Tell us a recipe.
Now I realize this may be a little to domestic for you but I could use some change up in our kitchen so bring it on. The rules are prep. time can't be more than 30 minutes long (the shorter the better). That is the only rule.
My first recipe is:
Chocolate Chip Cookies (the best ever)
1. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
2. 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3. 1 cup butter, margarine, or like, softened
4. 1 tsp vanilla
5. 1 large egg
6. 2 1/4 cup flour
7. 1 tsp b. soda
8. 1/2 tsp salt
9. 1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1. Heat oven to 375 (F not C)
2. Beat 1-5 in bowl.
3. Stir in 6-8
4. Add 9
5. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet (about 1 1/2 inch balls)
6. Bake 8-10 minutes*
7. Cool 1 to 2 minutes, remove from cookie sheet to racks
*here is Squishy's secret to all that is great with cookies, NEVER cook cookies for the entire amount. DO NOT bake them for 10 minutes or they will NOT be the best ever. Cook your first sheet for 8 minutes and take them out. Even if they don't look done, they are. The next sheet should be no more than 8 minutes but maybe even 7 1/2 minutes. This is the way to get them soft. I promise.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
1...2...3!!
Mster has cut 3 teeth in the past week. I don't need sleep really. I like getting up for my day at 3AM. Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Parallel Parking
To: the lady whose husband knew I was going to parallel park in front of them yet they didn't move their car backwards at all and then got out and watched me park to make sure I didn't hit your car.
You are very rude.
Fist clenching Squishy
You are very rude.
Fist clenching Squishy
Sunday, November 27, 2005
MOABC 2005 (aka Smart People Talking)
As a followup to my cry for help on Thanksgiving Eve here is a summary of our Mother of All Brain Conferences 2005.
Intro - Explanation of Name - relating to Eve, DNA and mitochondria.
1. Dster - Compases
An excellent presentation for numorous reasons mainly that we all got our very own compass. Let the record show that Cster chose the only pink one leaving me stuck with a black/navy blue compas. Much fun was had by all learning how to make perfect circles.
2. Maverlous - Stem Cell Research...its Not Your Brother's Kidney
An exploration of the stem cell debate with a gripping ending...YOU DECIDE! A question answered with the terms floaters and swimmers.
3. Mr. Kent - Computers and what IS going on in there
We all became different computer components and after 15 minutes of miscommunication we made a space. Not surprizingly we stopped after the space and thanked the computer geeks of the world for making a faster computer than us. (Of course we did not use the term geek so as not to offend)
4. Master (so as not to confuse with the Mster) - DNA Sequencing
Another power point presentation and more DNA discussion.
5. Moi - the Squishy Burrito - I just found a pancake in my pocket
I wrote the title a month earlier when surprize surprize I really did just find a pancake in my pocket. I discussed what a job description for a parent would look like. I was not impressed with my performance but was much glad when it was over.
6. Cster - Law...what is it good for..absolutely nothing.
Why talk about law when you can talk about the big bad government? How much power do they have anyway?
7. Milster - My life as the Mother of all Brains
Every child really is different and they each teach us different things. Apparently the Cster likes praise, 2 others like love, 1 proved that beyond a trial is a great blessing and 1 showed that God truly is looking out for us.
8. Filster - Top Secret
I was told a long time ago what the Filster was working on but that I couldn't tell a soul. Nobody ever told me it was okay so I'm not sure I can devulge his secrets. But its cool. Canada, you won't know what hit you.
9. Tster - The wonderful world of A/V
So I was wrong and he had 190 slides. It was awesome. Who would have guessed 190 slides would be so entertaining.
Intro - Explanation of Name - relating to Eve, DNA and mitochondria.
1. Dster - Compases
An excellent presentation for numorous reasons mainly that we all got our very own compass. Let the record show that Cster chose the only pink one leaving me stuck with a black/navy blue compas. Much fun was had by all learning how to make perfect circles.
2. Maverlous - Stem Cell Research...its Not Your Brother's Kidney
An exploration of the stem cell debate with a gripping ending...YOU DECIDE! A question answered with the terms floaters and swimmers.
3. Mr. Kent - Computers and what IS going on in there
We all became different computer components and after 15 minutes of miscommunication we made a space. Not surprizingly we stopped after the space and thanked the computer geeks of the world for making a faster computer than us. (Of course we did not use the term geek so as not to offend)
4. Master (so as not to confuse with the Mster) - DNA Sequencing
Another power point presentation and more DNA discussion.
5. Moi - the Squishy Burrito - I just found a pancake in my pocket
I wrote the title a month earlier when surprize surprize I really did just find a pancake in my pocket. I discussed what a job description for a parent would look like. I was not impressed with my performance but was much glad when it was over.
6. Cster - Law...what is it good for..absolutely nothing.
Why talk about law when you can talk about the big bad government? How much power do they have anyway?
7. Milster - My life as the Mother of all Brains
Every child really is different and they each teach us different things. Apparently the Cster likes praise, 2 others like love, 1 proved that beyond a trial is a great blessing and 1 showed that God truly is looking out for us.
8. Filster - Top Secret
I was told a long time ago what the Filster was working on but that I couldn't tell a soul. Nobody ever told me it was okay so I'm not sure I can devulge his secrets. But its cool. Canada, you won't know what hit you.
9. Tster - The wonderful world of A/V
So I was wrong and he had 190 slides. It was awesome. Who would have guessed 190 slides would be so entertaining.
Oh the Memories...
The inlaws are home. The house is quiet. The leftovers have been eaten. Sadly the house is losing its trace of the great Thanksgiving 2005 of our family so here are some memorable moments for posterity.
1. Cster feeding 3 pieces of pumpkin pie to the Mster while I was taking a nap.
2. Mster vomiting pumpkin pie on my jacket (whilst I was wearing it).
3. The 24 gallon container they used to make stuffing.
4. The stuffing that was the first to get all eaten.
5. The 22 lb turkey that is already gone.
6. The attempt to incorporate my family's tradition of toothpicking link sausages to the turkey in the final hour.
7. The porcupine turkey that came out of the oven as the sausages were put on perpendicular. (on purpose)
8. Cster's indecent comment to only me about our turkey's need for some happy blue pills.
9. MOABC 2005 (more to come)
10. The Turkey Bowl and Cster's derriere that finally stopped oozing this morning. Road burn sucks.
11. Mster's need to follow the young Dster around the house constantly yelling Dihdih.
12. The Mster's quick acceptance of 7 new people in our home.
13. Apples to Apples hehehe
14. Mster's odd choice of which Thanksgiving feast item to enjoy.
Yeah - Stuffing (so that's wear it all went), shrimp cocktail sauce, cranberry salad, pumpkin pie (see number 2), leftover turkey
Nay - Mashed potatoes, whipping cream
15. 5 pies
16. The need to outvocabularize each other at the dinner table. (Is it syllabuses or syllabi?)
1. Cster feeding 3 pieces of pumpkin pie to the Mster while I was taking a nap.
2. Mster vomiting pumpkin pie on my jacket (whilst I was wearing it).
3. The 24 gallon container they used to make stuffing.
4. The stuffing that was the first to get all eaten.
5. The 22 lb turkey that is already gone.
6. The attempt to incorporate my family's tradition of toothpicking link sausages to the turkey in the final hour.
7. The porcupine turkey that came out of the oven as the sausages were put on perpendicular. (on purpose)
8. Cster's indecent comment to only me about our turkey's need for some happy blue pills.
9. MOABC 2005 (more to come)
10. The Turkey Bowl and Cster's derriere that finally stopped oozing this morning. Road burn sucks.
11. Mster's need to follow the young Dster around the house constantly yelling Dihdih.
12. The Mster's quick acceptance of 7 new people in our home.
13. Apples to Apples hehehe
14. Mster's odd choice of which Thanksgiving feast item to enjoy.
Yeah - Stuffing (so that's wear it all went), shrimp cocktail sauce, cranberry salad, pumpkin pie (see number 2), leftover turkey
Nay - Mashed potatoes, whipping cream
15. 5 pies
16. The need to outvocabularize each other at the dinner table. (Is it syllabuses or syllabi?)
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
I have less than 24 hours and I'm flipping out!!
My in-laws are smart. Period. No need to explain. They just are. One of them who shall not be nameless (maverick, maverlous) thought it would be a great idea for everyone to present 10 minutes on what they are doing and learning about after our Thanksgiving feast. Believe me its a great idea. They are all doing super interesting and smart things. The only problem is that I am included in the 10 minute presentation each. AAHHH!!! And I haven't even started to put anything together. One of them has 119 slides. My milster is also in a bit of a panic and we thought we could combine our time and do a 20 minute dance medley. But I know she's humouring me and in the end she'll come out with something fabulous. She also stated that she figures that hers and mine will be the comic relief of the conference so now not only am I supposed to come up with something, its supposed to be funny. AAAHHHH!!!!!!
HELP!!!! Any ideas? Please, Pretty Please.
HELP!!!! Any ideas? Please, Pretty Please.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
9:00pm Baby!
Every morning the only thing that gets me out of bed (other than the yells and hollers of the Mster) is the promise that I make to myself that today I will take a nap while the Mster naps and tonight I will go to bed at 9pm. this happens almost everyday. At least one or the other options but usually both. Usually everyday neither happens and yet the next morning I still get myself up with this false hope.
Well. Today is different. I've got 10 minutes left and by golly (yes, by golly) I am going to do it.
Well. Today is different. I've got 10 minutes left and by golly (yes, by golly) I am going to do it.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
I Got Free Stuff in the Mail!!!
Everyday I patiently await the mail. I get so excited to open the door, look to the left and see if Mr. Mailman has dropped wonderful goodies at my door. A few days ago I looked out my window sadly to see nothing. (This actually happens a few times a week so no need to rally the troops against the post office) I went back to my daily duties of book reading, tickling and singing. Later in the day Mster and I got ready to leave. We opened the door and much to our amazement and glee Mr. Mailman had delivered a wonderful surprize that didn't even fit in our mailbox. Daring One, YOU ROCK!!! I wish I could take a picture (the batteries are kaput) but its a one of a kind (at least that's what I'm telling myself) JUMBO tape dispenser. I know its JUMBO because the package tells me so. There will be no need to hunt for the tape this festive season. This tape dispenser will be impossible to lose. Its awesome and I do plan on taking pictures of me using it in the future.
I also enjoyed Mster "tickling" me whilst I tried to put on her pajamas in her crib. She was lying down in the crib, hand out the railing swiping at my leg while giggling uncontrollably. It actually took me a second to realize what she was doing. But then I played along. "Oh Mster your tickling me. Stop. Stop. Its so ticklish. Your making me laugh". To which she giggled more and swiped more.
I caught Mster stealthily hiding her dinner sometimes right before my very eyes. Guerrilla warfare is definately not her strong point. Here's how it works (well doesn't work):
1) take piece of food you don't want to eat.
2) maneuver your arm so you can get it under your high chair.
3) drop it.
4) look the other way.
5) repeat steps 1-4
Funny thing is there is a ton of food right under her high chair but she can't see it. Funnier is when she does it while looking at me.
Happy Birthday Matt.
I also enjoyed Mster "tickling" me whilst I tried to put on her pajamas in her crib. She was lying down in the crib, hand out the railing swiping at my leg while giggling uncontrollably. It actually took me a second to realize what she was doing. But then I played along. "Oh Mster your tickling me. Stop. Stop. Its so ticklish. Your making me laugh". To which she giggled more and swiped more.
I caught Mster stealthily hiding her dinner sometimes right before my very eyes. Guerrilla warfare is definately not her strong point. Here's how it works (well doesn't work):
1) take piece of food you don't want to eat.
2) maneuver your arm so you can get it under your high chair.
3) drop it.
4) look the other way.
5) repeat steps 1-4
Funny thing is there is a ton of food right under her high chair but she can't see it. Funnier is when she does it while looking at me.
Happy Birthday Matt.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
I am a Terrible Mother and Other Musings of My Day
1) I tucked Mster in for her nap, left to do groceries and returned only to find Cster asleep in the rocker with a very bundled Mster sleeping in his lap. I later found out that Mster woke up 45 min after I left shivering to death. I had not turned the heat in her room. I am a terrible mother. Public Flogging in 15 minutes.
2) Mster and I listened to Popcorn Popping a recorded 21 times today (by Mster's boisterous request). You can listen to it here if you want to partake of the fun.
3) Cster wore his winter coat for the first time this season. Cold has become us.
4) We have NO heat. :( Workers are still "slaving" away in our basement and the heat can not be turned on. We are living off of space heaters (refer to note 1).
5) Mster is petrified of space heaters unless they are in her room. If we try and hook one up in any other room she freaks out and starts crying.
6) I did all the Thanksgiving shopping (well, almost all) this afternoon. Check out the load.
8) Today I delivered homemade soup to my surgery recovering friend and she gave me oodles of Canadian chocolate. She rocks!!!
9) Mster likes to play with this toy at 6:30AM in the morning. It involves hammering a ball and watching it go through a maze of loud rows. She's gotten very good and fast at it. Thank you Fishfrog.
10) only 24 hours till I travel in our magic car to Hogwarts.
11) Today in the car Cster announced how he had worked hard on me and how happy he was with my progress. I now like Linkin Park and will listen to his hip hop station but then he said that sometimes he feels like he has so much more work to do. Coincidentally I was belting out a Leann Rimes hit at the time.
12) Somehow Mster had no problem when I dropped her off to play at a friends house so that I could prepare for the MOABC 2005 yet I can't go to the bathroom or take a shower without constant knocking and crying. Hmm...
That is all.
2) Mster and I listened to Popcorn Popping a recorded 21 times today (by Mster's boisterous request). You can listen to it here if you want to partake of the fun.
3) Cster wore his winter coat for the first time this season. Cold has become us.
4) We have NO heat. :( Workers are still "slaving" away in our basement and the heat can not be turned on. We are living off of space heaters (refer to note 1).
5) Mster is petrified of space heaters unless they are in her room. If we try and hook one up in any other room she freaks out and starts crying.
6) I did all the Thanksgiving shopping (well, almost all) this afternoon. Check out the load.
7) Because I was cold I decided to wear my warmest clean socks which happened to be white. My outfit however was only condusive to black shoes so today I committed a fashion faux pas.
Luckily I looked like this for most of the day.
8) Today I delivered homemade soup to my surgery recovering friend and she gave me oodles of Canadian chocolate. She rocks!!!
9) Mster likes to play with this toy at 6:30AM in the morning. It involves hammering a ball and watching it go through a maze of loud rows. She's gotten very good and fast at it. Thank you Fishfrog.
10) only 24 hours till I travel in our magic car to Hogwarts.
11) Today in the car Cster announced how he had worked hard on me and how happy he was with my progress. I now like Linkin Park and will listen to his hip hop station but then he said that sometimes he feels like he has so much more work to do. Coincidentally I was belting out a Leann Rimes hit at the time.
12) Somehow Mster had no problem when I dropped her off to play at a friends house so that I could prepare for the MOABC 2005 yet I can't go to the bathroom or take a shower without constant knocking and crying. Hmm...
That is all.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Landlord, you Crack me Up!
Here is the latest list of items finished in my house since 3 men in suits came to visit me.
1) 1 dug up sidewalk (our sidewalk looks like a bomb exploded)
2) all the drains cleared (supposedly)
3) a new waterheater for the neighbours
4) loss of water, return of water
5) caulking on the bathtub. caulking washed away on the bathtub
6) a big hole in the cement basement, pipes fixed, new cement in the basement
7) a fruit fly investation
8) Crazy tree in the front yard taken down
9) Coffee cup is gone
and last but not least the reason for all this "extra" work.
9) A ROOM TORN DOWN (I can not confirm this as I heard a ton of banging about an hour ago but I haven't had a chance to go down and make sure its really down.
1) 1 dug up sidewalk (our sidewalk looks like a bomb exploded)
2) all the drains cleared (supposedly)
3) a new waterheater for the neighbours
4) loss of water, return of water
5) caulking on the bathtub. caulking washed away on the bathtub
6) a big hole in the cement basement, pipes fixed, new cement in the basement
7) a fruit fly investation
8) Crazy tree in the front yard taken down
9) Coffee cup is gone
and last but not least the reason for all this "extra" work.
9) A ROOM TORN DOWN (I can not confirm this as I heard a ton of banging about an hour ago but I haven't had a chance to go down and make sure its really down.
Interactive Wednesday - Suspended
I'm sorry Interactive Wednesday but you are suspended. You didn't do anything wrong. You are a wonderful addition to my wednesdays and please know its not you, its me. I'm just kind of busy now and I have another cold and my idea for today involves getting out of this chair and going into the kitchen and my poor body just can't do it today. And so you will be suspended until the wednesday after thanksgiving where we will review the situation before re-initiating your comeback.
I am ever so sorry to Fishfrog who changed Tax Wedneday to Tax Tuesday just for me. I promise it was not in vain.
I am ever so sorry to Fishfrog who changed Tax Wedneday to Tax Tuesday just for me. I promise it was not in vain.
Monday, November 14, 2005
What is Wrong with My Blog?
Does anyone know why my template all of a sudden decide to shift my right column down a mile?
Does anyone know how to fix it?
Does anyone know how to fix it?
Napoleon Dynamite Size Dilemma
For all you Pedro fans Daring One has a clutter and moral problem. Check it out here.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
I am Victorious!
Today was a NO yogurt day. I am Victorious!
I did however realize that in addition to teaching the Mster how to say spit that she was taught the actions as well. We now have a 15 month old that can spit on command. What mother wouldn't be proud?
I did however realize that in addition to teaching the Mster how to say spit that she was taught the actions as well. We now have a 15 month old that can spit on command. What mother wouldn't be proud?
Saturday, November 12, 2005
I lost again!
It looked like I was going to come out victorious but alas I lost my battle with Mster and yogurt today. It seems that Mster is obsessed with plain full fat yogurt. She must have it once a day. Preferably at dinner. Today I was armed and ready. I had leftover lasagna that I knew she loved. I had oranges. I had grapes. The lasagna went over well. The oranges even better. But it was while I was presenting the grapes that I believe Mster caught onto my attack plan. (namely to fill her up before she realized she hadn't had yogurt) She refused the grapes and anything else and I was forced to get out the tub of white dairy and fill up her measuring cup so she could happily slurp away.
A few days ago the Cster took Mster outside to play whilst I was putting away groceries. In the 10 minutes I left them alone Cster had taught Mster 2 new words.
Sti- stick
Spi- spit (followed by peels of laughter)
So now our 15month old daughter can say spit and not mommy. Ugh!!!!
A few days ago the Cster took Mster outside to play whilst I was putting away groceries. In the 10 minutes I left them alone Cster had taught Mster 2 new words.
Sti- stick
Spi- spit (followed by peels of laughter)
So now our 15month old daughter can say spit and not mommy. Ugh!!!!
Friday, November 11, 2005
My subconscious is SOOO Smart!
A few weeks ago while reading a friends blog I noticed she was in a book club. Always trying to find an interesting read and not yet initiating my Interactive Wednesday...I just read a great book I decided to check it out at the library.
Much to my amazing suprize it was a story about 2 Dutch women who were a part of the underground rescuers during Nazi Germany. I love learning about Nazi Germany. I'm fascinated by it. I'm obsessed with understanding the whole concept of annihilation and what would posess a race to do so. I had however not read anything about rescuers. (Actually thats not true I read the Diary of Anne Frank in 6th grade) I was hooked. I loved reading about rescuers and I found 2 other books of which I am on the second one.
Then, today, I took Mster to the library to return some books only to find it was closed. Its Veterans Day! This was great. Veterans day is the same day as Rememberance day in Canada. Ever since high school I have always watched at least one WWII movie with Nazi's on Remembrance day eve. I had totally forgotten the day was coming. But alas my subconscious is SOOOO smart and while we have no WWII movies here and I did not watch one last night I did read my book and I do plan on reading more of it tonight. I love traditions.
Happy Veterans Day! Happy Remembrance Day!
Much to my amazing suprize it was a story about 2 Dutch women who were a part of the underground rescuers during Nazi Germany. I love learning about Nazi Germany. I'm fascinated by it. I'm obsessed with understanding the whole concept of annihilation and what would posess a race to do so. I had however not read anything about rescuers. (Actually thats not true I read the Diary of Anne Frank in 6th grade) I was hooked. I loved reading about rescuers and I found 2 other books of which I am on the second one.
Then, today, I took Mster to the library to return some books only to find it was closed. Its Veterans Day! This was great. Veterans day is the same day as Rememberance day in Canada. Ever since high school I have always watched at least one WWII movie with Nazi's on Remembrance day eve. I had totally forgotten the day was coming. But alas my subconscious is SOOOO smart and while we have no WWII movies here and I did not watch one last night I did read my book and I do plan on reading more of it tonight. I love traditions.
Happy Veterans Day! Happy Remembrance Day!
Way to go MSN Search!
I would like to take this moment to officially thank MSN Search for supporting my blog.
If you type any of the following search queries my blog comes up:
1) Squishy
2) Where is Thumkin (I guess it pays to misspell) :)
3) Larakeet
If you type any of the following search queries my blog comes up:
1) Squishy
2) Where is Thumkin (I guess it pays to misspell) :)
3) Larakeet
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
I've Opened Pandora's Box!
So far our home has been graced by 2 contractors and 4 property management maintenance personel on 2 different occasions.
1st Occasion: The Plumber
This suprized me because they never told me they were going to get a plumber. I think this also suprized the plumber when he eventually came knocking on the door asking what in the world was leaking and why was he there. (he had already been downstairs for 15 minutes) I told him the problem (nothing to do with plumbing, I thought) but suggested while he was there that he check out the pipes as we do have pools of water sporadically in our basement. He found some interesting stuff and property management people came.
So we may, or may not, get the following done: (in addition to the mold issue)
a) a new water heater
b) a new shower door
c) new faucets
2nd visit: A concrete contractor
Apparently the Environmental people did come and determined that our sidewalk needed to be fixed. The sidewalk guy talked to me for 1/2 hour (if anybody would like to know sidewalk guys life history, I know it) and toured the basement (I should start charging money) and found a bunch of other stuff. Crazy.
So tomorrow morning sidewalk guy and his workers are going to bring their jackhammers and sledgehammers and probably other hammers and tear up the entire sidewalk and put in a new one.
Let the construction begin...
1st Occasion: The Plumber
This suprized me because they never told me they were going to get a plumber. I think this also suprized the plumber when he eventually came knocking on the door asking what in the world was leaking and why was he there. (he had already been downstairs for 15 minutes) I told him the problem (nothing to do with plumbing, I thought) but suggested while he was there that he check out the pipes as we do have pools of water sporadically in our basement. He found some interesting stuff and property management people came.
So we may, or may not, get the following done: (in addition to the mold issue)
a) a new water heater
b) a new shower door
c) new faucets
2nd visit: A concrete contractor
Apparently the Environmental people did come and determined that our sidewalk needed to be fixed. The sidewalk guy talked to me for 1/2 hour (if anybody would like to know sidewalk guys life history, I know it) and toured the basement (I should start charging money) and found a bunch of other stuff. Crazy.
So tomorrow morning sidewalk guy and his workers are going to bring their jackhammers and sledgehammers and probably other hammers and tear up the entire sidewalk and put in a new one.
Let the construction begin...
Interactive Wednesday - Look Ma, No Hands!
I'm glad the last few interactive wednesdays have been such a huge hit. The first installment of Corner Gas was viewed chez moi (we missed you Fuzzy) and the DVD has already landed in the paws of Maverick. All is well in Saskatchewan.
Interactive Wednesday is going to be another show and tell this week. Well more of a tell if you must be so exact. There are so many things that I don't know about you. And so today lets share a little. Now don't panic. Your identities need not be revealed. And remember you write the comments so you have full say on what we hear.
I thought we could share a little about our accomplishments. Those things that make us proud of our past but then I started laughing and laughing. Who wants to hear about those things. We want the gruesome, funny details of your life. So do you have a talent? A stupid human trick by chance. Have you done anything rather odd?
Here's mine:
1) I can say the alphabet backwards in under 5 seconds. I am usually clocked at 3 seconds.
2) I did concert security for the Back Street Boys, NSync, Matchbox 20 and a big outdoor concert. For those that know me this is quite humourous considering the fact that I don't necessarily give off the "cross me and you die" aura. My entire orientation and training involved getting an id badge and being handed a black shirt with SECURITY written in white. I'm sure all my clients felt extremely safe. My favourite moment was watching the lead singer drive around in a golf cart while concert officials/admin tried to chase him down because he was supposed to be on stage. My least favourite part was when the Back Street Boys mean big bodyguard yelled at me backstage.
Interactive Wednesday is going to be another show and tell this week. Well more of a tell if you must be so exact. There are so many things that I don't know about you. And so today lets share a little. Now don't panic. Your identities need not be revealed. And remember you write the comments so you have full say on what we hear.
I thought we could share a little about our accomplishments. Those things that make us proud of our past but then I started laughing and laughing. Who wants to hear about those things. We want the gruesome, funny details of your life. So do you have a talent? A stupid human trick by chance. Have you done anything rather odd?
Here's mine:
1) I can say the alphabet backwards in under 5 seconds. I am usually clocked at 3 seconds.
2) I did concert security for the Back Street Boys, NSync, Matchbox 20 and a big outdoor concert. For those that know me this is quite humourous considering the fact that I don't necessarily give off the "cross me and you die" aura. My entire orientation and training involved getting an id badge and being handed a black shirt with SECURITY written in white. I'm sure all my clients felt extremely safe. My favourite moment was watching the lead singer drive around in a golf cart while concert officials/admin tried to chase him down because he was supposed to be on stage. My least favourite part was when the Back Street Boys mean big bodyguard yelled at me backstage.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
You Go Girl!
While driving home today I looked at Mster only to see her digging. She was working it all the way up to her first little baby knuckle.
Reading Time at the Library
Today I took the Mster to the library for a baby (0-2yrs old) reading time. I've gone before. Usually it is a bunch of moms with their 1 or 2 children sitting on the floor listening to the librarian read stories. There is also music and clapping and lots of random walking about. Usually I would say 15 kids at the max.
But, today was a little different. Another group came in. They were either preschool or daycare group with 40 kids. 40KIDS!!! It was very crowded. But here is where the situation got interesting. I started to observe the difference between these 2 groups. The daycare kids sat there quietly. Some with blank stares just hanging out. Some obviously enjoying the entertainment but still sitting. Almost all of the other babies (with their moms there) were much more active. They stood up. They wandered. They clapped when they weren't told to clap. They danced when the music came on. (The daycare kids did get up and clap when the music came on bu their leaders quickly told them to sit down, which they all did magically).
So, why the difference? And which is better? The kids were obviously well behaved. My mster rushed the librarian and had a complete conversation with her including pointing feverishly at the book. None of these kids rushed the librarian.
hmmm....
But, today was a little different. Another group came in. They were either preschool or daycare group with 40 kids. 40KIDS!!! It was very crowded. But here is where the situation got interesting. I started to observe the difference between these 2 groups. The daycare kids sat there quietly. Some with blank stares just hanging out. Some obviously enjoying the entertainment but still sitting. Almost all of the other babies (with their moms there) were much more active. They stood up. They wandered. They clapped when they weren't told to clap. They danced when the music came on. (The daycare kids did get up and clap when the music came on bu their leaders quickly told them to sit down, which they all did magically).
So, why the difference? And which is better? The kids were obviously well behaved. My mster rushed the librarian and had a complete conversation with her including pointing feverishly at the book. None of these kids rushed the librarian.
hmmm....
Monday, November 07, 2005
Goodbye Diapers!
Today Mster and I got rid of all her old diapers. (not dirty, but old diapers) We had a big farewell party with Mster waving madly to her old chums and repeatedly telling them bye.
Don't go thinking we're into potty training already. Its not that big a day. Today Mster moved up to size 4 diapers and we were bidding a grand farewell to the size 3. You see for the past few weeks we've been noticing a lot of plumbing* going on around the house and I knew it wasn't my diapering abilities this time and finally just realized they were too small for her.
So off we went to purchase bigger diapers. (a big conspiracy is that the bigger the diaper you get the less diapers you get in the container) and now Mster is decent.
*plumbing: from the Cster's dictionary, "to plumb". To show one's butt crack while bending over.
Don't go thinking we're into potty training already. Its not that big a day. Today Mster moved up to size 4 diapers and we were bidding a grand farewell to the size 3. You see for the past few weeks we've been noticing a lot of plumbing* going on around the house and I knew it wasn't my diapering abilities this time and finally just realized they were too small for her.
So off we went to purchase bigger diapers. (a big conspiracy is that the bigger the diaper you get the less diapers you get in the container) and now Mster is decent.
*plumbing: from the Cster's dictionary, "to plumb". To show one's butt crack while bending over.
Mster's Dictionary 1.1 (and a small bit on "the Man")
Mster's Dictionary:
Bahble: bubble
bahday: banana
baw: ball
doodee: cookie, I honestly don't know how she knows this. I would never give my 15 month old cookies. :)
Dahdee: Elmo
and...
I really thought I might be overposting on "the Man". I figured people were probably at the point that if I wrote one more ranting post without actually taking anybody's advice they would revolt and boycott. But alas, I recieved a request for an update and by golly just a few short hours ago an update was experienced to be written about.
First off, thanks to all those who gave suggestions. Really I'm a wimp at heart and the thought of calling a tv news people consumer report scared the guts right out of me. I mean I don't want my tv debut to be me, unbrushed hair, holding a baby, crying about my basement. My tv debut shoudl be me singing a Christmas special with famous musicians*. A thanks also goes out to Annonymous, who although will not reveal himself/herself (which drives me absolutely crazy with a little syndrome I like to call "I NEED TO KNOW!!!", gave a great suggestion of government health people. And I looked into it I really did but it looked like I would be involving myself in other "the Man"s and I was frightened.
So I decided over the weekend to write a letter to the company and copy it to the University since we are in offcampus housing. I called up the U and asked who I needed to send it to and was told to just talk to him instead. It was el presidente of the company. Not el presidente of the U (although that would have been an interesting phone call). After talking to el presidente I was told that he was disturbed and would call me back by the end of the day. Yeah, said I. (I know I'm a sucker) 15 minutes later there were 3 men in suits in my basement. Another 15 minutes later and I was shaking hands with el presidente himself, the head maintenance guy, and the maintenance supervisor of my area. They told me all the things they were going to do and then gave me their info so that I could call them directly for followups if I needed to. Hallelujah!
Production/destruction commences early next week.
*oh wait, I already did that. Winter of 87'88 baby. Me, my 4th grade choir, and Air Supply singing Christmas Carols in Olympic Plaza for the whole nation.
Bahble: bubble
bahday: banana
baw: ball
doodee: cookie, I honestly don't know how she knows this. I would never give my 15 month old cookies. :)
Dahdee: Elmo
and...
I really thought I might be overposting on "the Man". I figured people were probably at the point that if I wrote one more ranting post without actually taking anybody's advice they would revolt and boycott. But alas, I recieved a request for an update and by golly just a few short hours ago an update was experienced to be written about.
First off, thanks to all those who gave suggestions. Really I'm a wimp at heart and the thought of calling a tv news people consumer report scared the guts right out of me. I mean I don't want my tv debut to be me, unbrushed hair, holding a baby, crying about my basement. My tv debut shoudl be me singing a Christmas special with famous musicians*. A thanks also goes out to Annonymous, who although will not reveal himself/herself (which drives me absolutely crazy with a little syndrome I like to call "I NEED TO KNOW!!!", gave a great suggestion of government health people. And I looked into it I really did but it looked like I would be involving myself in other "the Man"s and I was frightened.
So I decided over the weekend to write a letter to the company and copy it to the University since we are in offcampus housing. I called up the U and asked who I needed to send it to and was told to just talk to him instead. It was el presidente of the company. Not el presidente of the U (although that would have been an interesting phone call). After talking to el presidente I was told that he was disturbed and would call me back by the end of the day. Yeah, said I. (I know I'm a sucker) 15 minutes later there were 3 men in suits in my basement. Another 15 minutes later and I was shaking hands with el presidente himself, the head maintenance guy, and the maintenance supervisor of my area. They told me all the things they were going to do and then gave me their info so that I could call them directly for followups if I needed to. Hallelujah!
Production/destruction commences early next week.
*oh wait, I already did that. Winter of 87'88 baby. Me, my 4th grade choir, and Air Supply singing Christmas Carols in Olympic Plaza for the whole nation.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
If I Was Your Tour Guide in Banff!
We would arrive in Banff and immediately hike Suphur Mountain. It is not too long (maybe 2 hours), we'd have lunch and then we would take the Gondola down. (If you ride up its 20$CAN, if you ride down its free.) On the ride down or during the hike I would tell you about the sulphur hot pools that you can go in. You will tell me that you forgot your bathing suit and I will reassure you that you can rent them there. You will look at me like I am on Mars and we will never discuss renting bathing suits again, ever.
Then we would have lunch. I always say we'll have lunch at the top but its always windy. So we never do. Instead we will spend a total of 10 minutes on the top, realise how darn windy it really is and rush for the gondola. Then we will either eat lunch at some picnic table or go to Lake Minnewanka. I will tell you the story about the Elk that came charging towards us one time while I was there and the crazy tourists who did not take their kids and run but instead grabbed them and threw them closer to the Elk to get a good picture
After Lake Minnewanka I will assess your needs. Are you a shopper or an explorer? If you are a shopper we will go here: 
You will be able to purchase anything your heart desires at only 200% the cost of buying it anywhere else. You will however get to see "the Candy Store" and "Lush".
If you are into exploring I would take you here:
The picture may be small but its the Banff Springs Hotel. Here we will try and get as far was we can into the hotel without getting caught. Its pretty fun. I will tell you about the haunted rooms and how I ate my first, and only, escargot there during a french field trip.
After our adventures in shopping or trespassing we would get in the car and head to Lake Louise. I love Lake Louise. The lake is green and amazing. I will dazzle you with my trivia knowledge that "the Shining" was filmed there.
Lake Louise doesn't take very long. So I would then surprise you and say while Lake Louise is awesome there is a lesser known touristy lake that is even better. We would take the short drive to Moraine Lake.
Then I would dazzle you with more of my trivia knowledge and tell you that it is actually Moraine Lake that is on the 20$ Canadian bill.
After Moraine Lake we would make the trip back to Calgary revelling in the Rocky Mountain beauty. I love it!!!!
Sidenote: I stole all these pictures off the web. They are not mine and you can't use them with my permission because I have none (permission, that is).
Saturday, November 05, 2005
CanCon
It turns out that only about 12% of my readership is coming from Canada. I feel that this number could definately be boosted. And so I have decided that I'm going to try initiating a little CanCon on my blog.
What is CanCon?
For those who want an official answer you can go here. But the gist of it is that I need to put 33% (or is it 30%?) of my blog full of Canadian content. This will make Candians more likely to read my blog because I will have more things that they can relate to. I don't know how it works but the Canadian government says it will and who am I to argue.
How will CanCon be implemented on my blog?
Very carefully. (well not really) Everyonce in a while I will randomly pick a Canadian topic/person/location/etc. and discuss.
How will CanCon be measured on my blog so that it is at least 33% (or 30%)?
It won't.
Good Night, eh!
What is CanCon?
For those who want an official answer you can go here. But the gist of it is that I need to put 33% (or is it 30%?) of my blog full of Canadian content. This will make Candians more likely to read my blog because I will have more things that they can relate to. I don't know how it works but the Canadian government says it will and who am I to argue.
How will CanCon be implemented on my blog?
Very carefully. (well not really) Everyonce in a while I will randomly pick a Canadian topic/person/location/etc. and discuss.
How will CanCon be measured on my blog so that it is at least 33% (or 30%)?
It won't.
Good Night, eh!
Is that Purple or Indigo?
I just wanted to say that I definately think I detected an indigo aura around Mster this morning? Eerie...
Friday, November 04, 2005
The Webster and Mster Dictionary
Websters Dictionary:
Probscic
Pronunciation: pr&-'bä-s&s, -'bäs-k&sFunction: nounInflected Form(s): plural -bos·cis·es also pro·bos·ci·des /-'bä-s&-"dEz/Etymology: Latin, from Greek proboskis, from pro- + boskein to feed
1 a : the trunk of an elephant; also : any long flexible snout b : the human nose especially when prominent2 : any of various elongated or extensible tubular processes (as the sucking organ of a butterfly) of the oral region of an invertebrate
Mster's Dictionary:
Tees: toes
Bahday: banana, bagel
DaaaaaaDeeeeeee: daddy
Duhdeee: ducky
B'Dahdee: bye daddy
Bye: bye
Hi: hi
Why: I want that. I want to give you this.
No: I am done eating and you have less than a second to acknowledge me before I start throwing food on the floor.
Uh Oh: I fell. You fell. I almost fell. You almost fell. I dropped something. You dropped somthing. You pushed a little hard on the brakes.
Probscic
Pronunciation: pr&-'bä-s&s, -'bäs-k&sFunction: nounInflected Form(s): plural -bos·cis·es also pro·bos·ci·des /-'bä-s&-"dEz/Etymology: Latin, from Greek proboskis, from pro- + boskein to feed
1 a : the trunk of an elephant; also : any long flexible snout b : the human nose especially when prominent2 : any of various elongated or extensible tubular processes (as the sucking organ of a butterfly) of the oral region of an invertebrate
Mster's Dictionary:
Tees: toes
Bahday: banana, bagel
DaaaaaaDeeeeeee: daddy
Duhdeee: ducky
B'Dahdee: bye daddy
Bye: bye
Hi: hi
Why: I want that. I want to give you this.
No: I am done eating and you have less than a second to acknowledge me before I start throwing food on the floor.
Uh Oh: I fell. You fell. I almost fell. You almost fell. I dropped something. You dropped somthing. You pushed a little hard on the brakes.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Where is Tall Man?
Not to be confused with "the Man".
A few days ago I was sitting in a circle with a bunch of other moms and their tots. It was sing-a-long time. After a great rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star the leader suggested Where is Thumkin. Here's how it went:
"Where is Thumbkin? "Where is Thumbkin?" (hands are behind your back)
"Here I am." (Right hand comes forward revealing the thumb)
"Here I am." (Left hand comes forward revealing the thumb)
"How are you today sir?" (right thumb speaking and moving in an up and down motion)
"Very well I thank you." (left thumb speaking and moving in an up and down motion)
"Run and hide" (Right hand goes behind back)
"Run and hide" (Left hand goes behind back)
This sounds harmless doesn't it? Well the song goes on with pointer. And then the song moves on to Tall Man.
When its Tall Man's turn you have a bunch of mom's with children in their laps giving each other the finger. Some mom's hold up two fingers to try and eleviate the awkwardness. Some mom's proudly raise Tall Man and, I think, sing just a little louder and other mom's just glance back and forth to their neighbours cowering as they wish this verse was over.
Aah good times at play group...
A few days ago I was sitting in a circle with a bunch of other moms and their tots. It was sing-a-long time. After a great rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star the leader suggested Where is Thumkin. Here's how it went:
"Where is Thumbkin? "Where is Thumbkin?" (hands are behind your back)
"Here I am." (Right hand comes forward revealing the thumb)
"Here I am." (Left hand comes forward revealing the thumb)
"How are you today sir?" (right thumb speaking and moving in an up and down motion)
"Very well I thank you." (left thumb speaking and moving in an up and down motion)
"Run and hide" (Right hand goes behind back)
"Run and hide" (Left hand goes behind back)
This sounds harmless doesn't it? Well the song goes on with pointer. And then the song moves on to Tall Man.
When its Tall Man's turn you have a bunch of mom's with children in their laps giving each other the finger. Some mom's hold up two fingers to try and eleviate the awkwardness. Some mom's proudly raise Tall Man and, I think, sing just a little louder and other mom's just glance back and forth to their neighbours cowering as they wish this verse was over.
Aah good times at play group...
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Interactive Wednesday - I just read a GREAT book!
Well I really just reread a book that I LOVED!!! I think that everybody should read it and so Interactive Wednesday is finding out what other books people loved and feel that others should read too.
Give the name of the book.
The Author.
A short synopsis.
Why you like it.
Here's mine: (I know a lot of you have already read it but I really want everybody who hasn't read it to hear about it):
Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
A young indian boy finds himself floating on the Pacific on a raft with a Bengal Tiger, a Zebra, an Orangutan and another animal I can't remember.
First, of Martel is Canadian. Yeah!!! Second, the book made me think like no other. In fact a year later I am still thinking about it. That's what a good book does.
I look forward to getting a new library list from everybody.
Give the name of the book.
The Author.
A short synopsis.
Why you like it.
Here's mine: (I know a lot of you have already read it but I really want everybody who hasn't read it to hear about it):
Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
A young indian boy finds himself floating on the Pacific on a raft with a Bengal Tiger, a Zebra, an Orangutan and another animal I can't remember.
First, of Martel is Canadian. Yeah!!! Second, the book made me think like no other. In fact a year later I am still thinking about it. That's what a good book does.
I look forward to getting a new library list from everybody.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Propaganda and Torture
I spent many minutes today explaining to the Mster why putting our fingers in other people's noses is not fun. It was usually interupted with her putting her finger in my nose. The Cster witnessed it all.
Shortly thereafter the Cster decided it would be hilarious to pin me down and encourage the Mster to poke in my nose with her finger. She loved it. I did not.
Shortly thereafter the Cster decided it would be hilarious to pin me down and encourage the Mster to poke in my nose with her finger. She loved it. I did not.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!
I realized what a lucky girl I am today. I get applause almost daily. Other than some entertainers how many people can say that?
Almost every day Mster gives me an enthusiastic clap for different tasks that I accomplish. Today it was wisking the egg in preparation of pancakes. Yesterday it was my amazing dancing moves. I tell you this girl knows talent.
Almost every day Mster gives me an enthusiastic clap for different tasks that I accomplish. Today it was wisking the egg in preparation of pancakes. Yesterday it was my amazing dancing moves. I tell you this girl knows talent.
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