Refugee Help

   I'm a little perplexed this afternoon.  We have a dresser that we need to get rid of. It's still in great shape and if someone took the time to give it a quick sanding and a coat of stain it would be perfect. As it is there are just a few scratches on the top. But we no longer need it and I like the idea of someone getting some use out of it.

  The Mayor of Ottawa said the city was going to do whatever it could to help the refugees that will be resettling in our great city. They will be coming here with nothing so who better to donate this too? I call the city and they redirect me to another organization that is handling the supplies. Great. 

  I call the next company and they are very informative. They thank me for wanting to help and redirect me to the Salvation Army which is where they are getting the furniture from. Strange but things must be outsourced I guess.

  Next phone call is to the Salvation Army. A very pleasant person answers the phone and says absolutely they can pick up the dresser. But, and here is the perplexing part, they are not supplying the original company with furniture for refugees. She did say however that they are collecting coats and mitts. But not household items. 

  Wanting to make myself very clear I tell about the phone calls that have led me to them. She reassures me that they are not furnishing places for refugees. And she wants me to be aware that this dresser will be going into a retail store to be sold. Hmmmm

  After three phone calls my dresser is going to where we originally were going to send it. Before we had the brilliant idea to help the refugees. I guess we can't help them after all. No matter what the city says.

  Ang

****so before I published this I thought I should call the city to see what's what. The lady I spoke to took some notes and asked a few clarifying questions. She seemed to think it was odd and was going to pass this info on to her supervisor. Maybe they can figure it out. ****

   

What a Difference a Year Makes

  I'm sure most of you reading this have a Facebook account...check out my page Life As I See It. That's enough self-promotion for one day. Moving on.

  One of the newer things they have come out with is On This Day. They take everything you posted on this day, from every year you've been on Facebook, and you can see your memories. It's great. We are all so busy but for a few minutes you can see where and what you were up to last year or five years ago.
What a great idea!

  So last year at this time we were on a Disney cruise to the Caribbean. I posted a photo of my morning view which consisted of the ship's funnels and Riley in the pool. I sighed when I saw this because it's very cold this morning and I would love to be back there. We had so much fun and the Fantasy was decorated beautifully for the holidays.

  Two years ago the boys had just completed their first track meet. Riley came in first in three events and second in the other two! Did I mention there were only two kids in his age group? Alex had stiffer competition and broke his personal bests which made him very happy. Afterwards we went to the Parade of Lights. Just like we did this past weekend.

  Six years ago I was potty training Riley. Apparently it was a successful day. Reading that, I laughed out loud. He was very easy to train and would sit there for hours reading if I let him. To see him now it's hard to believe I ever had to teach him anything. My Mr. Independent.

  Every morning I spend a few minutes thinking about the past. Normally all my posts are pretty happy. Either way it gives me an excuse to stop and realize how much we have changed as a family or how lucky we have been to be able to travel as we have.

  Boy I really do wish I was with Mickey this morning.

  Ang

Frugal vs Cheap

  As I get older I become cheaper and cheaper. Maybe frugal is a better word. But cheap might be more accurate. Especially this time of year.

  All of our family lives far from us. Like can't come to Sunday dinner far. Part of my Christmas shopping "budget" is shipping. And it takes up quite a bit of the budget. So far I have shipped out three packages with a grand total of $68 in shipping. Considering there might have been $250 worth of presents sent that's almost 30% spent on mailing them out. That's too high a ratio. And there are two more packages to go!

  If you see me in the store looking at something and it looks like I'm trying to figure out how much it weighs it's because I am. Another thing I'm thinking is how small can I make this. Seriously it's a concern.

  The presents for my in-laws went in two separate parcels. Not because I didn't have a box big enough but because it made it cheaper. Less wasted space inside the box costing more money. 

  Tomorrow I'm getting the last two packages ready to ship. The gifts are just about ready. Nothing weighs much. Nothing is long or bulky. Nothing is breakable. I can squish and bend everything into the smallest boxes possible. No one will mind.

  Next year I will be more organized and order everything on line and gift wrapped. Then use the companies free shipping to send it to the recipients. I say this every year after I'm finished. But this time I mean it.

  And don't get me started on Christmas cards!

  Ang

Playing Hooky

  I have a confession to make. I got Alex to play hooky today. To see a movie. Not just any movie. The Mockingjay Part 2. He has been asking me every day since it came out and we've never had time. So today I made time.

  Now I'm sure some of you won't agree with this. "A child's education is very important and if he isn't ill, he should be in school"... I can hear you say. "What kind of message are you sending him?"....heard that too.

   I don't consider an afternoon spent hanging out with mom a waste of time. He thought it was awesome that I wanted to watch this movie with him. Just us and a bag of popcorn. We talked about school. His teachers, classmates, projects and marks. All while waiting for Katniss to appear. Time well spent.

  In a few weeks we are off on a family vacation. That means both boys will miss the final week of school before Christmas break. Again I feel no guilt about taking them out. They have informed all their teachers and some even gave  projects to do while away to make up for missed time. Fair enough. Others said nothing except have fun.

  Kids can learn anywhere. In or out of a classroom. My kids are fairly well traveled and realize they are very lucky to live where they do. They see how others live, what they eat and how different their culture is from ours. That's a necessary part of education as well. 

  If you are able, I would highly recommend giving your child a hooky day. You don't need to do anything special. Or anything at all. Just be with your kid. Let them know they are important enough to spend time with one on one. Trust me they will remember it.

  Popcorn is optional.

  Ang

How Many Times?

  Here's a riddle for you. How many phone calls to the Health Department does it take to register your child's immunizations? If you said one you are incorrect. Two perhaps...nope still wrong. Three maybe? I'll let you know this time next year.

  This is the third year I've called after receiving a very direct letter stating my child could be removed from school for lack of immunizations. On the brightest yellow paper imaginable. Every year it has the exact same information. It's as if I give them the info and they do nothing with it.

  Human error or computer glitches could explain the first year. But not last year. Or this one. I've spent waaaay too much time on hold over the past three years trying to fix this. Because you know I'm never the first caller through. Or the second. You get the idea. It's very frustrating.

  In the past three years I have phoned, faxed and snail mailed the information. Maybe there is a star beside our name and they are doing this on purpose. Ok even I'm not that paranoid. 

  I walked away from this entry yesterday...it's now Friday morning...because the phone rang. I was hopeful it was the health department returning my call. It was not but they did call later and the woman assured me the information was in the computer. Part of me really wants to believe her. I'll let you know this time next year.

  She did ask about chicken pox though. I forgot about that one. I'm not worried about the actual disease it's shingles down the road. Those things are nasty.

  Ang

  

Sold Out

  Retail makes absolutely no sense to me. None. It's November 25 and most places haven't begun to get cold yet. Snow isn't even on the ground here. But when we went looking for snow pants you would think I was asking for a tank top!

  Two places were sold out. Ok that makes sense to me. We are a little late this year so I expected selection to be limited. But a kids store. Sold out? I asked if more were coming in and the clerk looked at me as if I had two heads. Of course not she laughed. Laughed. What was I thinking!

  Walmart had some. Not many but one medium was all I needed. Sorry everyone else. It was even a good price. They were my last hope except for the sporting goods store. It would have killed me to pay $125 or more for a pair of snow pants for one season....if I'm lucky. An eight year old grows pretty fast.

  We get home with the pretty, new snow pants to see on the weather it's going to be 8 tomorrow and 12 on Friday. Rushing for nothing it seems. Not like I'm complaining. I'm not a cold person. But now Riley is ready. 

  Let the snow begin...later. Much later.

  Ang

ps....on a totally different note I had to share the great news...my wonderful friend Janet is going to be a Grandma!!! Congrats Danielle!

  

Daybreak

  Up this morning ridiculously early. Ridiculously early. There is only decaf coffee left. The snow from yesterday is still on the ground and it's cold out. Not the best way to start the day.

  But as I sit here listening to the coffee maker, with the Christmas tree sparkling in the background, and all the assorted decorations waiting to go up piled on tables and floors, I can see it's going to be a great day. That's the power of positive thinking.

  John has just finished scraping the frost off the car. He's late leaving for work...not my fault honest. Every day his alarm goes off at five. Alex's just did. Time for the house to start coming alive. Soon the shower will be running and the yells down the stairs will begin. Where's my _____? Insert whatever piece of clothing, school work or electronic item you wish. Chances are I'll hear most of them.

  I've now been up for an hour and a half. My coffee is done. Riley has made his way down stairs but Alex hasn't made it to the shower yet. There is no milk but since there is no cereal that's not really an issue this morning. The weather channel is on mute in the background. Heat is coming out of the registers and there is enough bread for lunches.

  I was right. It is going to be a great day.  Boy I'm very Molly Sunshine for 6:00am! Maybe it wasn't decaf....


  Ang
  

Broad Strokes

  I'm looking through Facebook this morning. Catching up on the life events of friends and family. You know, snooping while having my morning coffee. When I came across a comment made on a friend's post. This woman said children aren't respectful and that we aren't allowed to teach them respect. Hmmmm that seems weird.

  My kids, aged 8 and 12, have friends over often. They are always respectful of our home and the things in it, for the most part, and nothing that a quick reminder doesn't fix. If they make a mess, they help clean it up before they go. No arguments. They say please and thank you. That all seems respectful.

  When my boys go somewhere else they are always complimented on their politeness and kindness. Always. They are asked back, always a good sign. And so far, touch wood, I've never been asked to pay for anything that has been broken or ruined. Again, that seems respectful.

  So who was this lady talking about? Who isn't allowed to teach their kids respect? No one I know. In fact just the opposite.

  I went to my son's high school. Two thousand kids. Someone held the door for me, both in and out. When I asked directions a teenage girl answered with a smile and showed me the way. Another said "Oh I'm heading that way I'll take you.". Not a teacher in sight I might add. So they weren't doing it to show off.

  At the mall last week, a boy of about sixteen held the elevator for my aunt as we walked toward it. Didn't need to be asked. He just did it. And didn't look annoyed. That seems respectful to me.

  Again I ask...who are these kids she is talking about? I'm not naive. There are lots of nasty people in the world. At my kids schools. At the malls. At church even...ever try to get out of the parking lot at Christmas? But I think we, or just this lady at least, are focusing on the few bad ones and not on the many good ones.

  Perhaps if we showered attention on the great kids we would be better off. I'm not talking about the kids who will change the world. They get enough accolades. Or the "bad kids" with lots of issues. They need a different kind of attention. I'm talking about the kids who hold open doors and say please and thank you. The decent kids whose parents are teaching them to be respectful of themselves and others. Decent human beings. You know...the majority of kids out there. My kids. Your kids.

  To this lady I would like to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry you feel this way. I'm sorry this is your experience. I'm sorry you can't see the good for the bad. 

  But I have a sneaky suspicion she is talking about teaching respect of the hitting kind...and I can't agree with that.

  Ang 

  

Shipping

  Yesterday I found gorgeous sandals on-line for my vacation. And the price! Cheap cheap cheap. I ordered one pair in two colors! Five pairs. Free shipping. Seven day delivery. Under $100!!! Can you believe it? Neither could I. Too good to be true.

  That's because it was. This company does not ship to Canada...sniff sniff. How can that possibly be in this day and age? The entire world market is at our fingertips. Til you try to get it shipped here.

  So, not wanting to get discouraged, I searched for "women's sandals Canada". That should solve my problem I thought. Many companies appeared and I started at the top. Payless. That is a store I recognize. I'll start there. They don't ship to Canada nor do they have a Canadian site I can order from..at least not one I could find so if I'm wrong please send me the address.

  Back to my search I go. Now Sears was there. And The Bay. Even DSW and Globo. They all ship here. It's not free shipping mind you. Don't get me started on the price because it's not even worth mentioning. What's a girl to do?

  I thought about shipping them to my hotel in NYC. That way I could pick them up when I arrived. But what if they didn't show in time? Or they didn't fit? Maybe the color was wrong? What then? I wouldn't want to spend part of my vacation finding a post office when I could be enjoying the sites of the Big Apple.

  Which leads me to my question...why don't they ship here? Maybe free shipping wouldn't work for them but if I'm willing to pay for the shipping costs how could that affect their bottom line? Although LL Bean ships here with free shipping around Christmas and they don't seem to be hurting. It makes no sense to me.

  I guess I'm stuck either spending three times the amount for the sandals, plus shipping, or forget about it entirely. My Miranda part of me says forget about them. But my Carrie Bradshaw part says order. 

  Carrie always wins.

  Ang

WTH???

  Sometimes in life you just shake your head, roll your eyes and say "What the hell???". Everyday though I'm doing it more and more. For example today I read that Kim Kardashian wants a "push present" when she gives birth next month! Apparently she got $65K worth of diamond bracelets for the first child. Ummmm my push present was a baby. WTH?

  A protester at a Donald Trump rally in Alabama was allegedly kicked and punched by Trump supporters. Trumps response? He said the protester was "so obnoxious and so loud" that "maybe he should have been roughed up." WTH?

  Angelina Jolie said "I actually love being in menopause". Ever heard any one say that? I haven't. And doubt I ever will! WTH?

  Ok these are all "celebrities". They aren't like the rest of us. The Kardashian clan have built an empire on nothing. They don't sing or dance. They can't act. I'm not sure I know anyone who is a fan and yet everything they do is front line news. Not just on the gossip shows either. I'm talking mainstream news.

  People go crazy over the tiniest slight. A British woman argued with her server over a steak to the point where the police were called. The reason for the uproar? Her steak came well done when she ordered it medium. That's a valid reason right? Of course not. WTH?

  Another woman threw punches at her waitress because she was told the $4 all-you-can-eat pancake deal couldn't be shared by the entire table. The police were called and she was charged with property damage and assault. WTH?

  You would think with all the craziness and fear in the world today we would be hearing "real" news. The things that have an impact on our lives. But I guess those things don't sell magazines or get hits on a news channels website. 

  That's the biggest WTH of all.

  Ang

** just a little side note...I had two c-sections so I guess technically I wouldn't qualify for a "push present" anyway**

  

Highlight Reels 2015

  I was out with a friend over the weekend at a concert. Her favorite singer. Perhaps her favorite person. She was extremely excited to see him and when she had the opportunity to meet him and chat for a moment her excitement level was through the roof. I was so happy she had the chance. It will definitely be on her highlight reel of 2015. Which makes me wonder....what will be on mine?

  Not having the greatest memory is both a blessing and a curse. It sure makes it easier to forgive the day-to-day irritants of the people you share your life with. I don't hold much of a grudge because truthfully if it's not important to me chances are I won't remember anyway. My husband remembers most everything. Even with his "toxic brain syndrome"....another day I'll explain that.

  This past year brought a lot of joy to us as a family and some sadness. Funny how they seem to balance out in the end. We have two new additions to one side of the family. One through birth. The other through marriage. And they are both wonderful additions who we will never get to spend enough time with thanks to geography.

  We lost a few friends and family members. They all led full lives so we mourn for ourselves not them. Some others got well through the amazing technologies now available and some are still fighting the good fight. 

  Definitely on the list was our Alberta vacation. Spending time with my oldest friend made me happier than I can say. It was like we had just seen each other last week. Funny how you have those people in your life. What a gift it is. Also spending some time with our niece, who we never really knew, was great. She has turned out to be quite the woman. We could be friends even if we weren't related.

  Alex's grade six graduation was nice but I think his first day of high school was more touching for me. Watching him go, much taller than three months ago, made me realize just how much he has changed. We won't have to worry about him I think. The child who was "born with a conscience" is now almost a teenager with one!

  Riley decided he was old enough to walk to the bus on his own. That's a huge step. For both of us. Considering it's not in my line of sight it makes me apprehensive but little steps will make the bigger ones easier. For me anyway! 

   John and I got to spend more time alone together this year than we have in the past twelve. Kids change everything. We are always grateful for a few quiet moments. Too few and too far between. But we laugh a lot when the four of us are together. Yell a lot too but just the good things for now.

  So that is my highlight reel to date. An entire month to go before I can finish it off. With a family vacation and Christmas to add into the mix I'm sure I'll have a few more things to add to the good list. Fingers crossed we can leave the sad one alone.

  Hmmmm.....I wonder if we made Alan Doyle's list?

  Ang

  

Boxes, boxes and more boxes

  Oh the joy of a PD day. Today was supposed to be productive. Riley, who is eight, and I were supposed to clean out the living room and start the tedious job of hauling all the Christmas boxes upstairs. Of course that never happened. No progress today. A lot of whining...not all from Riley I might add. And it's only going to get worse.

  Tonight we are supposed to put up the Christmas tree. I say supposed to because with both kids in the house, for oh approximately three minutes now, they have argued at least six times. Over the most foolish things imaginable. It's not very "festive" right now. If I hear Joy to the World at this moment I may have to hurt someone.

  In all my wisdom I thought let's diffuse the situation. Let's go see The Hunger Games. Well I made the huge mistake of saying it out loud. Only one child can go. And he really wants to go. The other is now whining nonstop about the tree going up. As they square off over what should/could/will happen I change my mind...as is my right as a parent to do. The entire house erupts. Way to go Mom.

  If I was to find a positive for today it would be the packages I finally got to Canada Post. Boy what a shocker that was. Let's say that those who haven't received anything yet...your gifts just got significantly cheaper. Or non-existent!

  It's only 3:15. Many, many hours before sleep. I feel exhausted already and I haven't carried one box up one flight of stairs. Maybe John will come home and without even being asked, will transport every box, including the tree, to the living room. Where miraculously every thing will be neat and tidy. Then while I'm not looking one, or two, of Santa's elves will decorate the entire first floor.

  It could happen....don't burst my bubble.

  Ang
  

Postage Wars

  Yesterday I mailed a Christmas gift to the other side of the city....a little something in a tiny box for a Secret Santa thing. Inside the box was a $15 present. The box and gift weighed next to nothing. The cost to ship it? With tax, just over $9! Ottawa is not that big a city!

  Today I have two more boxes to ship. Will I have to miss a mortgage payment to send them I wonder? And a Christmas card going to Poland costs just under three dollars.....if it fits through the slot. And it has no embellishments on it. 

  Let me say that I do appreciate the clerk telling me a few "tricks" on how to decrease the cost of shipping presents. I have, in previous years, ordered from companies who will wrap the gift and ship it for free....to the recipients house. My only dislike of that is each gift arrives individually. I think I'm getting over that very quickly!

  This yearly increase in shipping costs really has changed my gift giving methods. As I buy your gift I'm calculating the estimated cost of shipping it to you. I've put several gifts back already because the delivery will be pricier than the gift! Last year we sent my friend in Nova Scotia a little minion doll....she loves those emojis and Riley loves sending them to her! The doll cost under five dollars. It was over ten to send it. Craziness but we did it anyways. Maybe that is what Canada Post is betting on.

   Well I'm off to the post office. If you don't see a post from me in the next week or so don't worry. I'm fine. I just had to sell my laptop to pay for postage.

  Ang

   

My Very Own Hamster Wheel

  So I'm running behind.....again. I seem to be on a hamster wheel some days. You know, running running and getting nowhere. That's my day so far. Truthfully I thought I was getting off to a great start this morning. Coffee was being sipped before six thirty and I could see almost the entire island by seven am! Trust me that's progress.

  Then I made the big mistake of flipping on yesterdays episode of The View for some background noise. Now I'm not blaming the show. In fact I did not "sit" to watch just sort of listened as I went about tidying the island. I'm still productive. Progress is made. When  the episode is over I looked at the guide on the PVR and saw not one, not two, not three but four episodes of The Blacklist. Game over.

  As you may have heard I love this show. I love James Spader. How could I possibly have missed four episodes??? I have no explanation except being tired from all these very early mornings. But this situation must be rectified. Immediately. So I did. All four episodes. One morning. I'm ashamed. Not really it is The Blacklist after all.

  Netflix has changed the way we watch television. Before it would never occur to most people to sit down for ten hours in one day and watch an entire season of a program. Then spend the next day with season two. If a friend asks if you watch a specific show chances are it's on Netflix and you can go check it out immediately. If you like it say goodbye to the next week of "free time" you have. 

  Binge watching, as it's called, is a relatively new phenomenon. What makes it different from other addictive things is that we aren't ashamed to talk about it. We proudly boast about having spent the entire weekend on the couch, eating take out food and watching the entire series of Breaking Bad. It's a badge of honor. In fact when a "can't wait for it" series comes out we will invite our friends over to binge with us. Craziness.

  I'm a huge Downton Abbey fan and it's a reason to celebrate when the new season arrives on Netflix. It also means don't call me during the day or expect hot meals. And we won't even talk about the movies. You never have to leave your home. It's the ultimate entertainment at your fingertips. All for $8 a month!

  My only complaint is the difference in content between Canada and the US.  While we get all the British shows...which I love....there is so much more content on the US version. Especially in the movies. As soon as I cross the border I log in just to see the difference. And boy what a difference.

  It's time for me to get off this wheel and get some things done. Maybe I'll just turn on the tv for background noise......

  Ang 

Inner Strength...and Coffee

  Monday morning and my head is feeling a little less cluttered and over whelmed. A cup of coffee and a little sunshine hit the mark. I feel like I can conquer the world.....ok that's the caffeine talking I really can't.

  I had a conversation this morning with a friend who is going through a particularly hard time at the moment. Her life has had more than it's share of sadness and pain. People in her life disappoint and hurt her more often than they should. There doesn't seem to be an end to it. And yet.....

  She is one of the strongest people I know. If you told her that, she would laugh it off and make some excuse as to why she isn't.  No matter what happens, she has the enviable ability to get up, brush herself off and begin life over again. Never losing that optimism that there is happiness waiting just around the corner.

  Every disappointment, every setback makes her more determined to live her life in happiness. The fact that it's taking longer doesn't deter her. That is inner strength. We should all be so lucky.

  So this morning, as I drink my coffee, I'm thinking of my friend and her journey. It's never been smooth sailing but she really does have strong sails. She'll get there. I'd bet money on it!

  Ang

Terror and Social Media

  Social media has made us an instant society. It gives us minute by minute updates on other peoples lives. We can know everything about everything with the click of a button. News, politics and even entertainment are reported differently. You can be a part of the reporting with your trusty cell phone camera and instantly share it with the world.

  Friday, during the attacks in Paris, Facebook launched their "I'm Safe" button. If you are within the area of a natural disaster or a man made conflict you can hit this button and all your Facebook friends will see you are ok. Fantastic. Great use of technology.

   Since Friday, the internet, Facebook and Twitter have been used to spread some people's compassion, support and out rage at these senseless terrorist attacks. Again a great use of technology. But social media has also been a vessel for hate, misinformation and bigotry. Not such a great use.

  I waited to talk about the terror attacks simply because I was overwhelmed. By the information. By the amount of people killed. By the world's reaction to it. By my own desire not to offend friends and family. By... well fear.

  A few weeks back I wrote about how some people will say things on social media that they would never say in person. It is used as a vessel to say what we want with an anonymity that was unheard of ten years ago. Common decency gets left behind and we are free to be as nasty and bigoted as we want. With little or no repercussions. Boy am I seeing a lot of that these past few days.

  Anti Islamic rants are everywhere. Every Muslim is being condemned by someone with a computer and a twitter account. Keep the refugees out is a common phrase. Death threats are common place...on public boards no less. Just a few minutes ago I saw an open letter to our new PM being circulated stating how he needs to not keep his promise of taking 25,000 refugees by year end. As if these people were not gong to be vetted before hand. Seriously?

  This particular terrorist attack has been very successful. The world is once again terrified. Of people we should be welcoming. Of families who need our help not our suspicion. Who do you think these refugees are running from???? The terrorists who masterminded this attack!!!

  My thoughts are with the people in Paris who survived this awful attack. I hope for your speedy recovery, mentally as well as physically. For the families of the victims who didn't make it, I wish you strength and comfort in your battle with coming to terms with this unfathomable event. And for the EMT's, doctors, nurses, firefighters, soldiers and especially police officers who have had to deal with the ongoing horror, I wish you peace and compassion.....you are greatly appreciated.

  I leave you with these great words, from a great man, that I think are very appropriate for the upcoming days and months....

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can that." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  Ang
  
  

Another Non-Controversy

  Another day, another non-issue issue in the news. Apparently Starbucks is anti-Christmas. All because their new cup is red with the Starbucks logo. What the hell??? It's becoming my most over used phrase lately. But really...what the hell???

  Yesterday the controversy was over Christmas decorations before Remembrance Day being disrespectful of veterans. Today, forget about the veterans, we can now take issue with coffee. I believe this is what is called a "first world" problem. Does anyone really and truly care what is on the cup of their over-priced and over-hyped coffee? 

  Lots of people, and I do mean lots, have jumped on the Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays bandwagon. Except I've never actually had someone tell me I couldn't, or shouldn't, say either one. No Jewish person has ever taken offence when I've said Merry Christmas to them. Nor have I taken offence when wished a Happy Hanukkah. Why would you? The fact that someone wants you to have a happy or merry time should be enough. It's much better than "get away from me" or a few other phrases I won't say here.

  But I am seeing a trend when it comes to this time of year. And I don't think it has to do with the supposed political correctness folks are complaining about. I think it's that some people think the "season" starts too early. Plain and simple. In the stores. At the mall. Television ads. Special catalogues. On line. It's just too early for most people.

  When most of us were kids we put up a tree around the 20th and it came down January 7...right after "old Christmas". Of course that was a real tree and it would dry out and pose a fire risk so it went up late and came down early. Now my fake tree can go up November first and stay up til March if I so choose. 

  For me, and I speak only for myself, I love putting the decorations out and the tree up early. I'm not the most organized person. What you might do in a day or two could take me three weeks. Besides I like nothing better than sitting in my beautifully decorated living room with my friends or family while everyone is relaxed and unstressed. You can do that in November but not so much in mid-December.

  So don't worry about who has what up. Or what someone wishes you. Say what you want to say and decorate when you feel it's right. It doesn't matter what someone else thinks. It really doesn't. Besides I would bet money that there are some who are jealous, yes I said jealous, that you are done and they aren't.

  And if you are so offended by the new Starbucks cup, get a travel mug....it's much better for the environment anyway.

  Ang

  

My Favorite Veteran

  Today is Remembrance Day here in Canada. It is a day to remember the soldiers who went to war and never returned, those who did come back and those serving today. We owe you everything. Thank you.

  I want to take a few minutes to tell you a bit about my favorite veteran. He joined the air force at 18 years young. It's all he ever wanted to do really. After some training he became a POET....which translates to something with electronic systems....but he loves to say he's a poet.  Almost immediately he was sent around the world. First on a Navy ship going to Europe then to the Caribbean for training.  For three years he was gone more than home. He saw things most people only dream of. Good and bad.

  There were search and rescue missions that thankfully were mostly successful. But the unsuccessful ones weighed heavy on his shoulders. Famine relief in Africa changed his very soul. Watching children starve does something to you that cannot be explained. A plane crash. An extended time in the Middle East. Yes what he was trained to do but unimaginable none the less.

  So many lives saved by the job that he did. People able to grow old because they showed up to help. Children with parents because of a middle of the night call out. Families eating because he flew thousands of miles to get grain to them. 

  Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, anniversaries missed. Births, weddings and funerals unattended. Entire winters without seeing a snow flake and summers without seeing a beach. All without a complaint. Just an "it's my job".

  You have probably guessed I'm talking about my husband John. The boys and I are so lucky to have you. I am blown away constantly by your decency and willingness to always help others...no matter the cost.

  While I believe he is the best person I have ever met, when it comes to his dedication to his country and his job, John is not alone. Every day thousands of men and women in Canada, and around the world, put on a uniform and just "do their job". They protect us from things we don't even realize we need protection from. Or that even existed.

  So to the Kim's, Will's, Dan's, Darryl's and Charlotte's out there I thank you. Today and every day. I thank you.

  Ang
  

Christmas Light Controversy

  I'm a fairly rational person. I try to see both sides of the issue. I attempt to research an issue if the people around me feel very strongly about something. But sometimes I just can't see the fuss. I just can't. Like this whole Christmas lights up before Remembrance Day argument.

  The past few years I have had people tell me how disrespectful I was being by putting up my Christmas tree before November 11.  Funny my veteran husband had no issue with it....except to say it was waaaaaay too early. Not disrespectful. Just early. Hmmmm interesting. 

  It would seem to me that if you have been to war your opinion on this means more than the guy from Dragon's Den does. My father-in-law, also a veteran, thinks it's too early but not disrespectful to him in any way. In fact when it comes to putting up the outdoor decorations he would say it was a smart idea. Before the snow and cold. Smart. Again interesting.

  Want to do something respectful for the veterans? Go to a veterans hospital. Show up at a cenotaph. Wear a poppy. Take your kids or grand kids to the legion afterwards and shake the hands of these men and women. Say thank you for your service. Ask about their medals...remember military medals are on the left, legion medals are on the right and don't necessarily mean military service.

  Write, email or call your MP. Demand change to the Veteran's Charter. Shovel the driveway of a veteran this winter. Say hi and chat for a moment. Call your father, grandfather, mother or whomever you know that has served and ask if you can do anything for them. Do something that will actually make a difference in their lives. Put the time and energy that you are wasting on the "Christmas light controversy" into helping a real live person who will appreciate your effort.

  Wednesday is a day of remembrance. For those who never came home and those who came home victorious but changed. They fought, and died, so you and I could put up our Christmas lights whenever we choose. Early or not.

  Ang

  
  

The Good Book

  Homework has always been an issue in our house. Both kids. Waiting til the last possible second has been the norm. Late Sunday evening, pencils flying across the page, getting that "forgotten" math page finished. But oh the times they are a-changing.

  Organization. Organization. Organization. I have been drilling that into the brain of my 12 year old since he first started kindergarten. It never sank in. His tutor has used that word so often Alex rolls his eyes when he knows it's coming. It never sank in. But let one high school teacher say it and boom it's in. And not just kicking around in there but actually being put to use. Eureka!

  How can I be so sure it sunk in? The proof is right in front of my eyes. A book report....not due for two weeks...is almost done. The first draft anyway. Spelling has been checked. Grammar has been looked at repeatedly, with corrections made. I'm speechless.

  This is such a huge deal. Huge. With three more due in January, I have hope that this entire process won't involve yelling, screaming and crying...on my end anyway. In fact...and I'm bragging a little here....he's already started reading the next book! You cannot imagine how amazing this is for Alex. 

  So while Alex writes a report on Katniss and Peeta. his brain is becoming filled with tales of Ponyboy, Sodapop and Johnny. This from a boy who has never read just for enjoyment. Again the joy is over whelming. Fingers crossed he continues.

  I'm writing this quickly today. I don't want to tie up the laptop in case he feels the urge to work on his report. That's a problem I never thought I would have.

  Ang

I wanted to add two quick things....Ponyboy, Soda and Johnny are from the Outsiders in case you were wondering. And two...a big shout out to the readers in Russia! Yes Russia. I'm glad you keep coming back. Feel free to comment so I know who you are :)
  

Women

 Look at Canada go! Did you see our new Cabinet? The diversity? Women. Lots of women. Lots and lots of women. I had goose bumps.

  I was tired, very tired, of the old boys club that seemed to rule our country. Middle aged, white men were the norm in Ottawa. But not any more. There are refugees, an astronaut, a visually impaired woman, a war hero and a Paralympic  athlete. How great is that?! Talk about diversity. Not to mention that every province and one territory are in the mix. Excellent.

  Ok ok I know what you are thinking. The press and social media are all talking about what these new ministers qualifications are. To tell you the truth, this time I don't really care. I really don't. I'm not sure anyone who gets into politics is "prepared" for the reality of it. But I do think some new faces can't hurt. Besides they can be removed quickly if they are unfit or incapable.

   Politics aside, when our new Prime Minister was asked, by a female reporter no less, "why gender equality was important in his cabinet" his answer made me very proud. Not because I'm a huge supporter of his . Not because I'm a strong liberal. But because I am a woman. His answer..."because it's 2015".

   Nothing more needs to be said.

  Ang

  

My Secret No More

  Hi my name is Angela and I am an addict. The proper response for you here, I believe is, "Hello Angela". Accepting you have a problem is the first step on the road to recovery. Well I'm taking it here and now. I feel freer...is that even a word?... already.

  What is my addiction? It's not illegal. Not drugs, alcohol or playing the ponies. There is no twelve step program to help me recover. In fact I don't want to recover. But I've kept it a secret long enough.

  I'm addicted to British TV shows. There I said it. What a weight off my shoulders. I feel lighter already.

  My evenings are spent happily watching Father Brown, Sherlock or Downton Abbey. Coronation Street has been my go to show for my entire adult life. I've watched Inspector Morse, Broadchurch and The Fall. Don't forget Mr. Selfridge. I loved that one. Soon I'm starting Luther and Call The Midwife. I just can't seem to get enough.

  And I don't limit myself to just tv shows. Not me. I'm an equal opportunity   addict. Bring on the movies. Pride and Prejudice, Imitation Games and even Anna Karenina. Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter go without saying.

  Give me Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and Martin Freeman. Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightly and the fabulous Benedict Cumberbatch.  Have an english accent? I'll watch your movie. 

  Well I feel very relieved sharing this with you. Now I'm off to bed...after just one episode of Father Brown. Oh well not cured yet.

  Ang

Holding My Tongue

  I was going to write about the new Canadian government today. How happy I was to see the new cabinet with so many female faces looking back at me. What joy I felt that finally the entire government wasn't run by middle-aged white men. But then I thought I should wait and see how I felt about this new government in a few months time. So that's what I'm going to do.

  Today instead you are going to hear about....groceries. Or more to the point the insane cost of food. Not lobster or caviar. Filet mignon or duck l'orange are not on the menu. Just the basic meat and potatoes. Can you tell I spent the afternoon at the grocery?

  We don't live by the ocean so I expect seafood to be pricey. And farmers must earn a living too...I get that. Stores have owners and stock holders who have bills to pay. Totally understand that. But that's not how the grocers explained away the huge increases in prices. They laid it fully on the back of transportation costs. Namely the price of gas.

  The question that begs to be asked now is "why hasn't the price of food decreased when the price of gas did"? After constantly hearing in the news that higher prices were directly linked to the high price of gas, are they changing their tune? Were they lying then or lying now? Or both? You decide but remember gas used to be $1.29 a liter in Ottawa. Now it's $0.89.

  All I know for sure is you need to have a healthy food budget to eat healthy food when a bag of apples is $4.99...not organic btw. I guess a benefit of red meat being so expensive is we won't have to spend as much money on cholesterol medication! 

  When you head out to the store the next time, take a closer look at the prices. See if they have increased from last week. I bet I know the answer. Or better yet take last weeks receipt. That could be scary.

  On this happy political day for me...going back to those female faces....I'm just wondering how tomorrow my conservative friends will blame the high price of food on the new Prime Minister.

  Ang

  

  

Impossible

   What do you buy for the person who has everything? Those people who do not want and or need anything. Women and men who do not want to see another knick knack, photo frame or Keep Calm mug. I'm open to all suggestions.

  To make things even more difficult, imagine you have to ship it to them. Keeping in mind that a letter costs almost a dollar within Canada. So the gift must be small and weigh as little as possible.

  I know the obvious answer is gift cards. But imagine they don't like to eat out, go to the movies or for coffee. They aren't fans of the dollar store or Walmart. Trust me if those were options I'd be writing about something different entirely.

  This is my yearly dilemma. It never gets any easier. I spend weeks racking my brain. Then I end up buying the same soaps, creams and socks that I've bought in desperation for the previous ten years. But not this year......

  Christmas 2015 will be different. How you ask? Home made gifts. Gifts that come from the heart and hands of....wait for it....grandchildren. What self respecting grandparent wouldn't ooh and ahh over a crayoned stick figure, drawn and framed by their eight year old grandson? Or a coffee mug that was painted in the 30 seconds we could get the twelve year old away from his video game? Who I ask you? Who?

  Problem solved.....now on to world peace.

  Ang

   

  
  

  

Ho Ho Ho

  Halloween is over! The little ghosts, goblins and minions have eaten enough candy to make them intolerable. Parents have walked the neighborhood and spoken to people they haven't seen since last year. Now it's time to move on to......drum roll please.....Christmas.

  Don't hate me because I love starting the holiday celebrating early. For me the early decorating and shopping means that I get to sit back and enjoy when the actual season rolls around. I'm not running to the mall looking for presents or ribbon. I'm at home with friends and family enjoying both their company and my festive tree. It works very well for us.

  I drink my morning coffee in the glow of my tree while the boys are still sleeping. As we have dinner in the dining room the decorations add to the enjoyment of the meal...for me at least I don't think anyone else really appreciates it. The entire house seems prettier and happier.

  Now I'm not saying the tree is going up tomorrow...but in the next few weeks. I will start tomorrow taking out a few things and finding the perfect spot for them. I will make a list of gifts and find the Christmas cards. Little things everyday til it's done. 

  Maybe, just maybe though, I'll get John to get started on the outside lights...before the snow comes and it gets really cold. That's not crazy, just prudent. But we will leave the wreath inside for now.

  Maybe :)

  Ang