OMG!!! I am SO tired! I am taking part in a Charity Boot Camp where for every pound I lose, a pound of food is donated to a food bank. I went for the first time tonight and I am really feeling it now. I will also feel it tomorrow. Much more so!
It was interesting that all present were female- except for the instructor who is a 21-year-old guy full of piss and vinegar, but not entirely unlikeable. I suppose group exercise is not a guy thing. Or is it?
The schedule will be repeated Thursday night- if I live that long and then Saturday. I hope to get a little in shape to prepare myself for the Ballroom Dancing Teacher Training Course starting January 4th. I would rather be pooped now, than when I am trying to learn a whole bunch of steps on top of it.
I am so tired I cant type any more. I am going to bed. I keep making typos coz I cant life my arms. UGH.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
A dog's chance
Sometimes I think I have no luck with little things. With little things I mean work. Hmmm work; little? Yes, it is as it does not rule my life. My life rules my life, and that includes many many things.
I am trying to organize some tests in Toronto that require me to have several examiners. It seems to get harder each time to do this as the numbers are growing. Well after careful planning and numerous hours at the computer and desk, I find out that two of my examiners are not going to be qualified in time. This means I have to practically start all over again.
Well, this is going to be a fun month! Yay.
I am not going to lose any sleep over this as it clearly wont do a damn thing. But rather try to keep everyone informed and make the necessary decision when the time comes. And I KNOW some people wont be happy, but them are the breaks. What can a girl do?
Ugh. Off to bed. this is not flowing and I dont want to torture anyone more than I have to.
I am trying to organize some tests in Toronto that require me to have several examiners. It seems to get harder each time to do this as the numbers are growing. Well after careful planning and numerous hours at the computer and desk, I find out that two of my examiners are not going to be qualified in time. This means I have to practically start all over again.
Well, this is going to be a fun month! Yay.
I am not going to lose any sleep over this as it clearly wont do a damn thing. But rather try to keep everyone informed and make the necessary decision when the time comes. And I KNOW some people wont be happy, but them are the breaks. What can a girl do?
Ugh. Off to bed. this is not flowing and I dont want to torture anyone more than I have to.
Monday, 23 November 2009
We should be more like dogs
Some theories state than animals think only in the past and the present. It is likely not a good idea to go this far in becoming more dog-like, but it does explain why dogs are just so trusting, simple and content. Take Oscar's ordeal from today, he went into the vet's office knowing full well nothing good comes of visits to that office, pranced in, turned around and gave me a look that said "I know something is happening but what the hell is it?" and followed the nice girl into the examination room.
When we went to get him, he jumped into my arms and looks perfectly content. Yes horrible things had happened to him in there, but it was done. Time to be with mommy again.
Now it may seem like I really need to have children because most of my blogs are about my dog, but really it is a way for me to reflect on myself, society and the alternative- a more simple way of thinking; I'm happy- I wag my tail, I am threatened- I growl, I want to play- I go get the ball and drop it at your feet, I am hungry- I follow every morsel of food that goes from the plate to your mouth. Oh wait- that one is ALL the time. But no- we have to think of the future, we have to anticipate everyone's every move and weight six hundred ways this will effect us and we have to find ways of manipulating people to do things so we get the six-hundredth-and-first option that is actually beneficial to us. And what do we get at the end? A mind-fuck- that's what.
Now imagine a life as a dog. Our jobs would consist of looking cute in order to get fed, playing, and sniffing...well I could do without that last one.
But the sad truth is we have built an infrastructure that makes simplifying life impossible- or seem impossible. The point isn't for one or two people to do it though that is a start, but entire societies. But alas, how can this come about in a capitalist country with greedy people? Yes greedy people like you and me, and as aware as I may be of my greediness, can I stop it? No! I still want a nice house and a garden, even if I make the excuse that it is for Oscar to play in. I want new clothes, new handbags, good cheese and Chianti, a good working computer so I can blog on it without it crashing. I even want my holiday away from here. Nope, sorry, can't live like a dog, tempting as it may be.
I guess the best we can do is relate to the dog, see the comfort, trust, calm and joy in those little eyes and realize that happiness is a treat, and it comes in tiny little bites, but it does come. Life doesn't have to revolve around it, like it does for Oscar and his fellow pooches, but knowing it will come may take that edge off the day.
When we went to get him, he jumped into my arms and looks perfectly content. Yes horrible things had happened to him in there, but it was done. Time to be with mommy again.
Now it may seem like I really need to have children because most of my blogs are about my dog, but really it is a way for me to reflect on myself, society and the alternative- a more simple way of thinking; I'm happy- I wag my tail, I am threatened- I growl, I want to play- I go get the ball and drop it at your feet, I am hungry- I follow every morsel of food that goes from the plate to your mouth. Oh wait- that one is ALL the time. But no- we have to think of the future, we have to anticipate everyone's every move and weight six hundred ways this will effect us and we have to find ways of manipulating people to do things so we get the six-hundredth-and-first option that is actually beneficial to us. And what do we get at the end? A mind-fuck- that's what.
Now imagine a life as a dog. Our jobs would consist of looking cute in order to get fed, playing, and sniffing...well I could do without that last one.
But the sad truth is we have built an infrastructure that makes simplifying life impossible- or seem impossible. The point isn't for one or two people to do it though that is a start, but entire societies. But alas, how can this come about in a capitalist country with greedy people? Yes greedy people like you and me, and as aware as I may be of my greediness, can I stop it? No! I still want a nice house and a garden, even if I make the excuse that it is for Oscar to play in. I want new clothes, new handbags, good cheese and Chianti, a good working computer so I can blog on it without it crashing. I even want my holiday away from here. Nope, sorry, can't live like a dog, tempting as it may be.
I guess the best we can do is relate to the dog, see the comfort, trust, calm and joy in those little eyes and realize that happiness is a treat, and it comes in tiny little bites, but it does come. Life doesn't have to revolve around it, like it does for Oscar and his fellow pooches, but knowing it will come may take that edge off the day.
Doggie dentistry
Oscar is at the vet right now. He had a minimum of two teeth extracted and the rest cleaned. He was put under for the procedure and is likely very groggy now.
It is amazing to think that so much of the world does not have dental care, that teeth are pulled out with pliers, or left to fall out of one's head and here we are spending hundreds to see to a canines dental health.
Are we civilized or insane? Our culture would dictate that it is the only humane thing to do, that leaving such things untreated makes us no better than the animals themselves. I beg to argue whether humans are better than animals- but that is another topic not to be explored at the moment. But on the other hand, I really believe that these things are put in our heads to make us spend spend spend, and if we feel guilty about our pets- our kids- then we will spend even more on them; gourmet foods, coats, studded collars, raincoats, boots, treats- does the list ever end?? Doggie day care??? I haven't gone that far as of yet. But it may come. Oh lord help us!
It is amazing to think that so much of the world does not have dental care, that teeth are pulled out with pliers, or left to fall out of one's head and here we are spending hundreds to see to a canines dental health.
Are we civilized or insane? Our culture would dictate that it is the only humane thing to do, that leaving such things untreated makes us no better than the animals themselves. I beg to argue whether humans are better than animals- but that is another topic not to be explored at the moment. But on the other hand, I really believe that these things are put in our heads to make us spend spend spend, and if we feel guilty about our pets- our kids- then we will spend even more on them; gourmet foods, coats, studded collars, raincoats, boots, treats- does the list ever end?? Doggie day care??? I haven't gone that far as of yet. But it may come. Oh lord help us!
Friday, 20 November 2009
Dog tired!
I am SO looking forward to getting home today. Unfortunately it wont last long because I have to go out again tonight, but this weekend will be for recharging, baking, cooking, cleaning and feeding my soul.
I have come to realize that the harder one works, the better one feels about himself- or in my case- herself. It is so easy to fall into a sedentary routine but becoming active again and finishing projects, creating things and expanding your horizons is far more gratifying.
I put myself into a situation yesterday that really made me nervous but I did really well, and each time I stretch my boundaries, I find out that I can do more than I imagined, but I also am mildly disappointed in myself for not trying before. This makes me wonder where I would be now if I had realized this in my 20s- likely a vet, an environmental lawyer, or something far more gratifying. Not that teaching isn't gratifying, but honestly sometimes I think in the grand scheme of things it is rather Mickey-Mouse. But then that is what I began to think of the kind of photography work I was doing. I went off to teach in Korea for a year, save enough to volunteer in Nepal and go into humanitarian work, and instead I stuck with teaching.
I could've done worse, I know, but now I am thinking I could do far better.
I have come to realize that the harder one works, the better one feels about himself- or in my case- herself. It is so easy to fall into a sedentary routine but becoming active again and finishing projects, creating things and expanding your horizons is far more gratifying.
I put myself into a situation yesterday that really made me nervous but I did really well, and each time I stretch my boundaries, I find out that I can do more than I imagined, but I also am mildly disappointed in myself for not trying before. This makes me wonder where I would be now if I had realized this in my 20s- likely a vet, an environmental lawyer, or something far more gratifying. Not that teaching isn't gratifying, but honestly sometimes I think in the grand scheme of things it is rather Mickey-Mouse. But then that is what I began to think of the kind of photography work I was doing. I went off to teach in Korea for a year, save enough to volunteer in Nepal and go into humanitarian work, and instead I stuck with teaching.
I could've done worse, I know, but now I am thinking I could do far better.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
The adventure of Oscar the dog.
No this is not the childrens' storybook I wrote a few years ago, but his current adventures. Not only did he go on a 2 hour walk today, including a bus and subway ride, but he saw the vet and made an appointment for 2 tooth extractions. YUK!! If he only knew.
I don't like the idea of him going under but there is no way to reason with a dog and get them to sit still while you cut into their gums- or however it is done. He will be doped up all weekend but after the ordeal and the gourmet "soft food" we are to deliver, he should be right as rain, ready to play with much better breath. Oh his breath stinks worse than ten kilos of kimchi!
I remember reading an article about how our pets had better health care in Canada than we did, and it appalled me, but honestly, I would rather that, than to serve them in a pot, or drive screwdrivers into their bellies. There seems to be no in-between. We are either ridiculously attentive to our pets or shamefully neglectful or even abusive.
An old friend of mine used to live on Salmon Avenue. Now she had truly white-trash neighbors, but still, these people grew up HERE where animals have some sort of value, and still she tied up her poor old dog outside under the porch, winter and summer, until the poor things died out there in the cold. I called the Humane Society- all the way from Korea- but what was the use? Can't bring back the dead.
I want to do more for animals. I want to help and foster and adopt and pay for and volunteer and, and, and, but I cant afford to bring more animals home and all I can do to make myself feel less shitty is to know that I saved ONE dog- the above-mentioned Oscar- from a short life on the streets of Korea eating little and ending up under a car- or worse.
I guess I tend to get morose after 11:30pm.
Oscar is snoring contentedly. Why am I not doing the same? Sometimes we have to learn from our dogs.
I don't like the idea of him going under but there is no way to reason with a dog and get them to sit still while you cut into their gums- or however it is done. He will be doped up all weekend but after the ordeal and the gourmet "soft food" we are to deliver, he should be right as rain, ready to play with much better breath. Oh his breath stinks worse than ten kilos of kimchi!
I remember reading an article about how our pets had better health care in Canada than we did, and it appalled me, but honestly, I would rather that, than to serve them in a pot, or drive screwdrivers into their bellies. There seems to be no in-between. We are either ridiculously attentive to our pets or shamefully neglectful or even abusive.
An old friend of mine used to live on Salmon Avenue. Now she had truly white-trash neighbors, but still, these people grew up HERE where animals have some sort of value, and still she tied up her poor old dog outside under the porch, winter and summer, until the poor things died out there in the cold. I called the Humane Society- all the way from Korea- but what was the use? Can't bring back the dead.
I want to do more for animals. I want to help and foster and adopt and pay for and volunteer and, and, and, but I cant afford to bring more animals home and all I can do to make myself feel less shitty is to know that I saved ONE dog- the above-mentioned Oscar- from a short life on the streets of Korea eating little and ending up under a car- or worse.
I guess I tend to get morose after 11:30pm.
Oscar is snoring contentedly. Why am I not doing the same? Sometimes we have to learn from our dogs.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Dog eat dog world!
I realize now that it is entirely possible that no one will read this dribble. There are SO many better blogs out there that have been going for years. Who am I in the world of blogs? I am a spec in cyberspace.
No matter! I live in a home full of love where I am important and that is more than so many can boast. I have time and imagination and the resources to do what I am doing at this moment and my biggest issue today isn't whether there will be food on my table or whether my rent will be paid, but whether no comment means no interest. We are spoiled in N. America, aren't we.
I suppose after the bare necessities are fulfilled, we look for more. I have a roof over my head, I have fulfilling work, a wonderful relationship and family that loves me. Do I want fame? Do I want fortune? From what I have seen of both those F's- it changes people, so I think I'll pass and if no one reads this, then I will consider it cheaper than therapy.
I'll tell you what I do want though. I want a vacation in Cuba!
I have SO much to do this week and starting the week sleep-deprived is not the best thing to do. So why am I sitting here at 11:15 typing something no one will read?
Off to bed I go then!
No matter! I live in a home full of love where I am important and that is more than so many can boast. I have time and imagination and the resources to do what I am doing at this moment and my biggest issue today isn't whether there will be food on my table or whether my rent will be paid, but whether no comment means no interest. We are spoiled in N. America, aren't we.
I suppose after the bare necessities are fulfilled, we look for more. I have a roof over my head, I have fulfilling work, a wonderful relationship and family that loves me. Do I want fame? Do I want fortune? From what I have seen of both those F's- it changes people, so I think I'll pass and if no one reads this, then I will consider it cheaper than therapy.
I'll tell you what I do want though. I want a vacation in Cuba!
I have SO much to do this week and starting the week sleep-deprived is not the best thing to do. So why am I sitting here at 11:15 typing something no one will read?
Off to bed I go then!
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Dog day afternoon
Dog Day: a period marked by lethargy, inactivity, or indolence.
Not for us! Usually this would be what Saturday afternoons consist of, but not today. Today we are honorary Irish for a day and we are going to go watch them kick some French ass at football.
Apparently there is a "Liverpool-friendly" pub and we are heading there to make some noise.
Will update later.
Not for us! Usually this would be what Saturday afternoons consist of, but not today. Today we are honorary Irish for a day and we are going to go watch them kick some French ass at football.
Apparently there is a "Liverpool-friendly" pub and we are heading there to make some noise.
Will update later.
Friday, 13 November 2009
Friday- in the doghouse
Well Friday started ok, and after work I made sure to get some special goodies to celebrate payday and the weekend so I went into Alex Farms- my favorite cheese store. Got some nice cheese, crackers, salami, spreads and almond-stuffed olives and came home and prepared a special platter for my hubby.
We were SO excited to be home together and we began chatting immediately. Then Frank (my best friend) called and asked me to go to Costco, and against my better judgment I went and left my hubby here to fend for himself. Bad move on a Friday night! I came home to a tired and sad husband having been left alone all night.
I was a bad wife! Sometimes I think I feel more guilty about work than about home, and that shows my priorities are really skewed!
I will make it up to him tomorrow. He deserves it.
We were SO excited to be home together and we began chatting immediately. Then Frank (my best friend) called and asked me to go to Costco, and against my better judgment I went and left my hubby here to fend for himself. Bad move on a Friday night! I came home to a tired and sad husband having been left alone all night.
I was a bad wife! Sometimes I think I feel more guilty about work than about home, and that shows my priorities are really skewed!
I will make it up to him tomorrow. He deserves it.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Rush-hour is for the dogs!
I went in to work at noon today as I was forced to call in sick due to my immobility. I completely missed the morning rush. How relaxing it was to stroll into the subway and not get pushed out of the way for a seat. People are so much more civilized when they are not threatened. Hmmm that goes both ways though. Civilized when not threatened = uncivilized when threatened. I have seen that side too! It's more like violent!
Anyway, I didn't get on the subway on the way home either. My best buddy Frank happened to be downtown and offered to pick me up since he knew I was under-the-weather. I feel far less tired and not at all stressed, and I think it is because I avoided the TTC entirely today- almost entirely.
It's 6:00pm now and I can kick back and relax- just me, Oscar and the heating pad- till my hubby gets home.
Anyway, I didn't get on the subway on the way home either. My best buddy Frank happened to be downtown and offered to pick me up since he knew I was under-the-weather. I feel far less tired and not at all stressed, and I think it is because I avoided the TTC entirely today- almost entirely.
It's 6:00pm now and I can kick back and relax- just me, Oscar and the heating pad- till my hubby gets home.
dogs rock!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8356224.stm
and here is something my sister sent me- actually she sent me the link above as well.
From the BBC:
As she lay there dozing next to me, one voice inside my head kept
saying, "Relax... you are not the first doctor to sleep with one of
his patients," but another kept reminding me, "Howard, you are a
veterinarian." DICK WILSON
and here is something my sister sent me- actually she sent me the link above as well.
From the BBC:
As she lay there dozing next to me, one voice inside my head kept
saying, "Relax... you are not the first doctor to sleep with one of
his patients," but another kept reminding me, "Howard, you are a
veterinarian." DICK WILSON
Day 2- more waking hours alone with Oscar
I got up today to find out how old I am. OLD!
Each passing week weird things are added to my list of ailments; pimples where no man has gone before, rough skin on the side of my nose- seriously! creaking and crackling knees, sore gums (OK I should floss more) GRAY hair- say it isn't so! And today- back cramps. Back Cramps??? I haven't lifted anything heavier than Oscar since the day I got married, so what is this?? Now even though I had the heating pad on, and was dressing at a snail's pace, I realized there was NO way I could make it in on time this morning. I had to call my boss!
Now normally a day off from work would be a welcomed change, but now that I teach I actually feel guilty about not going in. Each time I hand my students over to a sub, I feel like I am abandoning them; I see sad, lost, confused faces that turn to anger. I feel like a bad mom.
I have myself been a sub on many occasions and though nine-out-of-ten times I win them over and deliver an effective lesson, I do know that this is, in part, due to my theatrical skills and my ability to be a performing monkey. This requires one to leave all self-respect at the door and behave in ways that would not be appropriate for "This is your life".
On those occasions that I do not win them over, I feel like there is a noose around my neck and the other end is attached to an anvil dangling out the window! Worse of all, the students are holding the rope and ONE FALSE MOVE and they will release the rope.
I feel for those teachers who never make it off the sub list. I think you have to have the presence of mind to know that after years of teaching, if you are still on the sub list, this baby is not for you. I recently quoted my favorite teacher to a friend and I will regurgitate that quote now. Philip Stanbury used to say "Don't dig the same hole deeper, dig a different hole". Now I don't know if this was an original or if he got that from someone else, but he was full of good advice so I wouldn't be surprised. But often, these teachers cant see the hole because they are in too deep, so they keep trying and the students keep complaining! In the end there is a need for them. Without them, we would have had far fewer people to torment in high school.
I think the pills are kicking in. I can sit up straight! Maybe Oscar can get a walk now.
"Hey buddy, wanna go for a wa..." and of he goes!
Each passing week weird things are added to my list of ailments; pimples where no man has gone before, rough skin on the side of my nose- seriously! creaking and crackling knees, sore gums (OK I should floss more) GRAY hair- say it isn't so! And today- back cramps. Back Cramps??? I haven't lifted anything heavier than Oscar since the day I got married, so what is this?? Now even though I had the heating pad on, and was dressing at a snail's pace, I realized there was NO way I could make it in on time this morning. I had to call my boss!
Now normally a day off from work would be a welcomed change, but now that I teach I actually feel guilty about not going in. Each time I hand my students over to a sub, I feel like I am abandoning them; I see sad, lost, confused faces that turn to anger. I feel like a bad mom.
I have myself been a sub on many occasions and though nine-out-of-ten times I win them over and deliver an effective lesson, I do know that this is, in part, due to my theatrical skills and my ability to be a performing monkey. This requires one to leave all self-respect at the door and behave in ways that would not be appropriate for "This is your life".
On those occasions that I do not win them over, I feel like there is a noose around my neck and the other end is attached to an anvil dangling out the window! Worse of all, the students are holding the rope and ONE FALSE MOVE and they will release the rope.
I feel for those teachers who never make it off the sub list. I think you have to have the presence of mind to know that after years of teaching, if you are still on the sub list, this baby is not for you. I recently quoted my favorite teacher to a friend and I will regurgitate that quote now. Philip Stanbury used to say "Don't dig the same hole deeper, dig a different hole". Now I don't know if this was an original or if he got that from someone else, but he was full of good advice so I wouldn't be surprised. But often, these teachers cant see the hole because they are in too deep, so they keep trying and the students keep complaining! In the end there is a need for them. Without them, we would have had far fewer people to torment in high school.
I think the pills are kicking in. I can sit up straight! Maybe Oscar can get a walk now.
"Hey buddy, wanna go for a wa..." and of he goes!
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
dogs blogs and other thoughts
This is my third blog. My second had a modest following; mostly family and friends and gradually students, but it fizzled out.
I have come to realize I speak mostly to my dog. No, I am not a sorry little lonely woman with no one to talk to, just that I seem to be alone with Oscar most of my waking hours at home. This is nothing to worry about, since he isn't finishing my sentences yet, nor I his, but it occurred to me that the things I tell him may actually be worthy of the page. May be! That remains to be seen.
So the experiment is this; I will write about my everyday happenings and rant here rather than to Oscar, and see if anyone is listening. Feel free to comment. Constructive criticism is welcomed as well.
God I love spell-check!
I have come to realize I speak mostly to my dog. No, I am not a sorry little lonely woman with no one to talk to, just that I seem to be alone with Oscar most of my waking hours at home. This is nothing to worry about, since he isn't finishing my sentences yet, nor I his, but it occurred to me that the things I tell him may actually be worthy of the page. May be! That remains to be seen.
So the experiment is this; I will write about my everyday happenings and rant here rather than to Oscar, and see if anyone is listening. Feel free to comment. Constructive criticism is welcomed as well.
God I love spell-check!
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