Thursday, March 29, 2012
Hooliganting: Buzz
Hooliganting: Buzz: Today is just a day. One whole day in the world of many days. What did you do with yours? My life is programmed; structured with routine a...
Buzz
Today is just a day. One whole day in the world of many days. What did you do with yours?
My life is programmed; structured with routine and places to be on time. The children went to school and I went to the gym. I also spent time having coffee with friends, cleaning the van, doing laundry, dancing and shuffling the after school activities. There were good times and bad times. All in all, it was a roly poly day. The thing is...well I know about my day. I know what I was thinking and feeling as I went about the errands and during the quiet time of waiting.
Today was a day that has me wondering. How many of you stopped to question why a comment was said? What happened in a moment to cause the words to flow? Words have power. They have a buzz. They float through the air and can change emotions, expressions and feelings in a heart beat. Some words have the ability to create happiness, calm and harmony in our world. Others have the power to hurt, wound and impact people negatively.
What did you do with your words today?
Honest reflection lets me know that I had both sorts of words in my world today. I don't think any irrepairable damage was done, nor do I think I promised moons, stars and other such wonders. I parented and that involves both sorts of words daily. There was humor, laughter and meaningful conversations.
There is so much communication out there. People text, bbm, facebook, read, talk, phone and not necessarily in that order. I think that people forget how easy it is for news to spread. Similarly, information is tossed around at such great speed that it gets lost. How effective is your communication? Are you getting the messages across that you want?
I know what I think I heard today. Buzz buzz buzz it is already becoming filtered and processed in my mind. I am tired and don't quite know how to process all of it yet. I am saddened by some news and excited by some. I guess we will see how the buzz shakes down.
Words to live by:
Listen well
Love much
Give often
Empathize
Don't count the cost.
My life is programmed; structured with routine and places to be on time. The children went to school and I went to the gym. I also spent time having coffee with friends, cleaning the van, doing laundry, dancing and shuffling the after school activities. There were good times and bad times. All in all, it was a roly poly day. The thing is...well I know about my day. I know what I was thinking and feeling as I went about the errands and during the quiet time of waiting.
Today was a day that has me wondering. How many of you stopped to question why a comment was said? What happened in a moment to cause the words to flow? Words have power. They have a buzz. They float through the air and can change emotions, expressions and feelings in a heart beat. Some words have the ability to create happiness, calm and harmony in our world. Others have the power to hurt, wound and impact people negatively.
What did you do with your words today?
Honest reflection lets me know that I had both sorts of words in my world today. I don't think any irrepairable damage was done, nor do I think I promised moons, stars and other such wonders. I parented and that involves both sorts of words daily. There was humor, laughter and meaningful conversations.
There is so much communication out there. People text, bbm, facebook, read, talk, phone and not necessarily in that order. I think that people forget how easy it is for news to spread. Similarly, information is tossed around at such great speed that it gets lost. How effective is your communication? Are you getting the messages across that you want?
I know what I think I heard today. Buzz buzz buzz it is already becoming filtered and processed in my mind. I am tired and don't quite know how to process all of it yet. I am saddened by some news and excited by some. I guess we will see how the buzz shakes down.
Words to live by:
Listen well
Love much
Give often
Empathize
Don't count the cost.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Hooliganting: Music Festival: The instrument of torture that was...
Hooliganting: Music Festival: The instrument of torture that was...: I ventured back from Hawaii and straight into the spinning wheel that involved music festival. Both of my girls had been given two selection...
Music Festival: The instrument of torture that wasn't
I ventured back from Hawaii and straight into the spinning wheel that involved music festival. Both of my girls had been given two selections to play, perfect and perform. After listening to countless hours of practice and having heard what the previous comments on their work was, I have to confess that I was really concerned. Why? Lets go back to my memory bank for that.
When I was around 7ish (I really have no idea how old I was, but little anyway), I remember being taken to a church in downtown Nanaimo. I remember having to walk onto a stage and play the piano. I remember making mistakes due to nerves and well...there were mistakes. The piano and I weren't meant to be overly friendly. The key is that the adjucicaton was a very nasty experience. I still remember being afraid of them. Being disappointed that I didn't do well, but worse feeling that everyone was angry and miserable. Worst of all, they were mad at me. It was not an enjoyable experience.
So, the girls are in Music for Young Children. I was fairly horrified to find out that this didn't mean just piano lessons. This meant music festival. Aaggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Turns out, I was wrong to be afraid for them. They played their first pieces of music on Friday and both scored silvers. Best of all, the adjudicator was delightful and personable with the children. He was able to explain their mistakes in a friendly, humourous manner and made the whole judging part fun and interesting. Handshakes were used to describe piano and forte. He explained the techniques needed to improve and best of all, they listened. Today was round two and my girls worked their pieces up to GOLD. Considering how off they were even two days ago, I was thrilled with this.
I will say that mine lacked some of the finery worn by some of the other girls. But I insisted on going to school first so they didn't have on their fanciest dresses. It still takes some work to get them fed, clothed, hair done and relaxed prior to any performance. It was important to me to have them comfortable to ensure that they felt that they were able to do their best.
Congratulations girls! I'm proud of you. :)
When I was around 7ish (I really have no idea how old I was, but little anyway), I remember being taken to a church in downtown Nanaimo. I remember having to walk onto a stage and play the piano. I remember making mistakes due to nerves and well...there were mistakes. The piano and I weren't meant to be overly friendly. The key is that the adjucicaton was a very nasty experience. I still remember being afraid of them. Being disappointed that I didn't do well, but worse feeling that everyone was angry and miserable. Worst of all, they were mad at me. It was not an enjoyable experience.
So, the girls are in Music for Young Children. I was fairly horrified to find out that this didn't mean just piano lessons. This meant music festival. Aaggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Turns out, I was wrong to be afraid for them. They played their first pieces of music on Friday and both scored silvers. Best of all, the adjudicator was delightful and personable with the children. He was able to explain their mistakes in a friendly, humourous manner and made the whole judging part fun and interesting. Handshakes were used to describe piano and forte. He explained the techniques needed to improve and best of all, they listened. Today was round two and my girls worked their pieces up to GOLD. Considering how off they were even two days ago, I was thrilled with this.
I will say that mine lacked some of the finery worn by some of the other girls. But I insisted on going to school first so they didn't have on their fanciest dresses. It still takes some work to get them fed, clothed, hair done and relaxed prior to any performance. It was important to me to have them comfortable to ensure that they felt that they were able to do their best.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Hooliganting: Travelocity to Homestyle Freestyle
Hooliganting: Travelocity to Homestyle Freestyle: Have you ever heard of needing a vacation to recover from the vacation? I loved traveling through Hawaii and think the Big Island could beco...
Travelocity to Homestyle Freestyle
Have you ever heard of needing a vacation to recover from the vacation? I loved traveling through Hawaii and think the Big Island could become one of my favorite places on earth. I don't think I am finished with it yet, especially since a box of Mr. Ed's Bakery jam came in the mail this morning. However, I am still tired.
The problem with travel is that your life is waiting for you when you return. The established routines are a blessing and a curse. Unfortunately, we had an overnight flight, and once in Calgary, the snowstorms delayed us badly. In addition, Westjet had caused a bit of consternation as they kept trying to seat the girls and myself in exit rows. Nine boarding passes later and a few irate gentlemen who were thinking that I was being unreasonable (did they really want to supervise the girls after they had been traveling for over 24 hours?), we arrived home after 8:00 p.m. Might I mention that I hadn't slept at all since the day before. I scrambled to get sorted and then Tuesday's schedule hit with a vengence. I was feeling dead tired by the time that finished only to be hit with Wednesday and then Thursday.... Friday was better with playdates and fun after school but I was so grateful to have my bed, my pillow and no alarm clock for Saturday morning.
There is something blissfully satisfying when you wake up on a weekend, after being as tired as I was, to sunlight blinking through the curtains and quiet in the house. The girls were settled into the TV downstairs as I could hear it through the vent. I snuggled back in after a glance at the clock told me it was 10:30. And the next time I looked, it was noon. I really slept that long? Wow. I feel so much better and I was so impressed at how delightful the girls were. They could have woken me up for breakfast, but they sorted themselves out. They could have made an unholy racket, but they watched TV instead.
This Saturday makes up for the week. I no longer feel like I need a vacation from my life. I wish that I didn't have to move my clock foward in the morning. The freewheeling homecoming continues. Got a nice island not doing anything? I'd be interested!
The problem with travel is that your life is waiting for you when you return. The established routines are a blessing and a curse. Unfortunately, we had an overnight flight, and once in Calgary, the snowstorms delayed us badly. In addition, Westjet had caused a bit of consternation as they kept trying to seat the girls and myself in exit rows. Nine boarding passes later and a few irate gentlemen who were thinking that I was being unreasonable (did they really want to supervise the girls after they had been traveling for over 24 hours?), we arrived home after 8:00 p.m. Might I mention that I hadn't slept at all since the day before. I scrambled to get sorted and then Tuesday's schedule hit with a vengence. I was feeling dead tired by the time that finished only to be hit with Wednesday and then Thursday.... Friday was better with playdates and fun after school but I was so grateful to have my bed, my pillow and no alarm clock for Saturday morning.
There is something blissfully satisfying when you wake up on a weekend, after being as tired as I was, to sunlight blinking through the curtains and quiet in the house. The girls were settled into the TV downstairs as I could hear it through the vent. I snuggled back in after a glance at the clock told me it was 10:30. And the next time I looked, it was noon. I really slept that long? Wow. I feel so much better and I was so impressed at how delightful the girls were. They could have woken me up for breakfast, but they sorted themselves out. They could have made an unholy racket, but they watched TV instead.
This Saturday makes up for the week. I no longer feel like I need a vacation from my life. I wish that I didn't have to move my clock foward in the morning. The freewheeling homecoming continues. Got a nice island not doing anything? I'd be interested!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Hooliganting: Hawaii: Going Home and Top Five
Hooliganting: Hawaii: Going Home and Top Five: Since this is my last full day in Hawaii, which I spent reading a book poolside and going down the occasional waterslide, I thought I would ...
Hawaii: Going Home and Top Five
Since this is my last full day in Hawaii, which I spent reading a book poolside and going down the occasional waterslide, I thought I would compile a couple of top five lists. This is both to reflect on the experiences of Hawaii, and to help travellers plan their destination trip with less hassle. First, you need to know that I am not a shopper or city girl per se. While I enjoy the elements of the city, my favorite things to do will be off the beaten path nine times out of ten. I also have to say that I am really not ready to go home yet. I think my tan still needs work and I am still feeling sleepy. Mind you...that could be the lava man beer talking too...I had to sample at least one drink!
Top Five Hawaiian Things To See: Oahu
Hanuma Bay
Turtle Beach
Lanakai Beach
Polynesian Cultural Centre
Cold Stone Creamery
Best Place to get coffee was the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf hands down. I tried many places on both Islands and kept going back for more on both islands. I managed to get a free drink too as they have a frequent stamper card that is worth carrying around from Island to Island.
Cheesiest Place to visit was my girls favorite place: Teddy Bear World. I will have nightmares forever...lol.
Top Five Things to Do: Kona
Helicopter Tour (we did Paradise Helicopter Tours but I am sure they are all fantastic.)
Horseback Riding (we did Dahana Ranch as they take children under 8 and it was fabulous).Spend a Day at Visit Seahorse at Ocean Rider (Very informative, educational and interesting for all ages. AND you get to hold a seahorse!)
Beach 69, bring a snorkel.
Tour waterfalls around Hilo...they are all beautiful.
Two favorite hidden gems: Ocean Rider's Seahorse Farm (www.Seahorse.com for more information) and Mr. Ed's Jam Shop that masquerades as an amazing bakery near Akaka Falls. He makes 101 plus flavors of jam from the fruit of Big Island. He is passionate about his samples and you can't help but order a box to be waiting for you at home.
Top Five Places to Eat (First note that many we tried to eat at were closed or too full)
Huggo's on the Rocks - Kona
Bongo Ben's - Kona
Island Lava Java - Kona
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - if you find one on any island - YUM!
Cheesecake Factory - Waikiki
Biggest disappointments:
Lack of sunshine some days due to VOG (volcanic fog, they have their own word for it)
Lack of dolphins
No manta rays at the Sheraton
TRAFFIC (holy smokes do they ever have rush hour issues!)
BUSES...it would be lovely if they managed to have a bus schedule that really meant something. You know...rather than there might be a bus with a number on it that matches your route...but it runs when it feels like it and sometimes not at all...sigh...
Would I come back? Yes - but I think I would prefer to do Kona as I loved it here and perhaps try Maui. Oahu was too busy for me and too posh.
Tip: On Big Island - the Aloha card is worth acquiring for discounts.
And there you have it...final thoughts on Hawaii - see you once I am shivering in the north again.
Top Five Hawaiian Things To See: Oahu
Hanuma Bay
Turtle Beach
Lanakai Beach
Polynesian Cultural Centre
Cold Stone Creamery
Best Place to get coffee was the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf hands down. I tried many places on both Islands and kept going back for more on both islands. I managed to get a free drink too as they have a frequent stamper card that is worth carrying around from Island to Island.
Cheesiest Place to visit was my girls favorite place: Teddy Bear World. I will have nightmares forever...lol.
Top Five Things to Do: Kona
Helicopter Tour (we did Paradise Helicopter Tours but I am sure they are all fantastic.)
Horseback Riding (we did Dahana Ranch as they take children under 8 and it was fabulous).Spend a Day at Visit Seahorse at Ocean Rider (Very informative, educational and interesting for all ages. AND you get to hold a seahorse!)
Beach 69, bring a snorkel.
Tour waterfalls around Hilo...they are all beautiful.
Two favorite hidden gems: Ocean Rider's Seahorse Farm (www.Seahorse.com for more information) and Mr. Ed's Jam Shop that masquerades as an amazing bakery near Akaka Falls. He makes 101 plus flavors of jam from the fruit of Big Island. He is passionate about his samples and you can't help but order a box to be waiting for you at home.
Top Five Places to Eat (First note that many we tried to eat at were closed or too full)
Huggo's on the Rocks - Kona
Bongo Ben's - Kona
Island Lava Java - Kona
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - if you find one on any island - YUM!
Cheesecake Factory - Waikiki
Biggest disappointments:
Lack of sunshine some days due to VOG (volcanic fog, they have their own word for it)
Lack of dolphins
No manta rays at the Sheraton
TRAFFIC (holy smokes do they ever have rush hour issues!)
BUSES...it would be lovely if they managed to have a bus schedule that really meant something. You know...rather than there might be a bus with a number on it that matches your route...but it runs when it feels like it and sometimes not at all...sigh...
Would I come back? Yes - but I think I would prefer to do Kona as I loved it here and perhaps try Maui. Oahu was too busy for me and too posh.
Tip: On Big Island - the Aloha card is worth acquiring for discounts.
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| Holding Houdini the Seahorse |
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| The Lava Tube at the Sheraton |
Friday, March 2, 2012
Hooliganting: Hawaii: Two Kid Friendly Stops
Hooliganting: Hawaii: Two Kid Friendly Stops: Sleep was elusive last night so today was a quieter day. The morning was spent chasing imps of mischief around a pool, a game that lasted...
Hawaii: Two Kid Friendly Stops
Sleep was elusive last night so today was a quieter day. The morning was spent chasing imps of mischief around a pool, a game that lasted until lunch time. After a quick bite, we thought we would try to do something touristy that was great for the children. The discussion led to things dear to my heart: living history and museums.
We drove south to the Kona Historical Society’s living history museum called Greenwell Store. On Thursday’s they bake fresh bread in the Portuguese stone oven and sell it for a fundraiser. Might I say that it is a sweet bread and is incredibly delicious. Waiting for the tour, you have vistas of the ocean and a tent for shade. If you are bored, you can slip down to the Greenwell Coffee for a taster before coming back. There are the ruins of the family home to explore as well.
For the tour, we had Pixie for our guide. She explained the history of the store, the family and markets while allowing the children to tour 1890 button up kid shoes, goats skins and leather, slates and chalk, a butter churn and shop goods. They got a sense of how the Greenwell family influenced the economy and how his moral values shaped the community. For example, he refused to sell alcohol and only sold toys at Christmas. Fascinating.
Once our brains were full of history and our tummies full of bread, we drove north to sample Donkey Balls and get some cold coffee (that was my idea) and headed for another incredible playground for the girls to blow off steam. These Hawaiians sure know how to construct imaginative play structures. They make you want to be a kid again!
And for the record, I have tried posting images for three hours now and no luck. Sorry, the internet connection here bites!
