Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Hooliganting: Technology: What happens when...
Hooliganting: Technology: What happens when...: "Yes, the keyboard feels the same. It is just like the last time that I used it. My fingers ripple over the keys in familiar and easy strokes..."
Technology: What happens when...
Yes, the keyboard feels the same. It is just like the last time that I used it. My fingers ripple over the keys in familiar and easy strokes. How I have missed this. I used to be able to blog very swiftly. My thoughts would pour out and onto the screen in what seemed to be effortless ability. And then IT happened. The computer refused to connect to the internet. It refused to acknowledge that I had a wireless router. It refused to operate. In short: it quit.
I have to admit that what happened next was not so pleasent. I did the proverbial rant and inner temper tantrum. Then, I did the usual "I can fix it myself" routine. Then, I asked for help and got nowhere fast. By the Monday, I was resigned for the need for professional help. The computer went to the doctor and there it stayed for two long weeks.
I did try to use other computing devices to blog but inevitably, writers block happened. I don't know why it was hard to type more than a paragraph, but it was. I have no idea why I have to be sitting in my uncomfortable chair or on the floor to blog, bit I do. So, now I have a fully functional computer again that has been cleaned up and streamlined. I have been denuded of $300 cash to make sure that all my programs were wiped out and that the system was fully functional. I have spent 13 hours reinstalling everything that I needed to get work and play done. All for the sake of the one lap top that I really like to use.
So what makes us so attached to one particular technological device? I love the way the keys feel on this. I hate typing on my phone as I am so slow and clumsy with it. I don't have an emotional attachment to that device at all. I can see several readers now shaking their heads in wry amusement as I am notorious for never having my phone accessible, or having lost it, or failing to hear it. (I just don't like it much...and consider it a necessary evil.) I like my Ipod - but if it broke, I wouldn't feel the need to fix it right away or replace it. But without a functional computer that had a keyboard that I liked? I was lost. Miserable. I sulked. I blamed people for breaking it. I was generally not that nice to know when it was mentioned and really....it is just a thing, a toy, a device that stimulates better communication. I am really good with facebook!
The lesson that I have to learn is to let go and stop worrying when something isn't working the way I want it to. I guess I could actually go and talk to some real people... . On the other hand, blogging is just so much fun. I don't think I am going anywhere quite yet.
(And the readers...settle in and get comfortable...the next segment is only a click away.)
I have to admit that what happened next was not so pleasent. I did the proverbial rant and inner temper tantrum. Then, I did the usual "I can fix it myself" routine. Then, I asked for help and got nowhere fast. By the Monday, I was resigned for the need for professional help. The computer went to the doctor and there it stayed for two long weeks.
I did try to use other computing devices to blog but inevitably, writers block happened. I don't know why it was hard to type more than a paragraph, but it was. I have no idea why I have to be sitting in my uncomfortable chair or on the floor to blog, bit I do. So, now I have a fully functional computer again that has been cleaned up and streamlined. I have been denuded of $300 cash to make sure that all my programs were wiped out and that the system was fully functional. I have spent 13 hours reinstalling everything that I needed to get work and play done. All for the sake of the one lap top that I really like to use.
So what makes us so attached to one particular technological device? I love the way the keys feel on this. I hate typing on my phone as I am so slow and clumsy with it. I don't have an emotional attachment to that device at all. I can see several readers now shaking their heads in wry amusement as I am notorious for never having my phone accessible, or having lost it, or failing to hear it. (I just don't like it much...and consider it a necessary evil.) I like my Ipod - but if it broke, I wouldn't feel the need to fix it right away or replace it. But without a functional computer that had a keyboard that I liked? I was lost. Miserable. I sulked. I blamed people for breaking it. I was generally not that nice to know when it was mentioned and really....it is just a thing, a toy, a device that stimulates better communication. I am really good with facebook!
The lesson that I have to learn is to let go and stop worrying when something isn't working the way I want it to. I guess I could actually go and talk to some real people... . On the other hand, blogging is just so much fun. I don't think I am going anywhere quite yet.
(And the readers...settle in and get comfortable...the next segment is only a click away.)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Hooliganting: Do you remember having a child's imagination?
Hooliganting: Do you remember having a child's imagination?: "Ok...breathe...not yet....almost not laughing...Ok.... Every now and then, you have a surprise in your day that inevitably has you wanting ..."
Do you remember having a child's imagination?
Ok...breathe...not yet....almost not laughing...Ok....
Every now and then, you have a surprise in your day that inevitably has you wanting to stuff your nearest cloth item in your mouth to prevent a wholesale burst of what would be considered inappropriate laughter. Today, I had the pleasure of driving two little girls home from gymnastics. One is an only child, the other is one of mine. The conversation that followed went something like this:
....
"No...I know the leprauchan and he doesn't like that. I know exactly what he likes and he doesn't eat real food. He doesn't like anyone really but he talks to me as he lives in my house. (News to me.) He wears green and will pinch anyone that doesn't wear green, especially on St. Patricks Day."
"Well," pipes up the only child, "In my family there are three children. Only my mom and dad and me are real. My brother and sister are older than me. They have three eyes. They have four arms and 70 legs. They only have one nose but it has 79 nostrils. (Can you imagine?) They are green all the time as they are aliens."
"Can you talk to them?"
"Well, they are invisible. They can only see invisible things. So if you hear a bumping noise in my house it is probably my sister running into the real things in my house. Did you know that not even the smartest people in the world can talk to my brother? Scientists are studying aliens to try and learn how to speak alien. I know them really well as they are my brother and sister, but I only know a couple of words. My brother doesn't speak any human at all. We don't know enough about Aliens."
"My leprauchan is invisible too. I bet they can see each other!"
"Yes, but is the leprauchan an Alien?"
"Not really, but he can change his shape."
(Eventually by the time I am home they have worked it out so that they are a team that communicates with Aliens and Leprauchans. They are drawing maps currently to discover locations like the Daddy Tickle Tunnel, Alien resting points, Leprauchan lunches." They are in full costume and regalia. They have a fishing net and are trying to catch invisible leprauchans.
I have to say, this is an amazing game. I had fully intended on doing laundry and perhaps some housework but who can concentrate when the best stage show is ongoing in my basement?
"All the leprauchans have to be captured and put into the tickle tunnel Mrs. Emma. The Daddy is missing. We have to control them." They are now princesses of leprauchans.
This might just be the best pot of gold ever!
Every now and then, you have a surprise in your day that inevitably has you wanting to stuff your nearest cloth item in your mouth to prevent a wholesale burst of what would be considered inappropriate laughter. Today, I had the pleasure of driving two little girls home from gymnastics. One is an only child, the other is one of mine. The conversation that followed went something like this:
....
"No...I know the leprauchan and he doesn't like that. I know exactly what he likes and he doesn't eat real food. He doesn't like anyone really but he talks to me as he lives in my house. (News to me.) He wears green and will pinch anyone that doesn't wear green, especially on St. Patricks Day."
"Well," pipes up the only child, "In my family there are three children. Only my mom and dad and me are real. My brother and sister are older than me. They have three eyes. They have four arms and 70 legs. They only have one nose but it has 79 nostrils. (Can you imagine?) They are green all the time as they are aliens."
"Can you talk to them?"
"Well, they are invisible. They can only see invisible things. So if you hear a bumping noise in my house it is probably my sister running into the real things in my house. Did you know that not even the smartest people in the world can talk to my brother? Scientists are studying aliens to try and learn how to speak alien. I know them really well as they are my brother and sister, but I only know a couple of words. My brother doesn't speak any human at all. We don't know enough about Aliens."
"My leprauchan is invisible too. I bet they can see each other!"
"Yes, but is the leprauchan an Alien?"
"Not really, but he can change his shape."
(Eventually by the time I am home they have worked it out so that they are a team that communicates with Aliens and Leprauchans. They are drawing maps currently to discover locations like the Daddy Tickle Tunnel, Alien resting points, Leprauchan lunches." They are in full costume and regalia. They have a fishing net and are trying to catch invisible leprauchans.
I have to say, this is an amazing game. I had fully intended on doing laundry and perhaps some housework but who can concentrate when the best stage show is ongoing in my basement?
"All the leprauchans have to be captured and put into the tickle tunnel Mrs. Emma. The Daddy is missing. We have to control them." They are now princesses of leprauchans.
This might just be the best pot of gold ever!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Hooliganting: Home Again...
Hooliganting: Home Again...: "So much for the sun, surf 'n' sand of Mexico. It was joyous while it lasted but we had to pack up the kit and caboodle and come home. Sounds..."
Home Again...
So much for the sun, surf 'n' sand of Mexico. It was joyous while it lasted but we had to pack up the kit and caboodle and come home. Sounds simply put, but really, it has been totally decieving. Why you ask? Let me shed some light on the do's and don'ts of homecoming.
First, do not book yourself an overnight flight with a layover in a closed airport unless you have really no other choice. I foolishly expected the children to sleep on the flight home and instead, they were full of energy until about an hour prior to touch down. This meant that they were almost comatose through customs and of course, there was no way to recheck in for the morning flight. Sadly, the credit card got an extra dent when Delta hotels charged a whopping $150 for three hours. What else can you do with cranky miserable muppets? Oh and I had already been sitting in soaking wet clothing myself for 6 hours thanks to the last minute downpour in Mexico. I knew I was meant to stay there.
So, that ordeal ended and at 8:00 am. we crashed into our own beds and slept the morning away. That was a great idea. Racing off to dance class at 4....maybe not so smart. I should also include an advisory about travelling during a time change. With your sleep patterns already out of sync....the time change certainly did not help. So far this week, I have managed to sleep through six phone calls and two alarm clocks. I forgot Library day. I have had a child that managed to not take the bus when she was supposed to. (Thanks Uncle for the rescue!). I have been schedule confused and work tired. Thank goodness for vitamins. Those have helped.
On the upside, it is wonderful to have a clean house after unpacking stuff. The cleaning ladies came and worked their magic on the house. I also came home to a happy cat who had loved having a housesitter. I think having a housesitter solves a lot of issues. Your insurance stays valid. The animals are fed with company. The walkways get shovelled. Fantastic.
So, Mexico is now but a dream and I guess I have to start plotting the new chapter of travel. Nintendo DS games, coloring and IPOD's are great travelling companions. Homework is not. Do pack granola bars and oatmeal, they will allow those on the plane. It saves hassles and costs. Did you know that aircraft are plastic only? Ie. credit cards only and Air Canada only likes Visa. So...Hawaii next year? Must go plot!
First, do not book yourself an overnight flight with a layover in a closed airport unless you have really no other choice. I foolishly expected the children to sleep on the flight home and instead, they were full of energy until about an hour prior to touch down. This meant that they were almost comatose through customs and of course, there was no way to recheck in for the morning flight. Sadly, the credit card got an extra dent when Delta hotels charged a whopping $150 for three hours. What else can you do with cranky miserable muppets? Oh and I had already been sitting in soaking wet clothing myself for 6 hours thanks to the last minute downpour in Mexico. I knew I was meant to stay there.
So, that ordeal ended and at 8:00 am. we crashed into our own beds and slept the morning away. That was a great idea. Racing off to dance class at 4....maybe not so smart. I should also include an advisory about travelling during a time change. With your sleep patterns already out of sync....the time change certainly did not help. So far this week, I have managed to sleep through six phone calls and two alarm clocks. I forgot Library day. I have had a child that managed to not take the bus when she was supposed to. (Thanks Uncle for the rescue!). I have been schedule confused and work tired. Thank goodness for vitamins. Those have helped.
On the upside, it is wonderful to have a clean house after unpacking stuff. The cleaning ladies came and worked their magic on the house. I also came home to a happy cat who had loved having a housesitter. I think having a housesitter solves a lot of issues. Your insurance stays valid. The animals are fed with company. The walkways get shovelled. Fantastic.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Hooliganting: Sunshine and then Rain: Mexico
Hooliganting: Sunshine and then Rain: Mexico: "When traveling to Mexico, most of us are seeking sunshine. The warmth that heats your skin, and the bronzing that comes from languidly loung..."
Sunshine and then Rain: Mexico
When traveling to Mexico, most of us are seeking sunshine. The warmth that heats your skin, and the bronzing that comes from languidly lounging on the beach or by the pool. The majority of us have books, beach toys and towels that are carelessly strewn across the shoreline. Excursions are planned with the sole purpose of being outdoors and fun. So what happens when the unexpected happens? What happens when it rains?
First rule of thumb is that when it rains, you get wet. You might think that you are inside somewhere dry but I would argue that if you are under the thatched rooflines, you may or may not stay dry. They drip. They leak. Water has nowhere to go but down. The stone paths pool the water and soak your feet. Some have prevailed with umbrellas but with the rain comes the wind that swirls the rain sideways anyway.
The rain smooths the sand from your face and dampens your hair. Those with curls have a free stylist in mother nature. The ringlets are all hers. The waves roll gently onto the shore while the clouds swiftly streak across the sky. The lightning flashes and the thunder rattles the windows. Most of the parents are getting soaked scrambling to get their children to kids club.
Now the funny side is that most people have been swimming in the ocean and swimming in the pool. These activities are designed with the inherent purpose of getting wet. It is hilarious to watch these folk scuttle to go under roof so to speak and to hear them grouse over getting wet.
I walked sedately from my perch to the restaurant and back with my face tiptilted to the sky to enjoy that sensation that I came here from. Warmth, water and the outdoor experience. The rain is just a simpler form of shower, and my clothes will dry just as well from rain water as it will from the pool water. Seriously? People need to have some imagination. From there I went back to the shady roost where I sat and read a book. The breeze still soothed and nature put on an amazing firework display. All in all, one rainy day in paradise is just that. An experience to be enjoyed...and you almost get the beach to yourself!
First rule of thumb is that when it rains, you get wet. You might think that you are inside somewhere dry but I would argue that if you are under the thatched rooflines, you may or may not stay dry. They drip. They leak. Water has nowhere to go but down. The stone paths pool the water and soak your feet. Some have prevailed with umbrellas but with the rain comes the wind that swirls the rain sideways anyway.
The rain smooths the sand from your face and dampens your hair. Those with curls have a free stylist in mother nature. The ringlets are all hers. The waves roll gently onto the shore while the clouds swiftly streak across the sky. The lightning flashes and the thunder rattles the windows. Most of the parents are getting soaked scrambling to get their children to kids club.
Now the funny side is that most people have been swimming in the ocean and swimming in the pool. These activities are designed with the inherent purpose of getting wet. It is hilarious to watch these folk scuttle to go under roof so to speak and to hear them grouse over getting wet.
I walked sedately from my perch to the restaurant and back with my face tiptilted to the sky to enjoy that sensation that I came here from. Warmth, water and the outdoor experience. The rain is just a simpler form of shower, and my clothes will dry just as well from rain water as it will from the pool water. Seriously? People need to have some imagination. From there I went back to the shady roost where I sat and read a book. The breeze still soothed and nature put on an amazing firework display. All in all, one rainy day in paradise is just that. An experience to be enjoyed...and you almost get the beach to yourself!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Mexico: The Extreme
From leisurely exploring the sights of the Tulum area, we decided to have a complete change of pace yesterday. If you are looking for that thrill, adreneline rush...or just have to do something fun for a day, I think that you need look no further than the new theme park near Playa Del Carmen. Xplor. This was an amazing day full of 14 ziplines, 1 waterslide, 4 ATV routes, 1 rafting paddle and an underground swim. In between, we had sun, and the deluge of rain. I have not been so unintentionally wet in some time. The food was all inclusive and very yummy. And the best part of all? The drivers picked us up from the resort and drove us straight there and drove us straight back again afterwards - there was no running around the other hotels for pick ups. Yes, this was a great day.
Today, we had the extreme change of pace again. I have done absolutely nothing but read and get an almost extreme sunburn. My brother has me beat tho....
Today, we had the extreme change of pace again. I have done absolutely nothing but read and get an almost extreme sunburn. My brother has me beat tho....
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Mexico: Sian Ka'an
The Mayan Massage. That is the first thing that comes to mind when I reflect on yesterday as it was such an apt description by Alex the guide. But of course, I am already ahead of myself. After a couple of lazy days at the resort, I knew that I would be a little restless. So, before leaving, I had prowled a lot to tourist websites and found this tour to Sian Ka'an at a discounted price. Thinking that it was close to the resort, I booked it.
Yesterday was the day. In the lobby with my ticket at 645 am. Kids were munching on breakfast and I look across to a driver lollygagging by a vehicle. That is our vehicle and they were EARLY. Early in Mexico doesn't happen very often so I was already impressed. In we go, and do the usual drive through the other resorts to view them and pick up more people. Yes, the Wyndam looks nice but the Barelo might be worth a try as well. It is that much closer to Tulum, which really looked like it was worth a more detailed exploration.
However, after our group was organized into Italians and English speaking, a quick stop in Tulum to change money, have a technical stop (that is how our guide put it!) and grab some fluids for the 2 hour drive. The first part was smooth on asphalt, but the last hour or 40 kms, was the Mayan Massage. I wonder if it sounds as funny in Italian? But the roads there are made from sand and rock. The rain just craters the road, so the vans rock and roll, shimmy and shake, beeb and bop for miles. The guide (Alex) is conversing alternativatively in English and Italian as two Italians still wound up with us. Meanwhile, he is standing, moving around the vehicle and generally acting as though he is on smooth land.
On arrival through some dense junlge, we board fishing boats and are transported to this quaint village. Another technical stop where we lock away our belongings, pay the tax of 25 pesos, and eat a tortilla snack. Back to the boats and off through the shallow clear waters we zoom at top speed. First, there are osprey babies in the nest. Then, sea turtles trying to chew through lobster traps. Then across the water to watch dophins swimming. We were all excited trying to spot them and found a small pod. Then it was to the frigate bird colony before snorkelling near the lagoon.
I have to admit that I was disappointed in not being able to snorkel. Child the small decided that this was the perfect time to borrow a towel and curl up for a nap. I guess the rocking of the boat was too much for her. I did wake her up in time for the lagoon swim. A whole beach to ourselves. It was amazing. Child the elder complained that the water was too salty but I wasn't listening.
Back we went to the beach and ate lunch. Vegetables, rice, chicken, grilled fish, salad, tortillas and hibiscus tea. Delicious! Fed some maraudering dogs and collected a couple of ant farms. Then it was time to return. It was such a fabulous experience to see everything in a UNESCO world heritage site. The animals were free and it really thrilled us to find them in the wild.
So, now I am seriously questioning the sense of some of my compatriots that travel here. This tour is mainly booked by Italians and other European visitors. Our guide has only taken 30 North Americans since he started with the company in 2005. This is a World Heritage Site. It is not too far to go and it is very well worth it. It was cheaper than Xel-ha and Xcaret. My challenge to you is on your next visit to the Mayan Riviera, book this tour.http://www.playadelcarmentours.com/ or anything else. We had no problems and no hassle with this company.
Come and play! Next, Xplor tomorrow.
Yesterday was the day. In the lobby with my ticket at 645 am. Kids were munching on breakfast and I look across to a driver lollygagging by a vehicle. That is our vehicle and they were EARLY. Early in Mexico doesn't happen very often so I was already impressed. In we go, and do the usual drive through the other resorts to view them and pick up more people. Yes, the Wyndam looks nice but the Barelo might be worth a try as well. It is that much closer to Tulum, which really looked like it was worth a more detailed exploration.
However, after our group was organized into Italians and English speaking, a quick stop in Tulum to change money, have a technical stop (that is how our guide put it!) and grab some fluids for the 2 hour drive. The first part was smooth on asphalt, but the last hour or 40 kms, was the Mayan Massage. I wonder if it sounds as funny in Italian? But the roads there are made from sand and rock. The rain just craters the road, so the vans rock and roll, shimmy and shake, beeb and bop for miles. The guide (Alex) is conversing alternativatively in English and Italian as two Italians still wound up with us. Meanwhile, he is standing, moving around the vehicle and generally acting as though he is on smooth land.
On arrival through some dense junlge, we board fishing boats and are transported to this quaint village. Another technical stop where we lock away our belongings, pay the tax of 25 pesos, and eat a tortilla snack. Back to the boats and off through the shallow clear waters we zoom at top speed. First, there are osprey babies in the nest. Then, sea turtles trying to chew through lobster traps. Then across the water to watch dophins swimming. We were all excited trying to spot them and found a small pod. Then it was to the frigate bird colony before snorkelling near the lagoon.
I have to admit that I was disappointed in not being able to snorkel. Child the small decided that this was the perfect time to borrow a towel and curl up for a nap. I guess the rocking of the boat was too much for her. I did wake her up in time for the lagoon swim. A whole beach to ourselves. It was amazing. Child the elder complained that the water was too salty but I wasn't listening.
Back we went to the beach and ate lunch. Vegetables, rice, chicken, grilled fish, salad, tortillas and hibiscus tea. Delicious! Fed some maraudering dogs and collected a couple of ant farms. Then it was time to return. It was such a fabulous experience to see everything in a UNESCO world heritage site. The animals were free and it really thrilled us to find them in the wild.
So, now I am seriously questioning the sense of some of my compatriots that travel here. This tour is mainly booked by Italians and other European visitors. Our guide has only taken 30 North Americans since he started with the company in 2005. This is a World Heritage Site. It is not too far to go and it is very well worth it. It was cheaper than Xel-ha and Xcaret. My challenge to you is on your next visit to the Mayan Riviera, book this tour.http://www.playadelcarmentours.com/ or anything else. We had no problems and no hassle with this company.
Come and play! Next, Xplor tomorrow.