Thursday, October 6, 2011
Not Abandoned
Just wanted to say that I have not abandoned this blog... I am simply buried under a couple of huge projects right now and haven't had the time to write, but I will soon!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Family And In-Laws
Am I the only one who thinks that once you leave the nest… the nest should leave you alone? You know, family… extended family… in-laws! “Spread your wings and learn to fly! But not too far, come closer, don’t do that, let me help you, not that way, you’re doing it wrong, where are you going, who was that, when will I see you again, how could you do this to me… oh, I should have kept clipping your wings! Why don’t you just come back to the nest and let us take care of you… for the rest of your life!” Does any of that sound familiar? Sound like torture? Come on, admit it! Or are your wings still clipped?
Honestly though, we have all heard the monster-in-law stories but face it, even parents or extended family members can be just as bad when it comes to making your life a living hell! Now, I am not saying that my family (direct or in-law) are this way (or not) but I did find this article on www.slice.ca interesting and helpful so I wanted to share.
Survive the in-laws’ visit now; thank us later:
If you’re one of those people who regularly says, “But I get along fine with my in-laws” and means it, go away. Find other perfect people to talk to. For the rest of us, dealing with in-laws is about as comfortable as an hour-long Pap test. You’re being scrutinized, you’re in constant discomfort, and you can’t leave. Alas, like a Pap test, in-laws are a necessary evil. In the end, the only thing you can do is endure them as gracefully as possible. Just be prepared.
Share the pain. Nothing is worse than having your in-laws unloaded on you only to have your partner disappear for a day of golf. That’s a no-go. Make it very clear that when your in-laws show up, he’s going to be around—or else. If he’s a big fan of his parents and has no sympathy for you, make sure you invite your own parents around and then leave to go shopping with your girls. See how he likes it.
Find “escape” moments. When you feel your blood pressure rising, make quick excuses to be alone. Go for a walk to the store to get that “missing” ingredient. Make up an emergency coffee session with a friend. In fact, ask that friend to call in advance to add authenticity. Consider it a personal therapy session.
Bite your tongue. This one hurts, but can save you a lot of grief later. Whether you’re enduring criticisms or hours of pointless prattle, simply nod and smile. Arguing with in-laws can go two ways: either it leads to a verbal battle or months of apologies on your part to oversensitive egos. Ask yourself this: would you rather wax your legs quickly or pluck the hairs out one at a time?
Think of it as a sport. Try telling yourself, it’s you and your partner against the in-laws. If mom-in-law is diving into the baby conversation, your partner jumps in with a food distraction. Dad-in-law is preparing for the big employment speech, you jump in with an interesting book or fact you just read. It’s all about distractions. Bob and weave. Excuse yourself to visit the washroom, then conveniently forget what you were previously discussing. Turn on the TV and gape at something inane: “Wow, Sally, look at the size of that cow!” Silly, but effective.
Beat them at their own game. Every in-law has a schtick. Whether it’s criticizing your cooking, never leaving your side for a second, riling up your partner into a macho frenzy, whatever it is, work with it. Insult your own cooking repeatedly before your mother-in-law gets the chance. Follow them around with dizzying conversation until they need a break. Join in the macho frenzy before your partner can. It’s amazing how matching silly behaviour with even sillier behaviour can bring it to a screeching halt.
For many of us, in-laws are like children. And how should you deal with emotionally petulant children? You coddle, bribe, bargain, or chastise, as necessary. While the latter is done in private after they’ve left, the others can be lifesavers. Even the worst of in-laws must have some good qualities. They did, after all, raise your partner into the person you love today (even if they didn’t teach him how to unload a dishwasher or work the washing machine).
Article Written by: Robyn Burnett
Honestly though, we have all heard the monster-in-law stories but face it, even parents or extended family members can be just as bad when it comes to making your life a living hell! Now, I am not saying that my family (direct or in-law) are this way (or not) but I did find this article on www.slice.ca interesting and helpful so I wanted to share.
Survive the in-laws’ visit now; thank us later:
If you’re one of those people who regularly says, “But I get along fine with my in-laws” and means it, go away. Find other perfect people to talk to. For the rest of us, dealing with in-laws is about as comfortable as an hour-long Pap test. You’re being scrutinized, you’re in constant discomfort, and you can’t leave. Alas, like a Pap test, in-laws are a necessary evil. In the end, the only thing you can do is endure them as gracefully as possible. Just be prepared.
Share the pain. Nothing is worse than having your in-laws unloaded on you only to have your partner disappear for a day of golf. That’s a no-go. Make it very clear that when your in-laws show up, he’s going to be around—or else. If he’s a big fan of his parents and has no sympathy for you, make sure you invite your own parents around and then leave to go shopping with your girls. See how he likes it.
Find “escape” moments. When you feel your blood pressure rising, make quick excuses to be alone. Go for a walk to the store to get that “missing” ingredient. Make up an emergency coffee session with a friend. In fact, ask that friend to call in advance to add authenticity. Consider it a personal therapy session.
Bite your tongue. This one hurts, but can save you a lot of grief later. Whether you’re enduring criticisms or hours of pointless prattle, simply nod and smile. Arguing with in-laws can go two ways: either it leads to a verbal battle or months of apologies on your part to oversensitive egos. Ask yourself this: would you rather wax your legs quickly or pluck the hairs out one at a time?
Think of it as a sport. Try telling yourself, it’s you and your partner against the in-laws. If mom-in-law is diving into the baby conversation, your partner jumps in with a food distraction. Dad-in-law is preparing for the big employment speech, you jump in with an interesting book or fact you just read. It’s all about distractions. Bob and weave. Excuse yourself to visit the washroom, then conveniently forget what you were previously discussing. Turn on the TV and gape at something inane: “Wow, Sally, look at the size of that cow!” Silly, but effective.
Beat them at their own game. Every in-law has a schtick. Whether it’s criticizing your cooking, never leaving your side for a second, riling up your partner into a macho frenzy, whatever it is, work with it. Insult your own cooking repeatedly before your mother-in-law gets the chance. Follow them around with dizzying conversation until they need a break. Join in the macho frenzy before your partner can. It’s amazing how matching silly behaviour with even sillier behaviour can bring it to a screeching halt.
For many of us, in-laws are like children. And how should you deal with emotionally petulant children? You coddle, bribe, bargain, or chastise, as necessary. While the latter is done in private after they’ve left, the others can be lifesavers. Even the worst of in-laws must have some good qualities. They did, after all, raise your partner into the person you love today (even if they didn’t teach him how to unload a dishwasher or work the washing machine).
Article Written by: Robyn Burnett
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Happy (Belated) Sweet Sixteen Times Two To Me!
So many things have happened over the last week that I just haven’t had the chance to write a thing until now! Let’s get caught up.
Let’s begin by recapping my horrible-turned-wonderful day last Tuesday. So, as you all know I got my beloved Kobo e-reader last year on my birthday. I cannot live without this thing! So, I was just next to work about to get off the bus and the driver slams on the breaks. My purse hit one of the poles and I heard a small crack from my bag but I thought nothing of it at the time. Later, on the way home, I take my Kobo out and see that it was ruined! It won’t turn on, the screen is all grey with black lines through it, and my first thought was “I am leaving in 2 days, I need my book”! Thankfully a friend was with me on the bus or I probably would have sobbed the whole way home (only half kidding). Anyhow, so I get home and I race to the bookstore to buy a paper copy of the book because I really love it and to talk to them about my Kobo. The manager takes one look at it and says “Oh, I’ve seen that before. Why don’t you take a look at the new model” and starts showing me all the features. Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved the new model but really didn’t want to spend another 140$ plus 30$ for a new cover (because the new one is smaller). Reluctantly, I agree, and the guy rings it up and says 80 something dollars. What??? He gave me a 100$ bill credit for my defective Kobo!!! I kept my mouth closed about the damage, took my new Kobo and ran! On the way home I realized that I forgot to buy the book but it was getting late so I didn’t bother going back. But, to my surprise, when I get home a copy of the book is waiting for me in my mailbox! My friend on the bus saw how upset I was and went to the bookstore herself to buy it for me as a birthday present! Oh, and I LOVE the new Kobo so all in all it turned out to be a great day! Thank you for making me smile AND for the book!
So, that was Tuesday. On Thursday, my actual birthday, we set out for the waterslides up north. It was raining at home but the forecast said sunny where we were headed so I bought my tickets online (to save 50%) and we left. And the weatherman was WRONG. Dark clouds, cool winds, and rain rain rain! But, we already had our tickets so we braved it like a couple of crazy people. It turned out not to be so bad all things considered and we had 4 hours of fun followed by a wonderful dinner at a nearby Creperie. And that was where the fun comes to an end. We arrived at our usual spa around 8pm and we were nothing but disappointed. They have renovated so we no longer had our usual room. Our new room was overpriced, moldy and dusty but it was late so we decided to stay and handle things in the morning after breakfast. Hah, breakfast! A tiny cold buffet and they no longer serve hot food like eggs or pancakes. So, after my toast and peanut butter I got into an argument with them about wanting to leave a day early, disagreed on the refund they were offering but ended up accepting it and leaving the spa for the whole day just so we didn’t have to be there. We came back for our massage in the afternoon (because my shoulder is acting up again) and then we went home. We won’t be going back there ever again! I have a long review on tripadvisor if anyone wants to read it and already know the next spa I will be going to instead. A little more money but 5 star service! Oh, and while we were avoiding the spa we did a little shopping at the outlet malls and I bought some new running shoes and a Guess purse that I am in love with!
Saturday and Sunday were just spent relaxing, getting some things done around the house, visiting family and having an interesting slalom across the Champlain Bridge due to hurricane Irene.
And, last but not least, we went out for groceries yesterday and while we were there we bought a small birthday cake since I never really had one. DH even put a candle in it and sang Happy Birthday to me! Awe! So, all in all not a bad birthday this year I guess!
Let’s begin by recapping my horrible-turned-wonderful day last Tuesday. So, as you all know I got my beloved Kobo e-reader last year on my birthday. I cannot live without this thing! So, I was just next to work about to get off the bus and the driver slams on the breaks. My purse hit one of the poles and I heard a small crack from my bag but I thought nothing of it at the time. Later, on the way home, I take my Kobo out and see that it was ruined! It won’t turn on, the screen is all grey with black lines through it, and my first thought was “I am leaving in 2 days, I need my book”! Thankfully a friend was with me on the bus or I probably would have sobbed the whole way home (only half kidding). Anyhow, so I get home and I race to the bookstore to buy a paper copy of the book because I really love it and to talk to them about my Kobo. The manager takes one look at it and says “Oh, I’ve seen that before. Why don’t you take a look at the new model” and starts showing me all the features. Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved the new model but really didn’t want to spend another 140$ plus 30$ for a new cover (because the new one is smaller). Reluctantly, I agree, and the guy rings it up and says 80 something dollars. What??? He gave me a 100$ bill credit for my defective Kobo!!! I kept my mouth closed about the damage, took my new Kobo and ran! On the way home I realized that I forgot to buy the book but it was getting late so I didn’t bother going back. But, to my surprise, when I get home a copy of the book is waiting for me in my mailbox! My friend on the bus saw how upset I was and went to the bookstore herself to buy it for me as a birthday present! Oh, and I LOVE the new Kobo so all in all it turned out to be a great day! Thank you for making me smile AND for the book!
So, that was Tuesday. On Thursday, my actual birthday, we set out for the waterslides up north. It was raining at home but the forecast said sunny where we were headed so I bought my tickets online (to save 50%) and we left. And the weatherman was WRONG. Dark clouds, cool winds, and rain rain rain! But, we already had our tickets so we braved it like a couple of crazy people. It turned out not to be so bad all things considered and we had 4 hours of fun followed by a wonderful dinner at a nearby Creperie. And that was where the fun comes to an end. We arrived at our usual spa around 8pm and we were nothing but disappointed. They have renovated so we no longer had our usual room. Our new room was overpriced, moldy and dusty but it was late so we decided to stay and handle things in the morning after breakfast. Hah, breakfast! A tiny cold buffet and they no longer serve hot food like eggs or pancakes. So, after my toast and peanut butter I got into an argument with them about wanting to leave a day early, disagreed on the refund they were offering but ended up accepting it and leaving the spa for the whole day just so we didn’t have to be there. We came back for our massage in the afternoon (because my shoulder is acting up again) and then we went home. We won’t be going back there ever again! I have a long review on tripadvisor if anyone wants to read it and already know the next spa I will be going to instead. A little more money but 5 star service! Oh, and while we were avoiding the spa we did a little shopping at the outlet malls and I bought some new running shoes and a Guess purse that I am in love with!
Saturday and Sunday were just spent relaxing, getting some things done around the house, visiting family and having an interesting slalom across the Champlain Bridge due to hurricane Irene.
And, last but not least, we went out for groceries yesterday and while we were there we bought a small birthday cake since I never really had one. DH even put a candle in it and sang Happy Birthday to me! Awe! So, all in all not a bad birthday this year I guess!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
20 Questions
I haven’t been posting much but I can assure you all that I have been writing! There have been a number of personal and work related issues to sort out this summer but I hope that I can finally get back to blogging a bit and clear out the handful of incomplete blogs that I have sitting around. Things are wrapping up so hopefully my brain can focus better now.
Just for fun, I pulled out an old “20 Questions” that I had on one of my websites years back and decided to give it an update. I know it seems like more but, yes, there are only 20 questions here!
Given Name: I will simply say that I am not fond of it at all. I have a first name and a middle name. From birth I was referred to by a nickname of my middle name and around college I started using my first name instead. I now answer to both which can sometimes be confusing, especially in a mixed group of friends and family! I hope to legally change my name one day.
Birthday: End of August. I’m a Virgo/Earth Element if that means anything to anyone!
Height: 5'5" and rarely wear heels anymore so yes, I’m short!
Hair: Varying shades of brown, depending on which dye I use.
Eyes: Plain old brown... but I keep being told I have nice eyes so I guess they aren't as boring as I think they are!
Background: Apparently I am a mutt! A mix of German (this person was Jewish as well), Scottish, Irish, British, Huron, and French descent. In recent years I seem to have turned part Italian thanks to my other half as well!
Family: An only child from a broken/abusive home. Parents divorced just after my 21st birthday and I have pretty much been on my own since about a year after that.
Marital Status: Married.
Education: College background in both Social Sciences (because I had planned to become a teacher) and Multimedia Programming for Graphic Design. Started a marketing Certificate as well but never finished it.
Positive Traits: Devoted, Loving, Creative, Caring, Determined, Ambitious, Generous, Understanding, Helpful, Intelligent, Outgoing, Supportive, and Stubborn (yes this can be a good trait too).
Not-so-Positive Traits: Impatient, Temperamental, Persistent, Naive (at times), and Stubborn (ok so it's a bad trait too).
Pets: In the past I have had 6 cats, 2 dogs, 2 hamsters, as well as MANY goldfish and a few betta fish. I now have 2 cats and 2 betta fish.
Body Art: I have a total of 13 piercings and 3 tattoos (technically 4). The piercings started back in high school but the tattoos started sometime around 2002. My second one was in April 2003, cover-up October 2003, and the last one in summer 2006. When I got my first piercings and tattoos, they told me it was addictive... they were right...
Place(s) I have been: USA (Florida, Virginia, Philadelphia, Washington, Vermont and New York), Cuba (twice), British Columbia, England and my home away from home – Dominican Republic (4 times in 3 years).
Place(s) I would like to go: England again, Italy, France, Japan, Hawaii, California and New Orleans.
Pet Peeves: In NO particular order!... Parents who don't parent, babies making babies, no toilet paper or paper towels in public bathrooms, "sheep people", walking billboards, having to repeat myself because the person isn't listening, ex’s (boyfriend, girlfriend, you name it!), rude and mean people, materialistic people, doctors who got their degree from a cracker-jack box, people who hurt children, telemarketing, ignorance, selfishness... This could go on FOREVER so I will stop now!
Worst Nightmare: Waking up one morning and finding that I am back in my childhood. I may not be perfect but I have worked hard and struggled through life to get where I am. To lose all of that now would be truly horrible.
Life Philosophy: One of the greatest pleasures in life is to do what people say you cannot do. Stretch the limits, be your best, surpass your best... and then? Look back and smile in the faces of all those who said that you couldn't do it because you proved them wrong! Also, try and learn from your own mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others. Everything happens for a reason; some are for the better and others for the worse, but no matter what it can be something to learn from. People always say that bad things will never happen to them... until it does... and then it is too late. Protect yourself, respect yourself, and trust your judgment. Until you learn to do so, you will never be truly happy... so, Live, Love and Laugh!
Favorite Quote: "Quod me nutrit me destruit" (Latin for "That which nourishes me also destroys me"). And many others!
My Favorites:
Food(s): Italian, BBQ and Seafood. Oh and anything chocolate (dark and bitter chocolate truffles... Mmmmm).
Drink(s): Brown Cow (Kahlua and Milk), Pina Colada, Rum & Coke, any of those Vodka and lemonade mixes, lemonade itself, iced Tea, and any form of juice really... and milk.
Movie(s): Anne of Green Gables (sue me! I'm Canadian!), Life or Something Like It, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sliding Doors... and basically anything with Angelina Jolie or Johnny Depp seems to be something I like! I have way too many movies!
Music(s): I listen to almost everything from classical to country to pop and rock and roll!
TV Show(s): Mad About You, Friends, Gilmore Girls, The Riches, Sex and the City, Weeds, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and cooking/reality shows.
Actor(s): Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas
Actress(s): Angelina Jolie... and... um... I can't think of others...
Book(s): See my account at Shelfari!
Color(s): Black, Deep Reds, Pale Yellow, and almost all Pinks and Purples.
Animal(s): All cats and BIG dogs
Season(s): Fall, when all the leaves are changing colors.
Hobbies(s): Digital Art, Faeries, Web Design, Computer Games, Friends, comedy shows and concerts.
Flowers(s): Lilies (Tiger Lilies most), Daisies, Sunflowers, Orchids, or anything exotic.
Stones(s): Princess cut diamonds and rubies.
Just for fun, I pulled out an old “20 Questions” that I had on one of my websites years back and decided to give it an update. I know it seems like more but, yes, there are only 20 questions here!
Given Name: I will simply say that I am not fond of it at all. I have a first name and a middle name. From birth I was referred to by a nickname of my middle name and around college I started using my first name instead. I now answer to both which can sometimes be confusing, especially in a mixed group of friends and family! I hope to legally change my name one day.
Birthday: End of August. I’m a Virgo/Earth Element if that means anything to anyone!
Height: 5'5" and rarely wear heels anymore so yes, I’m short!
Hair: Varying shades of brown, depending on which dye I use.
Eyes: Plain old brown... but I keep being told I have nice eyes so I guess they aren't as boring as I think they are!
Background: Apparently I am a mutt! A mix of German (this person was Jewish as well), Scottish, Irish, British, Huron, and French descent. In recent years I seem to have turned part Italian thanks to my other half as well!
Family: An only child from a broken/abusive home. Parents divorced just after my 21st birthday and I have pretty much been on my own since about a year after that.
Marital Status: Married.
Education: College background in both Social Sciences (because I had planned to become a teacher) and Multimedia Programming for Graphic Design. Started a marketing Certificate as well but never finished it.
Positive Traits: Devoted, Loving, Creative, Caring, Determined, Ambitious, Generous, Understanding, Helpful, Intelligent, Outgoing, Supportive, and Stubborn (yes this can be a good trait too).
Not-so-Positive Traits: Impatient, Temperamental, Persistent, Naive (at times), and Stubborn (ok so it's a bad trait too).
Pets: In the past I have had 6 cats, 2 dogs, 2 hamsters, as well as MANY goldfish and a few betta fish. I now have 2 cats and 2 betta fish.
Body Art: I have a total of 13 piercings and 3 tattoos (technically 4). The piercings started back in high school but the tattoos started sometime around 2002. My second one was in April 2003, cover-up October 2003, and the last one in summer 2006. When I got my first piercings and tattoos, they told me it was addictive... they were right...
Place(s) I have been: USA (Florida, Virginia, Philadelphia, Washington, Vermont and New York), Cuba (twice), British Columbia, England and my home away from home – Dominican Republic (4 times in 3 years).
Place(s) I would like to go: England again, Italy, France, Japan, Hawaii, California and New Orleans.
Pet Peeves: In NO particular order!... Parents who don't parent, babies making babies, no toilet paper or paper towels in public bathrooms, "sheep people", walking billboards, having to repeat myself because the person isn't listening, ex’s (boyfriend, girlfriend, you name it!), rude and mean people, materialistic people, doctors who got their degree from a cracker-jack box, people who hurt children, telemarketing, ignorance, selfishness... This could go on FOREVER so I will stop now!
Worst Nightmare: Waking up one morning and finding that I am back in my childhood. I may not be perfect but I have worked hard and struggled through life to get where I am. To lose all of that now would be truly horrible.
Life Philosophy: One of the greatest pleasures in life is to do what people say you cannot do. Stretch the limits, be your best, surpass your best... and then? Look back and smile in the faces of all those who said that you couldn't do it because you proved them wrong! Also, try and learn from your own mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others. Everything happens for a reason; some are for the better and others for the worse, but no matter what it can be something to learn from. People always say that bad things will never happen to them... until it does... and then it is too late. Protect yourself, respect yourself, and trust your judgment. Until you learn to do so, you will never be truly happy... so, Live, Love and Laugh!
Favorite Quote: "Quod me nutrit me destruit" (Latin for "That which nourishes me also destroys me"). And many others!
My Favorites:
Food(s): Italian, BBQ and Seafood. Oh and anything chocolate (dark and bitter chocolate truffles... Mmmmm).
Drink(s): Brown Cow (Kahlua and Milk), Pina Colada, Rum & Coke, any of those Vodka and lemonade mixes, lemonade itself, iced Tea, and any form of juice really... and milk.
Movie(s): Anne of Green Gables (sue me! I'm Canadian!), Life or Something Like It, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sliding Doors... and basically anything with Angelina Jolie or Johnny Depp seems to be something I like! I have way too many movies!
Music(s): I listen to almost everything from classical to country to pop and rock and roll!
TV Show(s): Mad About You, Friends, Gilmore Girls, The Riches, Sex and the City, Weeds, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and cooking/reality shows.
Actor(s): Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas
Actress(s): Angelina Jolie... and... um... I can't think of others...
Book(s): See my account at Shelfari!
Color(s): Black, Deep Reds, Pale Yellow, and almost all Pinks and Purples.
Animal(s): All cats and BIG dogs
Season(s): Fall, when all the leaves are changing colors.
Hobbies(s): Digital Art, Faeries, Web Design, Computer Games, Friends, comedy shows and concerts.
Flowers(s): Lilies (Tiger Lilies most), Daisies, Sunflowers, Orchids, or anything exotic.
Stones(s): Princess cut diamonds and rubies.
Monday, August 8, 2011
August Updates
I know I know.... I promised I would post on here once a week at least and I haven't kept my word... tough! It's the summertime and I have been busy so I just haven't had the chance. But, since a couple of people have been asking me about this lately I thought I should update everyone all at once.
No, we have not been hiding anything from you. We have not done any further treatments since last March actually. In fact, we are scheduled to begin one today but for personal reasons we have decided to postpone (which reminds me, I should call the hospital). I am not exactly happy about the decision but it is what it is. And, I do not wish to discuss it.
Aside from that,we still haven't gone on vacation yet this summer so it's been the usual schedule of working during the week and working in the yard on the weekends. Hopefully we will get away in a couple of weeks. I am determined to spend my birthday outside of the country or at least the province!
So, that's it for now. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
No, we have not been hiding anything from you. We have not done any further treatments since last March actually. In fact, we are scheduled to begin one today but for personal reasons we have decided to postpone (which reminds me, I should call the hospital). I am not exactly happy about the decision but it is what it is. And, I do not wish to discuss it.
Aside from that,we still haven't gone on vacation yet this summer so it's been the usual schedule of working during the week and working in the yard on the weekends. Hopefully we will get away in a couple of weeks. I am determined to spend my birthday outside of the country or at least the province!
So, that's it for now. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)