I have been forced to stop running for a while so my injuries can heal once and for all. I have been battling leg pain on and off since last year, and I need that crap out of my life. The doc suggests at least six weeks off my feet, and then a very gradual return program.
In the meantime, I decided to try swimming to keep my fitness up. I haven't been much of a swimmer since I was a kid, but it's probably like riding a bike, right? Sort of. I do remember how to keep my head above water, but there is so much more to swimming lengths than just flailing around at the surface (which is largely what I used to do as a kid).
Some things I've learned since I've been frequenting the pool:
Swimming pools are really gross. Nothing like immersing yourself in a tank of bacteria to get you fit and healthy! Other people's sweat, snot, and saliva mingling with your own - gag.
The swimmers' society is a world unto itself. The lean, bathing capped, goggle sporting, speedo clad torpedoes shooting to and fro in the lane pool have an exclusive club with rules, etiquette, and protocol that is confusing to newcomers. Which lane do you choose if you are faster than the old ladies in the "slow" lane, but can't keep up with the serious swimmers in the "medium" lane?
The delicate balance of oxygen and exertion. Trying to get enough air without drowning in the process is a fine line, and takes practice and finesse. You can't just breathe whenever you feel the need as you do in the entire rest of your life's activities.
The equipment. Yes, running has a lot of gadgets and equipment too, but the swimming ones are foreign to me still. I see some swimmers with fancy snorkels, some with different types of earplugs, strange devices I can only guess are for keeping one's legs in a certain position. And of course, most of the other people I see in that end of the pool wear special sporty bathing suits that don't feature ruffles, polka dots, or jazzy embellishments.
How far is far? I was starting to become familiar with the running distances and speeds, what runs are respectable in context of effort and in conjunction with the other adjacent runs. But swimming is entirely new. How many laps is a "decent" workout? How fast is "good"?
I really suck at swimming! Learning a new skill takes time. I feel like I'm just learning to walk - toddling a few steps at a time before falling on my butt over and over again. Trying my best but not really covering much ground.
Patience. Whenever I wish I was better at something, I try to remind myself that with patience and perseverance come the rewards one seeks. And in the meantime, swimming is affording me an outlet for exercise while I am forbidden to run. But it has given me a new appreciation for the simplicity of running; just going out and putting one foot in front of the other seems so easy once compared to the many faceted phenomenon of moving through water.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Teacher Appreciation
It's the end of the year and here we are again trying to think of something special to give the teachers/coaches/instructors who have worked with our kids for 10 months. We are under some mild economical constraints, as well as hoping to convey our gratitude in a unique and memorable way.
One of the things to consider is expense. We have 8 or more people to recognize, including dance and TKD instructors, teachers, coaches, and learning assistants. We cannot afford to spend more than $10 on each gift, and still $80 is quite a hit at this time of year.
Another thing I consider is the thoughtful nature of the gift. I want the recipient to know that we appreciate their efforts, that we care about them, and thought about them specifically when choosing their gift.
So this year I made each of the teachers (and others) a card, and tucked inside each one was "An Interview" with the child in question. I had asked each child questions about their teacher and encouraged them to answer as best they could. The answers were cute, touching, and in some cases funny.
An example of one of the interviews:
An interview with Caylie:
What is your teacher’s name?
Caylie: Miss Anna
What is Miss Anna’s favourite colour?
Caylie: Black
What does Miss Anna “always” say?
Caylie: She always says she has to show us what to do.
What do you love about Miss Anna?
Caylie: She’s a nice teacher.
What is Miss Anna’s favourite thing to do?
Caylie: Teach us.
What does Miss Anna do when it’s not your school time?
Caylie: She gets the house ready.
What is Miss Anna’s favourite food?
Caylie: Salad.
What is one thing Miss Anna has taught you?
Caylie: I learned putting this wooden thing on the paper piece and blowing a straw with it.
When you grow up, what are you going to do that is like Miss Anna?
Caylie: Dress up pretty.
If Miss Anna were here right now, what would you say to her?
Caylie: She’s nice to me and I’m glad she’s here.
Do you have anything else to say about Miss Anna?
Caylie: I like to be with her.
The reviews of these interviews have been good so far. Madison says her teacher teared up while reading hers, and both of Caylie's teachers raved about this idea! I will definitely keep this as an option for future years.
One of the things to consider is expense. We have 8 or more people to recognize, including dance and TKD instructors, teachers, coaches, and learning assistants. We cannot afford to spend more than $10 on each gift, and still $80 is quite a hit at this time of year.
Another thing I consider is the thoughtful nature of the gift. I want the recipient to know that we appreciate their efforts, that we care about them, and thought about them specifically when choosing their gift.
So this year I made each of the teachers (and others) a card, and tucked inside each one was "An Interview" with the child in question. I had asked each child questions about their teacher and encouraged them to answer as best they could. The answers were cute, touching, and in some cases funny.
An example of one of the interviews:
An interview with Caylie:
What is your teacher’s name?
Caylie: Miss Anna
What is Miss Anna’s favourite colour?
Caylie: Black
What does Miss Anna “always” say?
Caylie: She always says she has to show us what to do.
What do you love about Miss Anna?
Caylie: She’s a nice teacher.
What is Miss Anna’s favourite thing to do?
Caylie: Teach us.
What does Miss Anna do when it’s not your school time?
Caylie: She gets the house ready.
What is Miss Anna’s favourite food?
Caylie: Salad.
What is one thing Miss Anna has taught you?
Caylie: I learned putting this wooden thing on the paper piece and blowing a straw with it.
When you grow up, what are you going to do that is like Miss Anna?
Caylie: Dress up pretty.
If Miss Anna were here right now, what would you say to her?
Caylie: She’s nice to me and I’m glad she’s here.
Do you have anything else to say about Miss Anna?
Caylie: I like to be with her.
The reviews of these interviews have been good so far. Madison says her teacher teared up while reading hers, and both of Caylie's teachers raved about this idea! I will definitely keep this as an option for future years.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Stanley Cup Fail
Kent is an avid hockey fan, and I have learned to love the sport over the years. We were both rooting for the Canucks this week during the final series of the Stanley Cup. Though Kent is a die hard Oilers fan, he switched to Canucks as soon as the Oilers were out of the running. The finals were a roller coaster of emotions with our team alternately squeaking out a victory, or getting creamed by the Bruins, so the final game was rife with tension and anxiety.
I made “game food” in preparation for the Hubster’s snacking pleasure during the game, and Kent had stocked up on beer. We were ready to watch and cheer, though only cautiously optimistic about the chances of a win.
Alas, in this we were disappointed, as Boston scored on Vancouver again and again early in the game, and our guys never recovered. It was a let down, but we conceded that Boston had outplayed Vancouver, and did deserve the cup. What happened afterwards, however, ruined the whole experience for us and for many other hockey fans.
After the game, some of the people leaving the area started a riot. They flipped over cars and set them on fire, they smashed windows, knocked down gates, and generally ran amok. Watching this on the news, we were horrified that the world was viewing these events and judging Canada, Vancouver, and all of hockey fans by these actions. We knew that most of the fans had acted honourably inside the stadium after the game, had peacefully left the area and returned home without incident (except those many who paused to capture the riotous spectacles on their cell phone cameras). But the small percentage of people who caused the trouble that night made a huge mess, thousands of dollars of damage, and embarrassed the whole country in front of the rest of the world. I was sickened by the stupidity and thoughtlessness displayed by these individuals.
The media, of course covered the burning cars and people breaking and damaging property the rest of the evening. The world saw these images and was reminded again and again of the previous riots in Vancouver, also precipitated by a lost hockey game. And strangers seeing us through the media say to themselves, “Those crazy Canadians, they get too riled up over hockey. Look at how dangerous they become time and time again!“ I can’t stand the thought of us being viewed like this when nothing could be further from the truth.
Through friends I was exposed to images of the next day in Vancouver; thousands of volunteers returned to the wasted downtown area and cleaned up broken glass, boarded up windows, and set the city somewhat back to rights. These are the real fans, the real Vancouverites who care about their city! Has the media been covering this act of selflessness and community? I sure hope so, because though it may not make for as “juicy” an image on television, I feel it shows a lot more of the truth of who we are.
Though I was not among those who helped clean up the mess left by immature and reckless young people (I live about a half day’s drive from Vancouver), I am proud of the people of Vancouver. I still feel at home there, I still think it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I am still proud to be Canadian!
I made “game food” in preparation for the Hubster’s snacking pleasure during the game, and Kent had stocked up on beer. We were ready to watch and cheer, though only cautiously optimistic about the chances of a win.
Alas, in this we were disappointed, as Boston scored on Vancouver again and again early in the game, and our guys never recovered. It was a let down, but we conceded that Boston had outplayed Vancouver, and did deserve the cup. What happened afterwards, however, ruined the whole experience for us and for many other hockey fans.
After the game, some of the people leaving the area started a riot. They flipped over cars and set them on fire, they smashed windows, knocked down gates, and generally ran amok. Watching this on the news, we were horrified that the world was viewing these events and judging Canada, Vancouver, and all of hockey fans by these actions. We knew that most of the fans had acted honourably inside the stadium after the game, had peacefully left the area and returned home without incident (except those many who paused to capture the riotous spectacles on their cell phone cameras). But the small percentage of people who caused the trouble that night made a huge mess, thousands of dollars of damage, and embarrassed the whole country in front of the rest of the world. I was sickened by the stupidity and thoughtlessness displayed by these individuals.
The media, of course covered the burning cars and people breaking and damaging property the rest of the evening. The world saw these images and was reminded again and again of the previous riots in Vancouver, also precipitated by a lost hockey game. And strangers seeing us through the media say to themselves, “Those crazy Canadians, they get too riled up over hockey. Look at how dangerous they become time and time again!“ I can’t stand the thought of us being viewed like this when nothing could be further from the truth.
Through friends I was exposed to images of the next day in Vancouver; thousands of volunteers returned to the wasted downtown area and cleaned up broken glass, boarded up windows, and set the city somewhat back to rights. These are the real fans, the real Vancouverites who care about their city! Has the media been covering this act of selflessness and community? I sure hope so, because though it may not make for as “juicy” an image on television, I feel it shows a lot more of the truth of who we are.
Though I was not among those who helped clean up the mess left by immature and reckless young people (I live about a half day’s drive from Vancouver), I am proud of the people of Vancouver. I still feel at home there, I still think it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I am still proud to be Canadian!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Living in the Now
Kent and I have finally decided to move to the current century. We've committed to new phones.
We had been making do with a home land line and an old cell phone with minimum minutes. I would carry the cell most of the time (with a dead battery), and Kent would take it on days he felt he might need emergency communication capabilities. This was working out ok, except if Kent forgot he needed the cell and then didn't have it, or except if it inexplicably refused to produce the person's voice on the other end. What do you want for a 7 year old flip phone?
So we decided we needed a new phone, and probably two phones - one for each of us. As is Kent's MO, he researched phones, plans, shared minutes vs individual plans, different companies and their network coverage, etc. When we felt we were armed with enough background information, we went to the mall (where all the cell phone companies have mini-outlets or kiosks). We talked to a few different salesmen who glibly walked us through their recommendations for us, and we decided to stay with telus and go with two individual plans.
One of the great things they did for us was rolling our existing phone numbers to the new phones and plans. What was our cell number before is now Kent's direct personal line, and what used to be our home landline is now my cell number. I loved that they could just click a few keys and make that happen without any further application on our part. And now we can talk and text to each other as much as we want, anytime!
Kent and I both chose smart phones that are capable of texting, surfing, voice commands, and unlimited applications. This is the first time we've been so current with the times and it feels so cool!
I think Kent's favourite part of the new phone is the games and apps he can amuse himself with. My favourite thing is texting - my phone has a little keyboard for ease and comfort. So feel free to text me any time!
We had been making do with a home land line and an old cell phone with minimum minutes. I would carry the cell most of the time (with a dead battery), and Kent would take it on days he felt he might need emergency communication capabilities. This was working out ok, except if Kent forgot he needed the cell and then didn't have it, or except if it inexplicably refused to produce the person's voice on the other end. What do you want for a 7 year old flip phone?
So we decided we needed a new phone, and probably two phones - one for each of us. As is Kent's MO, he researched phones, plans, shared minutes vs individual plans, different companies and their network coverage, etc. When we felt we were armed with enough background information, we went to the mall (where all the cell phone companies have mini-outlets or kiosks). We talked to a few different salesmen who glibly walked us through their recommendations for us, and we decided to stay with telus and go with two individual plans.
One of the great things they did for us was rolling our existing phone numbers to the new phones and plans. What was our cell number before is now Kent's direct personal line, and what used to be our home landline is now my cell number. I loved that they could just click a few keys and make that happen without any further application on our part. And now we can talk and text to each other as much as we want, anytime!
Kent and I both chose smart phones that are capable of texting, surfing, voice commands, and unlimited applications. This is the first time we've been so current with the times and it feels so cool!
I think Kent's favourite part of the new phone is the games and apps he can amuse himself with. My favourite thing is texting - my phone has a little keyboard for ease and comfort. So feel free to text me any time!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Kent's favourite
Kent had a birthday this last weekend. His actual birthday was on Friday, and his parents invited us to dine with them at their place. I didn't make a cake or anything for this because he was abstaining from sugar and booze in preparation for the half marathon he would be running on Sunday morning. But Bruce and Pam did a lovely meal for us, including a chocolate cake, and he had a nice little birthday.
Sunday was race day, and we trooped out to cheer him to the finish. His goal was to set a new personal best time, but he had had some injuries during the training and didn't quite make it. He did beat my half marathon time (of course) and felt ok at that. In celebration of the race, I made a special treat - Kent's favourite: Warm brownie with ice cream and hot fudge.
Not to toot my own horn, but I really enjoy this brownie recipe, I guarantee it will please chocolate lovers.
Cream Cheese Brownies:
Brownie Layer:
4 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
3 tbsp butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cheese layer:
1 pkg cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp flour
-Melt chocolate and 3 tbsp butter on low on the stove and stir until smooth.
-Beat warmed cream cheese with 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Add one egg and beat well. Stir in 2 tbsp flour, lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Set aside.
-Use an electric mixer to beat the 2 eggs until thick. Add sugar and beat until really thick. Add flour, baking powder, salt, almond extract, and vanilla and gently stir into the eggs. Add the chocolate mixture and stir well.
-Spray an 8x8 brownie pan with non-stick spray. Pour chocolate mixture into the bottom of the pan and spread evenly. Pour the cheese mixture on top of brownie mixture and spread evenly.
-Bake @ 350 for 25 to 30 minutes, until set in the middle.
Serve warm with ice cream, hot fudge, whip and a cherry for pure decadence.
Sunday was race day, and we trooped out to cheer him to the finish. His goal was to set a new personal best time, but he had had some injuries during the training and didn't quite make it. He did beat my half marathon time (of course) and felt ok at that. In celebration of the race, I made a special treat - Kent's favourite: Warm brownie with ice cream and hot fudge.
Not to toot my own horn, but I really enjoy this brownie recipe, I guarantee it will please chocolate lovers.
Cream Cheese Brownies:
Brownie Layer:
4 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
3 tbsp butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cheese layer:
1 pkg cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp flour
-Melt chocolate and 3 tbsp butter on low on the stove and stir until smooth.
-Beat warmed cream cheese with 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Add one egg and beat well. Stir in 2 tbsp flour, lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Set aside.
-Use an electric mixer to beat the 2 eggs until thick. Add sugar and beat until really thick. Add flour, baking powder, salt, almond extract, and vanilla and gently stir into the eggs. Add the chocolate mixture and stir well.
-Spray an 8x8 brownie pan with non-stick spray. Pour chocolate mixture into the bottom of the pan and spread evenly. Pour the cheese mixture on top of brownie mixture and spread evenly.
-Bake @ 350 for 25 to 30 minutes, until set in the middle.
Serve warm with ice cream, hot fudge, whip and a cherry for pure decadence.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Madison's 9th Birthday
Madison turned nine this week, and we had Nana and Grumpa over for her birthday dinner. She wanted Pastitsio (a rich, greek dish she tried and loved a few months ago), veggie sticks, and ice cream for dessert. She insisted on choosing the ice cream herself, and specifically wanted Maple flavour. 
Then on Saturday we had her party. 10 little girls joined us in the afternoon for a secret agent party.
The invitation - We sent out small manila envelopes with "Top Secret" and "for _______'s eyes only" stamped on the front. Inside was a mini file folder (made from card stock) with "priority one" stamped on the tab. The details of the mission (including a secret pass phrase in code that they'd have to remember to gain entrance to headquarters) were stapled to one side of the folder, while some detective training activities, codes to crack, and ciphers were paper clipped to the other side of the folder.
The activities - First we made ID tags for everyone with their code name and fingerprint. Then we lined up chairs in the living room and DJ Kent played the Pink Panther theme song while the kids played musical chairs with a twist. Instead of walking or dancing around the chairs, they had to sneak, tiptoe, belly crawl, and creep around to the music.
Next I gave each guest a flashlight, a pen, and a pad of paper on which I had made a list of several of the toys in our toy room. The lights were out in the basement and they had to find all the toys on the list using only the light from their flashlights.
Then it was time to eat, so we rounded them up and sat them all at the table and started handing out plates. I brought out a pizza box asked who wanted cheese pizza? Hands shot up, but when I opened the box to dole it out - it was empty! All that was in the box was a paper origami lily! Madison carefully unfolded the lily and read the clue inside, leading the girls on a chase through the house to find more lilies and more clues until they finally found the pizza hidden in Caylie's closet. They were really hungry by that time, and they settled in to eat pizza, veggies, fruit, and cheese and crackers.
While I had them at the table, I brought out the cake and ice cream. The cake was a direct rip off from a talented friend who had posted hers online (in fact, the whole party was stolen from her blog), but I'm afraid mine didn't turn out as crisply as hers did. The kids wolfed it down, though, and then gathered for presents.
As usual, we had asked for no gifts, but this year we tried a new idea. In the invitation we specified that we would be pleased if each guest would bring two toonies: one for Madison, and one for the Penticton food bank. All of the little girls brought toonies, and some of them generously brought gifts as well.
When they were all opened and the cards all read, I brought out my last game. I stuck a label on each girl's back on which was written the name of a famous person or character. They had to guess the name on their backs by asking only "yes" or "no" questions. They loved this game. They were giggling, throwing out crazy guesses, and having a great time. I had written names like "Whinnie the Pooh," "Cinderella," and "Elmo," as well as a few like "Justin Bieber", and "Hanna Montana". This game was more a hit than I'd anticipated, and once they'd guessed their characters they wanted to do it again and again. I ended up having to make up new ones on the spot to keep the guessing going and going, and they didn't even want to stop when their parents arrived.
I had prepared some other activities as well, but we didn't get to them.
The goodie bags - The guests left with a phony nose and glasses disguise, the ID tag, the flashlight, notebook and pen.
When Madison said goodbye to the last friend to leave, we sighed and smiled. It's over. And it was so much fun! Thanks to everyone for the great gifts and generous donations, and thanks to Jo for the excellent party ideas!
Then on Saturday we had her party. 10 little girls joined us in the afternoon for a secret agent party.
The invitation - We sent out small manila envelopes with "Top Secret" and "for _______'s eyes only" stamped on the front. Inside was a mini file folder (made from card stock) with "priority one" stamped on the tab. The details of the mission (including a secret pass phrase in code that they'd have to remember to gain entrance to headquarters) were stapled to one side of the folder, while some detective training activities, codes to crack, and ciphers were paper clipped to the other side of the folder.
The activities - First we made ID tags for everyone with their code name and fingerprint. Then we lined up chairs in the living room and DJ Kent played the Pink Panther theme song while the kids played musical chairs with a twist. Instead of walking or dancing around the chairs, they had to sneak, tiptoe, belly crawl, and creep around to the music.
Next I gave each guest a flashlight, a pen, and a pad of paper on which I had made a list of several of the toys in our toy room. The lights were out in the basement and they had to find all the toys on the list using only the light from their flashlights.
Then it was time to eat, so we rounded them up and sat them all at the table and started handing out plates. I brought out a pizza box asked who wanted cheese pizza? Hands shot up, but when I opened the box to dole it out - it was empty! All that was in the box was a paper origami lily! Madison carefully unfolded the lily and read the clue inside, leading the girls on a chase through the house to find more lilies and more clues until they finally found the pizza hidden in Caylie's closet. They were really hungry by that time, and they settled in to eat pizza, veggies, fruit, and cheese and crackers.
While I had them at the table, I brought out the cake and ice cream. The cake was a direct rip off from a talented friend who had posted hers online (in fact, the whole party was stolen from her blog), but I'm afraid mine didn't turn out as crisply as hers did. The kids wolfed it down, though, and then gathered for presents.
As usual, we had asked for no gifts, but this year we tried a new idea. In the invitation we specified that we would be pleased if each guest would bring two toonies: one for Madison, and one for the Penticton food bank. All of the little girls brought toonies, and some of them generously brought gifts as well.
When they were all opened and the cards all read, I brought out my last game. I stuck a label on each girl's back on which was written the name of a famous person or character. They had to guess the name on their backs by asking only "yes" or "no" questions. They loved this game. They were giggling, throwing out crazy guesses, and having a great time. I had written names like "Whinnie the Pooh," "Cinderella," and "Elmo," as well as a few like "Justin Bieber", and "Hanna Montana". This game was more a hit than I'd anticipated, and once they'd guessed their characters they wanted to do it again and again. I ended up having to make up new ones on the spot to keep the guessing going and going, and they didn't even want to stop when their parents arrived.
I had prepared some other activities as well, but we didn't get to them.
The goodie bags - The guests left with a phony nose and glasses disguise, the ID tag, the flashlight, notebook and pen.
When Madison said goodbye to the last friend to leave, we sighed and smiled. It's over. And it was so much fun! Thanks to everyone for the great gifts and generous donations, and thanks to Jo for the excellent party ideas!
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