Free Hugs

You can't not love this YouTube video clip by Juan Mann thats been going around the email circuit lately for good reason.

Check it out and let your heart smile! I like the tune too.

Maybe we're not all comfortable giving out hugs but try giving a smile sometime instead - smiles can work too.

Contract Extended ... Again! :-)

I am very happy to report that my work contract has been extended for another 3 months. I know I said Feb 23 was really my last day this time, but then late on the 22nd, I heard they had managed to get approvals for an extension.

It seems there is a 2-year limit on my type of contract to protect the worker from not getting benefits and other perq.'s that they'd be entitled to as an employee. This makes perfect sense, but not for those like me who do not want to be an employee. Luckily, with Don working and having benefits through his employer, it works better for us when I have the freedom that comes with contract or freelance work.

I love the work that we do in my group, and I really enjoy the people that I work with. So I will once again gladly put my 'When-I'm-Not-Working To Do List' on hold. Thanks John & Patti!

Reader Profile: John

Here is my brother. He is one of my readers. In fact, this blog has quadrupled its readership with the addition of Don, John and Carol ... in addition to my premier reader, Denise. My kids have also checked it out, and my in-laws haven't figured out how to follow a link yet (just trying to provoke you guys, ie Doug? Kathy?).

John is a brilliant salesperson. If you are a Nunavut Innuit, he could probably sell you ice. He is either incredibly smart and personable or he has horseshoes up his butt. He has repeatedly taken tough sales territories and turned them into gold. My brother is also successful in love, Vicki!, has talented kids, and does a heck of a job as wedding reception toastmaster (with notions of grandeur!).

He is concerned that photos on this site may lead to harm for those pictured. I am pretty sure that Don, Denise and Carol are not axe murderers, so you are safe here John. (I think, but lock the doors tonight just in case.) Just to err on the side of caution, I've given you a very subtle disguise so that you will not be recognized ... should an Innuit want a refund on their block of ice.

Winter Break on Singer Island

Carolyn and I are just back from 5 days in Florida. It was the first time I've ever been to an airport the day after a big snowstorm. The airport was a zoo. It was a miracle that we made it to our flight on time.

Once in Florida, we were met by my parents and chilly weather. Chilly for Floridians, not so bad for northerners from below-freezing temps! We filled our days with lots of window shopping (and real shopping), going to Starbucks, walking the beach, eating, card playing, reading, doing puzzles, and, of course, doing crossword puzzles. All the while we talked and caught up. Very relaxing.

The pictures I've added here show the beach looking sunny and beautiful. The weird part is that it was deserted. At this time of year, over a long weekend, it is usually very busy. We did have a couple of days when we were out on the beach as you can see, but the wind was strong. The last photo is of the hole my Dad accidentally put in the wall - probably the funniest time of the whole visit!

I had a fun vacation with my daughter, and it was great to see H&B doing well. We missed Don and Bryan, of course, who were home attending to hockey practices and work. Its great to get away, and its great to be back home.

Including today, I have just 4 days left of work, so will soon be living the life of leisure ... and climbing the walls?! Stay tuned!

Winter?

Winter seems to be on its way tonight according to the weather forecast. Once again the kids are anticipating a snow day which would be a nice Valentine's Day treat. We'll know early tomorrow when we look out our window and check the school website for the official ruling.

It will be nice to have snow finally. Although its been cold and we've enjoyed pond and lake skating, we just have not had any snow to speak of this year. I'm actually looking forward to shovelling it!

Just a month ago, yes early January, my daffodils bloomed at the front of our house. Pretty as they were, I know we'll miss them in the spring when they are supposed to bloom.

Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow.

Then let the airports and roads be clear so that Carolyn and I can safely fly to West Palm Beach on Thursday morning!

Nephews

On my husband's side of our family I have 4 handsome nephews, ranging in age from 15 to 2 years old. Here's a photo of the cousins all together on a steamy hot day at the end of July '06 in Ontario. The youngest two had just returned from a fun day with Thomas the Tank Engine - still as popular as when my kids were little. (I used to love that show too!)

What differentiates these 4 nephews besides age? Well let's see if you can match the right child with the brief description:

1. Creative, awesome singer, loves games.

2. Beautiful printing, caring, gentle.

3. Gregarious, very curious, go-go-go.

4. Entrepreneurial, loves music, burps!

Of course they all have a little or a lot of all of the above characteristics, and all will explore different personas and roles as they grow. I wish them well.

Love, Aunt Cathy (with a 'C')

P.S. I will now find a photo of my side of the family for a future post.

(The anticipation!)

Amazing Teens

Last weekend I attended the Academic Decathelon tournament in Princeton Junction, NJ. This is a day-long event where children write exams on every subject under the sun, deliver two speeches, participate in an interview and submit an essay for grading. This day culminates in the Super Quiz where the kids compete as school teams. Wow!

Our son attended as an alternate, along with a few other Juniors, which meant they wrote all the tests but didn't do the additional activities unless one of the Seniors couldn't. It was the Seniors who were under real pressure. It was a good preview for the Juniors who may compete in earnest next year. The school coach, Miss J, has done this for several years and her calm manner and teaching style seems to work well for the kids.

I had the supreme pleasure of being a Speech Judge. With 2 other judges, we listened to 15 kids deliver their speeches - both prepared & impromptu. Needless to say the content of most speeches was fascinating! From nuclear medicine to being over-loaded with advertisements. Delivery styles varied but all seemed to grab our attention in some way. It was refreshing to see that although these kids are so bright and poised, they are still kids - nervous and excited.

What an experience! You leave there feeling no worries about the future generation's ability to lead while we're in our old age!

I just heard last night that our school made 'states' so this event will be repeated in another few weeks. Good luck KHS!

The Blog Habit

I need to get into the blog habit.

How will I ever build a dedicated and loyal readership without regular postings? So far, I think I have a readership of one (thanks to Denise, my colleague from work)!

Here is our cat, Lucky. He's about 8-1/2 yrs old, 16 lbs. As you can see, he is incredibly handsome!

Let's see ... last night I went to Madison Square Gardens with Tracey to watch the Leafs beat the Rangers 2-1. The tickets were purchased through my university alumni group in NYC so we were sitting with a rowdy bunch of Leafs fans, who occasionally yelled "Aaaaaaarrrrrgooooos!" They were brave fellows in a sea of Ranger fans.

The night before, I went to a book club meeting at Julie's beautiful home. It was my turn to facilitate. We were doing "Anna Karenina" and had an interesting discussion. Considering Tolstoy got paid by the word for the serialization, I'm sure he made a pretty ruble on that one. Then Malathy led a thought-provoking discussion of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. Next up is "Memory Keepers Daughter" which I read last summer. My other book club is doing "Suite Francaise," having just discussed "The Lay of the Land." And in my car, I'm listening to "The Tipping Point." I have not listed authors as I figure you can look them up if necessary.

Happy reading!