Back to School

This has been a hectic week with both boys going to new schools, one in university in a different city, and one into high school.

Alex has been experiencing the results of some of his actions, or should I say, inactions. He decided to blow off academic orientation in July, resulting in his signing up for two "wrong" courses and having to stand in long lines to talk to a counsellor this week. The first issue was resolved, but second can't be due to timetabling conflicts and full courses, so he either needs to stick out the one term computer course intended for computer science majors or find something else to take. Second, he decided when he was packing that he didn't want to take our old bubble jet printer with him, only to call me in a panic asking if he could buy a printer. I said no, and shipped the old one to him. He is also "desperate" for a small fridge for his room. I'll probably order one from Costco for him and have it shipped directly.

We don't hear from him very much, and when we do, he wants something. I'll leave it at that.

Michael has finished his second week of high school and seems to be thriving. I attended curriculum night (which should be called "rules night" as very little curriculum was discussed), and was quite impressed with the teachers I met. Michael's only issue with his teachers is that his French teacher is "mean" and extremely strict. She was not a curriculum night, and even the department head who met with parents alluded to this teacher's hard core personality in a kind of round about way. The art teacher wasn't there that night, nor was his science teacher, but his math, geography, english, gym, and music teachers all look great.

He's also off to a great start in music. He had a private tuba lesson with his teacher on Tuesday evening that went well. His school band teacher is very impressed with Michael's "keenness", and has offered to teach him the basics of bass trombone so that he can play in the Junior Jazz Band. He won't have to audition, but can just sit in on practices and play what he can at the beginning. All junior music students are in the concert band, and practices begin this week. He's been really getting in to jazz lately (traditional, not modern) and has been downloading lots of stuff. The junior band goes away to band camp for four days (over a weekend) in a couple of weeks and that should be an excellent time for the young players to gel.

Japanese started today, and he'll be starting back at karate as well. He tried out for junior volleyball at school and given the small number of players who have come out so far, he's likely to make the team if they can field enough players. He also apparently did really well in football in gym class. This, a child who has never been very interested in team (or other) sports until karate.

I have a really positive feel about this school for Michael, and am glad he's getting involved in lots of stuff. He'll be busy, but is clearly enjoying things, so that's great.

I ♥ iTunes 9!

I got prompted to download iTunes 9 this morning, and so far I am very impressed with a couple of the new features.

First, you can now share your music etc among household members who use the same iTunes account with the Home Sharing feature. Not just listen to it, but actually grab it and stick it in your library for mobile use. I know there were some kluge-y ways to do this before, but this (should be) is a very quick and user-friendly way to do it. Assuming it works. There's no one home to let me set it up on other computers in the house.

Second (and this one I've tried) is the use of the genius feature to set up playlists (Genius Mixes). You pick a song, and then get Genius to choose similar music from your iTunes library to make a playlist. Example, I selected America's Ventura Highway and got a 25 song playlist (the default size) that started with

• Summer Breeze (Seals and Crofts)
• Dreamweaver (Gary Wright)
• Make it With You (Bread)
• Baby Come Back (Player)
• Still the One (Orleans)
• Kid Charlemagne (Steely Dan)
• Dancing in the Moonlight (King Harvest) etc...

Cool eh?

Easing into Fall

Beth at My Simpler Life has some ideas for Easing into a New Season.

1) Decide what the top 5 priorities are for the next few months. Then when opportunities come up you can decide if they will fit or not. (The following are not in order of importance.)

1. Continue to get in better shape via Curves, dog-walking, and sensible eating.
2. Grow my spiritual life with daily prayer and meditation and the sacraments.
3. Be of service to others.
4. Love my family through a peaceful home, hearty meals, clean clothes, and my presence.
5. Consider my response to suffering: my own, and other's.

2) Create a new routine for a new season.

1. New cleaning schedule.
2. Consolidate errands so that I am not spending as much time in the car.

3) Put some seasonal activities you’d love to enjoy on your calendar. Adding fun activities makes you feel more alive – and that’s good for everybody.

1. Outdoor walks
2. Fall festivals
3. Weekend away.

4) Change up your self care. Maybe you need a different moisturizer. Maybe you are heading outside again for exercise after a hot summer. Maybe you pursue different hobbies each season.

1. Book a massage.
2. Put something on my needles.
3. Resume blogging.

5) Ask questions in a notebook or journal. "What would make this season great?" "What am I most looking forward to?" and "What stresses can I prepare for?"

1. Z and I have an opportunity for a weekend away in October. I will plan something for that.
2. Think about a meaningful Thanksgiving celebration when Alex is home from university.
3. Get the garden put to bed properly.

6) Finally take a look at your calendar. Can you take anything out? Are there any deadlines or events coming up that you can plan for? If your calendar makes you miserable when you look at it, make sure it includes enjoyable activities and seeing your favorite people.

I'm okay on this front. My calendar makes me happy!

Posted using ShareThis

I ♥ iTunes 9!

I got prompted to download iTunes 9 this morning, and so far I am very impressed with a couple of the new features.

First, you can now share your music etc among household members who use the same iTunes account with the Home Sharing feature. Not just listen to it, but actually grab it and stick it in your library for mobile use. I know there were some kluge-y ways to do this before, but this (should be) is a very quick and user-friendly way to do it. Assuming it works. There's no one home to let me set it up on other computers in the house.

Second (and this one I've tried) is the use of the genius feature to set up playlists (Genius Mixes). You pick a song, and then get Genius to choose similar music from your iTunes library to make a playlist. Example, I selected America's Ventura Highway and got a 25 song playlist (the default size) that started with

• Summer Breeze (Seals and Crofts)
• Dreamweaver (Gary Wright)
• Make it With You (Bread)
• Baby Come Back (Player)
• Still the One (Orleans)
• Kid Charlemagne (Steely Dan)
• Dancing in the Moonlight (King Harvest) etc...

Cool eh?

Where I'm at

I haven't been blogging much at all, and have contemplated giving it up for the simplicity and ease of Facebook, where it's all really ephemeral and you don't need to think much to post a status update or quick link. I'll give it one last shot to see if it sticks.

It's been a rough summer in many ways. Alex headed off to university this fall and not a moment too soon. Lots of drama, and not a lot of positive and pleasant interaction kept me walking on egg shells much of the time. Which is not what a mother should have to do.

He's been gone a week, and I miss him a lot. But the tone at home is calmer and I'm working to find a new equilibrium inside myself. This past week, I have been very sleepy a lot of the time, and that is probably my body telling me that I am destressing. I've also had more than my share of headaches and back tension. A massage might be in order.

Michael started at the local high school last week and so far, so great. He is enthusiastic about most everything, is trying out for the Volleyball team, will play in the band, is taking tuba lessons and karate and Japanese on Saturdays (for his third year). He's picking up extra chores around the house for some extra allowance now that his brother is gone, and is generally easy to please.

Z is away for 9 days in China on business, but my brother is here as he transitions from Berkeley to Toronto. He starts teaching tomorrow, and I've been helping him think through how to furnish his office and organize his stuff. My sister-in-law (the saint) and their three children (under 4) are still in California and will move up in November. He'll be spending time in both cities until then.

The house is a bit of a tip, so I need to reboot my cleaning schedule and get back to the gym. I hope to hang out here at Domestic Bliss more often, particularly as things get a little more blissful around here. Thanks to anyone who's still dropping by.

Peace!

For Today, September 14, 2009...

Outside My Window... it's cool and grey. But we're heading for sun and 24C so I'm hopeful. Finally, layering weather has arrived, my favourite time of year!

I am thinking...about my husband, travelling for business in China. He has had the opportunity for some tourism this time, so I'm looking forward to seeing his photos and hearing his stories.

I am thankful for...the opportunity to spend time with my brother while he is in transition from Berkeley to Toronto.

From the kitchen...we've just about finished up the leftover baking I did for the retreat on Saturday morning. There's a basket of peaches in the fridge calling out for a peach crisp.

I am wearing... a tshirt and yoga pants.

I am creating...a to-do list. Nothing on the needles or the sewing machine these days.

I am going...to an ordination tomorrow evening, the first I've ever been to.

I am reading... Old City Hall by Robert Rotenberg. I just put down Roth's American Pastoral half-way through. I was forcing myself to plod through it and finally decided that I'd had enough.

I am hoping... that Alex's first day of university classes will go well.

I am hearing... nothing. And it's great.

Around the house...I need to get my cleaning schedule rebooted and pick out a chandelier for the dining room.

One of my favorite things...is sleeping with the windows open, and the cold fall air in the room, snuggled under my quilt.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Tonight, I'm taking Michael to his tuba lesson and will meet his teacher. Tomorrow, we try out a new groomer in the area, Wednesday I'm at TIFF seeeing The Time That Remains, Thursday is Parent's Night at Michael's school.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I'm thinking Wilson needs a bigger bed.

Meme from The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Easing into Fall

Beth at My Simpler Life has some ideas for Easing into a New Season.

1) Decide what the top 5 priorities are for the next few months. Then when opportunities come up you can decide if they will fit or not. (The following are not in order of importance.)

1. Continue to get in better shape via Curves, dog-walking, and sensible eating.
2. Grow my spiritual life with daily prayer and meditation and the sacraments.
3. Be of service to others.
4. Love my family through a peaceful home, hearty meals, clean clothes, and my presence.
5. Consider my response to suffering: my own, and other's.

2) Create a new routine for a new season.

1. New cleaning schedule.
2. Consolidate errands so that I am not spending as much time in the car.

3) Put some seasonal activities you’d love to enjoy on your calendar. Adding fun activities makes you feel more alive – and that’s good for everybody.

1. Outdoor walks
2. Fall festivals
3. Weekend away.

4) Change up your self care. Maybe you need a different moisturizer. Maybe you are heading outside again for exercise after a hot summer. Maybe you pursue different hobbies each season.

1. Book a massage.
2. Put something on my needles.
3. Resume blogging.

5) Ask questions in a notebook or journal. "What would make this season great?" "What am I most looking forward to?" and "What stresses can I prepare for?"

1. Z and I have an opportunity for a weekend away in October. I will plan something for that.
2. Think about a meaningful Thanksgiving celebration when Alex is home from university.
3. Get the garden put to bed properly.

6) Finally take a look at your calendar. Can you take anything out? Are there any deadlines or events coming up that you can plan for? If your calendar makes you miserable when you look at it, make sure it includes enjoyable activities and seeing your favorite people.

I'm okay on this front. My calendar makes me happy!

Posted using ShareThis

Where I'm at

I haven't been blogging much at all, and have contemplated giving it up for the simplicity and ease of Facebook, where it's all really ephemeral and you don't need to think much to post a status update or quick link. I'll give it one last shot to see if it sticks.

It's been a rough summer in many ways. Alex headed off to university this fall and not a moment too soon. Lots of drama, and not a lot of positive and pleasant interaction kept me walking on egg shells much of the time. Which is not what a mother should have to do.

He's been gone a week, and I miss him a lot. But the tone at home is calmer and I'm working to find a new equilibrium inside myself. This past week, I have been very sleepy a lot of the time, and that is probably my body telling me that I am destressing. I've also had more than my share of headaches and back tension. A massage might be in order.

Michael started at the local high school last week and so far, so great. He is enthusiastic about most everything, is trying out for the Volleyball team, will play in the band, is taking tuba lessons and karate and Japanese on Saturdays (for his third year). He's picking up extra chores around the house for some extra allowance now that his brother is gone, and is generally easy to please.

Z is away for 9 days in China on business, but my brother is here as he transitions from Berkeley to Toronto. He starts teaching tomorrow, and I've been helping him think through how to furnish his office and organize his stuff. My sister-in-law (the saint) and their three children (under 4) are still in California and will move up in November. He'll be spending time in both cities until then.

The house is a bit of a tip, so I need to reboot my cleaning schedule and get back to the gym. I hope to hang out here at Domestic Bliss more often, particularly as things get a little more blissful around here. Thanks to anyone who's still dropping by.

Peace!

Untitled

For Today, September 14, 2009...

Outside My Window

... it's cool and grey. But we're heading for sun and 24C so I'm hopeful. Finally, layering weather has arrived, my favourite time of year!

I am thinking

...about my husband, travelling for business in China. He has had the opportunity for some tourism this time, so I'm looking forward to seeing his photos and hearing his stories.

I am thankful for

...the opportunity to spend time with my brother while he is in transition from Berkeley to Toronto.

From the kitchen.

..we've just about finished up the leftover baking I did for the retreat on Saturday morning. There's a basket of peaches in the fridge calling out for a peach crisp.

I am wearing

... a tshirt and yoga pants.

I am creating

...a to-do list. Nothing on the needles or the sewing machine these days.

I am going

...to an ordination tomorrow evening, the first I've ever been to.

I am reading

... Old City Hall by Robert Rotenberg. I just put down Roth's American Pastoral half-way through. I was forcing myself to plod through it and finally decided that I'd had enough.

I am hoping

... that Alex's first day of university classes will go well.

I am hearing

... nothing. And it's great.

Around the house

...I need to get my cleaning schedule rebooted and pick out a chandelier for the dining room.

One of my favorite things.

..is sleeping with the windows open, and the cold fall air in the room, snuggled under my quilt.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week

: Tonight, I'm taking Michael to his tuba lesson and will meet his teacher. Tomorrow, we try out a new groomer in the area, Wednesday I'm at TIFF seeeing The Time That Remains, Thursday is Parent's Night at Michael's school.

Here is picture thought I am sharing

...

I'm thinking Wilson needs a bigger bed.

Meme from The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Seven Quick Takes Friday

1. Z had a tire blowout on the highway last night on the way home from work. For my Toronto readers, this was in the express lanes on the 401 near Avenue Road. He called home and I reminded him to call the CAA. They were there in 10 minutes and helped him change the tire. When I looked at the tire in the trunk this morning, I was shocked. There were two big tears on the side wall. I checked my files and our five-year tire warranty ran out yesterday, so I went into Canadian Tire this morning ready to rumble...but hey very happily replaced the tire without discussion. We were due to replace three of them anyway, so I bought the other two tires. This is the second tire of the four that have been replaced under warranty, so it was a great thing to have spent that $10 or whatever for the tire care.

2. The garbage strike is over! Pickup will resume next week and so we can empty our shed of the bags of recyclables that we've accumulated over the 4-1/2 weeks. We ended up taking some garbage and compost to the temporary dumps as it was getting stinky and bug-ridden.

3. I have been going to Curves for 3 weeks and have not lost a pound. I'm hoping that I'm putting on some muscle though. Will do a body-fat check and measurements next week to see, but I have to say it's kind of disheartening. I'm working out hard though, and am progressing in terms of difficulty on the machines, so I must be doing something good.

4. I have now read two books by Piers Paul Read. Terrific author and I don't know how I have overlooked him to date.

5. Alex got sick this week with a flu-like thing and missed a day of work. He should have stayed home on Monday but we thought it was a cold and so he just drugged himself up and went. Monday night he had a fever so he stayed home on Tuesday and slept most of the day. By Tuesday night he was feeling better, although tired, but he went to work on Wednesday and then went to s Muay Thai classs. Yesterday, he stayed out until after midnight, so I have to assume whatever it was, passed.

6. I have gone back to morning prayer using Sacred Space, the excellent online devotional offered by the Irish Jesuits. I light a candle by my computer and sit in silence. It's a good way to centre myself and collect my thoughts first thing each day.

7. Facebook has been a lot of fun recenlty and I'm finding myself posting stuff there that would normally make it here. Don't know that I'll give up blogging for good, but....

Seven Quick Takes Friday

1. Z had a tire blowout on the highway last night on the way home from work. For my Toronto readers, this was in the express lanes on the 401 near Avenue Road. He called home and I reminded him to call the CAA. They were there in 10 minutes and helped him change the tire. When I looked at the tire in the trunk this morning, I was shocked. There were two big tears on the side wall. I checked my files and our five-year tire warranty ran out yesterday, so I went into Canadian Tire this morning ready to rumble...but hey very happily replaced the tire without discussion. We were due to replace three of them anyway, so I bought the other two tires. This is the second tire of the four that have been replaced under warranty, so it was a great thing to have spent that $10 or whatever for the tire care.

2. The garbage strike is over! Pickup will resume next week and so we can empty our shed of the bags of recyclables that we've accumulated over the 4-1/2 weeks. We ended up taking some garbage and compost to the temporary dumps as it was getting stinky and bug-ridden.

3. I have been going to Curves for 3 weeks and have not lost a pound. I'm hoping that I'm putting on some muscle though. Will do a body-fat check and measurements next week to see, but I have to say it's kind of disheartening. I'm working out hard though, and am progressing in terms of difficulty on the machines, so I must be doing something good.

4. I have now read two books by Piers Paul Read. Terrific author and I don't know how I have overlooked him to date.

5. Alex got sick this week with a flu-like thing and missed a day of work. He should have stayed home on Monday but we thought it was a cold and so he just drugged himself up and went. Monday night he had a fever so he stayed home on Tuesday and slept most of the day. By Tuesday night he was feeling better, although tired, but he went to work on Wednesday and then went to s Muay Thai classs. Yesterday, he stayed out until after midnight, so I have to assume whatever it was, passed.

6. I have gone back to morning prayer using Sacred Space, the excellent online devotional offered by the Irish Jesuits. I light a candle by my computer and sit in silence. It's a good way to centre myself and collect my thoughts first thing each day.

7. Facebook has been a lot of fun recenlty and I'm finding myself posting stuff there that would normally make it here. Don't know that I'll give up blogging for good, but....

Summer's Sweet Slowness

I have recently discovered a wonderful blog at Abbey of the Arts. This week, the blogger is hosting a poetry party on the theme of "Summer's Sweet Slowness".

Here are the rules. Please join in if you feel so inspired!

The image to get us started is

Here's my entry.

warmth makes lids heavy

the book drops onto her chest

napping on the porch

Menu Plan Monday

Okay....it's been a while since I did this. But I just got back from my main weekly grocery shopping trip without having made a plan in advance, and so I need to sort out what to serve. I ended up shopping before planning because I dropped Michael off at the subway on his way to volleyball camp and there was a mall with a Fortino's just around the corner. So since I was there, I decided to just get it done. I really like this store....I don't usually shop at this store, but they have a large selection of natural and organic products including produce and health care, lots of interesting kosher foods, and more stuff on sale than in my usual Loblaws. I will probably start to go there more often.

Italicized items are what I picked up on the shopping trip.

Monday: Chicken scallopini with roasted asparagus and fried (leftover) brown rice.

Tuesday: Pasta with spicy sausage and tomato sauce (leftover from last week).

Wednesday: Baked salmon with spinach and cheese ravioli (purchased) and green beans.

Thursday: Cream of celery soup (to use up some limp celery), bread, caprese salad.

Friday: Cooks night off.

We also have some leftover rice and beans in the fridge, along with some Sri Lankan takeout. I will encourage the lads to snack on these items. I really need to go through my cupboards and work on using up some of the tins of beans and fish that I've accumulated over the past few months. I see tuna casseroles in my future.

Summer's Sweet Slowness

I have recently discovered a wonderful blog at Abbey of the Arts. This week, the blogger is hosting a poetry party on the theme of "Summer's Sweet Slowness".

Here are the rules. Please join in if you feel so inspired!

The image to get us started is

Here's my entry.

warmth makes lids heavy

the book drops onto her chest

napping on the porch

Menu Plan Monday

Okay....it's been a while since I did this. But I just got back from my main weekly grocery shopping trip without having made a plan in advance, and so I need to sort out what to serve. I ended up shopping before planning because I dropped Michael off at the subway on his way to volleyball camp and there was a mall with a Fortino's just around the corner. So since I was there, I decided to just get it done. I really like this store....I don't usually shop at this store, but they have a large selection of natural and organic products including produce and health care, lots of interesting kosher foods, and more stuff on sale than in my usual Loblaws. I will probably start to go there more often.

Italicized items are what I picked up on the shopping trip.

Monday: Chicken scallopini with roasted asparagus and fried (leftover) brown rice.

Tuesday: Pasta with spicy sausage and tomato sauce (leftover from last week).

Wednesday: Baked salmon with spinach and cheese ravioli (purchased) and green beans.

Thursday: Cream of celery soup (to use up some limp celery), bread, caprese salad.

Friday: Cooks night off.

We also have some leftover rice and beans in the fridge, along with some Sri Lankan takeout. I will encourage the lads to snack on these items. I really need to go through my cupboards and work on using up some of the tins of beans and fish that I've accumulated over the past few months. I see tuna casseroles in my future.

Seven Quick Takes Friday

1. I had lunch on Wednesday with a friend I hadn't seen since high school. That's 30 years, folks! It was great...we ate outside on a rear patio at Terroni on Queen W and chatted about mutual friends (most of whom we've lost contact with), the past, the present, and the future. I hope we'll get together again soon with another old friend who's also in town.

2. I stopped taking my daily allergy med last week as the pollen counts have been really low, but I've started waking up with headaches again, so I'm getting back on it. I know that my sinuses are connected to the migraines, so who knows?

3. Had a nice day away last Friday with a couple of university friends. Toronto gal and I drove to see Cambridge-Ontario gal, hoping to spend the day around her pool drinking Mike's. The weather didn't hold up, so we spent some time at the mall (including brow waxes for two of us), had lunch out, and then hung out in air-conditioned comfort inside. Her brother-in-law cooked us a lovely dinner. We managed to miss major rain storms on our way back to Toronto.

4. Bought a piece of gorgeous cotton for a summer skirt a month ago. Now I'm thinking that I want to wait until I drop a few pounds, which means I won't be able to wear it until next summer.

5. Our area is going to Smart Meters for electricity soon. This means that there are three different rates you pay for power, depending on the time of day, season (winter vs. summer) and weekday/weekend. The lowest rate is between 10 pm and 7 am, and all day Saturday and Sunday. The "off-peak" rate in summer is 7-11 am and 5-10 pm, so I've been trying to do a load of laundry every day before 11 am, which means I have to get it in by 8:30. I've also been trying to remember to program my dishwasher to run after 10 pm. I wish I had a place for an outdoor clothes line....

6. Our master bath toilet is leaking around the base. Dang. Z and I will try to install a new wax ring ourselves tomorrow so I'm off to Home Hardeware to pick one up later today.

7. I tried out a natural fruit fly trap that I read about on a homeschool discussion board. I put some apple cider vinegar in a glass and wrapped some plastic wrap over top, punching some holes through it. It seems to be working, although I had to move all the fruit to the fridge before they approached the cider. There are a dozen or so dead flies in there after a couple of days.

Seven Quick Takes Friday

1. I had lunch on Wednesday with a friend I hadn't seen since high school. That's 30 years, folks! It was great...we ate outside on a rear patio at Terroni on Queen W and chatted about mutual friends (most of whom we've lost contact with), the past, the present, and the future. I hope we'll get together again soon with another old friend who's also in town.

2. I stopped taking my daily allergy med last week as the pollen counts have been really low, but I've started waking up with headaches again, so I'm getting back on it. I know that my sinuses are connected to the migraines, so who knows?

3. Had a nice day away last Friday with a couple of university friends. Toronto gal and I drove to see Cambridge-Ontario gal, hoping to spend the day around her pool drinking Mike's. The weather didn't hold up, so we spent some time at the mall (including brow waxes for two of us), had lunch out, and then hung out in air-conditioned comfort inside. Her brother-in-law cooked us a lovely dinner. We managed to miss major rain storms on our way back to Toronto.

4. Bought a piece of gorgeous cotton for a summer skirt a month ago. Now I'm thinking that I want to wait until I drop a few pounds, which means I won't be able to wear it until next summer.

5. Our area is going to Smart Meters for electricity soon. This means that there are three different rates you pay for power, depending on the time of day, season (winter vs. summer) and weekday/weekend. The lowest rate is between 10 pm and 7 am, and all day Saturday and Sunday. The "off-peak" rate in summer is 7-11 am and 5-10 pm, so I've been trying to do a load of laundry every day before 11 am, which means I have to get it in by 8:30. I've also been trying to remember to program my dishwasher to run after 10 pm. I wish I had a place for an outdoor clothes line....

6. Our master bath toilet is leaking around the base. Dang. Z and I will try to install a new wax ring ourselves tomorrow so I'm off to Home Hardeware to pick one up later today.

7. I tried out a natural fruit fly trap that I read about on a homeschool discussion board. I put some apple cider vinegar in a glass and wrapped some plastic wrap over top, punching some holes through it. It seems to be working, although I had to move all the fruit to the fridge before they approached the cider. There are a dozen or so dead flies in there after a couple of days.

Seven Quick Takes Friday

1. It's my birthday week! I turned 49 yesterday and got many calls, emails, and Facebook messages, which was lovely. Z has been tied up at a business thing all week and so we are putting off the birthday dinner to the weekend (although I did take the boys out for sushi last night as I didn't think it was right to have to cook on my birthday, regardless!)

2. I have come out of the closet regarding my bouts with depression, and two months ago began a regimen of antidepressants which has markedly improved my mood, reduced the incidence and severity of my migraines, and got me off the sofa and reasonably active again.

3. I have returned to Curves. I was a member for a year in Atlanta, and then joined when we first moved to Toronto. As I started to sink into depression last year, I stopped going and pretty much reduced my exercise to daily walks with Wilson. Now that I'm feeling better, I've got to get back in shape, and so had my orientation/first workout on my birthday yesterday. My new mantra is "Fit by Fifty"!

4. The boys are getting along much better now that Alex is busy working at a day camp and socializing with camp and school friends in his off hours. We hardly see him these days, which has calmed down the drama-level at home.

5. My mom gave me a very generous birthday gift and so I am deciding how to spend it. I'm thinking new workout clothes and a new winter coat, as the one I have is too big (!) and not full length. I also need winter boots that look appropriate with a skirt (ie, full length.)

6. I have been hearing Vivaldi's Gloria everywhere these days. As background music in a TV documentary, on a DVD about Pope Benedict XVI, on a couple of YouTube videos, and on the radio. I sang it in a concert before Christmas so I always sing along with the alto line.

7. I have picked up tix for Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang at Massey Hall for Z, Michael and I. Michael is a huge fan of Lang Lang and this should be a great concert. I also got tickets to the National Youth Orchestra Concert in Toronto which will feature a piece composed by Michael's tuba teacher, Rob Teehan.

Seven Quick Takes Friday

1. It's my birthday week! I turned 49 yesterday and got many calls, emails, and Facebook messages, which was lovely. Z has been tied up at a business thing all week and so we are putting off the birthday dinner to the weekend (although I did take the boys out for sushi last night as I didn't think it was right to have to cook on my birthday, regardless!)

2. I have come out of the closet regarding my bouts with depression, and two months ago began a regimen of antidepressants which has markedly improved my mood, reduced the incidence and severity of my migraines, and got me off the sofa and reasonably active again.

3. I have returned to Curves. I was a member for a year in Atlanta, and then joined when we first moved to Toronto. As I started to sink into depression last year, I stopped going and pretty much reduced my exercise to daily walks with Wilson. Now that I'm feeling better, I've got to get back in shape, and so had my orientation/first workout on my birthday yesterday. My new mantra is "Fit by Fifty"!

4. The boys are getting along much better now that Alex is busy working at a day camp and socializing with camp and school friends in his off hours. We hardly see him these days, which has calmed down the drama-level at home.

5. My mom gave me a very generous birthday gift and so I am deciding how to spend it. I'm thinking new workout clothes and a new winter coat, as the one I have is too big (!) and not full length. I also need winter boots that look appropriate with a skirt (ie, full length.)

6. I have been hearing Vivaldi's Gloria everywhere these days. As background music in a TV documentary, on a DVD about Pope Benedict XVI, on a couple of YouTube videos, and on the radio. I sang it in a concert before Christmas so I always sing along with the alto line.

7. I have picked up tix for Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang at Massey Hall for Z, Michael and I. Michael is a huge fan of Lang Lang and this should be a great concert. I also got tickets to the National Youth Orchestra Concert in Toronto which will feature a piece composed by Michael's tuba teacher, Rob Teehan.

Things are looking up.

I had my annual physical yesterday, and dumped all my problems on my dear doctor.  It was cathartic, to say the least.  But even more importantly, he listened really well, and responded with kindness, compassion, some proposals, and an invitation to return and talk some more.  

It's that time of (my) life when lots of women go a little mental.  Or really mental.  I think I'm somewhere in between.  Sometime, over the past year or so, I lost my mojo and I need it back.  Badly.  Life has faded to grey recently, and it's be a whole lot nicer in kodachrome.

A number of health issues got kinda connected for me yesterday, and we have a plan, doc and I, to go forward towards (my) sanity.  

I think this will become my theme song.  Kodachrome starts at 0:30.  

 

Things are looking up.

I had my annual physical yesterday, and dumped all my problems on my dear doctor.  It was cathartic, to say the least.  But even more importantly, he listened really well, and responded with kindness, compassion, some proposals, and an invitation to return and talk some more.  

It's that time of (my) life when lots of women go a little mental.  Or really mental.  I think I'm somewhere in between.  Sometime, over the past year or so, I lost my mojo and I need it back.  Badly.  Life has faded to grey recently, and it's be a whole lot nicer in kodachrome.

A number of health issues got kinda connected for me yesterday, and we have a plan, doc and I, to go forward towards (my) sanity.  

I think this will become my theme song.  Kodachrome starts at 0:30.  

 

Family Visit

My brother and his wife were here for a week and the house seems so empty now that they've left!  They're moving to this fair city sometime in late summer with their two beautiful boys (and one on the way).   My brother accepted a faculty position at one of the Catholic colleges associated with University of Toronto but deferred his start date by a year to allow them to settle their affairs in the US.  My sister-in-law is a geriatrician/pallitative care physician who will no doubt be scooped up by one of the many hospitals in this city that she visited over the week.  There is great need for her specialty in Canada, and with the loosening of restrictions on the importation of American physicians, her path to a medical license in Canada is a fairly easy one (at least compared to years past).  

They have understandable angst over selling their house in California, given the current economic situation.  The fact that child #3 arrives in mid August (and teaching term for dear brother starts in September) adds to the anxiety over the move.  But I know that he is happy to be returning to Canada after many years in the US, and she will be closer to her parents in Chicago.  

They have a lengthy list of things associated with and international move, plus the immigration application for my sister-in-law.  But we are thrilled that they are coming as it means both families will have....well....family in town.

Family Visit

My brother and his wife were here for a week and the house seems so empty now that they've left!  They're moving to this fair city sometime in late summer with their two beautiful boys (and one on the way).   My brother accepted a faculty position at one of the Catholic colleges associated with University of Toronto but deferred his start date by a year to allow them to settle their affairs in the US.  My sister-in-law is a geriatrician/pallitative care physician who will no doubt be scooped up by one of the many hospitals in this city that she visited over the week.  There is great need for her specialty in Canada, and with the loosening of restrictions on the importation of American physicians, her path to a medical license in Canada is a fairly easy one (at least compared to years past).  

They have understandable angst over selling their house in California, given the current economic situation.  The fact that child #3 arrives in mid August (and teaching term for dear brother starts in September) adds to the anxiety over the move.  But I know that he is happy to be returning to Canada after many years in the US, and she will be closer to her parents in Chicago.  

They have a lengthy list of things associated with and international move, plus the immigration application for my sister-in-law.  But we are thrilled that they are coming as it means both families will have....well....family in town.

Menu Plan Monday - April 13

I've gotta get out of this shopping-every-day rut that I have fallen in to.  This morning, I made my Mon-Thurs menu plan and did a full shop.  I will still need a couple of things that I couldn't find (goat milk, in particular, for Michael) but I can pick that up when I'm doing a karate run tomorrow.

Monday:  Chili-Lime Chicken, broccoli, red fingerling potatoes.

Tuesday:  Shrimp & veggie stir-fry, rice.

Wednesday:  Marinated and grilled flank steak for burritos, refried beans, homemade guacamole & pico de gallo

Thursday:  Smoked salmon and brocolli quiche, salad.

Friday:  chef's night off.

Menu Plan Monday - April 13

I've gotta get out of this shopping-every-day rut that I have fallen in to.  This morning, I made my Mon-Thurs menu plan and did a full shop.  I will still need a couple of things that I couldn't find (goat milk, in particular, for Michael) but I can pick that up when I'm doing a karate run tomorrow.

Monday:  Chili-Lime Chicken, broccoli, red fingerling potatoes.

Tuesday:  Shrimp & veggie stir-fry, rice.

Wednesday:  Marinated and grilled flank steak for burritos, refried beans, homemade guacamole & pico de gallo

Thursday:  Smoked salmon and brocolli quiche, salad.

Friday:  chef's night off.

The story of a small dog and his spe-shul holiday weekend.

I spent the aftenoon cleaning up dog puke after Wilson got into a bag of Easter chocolate.  Luckily, he vomited so copiously that a vet call wasn't necessary.  He was doing, all on his own, what the vet would have induced.  Unfortunately, he seemed to prefer carpets and a hard-to-reach-corner under Alex's bed.  

All is back to normal now.  

Easter celebration details to follow.  I need to get some sleep after the four-liturgies-in-four-days choir marathon that was the weekend!  

Up early tomorrow to take Alex to the movie set.

The story of a small dog and his spe-shul holiday weekend.

I spent the aftenoon cleaning up dog puke after Wilson got into a bag of Easter chocolate.  Luckily, he vomited so copiously that a vet call wasn't necessary.  He was doing, all on his own, what the vet would have induced.  Unfortunately, he seemed to prefer carpets and a hard-to-reach-corner under Alex's bed.  

All is back to normal now.  

Easter celebration details to follow.  I need to get some sleep after the four-liturgies-in-four-days choir marathon that was the weekend!  

Up early tomorrow to take Alex to the movie set.

Film Fun - Part II

Alex got a call and email from the casting company for his upcoming stint as an extra.  The email had details about wardrobe requirements.  The scenes are set in winter, and he needs to be wearing his school uniform, plus bring two sets of winter outerwear (jackets, scarves, hats, boots, etc) and two sets of (winter) street clothes.  There are some specifications about colours of the clothing and a directive of "no logos".   No cellphones and no personal cameras on the set....a big disappointment to all the lads, I'm sure!

We had been advised that, because he is under 18, he would need a guardian on set for the entire day.  This struck me as odd.  This boy has a driver's permit, has travelled internationally on his own, and will be heading off to university in a few months.  I haven't acted as a "guardian" for these types of things for years.  (I still do his laundry and cook his meals, though!)

The casting company sent a second email today advising that they had checked with ACTRA and extras over 16 don't need a guardian so, other than getting him to the set at 6:20 a.m. on Monday morning, I'm off the hook.  I'm assuming that they got some pushback from other parents on this topic and decided to determine what the actual regulations are in this respect.  I was not looking forward to cooling my heels for 12-14 hours on Monday.

Sounds like a fun day for a 17-year-old though!

Good Friday

Another quiet and moving liturgy today.  Entering the church to the empty tabernacle never ceases to take me aback, and this afternoon was no different.  The silent procession and the prostration of the priest and deacon are also very emotional moments.

St John's Passion Narrative was read and the choir sang the crowd responses.  An unaccompanied soloist sang the spiritual Were You There while the offering was collected.  This was followed by congregational singing of O Sacred Head, Surrounded, one of my favourite hymns that regularly brings me to tears.

During communion, the choir sang When David Heard by Thomas Tomkins, an achingly beautiful piece that was somewhat under-rehearsed (and showed it).  Check out this YouTube version. Warning:  there are some heartbreaking images as you get in to the video.  The text of the piece is roughly 

When David heard that Absalom was slain, 
He went up to his chamber over the gate and wept; and thus he said:  
Oh my son, Absalom my son.  
Would God I had died for thee.

The liturgy ended with veneration of the cross while the choir sang The Old Rugged Cross.

Film Fun - Part II

Alex got a call and email from the casting company for his upcoming stint as an extra.  The email had details about wardrobe requirements.  The scenes are set in winter, and he needs to be wearing his school uniform, plus bring two sets of winter outerwear (jackets, scarves, hats, boots, etc) and two sets of (winter) street clothes.  There are some specifications about colours of the clothing and a directive of "no logos".   No cellphones and no personal cameras on the set....a big disappointment to all the lads, I'm sure!

We had been advised that, because he is under 18, he would need a guardian on set for the entire day.  This struck me as odd.  This boy has a driver's permit, has travelled internationally on his own, and will be heading off to university in a few months.  I haven't acted as a "guardian" for these types of things for years.  (I still do his laundry and cook his meals, though!)

The casting company sent a second email today advising that they had checked with ACTRA and extras over 16 don't need a guardian so, other than getting him to the set at 6:20 a.m. on Monday morning, I'm off the hook.  I'm assuming that they got some pushback from other parents on this topic and decided to determine what the actual regulations are in this respect.  I was not looking forward to cooling my heels for 12-14 hours on Monday.

Sounds like a fun day for a 17-year-old though!

Good Friday

Another quiet and moving liturgy today.  Entering the church to the empty tabernacle never ceases to take me aback, and this afternoon was no different.  The silent procession and the prostration of the priest and deacon are also very emotional moments.

St John's Passion Narrative was read and the choir sang the crowd responses.  An unaccompanied soloist sang the spiritual Were You There while the offering was collected.  This was followed by congregational singing of O Sacred Head, Surrounded, one of my favourite hymns that regularly brings me to tears.

During communion, the choir sang When David Heard by Thomas Tomkins, an achingly beautiful piece that was somewhat under-rehearsed (and showed it).  Check out this YouTube version. Warning:  there are some heartbreaking images as you get in to the video.  The text of the piece is roughly 

When David heard that Absalom was slain, 
He went up to his chamber over the gate and wept; and thus he said:  
Oh my son, Absalom my son.  
Would God I had died for thee.

The liturgy ended with veneration of the cross while the choir sang The Old Rugged Cross.

Holy Thursday

The Holy Thursday litugy was solemn and beautiful.  I was particularly moved by the readings; the lector was new to me (perhaps she reads at a different Sunday service than the one I normally attend) and her reading was clear and well-paced.  

Processional:  Christians, Let Us Love One Another (Picardy)

During Foot Washing:  Ubi Caritas (in latin)

During Offering of Gifts:  To Thee O Lord (Rachmaninoff) (mp3)

During Communion:  Tantum Ergo (Durufle) (YouTube)

After communion, the blessed sacrament was processed around the church while everyone sang Pange Lingua (YouTube).  I was pleasantly surprised, as I processed with the choir, to hear so many parishoners singing this chant with great fervour.  I guess, not being a cradle Catholic, I am unaware of how much these traditions become part of those who have grown up in the Church.

Holy Thursday

The Holy Thursday litugy was solemn and beautiful.  I was particularly moved by the readings; the lector was new to me (perhaps she reads at a different Sunday service than the one I normally attend) and her reading was clear and well-paced.  

Processional:  Christians, Let Us Love One Another (Picardy)

During Foot Washing:  Ubi Caritas (in latin)

During Offering of Gifts:  To Thee O Lord (Rachmaninoff) (mp3)

During Communion:  Tantum Ergo (Durufle) (YouTube)

After communion, the blessed sacrament was processed around the church while everyone sang Pange Lingua (YouTube).  I was pleasantly surprised, as I processed with the choir, to hear so many parishoners singing this chant with great fervour.  I guess, not being a cradle Catholic, I am unaware of how much these traditions become part of those who have grown up in the Church.

Film Fun

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is currently filming in Toronto and Alex has been cast as an extra! His school is being used as a location in the film, and the casting agency was in the cafeteria one day last week signing up some of the lads for filming next Monday.  Because he's under 18, they couldn't take his photo at the school, but he filled out all the paperwork and emailed them a photo from home. Sunday night he got the word that he was cast and that they'd call him Friday with further details.

Needless to say, he's ecstatic.  The film stars Michael Cera (Superbad, Juno) and is directed by Edgar Wright of "Shaun of the Dead" fame.  

Watch for this guy!

Film Fun

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is currently filming in Toronto and Alex has been cast as an extra! His school is being used as a location in the film, and the casting agency was in the cafeteria one day last week signing up some of the lads for filming next Monday.  Because he's under 18, they couldn't take his photo at the school, but he filled out all the paperwork and emailed them a photo from home. Sunday night he got the word that he was cast and that they'd call him Friday with further details.

Needless to say, he's ecstatic.  The film stars Michael Cera (Superbad, Juno) and is directed by Edgar Wright of "Shaun of the Dead" fame.  

Watch for this guy!

Guerilla Dance

Over the past two days, I have come across two wonderful videos of what  I have termed "Guerilla Dancing".  Joyous to watch.

The first is in Liverpool Station.  H/T to The Deacon's Bench.

And here's how they made it.  Well worth a look, just for the reaction of a few of the onlookers in the last segment of the video.

The second is a promo for a reality show "In Search of Maria" in Antwerp. A similar show has run on the BBC and in Canada.   H/T to Mental Multivitamin.

Both these videos make me unaccountably happy.

Guerilla Dance

Over the past two days, I have come across two wonderful videos of what  I have termed "Guerilla Dancing".  Joyous to watch.

The first is in Liverpool Station.  H/T to The Deacon's Bench.

And here's how they made it.  Well worth a look, just for the reaction of a few of the onlookers in the last segment of the video.

The second is a promo for a reality show "In Search of Maria" in Antwerp. A similar show has run on the BBC and in Canada.   H/T to Mental Multivitamin.

Both these videos make me unaccountably happy.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 6, 2009...

Outside My Window... it's snowing!  Yesterday we were cleaning up the garden and today there is a light dusting of snow everywhere.  Just-budding trees silhouetted against grey skies.

I am thinking...that I need to organize Easter weekend meals and treats.

I am thankful for...new friendships, happy spouse and children, and a relaxing weekend.

From the kitchen...the huevos rancheros we made last week were delish.  I need to get some meals planned for the next few days.

I am wearing... nightgown and robe, birkenstocks.

I am creating... order in the house.  Kind of.

I am going...to finish our Canadian and US taxes today.

I am reading... The Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos.

I am hoping... that Michael and Z get over their prolonged sore throats and that Z's eyes clear up.

I am hearing... the woosh of the forced air furnace, the sound of cars on wet pavement, and a snoring dog.

Around the house...I'd like to get some spring decor out and make some new, light-coloured covers for the throw cushions.

One of my favorite things...these days is family history research.  I have restarted a subscription with ancestry.com and am enjoying filling in lots of holes in my family tree!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I will be singing with the choir at Holy Week liturgies on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Me and my Aunt Edith, watching some bowling action at her 80th birthday party last month.

Meme from The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, April 6, 2009...

Outside My Window

... it's snowing!  Yesterday we were cleaning up the garden and today there is a light dusting of snow everywhere.  Just-budding trees silhouetted against grey skies.

I am thinking

...that I need to organize Easter weekend meals and treats.

I am thankful for

...new friendships, happy spouse and children, and a relaxing weekend.

From the kitchen.

..the huevos rancheros we made last week were delish.  I need to get some meals planned for the next few days.

I am wearing

... nightgown and robe, birkenstocks.

I am creating

... order in the house.  Kind of.

I am going

...to finish our Canadian and US taxes today.

I am reading

... The Diary of a Country Priest

 by Georges Bernanos.

I am hoping

... that Michael and Z get over their prolonged sore throats and that Z's eyes clear up.

I am hearing

... the woosh of the forced air furnace, the sound of cars on wet pavement, and a snoring dog.

Around the house

...I'd like to get some spring decor out and make some new, light-coloured covers for the throw cushions.

One of my favorite things.

..these days is family history research.  I have restarted a subscription with ancestry.com and am enjoying filling in lots of holes in my family tree!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week

: I will be singing with the choir at Holy Week liturgies on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  

Here is picture thought I am sharing

...

Me and my Aunt Edith, watching some bowling action at her 80th birthday party last month.

Meme from The Simple Woman's Daybook

.