My mother is a wonderful mother. She's the one who taught me to always, always write a thank-you note, how to make spaghetti sauce and that there's no crying in Candyland (even as she mercilessly beat us every single game). Although she's the one who inflicted a chaotic tupperware existence on me, she's also the one, who, this Christmas, bought me (and herself) a tupperware organization system. She's one of those mothers who will fight tooth and nail to feed you before you leave the house and, if you somehow win the battle, will send you with a package of snacks for the road. She's one of those mothers who insisted on packing snowsuits on a summer camping trip out to Western Canada when I was 5 - because "you never know what might happen and the girls might need them" and then triumphantly pulled them out and put them on us when we hit a blizzard on a glacier we were visiting. While there were always plenty of hugs and kisses and "love you!"s, my mother's love has always been expressed more strongly in her actions than her words.
Her desire to help is unending. Even though I'm 28. And have my own house. Several weeks ago, when my parents came to visit, she decided to pick up all the clothes in my bedroom and put them away (even though I hate this and she knows it). Two weeks later, when my sister was coming to visit, she sent an extra set of twin sheets even though I told her I didn't need them. She'll often try to take my garbage home with her because I have to pay to put it out and they don't.
Last weekend, when I was leaving their place to return here (without staying for dinner), we had a 20 minute conversation over whether I was going to take any fruit and veggies. I decided to take 4 oranges. I was standing on the front porch, saying goodbye and she said:
"Are you sure you don't want some vegetables?"
"Yes, I'm fine"
"Not even a zucchini?"
"No, it's fine."
"You should take a zucchini." and she disappears back into the house. Returns to the front door with a zucchini in a plastic bag.
I (apparently, and likely) just had this look on my face as she handed me the zucchini, a look that would've likely reflected my thoughts of "what the heck?!" and very easily could've been accompanied by a shaking of my head.
My sister, standing next to my mother, said, "Embrace Mom's love. Today it comes in the form of a zucchini."
I realized how right my sister was. It wasn't just a zucchini.
January 27, 2006
January 24, 2006
The problem with being an engineer
is that you can't really ever *stop* being one.
- I was assembling a cheap set of shelves that had holes all the way down the side rails so you could place the shelves wherever you want. The sharp edge of the metal edge was folded over to prevent injury. However, the holes were obviously punched first and then the material folded, resulting in some holes being half-covered by the material. This resulted, on a Saturday morning, in a 15 minute rant on the shelf manufacturing process and a complete design of the process that would actually make sense and deliver a quality product to the customer!
- At lunch, a coworker (also an engineer) was eating a kit-kat bar and suddenly stopped. "They almost had a severe quality defect here." The chocolate layer was so thin on one side that the wafer cookie was almost poking through. Several of us investigated.
- Discussions with a friend (also an engineer) on the features and qualities of a large pasta pot led to the taking of measurements of both the pot and the spaghetti so that a proper conclusion could be drawn. It also resulted in a rather ingenious (if I do say so myself) omega-shaped pasta pot designed to serve all your pasta needs!
- At a dinner the other night, someone was telling me about a new tool in nursing (and medical) education, which is a life-size doll (for lack of a better word) that could react to physical examination. (You buy scenarios for the doll to present with). I started wondering how exactly that would work (be programmed). Later, in the washroom, another tablemate told me that, as soon as we were told about the doll, she could see a look come over my face as if I were trying to figure it all out. :p
On the flip side, the other weekend, my friend's boyfriend had to, at 1 am, disassemble the futon I put together because I had put the hinges on the wrong side so, when our friend went to sleep on it, it was all off-centre and she fell off. :p Oops. :p That wasn't very engineery - maybe there's still hope yet.
- I was assembling a cheap set of shelves that had holes all the way down the side rails so you could place the shelves wherever you want. The sharp edge of the metal edge was folded over to prevent injury. However, the holes were obviously punched first and then the material folded, resulting in some holes being half-covered by the material. This resulted, on a Saturday morning, in a 15 minute rant on the shelf manufacturing process and a complete design of the process that would actually make sense and deliver a quality product to the customer!
- At lunch, a coworker (also an engineer) was eating a kit-kat bar and suddenly stopped. "They almost had a severe quality defect here." The chocolate layer was so thin on one side that the wafer cookie was almost poking through. Several of us investigated.
- Discussions with a friend (also an engineer) on the features and qualities of a large pasta pot led to the taking of measurements of both the pot and the spaghetti so that a proper conclusion could be drawn. It also resulted in a rather ingenious (if I do say so myself) omega-shaped pasta pot designed to serve all your pasta needs!
- At a dinner the other night, someone was telling me about a new tool in nursing (and medical) education, which is a life-size doll (for lack of a better word) that could react to physical examination. (You buy scenarios for the doll to present with). I started wondering how exactly that would work (be programmed). Later, in the washroom, another tablemate told me that, as soon as we were told about the doll, she could see a look come over my face as if I were trying to figure it all out. :p
On the flip side, the other weekend, my friend's boyfriend had to, at 1 am, disassemble the futon I put together because I had put the hinges on the wrong side so, when our friend went to sleep on it, it was all off-centre and she fell off. :p Oops. :p That wasn't very engineery - maybe there's still hope yet.
January 23, 2006
Sometimes it isn't just a joke
Sometimes it's a real-live, full-on addiction.
With cravings and the ultimate calmness and peace that results from the possession of them.
They are just so incredibly cute!!! How am I supposed to live without them now that I know they exist?!?! And if you think they're just a passing phase, keep in mind that I found them while looking for these which I've been dreaming about for 3 months now.
*sigh*
With cravings and the ultimate calmness and peace that results from the possession of them.
They are just so incredibly cute!!! How am I supposed to live without them now that I know they exist?!?! And if you think they're just a passing phase, keep in mind that I found them while looking for these which I've been dreaming about for 3 months now.
*sigh*
January 18, 2006
Now that's entertainment!
So I get over all the guilty feelings that blogs are just narcissistic and self-indulgent and decide to give it another go and wham! I hit what might quite easily be the 36 most boring hours of my life. I was on a roll! And then my life became devoid of any excitement, any slightly humourous stories, any witty insights, bitching sessions, necessary ventings, or brilliant observations.
Work, dishes, laundry. And the constant replaying of "Collide" by Howie Day. My absolutely favourite cheesy song du jour - except this one may stick around in my heart forever - sorta like Prince & Sheena Easton in The Arms of Orion. I can't get enough of it.
And, of course, Murphy's Law hits. Now that I've rambled on about absolutely nothing, I've thought of two potential topics. Maybe next time.
The washing machine is done. Back to laundry. And Howie.
Work, dishes, laundry. And the constant replaying of "Collide" by Howie Day. My absolutely favourite cheesy song du jour - except this one may stick around in my heart forever - sorta like Prince & Sheena Easton in The Arms of Orion. I can't get enough of it.
And, of course, Murphy's Law hits. Now that I've rambled on about absolutely nothing, I've thought of two potential topics. Maybe next time.
The washing machine is done. Back to laundry. And Howie.
January 16, 2006
Books
The last year or two, despite a love of reading, I've had some problems getting through books. While some of that is related to the fact that I'm trying to read more non-fiction even though I dislike it, my sister provided an insight that just might be dead on. She said "you can only read one book at a time. You can't start another till you've finished the first and you can't buy another until you've finished the first." And I realized, she may have a point. Between libraries and timing and impulse buys and trying to read something I didn't really like, I've had several books "on the go" or hanging about all at the same time. And I end up wanting to read whichever one I'm not currently reading.
Of course, this realization apparently wasn't enough to make me stop. Just this week, I started and read a book while I still have two on the go and, when I finished it, I started a third again. But I will get through them all! I will read more this year! I will relish the adventures and romances of fiction and scream and roll my eyes at the self-indulgent non-fiction writers! And I will read War Without End if it kills me!
Partly to hold myself responsible, and partly because I saw it on another blog and loved the idea (yes, I shamelessly stole it :p - I'd apologize but it'd be one of those fake apologies :p), I am now listing, to the side, the books I am reading (all 47 of them :p). We'll see how I do. For now, all I have to say is, the first 15 pages of The Zahir are quite interesting. And I'm not really sure where "A Brief History of Infinity" is. That might make it kinda hard to read. :p
Of course, this realization apparently wasn't enough to make me stop. Just this week, I started and read a book while I still have two on the go and, when I finished it, I started a third again. But I will get through them all! I will read more this year! I will relish the adventures and romances of fiction and scream and roll my eyes at the self-indulgent non-fiction writers! And I will read War Without End if it kills me!
Partly to hold myself responsible, and partly because I saw it on another blog and loved the idea (yes, I shamelessly stole it :p - I'd apologize but it'd be one of those fake apologies :p), I am now listing, to the side, the books I am reading (all 47 of them :p). We'll see how I do. For now, all I have to say is, the first 15 pages of The Zahir are quite interesting. And I'm not really sure where "A Brief History of Infinity" is. That might make it kinda hard to read. :p
January 15, 2006
Why I love Adam
Today has been a day of mourning. Losing to Denver was hard. I was feeling a bit lost today, trying to figure who I could cheer for next. (As if anyone could replace the Patriots). While Carolina is my obvious choice, I tuned into the Steelers/Colts despite my dislike for both. Then, something strange happened. I don't know if it was just the intensity of the anti-Steelers feelings, or if the blue and white just looked incredibly bright next to the yellow and black, but suddenly I found myself wanting the Colts to win. Feeling unsteady about this sudden change of heart, I wondered how my life had gotten to the point where I was actually cheering for Indianopolis. It didn't seem to matter though, with the 17 point lead for the Steelers. Errands were run. I returned to the house to discover only a 3 point lead! Could it really be?! Alas, the Steelers made it back down to the 2 yard line. But wait! The Colts have it! They run it back! 46 yard field goal attempt! Going for the tie! Going for overtime! They're still alive!
Vanderjagt misses. I can't imagine how horrible he feels right now.
And yet, all I can think is, no way Adam would've missed that.
And that's why I love Adam.
Vanderjagt misses. I can't imagine how horrible he feels right now.
And yet, all I can think is, no way Adam would've missed that.
And that's why I love Adam.
January 09, 2006
Instant (or sooner) Gratification
I’m starting to think my need for instant gratification gets me into trouble.
Back in November? I was getting books from the library? And then 3 came in all at once, all 1-weekers, all due the same day? A week and a half before a huge project at work? When I was working weekends? So I had to just take them all back? And then never got another library book again because of all the library pressure?
Well I decided to get my life under control this year and after a trip to Chapters, decided to try the library again to achieve two goals:
1)Start reading more again (thereby achieving another goal of getting the number of episodes of Friends reruns I watch in a given week down to 37)
2)Get my finances in better shape
So, Sunday, I requested several books from the library. All these books were already checked out and I just got in the queue. Tonight, after work (which I left relatively early – another goal for the new year – go me! I’m on such a roll!) I went to the library to check out one of the books I wanted that was in house. Except, someone else already had that same wonderful thought today and checked my book out. So I put it on order (Look at me being all organized!), as well as another, and even remembered a THIRD book I wanted, which *was* in!
So I took my book up to the front desk, where surprise on this oh happiest of days, one of the books I requested yesterday had come in for me! Except I still wanted to read the other book RIGHT NOW too. So I got them both. So now I have *two* books to read, both due back at the same time. And an entire house to clean (and when I say clean, I mean
a)put away all my Christmas presents
b)put away all the stuff I took on a holiday right after Christmas
c)put away all Christmas decorations
d)actually clean (and clean properly since real live visitors are coming this weekend)
) by Friday. Plus I still have to finish reading the book I got for Christmas. And “A Brief History of Infinity” which I started… oohh… well, let’s just say that the day I bought it, I took it to the park and lay down on the grass under the blazing sun, in my shorts and t-shirt, and started reading it. That gives you some idea. :p
So, basically, I have myself in the exact same library pressure mess I was in two months ago. At least I’m consistent. :p
And I'm not allowed to read anything until I at least clean the kitchen! There! That's an improvement over instant gratification! I have to wait at least 2 hours!
I feel like a better person already. :p
Back in November? I was getting books from the library? And then 3 came in all at once, all 1-weekers, all due the same day? A week and a half before a huge project at work? When I was working weekends? So I had to just take them all back? And then never got another library book again because of all the library pressure?
Well I decided to get my life under control this year and after a trip to Chapters, decided to try the library again to achieve two goals:
1)Start reading more again (thereby achieving another goal of getting the number of episodes of Friends reruns I watch in a given week down to 37)
2)Get my finances in better shape
So, Sunday, I requested several books from the library. All these books were already checked out and I just got in the queue. Tonight, after work (which I left relatively early – another goal for the new year – go me! I’m on such a roll!) I went to the library to check out one of the books I wanted that was in house. Except, someone else already had that same wonderful thought today and checked my book out. So I put it on order (Look at me being all organized!), as well as another, and even remembered a THIRD book I wanted, which *was* in!
So I took my book up to the front desk, where surprise on this oh happiest of days, one of the books I requested yesterday had come in for me! Except I still wanted to read the other book RIGHT NOW too. So I got them both. So now I have *two* books to read, both due back at the same time. And an entire house to clean (and when I say clean, I mean
a)put away all my Christmas presents
b)put away all the stuff I took on a holiday right after Christmas
c)put away all Christmas decorations
d)actually clean (and clean properly since real live visitors are coming this weekend)
) by Friday. Plus I still have to finish reading the book I got for Christmas. And “A Brief History of Infinity” which I started… oohh… well, let’s just say that the day I bought it, I took it to the park and lay down on the grass under the blazing sun, in my shorts and t-shirt, and started reading it. That gives you some idea. :p
So, basically, I have myself in the exact same library pressure mess I was in two months ago. At least I’m consistent. :p
And I'm not allowed to read anything until I at least clean the kitchen! There! That's an improvement over instant gratification! I have to wait at least 2 hours!
I feel like a better person already. :p
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