(the one without the frame)

2009-03-23T18:37:00.003-03:00

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, whose parents told her when she grew up she could be anything she wanted to be. Today, she sits in front of a computer monitor all day long and types things that are not all that interesting to her. She doesn't get paid very well for that either.As she sits there, she wonders, how all those years of education could lead her to that very spot. Doing

Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore

2009-03-14T12:28:00.003-03:00

It's official. Western Culture has finally gone through the looking glass. I'm calling it now.I am still obsessed with market economics. Reading, reeling...And of course I have been following the Daily Show, and his smack down of MSNBC. Basically, he blames the network for being complicit in the crisis. Basically, instead of investigative reporting, "fair and balanced", the network became

Oops she started a rant

2009-03-09T19:52:00.004-03:00

I'm still flat lining - with regards to inspiration or motivation. But I thought I would give this a whirl, an injection of atropine so to speak. And thus I have proven that you can learn something by watching ER.I'll let you in on what I have been obsessing about lately, and thus reveal how utterly odd and geeky I am. First, in order to appreciate how odd, I need you to know this. I cannot

Brain Dead

2009-02-25T18:27:00.001-04:00

Must be the winter-blahs. Have not felt like writing much. I get in these moods. Please be patient

Family night

2009-02-16T17:59:00.003-04:00

I'm going to give Monday at the Movies a little vacation. I like to share a documentary that has recently challenged me to flex my thought muscle, or at least a topic that is somewhat relevant to my circumstances. This week, bah, nothing. So instead of faking it, I thought I'd like say fuck it. I mean, it is my website after all.So picture this. A small futon-sofa. On it you can see a 41 year old

Evil thoughts.

2009-02-14T12:19:00.003-04:00

Aidan and I were strolling down the mall, on our way out, when I heard it. "Sounds like some kind of animal", I said to him. Then the crowd parted and the source of the guttural screaming was revealed. A toddler, stiffened, arms and legs out straight and in the throes of a primal scream session. Wow. I remember those days. I was that mother. I summoned some compassion, since I remember that

Did the Buddha care about dust bunnies?

2009-02-11T19:31:00.003-04:00

I have come to the conclusion that being diligent with housework, is an inherited trait. Suffice to say, I am just a carrier. My grandmother was what you call a neat-freak. The smell of Javex reminds me of her. She ironed her underwear, she ironed her facecloths and bras! I always wondered why she kept dogs, because she was forever muttering about their hair. But man, could she wield a vacuum

Monday at the Movies: Volume 5

2009-02-09T18:31:00.003-04:00

This series of films is one of the most exciting documentaries that I have seen in a long time. Its called A Century of Self, and connects the rise of psychoanalytic theory with marketing and advertising, and also how psychoanalysis and Freudian theory have profoundly affected the democratic process. It's fascinating! Have you ever wondered why you have to add to eggs to cake mix? No? Well, there

Cursive's Curse

2009-02-04T17:27:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago, I read this scrawling note in Owen's agenda. Each kid has a day planner - homework, notes and helpful hints on becoming a model student (what-evah!)The note said that Owen is not writing his homework down, and therefore not bringing it home. This prompted a letter to the teacher, since this is an issue we have been dealing with since October. Now I know why moms have the

Monday at the Movies: Volume 4

2009-02-02T17:47:00.004-04:00

So today, I've decided to go a bit lighter. Well, kinda sorta. Enough of the heavy questions about capitalism and the convoluted meanderings of a paranoid conspiracy theorist...for now... So, tonight, marks the first official video about Buddhism. It's about time. I've chosen this one in particular because it is relevant to issues I have been thinking about - in regards to Harry, in particular. I

Storytelling

2009-02-01T10:10:00.003-04:00

This parenting thing never gets easier does it? At one point in time, all I had to do was ensure they were clean and fed, through a foggy haze of sleep deprivation. Now I am dealing with this self-esteem thing. My theory is this - first you have to feel good in your own skin before you can start to admit that the whole business of self definition is an elaborate form of storytelling. I suppose I

The PowerPoint Princess

2009-01-29T20:06:00.003-04:00

Part of my job involves creating speeches for my supervisors. Sometimes I will receive the semblance of a topic (say for example...its about The English Language...) or other times, its a bit more precise. I've become the go to gal for all things speech related. I structure the talk, create the visuals for it (for I loathe bullet points), make the notes and create a compendium of background

Free Therapy

2009-01-28T19:06:00.003-04:00

Alas alack. Not much to say today. Oh dear oh dear. One of my professors once told me that writing, even if it was the same word, was better than writing nothing. So, today, you shall have stream of consciousness, internet. Yesterday, Eric and I went to see a comedy show. Hilarious! I heartily recommend laugh therapy. I highly recommend Jeremy Hotz or you can visit him home page here...Free

Monday at the Movies: Volume 3

2009-01-26T18:33:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I am going to throw a real whack job your way. Evidence of Revision is an interesting series. Its like a decoupage of video that is already out there, wrapped within one bigger idea. This one, really strokes my conspiracy g-spot. In this documentary, the film-makers (or editors) start with the Robert Kennedy Assassination, and link Sirhan Sirhan to a covert CIA program called MKUltra.

Side Effects

2009-01-25T10:14:00.003-04:00

I think I mentioned briefly that I quit smoking at the beginning of January. I've been using the nicotine patch, and so far, I have not been smoking. I've replaced the habit with copious amounts of tea. Vanilla black tea in the morning, a cup of white pear tea, carob chai, in the evening I switch to herbal - cinnamon, cherry, peach, raspberry, mandarin..As I read the program booklet with the

The Big Boy Bed

2009-01-22T18:32:00.002-04:00

We've never had much luck getting Aidan to sleep in his own bed. It started, well, when we moved him from the crib to the bed. We moved to our new house almost two years ago. I thought it would be a good time to really encourage the sleep-in-your-own-bed concept. We even got Thomas bedding! And sheets! I even made lovely Thomas prints for his wall. I think that lasted 2 nightd. And then he would

Capitalism is the opiate of the people

2009-01-20T20:19:00.003-04:00

Many thanks to The Blonde Duck. You got me thinking. And, there is nothing better than getting me thinking. Cheap hobby. Can be dangerous. Always wear a helmet.She got me thinking about basic human nature. Do we create the systems we inhabit because of our inherent qualities, or are we profoundly shaped by the systems we inhabit, because we usually forget we have the intelligence and ingenuity to

Monday at the Movies: Volume 2

2009-01-19T20:04:00.003-04:00

This train of thought started with an innocent conversation a few months ago. One of my coworkers has a degree in philosophy, so I asked her "I wonder what big idea is being challenged at the moment?" All the big ones seem to have been queried ad infinitum. What is truth? What is knowledge? What is meaning? What is this all about? And then as the stock market suddenly turned south, I turned to

The Quantum of me = ?

2009-01-17T09:32:00.003-04:00

What happened to my week? Ah, that's what happens when you are the hamster on the wheel of work. What kept me interested this week? Quantum Physics...again. Must be my new kick. They (the ones who can do the actual calculations) - are tweaking the big bang theory. See, theorists are puzzled at what was going on before the universe goes pop! Apparently, it would be a singularity of infinite

Nothing like a little insanity with your Antiques Roadshow

2009-01-13T20:14:00.002-04:00

So last night, I was curled up on the sofa, and NOT watching the internet for a change. It was Monday. Antiques Roadshow night. About halfway through, my eyes were lolling shut, drifting into a velvety sleep, when Aidan pops over, crying. I sat up, just a little disoriented. He had Eric's cell phone. And he was crying. I asked what was wrong. "I called 911""You did what?"Then he cried harder and

Monday at the Movies: Volume 1

2009-01-12T18:19:00.001-04:00

I've decided to initiate a weekly feature on The Big Picture. I've noticed over the past 6 or so months my media viewing experience has dramatically changed. I'm so picky when it comes to television programming and movies. I only watch a couple of television shows - none of which, I am happy to report, are remotely related to reality TV. I've been watching the internet more and more. This summer,

Ode to Mushrooms and other related fungi

2009-01-09T17:18:00.002-04:00

I am here to announce that I have reached a state of not-itch. I am quite clear that it resides in a parallel universe approaching bliss. I can't believe that itchy feet have been my daily mantra over the past week. Enter that state, and you will truly understand that the entrance to hell is covered in tinea pedis. Believe it or not, the entire experience reminded me of a funny story, so while I

Magic blog

2009-01-06T17:48:00.003-04:00

I think this blog is somewhat like the genie in the lamp. I wrote a few posts back that my ennui had something to do with too much routine, and not enough change.There are a couple of things that have coalesced over the past few days, to make me wonder that this is indeed the magic blog. Now I just need to know how to make it work consistently, so, you know, when I type in "I would like to win

Reviews from the Geeky Pansy Gamer

2009-01-02T11:03:00.003-04:00

During the harsh cold winter months, I spend time on the XBox. Lots of time on the Xbox. I only like to play very particular games, and I would not consider myself, by any stretch, to be a hardcore gamer. I'm quite a pansy when it comes to gaming, but I like to play nonetheless. My preferred genre is RPG (Role playing games). I don't really like FPS (First Person Shooter) type games - you know

Auld Lang Sine

2008-12-29T17:49:00.002-04:00

Holidays have come and gone - much was baked, eaten and consumed, and we have enough Lego now to build a small dwelling. Wonder if Lego is eco-friendly? Wouldn't want a giant to trip over it, I suppose. As the year draws to a close, I find myself contemplative and reflective. I suppose many people are at this time of year. I find the years that we call "middle age" are like the Trans-Canada

A little like Cortez

2008-12-15T20:10:00.003-04:00

Saturday marked the final leg of the longest week in recorded history. It was a week marked by snow, and snow blowing, more snow, torrential rain, and freezing rain. On Friday the driveway contained a driveway size slush-puppy. Those puppies are hard to shovel. I figured snow blowing would just make things...messy. So, after the kids and I lolled about the house on Saturday, I announced we were

Ode to subverting the suburban paradigm

2008-12-09T17:29:00.004-04:00

This fall, Eric confirmed his manhood and purchased a snow blower. For those in more temperate climes, know that large piles of snow are a frequent reality in these parts of the world. So, this fall, Eric had evil thoughts about early snow. And know that wishing for early snow in Canada is as heretical as the Museum of Intelligent Design. You just don't wish for these things...unless you live in

Parental Valhalla, Nirvana, and Heaven

2008-12-06T09:29:00.003-04:00

Last night, I spent a good deal of time reviewing posts past. Wow, what a difference a couple of years make. I am thinking of this mostly in the context of the kids. Eric left this morning for a trip to California...for training. Yes, I am jealous. When I get training, I get thrown a manual and told "good luck". I digress. Before, his adventures meant more complexity, toil and of course vomit.

Grumpy

2008-12-04T17:28:00.004-04:00

Before I decided to resurrect The Big Picture, I probably would have written a post about the American election. I have to say, it was the first time that I have been politically engaged. How exciting! Oh, small note, yes, I am Canadian, still living in Canada. And did you know that we had an election only 5 weeks (or so) before the big US election. Was I as engaged? Shamefully, no.And my

Hear that giant sucking sound?

2008-11-28T19:22:00.002-04:00

Perhaps its the economy...the sound of the giant plunger of government trying to salvage any semblance of global credibility that has been flushed down the toilet...I am thinking that this sound is my brain. Drained and panting from the guff overdrive. More guff next week. I get to write and design marketing collateral. (Hear the sounds of my knuckles cracking)...So what keeps you sane at work?

Guff

2008-11-24T20:05:00.005-04:00

Guff : Over-inflated information, bordering on superfluous or wholly irrelevant. (the Urban Dictionary)My current job, is the same job I landed after I left the university. I have not worked for the private sector much - (beyond the odd waitressing stint and that time I worked for a retail store for a month before deciding I'd much rather be anal probed by large-handed aliens). I had plenty of

Getting out the oil

2008-11-23T19:03:00.004-04:00

Everything seems a bit rusted...including my desire to ramble about things in general. Think I am going to give this a whirl again.Just a brief historical analysis, one which I have thought about often...I no longer work at the unnamed university that gave me so much grief. I mourned for a while - but lost my voice, or regained a new one, or something to that effect. Blogging is an odd thing - I

He's so cheezy

2007-01-21T19:57:00.000-04:00

Meanwhile, winter has arrived in earnest, replete with bitter temperatures and snowbanks I need to crane my neck to see over. I have touched on a number of Harry's obsessions over the past - his love of movie trailers, bridges, and now...its cheese.No really. I mean cheese...of many varieties. And like his obsession with bridges he feels the need to draw and google the many varieties of cheese...

Snow day

2007-01-19T08:39:00.000-04:00

Snow day!And here is how full time work has rotted my brainI am looking forward to being trapped in the house with the kidsnot only that but...I am anticipating housecleaning with a unusual sense of glee.(scary huh?)

Nerd, I am.

2007-01-15T19:06:00.000-04:00

An update! Fancy that!I have been plotting a move to the new blogger - which requires a crash course on my part to learning the basics for XML. Why must these new updates be so nitpicky? From what I gathered, the biggest change is transforming the "<" to some letter combination gobbly gook and from my perspective utterly nonsensical. I might go blind getting to the new blogger...but it will be

The Honeymoon is over

2007-01-12T15:36:00.000-04:00

Thanks Arwen for the poke!She asked me if was sucked into the world of cable T.V. And as exciting as that sounds, if it were literally possible, its not even true in the mundane sense. The bonus of cable TV...I get to see House without the snow. And yes, if only for that...its worth it!Whats happened to me? Work happened. After spending time in front of the computer pretty much all day, the

And there was much meretricious superficiality

2006-11-27T18:47:00.000-04:00

A bit of excitement has entered my life. If losing my job, and finding a new and improved one were not excitement enough, on top of chasing down the 4 cats and 3 kids, we just got cable after 5 years of living in a 5 channel universe. The rationale was simple, the plug that we stick our trust our trusty old rabbit years into had some sort of a short in it, making a wicked and tremendously

Bored=Boring

2006-11-17T19:05:00.000-04:00

Honestly, I have been plotting in my head what my next post is going to be about, and here it is. Sad, folks, sad news indeed. I've been fretting about posting about nothing, not that bloggers typically write about stuff other than nothing (don't you think that Blogging is Seinfeld writ virtually?) I can't even think about something remotely tangential or off the wall to write about. Of course

Do babies come out this way?

2006-11-02T18:22:00.000-04:00

You can tell it is day 2 post Halloween...the mouse is sticky. Yech. Guess that will compel me to type more, surf less. Notice that the option of washing it is not there.This morning, I jumped in bed with Harry by way of trying to rouse him. Gone are the days when they wake me up. Now that I am on the other side of the sleep threshhold, I have to admit, that both sides suck equally. Anyway, so I

Quotable Quotes: Hallowe'en

2006-10-31T18:20:00.000-04:00

Me: (Seems to consistenly get relegated as treat distributer) (to kid at the doorway)"Are you the Fonz?"Kid: "No I am a Werewolf!"Owen gets just as much joy being treat distributer as being treat recipient. Thus the time to blog.Harry has gone for a second round. Oi.

A little bit of pen

2006-10-23T19:25:00.000-03:00

A little pen mark totally pissed me off today. First, I don't think it is within the realm of the extrordinary to call homework for a student of grade one into question. The kid goes all day, and has so little time in the evening to unwind, do the bathing, eating thing..and do homework. If we decide to get out in the evening en masse, then homework is sacrificed. Personally, I don't think there

Does not compute...

2006-10-15T08:56:00.000-03:00

So, I have not found a balance between working and blogging yet. I work on the computer all day long, and the thought of coming back in the evening has lost all its appeal. Thats too bad. I also have not had the balls to blog at work, which is probably a good idea.I started training on this new program this week. Its an online course, and I have a coach somewhere in another time zone. I'm usually

See mom, see mom rejoice.

2006-10-07T20:16:00.000-03:00

When it comes to the way I deal with Owen and Aidan's language issues, and their "diagnosis" (PDD-NOS), I have felt completely alone and isolated. I worry that people don't take me seriously, yet somehow I have discovered this stregnth to perservere in my attitude - that there is nothing wrong, or disordered with my children. They have their perspective and path, which I have learned how to

Deli-CAT Matters

2006-09-28T14:36:00.000-03:00

The Brothers du Fluffe, or as we know them, Willie-Woo and Paddy-kins (see their pictures here) had their great transformation today. We call it being "neutered" or "fixed", but tell any man about the procedure and you will see him casually cross his legs. Of course we are responsible pet owners despite the Brothers du Fluffe scratching in the neighbours pile of dirt. Much to my neighbors

Much about Mastheads

2006-09-25T13:05:00.000-03:00

So, my temporary job is over. There is an off chance that it can continue on, but I am not holding my breath at the moment, and continue on the search. I've beem informed that I am in mid-career. Well thats good news I suppose. Its all downhill from here, as I coast through to retirement. I wish.Many thanks for the thumbs up on my seasonal redesign. I thought I'd take a minute to explain to

Achaan Chaa Cha Cha

2006-09-16T20:44:00.000-03:00

So, I guess you are wondering what happened to me? Well, I started working, as a research consultant, on a project which I know absolutely nothing about. It really is all about research. Its a short gig, but I guess thats how the business works.I keep reminding myself of a helpful bit of advice that I offered to Arwen over at Anthropologist for Corporate America. I've learned that when you give

Beginners Mind, Beginners Luck

2006-09-07T18:53:00.000-03:00

I just love it when an ordinary day turns into a most strange and extraordinary day. And without drugs! Its possible! Actually, today was a day that I had planned and organized to just sit. Not on my ass, well yes, in a way. I've been longing for some cushion time, and discovered a drop in day care service not far from where we lived, and decided to register Aidan for the afternoon. In my case,

Zen of Zucchini Salsa

2006-09-05T17:37:00.000-03:00

Under no circumstances should one ever chop jalapenosand then hike your underware out of your butt.

A dash of surreality

2006-09-04T08:40:00.000-03:00

Saturday night I was invited to test out the possibility if Pinot Grigio will cure one's meditiation hangover. That afternoon I was invited to a bonfire, and whisked away to procure some supplies. On the way to store, I looked down at my feet and noticed that I was still wearing my bedroom slippers. And yes, I insisted we return, because there was just no way of faking it. They are warm and fuzzy

Castaways, we are

2006-09-02T10:20:00.000-03:00

Last night I found myself in a fit of boredom, again, not being able to discover any one distraction that I could easily settle into. I flipped through our DVD's and announced to Owen and Harry that we were going to watch Castaway this evening. I knew this would be a movie that Owen would like - merely because most of the storyline can be followed merely by watching and not having to negotiate

A Meditation Hangover

2006-08-31T14:13:00.000-03:00

I was warned about this by two different people, in two separate conversations. You see, when you spend a nice chunk of your time with your own self, your thoughts and the disperate places those thoughts attempt to drag you, and you resist all temptation to chase those thoughts to their oftentimes, illogical conclusions, doing nothing but following the breath, and later just breathing, you can

Mission Control, the Ego has landed

2006-08-28T10:28:00.000-03:00

*****Deep Sigh*****AhhhhhhhhhhI'm not even sure where to start. I've returned safe and sound. It was a glorious week really. Exactly what I needed. Everyone could use a good mind scrubbing. I could use more. I kept a bit of a journal, but at some point during the week I decided to spend time just being, rather than reflecting on it. As I sit here, I seem to grasp in thin air for some way of

Here and gone again (again)

2006-08-19T07:55:00.000-03:00

I never imagined that unemployment could be this close to perfect. Too bad I couldn't get paid for it. Oh wait. I AM. Life really is perfect (money ends in November...panic will set in shortly).This post has the potential of being somewhat longish, covering a whole range of interesting topics. I suggest you grab a coffee or beverage of your choosing, pull up and enjoy. Heather art in fair

A-camping we will go...

2006-08-11T08:23:00.000-03:00

We're off camping today (mental note: pack Camera). If I hear nary about the job, then I think I can relax and know that someone else is feeling exhilerated that they have a new job that I would do better. And I just may be able to go on meditation retreat. I have not been making my plans definate just in case. I suppose I should have paid my non-refundable deposit...it probably would have

So how did the interview go?

2006-08-09T17:08:00.000-03:00

Well.Its hard to say. Added to this is I tend to act pessimistically, as an act of self preservation. I went into this interview with all the confidence in the world. I answered the "So tell me a bit about yourself" brilliantly, I thought. And I showed I was able to think quickly on my feet. They gave me a situation and a "what would you do?" - and I started brainstorming. Then there were a

Now is the time to apply your telepathic prowess

2006-08-08T09:02:00.000-03:00

Now would be the time to send forth all your positive 'Go get 'em" vibes. My interview is tomorrow. At 10:30 AST. Set your alarms and send out those influential thoughts.I have been researching much on Rasputin as of late. I've read annecdotes that he had a stare so hypnotic that it influenced the great family of the Czars to do his bidding. I am thinking this would be the best skill to have at

A Small Step forward

2006-08-02T08:41:00.000-03:00

I have an interviewwwwwwww!!Its a program assistant with Extension Servicess (adult learning) at another local uni. The pay is where I would like it to be... I think I am a show in. I have actually been studying for the interview. Nerd I know. But thats me.I also got my hair cut. I am going to colour and highlight it today. That sounds like it could be potentially disasterous...but, the colour is

Power words, redux

2006-07-31T08:54:00.000-03:00

Ah, another week of unemployment. I need to get out and start visiting potential employers, and talking with HR people. First, I need to find a sitter. The latter is more challenging than the former. I was looking forward to doing this quasi pavement pounding when Eric took vacation, but he wants to go hither and thither...you know go to Prince Edward Island, off to Fundy...I want to stay home

Its all in a name

2006-07-24T10:41:00.000-03:00

I've been submersed in the job search song and dance. First, I find myself a humble and sometime self denegrating sort. So, using "power words" to describe my talents and experience takes a bit of getting used to. I shake my head and hope that ego tripping is not a prequisite - for any employement opportunity. I'll giggle at my own odacity...and lately, I have had to edit some of my self hype

Tid Bits and Shout outs

2006-07-18T17:32:00.000-03:00

You know your life has degenerated to a certain level of mediocraty when you surf over to Rogers Video Canada and discover that Beowulf and Grendel has been released on DVD. I was excited.Sad.Second. Sharon's Blog Um'Skandar is the place to visit. She is an anthropologist who has done fieldwork in Syria - I find her insight extremely helpful in international politics as of late.

When you have realized you are reauthoring your life

2006-07-18T09:35:00.000-03:00

You find you have nothing to say. Figures.Let's see. Oh, lets start with the obvious. My department continues to burp small changes. There seemed to be an 11th hour attempt to rearrange a course that I chould teach to a night course time slot- which would solve my current childcare dilemmas. This would also leave open the possibility for finding another job. The very weird thing about this was

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Woman loses Job...then her mind!

2006-07-02T14:24:00.000-03:00

Meet Paddington (Paddy) and Wellington (Willy)8 week old brothersPaddy is the brave one.Good trait when you live in this houseSpeaking of which, good thing small kittens have razor sharp claws. They have taught the boys a thing or two. I must say, the kids are quite gentle.Wellington has already had two perilous adventures. First, he found a way in the sofa...like in the frame. Then he was

Jung, Eat your Heart Out

2006-06-29T09:20:00.000-03:00

I've been feeling kind of...strange...lately. (Okay, no jokes, please). Most of this feeling comes from learning that I will not return and teach. I've been doing this for going on 10 years, so I have every right to feel a bit weird. Added to this, is that it was my first job after returning home from Korea, and oddly enough, it found me. That does not happen much these days, but I was approached

Phew! Out of the void....

2006-06-27T17:33:00.000-03:00

And into the world of unemployment! Woo hoo! I did not get the Anthro job because someone with senority rights decided to return. I am not sure why it took an e-mail from me to find this out but whatever...I am SO happy to be a free agent!!And by the way.,.....I need a job

This indecision interzone

2006-06-27T08:17:00.000-03:00

This indecision interzone is really getting old. I mean really old. Last night, I spent alot of time thinking and second guessing myself, and wanting to come to a conclusion I could act upon today. I started asking "how will I know that the decision I make is the best one, and not merely a reaction to my current circumstances?" How will I know a right and good decision - will it feel right, or is

Train of Thought

2006-06-26T08:57:00.000-03:00

Snippets from a conversation I had with Harry while walking home from school last week..."Mom, what's a reptile?"I had to think about this one. What's the difference between a reptile and an amphibian?'Uh, a reptile can live on the land and in the water". I was not sure if this was entirely accurate, but it was a goos first stab."And reptiles are hatched from eggs, like chickens", I added"Are

Just a wee update

2006-06-22T07:40:00.000-03:00

So far, I have heard exactly the same amount of information as my last post....nada.So, I am figuring that I am to recieve a rejection letter in the mail from the Anthropology department. And thus my house of cards begins to fall. I have been offered one course - at a time that is bad for me (and the kids). The Buddhism course is still being considered. Its also at a bad time. I have decided that

2006-06-20T11:03:00.000-03:00

Just to give you a sense of the conditions of my nerves:Everytime I open my e-mail, I brace and squint. I peek in my inbox and take a deep sigh of relief that its neither good or bad news.Help

[AGAIN] here I go again

2006-06-20T08:52:00.000-03:00

About a month ago, I wrote to my colleagues whom I trusted......this is the thing about hiatus...keeping the world in your loop. Remember my insane situation at work? Its been since labelled "departmageddon". There was a huge union meeting which in effect expressed university wide support and solidarity against mistreatment of the lowly part-timer. Members of my department remain steadfast and

Here I go again

2006-06-15T08:49:00.000-03:00

I don't even know how to start writing about this. How about 'I can't f*cking believe it". That pretty much sums it up.Backstory - Remember Aidan went to the doctor, and we were told that he had a hearing problem? He's going to get tubes in his ears (again), which should recify that problem. He was also referred to the Paediatric Rehab team. A group of Speech, Occupational and Physio Therapists

Harry's First Psychedelic Experience

2006-06-09T12:00:00.000-03:00

You know, with Harry being 6 and all...you might be wondering what took him so long.About 2 months ago, Harry visited the dentist for a check up. He has developed a healthy sense of fear and suspicion in pointy things. Which, is not a bad thing I suppose. So up he hopped in the dentist's chair and looked at all the equippment rather suspiciously. You know, like an abductee would scope out

Are you ready for more folks?

2006-06-02T09:21:00.000-03:00

Okay, enough of the silence already!And here I attempt to get back into the blogging mode. Its been way too long, and now I am more used to being an unblogger than a blogger. I am not sure I like that idea. So what is new with me? Well all sorts of things. Pull up a chair (well, I suppose most of you are already seated) and let me tell you. Things at work: Ho! Ho! Well, the current state of my

Awwwww!

2006-05-11T16:57:00.000-03:00

Many thanks for all the kind words...everything is great. I am emersed in intersession at the moment - that means prep all morning, teaching all afternoon and all kids all night...Eric is also gone to British Columbia. If you look at a map - I think England is closer in distance than B.C. I also think the army conspires to send him away just when my schedule gets extra hectic. So much on my plate

On Hiatus!

2006-04-12T17:16:00.000-03:00

Grading season, and then prep for what could possibly be my last course ever. Of course this is all indefinate...regardless, I shall return when the dust settles...

Upaya

2006-03-29T19:17:00.000-04:00

Recently, my apathy and dispair around work has transformed into anger. At the root of my anger is hurt, fear and disappointment. I've been working with my department since 1997, and associated with that university since 1988, and no one has yet told me, either in person, phonecall, e-mail, smoke signals or passenger pigeon that I will not be offered a contract next year. I figure, after all

Nervous

2006-03-28T07:14:00.000-04:00

Today, I take Aidan to the pediatrician. His new daycare began hinting there was something "wrong" back in January. (Enter mommy bear reaction)I started making appointments (Family Doctor, audiologist, pediatrician) because I wanted to start a document trail before he attends kindergarten in two years. I know h is going to face similar challenges as Owen, although I think Owen had more of an

Samsara mom

2006-03-25T10:52:00.000-04:00

There I go again...those disappearing acts are becoming more common than not! Last week I started reading Cave in the Snow by Vicki Mackenzie. It was so engrossing that I managed to read it over the course of a weekend. This is Tenzin Palmo's spiritual autobiography, but it is as much about Vicki Mackenzie as it is about Tenzin Palmo.Who is Tenzin Palmo you ask? She was born Diane Perry in

Groundlessness. It's so much fun.

2006-03-15T19:14:00.000-04:00

When I have a "big thought", it tends to be messy and tangled. English typically wants thoughts to be linear and logical. It occured to me that my experience at work offered a glimpse (somewhat fleetingly) into this Buddhist notion of groundlessness. As the thoughts in the previous post swirrled through my head, I had an overwhelming insight into groundlessness. The word just seemed to pop into

Maybe I will just carry around a towel

2006-03-12T11:14:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about my last post, and what a load of crap it is. While it is true that I am deeply engrossed in Jonathan Strange, I used that as some sort of excuse for not writing. To think that this week I did not have the time to fit in both is a line of bull that I have tried to convice myself of by making it public. If I reveal it in a public forum, then it must be real. Well, aren't

No time to Blog...I have a novel to read

2006-03-11T11:19:00.000-04:00

I had every intention of madly blogging in all directions during my March break.Now that my nasal passages are somewhat clear, my nose has been buried in Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. I have only 200 pages left to read! Who has time for blogging when the fate of English magic now rests in the hands of Mr. Strange...And what of the Raven King...will Mr Norrell get to watch in smug satisfaction

Pass the Kleenex

2006-03-07T17:14:00.000-04:00

Is there a contraption, that ressembles something of a small vacume cleaner, that I can use to empty my head of this excess fluid?Ack.

Sundays Child is full of waste

2006-03-06T07:43:00.000-04:00

This week is March Break. Lucky for us, that means everyone is off - me, Owen, Harry even Eric. (Yes, even the Military will give you a March break when you are not risking your neck in Kandahar). All except Aidan. I was contractually oligated to pay for this week - so he shall make an appearance. Consistent with most holidays, I have contracted a cold.Yesterday, I had the pleasure of wallowing

I am mother, hear me ROAR

2006-02-27T17:27:00.000-04:00

February 22, 2006************************************* Avenue SchoolTo Whom This May Concern,In my many conversations and meetings with the Literacy Support and teaching staff at ******* school about my son, Owen ****, it occurred to me that I tend to retell the same story. I realized that we have acquired much history and information on Owen, throughout his education at ******. Some of that

Provincial Examinations: A Stretching test.

2006-02-25T10:24:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, Owen brought home a new weekly assignment. If someone had first consulted me on this one, I would have said that Owen was already booked, and put the new assignment on a waiting list. Now, I know if I raised a royal stink, I could have avoided this new homework business. I felt Owen could benefit for doing it, even it it meant that homework now takes 45 minutes each evening. Yes

Did I say I was going to do research?

2006-02-23T17:30:00.000-04:00

Bwaaahhh-hahahahahaI am too ambitious for my own good.From the kids:"Whats a meteor?""Mom, what's a gravity field?""Can we have a Cryogenic Sleep chamber too?""How do you reprogram?""Whats a Zorgon?"Zathura is a very cool movie, but beware, advanced degree in Astrophysics needed.And I thought the birds and the bees were tough...exactly how to you explain gravity to a 5 year old? And yes, I

The Toaster Streudel

2006-02-20T17:14:00.000-04:00

This is just the intermission. I am carefully crafting a new post - which requires that I do some research. Scary huh?Harry has grown tremendously fond of this bit of instant gratifiation in a box. A toaster streudel is a little pastry you pop into the toaster and then smear with frosting. They are sold as breakfast foods, but I recoil at that possibility. Harry has grown particularily find of

Happy Blog Day to Me...

2006-02-15T16:49:00.000-04:00

I'm all for sentimentality...(remember the Christmas season?) so lets get on with the celebration! Yes, it has been twelve months and 2 days since I embarked on the great blogging adventure. And, yes - the trend is all it is marketed to be. Well...I don't need to preach to the converted now do I? Alrighty, commence all Happy Blog Day Festivities!!This means, today is the day for all you secret

If you want to learn the meaning of patience, buy an Orchid

2006-02-13T15:13:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time - May 2004 to be precise, my thoughtful and charming husband purchased an orchid for mothers day for his lovely wife. This was completely my own cockamamie scheme. For some reason, I was up for the exotic orchid challenge. I love houseplants. I have no less than 20, which are in various stages of growth and neglect. People say I have a green thumb. I just know when to water them

It all started when...

2006-02-10T18:30:00.000-04:00

It all started when I tried to play my new Dead Can Dance CD in the van's player. Let us recall that said van was purchased new off the lot in July. The disc player announced ERROR and the disk could not be ejected. I pressed Eject. Nothing. I turned off the van. Then I started it up, and pressed eject. Nothing. Then I pressed eject about 10 times in a row, and then every other button. Nothing. I

Movie Night

2006-02-05T09:06:00.000-04:00

Eric is still sequestered up north, (here, specifically http://cgdi.gc.ca/ccatlas/joamie/mappage/mappage.htm). I have not heard from him in a week. This is generally not troublesome. I suspect that his phone is at base camp, and he is off freezing his nuts off on the tundra. While Eric glaciates various parts of his anatomy, I tend to all matters on the homestead. This includes being

Its all alphabet soup to him

2006-02-02T18:11:00.000-04:00

I should be hunkering down to do the kids homework right now. This whole concept of homework in elementary school baffles me, frankly. I don't remember having homework every evening until at least grade six. At that point, my mother did not have to sit with me and walk me through it. Harry's homework involves weekly spelling words, and reading a book. Need I remind anyone that he is in his second

I really did imagine there would be more tofu.

2006-01-31T17:32:00.000-04:00

Take a look at my blogroll. You'll see a link that says "The Blangha" - which is a site aggregator of Buddhist bloggers. (Blangha, if you are at all curious, being a blending of Blog and Sangha). And for what it is worth, I'd like to thank whoever was responsible for doing that. Which leads me to this next thought. I suppose I am having a blog oriented identity crisis...who would I be really, if

Confessions of A Couch Potato

2006-01-29T11:32:00.000-04:00

Eric is off! He left this morning for the great white north! I doubt he'll see the likes of the internet while he is gone; he was doubting the availability of a telephone. He has always been full of surprises, so who knows. He's flying in a Herk and I think he was a little nervous about the whole affair. It came out as a bit of a joke, you know the sort "Tell the boys I love 'em if I don't make

X Marks the Ballot

2006-01-18T09:16:00.000-04:00

You would have to be living under a rock here in Canada if you did not know there was an election afoot. I am no political pundit, but I have one vote that I need to cast. In Canada, we have a Parlimentary system of Government. In The Complete Moron's Guide to Canadian Politics, this means one votes for a local Member of Parliament, who represents the interests of a particular party. The leader

Wild about Cycles.

2006-01-15T11:53:00.000-04:00

I was nudged again by Eric this morning. "So have you quit blogging", he asked. I am not sure whether this was a genuine question or a way of prodding me to write about something, masquerading as a question. Regardless, I knew that If I just did not sit down and write, this apathy could overtake me and I really would end up quitting, whether I intended it or not.Somehow the end of the holidays

Unusually Quiet

2006-01-11T13:02:00.000-04:00

If you ask Eric, he'd probably say that it is highly unlike me to be so quiet.The first week back in the normal routine it the toughest. And hopefully it will end with grace and dignity. If not that, then some chips and dip and a good movie. And some blogging.I've had all sorts of inspiration about what to write about, none of which I am going to allude to - because it seems that whenever I do, I

My New Years Prologue

2006-01-06T08:12:00.000-04:00

We arriveb back in town on Tuesday night (note: look forward to a humorous diatribe on 3 kids in a minivan for 8 hours) and I returned to work on Wednesday. And it seems that I have not stopped! I guess I am ringing in the New Year in typical fashion: So much to do, too tired to blog.So, on this brief note, I will return....for now I must get ready for work. ))ugh((

A tale of revelry

2005-12-29T08:35:00.000-04:00

Land-Ho!!The Christmas holidays are quickly slipping by. In attempts to slow times' hasty passing, I figured I ought to fill you in on those things that have transpired over the past week.I am sitting back in smug satisfaction that this year I choreographed the perfect Christmas. The children received nothing that honked, beeped, tooted, choo-chooed, squeaked, squalked, rumbled, groaned, banged,

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-24T09:43:00.000-04:00

I wanted to wish everyone who takes time in their day to share my angle on the universe, a very Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday and hope your days are as blessed as mine. I was trying to think of a good Christmas Story to share with you, and I am so fortunate to say, that I have so many good ones, I am not sure which one to choose. That is a priveledge I try to honor, and pass on to my kids. In

Fridge Tag

2005-12-22T14:10:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged! I was asked by Carslemane Foraix over at Carslemane to post a picture of the inside of my fridge. Someone is supposed to judge it, but I have the feeling that I have one of the least interesting fridges, only because we're so bloody normal. Now, you will notice that we have a full sized refridgerator. This is in anticipation of having three hungry boys. Right now they are three