I'm worse than a small child in the back seat on a long trip.
I can hardly take it!
All this week people every where are saying the strike is over, before it was ratified by the workers, and then local 416 canceled their vote, and then some city councilors declared they were going to vote the deal down.
I'm reading a live blog of the meeting right now.
If the deal gets voted down, then they will go right back out onto the picket line, the garbage won't get cleaned up, (or picked up next week), and my dream of heading to Centerville over the August long weekend will never be realized.
Worse still, I'm afraid that if this deal falls through then they are destined to end the strike with binding arbitration, and as much as I want it over, I don't want it all to have been for naught.
I feel that Grandfathering the sick days bank is an acceptable compromise. (Oh sorry, I meant "Grandparenting" I really did). Either that or, the strike will just go on and on and on.
My father assures me that the councilors will pass it, even though I see the one for our own district is planning to vote no.
The truth is I just really really want the strike to be over.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
New shoes for the summer season. (uh, soccer season that is!)
So today my soccer team play the first game of the summer season.
We lost 4-0, but it really should have been a loss of 1-0, as the last three were scored in quick succession during the last five minutes of the game.
I decided that I liked the spring season well enough to spring for proper soccer cleats, the only thing was, so late in the season, I had a little trouble finding them. After a day of searching I found some at Sport Check at the STC, and I had a choice between a pair that was actually half a size smaller than I usually wear, black and white for $19.88 or ones that fit just right, white with pink piping for $79.99.
If you know me well, then you know which ones I bought with out me having to say, and if you know Andrew well, you know that he told me to buy the other ones. Well, in my defense, they fit okay in the store, and the sales person (who just happened to also be the manager) told me the would loosen up in after a few wears.
So I get to the game today and I'm late, which is fine because as you may know we are not v.v. serious (although more serious this season as we have two new players who actually know how to play), but it seems we are a player short! So as quick as I can I get into my shorts, (not easy as there is no changing room) my super fluffy soccer sock, and ram my feet into my new shoes. Well, I toughed it out for as long as I could and then, when thankfully another player arrived, I hobbled off the field and took of me shoes and socks. (At this point wondering why the heck I didn't bring back up running shoes, the ones that I played last season in). Then I put just the shoes back on. Which was a little bit gross feeling, but at least a bit more comfortable. After that I did notice that one player on the other team was not wearing any socks either.
So looks like I'll be going sockless this season (and the money I would have saved on shoes will be spent on waxing ;)
I suppose I should have listened to my husband!
We lost 4-0, but it really should have been a loss of 1-0, as the last three were scored in quick succession during the last five minutes of the game.
I decided that I liked the spring season well enough to spring for proper soccer cleats, the only thing was, so late in the season, I had a little trouble finding them. After a day of searching I found some at Sport Check at the STC, and I had a choice between a pair that was actually half a size smaller than I usually wear, black and white for $19.88 or ones that fit just right, white with pink piping for $79.99.
If you know me well, then you know which ones I bought with out me having to say, and if you know Andrew well, you know that he told me to buy the other ones. Well, in my defense, they fit okay in the store, and the sales person (who just happened to also be the manager) told me the would loosen up in after a few wears.
So I get to the game today and I'm late, which is fine because as you may know we are not v.v. serious (although more serious this season as we have two new players who actually know how to play), but it seems we are a player short! So as quick as I can I get into my shorts, (not easy as there is no changing room) my super fluffy soccer sock, and ram my feet into my new shoes. Well, I toughed it out for as long as I could and then, when thankfully another player arrived, I hobbled off the field and took of me shoes and socks. (At this point wondering why the heck I didn't bring back up running shoes, the ones that I played last season in). Then I put just the shoes back on. Which was a little bit gross feeling, but at least a bit more comfortable. After that I did notice that one player on the other team was not wearing any socks either.
So looks like I'll be going sockless this season (and the money I would have saved on shoes will be spent on waxing ;)
I suppose I should have listened to my husband!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New hair and a Wedding!
Ready for something dramatic?
I chopped off most of my hair and died the underhair
BRIGHT FIRE ENGINE RED!!!!
It's the coolest hair I've ever had. I wasn't too sure about it at first because the stylist insisted on straightening it with a hot iron, but I like it better now that it's been washed. (It's a bit fluffy though.)
I did it so that I could look super stylish for Dan and Maria's wedding, which was yesterday and absolutely fabulous. It was the biggest wedding we've ever been to and we were seated soooooo close to the head table!!! I felt really honored and touched.
It was also like a little reunion, with old friends coming in from all over the place. I've known Dan since highschool (Andrew's known him a bit longer) and he's more family than friend. We all love Maria lots, and it was great to see this awesome couple finally make it all nice and legal. The bride was of course drop dead gorgeous, and the groom was not only hansom but also very well behaved ;)
It proved to be a bit too much for Ben who lasted through the actual service but wouldn't stay for dinner.
(His exact words were "Mummy I've had all together too much of this and I need to go home RIGHT NOW." to which I responded okay lets just eat a little first. Then I took him into the dinning room, where they had a lovely buffet of appetizers, and when he saw the size of the room and all the tables and the chandeliers and all the decoration he had a complete melt down. So, Andrew took him directly to Tim Hortin's and then home!)
The food was so good, starting with a cold appetizer buffets (salads, and cheeses, and other lovely treats). Dinner proper started with a shrimp and scallop skewer with fancy greens (wrapped in a long thin cucumber slice), followed by a pallet cleanser, then a pasta course (penne in tomato sauce and a sort of cheese in a pasta pouch tied up in a green onion, no idea what it's really called but it's was v.v. tasty!) , then steak and potatoes with veggies. Berries with cream for dessert, and twenty a million cakes each one as delicious as the last (with ice cream too of course). At the very end a chocolate fountain!!!
I decided not to take pictures at the wedding because I wanted to enjoy every moment rather than capture it in photographs. Besides I'm sure some pictures will come my way eventually.
I chopped off most of my hair and died the underhair
BRIGHT FIRE ENGINE RED!!!!
It's the coolest hair I've ever had. I wasn't too sure about it at first because the stylist insisted on straightening it with a hot iron, but I like it better now that it's been washed. (It's a bit fluffy though.)
I did it so that I could look super stylish for Dan and Maria's wedding, which was yesterday and absolutely fabulous. It was the biggest wedding we've ever been to and we were seated soooooo close to the head table!!! I felt really honored and touched.
It was also like a little reunion, with old friends coming in from all over the place. I've known Dan since highschool (Andrew's known him a bit longer) and he's more family than friend. We all love Maria lots, and it was great to see this awesome couple finally make it all nice and legal. The bride was of course drop dead gorgeous, and the groom was not only hansom but also very well behaved ;)
It proved to be a bit too much for Ben who lasted through the actual service but wouldn't stay for dinner.
(His exact words were "Mummy I've had all together too much of this and I need to go home RIGHT NOW." to which I responded okay lets just eat a little first. Then I took him into the dinning room, where they had a lovely buffet of appetizers, and when he saw the size of the room and all the tables and the chandeliers and all the decoration he had a complete melt down. So, Andrew took him directly to Tim Hortin's and then home!)
The food was so good, starting with a cold appetizer buffets (salads, and cheeses, and other lovely treats). Dinner proper started with a shrimp and scallop skewer with fancy greens (wrapped in a long thin cucumber slice), followed by a pallet cleanser, then a pasta course (penne in tomato sauce and a sort of cheese in a pasta pouch tied up in a green onion, no idea what it's really called but it's was v.v. tasty!) , then steak and potatoes with veggies. Berries with cream for dessert, and twenty a million cakes each one as delicious as the last (with ice cream too of course). At the very end a chocolate fountain!!!
I decided not to take pictures at the wedding because I wanted to enjoy every moment rather than capture it in photographs. Besides I'm sure some pictures will come my way eventually.
Friday, June 26, 2009
I have no sympathy. Dam you CUPE Local 416 and CUPE Local 79!
I am personally pissed off because this strike is preventing me from visiting Centerville on Center island, due to lack of ferry service. Their web site is currently displaying this message:
And as I may have mentioned, we decided to spring for season passes this year. Not that they are insanely expensive, but they are not cheap and we are on a limited budget.
The idea was to have the option to just go there any day we'd like this summer, and the only expense would be the cost of the ferry ride. I wonder if they will give us a refund? Probably not, not like it was their choice to close the park. From our two visits this year, and our many visits last year I can say that Centerville employs A LOT of students. I wonder how these student feel now that their summer jobs have diappeared.
Also, all Canada Day celebrations will be canceled if the strike continues. (Which it will, there is pretty much no chance of it being resolved today.)
That, and if you know The Boy at all, you know that one of the things he looks forward to all week is watching the garbage truck every Thursday. He was actually crying on Wednesday night. Poor little guy.
Not to mention that some Toronto parks have now been designated temporary dump sites. Garbage in public parks is always a great idea!
Maybe we should change out tourism ads to:
I have do not support this strike at all, and I hope that these unions are able to resolve it quickly before they ruin everyone's summer.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Centreville News Flash!Dear Guests, It is with great regret we advise you that Toronto Civic Employees' Union Local 416's choice to strike has caused Centreville to close. Without these workers, the City can not operate the ferries or maintain the park in a safe manner. This strike has put over 400 Centreville seasonal employees out of work. We hope that the city and the union will come to a swift conclusion. Our plan will be to resume operation the first full day the workers are back to work. Please check back here for any updates. We hope to see you on the Island very soon!
And as I may have mentioned, we decided to spring for season passes this year. Not that they are insanely expensive, but they are not cheap and we are on a limited budget.
The idea was to have the option to just go there any day we'd like this summer, and the only expense would be the cost of the ferry ride. I wonder if they will give us a refund? Probably not, not like it was their choice to close the park. From our two visits this year, and our many visits last year I can say that Centerville employs A LOT of students. I wonder how these student feel now that their summer jobs have diappeared.Also, all Canada Day celebrations will be canceled if the strike continues. (Which it will, there is pretty much no chance of it being resolved today.)
That, and if you know The Boy at all, you know that one of the things he looks forward to all week is watching the garbage truck every Thursday. He was actually crying on Wednesday night. Poor little guy.
Not to mention that some Toronto parks have now been designated temporary dump sites. Garbage in public parks is always a great idea!
Maybe we should change out tourism ads to:
"Come to Toronto! We stink......... Literally!"
I have do not support this strike at all, and I hope that these unions are able to resolve it quickly before they ruin everyone's summer.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Plastic bags and Toilet paper
The other day I went into a popular Canadian retailer who is currently promoting their "green" products. I ending up buying some stuff and when I said "No bag for me today thanks." The sales associate seemed somewhat appalled that I would rather carry my newly purchased "green" products in my canvas bag than a plastic one of theirs (which of course sported a huge logo.) It was the way she said "Oh.......well.....okay." and waved her hands dismissively in the air. It was also the way she looked at me.
I didn't say anything because I really am not one of those crazy die hard environmentalists, and I wasn't about to cause a scene. (Besides the actions of one sales associate do not necessarily reflect the company's policies) but I was a little bit upset by it.
Personally I consider the plastic bag to be one of the worst things there is.
Easy, readily available, and totally unnecessary. A real sign of the decadence of our society and how ignorant we are about how our everyday convenient choices impact the planet on which we live. (Yeah, I know, but re read the warning at the top)
I'm not saying I never ever ever use a plastic bag. I'll admit that in a pinch I've taken them. But I hate the fact that they are available at all. If it were up to me, they wouldn't be.
Well luckily, they now must charge 5 cents a bag in Toronto, so retailers will probably assume that I'm cheap rather than a weirdo.
While I think that this a basically a step in the right direction, that's more because it will create awareness around the issue of plastic bags, than actually act as a deterrent, or reduce plastic bag use.
I also have a big problem with attaching a monetary penalty to plastic bags. Because that's basically the same as saying you can be decadent and wasteful as long as you are willing to pay for it.
Sadly the biggest concern around this issue right now seems to be centered on who will get the five cents.
(But what about the toilet paper? The title is "Plastic bags and Toilet paper"! Yeah, well, seriously, don't get me started!!!)
I didn't say anything because I really am not one of those crazy die hard environmentalists, and I wasn't about to cause a scene. (Besides the actions of one sales associate do not necessarily reflect the company's policies) but I was a little bit upset by it.
Personally I consider the plastic bag to be one of the worst things there is.
Easy, readily available, and totally unnecessary. A real sign of the decadence of our society and how ignorant we are about how our everyday convenient choices impact the planet on which we live. (Yeah, I know, but re read the warning at the top)
I'm not saying I never ever ever use a plastic bag. I'll admit that in a pinch I've taken them. But I hate the fact that they are available at all. If it were up to me, they wouldn't be.
Well luckily, they now must charge 5 cents a bag in Toronto, so retailers will probably assume that I'm cheap rather than a weirdo.
While I think that this a basically a step in the right direction, that's more because it will create awareness around the issue of plastic bags, than actually act as a deterrent, or reduce plastic bag use.
I also have a big problem with attaching a monetary penalty to plastic bags. Because that's basically the same as saying you can be decadent and wasteful as long as you are willing to pay for it.
Sadly the biggest concern around this issue right now seems to be centered on who will get the five cents.
(But what about the toilet paper? The title is "Plastic bags and Toilet paper"! Yeah, well, seriously, don't get me started!!!)
Friday, May 29, 2009
It really isn't about who wins or loses....
And I'm not just saying that because we lost seven nil. (Was it seven? I lost track after a while)
The point is I had a great time, I got lots of fresh air and exercise, and I have something fun to look forward to every Sunday evening.
Who cares if I suck?
And why shouldn't I suck?
I've haven't played since like what? Grade six?
So I need to learn how to play, before I can stop sucking. (Anyways It's not as though I personally brought the entire team down all by myself.) Everyone has to start somewhere, and how will I ever improve if I don't play?
I actually came up with a pretty good working strategy, if the other team has the ball and the player is thinking and trying to aim, I just run right at them as fast as I can as if I'm totally going to steal the ball from them. Then they are forced to make a quick move as apposed to a good move. (There is only a problem if I actually reach that other player. Then I'm just standing there all like "Ohia! Can I has dat ball pleeze?" and making some feeble kicks in the generally direction of the ball.)
Some one came up with the brilliant idea of going early next Sunday to practice before the game. And there was even some talk about maybe possibly getting snazzy matching jerseys!!
The best thing about the game last week, my team totally supported my effort, and instead of commenting about how much I suck, they said that I played with heart.
Awwwwww!
How sweet and supportive is that?
I'm really glad that I got stupidly drunk at a birthday party and said I would join the team! Because I don't think I would have shown interest other wise or taken this huge risk.
Sure it would be nice to win a game or two, but I'm much more interested in getting exercise and having fun. I know I'm not a rock super star (or is that a soccer super star?) but I think I'll get better the more I play. Especially with all that lovely encouragement.
So THANK YOU team mates!
And lets play!
Woooooooooooooo!
The point is I had a great time, I got lots of fresh air and exercise, and I have something fun to look forward to every Sunday evening.
Who cares if I suck?
And why shouldn't I suck?
I've haven't played since like what? Grade six?
So I need to learn how to play, before I can stop sucking. (Anyways It's not as though I personally brought the entire team down all by myself.) Everyone has to start somewhere, and how will I ever improve if I don't play?
I actually came up with a pretty good working strategy, if the other team has the ball and the player is thinking and trying to aim, I just run right at them as fast as I can as if I'm totally going to steal the ball from them. Then they are forced to make a quick move as apposed to a good move. (There is only a problem if I actually reach that other player. Then I'm just standing there all like "Ohia! Can I has dat ball pleeze?" and making some feeble kicks in the generally direction of the ball.)
Some one came up with the brilliant idea of going early next Sunday to practice before the game. And there was even some talk about maybe possibly getting snazzy matching jerseys!!
The best thing about the game last week, my team totally supported my effort, and instead of commenting about how much I suck, they said that I played with heart.
Awwwwww!
How sweet and supportive is that?
I'm really glad that I got stupidly drunk at a birthday party and said I would join the team! Because I don't think I would have shown interest other wise or taken this huge risk.
Sure it would be nice to win a game or two, but I'm much more interested in getting exercise and having fun. I know I'm not a rock super star (or is that a soccer super star?) but I think I'll get better the more I play. Especially with all that lovely encouragement.
So THANK YOU team mates!
And lets play!
Woooooooooooooo!
Friday, May 8, 2009
I've reached my decision regarding the art show.
I'm going to go with photography this year. In fact, I'm completely ready to go! Have prints, frames and everything! I have decided to go with really f'en big, so they will be 16x20
I find it really difficult to paint "on demand" and to do enough painting to form a "collection" so I'm choosing the low stress option. That doesn't mean I'm not still painting, I am (sort of) but instead of painting with a purpose, I'm painting for sheer pleasure (much more fun) and perhaps I'll show paintings next year....
Here is my favorite photo that will be included in the show.
Taken in Niagara Falls Ontario March 2009
Sorry for the nasty logo and web address on the photo but since I'm actually trying to sell this I don't want it popping up anywhere!
Actually I've already given a print of this to someone as a birthday present.
I find it really difficult to paint "on demand" and to do enough painting to form a "collection" so I'm choosing the low stress option. That doesn't mean I'm not still painting, I am (sort of) but instead of painting with a purpose, I'm painting for sheer pleasure (much more fun) and perhaps I'll show paintings next year....
Here is my favorite photo that will be included in the show.
Taken in Niagara Falls Ontario March 2009
Sorry for the nasty logo and web address on the photo but since I'm actually trying to sell this I don't want it popping up anywhere!
Actually I've already given a print of this to someone as a birthday present.
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