Monday, October 31, 2011
Hooliganting: Halloween: Follow Up From Last Year
Hooliganting: Halloween: Follow Up From Last Year: In black and white...there were those words "what will we do next year?" First, I should never have asked the question. Second, it was so mu...
Halloween: Follow Up From Last Year
In black and white...there were those words "what will we do next year?" First, I should never have asked the question. Second, it was so much fun! I really meant it when I suggested that this neighbourhood goes to the extremes in decorating, costuming and candy bagging. The detailed loot bags that would be acceptable at any birthday party now are stuffed into gargangtuan shopping bags (all houses here have these thanks to the Bring Your Own Bag law). There were pumpkins and spiders, witches and goblins and an adorable pink pony/ unicorn.
While this year, I enjoyed the prelude to Halloween. The houses were done up to the nines three weeks ago so I didn't feel bad about letting the girls go off without me. I just like looking at the decorations. They like to run as fast as possible to visit as many neighbours as possible. Because the weather cooperated and was the most glorious Halloween I think we have ever had, I was not surprised to see them last over an hour. I think the only reason that they came back was because the bags were getting to heavy to carry. Seriously. That is how much candy you can get by doing half of a block. I kid you not. This street had over 80 children racing around it. People actually drive over here. Crazy.
Of course, there was the obligatory chomping of candy. But really, what is Halloween without a movie? This year...Harry Potter won. Who doesn't love Harry? So...that was next. I still think it is wild and crazy. I can't find the time to decorate as well as the neighbours but you just wait. Christmas is around the corner and that is very much my season. I have sorted the decorations and have been eying up the tree. Since we weren't here last year...it's been two years since the house has seen some of the decorations. And of course...there will be the PARTY. The annual mayhem is about to hit...so stay tuned. The sugar buzz is wearing off and the gym...I'll see you tomorrow (scowly face here).
While this year, I enjoyed the prelude to Halloween. The houses were done up to the nines three weeks ago so I didn't feel bad about letting the girls go off without me. I just like looking at the decorations. They like to run as fast as possible to visit as many neighbours as possible. Because the weather cooperated and was the most glorious Halloween I think we have ever had, I was not surprised to see them last over an hour. I think the only reason that they came back was because the bags were getting to heavy to carry. Seriously. That is how much candy you can get by doing half of a block. I kid you not. This street had over 80 children racing around it. People actually drive over here. Crazy.
Of course, there was the obligatory chomping of candy. But really, what is Halloween without a movie? This year...Harry Potter won. Who doesn't love Harry? So...that was next. I still think it is wild and crazy. I can't find the time to decorate as well as the neighbours but you just wait. Christmas is around the corner and that is very much my season. I have sorted the decorations and have been eying up the tree. Since we weren't here last year...it's been two years since the house has seen some of the decorations. And of course...there will be the PARTY. The annual mayhem is about to hit...so stay tuned. The sugar buzz is wearing off and the gym...I'll see you tomorrow (scowly face here).
Friday, October 28, 2011
Hooliganting: Blustery Pooh Bear Days: Tangent
Hooliganting: Blustery Pooh Bear Days: Tangent: Tangent. Can we all say tangent? I know I was supposed to be doing some work today, cleaning the house and organizing. Oh yes, there was the...
Blustery Pooh Bear Days: Tangent
Tangent. Can we all say tangent? I know I was supposed to be doing some work today, cleaning the house and organizing. Oh yes, there was the to do list looming wide with bold black lettering over my head. It was there. . . but then I looked out the window. Whoops.
You see, there was this really beautiful golden sunbeam. It stretched across the sky and was definately scooting those grey clouds to the side. The wind was dancing through the leaves with gleeful abandon. The leaves were orange and red and brown and the leaf piles were starting to dissipate. I glanced over the kitchen and thought, to heck with it. I bundled three kids up into their coats and mittens with an offer of going to the park.
From rumbling a wagon down the road, to munching on contraband muffins. I forgot to mention that the muffins we baked earlier had mysterious vanished from the stove. (I haven't found the evidence yet, but I know it will be in the house somewhere.) They can't have eaten 24 muffins...right? The girls and I wandered down the back alley, through the leaf piles and scuffed our way to the park. Oh and yes, of course I am having a day with not my kids my kids...just two today though I think.
Anyway, there were trees down, dogs barking and cars that refused to see their way clear to acknowledging crosswalks. All the while, the wind whipped the hair, the princesses invented a castle with a moat that served ice cream. There were dragons and aliens. Some princes must have gone into hiding as there was too much drama to cope with. I laughed so hard my sides hurt and my nose grew red with waiting to see which tower belonged to which princess. The Ailish commandeered the slide and meandered through an adventure of ethereal slides. Have you ever seen a dragon fall off a swing? Seen a frog pull a wagon? Seen the upsidedown puffer fish hang from the monkeybars? You have treats in store.
After two hours, I was numb and cold. I had talked to my brother who made fun of me for a bit and walked laps around the playground. It was so worth it. We got back and I know they were exhausted as the whine came out to play and the cooperation was suddenly out the window. It is a small price to pay for an afternoon of entertainment and dress up play. They are now in ballerina outfits. The first not my kid my kid has vanished in a wake of pink sass, so she was tired out...and we are awaiting a vision of dracula to arrive (her mother's comment based on a halloween party).
Such a pooh bear day. Oh dear...look at that kitchen...anyone else want to play?
You see, there was this really beautiful golden sunbeam. It stretched across the sky and was definately scooting those grey clouds to the side. The wind was dancing through the leaves with gleeful abandon. The leaves were orange and red and brown and the leaf piles were starting to dissipate. I glanced over the kitchen and thought, to heck with it. I bundled three kids up into their coats and mittens with an offer of going to the park.
From rumbling a wagon down the road, to munching on contraband muffins. I forgot to mention that the muffins we baked earlier had mysterious vanished from the stove. (I haven't found the evidence yet, but I know it will be in the house somewhere.) They can't have eaten 24 muffins...right? The girls and I wandered down the back alley, through the leaf piles and scuffed our way to the park. Oh and yes, of course I am having a day with not my kids my kids...just two today though I think.
Anyway, there were trees down, dogs barking and cars that refused to see their way clear to acknowledging crosswalks. All the while, the wind whipped the hair, the princesses invented a castle with a moat that served ice cream. There were dragons and aliens. Some princes must have gone into hiding as there was too much drama to cope with. I laughed so hard my sides hurt and my nose grew red with waiting to see which tower belonged to which princess. The Ailish commandeered the slide and meandered through an adventure of ethereal slides. Have you ever seen a dragon fall off a swing? Seen a frog pull a wagon? Seen the upsidedown puffer fish hang from the monkeybars? You have treats in store.
After two hours, I was numb and cold. I had talked to my brother who made fun of me for a bit and walked laps around the playground. It was so worth it. We got back and I know they were exhausted as the whine came out to play and the cooperation was suddenly out the window. It is a small price to pay for an afternoon of entertainment and dress up play. They are now in ballerina outfits. The first not my kid my kid has vanished in a wake of pink sass, so she was tired out...and we are awaiting a vision of dracula to arrive (her mother's comment based on a halloween party).
Such a pooh bear day. Oh dear...look at that kitchen...anyone else want to play?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Hooliganting: Sometimes You Need A Shoulder
Hooliganting: Sometimes You Need A Shoulder: I guess not everyone can have a fabulous week all the time. Sometimes, there are those little things that get in the way. Reality can hit ha...
Sometimes You Need A Shoulder
I guess not everyone can have a fabulous week all the time. Sometimes, there are those little things that get in the way. Reality can hit hard with a ton of bricks sometimes and in those times, sometimes we all need a shoulder to lean on. In the tough times, I have a very bad habit of holing up and not talking to folk. (So, to those that I should have been talking to...I'm sorry and I will improve...I just don't quite know when.) But as soon as I reach out, it is wonderful to know that I have people that are willing to talk to me, pick up the pieces and help me process them.
This hasn't been a particularly bad week. It has been hectic and busy. The children are tired and are not 100 percent. There have been unexpected moments to deal with...all in a days work if you are a mom. You need to know where the bandaids are, where the cough medicine is, where the towels are, how to do homework in a second language, how to not lose your child's homework, attend Parent Teacher Interviews, support them. You support them in everything.
You also have to be willing to discipline them. They have to say sorry when you catch them misbehaving. They are not allowed to say nasty things or be rude to other adults. They have to be respectful of personal space. They have to articulate how they feel. Sometimes, I have to have help in processing this. Today, I have been blessed by school counsellors, wise friends, and loving children that understand that I am not perfect, but am willing to help. What I love, is that they are willing to work with me, stand along side me and work through the stuff that is generated from day to day feelings.
Those who know me, know what I have had on the go this week. So thanks! But, I have now spent time on chapters buying books to provide more insight. I have slowed down enough to breathe today. Sometimes, it is really more important to talk, to snuggle. The mess can wait on the kitchen table. Today was a day that they needed to be cuddled. The counters are covered in clutter. But I have kids that know that they mattered more than a clean kitchen, more than homework, more than money. No wasn't an answer today. Today was providing the shoulder for my girls to lean on and in turn, my friends lent me theirs. Somedays, despite having a couple of low days, I love my life because people matter, I matter and so do you. That's the bottom line.
Believe, Love, and Hold on Tight.
This hasn't been a particularly bad week. It has been hectic and busy. The children are tired and are not 100 percent. There have been unexpected moments to deal with...all in a days work if you are a mom. You need to know where the bandaids are, where the cough medicine is, where the towels are, how to do homework in a second language, how to not lose your child's homework, attend Parent Teacher Interviews, support them. You support them in everything.
You also have to be willing to discipline them. They have to say sorry when you catch them misbehaving. They are not allowed to say nasty things or be rude to other adults. They have to be respectful of personal space. They have to articulate how they feel. Sometimes, I have to have help in processing this. Today, I have been blessed by school counsellors, wise friends, and loving children that understand that I am not perfect, but am willing to help. What I love, is that they are willing to work with me, stand along side me and work through the stuff that is generated from day to day feelings.
Those who know me, know what I have had on the go this week. So thanks! But, I have now spent time on chapters buying books to provide more insight. I have slowed down enough to breathe today. Sometimes, it is really more important to talk, to snuggle. The mess can wait on the kitchen table. Today was a day that they needed to be cuddled. The counters are covered in clutter. But I have kids that know that they mattered more than a clean kitchen, more than homework, more than money. No wasn't an answer today. Today was providing the shoulder for my girls to lean on and in turn, my friends lent me theirs. Somedays, despite having a couple of low days, I love my life because people matter, I matter and so do you. That's the bottom line.
Believe, Love, and Hold on Tight.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Hooliganting: Friendship: Those Fine Lines
Hooliganting: Friendship: Those Fine Lines: Friendship is something that I take very seriously. I would be lost without my friends: their support, their wisdom and their humour. I love...
Friendship: Those Fine Lines
Friendship is something that I take very seriously. I would be lost without my friends: their support, their wisdom and their humour. I love to laugh and spend time with my "peeps". Some friends are close enough to be considered family. Others drift in the wind with threads that can be picked up at a moments notice. There are those that can share my day to day life and there are those that breeze through for intimate and fulfilling moments in time. The variety of my friendships is stimulating and rewarding. Sometimes, I just wish the groups of friends that I have could all gel together and get along.
It's a funny world out there. I have my scrapbooking playmates, the dance moms, the church crowd, the long time friends that I have met while up here and the friends I meet elsewhere and click with. There are the friends that I grew up with and the friends that I went to school with at all levels. There are the friends to hooligant with and those that prefer dessert evenings and those that love a drop in visit. All unique individuals that offer something special that blends with my personality. However, it would be interesting if they were all in a room together as I don't think that they would all get along.
I do my very best to be a good friend. Someone who is there for anything and everything so long as I can make it work. If someone needs space, I will give it. I have been known to have someone not talk to me for months and then ask for a favor that I will complete, no questions asked. If you are annoyed with me, I tend to apologize first and think about it afterwards. In conflict, I would rather have peace than be right. Sometimes I will give too much, and sometimes I will be too tired to notice. But there are those fine lines...
1) Be reasonable. Don't ask for more than someone can do.
2) Always ask for what you need, but be Ok with a "no" response. I promise that I will have a good reason behind it. Most often, I will say yes.
3) Don't assume that I know what you are thinking. I am busy and often functioning in chaos. I like chaos. I understand that most people do not. However, if there is something important that I need to know, take the time to tell me.
4) I do best with quality time spent in small groups. Not everyone does. Know and appreciate your "peeps" for the value that they place in your life and don't sweat the small stuff.
5) No one is perfect, especially me. But everyone is loved perfectly, so long as you are willing to accept it.
6) Treasures. Each person offers a special gift and insight. These are like pots of gold, very shiny, very expensive and not to be taken lightly.
7) Be spontaneous. Visits don't have to be long. A delivered cup of coffee in the doorway is always better than no visit at all. Some people just don't have the time.
8) Be patient. Patience is a virtue...I don't have a lot myself and am often cultivating it. Sometimes, life gets too busy and the little things get dropped. Remember to pick them up again and be willing to start afresh when needed.
9) Facebook and social media is connecting you to the outside world. Use it wisely. Just because you are creeping people through their status updates doesn't mean that they know you care unless you write messages. I have seen so many people get lonely through this phenomena. Write messages, poke people, say "allo".
10) Accept people's boundaries. Not everyone can be like me or you. So meet everyone in the space that they are at and move forward from there. Some people don't have boundaries. Put them in place if you need them.
Yep, there is my thought process for the day. It took a 1:30 am call from someone worried about me. I love that girl to death and her life isn't a bed of roses at this time either. But she cared enough to call, when logic would have said to not call. She lifted me up into a place where I knew that no matter what...she was there. It got me to thinking that I truly am blessed and have some of the best network of friends a lass could have. I just hope that I am worthy of your friendship. Know that I appreciate you all, and that I will do the best I can with the tools I have in my head and heart.
With that...good night.
It's a funny world out there. I have my scrapbooking playmates, the dance moms, the church crowd, the long time friends that I have met while up here and the friends I meet elsewhere and click with. There are the friends that I grew up with and the friends that I went to school with at all levels. There are the friends to hooligant with and those that prefer dessert evenings and those that love a drop in visit. All unique individuals that offer something special that blends with my personality. However, it would be interesting if they were all in a room together as I don't think that they would all get along.
I do my very best to be a good friend. Someone who is there for anything and everything so long as I can make it work. If someone needs space, I will give it. I have been known to have someone not talk to me for months and then ask for a favor that I will complete, no questions asked. If you are annoyed with me, I tend to apologize first and think about it afterwards. In conflict, I would rather have peace than be right. Sometimes I will give too much, and sometimes I will be too tired to notice. But there are those fine lines...
1) Be reasonable. Don't ask for more than someone can do.
2) Always ask for what you need, but be Ok with a "no" response. I promise that I will have a good reason behind it. Most often, I will say yes.
3) Don't assume that I know what you are thinking. I am busy and often functioning in chaos. I like chaos. I understand that most people do not. However, if there is something important that I need to know, take the time to tell me.
4) I do best with quality time spent in small groups. Not everyone does. Know and appreciate your "peeps" for the value that they place in your life and don't sweat the small stuff.
5) No one is perfect, especially me. But everyone is loved perfectly, so long as you are willing to accept it.
6) Treasures. Each person offers a special gift and insight. These are like pots of gold, very shiny, very expensive and not to be taken lightly.
7) Be spontaneous. Visits don't have to be long. A delivered cup of coffee in the doorway is always better than no visit at all. Some people just don't have the time.
8) Be patient. Patience is a virtue...I don't have a lot myself and am often cultivating it. Sometimes, life gets too busy and the little things get dropped. Remember to pick them up again and be willing to start afresh when needed.
9) Facebook and social media is connecting you to the outside world. Use it wisely. Just because you are creeping people through their status updates doesn't mean that they know you care unless you write messages. I have seen so many people get lonely through this phenomena. Write messages, poke people, say "allo".
10) Accept people's boundaries. Not everyone can be like me or you. So meet everyone in the space that they are at and move forward from there. Some people don't have boundaries. Put them in place if you need them.
Yep, there is my thought process for the day. It took a 1:30 am call from someone worried about me. I love that girl to death and her life isn't a bed of roses at this time either. But she cared enough to call, when logic would have said to not call. She lifted me up into a place where I knew that no matter what...she was there. It got me to thinking that I truly am blessed and have some of the best network of friends a lass could have. I just hope that I am worthy of your friendship. Know that I appreciate you all, and that I will do the best I can with the tools I have in my head and heart.
With that...good night.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Last Day
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Last Day: So sadly the time in New Orleans is drawing to an end. This morning started with a fabulous bakery run to the Rose Cafe (not the proper name...
New Orleans: Last Day
So sadly the time in New Orleans is drawing to an end. This morning started with a fabulous bakery run to the Rose Cafe (not the proper name but I can't remember it) where they had some amazing pasteries and coffee. So, I stocked up with enough delights for breakfast and fed us while suitcases were stuffed together and makeup done etc. Then, we hit the road for the airport with me driving. Might I suggest you don't rent an Aveo? Those brakes are very touchy!
Delivery to the airport complete, I still had one partner in shennanigans...so after little deliberation...off to the San Francisco Plantation we went. Tours started at 9:40 and we got there at, you guessed it, 9:40 am. We paid our entrance ticket and were met at the sunshiniest house I have seen. It is settled on the original property but you can see how flooding took it's toll on the land. You can also see how industry has encroached on this tourism style experience. If you ignore the freighters runnining the Mississippi and factory docks (who had a wonderful old style train), you can imagine the grounds being covered in beautiful European gardens and hoop skirts sashaying the walkway.
The house is bright and colorful, but even better was the tour guide. The lady was a character and had full ownership of the history. From seeing an 1860 shower that was for men only in the wine cellar, to the downstairs dining area, to the room taxes and corset stories, to the civil war and slavery. It was all covered with this lady's personalized flavor that seems to have made it very memorable. I can't decide who I like better, the Laura or the San Fransisco. It was a delightful morning.
The house: San Francisco
Then, we drove back into town and decided to find the parking at the war museum. The parking meter had been broken the day before so we thought there might be a chance of free parking. The plan was to get parking and find lunch. Or...what really happened. We got a bit lost, found Magazine Street and found the Lucky Ladle. We ordered lunch to go and asked for a good place to eat it near the river. We were sent to the FLY. Spelling might be completely wrong on that but that's what it sounded like. En route we did some costume shopping at a very disorganzed, Uptown Costume. By that, I mean you had to find what you want, hunt down staff to get it for you, hunt down the staff person who was supposed to get it for you and then have them find people to take your money. Seriously, check out took 25 minutes after they needed id for all card types. I nearly left the stuff in the store, I was choked. Lunch made up for that though. We got a bit off course again but found the Fly and settled to eat a scrumptious lunch watching barges and freighters along the river, and listening to Latino music drift over from the Zoo who were having Latino days.
Next up was the second airport run. Now, I am by myself in New Orleans and managed to get back to the resort where I have lazed by the pool, read a whole book from cover to cover, packed a bit and when I went down to print my boarding pass (another upscale production) I wound up working the desk and helping with customers. Crazy but fun. So, the party is escalating outside and as for me...the New Orleans adventure is done. Heading for home starting out at 5:00 am. See you on the flip side.
Delivery to the airport complete, I still had one partner in shennanigans...so after little deliberation...off to the San Francisco Plantation we went. Tours started at 9:40 and we got there at, you guessed it, 9:40 am. We paid our entrance ticket and were met at the sunshiniest house I have seen. It is settled on the original property but you can see how flooding took it's toll on the land. You can also see how industry has encroached on this tourism style experience. If you ignore the freighters runnining the Mississippi and factory docks (who had a wonderful old style train), you can imagine the grounds being covered in beautiful European gardens and hoop skirts sashaying the walkway.
The house is bright and colorful, but even better was the tour guide. The lady was a character and had full ownership of the history. From seeing an 1860 shower that was for men only in the wine cellar, to the downstairs dining area, to the room taxes and corset stories, to the civil war and slavery. It was all covered with this lady's personalized flavor that seems to have made it very memorable. I can't decide who I like better, the Laura or the San Fransisco. It was a delightful morning.
The men's shower
School House for locals
Then, we drove back into town and decided to find the parking at the war museum. The parking meter had been broken the day before so we thought there might be a chance of free parking. The plan was to get parking and find lunch. Or...what really happened. We got a bit lost, found Magazine Street and found the Lucky Ladle. We ordered lunch to go and asked for a good place to eat it near the river. We were sent to the FLY. Spelling might be completely wrong on that but that's what it sounded like. En route we did some costume shopping at a very disorganzed, Uptown Costume. By that, I mean you had to find what you want, hunt down staff to get it for you, hunt down the staff person who was supposed to get it for you and then have them find people to take your money. Seriously, check out took 25 minutes after they needed id for all card types. I nearly left the stuff in the store, I was choked. Lunch made up for that though. We got a bit off course again but found the Fly and settled to eat a scrumptious lunch watching barges and freighters along the river, and listening to Latino music drift over from the Zoo who were having Latino days.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Swamps, Beach and Cafe Du Monde
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Swamps, Beach and Cafe Du Monde: Oooffff. I am lollygagging on the sofa in the apartment we have for the week. As you might have already guessed, it is in the French Quarter...
New Orleans: Swamps, Beach and Cafe Du Monde
Oooffff. I am lollygagging on the sofa in the apartment we have for the week. As you might have already guessed, it is in the French Quarter right along the busiest music district in the city or so it would seem. Jazz is flavoring the air once more and the scents of the restaurants are floating in the window. However, that is now.
Early this morning things aligned so that we were able to go out to the Cajun Encounters swamp tour. We had the knowledgeable tug boat captain Billy to spin tales of the swamp and explain the wildlife to us. It was great to drift down the river and nestle among the cyprus trees and spanish moss. There were alligators and egrets, blue heron and turtles, raccoons and flying fish. I really enjoyed it and then he offered to let me drive the boat...so I did. Up to full speed too! We also saw first hand the homes of the swamp dwellers and did see the impact that Hurricane Katrina had on the population. Turns out that he himself lost everything in the backwash.
After a thoroughly enjoyable tour, the guide mentioned that if we drove...and turned left out of the drive instead of right, that we would wind up on a beach on the Gulf Of Mexico. The three of us looked at each other and that was all it took. Off to the beach. It was a gloriously hot and sunny day, why not? So, we drove and suddenly realized from the signage that we were not in Louisiana anymore. Welcome to Mississippi! Nothing loth, we went to the beach anyway and had it almost to ourselves. Yellow fine sand, warm waters and dolphins playing in the shallows. In the distance was the Casino.
So, we took pictures and walked the beach and then realized that if we went to the Casino, we would have played in two states in less than 24 hours. That was too funny not to do. After that, we drifted back into town and found the WWII Museum. That was a technological overview of the war from the American perspective. It was interesting and diverse. They also had some graphic images. My favorite of course was the nose art from the WWII bombers. I still love that stuff.
Then, it was dinner time. I asked a local walking his dog and he recommended Cochon. It was absolutely finger licking (But don't do that it is rather posh) delicious. We sampled alligator, grits, twice stuffed potatoes, mac and cheese and gumbo. So tasty that for the first time this trip I totally overate. And I wasn't finished. After dinner and shopping for treats along the French Quarter, we stopped for dessert at Cafe du Monde. It was powdery and quite fabulous. So, now we wait for the concerts to stop and sleep to arrive. Night again. One more day tomorrow.
Early this morning things aligned so that we were able to go out to the Cajun Encounters swamp tour. We had the knowledgeable tug boat captain Billy to spin tales of the swamp and explain the wildlife to us. It was great to drift down the river and nestle among the cyprus trees and spanish moss. There were alligators and egrets, blue heron and turtles, raccoons and flying fish. I really enjoyed it and then he offered to let me drive the boat...so I did. Up to full speed too! We also saw first hand the homes of the swamp dwellers and did see the impact that Hurricane Katrina had on the population. Turns out that he himself lost everything in the backwash.
After a thoroughly enjoyable tour, the guide mentioned that if we drove...and turned left out of the drive instead of right, that we would wind up on a beach on the Gulf Of Mexico. The three of us looked at each other and that was all it took. Off to the beach. It was a gloriously hot and sunny day, why not? So, we drove and suddenly realized from the signage that we were not in Louisiana anymore. Welcome to Mississippi! Nothing loth, we went to the beach anyway and had it almost to ourselves. Yellow fine sand, warm waters and dolphins playing in the shallows. In the distance was the Casino.
So, we took pictures and walked the beach and then realized that if we went to the Casino, we would have played in two states in less than 24 hours. That was too funny not to do. After that, we drifted back into town and found the WWII Museum. That was a technological overview of the war from the American perspective. It was interesting and diverse. They also had some graphic images. My favorite of course was the nose art from the WWII bombers. I still love that stuff.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Garden District
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Garden District: Funnily enough, after listening to jazz music as I fell asleep, I didn't exactly rise and shine as early as I thought perhaps I should. I ar...
New Orleans: Garden District
Funnily enough, after listening to jazz music as I fell asleep, I didn't exactly rise and shine as early as I thought perhaps I should. I arose to the sound of muted voices chatting the room next door. Oh no, I must have kept them waiting for awhile. I felt much better when I realized the pajama brigade was still intact. It was a rather southern start to the morning. Very languid, and cozy.
After realizing that breakfast at Cafe du Monde was not going to happen, especially as we encroached on lunch time, we decided to head out for the street car line. We rode the riverfront trolley, to canal street and changed again for St. Charles Street line to the garden district. Streetcars are supposed to go every 15 minutes, but really, it is more of an adventure than that. The lines go when the conductor is ready and not before. You can buy a day pass on the trolley, something we didn't figure out until later and you really should if you are going both directions as it costs the same as two transfer tickets and gives you more options. Be prepared for bathroom breaks, lunch stops and driver switches at random along any or all routes.
Once in the garden district, we opted for a delicious lunch at a Cheesecake place. I don't think I ever want to see my scale again. Then, we found the tourist information and acquired a map. Walking the Garden District commenced. We wandered the streets admiring the architecture, finding the listed houses and reading all the signs. We fantasized about owning them and even tried to find MLS listings for some that were for sale in the district. No luck, I still have no idea what they would cost. They are beautiful. At least, they are lovely until you see them kitted out with incongrous halloween decorations. It would be the season for that here and some of the houses are done up in pure New Orleans style. There is also still Mardi Gras debris hanging from the trees. The other thing we noticed is that it is not very wheel chair friendly as the old trees have the concrete and/or brick sideways peeling up several inches to reveal their roots.
Finally, we transited back and changed for dinner. We had dinner on the Natchez riverboat and listened to the jazz band as we floated down the Mississipppi River. It was calm on the water and very serene to listen to the paddle churn at one end while the music drifted back from the front. Dinner was rich, full and amazing. The drinks were good and the gift shop limited. I think I liked the fish and veggies best on the menu. Just saying...
The ship docked at 9:00 which was far too early to go home so we hit the casino. There was enough glitz and gambling in their to give Vegas a real showdown. The casino world is alive and well. I lost $5 so I am miffed. From there, we wandered down the roads back to our hotel where once again the french quarter is thumping with at least 5 bands churning out music. Not all Jazz tonight either, so it could be an even longer night.
After realizing that breakfast at Cafe du Monde was not going to happen, especially as we encroached on lunch time, we decided to head out for the street car line. We rode the riverfront trolley, to canal street and changed again for St. Charles Street line to the garden district. Streetcars are supposed to go every 15 minutes, but really, it is more of an adventure than that. The lines go when the conductor is ready and not before. You can buy a day pass on the trolley, something we didn't figure out until later and you really should if you are going both directions as it costs the same as two transfer tickets and gives you more options. Be prepared for bathroom breaks, lunch stops and driver switches at random along any or all routes.
Once in the garden district, we opted for a delicious lunch at a Cheesecake place. I don't think I ever want to see my scale again. Then, we found the tourist information and acquired a map. Walking the Garden District commenced. We wandered the streets admiring the architecture, finding the listed houses and reading all the signs. We fantasized about owning them and even tried to find MLS listings for some that were for sale in the district. No luck, I still have no idea what they would cost. They are beautiful. At least, they are lovely until you see them kitted out with incongrous halloween decorations. It would be the season for that here and some of the houses are done up in pure New Orleans style. There is also still Mardi Gras debris hanging from the trees. The other thing we noticed is that it is not very wheel chair friendly as the old trees have the concrete and/or brick sideways peeling up several inches to reveal their roots.
Finally, we transited back and changed for dinner. We had dinner on the Natchez riverboat and listened to the jazz band as we floated down the Mississipppi River. It was calm on the water and very serene to listen to the paddle churn at one end while the music drifted back from the front. Dinner was rich, full and amazing. The drinks were good and the gift shop limited. I think I liked the fish and veggies best on the menu. Just saying...
The ship docked at 9:00 which was far too early to go home so we hit the casino. There was enough glitz and gambling in their to give Vegas a real showdown. The casino world is alive and well. I lost $5 so I am miffed. From there, we wandered down the roads back to our hotel where once again the french quarter is thumping with at least 5 bands churning out music. Not all Jazz tonight either, so it could be an even longer night.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Bourbon Street
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Bourbon Street: Take that you foul feind. Take that you "what are you wearing?" Oh my did you see THAT? In case you missed it, we elected to walk around the...
New Orleans: Bourbon Street
Take that you foul feind. Take that you "what are you wearing?" Oh my did you see THAT? In case you missed it, we elected to walk around the french quarter to downtown. We sampled coffee and window shopped. We prowled the downtown core. There was beautiful art and historic landmarks. The music hummed through the air and rippled through the airwaves. People were jostling and laughing and drinking up and down the street. From the hippie voodoo loving travellers to the local residents trying to wave you through their doors, there is definately something for everyone and it is not for the faint of heart. Vegas, you have competetion for raucous eye opening place on earth.
Here, they gamble. Here, they drink and wander the streets. Eye distractions and abominations are prevalent. But the food. Yum. There again the savory scents catch your nose and entice you in. We had dinner at Ramloude. Basic po'boy with onion rings that were fabulously delicious. Drinks are on offer everywhere. Bourbon street, they toss out necklaces and expect you to pay for it with entertainment. There are the street performers and wild carousers. Funny slogans and masks to boot. This is a city of contrasts.
From Bourbon street, we crossed to Pirate Alley and strolled the art galleries and did more shopping. We spied policemen on horseback. Fancily dressed individuals and people that were not dressed really at all. Historic buildings and monuments are intertwined with large neon lights and music pumping from every nook and cranny. This is a city of contrasts. I dare you to be bored!
Here, they gamble. Here, they drink and wander the streets. Eye distractions and abominations are prevalent. But the food. Yum. There again the savory scents catch your nose and entice you in. We had dinner at Ramloude. Basic po'boy with onion rings that were fabulously delicious. Drinks are on offer everywhere. Bourbon street, they toss out necklaces and expect you to pay for it with entertainment. There are the street performers and wild carousers. Funny slogans and masks to boot. This is a city of contrasts.
From Bourbon street, we crossed to Pirate Alley and strolled the art galleries and did more shopping. We spied policemen on horseback. Fancily dressed individuals and people that were not dressed really at all. Historic buildings and monuments are intertwined with large neon lights and music pumping from every nook and cranny. This is a city of contrasts. I dare you to be bored!
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Plantation Fever
Hooliganting: New Orleans: Plantation Fever: Fabulous. Just Fabulous. This morning the air was rich in humidity and so sunny. After collecting the third member of the museum ge...
New Orleans: Plantation Fever
First, we had to sample the wares of the restaurant. I sampled the chicken gumbo and discovered that it was really savory. Sausage, chicken and rice in a broth that was simple yet delicious. Yum! I can see that this trip might become all about the food very quickly. In the gift shop, there are spices and sauces galore. I might be tempted yet into bring back some cane syrup. For these are the worlds of creole, sugar cane plantations, slavery stories and clashing cultures. Back to Oak Alley. We were met by a costumed tour guide who mumbled her way through the history of the families that had lived in the home. The history was fascinating but not much of the furntiture was original to the house so it lost a bit in translation. There were some beautiful antique cars and gardens but really, the food stole the show.
By contrast, we went to the Laura Plantation and got a wonderful tour guide. He was able to spin the trials and tribulations of Laura's family tree with flavour, humor and spice. He threaded his way through the rooms and really made sure that we understood the cultural differences of the creole way of life. He was also more open and honest about the slaving roots and the overall experiences of the people. This tour should be a must on everyone's list. The gift shop prowl was well met so now, we are booking our dinner reservations for tomorrow.
Tonight? Well, it might just have to be Bourbon Street. Look out New Orleans.
Hooliganting: And Welcome to New Orleans
Hooliganting: And Welcome to New Orleans: After flying for most of the night, and sipping copious amounts of fair to middling coffee, I blearyily eyed the baggage carousel. The purpl...
And Welcome to New Orleans
After flying for most of the night, and sipping copious amounts of fair to middling coffee, I blearyily eyed the baggage carousel. The purple people eater is there, so I snag it and set off to find...well first my co-adventuress...but then the rental car counter.
Stepping out of the airport, the waves of humid air wrap around your lungs and the sunshine kisses you hello. You can't help but smile and laugh and welcome to New Orleans. Jazz is played throughout the airport in case you missed it.
So, we find our hotel. Driving in, the city looks like any other. A concrete jungle curves and winds it way to downtown. However, once you turn into downtown, the battered old ladies of buildings still have charm. There is definately a weathered look to the structures. Paint peeling, siding missing in places and some boarded up windows. Hurricane Katrina is definately still prevalent here. I was a bit charmed by that. The thing I love and hate though is the beautiful buildings decorated and vamped up for Halloween. It is like seeing your grandmother wear spandex and a tutu, or the sexy french maid costume. The ghosts and ghouls just are wrong. And this is coming from someone who loves the fun of decorating. The oxymoron of it has been laughing and shaking my head.
On arrival to the Frenchmans district where we are staying, we find a subdued complex. The surrounding area is graffitted to death and we have already been told we are not in the best of the French Quarter. But the place is nice. We happen to have a two bedroom apartment for this extravaganza. Hardwood floors, comfortable beds, full kitchen, living room and bath...balcony...fabulous. Already the sounds of jazz and other music is wafting through the windows.
One can't just hole up in the apartment, this is New Orleans. We ventured off to find alligators but instead found a costume shop, a grocery store and the city. We window shopped around magazine street. Got lost several times and finally decided to park the rental car and walk to downtown. Hahaha.
The restaurants are already going to be the devil. We walked out the door and were hit with the savory aromas of food. Cajun and Soul. Patisseries and coffee. Beer and stale smoke. It was a palette of New Orleans. The food was amazing and that was just our first try at a little hole in the wall place on the corner of Frenchman's street. We didn't get far. Then, we walked to downtown, drfiting from artist to cafe, from tourist kitch to the river, to Cafe Du Monde to the hotel.
Now, we have slept...rested and are ready to start all over again. First, let's go get the missing member of the museum geek squad. To the airport and beyond. I will try and post some pictures of the halloween stuff...too good not to get some.
Stepping out of the airport, the waves of humid air wrap around your lungs and the sunshine kisses you hello. You can't help but smile and laugh and welcome to New Orleans. Jazz is played throughout the airport in case you missed it.
So, we find our hotel. Driving in, the city looks like any other. A concrete jungle curves and winds it way to downtown. However, once you turn into downtown, the battered old ladies of buildings still have charm. There is definately a weathered look to the structures. Paint peeling, siding missing in places and some boarded up windows. Hurricane Katrina is definately still prevalent here. I was a bit charmed by that. The thing I love and hate though is the beautiful buildings decorated and vamped up for Halloween. It is like seeing your grandmother wear spandex and a tutu, or the sexy french maid costume. The ghosts and ghouls just are wrong. And this is coming from someone who loves the fun of decorating. The oxymoron of it has been laughing and shaking my head.
On arrival to the Frenchmans district where we are staying, we find a subdued complex. The surrounding area is graffitted to death and we have already been told we are not in the best of the French Quarter. But the place is nice. We happen to have a two bedroom apartment for this extravaganza. Hardwood floors, comfortable beds, full kitchen, living room and bath...balcony...fabulous. Already the sounds of jazz and other music is wafting through the windows.
One can't just hole up in the apartment, this is New Orleans. We ventured off to find alligators but instead found a costume shop, a grocery store and the city. We window shopped around magazine street. Got lost several times and finally decided to park the rental car and walk to downtown. Hahaha.
The restaurants are already going to be the devil. We walked out the door and were hit with the savory aromas of food. Cajun and Soul. Patisseries and coffee. Beer and stale smoke. It was a palette of New Orleans. The food was amazing and that was just our first try at a little hole in the wall place on the corner of Frenchman's street. We didn't get far. Then, we walked to downtown, drfiting from artist to cafe, from tourist kitch to the river, to Cafe Du Monde to the hotel.
Now, we have slept...rested and are ready to start all over again. First, let's go get the missing member of the museum geek squad. To the airport and beyond. I will try and post some pictures of the halloween stuff...too good not to get some.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Hooliganting: In Transit
Hooliganting: In Transit: Currently, I am relaxing after a sleepless night in the air. I am watching the sun rise over a fleet of white and red Air Canada planes. Now...
In Transit
Currently, I am relaxing after a sleepless night in the air. I am watching the sun rise over a fleet of white and red Air Canada planes. Now, I am aware that my sleepless state induced weird imaging and crossed wires in my head, but honestly, the behaviour of some people that I am watching bears commenting on. So...here is my random reflections of people in transit.
1) Hooliganting with my lady with wheels...she decided that her van was too thirsty to continue and so we stopped for gas on the way to the airport. In the stall ahead, a gentleman gets out of the vehicle. He pulls on a pair of gloves. He removes the handle and then puts in back. He removed a glove and got out his credit card and proceeded to try about 5 times to get the machine to fill. The gloveless hand pushed the buttons. Then the glove went back on. He again removed the handle. Then he realized he had to open the gas tank. Off came the glove, and he opened the door and popped the tank open. The glove was shoved back on and the fueling process began. Meanwhile the other hand only had a glove half on and off. Once complete, the gloves were both removed and then placed back in the vehicle. Then, gloveless he had to go inside to pay. I was fascinated. (For the record, at this time most people left without their receipts which have money attached to them so I jumped out and collected them all for the whopping $5.00 that madame chauffeur now has in her van.)
2) The gentleman on the plane. I use that term loosely. He sat in the seat ahead of me. Everyone was trying to sleep on this midnight run. I even think he was attempting to sleep but I don't think he was successful. He wiggled and bounced. He turned his light on and off and on and off and on and off and on and off....get the idea? He managed to tilt his seat and whack me a good headache in the process. He snored and passed odorific gas. I know it was a three hour flight but really...I could have used a nap. Just saying...and a nose plug.
3) If you know that you have an early morning flight, wouldn't it make sense to set an alarm. I am in Toronto and the number of people that seem to have forgotten that they have to be at the airport in enough time for security is fascinating. I have seen parents racing ahead of their children, only to get to the desk and realize that the four year old pushing the stroller has wandered to the wrong gate. Really? You are already late. Perhaps you may wish to leave your child but legally it does still belong to you and possibly should be processed as checked baggage. There is the old lady wheeling her chair with her bag attached and hollering "hald that pleen plis. I can't just get my feet werking rit." She was round and shuffly. For the record, they held the flight. Sitting by the San Fransico gate, they had a full flight until 16 people didn't show. How can 16 people sleep in that much? Of course, they have shown up late and are now having a massive rant at the ticket attendants. The thing is...if they were connecting and missed, I would understand. I've been there and it's not fun. These people just figured that the plane would wait while they got a bit more sleep...or something. And why yell at the people that you want to help you? Air Canada is fairly competant for the most part (Don't get me started on my experiences with some other airlines who oversell flights - you know who you are.). Next flight to this gate is Miami...I wonder what will happen with that.
4) This is an airport with moving sidewalks. I have always thought that they were fairly easy to negotiate. Today, I am convinced that I was born with a natural flair for walking on them with style...suitcase following behind me. There have been people that trip over the edges. There have been people that leave their suitcases at one end. There have been those that miss their footing on the dismount. There are of course children trying to run the wrong way (secretly I think this might be fun.) There have been wardrobe malfunctions and jostling shennanigans. Perhaps putting your shoes on at security for running might be a good idea. Socks seem to get stuck to the moving ramps.
5) If you know you want coffee, add in the additional time. This is the secured homeland. Security takes time but of course, being Canadian, you almost can't have a morning without your Tims or Starbucks. The lines for these places were out the door. And then, you get the pushing and shoving for people to get out of the place and try to run for the gates without spilling their beverages. Two have hit the floor so far! Plus, factor in the bad language over the time it takes to get a coffee. I am starting to think that the world has few morning people in it but wait...
6) At the secured check in where you pretty much have to remove everything from yourself and stand in the shuffle to get through security, there was a Jamacian sounding man that sang his instructions to people in the happiest reggae beat. He was partnered by a loud, personality princess who managed to make her instructions entertaining just by changing the tone of her voice. Even when people were not understanding her, she didn't lose her cool. She just kept repeating her messaging over and over. I was impressed. I will never be that happy in the morning.
So, now I am going to prowl facebook and scope out more episodes. People watching is sure interesting. From the couple snuggling across from me and who are totally asleep, to the business people frantically getting in that last phone call and email, to the shoe shiners waving down victims and the bright sunshine coming in the windows...I think it will be a great morning. I have time for the Tim's line up...perhaps I should get caffeine dose number three.
1) Hooliganting with my lady with wheels...she decided that her van was too thirsty to continue and so we stopped for gas on the way to the airport. In the stall ahead, a gentleman gets out of the vehicle. He pulls on a pair of gloves. He removes the handle and then puts in back. He removed a glove and got out his credit card and proceeded to try about 5 times to get the machine to fill. The gloveless hand pushed the buttons. Then the glove went back on. He again removed the handle. Then he realized he had to open the gas tank. Off came the glove, and he opened the door and popped the tank open. The glove was shoved back on and the fueling process began. Meanwhile the other hand only had a glove half on and off. Once complete, the gloves were both removed and then placed back in the vehicle. Then, gloveless he had to go inside to pay. I was fascinated. (For the record, at this time most people left without their receipts which have money attached to them so I jumped out and collected them all for the whopping $5.00 that madame chauffeur now has in her van.)
2) The gentleman on the plane. I use that term loosely. He sat in the seat ahead of me. Everyone was trying to sleep on this midnight run. I even think he was attempting to sleep but I don't think he was successful. He wiggled and bounced. He turned his light on and off and on and off and on and off and on and off....get the idea? He managed to tilt his seat and whack me a good headache in the process. He snored and passed odorific gas. I know it was a three hour flight but really...I could have used a nap. Just saying...and a nose plug.
3) If you know that you have an early morning flight, wouldn't it make sense to set an alarm. I am in Toronto and the number of people that seem to have forgotten that they have to be at the airport in enough time for security is fascinating. I have seen parents racing ahead of their children, only to get to the desk and realize that the four year old pushing the stroller has wandered to the wrong gate. Really? You are already late. Perhaps you may wish to leave your child but legally it does still belong to you and possibly should be processed as checked baggage. There is the old lady wheeling her chair with her bag attached and hollering "hald that pleen plis. I can't just get my feet werking rit." She was round and shuffly. For the record, they held the flight. Sitting by the San Fransico gate, they had a full flight until 16 people didn't show. How can 16 people sleep in that much? Of course, they have shown up late and are now having a massive rant at the ticket attendants. The thing is...if they were connecting and missed, I would understand. I've been there and it's not fun. These people just figured that the plane would wait while they got a bit more sleep...or something. And why yell at the people that you want to help you? Air Canada is fairly competant for the most part (Don't get me started on my experiences with some other airlines who oversell flights - you know who you are.). Next flight to this gate is Miami...I wonder what will happen with that.
4) This is an airport with moving sidewalks. I have always thought that they were fairly easy to negotiate. Today, I am convinced that I was born with a natural flair for walking on them with style...suitcase following behind me. There have been people that trip over the edges. There have been people that leave their suitcases at one end. There have been those that miss their footing on the dismount. There are of course children trying to run the wrong way (secretly I think this might be fun.) There have been wardrobe malfunctions and jostling shennanigans. Perhaps putting your shoes on at security for running might be a good idea. Socks seem to get stuck to the moving ramps.
5) If you know you want coffee, add in the additional time. This is the secured homeland. Security takes time but of course, being Canadian, you almost can't have a morning without your Tims or Starbucks. The lines for these places were out the door. And then, you get the pushing and shoving for people to get out of the place and try to run for the gates without spilling their beverages. Two have hit the floor so far! Plus, factor in the bad language over the time it takes to get a coffee. I am starting to think that the world has few morning people in it but wait...
6) At the secured check in where you pretty much have to remove everything from yourself and stand in the shuffle to get through security, there was a Jamacian sounding man that sang his instructions to people in the happiest reggae beat. He was partnered by a loud, personality princess who managed to make her instructions entertaining just by changing the tone of her voice. Even when people were not understanding her, she didn't lose her cool. She just kept repeating her messaging over and over. I was impressed. I will never be that happy in the morning.
So, now I am going to prowl facebook and scope out more episodes. People watching is sure interesting. From the couple snuggling across from me and who are totally asleep, to the business people frantically getting in that last phone call and email, to the shoe shiners waving down victims and the bright sunshine coming in the windows...I think it will be a great morning. I have time for the Tim's line up...perhaps I should get caffeine dose number three.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Hooliganting: Thanksgiving: Turkeys and Licking the Stuffing out...
Hooliganting: Thanksgiving: Turkeys and Licking the Stuffing out...: This is not your typical thanksgiving sentimental jaunt down pleasant thoughts. So, that was your disclaimer. Now, if you are still reading....
Thanksgiving: Turkeys and Licking the Stuffing out of them
This is not your typical thanksgiving sentimental jaunt down pleasant thoughts. So, that was your disclaimer. Now, if you are still reading...you are about to get my take on turkeys.
I have two in my house currently. Speciman A has managed to escape from it's pen (read room) and roam the house, neighbourhood school at large, and bus stops without being on time for anything today. Nor was this speciman able to sit at a table, do homework, play on the computer without disobeying every single instruction that it was given. I have this funny belief that my turkeys should be educated. I also think that they ought to listen. I put all sorts of good ingrediants into my turkeys, like healthy food choices, good books for the eyes, music for the soul, fun for the excitment. I can be fun. Really, I can.
Now, before you forget, I have a second speciman. The smaller of the two. This one has been a bit off colour and needed some stuffing up. The problem is that it is refusing to be stuffed with anything...including peanut butter sandwiches that are usually the last resort of bribery in this house. My little turkey instead has been opinionated, whiney, bossey and downright nasty by turns. This is the turkey in the yard that just gobbles with no substance.
From turkey fights, to turkey noises, to turkeyish shennanigans, I was tired of turkey and was really thinking about farming cows instead. My wee birdies decided to finish my day of trying to relax and have fun with them by dressing up in over feathered costumes and then knocking over the juice. It went everywhere. I am sorry I was too annoyed to take a picture. Juice on the floors, the table, paperwork, chairs, carpet (It went that far) and so on. The end result has been that every button on the pressure potted stove that is my brain got pushed and exploded. In a rant that hasn't been bettered in a long while.
It was long and loud and made you want to lick the stuffing out of them.
I called a friend and mentioned scrapbooking. I packed em up with no more words uttered and motored to said refuge...more for the turkey's sake than mine. But then, Speciman A decided to cluck out an apology and it was actually worth hearing. Then, I started to scrap pictures from last Fall.
My turkeys are rosy and beautiful. They have individual creative personalities. They wear their feathers with joy and abandon. Perhaps too much so sometimes, but that is their gift. They are loud and boisterous. Baa baa black sheep was actually sung in harmony today at top volume. Piano playing is happening. Art showcases on my refrigerator. They have beaks that offer soft kisses and wings that can go places that most cannot. The feathers of their hugs are warm and endearing. Maybe I will keep farming my turkeys after all. Just remind me that they will start their own coop one day and I will be just fine...maybe.
For the record...I have not roasted my turkeys nor cooked their goose. I have however stuffed them into their beds with hugs and a promise of a better today tomorrrow, for which I am very grateful. Night!
I have two in my house currently. Speciman A has managed to escape from it's pen (read room) and roam the house, neighbourhood school at large, and bus stops without being on time for anything today. Nor was this speciman able to sit at a table, do homework, play on the computer without disobeying every single instruction that it was given. I have this funny belief that my turkeys should be educated. I also think that they ought to listen. I put all sorts of good ingrediants into my turkeys, like healthy food choices, good books for the eyes, music for the soul, fun for the excitment. I can be fun. Really, I can.
Now, before you forget, I have a second speciman. The smaller of the two. This one has been a bit off colour and needed some stuffing up. The problem is that it is refusing to be stuffed with anything...including peanut butter sandwiches that are usually the last resort of bribery in this house. My little turkey instead has been opinionated, whiney, bossey and downright nasty by turns. This is the turkey in the yard that just gobbles with no substance.
From turkey fights, to turkey noises, to turkeyish shennanigans, I was tired of turkey and was really thinking about farming cows instead. My wee birdies decided to finish my day of trying to relax and have fun with them by dressing up in over feathered costumes and then knocking over the juice. It went everywhere. I am sorry I was too annoyed to take a picture. Juice on the floors, the table, paperwork, chairs, carpet (It went that far) and so on. The end result has been that every button on the pressure potted stove that is my brain got pushed and exploded. In a rant that hasn't been bettered in a long while.
It was long and loud and made you want to lick the stuffing out of them.
I called a friend and mentioned scrapbooking. I packed em up with no more words uttered and motored to said refuge...more for the turkey's sake than mine. But then, Speciman A decided to cluck out an apology and it was actually worth hearing. Then, I started to scrap pictures from last Fall.
My turkeys are rosy and beautiful. They have individual creative personalities. They wear their feathers with joy and abandon. Perhaps too much so sometimes, but that is their gift. They are loud and boisterous. Baa baa black sheep was actually sung in harmony today at top volume. Piano playing is happening. Art showcases on my refrigerator. They have beaks that offer soft kisses and wings that can go places that most cannot. The feathers of their hugs are warm and endearing. Maybe I will keep farming my turkeys after all. Just remind me that they will start their own coop one day and I will be just fine...maybe.
For the record...I have not roasted my turkeys nor cooked their goose. I have however stuffed them into their beds with hugs and a promise of a better today tomorrrow, for which I am very grateful. Night!
Hooliganting: Hooliganting: Falling Leaves
Hooliganting: Hooliganting: Falling Leaves: Hooliganting: Falling Leaves : There is nothing like enjoying the falling leaves. The scrunch of the leaves underfoot. The scent of the chan...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Hooliganting: Falling Leaves
Hooliganting: Falling Leaves: There is nothing like enjoying the falling leaves. The scrunch of the leaves underfoot. The scent of the changing seasons. Scuffling the...
Falling Leaves
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Hooliganting: My shirt is on backwards...
Hooliganting: My shirt is on backwards...: Oh yes, today was one of those days. It all seemed to be progressing quite ordinarily, but then...I was fated to look down. I looked down to...
My shirt is on backwards...
Oh yes, today was one of those days. It all seemed to be progressing quite ordinarily, but then...I was fated to look down. I looked down to my brown sweater and brown belt. And while the belt was facing the right direction, that wee sweater of mine had the low cut vee with beige cami decorating my back. After inspecting the results in the mirror that was conveniently located across from the sink, I decided to hell with it and left it. Oh yes, today was one of those days...
It all started with that monotonous beeping noise. I couldn't quite place it so bashed it...until the sound rolled over and played dead. That was then pierced by this wretched shrill beeping noise and my unconcious self finally noticed that I really did have to do something about it, along the lines of actually getting out of bed 10 minutes before child one had to be at the bus. For the record...she made it. However, it was frantically getting her out the door (thank goodness it was pj day at school) along with a very chipper child #2. So, ran to the bus, walked back, hauled the garbage out as the garbage trucks drove by, got child #2 piano practise in, and then walked her to the bus. Except well, she plodded rather than walked and sang rather than walk and nearly missed the bus. Thankfully, the bus driver knows her by now so drove up to meet us.
Traffic of course was dreadful on the way to work, and work became a riddle of problems left over from other people's lack of attention to detail. So, nursing a wicked headache, along with the rest of this town from the sounds of it (I wonder if we are all allergic to clouds and/or rain) I finished my day and drove like a bandit back up the hill. Nabbed the first kid, then the second and hightailed it back to downtown.
For the next three hours I chilled out downtown while various dance lessons happened. They were both by turns, hungry, thirsty, tired, cranky and really really really LOUD in their complaints over the lack of food that they wanted to eat, drinks that they wanted to drink and homework that they didn't want to do. However, the homework got done. Food that was provided was eaten. Heaven forbid that they eat anything other than junk.Then...I drove up the hill with them in tow, late as usual. Finally, I got to Y, handed them off and relaxed by having my butt kicked in a water workout at the Y. I felt better at the end, or so I thought. Apparently, I was too tired to dress myself properly and well, my sweater is on backwards.
I suppose I could have changed it back around, but really, I am not that fussed about it. Once again, the humor overrode the logical conclusion and I wandered out as I was...sometimes, it feels great to be human. Today was one of those days.
It all started with that monotonous beeping noise. I couldn't quite place it so bashed it...until the sound rolled over and played dead. That was then pierced by this wretched shrill beeping noise and my unconcious self finally noticed that I really did have to do something about it, along the lines of actually getting out of bed 10 minutes before child one had to be at the bus. For the record...she made it. However, it was frantically getting her out the door (thank goodness it was pj day at school) along with a very chipper child #2. So, ran to the bus, walked back, hauled the garbage out as the garbage trucks drove by, got child #2 piano practise in, and then walked her to the bus. Except well, she plodded rather than walked and sang rather than walk and nearly missed the bus. Thankfully, the bus driver knows her by now so drove up to meet us.
Traffic of course was dreadful on the way to work, and work became a riddle of problems left over from other people's lack of attention to detail. So, nursing a wicked headache, along with the rest of this town from the sounds of it (I wonder if we are all allergic to clouds and/or rain) I finished my day and drove like a bandit back up the hill. Nabbed the first kid, then the second and hightailed it back to downtown.
For the next three hours I chilled out downtown while various dance lessons happened. They were both by turns, hungry, thirsty, tired, cranky and really really really LOUD in their complaints over the lack of food that they wanted to eat, drinks that they wanted to drink and homework that they didn't want to do. However, the homework got done. Food that was provided was eaten. Heaven forbid that they eat anything other than junk.Then...I drove up the hill with them in tow, late as usual. Finally, I got to Y, handed them off and relaxed by having my butt kicked in a water workout at the Y. I felt better at the end, or so I thought. Apparently, I was too tired to dress myself properly and well, my sweater is on backwards.
I suppose I could have changed it back around, but really, I am not that fussed about it. Once again, the humor overrode the logical conclusion and I wandered out as I was...sometimes, it feels great to be human. Today was one of those days.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Hooliganting: Be Yourself: The Good Enough Story
Hooliganting: Be Yourself: The Good Enough Story: This weekend I have had the opportunity to be away from the usual stuff in my life to take in the learning posed at an annual conference for...
Be Yourself: The Good Enough Story
This weekend I have had the opportunity to be away from the usual stuff in my life to take in the learning posed at an annual conference for my profession. I am one who works in and around museums. This is a profession that changes names depending on who I am talking to. I am curator, grant writer, educator, exhibition builder, writer, professional tourist, museologist, museum geek...yes...I have a number of titles that I ascribe to myself. In the process, I often choose to forget that I am also a mother, exercise freak, eccentric, unique, creative, that is passionate about people, places and the stories that they tell. I am me...and that is just fine thank you.
I was going through a phase where I was feeling stressed and frantic within the confines of my own world. Some noticed that I was a bit off, but for the most part, I carry on at my usual breakneck speed through my world. I thrive on chaos. Odd, but true. My stress seems to come from a lack of focus, worry...especially about others, and dropping the ball. That is another way of leaving others in charge of my world and trusting them to understand the methods I use to make it all work.
All that is just background to my point to ponder. I have had some wonderful experiences this weekend in storytelling and magic making. I listened to that fellow that wrote the book of 1000 awesome things and well...he was awesome. His whole focus is about noticing the positive elements in your life and generating valuable meaning out of them. It was about making the most of your opportunities. He showed an affirmation video on Jessica...a little almost four year old who affirmed herself on a daily basis. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg
I later saw another video posted from word press on the impact that changing your words can make.
I hope you have time to watch them...they can truly change how you are thinking today. I have listened to people that have found the joy and celebration in all that they do.
From there, I decided to embrace the joy and celebration and got back into my outgoing bubbly self. This is a person that had been decidedly lacking of late. I dressed up in as the executive director of the conference noted "as an ABBA meets the Partridge family outfit" to go to the dancing through the decades event and won a tank ride for my outfit. Very nifty, and danced the night away. I know that there are pictures out there...be afraid! I also participated in all the events and talked to everyone I could. I met new friends and old friends and had a great time. I also won a family pass to the Ukranian Village and a conservators kit. Not a bad weekend...I found a dress or two while shopping that made my wardrobe smile if not my credit card.
I have had a night out with an old friend and thoroughly enjoyed the company and that elusive thing: the ability to be me with no strings attached. So that is what I have gained from the weekend. Not only have I had a huge professional development curve, but I am also relieved to note that for the moment...I have me back. I am good enough and if you don't like me...tough!
I was going through a phase where I was feeling stressed and frantic within the confines of my own world. Some noticed that I was a bit off, but for the most part, I carry on at my usual breakneck speed through my world. I thrive on chaos. Odd, but true. My stress seems to come from a lack of focus, worry...especially about others, and dropping the ball. That is another way of leaving others in charge of my world and trusting them to understand the methods I use to make it all work.
All that is just background to my point to ponder. I have had some wonderful experiences this weekend in storytelling and magic making. I listened to that fellow that wrote the book of 1000 awesome things and well...he was awesome. His whole focus is about noticing the positive elements in your life and generating valuable meaning out of them. It was about making the most of your opportunities. He showed an affirmation video on Jessica...a little almost four year old who affirmed herself on a daily basis. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg
I later saw another video posted from word press on the impact that changing your words can make.
 | www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgi0t2ap-us |
From there, I decided to embrace the joy and celebration and got back into my outgoing bubbly self. This is a person that had been decidedly lacking of late. I dressed up in as the executive director of the conference noted "as an ABBA meets the Partridge family outfit" to go to the dancing through the decades event and won a tank ride for my outfit. Very nifty, and danced the night away. I know that there are pictures out there...be afraid! I also participated in all the events and talked to everyone I could. I met new friends and old friends and had a great time. I also won a family pass to the Ukranian Village and a conservators kit. Not a bad weekend...I found a dress or two while shopping that made my wardrobe smile if not my credit card.
I have had a night out with an old friend and thoroughly enjoyed the company and that elusive thing: the ability to be me with no strings attached. So that is what I have gained from the weekend. Not only have I had a huge professional development curve, but I am also relieved to note that for the moment...I have me back. I am good enough and if you don't like me...tough!
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