. Have a professional facial (DONE)
80. Have a professional massage (DONE)
81. Buy more music (12 x) (4)
82. Redecorate bathroom (DONE)
83. Use the Pilates ball I bought twice a week for a month (DONE)
84. Use the door gym I bought twice a week for a month(DISPOSED OF)
85. Do all exercises the physiotherapist give me(DONE)
86. Drink more herbal tea(DONE)
87. Go to 1 baseball game each year (missed 2005)
88. Go to a music concert with a friend (DONE) Hootie and the Blow Fish with Ildiko
89. Draft a legal will (DONE)
90. Get dental implants or a bridge (DONE) Bridge 2006
91. Fly a kite
92. Invite a family member to vacation in my home (DONE)
93. Send thank you notes for birthday and Christmas gifts (DONE)
94. Make homemade soup once a week each winter (DONE)
95. Take Katrina out for dinner (DONE)
96. Refrain from buying scrapbook supplies for 1 month (DONE)
97. Take driving lessons
98. Laugh so hard, I pee my pants (DONE watching 40 year old virgin)
99. Take a cruise
100. Take 12 pictures of Son (DONE)
101. Clean out drinks cabinet (DONE, I gave all staff at work Quickshots)