Have decided that neither the bongos, nor the harmonica will be part of my New Year's resolution.
Do you know how expensive a good harmonica is? And I've been told (by LB) that the only way to play the bongos is naked and it's way too drafty in this house for that.
So instead, I'm saying 2008 is all about knitting hats!
That's enough for a New Year's resolution, right?
Monday, December 31, 2007
Stress free air travel and how to avoid incompetent travellers
On a recent business trip I had a conversation with some colleagues about how to "avoid the dangers of incompetent travellers" in airports.
We have all learned to spot them from a distance. They usually have either:
- loads of bags,
- kids in tow,
- a wild look in their eyes,
- a general look of distress about them, or, god forbid,
- all of the above
They slow down lines, annoy the airport crew and just overall ruin any hope of having a stress free flight.
But what do you do when you arrive at the airport and encounter herds of these incompetent travellers in the general check-in line? Quite simply go to the business class line - the home of world weary travellers (mostly business travellers) with small check in bags and a look of efficiency about them. Do this even if you don't have a business class ticket. By the time you get up to the check-in counter it's too late for them to turn you away. If prompted, simply smile and shrug and say you didn't realize you were in the wrong line.
Once I even said to the check-in counter agent that I thought the other line was for group check-in given the general mayhem that seemed to be happening there. You know what he did? He smiled as if he understood and upgraded me!
Next is the security line. Dress sensibly (i.e. slip on shoes, no accoutrements, no liquids) and have your laptop ready to go. It also helps to sigh a lot as if saying "Why don't people just get it."
Oftentimes the security people will notice you and open up a new line or sometimes even motion you to the express security line - the one usually reserved for airport crew and/or handicapped travellers. While most people think airport security staff are mean, heartless and cold, they are in fact sensible people able to spot a good traveller and will reward you for making their jobs easier.
When they call for boarding you don't have to wait for your row or zone to be called. Rather board when they call for those needing special assistance or have elite status. Once again, they will not turn you away when you hand over your ticket (with your passport at the ready) even if you are travelling at the back of the bus. (After all, you checked in in the business class line, so why wouldn't you also get to board with them too?)
Demonstrate your good traveller habits. By the time you reach your seat you should already have your reading material and wallet out so that you can simply toss your carry on in the overhead bin and quickly slide in. It's a long walk from the gate to the plane. There's simply no excuse to not be organized by the time you get to your seat.
And make sure to smile at the flight crew. They like that. Being friendly and sympathetic with them pays off. Sometimes in free wine.
Yes, many travellers need education on how to be a competent traveller. This article is a good start. And perhaps governments should adopt Travel Studies as part of their national curricula.
We have all learned to spot them from a distance. They usually have either:
- loads of bags,
- kids in tow,
- a wild look in their eyes,
- a general look of distress about them, or, god forbid,
- all of the above
They slow down lines, annoy the airport crew and just overall ruin any hope of having a stress free flight.
But what do you do when you arrive at the airport and encounter herds of these incompetent travellers in the general check-in line? Quite simply go to the business class line - the home of world weary travellers (mostly business travellers) with small check in bags and a look of efficiency about them. Do this even if you don't have a business class ticket. By the time you get up to the check-in counter it's too late for them to turn you away. If prompted, simply smile and shrug and say you didn't realize you were in the wrong line.
Once I even said to the check-in counter agent that I thought the other line was for group check-in given the general mayhem that seemed to be happening there. You know what he did? He smiled as if he understood and upgraded me!
Next is the security line. Dress sensibly (i.e. slip on shoes, no accoutrements, no liquids) and have your laptop ready to go. It also helps to sigh a lot as if saying "Why don't people just get it."
Oftentimes the security people will notice you and open up a new line or sometimes even motion you to the express security line - the one usually reserved for airport crew and/or handicapped travellers. While most people think airport security staff are mean, heartless and cold, they are in fact sensible people able to spot a good traveller and will reward you for making their jobs easier.
When they call for boarding you don't have to wait for your row or zone to be called. Rather board when they call for those needing special assistance or have elite status. Once again, they will not turn you away when you hand over your ticket (with your passport at the ready) even if you are travelling at the back of the bus. (After all, you checked in in the business class line, so why wouldn't you also get to board with them too?)
Demonstrate your good traveller habits. By the time you reach your seat you should already have your reading material and wallet out so that you can simply toss your carry on in the overhead bin and quickly slide in. It's a long walk from the gate to the plane. There's simply no excuse to not be organized by the time you get to your seat.
And make sure to smile at the flight crew. They like that. Being friendly and sympathetic with them pays off. Sometimes in free wine.
Yes, many travellers need education on how to be a competent traveller. This article is a good start. And perhaps governments should adopt Travel Studies as part of their national curricula.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Best of 2007
A few days early but here are some of the best moments from 2007. In random order.
- Completing the renos on our bedroom and building of a HUGE new shed (sauna to be installed this coming Spring)
- Margarita hour with LB’s family during Grandma’s memorial
- Mom being well enough to play golf again
- Weekly updates with the Divas
- LB’s new Tundra (he’s sooooo happy)
- Kudos from the CEO for a job well done this year
- Seeing my family content with new homes and new jobs
- Reconnecting with old friends
- My stay at the Beechfield House
- Seeing my nieces and nephew grow up and finding their inner sassiness
- Lunch time walking with Katie
- Celebrating Sherry’s 40th birthday
- Making at least one recipe from every issue of Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazine
- Every moment spent with LB (I’m a lucky girl…)
Those girls, statistically speaking, sock monkeys and squirrels
The annual tradition continued and it didn't disappoint. Met up with the Divas yesterday (minus one -- we missed you Chaya!) for a leisurely holiday lunch.
Helen is worried that she's become one of "those girls" waiting for her significant other to pop the question. We all agreed that it must be fairly imminent since her boyfriend's mom gave her dance lessons for Christmas. The question has now become when he'll pop the question.
Sherry hopes it's not on a significant day (like Helen's birthday today) because that day would forever be tainted if they were to end up in divorce. Statistically speaking of course, right Sherry? :)
Melle made me my very own sock monkey! I had him propped up on the couch with me last night while watching Wheel of Fortune. Charlie (a.k.a. The Monster) freaked out when he saw him and literally backed out of the room. If you have ever seen a cat back up, you'll understand how funny that is. Seems that tough guy Charlie isn't so tough after all.
And the passing of Manuel the Squirrel went to Helen. With more than three quarters of billion dollar loses at her company and still managing to get a promotion, we felt it was well deserved.
I look forward to our next get together. I hear there might even be a WWLD sock monkey in the works. I'll bring the tutu!
Helen is worried that she's become one of "those girls" waiting for her significant other to pop the question. We all agreed that it must be fairly imminent since her boyfriend's mom gave her dance lessons for Christmas. The question has now become when he'll pop the question.
Sherry hopes it's not on a significant day (like Helen's birthday today) because that day would forever be tainted if they were to end up in divorce. Statistically speaking of course, right Sherry? :)
Melle made me my very own sock monkey! I had him propped up on the couch with me last night while watching Wheel of Fortune. Charlie (a.k.a. The Monster) freaked out when he saw him and literally backed out of the room. If you have ever seen a cat back up, you'll understand how funny that is. Seems that tough guy Charlie isn't so tough after all.
And the passing of Manuel the Squirrel went to Helen. With more than three quarters of billion dollar loses at her company and still managing to get a promotion, we felt it was well deserved.
I look forward to our next get together. I hear there might even be a WWLD sock monkey in the works. I'll bring the tutu!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Surviving Christmas
Well, another Christmas successfully accomplished. Managed to squeeze in visits to all the family within a 24 hour time period. And surprisingly not one family drama emerged. Brilliant.
Also managed to finish off the two sock monkeys for my nieces in the nick of time. Somehow I managed to pull something in my shoulder in the process. Yes, you can hurt yourself sewing.
It was another turkey-less Christmas. LB and me managed to be at home Christmas night but we were too sick to prep a traditional turkey dinner. So we had soup and tuna fish sandwiches and curled up on the couch with the Kleenex box nearby.
Today I'm off to catch up with the WWLD gang. Our traditional curry lunch in Guelph. Gossip and laughter to ensue. On the agenda: Should I take up the harmonica or bongos for my New Year's resolution?
Also managed to finish off the two sock monkeys for my nieces in the nick of time. Somehow I managed to pull something in my shoulder in the process. Yes, you can hurt yourself sewing.
It was another turkey-less Christmas. LB and me managed to be at home Christmas night but we were too sick to prep a traditional turkey dinner. So we had soup and tuna fish sandwiches and curled up on the couch with the Kleenex box nearby.
Today I'm off to catch up with the WWLD gang. Our traditional curry lunch in Guelph. Gossip and laughter to ensue. On the agenda: Should I take up the harmonica or bongos for my New Year's resolution?
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Mexico is at the end of the rainbow
Pot of Gold chocolates. A Canadian staple. I gave my mom, my dad, my teachers, my grandparents, well... probably several dozen boxes over the years growing up.
And in fact, LB's grandma was buried in a special commemorative tin of Pot of Gold chocolates.
The Moir's chocolate factory in Nova Scotia - makers of Pot of Gold chocolates - closed for good on Friday.
Here's an excerpt from a Toronto Star article:
As part of its restructuring, Hershey also announced the impending closure of its plants in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S., and the construction of a new plant in Mexico.
Ohhhhh... closing plants in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S. but building a plant in Mexico. Got it.
And in fact, LB's grandma was buried in a special commemorative tin of Pot of Gold chocolates.
The Moir's chocolate factory in Nova Scotia - makers of Pot of Gold chocolates - closed for good on Friday.
Here's an excerpt from a Toronto Star article:
As part of its restructuring, Hershey also announced the impending closure of its plants in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S., and the construction of a new plant in Mexico.
Ohhhhh... closing plants in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S. but building a plant in Mexico. Got it.
But here's more...
"This change is part of our broad supply-chain transformation, and as part of this we are shifting production to our manufacturing partners in Canada, as well as Hershey's manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico," company spokesman Kirk Saville said this week.
Read between the lines. Remember the commercial? It goes something like this:
"We all know where the rainbow ends. We are told it's a Pot of Gold."
I think the new lyrics are...
"We all know where the rainbow ends. We are told it's Mex-i-co..."
Victory!!!
Holiday shopping today. Ok, well not really. We're not exchanging gifts this year. (Save the nieces and nephew. Hence the reason we were out.)
But it was in my head. The Mandle Candle. (See previous post here.) If only I can find it. Need it. Want it. We were everywhere, yet no Mandle Candle to be found.
Alas, we head home. I stop off in our local drug store to pick up some other things when I stumble across... wait for it... a whole Mandle Candle display!!!!! The shock, the awe. The hitting of my forehead. Of course I would find the Mandle Candle in my own backyard!
Three purchased. All going to immediate family.
But it was in my head. The Mandle Candle. (See previous post here.) If only I can find it. Need it. Want it. We were everywhere, yet no Mandle Candle to be found.
Alas, we head home. I stop off in our local drug store to pick up some other things when I stumble across... wait for it... a whole Mandle Candle display!!!!! The shock, the awe. The hitting of my forehead. Of course I would find the Mandle Candle in my own backyard!
Three purchased. All going to immediate family.
Cats counting calories?
Charlie. AKA Monster.Love that cat. Former barn cat turned house cat with attitude.
He won't "do his business" in the house/kitty litter. No, this cat MUST go outside to do his "thing." Unless absolutely (i.e. Kim is sleeping and WILL NOT get up and Lorne is away and won't give in) necessary.
We love him for it. I very, very, very, very rarely have to clean out the kitty litter. In fact, we have a bin of kitty litter that is now nearly three years old and will likely long outlast Charlie's time here on earth.
So as a way of saying thanks we sometimes give him "treat" food. He doesn't like the soft kind. It's gotta be crunchy. Whiska's Tempations is "IT."
Today I gave him some treats in the holiday spirit. But something caught my eye... 'Only two calories per treat,' read the label. What the @#$%!?
Are cats now counting calories? Do our feline friends worry about "thunder thighs?" Do I need to worry about how my cat looks to other cats? The neighbours?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Music and Drugs Don't Mix Well in Mexico
13 Killings of country music stars in Mexico in the last year and a half.
Link courtesy of International Herald Tribune.
Link courtesy of International Herald Tribune.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Just when you thought candle innovation was dead...
Caught a commercial at the end of Jeopardy! tonight that had me in tears I was laughing so hard.
"When is a candle more than a candle?" the commercial asks. "When it's a Mandle Candle!"
Can't find the NA version of the commercial, but here's the UK version which is pretty much the same.
Priceless. Holiday shopping dilemma solved. Mandle Candles for everyone at Christmas!!
"When is a candle more than a candle?" the commercial asks. "When it's a Mandle Candle!"
Can't find the NA version of the commercial, but here's the UK version which is pretty much the same.
Priceless. Holiday shopping dilemma solved. Mandle Candles for everyone at Christmas!!
"Jesus is the Reason for the Season"
Sign spotted on walk to Post Office today.
I'm not religious but it did make me smile; all I could picture was some rap song with "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" as the chorus.
I'm not religious but it did make me smile; all I could picture was some rap song with "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" as the chorus.
Monster Garage
Backyard neighbour (two over) is building a monster garage. It's smack dab in the middle of our view from the kitchen window. Aren't there such things as height restrictions? Please, please, please don't be some ugly aluminum and steel horror....
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friendship Spam
I hate friendship spam. The kind when a friend sends you (and 20 of their other closest friends and/or the first 2o people in their address book) a chain letter... *ahem*... email that you must forward along to 20 other people or risk:
a) losing all your money
b) being broken hearted forever
c) becoming gravely ill
or *aghast*
d) starting a chain reaction whereby someone else (possibly even the person who sent you the email) will suffer some horrible catastrophe/disfigurement/death and it'll be all your fault and you'll feel guilty and want to die
Facebook is the worst for this kind of stuff and the Super Wall application the worst offender. I'm turning it off and marking any Super Wall posting as spam. You should do this too.
Just simply forward this blog post along to 20 of your closest friends and instruct them to turn off Super Wall or something bad might happen. See choices a) through d) above.
a) losing all your money
b) being broken hearted forever
c) becoming gravely ill
or *aghast*
d) starting a chain reaction whereby someone else (possibly even the person who sent you the email) will suffer some horrible catastrophe/disfigurement/death and it'll be all your fault and you'll feel guilty and want to die
Facebook is the worst for this kind of stuff and the Super Wall application the worst offender. I'm turning it off and marking any Super Wall posting as spam. You should do this too.
Just simply forward this blog post along to 20 of your closest friends and instruct them to turn off Super Wall or something bad might happen. See choices a) through d) above.
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