Today I went to a dance workshop. This was an extra special event because Jp had signed me up as a Valentine's gift. He had contacted my dance instructor a couple of weeks prior to ask her if she had any suggestions for Valentine's. She directed him to some websites where he could purchase gift certificates for items - dance gear, props, accessories etc and gave him some workshop names. So he signed me up.
And, even though it was a little bit snowy out there, I went and had a wonderful time. The instructor was fabulous, and fun and very talented. Three hours went very quickly. And I think I've reached the place where I will benefit the most from workshops as I have the foundation skills to understand the movements and the instructions so I can concentrate on the tweaking of them - or the combining of them.
I am very happy for the wonderful gift that was more than just 3 hours - it's going to stay with me for a long time. Especially when the instructor was kind enough to hand everyone a CD with the music he had used in the class, bonus!
Now it's time to resume my normal Sunday programming. Hope you're having a great weekend too!
Showing posts with label Lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lessons. Show all posts
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Saturday, June 29, 2013
More on Distracted Drivers
Following my post on distracted drivers the other day, my brother sent me this cartoon:
It is definitely a common issue, isn't it?
He also included this information:
New studies have found hands free to be just as distracting. Turnsout it isn't holding the phone but the process of having a conversation.What about with someone in the car? It seems when they are in the carthe driver can focus on the road and get cues from the passenger.
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Raccoon Bites
On the weekend my neighbour was entertaining in the back yard when a raccoon came under the gate and found itself face to face with the family dog. The racoon and dog started to fight (it sounded really nasty too) until several guests broke it up and the raccoon was chased away. The dog was taken to the vet where my neighbour was told she could 'put him down or quarantine him'. (They were told -two weeks completely for people and pets, but ultimately 4 months before they are 'out of the woods')
First, if that was my dog, I would not return to a vet that would even suggest putting my dog down just because of some raccoon scratches.
But here's the second difference. I believe in vaccinations. And last year after telling my vet about the frequency of raccoons in our neighbourhood and yards, I was advised to add the Leptospira Vaccine to Eco's cocktail. This is a pretty nasty condition and I've heard dogs dying from a raccoon bite sometimes within a couple of days. I did not want to take the chance.
When I came home from the vet after Eco got her vaccinations last year I told this neighbour all about the vaccine. But she didn't do it. Perhaps because her dog doesn't leave their back yard, she didn't think she needed to worry about it? Her dog hasn't had a rabies shot in 3 years either and now the vet wouldn't give the dog one until he's out of the quarantine phase.
So now we had to close up all the holes in the fence between us so the dogs can't kiss and greet each other like they used to. And obviously no play dates since they can't share toys (no saliva transfer). I'm not worried about Eco because she's up to date on everything and I'm sorry my neighbour has to worry for 2 weeks looking for signs of illness on her beloved pet.
Oh, and now suddenly it's okay to get out a gun and shoot raccoons too. Whenever I joked about using a low powered pellet gun to 'poke' the raccoons or squirrels in the rump she'd get all uppity but now she told me her husband would 'shoot to kill' if a raccoon was threatening their dog again. I find it interesting how people's opinions change once something happens directly to them. Like I always say - steer clear of talking about people's kids and dogs, they are two very highly charged emotional subjects, that's for sure. And vaccinations - remember the whole Jenny McCarthy/Oprah thing?
First, if that was my dog, I would not return to a vet that would even suggest putting my dog down just because of some raccoon scratches.
But here's the second difference. I believe in vaccinations. And last year after telling my vet about the frequency of raccoons in our neighbourhood and yards, I was advised to add the Leptospira Vaccine to Eco's cocktail. This is a pretty nasty condition and I've heard dogs dying from a raccoon bite sometimes within a couple of days. I did not want to take the chance.
When I came home from the vet after Eco got her vaccinations last year I told this neighbour all about the vaccine. But she didn't do it. Perhaps because her dog doesn't leave their back yard, she didn't think she needed to worry about it? Her dog hasn't had a rabies shot in 3 years either and now the vet wouldn't give the dog one until he's out of the quarantine phase.
So now we had to close up all the holes in the fence between us so the dogs can't kiss and greet each other like they used to. And obviously no play dates since they can't share toys (no saliva transfer). I'm not worried about Eco because she's up to date on everything and I'm sorry my neighbour has to worry for 2 weeks looking for signs of illness on her beloved pet.
Oh, and now suddenly it's okay to get out a gun and shoot raccoons too. Whenever I joked about using a low powered pellet gun to 'poke' the raccoons or squirrels in the rump she'd get all uppity but now she told me her husband would 'shoot to kill' if a raccoon was threatening their dog again. I find it interesting how people's opinions change once something happens directly to them. Like I always say - steer clear of talking about people's kids and dogs, they are two very highly charged emotional subjects, that's for sure. And vaccinations - remember the whole Jenny McCarthy/Oprah thing?
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Nothing's Fair
Boy we sure have a mixed up world!
Story # 1 - Today on the radio they were talking about a lady that had to go to the bathroom really badly and used a restroom in a restaurant in Tennessee. There was a sign on the wall that said that the restroom was for paying customers or pay $5 to use. However after she used the facilities, she walked out. Someone tried to stop her and told her she needed to pay $5, she apparently shrugged it off and left. Then apparently a sheriff was given her licence plate number and tracked her down to give her a bill for $5.
Story # 2 - Jp and I were at the mall on Labour Day weekend, when we returned to our car a crappy POS was parked beside us and it was so close I couldn't really open the door. I was waiting for him to back out so I could get in but Jp thought I was having trouble opening the door so he reached across the car from the inside to open it, and gave a little push; I tried to catch the opening door but it ended up touching the car beside us. A month later we get a call from the insurance company telling us to come in. Some old guy sitting in a shop reported our licence plate to the insurance agency, telling them it was a 'hit and run'. The girl who owned the car was given our licence plate number. The insurance company determined that we had chip of paint missing from the edge of our door that exactly matched a mark on another car and we owed $900 for her the repair of her door. Six months went by without a word from anyone so we assumed the POS car owner had decided not to bother fixing the minuscule door ding. NOPE. A letter arrived in the mail yesterday telling us that we owed for the repair and we'd receive another letter with the final cost. Are you kidding me???
We have murderers that get through trial without a jail term and chronic drug offenders hurting people or stealing property but we're going to use a sheriff to track down someone to pay $5 to pee, or put several hours of labour chasing down the tiniest door ding? I tell you the next time I see some mom unloading her car full of kids who lets her door hit mine (and it's happened a lot over the years) you bet I'm going to call it in to the insurance company.
Story # 1 - Today on the radio they were talking about a lady that had to go to the bathroom really badly and used a restroom in a restaurant in Tennessee. There was a sign on the wall that said that the restroom was for paying customers or pay $5 to use. However after she used the facilities, she walked out. Someone tried to stop her and told her she needed to pay $5, she apparently shrugged it off and left. Then apparently a sheriff was given her licence plate number and tracked her down to give her a bill for $5.
Story # 2 - Jp and I were at the mall on Labour Day weekend, when we returned to our car a crappy POS was parked beside us and it was so close I couldn't really open the door. I was waiting for him to back out so I could get in but Jp thought I was having trouble opening the door so he reached across the car from the inside to open it, and gave a little push; I tried to catch the opening door but it ended up touching the car beside us. A month later we get a call from the insurance company telling us to come in. Some old guy sitting in a shop reported our licence plate to the insurance agency, telling them it was a 'hit and run'. The girl who owned the car was given our licence plate number. The insurance company determined that we had chip of paint missing from the edge of our door that exactly matched a mark on another car and we owed $900 for her the repair of her door. Six months went by without a word from anyone so we assumed the POS car owner had decided not to bother fixing the minuscule door ding. NOPE. A letter arrived in the mail yesterday telling us that we owed for the repair and we'd receive another letter with the final cost. Are you kidding me???
We have murderers that get through trial without a jail term and chronic drug offenders hurting people or stealing property but we're going to use a sheriff to track down someone to pay $5 to pee, or put several hours of labour chasing down the tiniest door ding? I tell you the next time I see some mom unloading her car full of kids who lets her door hit mine (and it's happened a lot over the years) you bet I'm going to call it in to the insurance company.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Rewinding the Past
Have you ever pieced through an event and realized that you had all the clues all along but just didn't realize it or that things aren't always as they seem?
Case # 1 - There is orange hair on the street. There is an orange cat who lives on the street. The first time I saw it, I assumed that cat had gotten into a fight with another cat or possibly even a coyote, but he was still around so I assumed he survived. Even my neighbours though that "Mr. Trouble" was the source of the hair and worried about him too.
Then yesterday as Eco and I walked up the street, I saw the orange hair all over a neighbour's yard and on the street. I figured that cat must have gotten into trouble again, BUT, on our return, that neighbour's dog was on the front balcony - and it was then that it all made sense.
They have a big chow like dog who sheds in sheets of fur. That orange hair on their lawn was not a street cat's, but their shedding dog's hair. And it was then that I realized it had been windy earlier in the day and the hair had tumbled around the neighbourhood. No cats were harmed at all.
Case # 2 - Yesterday, I pulled the pillow out of Eco's bed to wash it and saw some bark in her crate. It then occurred to me that she hadn't slept in her bed the last several days. And then I remember Jp telling me that while I was out on Tuesday night Eco had been coughing. That followed a play date earlier that day where she had chewed on a wooden stick with another dog. I then realized that she must have had some wood in her throat or perhaps stomach, which caused her to choke and cough which caused her to vomit in her bed which is why she had been avoiding her bed all week. Unfortunately I didn't realize this until Saturday or I would've washed her bedding Tuesday night.
Not quite ready to call myself Sherlock Holmes just yet? But I'm working on it.
Do you like solving these kinds of things? Want to see more ? Try reading The Science of Deduction
Case # 1 - There is orange hair on the street. There is an orange cat who lives on the street. The first time I saw it, I assumed that cat had gotten into a fight with another cat or possibly even a coyote, but he was still around so I assumed he survived. Even my neighbours though that "Mr. Trouble" was the source of the hair and worried about him too.
Then yesterday as Eco and I walked up the street, I saw the orange hair all over a neighbour's yard and on the street. I figured that cat must have gotten into trouble again, BUT, on our return, that neighbour's dog was on the front balcony - and it was then that it all made sense.
They have a big chow like dog who sheds in sheets of fur. That orange hair on their lawn was not a street cat's, but their shedding dog's hair. And it was then that I realized it had been windy earlier in the day and the hair had tumbled around the neighbourhood. No cats were harmed at all.
Case # 2 - Yesterday, I pulled the pillow out of Eco's bed to wash it and saw some bark in her crate. It then occurred to me that she hadn't slept in her bed the last several days. And then I remember Jp telling me that while I was out on Tuesday night Eco had been coughing. That followed a play date earlier that day where she had chewed on a wooden stick with another dog. I then realized that she must have had some wood in her throat or perhaps stomach, which caused her to choke and cough which caused her to vomit in her bed which is why she had been avoiding her bed all week. Unfortunately I didn't realize this until Saturday or I would've washed her bedding Tuesday night.
Not quite ready to call myself Sherlock Holmes just yet? But I'm working on it.
Do you like solving these kinds of things? Want to see more ? Try reading The Science of Deduction
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A warm fuzzy dream...sigh
Last night I had a wonderful dream. I was visiting Leonie Dawson at her lovely house in Cairns, Australia. I made play-doh for her daughter, Ostara*, that I had tinted a beautiful turquoise colour and enjoyed the lushness of her lovely home and property. There were lots of people visiting too (maybe a retreat?) and everything was easy-going and joyful with lots of laughter, warmth and support. I felt so nourished and loved, like I just received the biggest and most satisfying hug I could ever imagine.
Now that's a nice way to wake up.
Maybe it was the incredible overnight crock-pot oatmeal that Jp makes - maybe the smell of cooking apples and cinnamon all night give me yummy warm dreams?
I feel too good to be at work today. (But alas, I must)
Now that's a nice way to wake up.
Maybe it was the incredible overnight crock-pot oatmeal that Jp makes - maybe the smell of cooking apples and cinnamon all night give me yummy warm dreams?
I feel too good to be at work today. (But alas, I must)
**one of the cutest little kids in the world!
Thursday, October 04, 2012
It's a Bust
Remember when I was rushing to put together my collection for a photographer to pick out her fall photo props? (See this post) I brought over 17 items and even had a baby to put them on and do a little modelling and there were about 5-7 items that she oohed and aahed over and I thought things were good. Then she asked if I could leave them with her because her photographer friend was coming over the next day. "Mmm, okay" I said reluctantly thinking I could possibly get more sales.
Nope. Didn't happen. When I stopped by on Sunday to pick them up, she handed the bag back to me and only bought the pumpkin hat. It seems her friend must have talked her out of the other ones she liked.
So much for "raining & pouring"
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Cute Video about a Serious Topic
This is a very good message, and a very good video - please watch it and share:
Saturday, June 30, 2012
It's electric!
If any of you has a barking dog and is considering an e-collar (shock collar), then perhaps this video may help you decide:
Otherwise the tapping of his feet might just make you laugh a little.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
The Blurry Line of Right and Wrong
Recently I was talking with a mom who took her kids to the movies for her son's birthday, when the movie they paid for was over they 'snuck' into a second theatre and watched another movie. Her justification was "well if I have to pay $13 per kid I'd better get my money's worth". And I know of another mom who sees nothing wrong with getting copies of bootlegged movies because she feels she doesn't have to pay for them - that the movie companies already make enough money and it's not wrong. Her son has tried to reason with her, he's tried to tell her that it's stealing, but she's better at arguing than he is and always finds a reason to justify it, much to her son's frustration.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not down on mothers and I understand how expensive it can be to pay for all the things kids do, but I am concerned with these issues. My father once told me about "Little Johnny" who was in trouble for stealing a pencil and the parent said "don't steal pencils Little Johnny, I'll bring you some home from work". I am concerned most about the examples that parents set. Again, I acknowledge that I am not perfect and have made errors in judgement just like other people but these parents weren't acknowledging an error they were expressing 'getting their money's worth'. Parents have been known to say their kids are younger than they are so they can get in for free, or pay the kid's fare and not the adult's fare and plenty of other examples .... so do you think this gives kids the wrong lesson or do they learn their lessons in other places so this isn't a big deal?
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not down on mothers and I understand how expensive it can be to pay for all the things kids do, but I am concerned with these issues. My father once told me about "Little Johnny" who was in trouble for stealing a pencil and the parent said "don't steal pencils Little Johnny, I'll bring you some home from work". I am concerned most about the examples that parents set. Again, I acknowledge that I am not perfect and have made errors in judgement just like other people but these parents weren't acknowledging an error they were expressing 'getting their money's worth'. Parents have been known to say their kids are younger than they are so they can get in for free, or pay the kid's fare and not the adult's fare and plenty of other examples .... so do you think this gives kids the wrong lesson or do they learn their lessons in other places so this isn't a big deal?
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