Wednesday was out decorating day for Christmas. We religeously decorate our house the week leading up to Christmas, thereby waiting until the last possible minute to dig into the attic to find the stockings and wreath.
We have quite the Art-Deco kitchen. Kind of.
It's actually more of an 80's Swedish design, you know, with the gas stove, wooden cupboard doors with no handles and the lighting (white metal shades suspended from the ceiling in daisy-chain fashion) has all it's electrical work exposed. This last bit with the electrical wiring exposed sometimes makes it look like we have a cathedral ceiling, or a regular ceiling in which we lost the drywall. However you look at it.
Anyways, back to decorating. My mother has an extensive collection of snowflakes, which she has gathered together and hung all together on the exposed wiring.
It looks cool, if you're short, like me. If you are tall, and walk into the kitchen, you might get a filigree snowflake caught in your hair.
Other than our 3' high Christmas tree, that is it for decorating. Because we live in such a small house, there is nowhere to out a tree. There used to be, but not anymore. Where we used to put our 7' tree is a bookcase and 5 guitars. But we're OK with it, because we now have a 3' high tree on top of our TV! I mean, why use up valuable space with a prickly houseguest that will just shed and die after a while? I thought so too.
Have a very (pick your favourite):
Merry Christmas!
Happy Channuka!
Joyeux Noël!
Feliz Navidad!
Mutlu Noeller!
Geseënda Kersfees!
Shèngdan Kuáilè!
Häid Jõule!
Maligayang Pasko!
Hyvää Joulua!
Buon Natale!
My apologies if I've missed any nationality, again, have a Merry Christmas!
-Sarah
Vrolijk kerstfeest!
Sunglasses
Pretty Cool Glasses!
Friday 23 December 2011
Wednesday 21 December 2011
So, in response to some replies on my last post, "TMI (Too Much Information!)!", I am writing this fully in jest, nothing has anything to do with myself, my family, my acquaintances, or my experiences. OK, mostly not on my experiences.
I just discovered a channel on YouTube called "What You Ought To Know". One guy, lots of videos. Some funny, some interesting, and some just didn't fulfill my expectations.
Here is one of their videos:
This is me. Cheap!!!
Actually, before I got my iPad, I leeched off of other people, wherever I was, to use their internet access.
But I would also like to point out something that he didn't point out, that the "Free WiFi Hotspot!" you find at random places is hardly ever just free. You have to pay for your "Free WiFi!!" in the form of buying other things, like a meal, or a coffee. Now that is cheap and cowardly! Advertising "Free WiFi Hotspot!!" just to get people to buy your food, merch. or coffee!
-Sarah
Ssssssssssss! Hot!
I just discovered a channel on YouTube called "What You Ought To Know". One guy, lots of videos. Some funny, some interesting, and some just didn't fulfill my expectations.
Here is one of their videos:
This is me. Cheap!!!
Actually, before I got my iPad, I leeched off of other people, wherever I was, to use their internet access.
But I would also like to point out something that he didn't point out, that the "Free WiFi Hotspot!" you find at random places is hardly ever just free. You have to pay for your "Free WiFi!!" in the form of buying other things, like a meal, or a coffee. Now that is cheap and cowardly! Advertising "Free WiFi Hotspot!!" just to get people to buy your food, merch. or coffee!
-Sarah
Ssssssssssss! Hot!
Monday 19 December 2011
Teaching Facts of Life
You know there are those awkward family moments? We are living one right now.
Back in July, we got our 4 month old puppy..... girl..... who is now 10months old. What happens at around 8 - 12 months with female dogs? Yup, she's in heat. The one thing most people don't know is that it is kind of like a female human's period. There is blood.
Our vet kindly informed us that the length of this could be anywhere between 10 days and 21 days. Calculated, that is about 4x as long as a female human's period. :(
The funny part about this is trying to explain this all to the boys (5, 11 and 13yrs). The oldest, is so embarrassed about the whole thing, he goes beet-red, and yells at anybody trying to talk about it to "Shut up!". The middle one is so exceedingly naive, to the extend that he hasn't figured out where the dog is bleeding from. The youngest is the most liberal in his speech: "Fwom her cwotch Michael! Duh!". (He has a speech impediment that makes him not able to pronounce his R's).
Who knew it would be so long (21 days!), so painful (on us!) and so interesting (to a certain extent)! Of course, we have to wait until the 21 days are done to get her spayed.
-Sarah
21 days of h-e-double-toothpicks
Back in July, we got our 4 month old puppy..... girl..... who is now 10months old. What happens at around 8 - 12 months with female dogs? Yup, she's in heat. The one thing most people don't know is that it is kind of like a female human's period. There is blood.
Our vet kindly informed us that the length of this could be anywhere between 10 days and 21 days. Calculated, that is about 4x as long as a female human's period. :(
The funny part about this is trying to explain this all to the boys (5, 11 and 13yrs). The oldest, is so embarrassed about the whole thing, he goes beet-red, and yells at anybody trying to talk about it to "Shut up!". The middle one is so exceedingly naive, to the extend that he hasn't figured out where the dog is bleeding from. The youngest is the most liberal in his speech: "Fwom her cwotch Michael! Duh!". (He has a speech impediment that makes him not able to pronounce his R's).
Who knew it would be so long (21 days!), so painful (on us!) and so interesting (to a certain extent)! Of course, we have to wait until the 21 days are done to get her spayed.
-Sarah
21 days of h-e-double-toothpicks
Thursday 15 December 2011
Mr. Bean's Dating Tips
For those of you just stepping into the world of relationships with the opposite gender (myself included), here is a video that has helped me tremendously. Never mind that it is for the male partner of a relationship, but it is something I keep in mind all the time.
Some might say that I am a dork to apply this video to my life, especially when this is something that hasn't happened yet, but I think this provides a very clear picture of how to fake the whole date, that is, if the date is someone you don't want to be around.
Hope you all can glean something out of this, I know I did!
-Sarah
The dating guru who is not experienced
Some might say that I am a dork to apply this video to my life, especially when this is something that hasn't happened yet, but I think this provides a very clear picture of how to fake the whole date, that is, if the date is someone you don't want to be around.
Hope you all can glean something out of this, I know I did!
-Sarah
The dating guru who is not experienced
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Pet Sitters Anonomous
As we speak, I have a sulking 16 year old and three 14 year old boys on my hands.
It's not all that weird for me to have all that at my house, I can handle it.
The personages needing babysitting can actually make it quite hairy, if you know what I mean.
The boys are presently running around the house (inside!), nicely leaving me alone, but catapulting themselves off of chairs and counters onto each other with Tarzan yells, and jumping out at and scaring each other. Boys! Can't live with 'Em, but you can't live without 'Em!
The 16yo is a girl, which would explain the moodiness. She is (pardon my French), royally ticked that her friends went on a trip without her. She is spending her time so far either growling at the boys (who are having the time of their lives annoying her), and napping (which any self respecting 16yo girl should do). God shouldn't serve hormones to minors.
This said, maybe it won't surprise you (or maybe it will) to find out that the characters I speak of are actually a dog and three cats.
The rest occupants of my house who are usually around have all fled in one accord (coincidence?), most taking their respective pets with them, leaving behind a very disgruntled dog (she now has no one to bug), and three cats who can't believe this gift has been given to them: space to play in, and no puppy to chase and hunt them!
Who said life was fair? Buck up and deal with it!
-Sarah
Not only a member of CKA, but of PSA too!
It's not all that weird for me to have all that at my house, I can handle it.
The personages needing babysitting can actually make it quite hairy, if you know what I mean.
The boys are presently running around the house (inside!), nicely leaving me alone, but catapulting themselves off of chairs and counters onto each other with Tarzan yells, and jumping out at and scaring each other. Boys! Can't live with 'Em, but you can't live without 'Em!
The 16yo is a girl, which would explain the moodiness. She is (pardon my French), royally ticked that her friends went on a trip without her. She is spending her time so far either growling at the boys (who are having the time of their lives annoying her), and napping (which any self respecting 16yo girl should do). God shouldn't serve hormones to minors.
This said, maybe it won't surprise you (or maybe it will) to find out that the characters I speak of are actually a dog and three cats.
The rest occupants of my house who are usually around have all fled in one accord (coincidence?), most taking their respective pets with them, leaving behind a very disgruntled dog (she now has no one to bug), and three cats who can't believe this gift has been given to them: space to play in, and no puppy to chase and hunt them!
Who said life was fair? Buck up and deal with it!
-Sarah
Not only a member of CKA, but of PSA too!
Monday 12 December 2011
Merry Not-Christmas
I have an awful thing to admit. You know those Christmas killers? The ones who don't buy presents, don't give presents, don't decorate, don't cook and they yell at people who sing Christmas carols in November?
I'm one of them.
Land of hope and mercy, that sounds like it needs to be in an AA meeting. Except it would be a CKA meeting, and the dialogue would be something like this:
"Hi, my name is Sarah-" "Hi Sarah." "-and I am a........ Oh, give me strength! A..... Christmas Killer.".
People consider us to be dangerous, and Scrooge-like. Now, those who know me personally know that I am not dangerous (I get beat-up more than anything else I might be), and I am not the 21st century Scrooge. It's just the stereotypical mold we have to break as tradition breakers.
Don't get me wrong, I might be a Christmas Killer, but I do like Christmas. I love to go to other people's houses, eat other people's food, get presents from other people, and etc. That sounds so selfish, but think about it, it's true for everybody, except that keener who either lives across the road from you (the one who gets another blow-up Christmas ornament or light-up reindeer every year year), or the one who sits at the same table as you for cooking class (the one who makes chocolate fondue with crushed candy-canes for every event and get-together in the holiday season). It is in our human nature to not to want to do any work. It's just that I am taking it a step farther.
Keep in mind that we will be celebrating the "reason for the season" (Jesus' birth), but not with the Christmas presents to each other. I will, though, be giving presents to a few of my friends, who are not related to me, and a few other mature family members.
I'm not going to give you the whole Christmas-is-a-farce scpiel. I just think that the toy market is a waste of time in the Christmas season, besides, who wants to stand 4 hours in line to get the latest imported plastic? I don't. There is something to be said for getting a hand knit pair of ear warmers or a scarf.
With that said, I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a great New Year!
-Sarah
CKA member
I'm one of them.
Land of hope and mercy, that sounds like it needs to be in an AA meeting. Except it would be a CKA meeting, and the dialogue would be something like this:
"Hi, my name is Sarah-" "Hi Sarah." "-and I am a........ Oh, give me strength! A..... Christmas Killer.".
People consider us to be dangerous, and Scrooge-like. Now, those who know me personally know that I am not dangerous (I get beat-up more than anything else I might be), and I am not the 21st century Scrooge. It's just the stereotypical mold we have to break as tradition breakers.
Don't get me wrong, I might be a Christmas Killer, but I do like Christmas. I love to go to other people's houses, eat other people's food, get presents from other people, and etc. That sounds so selfish, but think about it, it's true for everybody, except that keener who either lives across the road from you (the one who gets another blow-up Christmas ornament or light-up reindeer every year year), or the one who sits at the same table as you for cooking class (the one who makes chocolate fondue with crushed candy-canes for every event and get-together in the holiday season). It is in our human nature to not to want to do any work. It's just that I am taking it a step farther.
Keep in mind that we will be celebrating the "reason for the season" (Jesus' birth), but not with the Christmas presents to each other. I will, though, be giving presents to a few of my friends, who are not related to me, and a few other mature family members.
I'm not going to give you the whole Christmas-is-a-farce scpiel. I just think that the toy market is a waste of time in the Christmas season, besides, who wants to stand 4 hours in line to get the latest imported plastic? I don't. There is something to be said for getting a hand knit pair of ear warmers or a scarf.
With that said, I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a great New Year!
-Sarah
CKA member
Wednesday 30 November 2011
That Keyed Instrument
Does anyone want a piano? Yeah, I said it, a piano.
It is a lovely apartment upright, quite tall (I'm 5'4 and I can't see over the top), with castor wheels on (which might have something to do with the height). The case colour is a dark brown wood (real!) with the standard black and white keys (other colours come with an installation fee).
The age is a bit of a question, we are guessing 40 - 100 years old. A third of the notes have been tuned already, but the others are still out (ever heard of an whole note scale? Now you can play it on all the white keys!). With a bit of tuning, this piano can be a fine piece of history in your living room, but not in your dump.
There are very ornate carvings on the legs, the piano does not come with a bench or stool.
The name on it is "Northern", we don't know if this is a brand or a model name. Maybe you can find something about it.
We would love to keep this piano, but we already have 2, with a possible 3rd coming, along with 2 organs. No room as you can see.
If this strikes you as interesting, never fear, pictures will appear either on Sunday evening or Monday, which is when I will see the piano again and will be able to take pictures.
It is totally free to a loving home, all you have to do is come and get it.
Again, if you do like this, let me know, shoot an email off to pianogohome@murley.ca, with "Interested in piano" in subject line.
-Sarah
Collector of mostly dead musical instruments, to my detriment
It is a lovely apartment upright, quite tall (I'm 5'4 and I can't see over the top), with castor wheels on (which might have something to do with the height). The case colour is a dark brown wood (real!) with the standard black and white keys (other colours come with an installation fee).
The age is a bit of a question, we are guessing 40 - 100 years old. A third of the notes have been tuned already, but the others are still out (ever heard of an whole note scale? Now you can play it on all the white keys!). With a bit of tuning, this piano can be a fine piece of history in your living room, but not in your dump.
There are very ornate carvings on the legs, the piano does not come with a bench or stool.
The name on it is "Northern", we don't know if this is a brand or a model name. Maybe you can find something about it.
We would love to keep this piano, but we already have 2, with a possible 3rd coming, along with 2 organs. No room as you can see.
If this strikes you as interesting, never fear, pictures will appear either on Sunday evening or Monday, which is when I will see the piano again and will be able to take pictures.
It is totally free to a loving home, all you have to do is come and get it.
Again, if you do like this, let me know, shoot an email off to pianogohome@murley.ca, with "Interested in piano" in subject line.
-Sarah
Collector of mostly dead musical instruments, to my detriment
Tuesday 29 November 2011
4 Child Horse-Power
This weekend, we were up at the cottage, which was nice, until 2am on Sunday morning. That's when it started raining. It wasn't like there were holes in the roof, but I couldn't remember if we had put the tarp back over the piano (another story), but I was too unconscious to get up and do anything about it.
Luckily, we did put the tarp back over the piano, so I had nothing to worry about, but it was still pouring. We went to church, came home and decided that it was the perfect day to sit and watch a movie with a cup of tea. Not to be. At least not yet. At lunch, our father announced that the rafts had to come in out of the deep water into shallower water and the boats had to be put away. May I remind you that it was still raining.
We got down to the docks, and that's when we realized that the keys for the boat shed had been misplaced, so we didn't have the motor for the boat (we take it off whenever we finish using the boat), but we did have the metal skiff. But no oars. But we did have canoe paddles! (In case you haven't noticed, this is a continual "Fortunately, Unfortunately" story).
We have 2 rafts, for those of you who haven't been ot our cottage, which is nice, but it means double the work in the rain. The work included our dad standing on the raft holding the rope which was attatched to the handle on the back of the skiff, and us paddling for dear life towards shore. It has been my experience that a wooden raft (wood is heavier than plastic) being dragged through the water is like a pregnant sea-cow swimming in mud. Only a human is slower.
It felt like forever, we only had to paddle 50 feet, but a 4 child horse-power skiff pulling a wooden raft with canoe paddles with a 160lb man on it in the rain feels like forever. Believe me, I'm not giving you a sob story. By my honour, this is what actually happened.
The only job worse than this was taking out the camp docks in the rain, you actually have to get in the water for that.
-Sarah
With a heightened immune system
Luckily, we did put the tarp back over the piano, so I had nothing to worry about, but it was still pouring. We went to church, came home and decided that it was the perfect day to sit and watch a movie with a cup of tea. Not to be. At least not yet. At lunch, our father announced that the rafts had to come in out of the deep water into shallower water and the boats had to be put away. May I remind you that it was still raining.
We got down to the docks, and that's when we realized that the keys for the boat shed had been misplaced, so we didn't have the motor for the boat (we take it off whenever we finish using the boat), but we did have the metal skiff. But no oars. But we did have canoe paddles! (In case you haven't noticed, this is a continual "Fortunately, Unfortunately" story).
We have 2 rafts, for those of you who haven't been ot our cottage, which is nice, but it means double the work in the rain. The work included our dad standing on the raft holding the rope which was attatched to the handle on the back of the skiff, and us paddling for dear life towards shore. It has been my experience that a wooden raft (wood is heavier than plastic) being dragged through the water is like a pregnant sea-cow swimming in mud. Only a human is slower.
It felt like forever, we only had to paddle 50 feet, but a 4 child horse-power skiff pulling a wooden raft with canoe paddles with a 160lb man on it in the rain feels like forever. Believe me, I'm not giving you a sob story. By my honour, this is what actually happened.
The only job worse than this was taking out the camp docks in the rain, you actually have to get in the water for that.
-Sarah
With a heightened immune system
Wednesday 16 November 2011
6 Days in the Making
So, here I am to weigh two objects of my eye:
Deep down, every girl is in awe of two main figures in literary history. Horatio Hornblower (from the Horatio Hornblower book series by C.S. Forester and mini-series starring Ioan Gruffudd), and Strider/Eragorn (from the Lord of the Rings by J.R. Tolkein and starring Viggo Mortensen in the film trilogy).
I mean come on! Name me two other influential heroes in literary fiction. There is Mr. Darcy, but does he fight with guns and swords? No. I rest my case, but he does have that fabulously large estate named Pemberly!
My aim is to line up each of their pros and cons, to see which is more worthwhile.
*Horatio. #Strider
1. *Best friend is a freak who jumps overboard. #Best friend is a wizard
(I ask you, which on would you choose?)
2. *Commands a large ship and many men. #Paddles a canoe and leads small fairy people
3. *Travels by water. #Travels by land (oh right, and canoe)
4. *Uses math to solve his problems. #Uses a sword.
5. *As above, has a huge brain. #Has huge muscles
(Again, which one would you choose?)
6. *Is stalked by a tattooed-knuckled murderer. #Is tracked by Gollum
(I'll take the murderer)
7. *His girl gets killed. #His girl is waiting at home
(Obviously I would choose the lonely heart)
8. *Speaks the King's English. #Not quite sure whose English he speaks
(Excuse me, but the King's English is so sexy when used right!)
9. *Carries a sword and gun around. #Only carries a sword (but it's bigger)
10. *Great smile. #Great body
(Hmmm..........)
Much as both are very appealing for my literary fictional crush, I can only choose one, because to choose two would to be unfaithful to one or the other depending on who is my daily flavour.
On Horatio's side, he gets points for:
Commanding 500+ men
Traveling on water
Being a pro with math
Using his brain often
And speaking the King's English
On Strider's side, he gets points for:
Being besties with Gandalf
Being a pro with a canoe paddle
Having huge muscles from said canoe paddling
Using a bigger sword and using it oftener
Speaking something like a dialect of Gaelic (I think)
I know dreams with Strider as my official literary fictional crush would be so sweet, but I am going to have to choose Horatio as my OLFC. This is for all the above reasons, and plus, he doesn't have a Elven girlfriend to compete with.
I hope this has brought clarity to your thoughts on my OLFC, I know it has mine!
Let me know how your OLFC fairs with this system, I hope that you will clearly know who your OLFC for life is.
(Evil laugh), I didn't tell you about that part, did I?
-Sarah
Adult prodigy
Deep down, every girl is in awe of two main figures in literary history. Horatio Hornblower (from the Horatio Hornblower book series by C.S. Forester and mini-series starring Ioan Gruffudd), and Strider/Eragorn (from the Lord of the Rings by J.R. Tolkein and starring Viggo Mortensen in the film trilogy).
I mean come on! Name me two other influential heroes in literary fiction. There is Mr. Darcy, but does he fight with guns and swords? No. I rest my case, but he does have that fabulously large estate named Pemberly!
My aim is to line up each of their pros and cons, to see which is more worthwhile.
*Horatio. #Strider
1. *Best friend is a freak who jumps overboard. #Best friend is a wizard
(I ask you, which on would you choose?)
2. *Commands a large ship and many men. #Paddles a canoe and leads small fairy people
3. *Travels by water. #Travels by land (oh right, and canoe)
4. *Uses math to solve his problems. #Uses a sword.
5. *As above, has a huge brain. #Has huge muscles
(Again, which one would you choose?)
6. *Is stalked by a tattooed-knuckled murderer. #Is tracked by Gollum
(I'll take the murderer)
7. *His girl gets killed. #His girl is waiting at home
(Obviously I would choose the lonely heart)
8. *Speaks the King's English. #Not quite sure whose English he speaks
(Excuse me, but the King's English is so sexy when used right!)
9. *Carries a sword and gun around. #Only carries a sword (but it's bigger)
10. *Great smile. #Great body
(Hmmm..........)
Much as both are very appealing for my literary fictional crush, I can only choose one, because to choose two would to be unfaithful to one or the other depending on who is my daily flavour.
On Horatio's side, he gets points for:
Commanding 500+ men
Traveling on water
Being a pro with math
Using his brain often
And speaking the King's English
On Strider's side, he gets points for:
Being besties with Gandalf
Being a pro with a canoe paddle
Having huge muscles from said canoe paddling
Using a bigger sword and using it oftener
Speaking something like a dialect of Gaelic (I think)
I know dreams with Strider as my official literary fictional crush would be so sweet, but I am going to have to choose Horatio as my OLFC. This is for all the above reasons, and plus, he doesn't have a Elven girlfriend to compete with.
I hope this has brought clarity to your thoughts on my OLFC, I know it has mine!
Let me know how your OLFC fairs with this system, I hope that you will clearly know who your OLFC for life is.
(Evil laugh), I didn't tell you about that part, did I?
-Sarah
Adult prodigy
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Won't go in need
Hey, sorry for my long silence. Who knew life was going to be so busy?!
Anyways, you might say, "Sarah! What's new in life?" and I would reply, "I can't sleep on my bed because there is toilet paper on it.".
Obviously, you want to know what I mean by that, I heard all your "What's?", "Uhhhs....." and "Say what's?"
Long story short, I have one year's worth of toilet paper on my bed. That is 184 double rolls. That is also a lot of toilet paper. For my family, one double roll lasts 2 days.
I have actually never seen so much toilet paper together in one place, I was introduced to half of it when my dad came to pick me and my 2 siblings up from the barn. As we were walking to the car, which holds 4 tightly, he said, "Oh yeah, I picked up some toilet paper for the house.".
We thought nothing of it, until we looked inside, and there was nowhere for us to sit. We managed to squeeze underneath 2 large boxes of it, whereupon our dad, with an enormous grin on his face, said, "And there's more in the trunk!". Out came 1 and a half more boxes.
I was squeezed in shotgun with a huge box of toilet paper on my lap shoved between my stomach and the dashboard. One of the only things that went through my head was how I would die of embarasssment if anyone I knew saw me with a quarter of a years worth of toilet paper on my lap.
That and if the airbag went off, I would be suffocated.
Why? Because my dad was able to get a year's worth of toilet paper for less than what most people pay for cable TV in a month.
Toilet paper in bulk. Costco, eat your heart out!
-Sarah
Never have to use the Sears catologue.
Anyways, you might say, "Sarah! What's new in life?" and I would reply, "I can't sleep on my bed because there is toilet paper on it.".
Obviously, you want to know what I mean by that, I heard all your "What's?", "Uhhhs....." and "Say what's?"
Long story short, I have one year's worth of toilet paper on my bed. That is 184 double rolls. That is also a lot of toilet paper. For my family, one double roll lasts 2 days.
I have actually never seen so much toilet paper together in one place, I was introduced to half of it when my dad came to pick me and my 2 siblings up from the barn. As we were walking to the car, which holds 4 tightly, he said, "Oh yeah, I picked up some toilet paper for the house.".
We thought nothing of it, until we looked inside, and there was nowhere for us to sit. We managed to squeeze underneath 2 large boxes of it, whereupon our dad, with an enormous grin on his face, said, "And there's more in the trunk!". Out came 1 and a half more boxes.
I was squeezed in shotgun with a huge box of toilet paper on my lap shoved between my stomach and the dashboard. One of the only things that went through my head was how I would die of embarasssment if anyone I knew saw me with a quarter of a years worth of toilet paper on my lap.
That and if the airbag went off, I would be suffocated.
Why? Because my dad was able to get a year's worth of toilet paper for less than what most people pay for cable TV in a month.
Toilet paper in bulk. Costco, eat your heart out!
-Sarah
Never have to use the Sears catologue.
Wednesday 26 October 2011
English in the Mathamatical World
Hi all, sorry for the long wait in posts, it got busy. Nobody told me life would be so busy!
Lately, we were debating on wether a word was positive or negative. You know, when you get those sentences that say, "Don't stop" among other things, they are deffinitely negative, because they are telling not to. Sentences that are "Please keep" or something like that are positive, because they are asking to do. We all know that.
But what happens if the sentence is "Stop keep fighting!"? Well, that is when the math comes into play. You put the sentence into a mathamatical equation like:
-4(stop)+ 4(keep)+ 8(fighting)= x.
Because "stop" and "keep" both have the same number of letters in them, and because "stop" is negative and "keep" is positive, they cancel themselves both out.
-4(stop)+ 4(keep)+ 8(fighting)= x.
-4 + 4 + 8 = x
0 + 8 = x
Then we finish the equation:
-4(stop)+ 4(keep)+ 8(fighting)= x.
-4 + 4 + 8 = x
0 + 8 = 8
Since the equation equals +8, it is a positive sentence. Period.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how to determine if a sentence is negative or positive.
-Sarah
Solving our mathematical problems to make the world a better place.
Lately, we were debating on wether a word was positive or negative. You know, when you get those sentences that say, "Don't stop" among other things, they are deffinitely negative, because they are telling not to. Sentences that are "Please keep" or something like that are positive, because they are asking to do. We all know that.
But what happens if the sentence is "Stop keep fighting!"? Well, that is when the math comes into play. You put the sentence into a mathamatical equation like:
-4(stop)+ 4(keep)+ 8(fighting)= x.
Because "stop" and "keep" both have the same number of letters in them, and because "stop" is negative and "keep" is positive, they cancel themselves both out.
-4(stop)+ 4(keep)+ 8(fighting)= x.
-4 + 4 + 8 = x
0 + 8 = x
Then we finish the equation:
-4(stop)+ 4(keep)+ 8(fighting)= x.
-4 + 4 + 8 = x
0 + 8 = 8
Since the equation equals +8, it is a positive sentence. Period.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how to determine if a sentence is negative or positive.
-Sarah
Solving our mathematical problems to make the world a better place.
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Your Personal Car-jacker
So, there's this guy..........
No, not in then dirty way you were just thinking, but there is this guy. He's the kind of personality that people run when they see him coming. Not that he's mean to the rest of us, he's just unfair and he talks a lot.
He also has 2 cars. OK, HE has his own car (he fills it with gas himself and doesn't drive it on camp property), and he thinks the other car is his (he doesn't fill it with gas himself, it's really a truck, and he drives it both on camp property and off).
This drives us nuts, because the truck isn't his (he thinks it's his, but it isn't), but he locks it and hides the keys in his room. Luckily for us, there is a spare key.
So, your own personal car-jackers (myself and my accomplice in crime), after mmany excuses and beating-round-the-bush, managed to plead the spare keys off of Terry, the maintenance manager, to the truck.
We timed our getaway to a "T". Right when the lawnmower came around the house, we quick turned the truck on, threw it in gear and raced out of the parking lot. And may I say that it is standard. : )
We had already decided where we were to hide it, on a bike trail far away from the road. This particular trail looks only 2' wide, but is really 5' wide and a bit, and no one ever walks on it. From the road, you see a hill, and nothing else.
So we went off-roading, oh yeah! And we turned the truck around on the path, and it's standard! And we left it there!
Now all we are doing is waiting for him to find the truck.
-Sarah
Always courting punishment
No, not in then dirty way you were just thinking, but there is this guy. He's the kind of personality that people run when they see him coming. Not that he's mean to the rest of us, he's just unfair and he talks a lot.
He also has 2 cars. OK, HE has his own car (he fills it with gas himself and doesn't drive it on camp property), and he thinks the other car is his (he doesn't fill it with gas himself, it's really a truck, and he drives it both on camp property and off).
This drives us nuts, because the truck isn't his (he thinks it's his, but it isn't), but he locks it and hides the keys in his room. Luckily for us, there is a spare key.
So, your own personal car-jackers (myself and my accomplice in crime), after mmany excuses and beating-round-the-bush, managed to plead the spare keys off of Terry, the maintenance manager, to the truck.
We timed our getaway to a "T". Right when the lawnmower came around the house, we quick turned the truck on, threw it in gear and raced out of the parking lot. And may I say that it is standard. : )
We had already decided where we were to hide it, on a bike trail far away from the road. This particular trail looks only 2' wide, but is really 5' wide and a bit, and no one ever walks on it. From the road, you see a hill, and nothing else.
So we went off-roading, oh yeah! And we turned the truck around on the path, and it's standard! And we left it there!
Now all we are doing is waiting for him to find the truck.
-Sarah
Always courting punishment
Monday 3 October 2011
Lost in the Bush for 30 Minutes
Today, I vacuumed.
Oh, and swept, mopped and un-cluttered the entire lodge from top to bottom, cleaned 4 bathrooms, cleaned my apartment and filled the furnace fire-box with chunks of wood the size of a violin case (the only thing I could think of to compare it to, it took 3 trips with a pick-up filled way above the rim to fill the fire-box up). And dealt with staff drama.
I am not complaining, I would just like to point out that if you want to go to a clean camp, Mini-Yo-We is the place. We even washed the walls in the bathrooms today.
The fall colours are beautiful right now, even though it has been pouring since 3am this morning. On Saturday, because it was my day off, I went for a jog/walk in the afternoon. It was gorgeous! I started to jog the treehouse trail, which I have done before, when I noticed, not for the first time, the sign for another trail branching off from the treehouse trail, "Wild Thing". Cool stuff! I heard it was an advanced mountain-bike trail, so I decided to run it first, before embarrassing myself in front of the 12year old biking freaks.
Everything was fine and dandy, until I realized that the trail was disappearing, with me on it. Instead of turning around, I kept going, because I couldn't see the trail behind me. After bush-whacking for about 5 minutes (I knew the general direction I should go, away from the highway), I found myself at the end of the treehouse trail. Hallelujah!
Then I tried the "Back Woods" trail. Not strenuous at all. Extremely peaceful and gorgeous. I kept walking, even past the place where the "Back to MYW ->" and "Private Property. No hunting or trespassing" signs started to appear. Even worse was when the signs started to disappear. Finally, I decided to turn back, I followed a "Back to MYW ->" sign onto a smaller trail, thinking it was a more direct way back to camp. No.
After 5-10min of following the same zig-zagging trail, I found myself walking alongside someone's house. That gave me a foggy idea of where I was. Not on camp property any more, that was for sure!
The only thing that helped me to know that this was a trail that was actually supposed to be walked on was the orienteering triangles stapled onto random trees (apparently, it's not a biking trail, it's a learn-how-to-read-a-map trail) every 25'. After 30min of being stuck in the bush alone, no cell, no walkie, no flare-gun, I managed to find my way back to Edgewoods. I almost missed dinner!
Moral: When you go out in the forest alone, remember your bread-crumbs and twine.
-Sarah
The person who can get lost twice in 1 day.
Oh, and swept, mopped and un-cluttered the entire lodge from top to bottom, cleaned 4 bathrooms, cleaned my apartment and filled the furnace fire-box with chunks of wood the size of a violin case (the only thing I could think of to compare it to, it took 3 trips with a pick-up filled way above the rim to fill the fire-box up). And dealt with staff drama.
I am not complaining, I would just like to point out that if you want to go to a clean camp, Mini-Yo-We is the place. We even washed the walls in the bathrooms today.
The fall colours are beautiful right now, even though it has been pouring since 3am this morning. On Saturday, because it was my day off, I went for a jog/walk in the afternoon. It was gorgeous! I started to jog the treehouse trail, which I have done before, when I noticed, not for the first time, the sign for another trail branching off from the treehouse trail, "Wild Thing". Cool stuff! I heard it was an advanced mountain-bike trail, so I decided to run it first, before embarrassing myself in front of the 12year old biking freaks.
Everything was fine and dandy, until I realized that the trail was disappearing, with me on it. Instead of turning around, I kept going, because I couldn't see the trail behind me. After bush-whacking for about 5 minutes (I knew the general direction I should go, away from the highway), I found myself at the end of the treehouse trail. Hallelujah!
Then I tried the "Back Woods" trail. Not strenuous at all. Extremely peaceful and gorgeous. I kept walking, even past the place where the "Back to MYW ->" and "Private Property. No hunting or trespassing" signs started to appear. Even worse was when the signs started to disappear. Finally, I decided to turn back, I followed a "Back to MYW ->" sign onto a smaller trail, thinking it was a more direct way back to camp. No.
After 5-10min of following the same zig-zagging trail, I found myself walking alongside someone's house. That gave me a foggy idea of where I was. Not on camp property any more, that was for sure!
The only thing that helped me to know that this was a trail that was actually supposed to be walked on was the orienteering triangles stapled onto random trees (apparently, it's not a biking trail, it's a learn-how-to-read-a-map trail) every 25'. After 30min of being stuck in the bush alone, no cell, no walkie, no flare-gun, I managed to find my way back to Edgewoods. I almost missed dinner!
Moral: When you go out in the forest alone, remember your bread-crumbs and twine.
-Sarah
The person who can get lost twice in 1 day.
Thursday 22 September 2011
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Northwoods Canoe Trip 2011: Day from Hell
Some of you know, and others of you don't, but I am a, I quote a MYWOC staff member, "A hardcore nature/canoe tripping girl". That means I am a canoe-tripping fanatic. When I'm not at home. At home I am a violin rock-god(ess). Or am trying to be.
Anyways, this summer, I counceled the Northwoods canoe trip that MIni-YO-We offers. I was one of 3 councelors, 2 females, and 1 male. We had 10 camper on our trip, all ranging in age from 14 to 16. Opposite to popular belief, 14-16 year olds are actually really easy to handle in the wilderness (tip: always keep the food barrel in the councelors canoe). Just kidding! They are an amazing group of kids, every year. Thought provoking, and sensible. Most of the time.
Everything went well until the 2nd last day, when we hit the Class 3/4 rapids. Usually, the Stairway to Heaven (which holds the rapids) is passable. This year, however, most of the rapids were dried out. Earlier that day, one of the girls had slipped on a wet rock with a pack on her back, hit her head, and passed out. We decided that she had a concussion, and she took it easy for the rest of the day. The reason she hit her head was because instead of doing the 200metre portage like they were supposed to, most of the campers kept going instead of turning where they were supposed to, turning it into a 3km portage. 7 of our campers disappeared off the face of the earth. Not even close to do-able. Then, when they were as far away as possible from us, the girl suffered a concussion and passed out.
So we are 3 hours behind schedule, and we have to be at our take-out the next day before dinner.
We hit the rapids, and the male councilor decides to test it out with his canoe. He goes down, hits a log, and tips. Campers, packs, canoe, paddles and other little bits are all starting to either sink or float away. The 2nd canoe, with a councilor, floats down to help them, and tips. The 3rd canoe, no councilor, just campers, goes down without a drop of water in it. I have the girl with the concussion, so I back up and do the portage.
After getting to the bottom and seeing only 1 canoe, I go back up with 2 throw bags. One of the tipped canoes is wedged under a log, but all campers and packs are safe. We then spent 3 more hours trying to pull the canoe out of the Class 3/4 rapids. Smart!
We ended up leaving it, which gave us 3 canoes. Tight space! Two 5-man canoes and one 6-man canoe. Harsh, but in the end, it was so fun!
The hard part was breaking it to everyone else.
The moral: Look before you strike.
-Sarah
Hard to the core
Anyways, this summer, I counceled the Northwoods canoe trip that MIni-YO-We offers. I was one of 3 councelors, 2 females, and 1 male. We had 10 camper on our trip, all ranging in age from 14 to 16. Opposite to popular belief, 14-16 year olds are actually really easy to handle in the wilderness (tip: always keep the food barrel in the councelors canoe). Just kidding! They are an amazing group of kids, every year. Thought provoking, and sensible. Most of the time.
Everything went well until the 2nd last day, when we hit the Class 3/4 rapids. Usually, the Stairway to Heaven (which holds the rapids) is passable. This year, however, most of the rapids were dried out. Earlier that day, one of the girls had slipped on a wet rock with a pack on her back, hit her head, and passed out. We decided that she had a concussion, and she took it easy for the rest of the day. The reason she hit her head was because instead of doing the 200metre portage like they were supposed to, most of the campers kept going instead of turning where they were supposed to, turning it into a 3km portage. 7 of our campers disappeared off the face of the earth. Not even close to do-able. Then, when they were as far away as possible from us, the girl suffered a concussion and passed out.
So we are 3 hours behind schedule, and we have to be at our take-out the next day before dinner.
We hit the rapids, and the male councilor decides to test it out with his canoe. He goes down, hits a log, and tips. Campers, packs, canoe, paddles and other little bits are all starting to either sink or float away. The 2nd canoe, with a councilor, floats down to help them, and tips. The 3rd canoe, no councilor, just campers, goes down without a drop of water in it. I have the girl with the concussion, so I back up and do the portage.
After getting to the bottom and seeing only 1 canoe, I go back up with 2 throw bags. One of the tipped canoes is wedged under a log, but all campers and packs are safe. We then spent 3 more hours trying to pull the canoe out of the Class 3/4 rapids. Smart!
We ended up leaving it, which gave us 3 canoes. Tight space! Two 5-man canoes and one 6-man canoe. Harsh, but in the end, it was so fun!
The hard part was breaking it to everyone else.
The moral: Look before you strike.
-Sarah
Hard to the core
Friday 16 September 2011
Thoughts
Quote of the day: "Turn your walkie down! I can't hear mine!" -Paige Gillard, MYWOC staff
-Sarah
Shop! In the name of love!
-Sarah
Shop! In the name of love!
Thursday 15 September 2011
Camp-ites
Right now, I am at Camp Mini-Yo-We, working on Fall staff for our Outdoor Centre. It is cool, and by cool I mean, the temperature is 8degreesC right now with mini gale-force winds. Try teaching a class of 13 year olds how to kayak in that weather! Shoot me now.
For those of you wondering, but haven't said anything, I am having a good time, filled with great food and people. (Do those two go together in that sentence?) All of the people here with the exception of 2 are MYWites: Olivia is total new to the camp scene, but needed a place to go after highschool, and Matt is an ex-Pioneer staff member who is my boss's assistant. We kid Matt because usually, you are a (enter camp name here)-ite for life, so Matt is an exception to this rule.
So far, it apparently has been good times for all, because we can still stand each other. The other night we were all sitting in our common-room, talking, but all clicking away on our respective tech equipment, with the usual interjection of who showed what on Facebook, or who was stupid on Twitter. 7 seconds later, we were busting a gut laughing because one of the girls helpfully pointed out that in 2015, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are going to merge to form YouTwitFace.
Going back to the coolness of the weather, through no choice of our own, we were each planted in a group that did the activity block rounds. Kayaking and canoeing were two interesting blocks. I fished 5 kayakers out of the water, and no canoes. Yes!! I came back from each 1.5 block with no feeling in my hands. On of the guys noticed that my lips had changed a colourful hue of purple.
-Sarah
I always was colourful!
For those of you wondering, but haven't said anything, I am having a good time, filled with great food and people. (Do those two go together in that sentence?) All of the people here with the exception of 2 are MYWites: Olivia is total new to the camp scene, but needed a place to go after highschool, and Matt is an ex-Pioneer staff member who is my boss's assistant. We kid Matt because usually, you are a (enter camp name here)-ite for life, so Matt is an exception to this rule.
So far, it apparently has been good times for all, because we can still stand each other. The other night we were all sitting in our common-room, talking, but all clicking away on our respective tech equipment, with the usual interjection of who showed what on Facebook, or who was stupid on Twitter. 7 seconds later, we were busting a gut laughing because one of the girls helpfully pointed out that in 2015, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are going to merge to form YouTwitFace.
Going back to the coolness of the weather, through no choice of our own, we were each planted in a group that did the activity block rounds. Kayaking and canoeing were two interesting blocks. I fished 5 kayakers out of the water, and no canoes. Yes!! I came back from each 1.5 block with no feeling in my hands. On of the guys noticed that my lips had changed a colourful hue of purple.
-Sarah
I always was colourful!
Wednesday 22 June 2011
Lions and Tigers and.......... Prowlers?
There are certain moments when you really want a guard dog, or one of those motion-sensing water gun alarms. Or so my friend tells me.
She says this moment began when her brother, Fred, crawled into her room at 3.30am to tell her that someone with a flashlight was roaming their backyard. Naturally, she did not wake her parents, as she didn't want to bother them. After a whispered consultation with her brother in the most remote part of the house (the part without windows), in which the 2 other brothers, Paul and Eric, galumped down the stairs to ask what the commotion was, they decided to go to bed and leave it alone. Several minutes later, her brother ran back down the stairs and crashed into the bathroom to tell her that he had just seen someone with a flashlight poking around their shed.
So she crawled up the stairs to the window, cautiously poked her head up one corner of the window, pulled it down, poked it up the other corner, and don't see anything. This time she was smart and woke her parents.
Apparently, her parents woke up quite fast when they heard what was happening. Her father stood at the window for quite sometime incase there was anything to be seen. Of course, there wasn't.
But of course, when he went to get dressed to have a look about the yard, the motion-sensing yard light came on, alerting them to the fact that there was movement in the yard. My friend ducked down beneath the window, and while she was curled in fetal position, Fred, while hiding in the shadows told her that someone in a black coat and hat had past the window. Of course, she jumped up, but there wasn't anything.
The father grabbed a hockey stick and flashlight and looked around the yard, and declared that the yard was extremely void of any other person other than himself.
In the quest for knowledge, he visited the younger brothers, who where found curled up on one bed (extremely weird). Paul declared that, in the best intentions he had, he had told Eric that he should come into his bed, because, "If it's a robber, there might be a gunfight, and your bed is right in line with the window, so you should come into my bed and wait.". All the while, Eric was interjecting with his own comments, "Yeah! Robbers!". "Yeah! Gunfight!". "Yeah! Real guns, with bullets!", and finished off with, "So I came into his bed!". Apparently, they thought this was a lark, I don't blame them! When else do you get a prowler in your yard, with your dad out there with a hockey stick and a mini flashlight!
The crowning glory was her sister who slept right through the whole thing, including the the thumping down stairs, the gasps, and the muffled screams!
My, I wish this had happened to me! She said it woke her up quite fast, even though it was 3.30 in the morning!
-Sarah
You can make a difference. Don't think so? Take a look at me!
She says this moment began when her brother, Fred, crawled into her room at 3.30am to tell her that someone with a flashlight was roaming their backyard. Naturally, she did not wake her parents, as she didn't want to bother them. After a whispered consultation with her brother in the most remote part of the house (the part without windows), in which the 2 other brothers, Paul and Eric, galumped down the stairs to ask what the commotion was, they decided to go to bed and leave it alone. Several minutes later, her brother ran back down the stairs and crashed into the bathroom to tell her that he had just seen someone with a flashlight poking around their shed.
So she crawled up the stairs to the window, cautiously poked her head up one corner of the window, pulled it down, poked it up the other corner, and don't see anything. This time she was smart and woke her parents.
Apparently, her parents woke up quite fast when they heard what was happening. Her father stood at the window for quite sometime incase there was anything to be seen. Of course, there wasn't.
But of course, when he went to get dressed to have a look about the yard, the motion-sensing yard light came on, alerting them to the fact that there was movement in the yard. My friend ducked down beneath the window, and while she was curled in fetal position, Fred, while hiding in the shadows told her that someone in a black coat and hat had past the window. Of course, she jumped up, but there wasn't anything.
The father grabbed a hockey stick and flashlight and looked around the yard, and declared that the yard was extremely void of any other person other than himself.
In the quest for knowledge, he visited the younger brothers, who where found curled up on one bed (extremely weird). Paul declared that, in the best intentions he had, he had told Eric that he should come into his bed, because, "If it's a robber, there might be a gunfight, and your bed is right in line with the window, so you should come into my bed and wait.". All the while, Eric was interjecting with his own comments, "Yeah! Robbers!". "Yeah! Gunfight!". "Yeah! Real guns, with bullets!", and finished off with, "So I came into his bed!". Apparently, they thought this was a lark, I don't blame them! When else do you get a prowler in your yard, with your dad out there with a hockey stick and a mini flashlight!
The crowning glory was her sister who slept right through the whole thing, including the the thumping down stairs, the gasps, and the muffled screams!
My, I wish this had happened to me! She said it woke her up quite fast, even though it was 3.30 in the morning!
-Sarah
You can make a difference. Don't think so? Take a look at me!
Sunday 29 May 2011
When the snow's away, the cars will play.
I have always wanted to drive a really nice car, preferably a nice, old car.
Through the grape-vine, I know that a friend of mine has multiple vehicles, even though there is just him, right now. As I count right now, he has 3 vehicles and a motorcycle. I know his Ford pick-up, Jeep and motorcycle quite well, but I didn't know quite so much about the '78 Corvette. Yeah. 25th Anniversary plaque, two-tone paint job and everything.
So, he pulls up today in his '78 Corvette, and my dad says jokingly, "I'll trade you vehicles," and our friend gets out of the Corvette, and walks over to us and gives my dad the keys. So my dad took my sister out for a spin, because it's a two-seater I stayed behind. After, we met up with my dad and sister, and we all did the 360 oogle of the car. My dad suggested that I get taken out for a spin, and my friend turns to me, and says, "You drive!". So, I get in. The most glorious feeling I have yet felt in my life.
It drives nice and tight to the ground, even with wet pavement. 40km around a corner is nothing. It is really easy to go faster than you think you're going. I easily went 80km in a 60km zone, I am lucky it was 7:30am, so the roads were quite empty (of police). My approx. speed through the whole thing was 90km, the 2nd most glorious feeling in my life. Now I'm wondering what the 3rd will be. It will have to top these two!
So, my adventures in a '78 Corvette. Glorious! I was told after getting out, that I have one-upped most men, my age, and older. I believe that.
-Sarah
A disease for speed
Through the grape-vine, I know that a friend of mine has multiple vehicles, even though there is just him, right now. As I count right now, he has 3 vehicles and a motorcycle. I know his Ford pick-up, Jeep and motorcycle quite well, but I didn't know quite so much about the '78 Corvette. Yeah. 25th Anniversary plaque, two-tone paint job and everything.
So, he pulls up today in his '78 Corvette, and my dad says jokingly, "I'll trade you vehicles," and our friend gets out of the Corvette, and walks over to us and gives my dad the keys. So my dad took my sister out for a spin, because it's a two-seater I stayed behind. After, we met up with my dad and sister, and we all did the 360 oogle of the car. My dad suggested that I get taken out for a spin, and my friend turns to me, and says, "You drive!". So, I get in. The most glorious feeling I have yet felt in my life.
It drives nice and tight to the ground, even with wet pavement. 40km around a corner is nothing. It is really easy to go faster than you think you're going. I easily went 80km in a 60km zone, I am lucky it was 7:30am, so the roads were quite empty (of police). My approx. speed through the whole thing was 90km, the 2nd most glorious feeling in my life. Now I'm wondering what the 3rd will be. It will have to top these two!
So, my adventures in a '78 Corvette. Glorious! I was told after getting out, that I have one-upped most men, my age, and older. I believe that.
-Sarah
A disease for speed
Monday 23 May 2011
Say what?
Have you ever felt like you've been there before? Done that before? Felt that before? It's that feeling that we all know, de javu. Say what? Oh yeah, been there before.
At church (this has nothing to do with de javu), we sang a hymn, you might know it, "His Eye is On the Sparrow". I have a CD from a friend, "The Hymn Project", by Jon Buller, in which he sings this song. I love it, I sing to it all the time. This was not the same song that we sang in church........
Somehow, the whole church managed to sing a bar or two behind the organ. I mean, usually, there are one or two people to set the pace, and keep those loud ones in check, but this time, oh, I can't even describe it. It was disastrous. The minister gave a very loud eye roll at the end of the hymn.
So, why did this happen? Afterwards, my mother asked the organist for the music, and we found out that it was in 6/8 time, which didn't quite match up with the 3/4 time that we had just sung. I mean, really! At least make it easy for us to sing!
My dad's line was, "Well, you know, divide by the least common denominator.".
Wow!
-Sarah
Vuja de, like you've never felt before.
At church (this has nothing to do with de javu), we sang a hymn, you might know it, "His Eye is On the Sparrow". I have a CD from a friend, "The Hymn Project", by Jon Buller, in which he sings this song. I love it, I sing to it all the time. This was not the same song that we sang in church........
Somehow, the whole church managed to sing a bar or two behind the organ. I mean, usually, there are one or two people to set the pace, and keep those loud ones in check, but this time, oh, I can't even describe it. It was disastrous. The minister gave a very loud eye roll at the end of the hymn.
So, why did this happen? Afterwards, my mother asked the organist for the music, and we found out that it was in 6/8 time, which didn't quite match up with the 3/4 time that we had just sung. I mean, really! At least make it easy for us to sing!
My dad's line was, "Well, you know, divide by the least common denominator.".
Wow!
-Sarah
Vuja de, like you've never felt before.
Saturday 7 May 2011
Why?
Do you ever wonder why? Not anything, just why?
Or what? Do you ever wonder what? I do. For both questions.
As humans, we feel a constant urge to know everything. In one of my more philosophical moments, I coined, "Yes, we have questions, but do we really have to know everything?". I"ll bet you would either agree or not with me (I like to keep my options open!).
But why do we have to know everything? (There's that "why" question again!).
Because we want to be rulers of the universe. We want everything to be at our beck and call. If we are rulers of the universe, nothing can hide from us. Secrets hidden from a ruler are it's worst nightmare.
Everything we have invented, has been invented to make us more and more rulers of the universe. To make us closer to the gods. Again, everything at our beck and call, just machines to do our will.
Or maybe, we are getting dumber and dumber, because we have all these inventions, originally made to make us feel more and more rulers of the universe, are doing all our work for us.
Machines are only as smart as the people who invent them. But, have you ever wondered how a plane can fly itself with only auto-pilot? Or how a whole radio station can run without a human being in sight? The list goes on and on. Our technology is now so advanced, that one of the reasons, I think, we invent is to one-up the next guy.
Others might say that we invent to make the world a better place. But, as much as I like this iPad that I am writing on right now, and the cell phone that is right beside me, deep down, we invent so we can be closer to God, not in a good thing, but it is a sin to consider yourself on the same level as God.
Now, you could have a problem with all that I have said so far, and I invite you to let me know.
I hope my philosophical ravings don't turn you off from my blog. I invite you to comment on these rants.
-Sarah
Why?
Or what? Do you ever wonder what? I do. For both questions.
As humans, we feel a constant urge to know everything. In one of my more philosophical moments, I coined, "Yes, we have questions, but do we really have to know everything?". I"ll bet you would either agree or not with me (I like to keep my options open!).
But why do we have to know everything? (There's that "why" question again!).
Because we want to be rulers of the universe. We want everything to be at our beck and call. If we are rulers of the universe, nothing can hide from us. Secrets hidden from a ruler are it's worst nightmare.
Everything we have invented, has been invented to make us more and more rulers of the universe. To make us closer to the gods. Again, everything at our beck and call, just machines to do our will.
Or maybe, we are getting dumber and dumber, because we have all these inventions, originally made to make us feel more and more rulers of the universe, are doing all our work for us.
Machines are only as smart as the people who invent them. But, have you ever wondered how a plane can fly itself with only auto-pilot? Or how a whole radio station can run without a human being in sight? The list goes on and on. Our technology is now so advanced, that one of the reasons, I think, we invent is to one-up the next guy.
Others might say that we invent to make the world a better place. But, as much as I like this iPad that I am writing on right now, and the cell phone that is right beside me, deep down, we invent so we can be closer to God, not in a good thing, but it is a sin to consider yourself on the same level as God.
Now, you could have a problem with all that I have said so far, and I invite you to let me know.
I hope my philosophical ravings don't turn you off from my blog. I invite you to comment on these rants.
-Sarah
Why?
Sunday 1 May 2011
New Experiences
Hi,
Yesterday, at the grocery store, my Mum and I were behind a young guy, buying his onions and parsley (yes, I know, odd things, but that is exactly what they were). He kind of looked like he would drive a sports car, with dice hanging from the mirror. Yeah, that kind of guy.
He finished up, gave us not a second look, and walked out of the store. Then, as we were walking to the Beast, we saw him, and a bunch of other guys, stuffed shamelessly into a tiny little car. We passed them, but could tell they were watching us. We got into our van, started it up, and were about to drive away, when the same tiny car with a minimum of 5 guys slowly drove past us, yelling at the top of their lungs to us.
What we heard was, "Parlez-vous francais?". All we could do was stare at them in disbelief and wonder. "What on earth are they talking about?". Then it dawned on us, they were talking about the flag that we fly from our antenna, a Dutch flag, which, unfortunately, has the same colours as the French flag, root, witte and blauwe (red, white and blue). Man, I wonder why we ended up with such a popular flag colour combo.
So anyways, we shouted back, that no, we weren't from France, and the nearest we can figure, is that we were hit up by a bunch of Ginos, trying to impress us with their French skills. Any self respecting European knows that red on the top means Holland, and red on the bottom means France......... And the red is in stripes on the American flag. You'd think they would at least get part of it right!
So, let me get this straight, for all those who read the first sentence, and then skipped to the bottom: My mother and me got hit up, because a bunch of teenagers (boys), liked the Beast, and the "French" flag. They tried to impress us with French. Throw in a trip to Paris, and I might be interested.
-Sarah
To all my listeners out there, thank you, and good night.
Yesterday, at the grocery store, my Mum and I were behind a young guy, buying his onions and parsley (yes, I know, odd things, but that is exactly what they were). He kind of looked like he would drive a sports car, with dice hanging from the mirror. Yeah, that kind of guy.
He finished up, gave us not a second look, and walked out of the store. Then, as we were walking to the Beast, we saw him, and a bunch of other guys, stuffed shamelessly into a tiny little car. We passed them, but could tell they were watching us. We got into our van, started it up, and were about to drive away, when the same tiny car with a minimum of 5 guys slowly drove past us, yelling at the top of their lungs to us.
What we heard was, "Parlez-vous francais?". All we could do was stare at them in disbelief and wonder. "What on earth are they talking about?". Then it dawned on us, they were talking about the flag that we fly from our antenna, a Dutch flag, which, unfortunately, has the same colours as the French flag, root, witte and blauwe (red, white and blue). Man, I wonder why we ended up with such a popular flag colour combo.
So anyways, we shouted back, that no, we weren't from France, and the nearest we can figure, is that we were hit up by a bunch of Ginos, trying to impress us with their French skills. Any self respecting European knows that red on the top means Holland, and red on the bottom means France......... And the red is in stripes on the American flag. You'd think they would at least get part of it right!
So, let me get this straight, for all those who read the first sentence, and then skipped to the bottom: My mother and me got hit up, because a bunch of teenagers (boys), liked the Beast, and the "French" flag. They tried to impress us with French. Throw in a trip to Paris, and I might be interested.
-Sarah
To all my listeners out there, thank you, and good night.
Tuesday 26 April 2011
A Spider's Last Words (And Thoughts)
This morning, I walked into the kitchen after washing my hair, to see my mother smooshing a used teabag up against the bottom of the cupboard. My mother has as running commentary on how many spiders she has killed in that day. So far, at 7:48am this morning, she has killed 2 spiders.
Nothing like being squished by an old lady and a teabag.
This leads me to think, that the last thing a spider sees before he dies the horrible death of squishing is grey hair and a teabag.
Last thought? "Man, appearances can be deceiving, I didn't think when they were that old, they could move that fast!"
My mum has a theory that if they're inside the house, they're fair game. I'm with her on that one.
Sorry Spiderman.
-Sarah
Saving the world, one spider at a time.
Nothing like being squished by an old lady and a teabag.
This leads me to think, that the last thing a spider sees before he dies the horrible death of squishing is grey hair and a teabag.
Last thought? "Man, appearances can be deceiving, I didn't think when they were that old, they could move that fast!"
My mum has a theory that if they're inside the house, they're fair game. I'm with her on that one.
Sorry Spiderman.
-Sarah
Saving the world, one spider at a time.
Saturday 23 April 2011
My New Tool
Hi all,
So, I'm here to tell you about my new tool. I recently came into the possession of an iPad. Woohoo!!!!!!!
The reason being, is that we have one main computer in our house, then my dad has a laptop, and a iPod. as I recently started my job, which has more paper work than a job at McDonalds. This being, my job is at the local pool. I am a swim teacher, which means that I need to write lesson plans all the time. A lot of people write them on paper, with markers, or pens, but I like to write them on Google Docs. this makes them a lot easier to access anywhere in the world, plus, you don't have to carry them all over the place.
Also, I am producing a show this summer, but am also away, so I need a device to keep in contact with the world, so my show doesn't crash.
I started hunting around for a laptop, preferably a MacBook, but of course, the pool doesn't pay that much.
Then, a relative with an iPad decided to give their's up, for $250, so I quick snapped it up.
So I am the proud owner of a 1st generation iPad, with Wi-Fi. I am looking at my iPad like it is both a giant iPod, and a mini MacBook.
It is one of the best purchases I have made!
-Sarah
Exhuming cemeteries, one grave at a time.
So, I'm here to tell you about my new tool. I recently came into the possession of an iPad. Woohoo!!!!!!!
The reason being, is that we have one main computer in our house, then my dad has a laptop, and a iPod. as I recently started my job, which has more paper work than a job at McDonalds. This being, my job is at the local pool. I am a swim teacher, which means that I need to write lesson plans all the time. A lot of people write them on paper, with markers, or pens, but I like to write them on Google Docs. this makes them a lot easier to access anywhere in the world, plus, you don't have to carry them all over the place.
Also, I am producing a show this summer, but am also away, so I need a device to keep in contact with the world, so my show doesn't crash.
I started hunting around for a laptop, preferably a MacBook, but of course, the pool doesn't pay that much.
Then, a relative with an iPad decided to give their's up, for $250, so I quick snapped it up.
So I am the proud owner of a 1st generation iPad, with Wi-Fi. I am looking at my iPad like it is both a giant iPod, and a mini MacBook.
It is one of the best purchases I have made!
-Sarah
Exhuming cemeteries, one grave at a time.
Thursday 14 April 2011
Cats and Their Simple Amusements
So here I am, sitting in front of my computer, supposed to be working. But you know how it is, one thing leads to another, and all of a sudden, you are amused in a very simple pleasure. For some people, it is watching embarassing movies on YouTube, for others, it is texting a friend. For me, it is none other than watching my cats. But what they are doing is the funny part.
One of my cats started it by jumping up beside me and starting to flirt with me. (If you tell me you have never had a cat flirt with you, you are a breed in itself.) Finding me not very inviting, he turned his attention to my key-board, which was balanced across my lap. As he was busily flirting away with this piece of unfeeling plastic, which apparently was giving him at least some satisfaction, he bumped the eject button on the keyboard. The disc drawer of my computer tower popped out. And my cat froze. Then he jumped down and raced away to call the army.
He crept around the other side of the table, and stealthily arrived on the other side of the tower. He then settled himself down to both wait for the army, and to make sure the enemy wouldn't show it's face again. That's when I pressed the eject button again, to see what would happen. That's also when he jumped a foot in the air, and his hair stood on end. He then decided to look very reproachfully at the drawer, and sniffed at it. I pushed the button again. This time, he really freaked out. As if he hadn't before!
Then the army arrived, in the form of his fellow feline-in-crime, the Yellow Devil. That's not his real name, it just sounded cooler than his real name, which is Felix. See? Yellow Devil sounds way cooler. Anyways, back to the story.
They both settled down to wait, but they didn't need to wait long, for the drawer popped out again (yes, it was me), and this time Felix jumped, and Leonard (the 1st cat) looked reproachfully at him.
After a few tries at scaring it (unsuccessful), they stalked away, only to come creeping back, the excitement had grown. They engaged it in aerial combat, and foot work. The drawer won every time. Then Leonard got ahead of himself, and chased it back in side. It bit his paw. So he tried again, same thing happened. Again, again and again it happened, then I lost interest. So that was that. In vain did they taunt the drawer in the computer tower, never once did it show it's face again. It had disappeared while it was winning.
It was fun while it was still funny. Actually, it was funny all along, I was just afraid Leonard was going to rip the drawer out, rollers and all.
-Sarah
Be kind, rewind.
One of my cats started it by jumping up beside me and starting to flirt with me. (If you tell me you have never had a cat flirt with you, you are a breed in itself.) Finding me not very inviting, he turned his attention to my key-board, which was balanced across my lap. As he was busily flirting away with this piece of unfeeling plastic, which apparently was giving him at least some satisfaction, he bumped the eject button on the keyboard. The disc drawer of my computer tower popped out. And my cat froze. Then he jumped down and raced away to call the army.
He crept around the other side of the table, and stealthily arrived on the other side of the tower. He then settled himself down to both wait for the army, and to make sure the enemy wouldn't show it's face again. That's when I pressed the eject button again, to see what would happen. That's also when he jumped a foot in the air, and his hair stood on end. He then decided to look very reproachfully at the drawer, and sniffed at it. I pushed the button again. This time, he really freaked out. As if he hadn't before!
Then the army arrived, in the form of his fellow feline-in-crime, the Yellow Devil. That's not his real name, it just sounded cooler than his real name, which is Felix. See? Yellow Devil sounds way cooler. Anyways, back to the story.
They both settled down to wait, but they didn't need to wait long, for the drawer popped out again (yes, it was me), and this time Felix jumped, and Leonard (the 1st cat) looked reproachfully at him.
After a few tries at scaring it (unsuccessful), they stalked away, only to come creeping back, the excitement had grown. They engaged it in aerial combat, and foot work. The drawer won every time. Then Leonard got ahead of himself, and chased it back in side. It bit his paw. So he tried again, same thing happened. Again, again and again it happened, then I lost interest. So that was that. In vain did they taunt the drawer in the computer tower, never once did it show it's face again. It had disappeared while it was winning.
It was fun while it was still funny. Actually, it was funny all along, I was just afraid Leonard was going to rip the drawer out, rollers and all.
-Sarah
Be kind, rewind.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
The Richmond Scarf
Here is a new pattern I have just designed for knitters:
The Richmond Scarf
This scarf is really just decreases, yarn-overs, knits and purls. It is gorgeous in the Noro the example is made of! The Noro Silk Garden that I used is a bit bulky in places, so it knits up quite fast. I would recommend it for a past-beginner, not-yet-advanced knitter. It is a nice classy pattern, and when used with a bright yarn, would brighten any drab coat up, as you can see! The great thing about Noro is that the colour repeats hardly ever repeats!
Yarn: 1 ball Noro Silk Garden #308 – Lot B
1 ball Noro Silk Garden #273 – Lot A
Needles: Size 6mm or size needed to make gauge.
Gauge: 20sts and 10rows = 4 inches
Also needed: Tapestry needle to thread ends in when binding off.
Scarf pattern:
Cast on 37sts loosely.
Row 1: K1, * YO, K2tog, P1, K1 * to the end
Row 2: P1, * YO, P2tog, K1, P1 * to the end
Repeat these two rows until both balls of yarn have been knit.
Bind off, thread in ends.
You may block the scarf, but it will stretch considerably because of all the YO's.
Wear, and enjoy! Consider making one (or more!) as a Christmas present, because they are so easy to knit up, and so warm and comfy!
-Sarah
Just as smart as you thought.
Saturday 9 April 2011
A Toast to a Granddad
Today was my Granddad's 79th birthday. The quote of the day is "A friend: How does it feel to be 29? Granddad: The same as it did at 29."
One story that sums up his life at now 79, is the garbage dash. On Wednesday (Garbage/Green bin/Recycling day), he noticed that all the other houses on our street had put garbage bags out, except ours. So he decided to wait to see if it was really garbage day, because garbage day comes every other week for us. Some how, he got sidetracked, and when he looked out his window, there was the garbage truck, making it's slow lumbering path away from our house. So he picked up the tiny little grocery bag of garbage he had amassed, and began the 50-yard dash from our front door to the back of the garbage truck. The 50-yard sprint is just that. 50 yards, run by a then 78 year old man, with a bag of garbage in his hand. After the 50-yards had been run, he gave up, and discus threw the bag, which amazingly enough, landed in the back of the garbage truck. With my luck, it would have hit the side, and slid down slowly to the pavement.
Yes, folks, this is my Grandfather, and I should be proud. This guy can run! And he is a great cook! So cheers for Granddad, who's taught me the best jokes, how to balance on my hands, and the facts of life, more specifically, about WWII, and the Avro Arrow. Here's to a life well lived!
-Sarah
One story that sums up his life at now 79, is the garbage dash. On Wednesday (Garbage/Green bin/Recycling day), he noticed that all the other houses on our street had put garbage bags out, except ours. So he decided to wait to see if it was really garbage day, because garbage day comes every other week for us. Some how, he got sidetracked, and when he looked out his window, there was the garbage truck, making it's slow lumbering path away from our house. So he picked up the tiny little grocery bag of garbage he had amassed, and began the 50-yard dash from our front door to the back of the garbage truck. The 50-yard sprint is just that. 50 yards, run by a then 78 year old man, with a bag of garbage in his hand. After the 50-yards had been run, he gave up, and discus threw the bag, which amazingly enough, landed in the back of the garbage truck. With my luck, it would have hit the side, and slid down slowly to the pavement.
Yes, folks, this is my Grandfather, and I should be proud. This guy can run! And he is a great cook! So cheers for Granddad, who's taught me the best jokes, how to balance on my hands, and the facts of life, more specifically, about WWII, and the Avro Arrow. Here's to a life well lived!
-Sarah
Friday 1 April 2011
The Deadliest Substance We Know
Hi everyone,
Today, I am here to tell you about the deadliest substance that is known to us. It is known as Dihydrogen Monoxide (DIMO), Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. I was recently introduced to it, as a result and byproduct of my new job, and I was rightly terrified. This substance is everywhere!! I can't believe how long I walked around blind, not knowing that such a deadly substance was so within my reach!
Dihydrogen Monoxide is even found even on the food we eat! Even when you wash a piece of, say fruit for example, to decontaminate it of DIMO, traces of Dihydrogen Monoxide can still be found in strong concentrations on that piece!
This substance has also been given to vicious dogs before an attack, and has been found in criminal's body systems after even shooting attacks! I don't know which is more dangerous! Arsenic or DIMO!
Some other uses include: Used in the U.S. Navy in the propulsion system of their fleet, in fire-suppressants and retardants, and most shockingly, in swimming pools! Even daycare systems use it supposedly for sanitary uses. I think this is disgraceful! Subjecting the next generation to this harmful substance which can, among other causes: cause major tissue damage, if exposure is prolonged, cause severe burns, cause death even at small exposures, and any number of unpleasant side-effects, which our children, and even us, should not have to endure.
It has also been found in streams, rivers, oceans and lakes. It is a major contaminant in everything.
I think we should consider harder the effects this substance can cause, and raise some public awareness.
Here are a few sites that I have included, so you can read up, and tell me what your mindset of this disgusting problem is:
Ban Hydrogen Monoxide
Dihydrogen Monoxide Warning
DIMO
Leave some comments, and maybe we can fight this together!!
-Sarah
Saving the world, one problem at a time
Today, I am here to tell you about the deadliest substance that is known to us. It is known as Dihydrogen Monoxide (DIMO), Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. I was recently introduced to it, as a result and byproduct of my new job, and I was rightly terrified. This substance is everywhere!! I can't believe how long I walked around blind, not knowing that such a deadly substance was so within my reach!
Dihydrogen Monoxide is even found even on the food we eat! Even when you wash a piece of, say fruit for example, to decontaminate it of DIMO, traces of Dihydrogen Monoxide can still be found in strong concentrations on that piece!
This substance has also been given to vicious dogs before an attack, and has been found in criminal's body systems after even shooting attacks! I don't know which is more dangerous! Arsenic or DIMO!
Some other uses include: Used in the U.S. Navy in the propulsion system of their fleet, in fire-suppressants and retardants, and most shockingly, in swimming pools! Even daycare systems use it supposedly for sanitary uses. I think this is disgraceful! Subjecting the next generation to this harmful substance which can, among other causes: cause major tissue damage, if exposure is prolonged, cause severe burns, cause death even at small exposures, and any number of unpleasant side-effects, which our children, and even us, should not have to endure.
It has also been found in streams, rivers, oceans and lakes. It is a major contaminant in everything.
I think we should consider harder the effects this substance can cause, and raise some public awareness.
Here are a few sites that I have included, so you can read up, and tell me what your mindset of this disgusting problem is:
Ban Hydrogen Monoxide
Dihydrogen Monoxide Warning
DIMO
Leave some comments, and maybe we can fight this together!!
-Sarah
Saving the world, one problem at a time
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Got Life?
Hi all who read my blog,
Urg, it's been a week since my last post. I am so sorry!
Since then, life was pretty uneventful up until Friday night. That's when things got a bit hairy.
Saturday morning we had family pictures taken for our Grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. 50th! Wow! My Opa (Dutch equivalent of a grandpa) says that they were 50 mostly nice years. Oma gave him the dirtiest look. So we had pictures taken, of all 27 of us, it doesn't seem like a large number,but it is when you get 12 adults and 15 kids together!
After that, we went out for Chinese food. May I say that it will be a long time before I have Chinese food again. It went great up until the chicken legs. Not nuggets, I said legs. Do you know how many tiny little bones are in a chicken's leg? Now, I'm not saying that chicken legs turned me off, because I have eaten squid legs at the same restaurant, but I had eaten so many different things that by this point, I was ready to leave, politely speaking.
Have you ever eaten squid legs? They stick on the way down.
Underneath the plates, they had "Year of the ----" place-mats. Apparently, depending on what calendar you are looking at, I was born in either the year of the dog or the rooster. Here is one website, that says I am a dog. Now here is another website that says I am a rooster. Decisions, decisions, decisions! Which one to choose? Or, seeing as I am a Christian already, I could copy and paste the bits that I like, and discard the ones I don't like. I quote: "As most roosters are born pretty or handsome, they might have several loves in their lives, treating each lover seriously. If they can overcome their arrogance, they will make more progress." That I do not like. Again, I quote: "One born in the Year of Dog has a straightforward character. In their career and love, they are faithful, courageous, dexterous, smart and warm-hearted. Most women under this sign are appealing but lack stability. Correct this defect and good fortune will come to them." Let me know if I need to correct this defect.
There! A post! Finally! I felt so guilty every time I walked past the computer, knowing there was a half finished post waiting for me.
-Sarah
Peace, live long and prosper.
Urg, it's been a week since my last post. I am so sorry!
Since then, life was pretty uneventful up until Friday night. That's when things got a bit hairy.
Saturday morning we had family pictures taken for our Grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. 50th! Wow! My Opa (Dutch equivalent of a grandpa) says that they were 50 mostly nice years. Oma gave him the dirtiest look. So we had pictures taken, of all 27 of us, it doesn't seem like a large number,but it is when you get 12 adults and 15 kids together!
After that, we went out for Chinese food. May I say that it will be a long time before I have Chinese food again. It went great up until the chicken legs. Not nuggets, I said legs. Do you know how many tiny little bones are in a chicken's leg? Now, I'm not saying that chicken legs turned me off, because I have eaten squid legs at the same restaurant, but I had eaten so many different things that by this point, I was ready to leave, politely speaking.
Have you ever eaten squid legs? They stick on the way down.
Underneath the plates, they had "Year of the ----" place-mats. Apparently, depending on what calendar you are looking at, I was born in either the year of the dog or the rooster. Here is one website, that says I am a dog. Now here is another website that says I am a rooster. Decisions, decisions, decisions! Which one to choose? Or, seeing as I am a Christian already, I could copy and paste the bits that I like, and discard the ones I don't like. I quote: "As most roosters are born pretty or handsome, they might have several loves in their lives, treating each lover seriously. If they can overcome their arrogance, they will make more progress." That I do not like. Again, I quote: "One born in the Year of Dog has a straightforward character. In their career and love, they are faithful, courageous, dexterous, smart and warm-hearted. Most women under this sign are appealing but lack stability. Correct this defect and good fortune will come to them." Let me know if I need to correct this defect.
There! A post! Finally! I felt so guilty every time I walked past the computer, knowing there was a half finished post waiting for me.
-Sarah
Peace, live long and prosper.
Saturday 19 March 2011
Kingstonians
So here I am, in Kingston, knitting, drinking wine and tidbit snacks. Some would think, "What purgatory!" Others would think, "What heaven!" I am in the latter.
I am working on a triangular scarf, in Noro, the Mercedes-Benz of yarn. I have already finished half of it, and will probably have finished it before the end of the weekend.
I came across the Boyfriend Sweater Curse while knitting/reading today. Ultimately, it argues that if you knit a boyfriend a sweater, he will inevitably dump you. The evidence is numerous. 15% of knitters say that the curse is alive and kicking, 41% say that it is a distinct possibility and should be heeded with all caution. One writer even goes so far as to outline a timeline on which to base your projects for the prospective husband, so he doesn't dump you.
Month 1: Inquire after his favourite colour
Month 6: Knit 1 mitten
Month 9: Claim you can't find the pattern
Month 18: Knit 2nd mitten
Year 2: Knit scarf
Year 3: Knit hat to match scarf
Year 4: Knit socks (there are 2, after all)
Year 5: No engagement? Pull out some pretty yarn and knit yourself up something special, It's time to look for a new man.
Personally, I want to have the 2nd ring on my finger before I even buy the yarn for the significant other's sweater. Buyer beware! You're getting 1 mitten first!
Have a story that contradicts this theory? Let's hear it. Comment on it.
Some random facts about Canada:
~According to the 2001 census, 42.6% of Canadians are Roman Catholic, 23.3% are Protestant, and 16% claim to have no religion.
~Alert, in Nunavut territory, is the northernmost permanent settlement in the world.
~Ice hockey is Canada's official national game.a The modern game of ice hockey was developed in Canada, based on games that have been played since the tenth century. (Sarah here: However, lacrosse was the national sport up until 1994, since then, both lacrosse and ice hockey have shared the honour of national sport.)
~Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world at 151,600 miles
~North America's earliest undisputed evidence of human activity, 20,000-year-old stone tools and animal bones have been found in caves on the Bluefish River in northern Yukon. (Me again, I Googled this, and this is what I came up with: The Blue Fish Caves on the Bluefish River in the northern Yukon contain the earliest evidence of human habitation in North America. Today, some experts believe humans have lived in this region for more than 14,000 years. Carbon dating is very much unreliable. For instance, scientists carbon dated bones that they knew were no more than 200 years old, but carbon dating showed them to be 10,000 years. What's up with that?)
The list of Canadian artists are never ending. I won't even begin to get into them, but may I point out that nobody has come from Richmond Hill? OK, except for Elvis Stojko and Marina Nehmat. However, Marina Nehmat lives in Oak Ridges, which, depending on what side you're on, is not Richmond Hill.
Check out my friend's blog, Reading Though Austin.
-Sarah
"Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands, and would the rest of you just rattle your jewelery?"
I am working on a triangular scarf, in Noro, the Mercedes-Benz of yarn. I have already finished half of it, and will probably have finished it before the end of the weekend.
I came across the Boyfriend Sweater Curse while knitting/reading today. Ultimately, it argues that if you knit a boyfriend a sweater, he will inevitably dump you. The evidence is numerous. 15% of knitters say that the curse is alive and kicking, 41% say that it is a distinct possibility and should be heeded with all caution. One writer even goes so far as to outline a timeline on which to base your projects for the prospective husband, so he doesn't dump you.
Month 1: Inquire after his favourite colour
Month 6: Knit 1 mitten
Month 9: Claim you can't find the pattern
Month 18: Knit 2nd mitten
Year 2: Knit scarf
Year 3: Knit hat to match scarf
Year 4: Knit socks (there are 2, after all)
Year 5: No engagement? Pull out some pretty yarn and knit yourself up something special, It's time to look for a new man.
Personally, I want to have the 2nd ring on my finger before I even buy the yarn for the significant other's sweater. Buyer beware! You're getting 1 mitten first!
Have a story that contradicts this theory? Let's hear it. Comment on it.
Some random facts about Canada:
~According to the 2001 census, 42.6% of Canadians are Roman Catholic, 23.3% are Protestant, and 16% claim to have no religion.
~Alert, in Nunavut territory, is the northernmost permanent settlement in the world.
~Ice hockey is Canada's official national game.a The modern game of ice hockey was developed in Canada, based on games that have been played since the tenth century. (Sarah here: However, lacrosse was the national sport up until 1994, since then, both lacrosse and ice hockey have shared the honour of national sport.)
~Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world at 151,600 miles
~North America's earliest undisputed evidence of human activity, 20,000-year-old stone tools and animal bones have been found in caves on the Bluefish River in northern Yukon. (Me again, I Googled this, and this is what I came up with: The Blue Fish Caves on the Bluefish River in the northern Yukon contain the earliest evidence of human habitation in North America. Today, some experts believe humans have lived in this region for more than 14,000 years. Carbon dating is very much unreliable. For instance, scientists carbon dated bones that they knew were no more than 200 years old, but carbon dating showed them to be 10,000 years. What's up with that?)
The list of Canadian artists are never ending. I won't even begin to get into them, but may I point out that nobody has come from Richmond Hill? OK, except for Elvis Stojko and Marina Nehmat. However, Marina Nehmat lives in Oak Ridges, which, depending on what side you're on, is not Richmond Hill.
Check out my friend's blog, Reading Though Austin.
-Sarah
"Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands, and would the rest of you just rattle your jewelery?"
Friday 18 March 2011
Random Thoughts
I am in Kingston right now, visiting cousins. Already we have decoded a secret spy letter we wrote in "code" to each other, had a snack and ooggled over each other's knitting projects. The letter was written 3 years ago, so we really sound like morons, but it's OK, because we were young and impressionable. : )
Now for some thoughts:
Why is "Times Square" named "Times Square"? Isn't that a bit redundant?
Where do chicken nuggets come from on the chicken?
Randomly we looked up "Adult Baby Clothes", and this is what we came up with. Pretty sick, eh? And not in the cool way. Note 1st paragraph, 2nd sentence, and the last paragraph. Now, I really can't tell if they are serious or sarcastic. What is the purpose of Adult Baby Clothing? Are you an Adult Baby?
So, I am starting a poll: If, hypothetically speaking, I should get my hair streaked, what colour should I streak it? Poll it out.
Here is a video that I love. Brian Adams. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYi2lqG2u9I . Amazing, isn't! Pretty much sums up the teenage existence, doesn't it?
Talking about teenagers, we passed one, looking pretty fed up as hell, as my dad described it, looking pretty stressed. With what may you ask? Well, he must be pretty stressed with keeping his iPod, Blackberry, and laptop all in his hands at the same time, answering them all, keeping his life public, staying enemies with his parents, making sure he's dressing inappropriately at all times, and looking pretty torqued at all times. Must be hard coordinating those muscles at once!
-Sarah
Looking torqued, and feeling good!
Now for some thoughts:
Why is "Times Square" named "Times Square"? Isn't that a bit redundant?
Where do chicken nuggets come from on the chicken?
Randomly we looked up "Adult Baby Clothes", and this is what we came up with. Pretty sick, eh? And not in the cool way. Note 1st paragraph, 2nd sentence, and the last paragraph. Now, I really can't tell if they are serious or sarcastic. What is the purpose of Adult Baby Clothing? Are you an Adult Baby?
So, I am starting a poll: If, hypothetically speaking, I should get my hair streaked, what colour should I streak it? Poll it out.
Here is a video that I love. Brian Adams. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYi2lqG2u9I . Amazing, isn't! Pretty much sums up the teenage existence, doesn't it?
Talking about teenagers, we passed one, looking pretty fed up as hell, as my dad described it, looking pretty stressed. With what may you ask? Well, he must be pretty stressed with keeping his iPod, Blackberry, and laptop all in his hands at the same time, answering them all, keeping his life public, staying enemies with his parents, making sure he's dressing inappropriately at all times, and looking pretty torqued at all times. Must be hard coordinating those muscles at once!
-Sarah
Looking torqued, and feeling good!
Thursday 17 March 2011
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Although my life is not as unfortunate as the Baudelaire kids, it's pretty close.
OK, not that close, actually pretty far away.
This morning, as I was working in a cupboard on the 2nd shelf, a most unfortunate event took place. I turned my back for a minute to do something, and I heard a sound like running water. I swung around, in time to see a box of beads avalanche out of the 1st shelf. You know when water flows out of a statue or a hose it nicely curves down gracefully? That is exactly how it looked. The box hit the floor and the beads all bounced up in one accord, and skittered away over the floor in the same accord. Remember, this was all in slow motion.
You would never believe how far a 7"x11" box of beads skitters away. Or how many seed beads are in a 7" x 11" box. The answer is: Too frick'n many. Oh it was awful! 6 hours later, they were all picked up. Half the morning and half the afternoon, gone.
Then (to make a series of unfortunate events, there has to be more than one event), as I was walking my dog, he decided to play the plow he is after his washroom break, and started to dig with his back feet, spraying wet sand, mud, and water all over my neon yellow vest and clean jeans. Mud everywhere. It was gross.
I guess my life isn't so bad, it just feels like it at the time.
-Sarah
A life that is worth a telling
OK, not that close, actually pretty far away.
This morning, as I was working in a cupboard on the 2nd shelf, a most unfortunate event took place. I turned my back for a minute to do something, and I heard a sound like running water. I swung around, in time to see a box of beads avalanche out of the 1st shelf. You know when water flows out of a statue or a hose it nicely curves down gracefully? That is exactly how it looked. The box hit the floor and the beads all bounced up in one accord, and skittered away over the floor in the same accord. Remember, this was all in slow motion.
You would never believe how far a 7"x11" box of beads skitters away. Or how many seed beads are in a 7" x 11" box. The answer is: Too frick'n many. Oh it was awful! 6 hours later, they were all picked up. Half the morning and half the afternoon, gone.
Then (to make a series of unfortunate events, there has to be more than one event), as I was walking my dog, he decided to play the plow he is after his washroom break, and started to dig with his back feet, spraying wet sand, mud, and water all over my neon yellow vest and clean jeans. Mud everywhere. It was gross.
I guess my life isn't so bad, it just feels like it at the time.
-Sarah
A life that is worth a telling
Wednesday 16 March 2011
And You Thought It Was March Break!!
My sister and I painted our bedroom! It is blue and purple. A bright blue, and a more mellow purple, in-between royal and mauve. With yellow trim. Knock yourself out!! I am so finished with painting.
This being March Break (of a sort), I went shopping. And you may ask what I bought. I bought a Fishman V200 Professional Violin Pickup. It is a piezoelectric violin transducer, a pickup, so it picks up the string vibrations by the piezo, which is slid into the bridge, underneath one of the wings. Pretty cool, eh?
As with most musical equipment, there are strings attached. For effects, I have come into possession of a Crybaby Wah pedal - Model GCB-95, by Dunlop Manufacturers. I can't wait to get started!! Church is going to get plugged in!
As they say, "I am so stoked!" Or is that so 2000?
-Sarah
Turn up the music
This being March Break (of a sort), I went shopping. And you may ask what I bought. I bought a Fishman V200 Professional Violin Pickup. It is a piezoelectric violin transducer, a pickup, so it picks up the string vibrations by the piezo, which is slid into the bridge, underneath one of the wings. Pretty cool, eh?
As with most musical equipment, there are strings attached. For effects, I have come into possession of a Crybaby Wah pedal - Model GCB-95, by Dunlop Manufacturers. I can't wait to get started!! Church is going to get plugged in!
As they say, "I am so stoked!" Or is that so 2000?
-Sarah
Turn up the music
Saturday 12 March 2011
I'm Proud
Here are some great photos my family has taken over the months:
January 2011, on the way back from camp. I took this one myself. It took several tries before I could get a good one.
Again, this is one that I took myself. A window had been Jack-Frosted and it looked amazing!
Here is another snow picture, that I took. We were driving in the country, and there was a big barn, and antique vehicles underneath, that you could see from the road, but what struck me was the patterns in the snow.
I was at a Manafest concert, and I got this photo of Manafest. Pretty neat, huh? Florescent lights and everything!
This is another photo from the same concert, I am un-biased between the two. However, both have their qualities, this one is not foggy, and you can see a lot, but there is a head in front of the guitar. The other photo is great, because there is nobody in it, except Manafest, and you can see lights going off all over the place, but there's something weird about it.
I have no idea who took this, but it's amazing!
My sister took this one. Here, a group of us towing our friend's steamboat, the "Constance". Apparently, it was sinking the entire time. Reassuring, isn't that?
Someone, I don't know who, took this photo. This is our cottage in fall.
This again is our cottage in fall. Looks beautiful, and smells beautiful too. I didn't take this photo.
Let me know which one(s) you like,
-Sarah
Ansel Adams, anyone?
January 2011, on the way back from camp. I took this one myself. It took several tries before I could get a good one.
Let me know which one(s) you like,
-Sarah
Ansel Adams, anyone?
Friday 11 March 2011
A Stressful Job
I got a call from the Bayview Hill Pool on Tuesday, and I have been accepted on staff there! Although I am only working Fridays from 4 - 7:30pm and the location wasn't what I had anticipated, or wanted, I have a job! All the interviewing is done! I still have a bit more training to go through, as in 4 more days of it, spread out over March and early April, but I'm in! I never thought it would be so stressful while applying for a job! I'm sure that McDonald's would have been easier, but flipping burgers has not the romance I was looking for.
When I say "romance", I mean adventure, not love. This is interesting, because I think more in the "adventure/thrill" side of the word, than "love". Interesting, isn't it? I guess that's all my swashbuckling and English literature reading coming out!
Anyways, life-guarding is stressful. I got my first taste of it at camp (Mini-Yo-We) where I work, and have been a camper for 9 years before, and let's just say I have a profound appreciation for the lifeguards that watched over me. I was the "bad" camper, always pushing the limits, to see how much I could get away with. Not anymore, for those of you wondering!
It is a stressful job, because you could be watching a bunch of swimmers, and first you count 13, then, after a lapse of time, you count 12, that is stressful. Now, try this on for size: You are taking a washroom break at the pool during lifeguarding, and you see a lady/man passed out in the shower. You have no idea what they passed out from, only that they are on the floor, and you have no idea who they are, if they are with anyone, an if they have a previous illness or medication. Now you have to administer treatment to him, while waiting for EMS, and filling out a victim/injury form. All in a days work. I am glad I work at a pool though, the lifeguards at Canada's Wonderland fish at least 30 people out per day. A friend of mine at camp was hired there, and she declined, because of the stress. I would only last a day.
Anyway, ask me how I am in 2 months,
-Sarah
Saving peoples lives, all day, everyday.
When I say "romance", I mean adventure, not love. This is interesting, because I think more in the "adventure/thrill" side of the word, than "love". Interesting, isn't it? I guess that's all my swashbuckling and English literature reading coming out!
Anyways, life-guarding is stressful. I got my first taste of it at camp (Mini-Yo-We) where I work, and have been a camper for 9 years before, and let's just say I have a profound appreciation for the lifeguards that watched over me. I was the "bad" camper, always pushing the limits, to see how much I could get away with. Not anymore, for those of you wondering!
It is a stressful job, because you could be watching a bunch of swimmers, and first you count 13, then, after a lapse of time, you count 12, that is stressful. Now, try this on for size: You are taking a washroom break at the pool during lifeguarding, and you see a lady/man passed out in the shower. You have no idea what they passed out from, only that they are on the floor, and you have no idea who they are, if they are with anyone, an if they have a previous illness or medication. Now you have to administer treatment to him, while waiting for EMS, and filling out a victim/injury form. All in a days work. I am glad I work at a pool though, the lifeguards at Canada's Wonderland fish at least 30 people out per day. A friend of mine at camp was hired there, and she declined, because of the stress. I would only last a day.
Anyway, ask me how I am in 2 months,
-Sarah
Saving peoples lives, all day, everyday.
Thursday 10 March 2011
Monty Python and Boredom
Here is a couple of video clips to brighten your day! Or evening! Depends on when you read this. Love the little bit at the beginning, don't you?
And for those of you not yet amused, here is yet another one. If you are easily ruffled, please leave the blog now.
How was that for laughter therapy? Apparently, a good laugh (approx. 2min long) adds a year to your life. That's something to think about! I nearly died laughing today, in an episode that I will not recount for your benefit, but it had something to do with skinny pajama pants and a Corelle dish disaster. Sounds exciting, don't it?
Hope you guys like this, add a comment so I know you were here!
-Sarah
"Help! I'm being repressed!"
And for those of you not yet amused, here is yet another one. If you are easily ruffled, please leave the blog now.
How was that for laughter therapy? Apparently, a good laugh (approx. 2min long) adds a year to your life. That's something to think about! I nearly died laughing today, in an episode that I will not recount for your benefit, but it had something to do with skinny pajama pants and a Corelle dish disaster. Sounds exciting, don't it?
Hope you guys like this, add a comment so I know you were here!
-Sarah
"Help! I'm being repressed!"
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Pirates and People to Look Up To
A bit of a history lesson. My family is Dutch/Canadian, but as it turns out, there's a bit of French Hugenot in there. And guess what! Pirates are actually connected with the French Hugenots!! How exciting is that?!?! By connected, I mean related.
Remember in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, there was the Brethren? And how it consisted of the 7 pirate lords?
As the story goes, there actually was a council of pirates at one time in history. The Brethren of the Coast were a loose coalition of pirates and buccaneers, active in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. They had a base on the island of Tortuga, off the coast of Haiti and in the city of Port Royal on the island of Jamaica. The Brethren were originally French Huguenots and British Protestants, but their ranks were joined by other adventurers of various nationalities including Spaniards and African sailors.
How cool is that! I always wanted to connect myself with pirates, and never mind how loose connection! This is great!
Forever after this, I wish to be called Sarah Sparrow. Please.
-Sarah
Don't you wish you were one too?
Remember in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, there was the Brethren? And how it consisted of the 7 pirate lords?
As the story goes, there actually was a council of pirates at one time in history. The Brethren of the Coast were a loose coalition of pirates and buccaneers, active in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. They had a base on the island of Tortuga, off the coast of Haiti and in the city of Port Royal on the island of Jamaica. The Brethren were originally French Huguenots and British Protestants, but their ranks were joined by other adventurers of various nationalities including Spaniards and African sailors.
How cool is that! I always wanted to connect myself with pirates, and never mind how loose connection! This is great!
Forever after this, I wish to be called Sarah Sparrow. Please.
-Sarah
Don't you wish you were one too?
Monday 7 March 2011
Death
Ever thought of how you'll die? I have. After all those movies, I think I would like to die rather quickly. But then there's this old saying, "No pain, no gain." Jeremy Clarkson once said, "I'd like to arrive at the Pearly Gates at 120mph. Backwards. On fire, with a martini in my hand." That about sums it up. Or the other quote that I can't remember who said, but I like it all the same: "I want to die in my sleep like my grandfather. Not kicking and screaming like everyone else in the car." Yes? Sounds pretty do-able.
Now here's another brainer. Have you ever thought of how someone else died? But, while you are thinking that, have you ever thought about how you could die exactly like them? I'll bet you did.
Here's food for thought: In 2006, more people were killed by rampant lawnmowers than terrorists. Now, be it that only 2 people were killed by lawnmowers and no people were killed by terrorists, it's still a very disturbing fact. I would really like to know what these people were doing, when they were killed by a time-saving machine. Wow! Way to back-stab your master!
However, serious death, was a bit more numerous. In 2006 also, 67,807 Canadians were dead by cancer, heart disease took 49,893 Canadians and suicide 3,512. So real death, or whatever you call it, is busier than the death that killed those 2 unfortunate people.
I personally would like to die in preferably something like a car accident, where you are instantly dead. I was once told that drowning was a relatively painless way to die. Needless to say, this was from someone who had not experienced it themselves. A friend that nearly drowned said it was the most frightening experience he had ever had, and that it is a horrible way to die. Drowning is really just suffocation.
I know, I know, very vulgar to talk about yourself dying so flippantly, but hey! Where's the fun in life if you don't go against some of the rules?
-Sarah
No pain, no gain
Now here's another brainer. Have you ever thought of how someone else died? But, while you are thinking that, have you ever thought about how you could die exactly like them? I'll bet you did.
Here's food for thought: In 2006, more people were killed by rampant lawnmowers than terrorists. Now, be it that only 2 people were killed by lawnmowers and no people were killed by terrorists, it's still a very disturbing fact. I would really like to know what these people were doing, when they were killed by a time-saving machine. Wow! Way to back-stab your master!
However, serious death, was a bit more numerous. In 2006 also, 67,807 Canadians were dead by cancer, heart disease took 49,893 Canadians and suicide 3,512. So real death, or whatever you call it, is busier than the death that killed those 2 unfortunate people.
I personally would like to die in preferably something like a car accident, where you are instantly dead. I was once told that drowning was a relatively painless way to die. Needless to say, this was from someone who had not experienced it themselves. A friend that nearly drowned said it was the most frightening experience he had ever had, and that it is a horrible way to die. Drowning is really just suffocation.
I know, I know, very vulgar to talk about yourself dying so flippantly, but hey! Where's the fun in life if you don't go against some of the rules?
-Sarah
No pain, no gain
Sunday 6 March 2011
Scandelous Topics
What books are you reading? Anything? Nothing? Is it looking like a iPad, but is really a book? I know, you are too busy for books. Me too, but I love reading, so I make time. I'm not against iPads, in fact, I'd love to own one, but I feel you can only get the full experience from a honest-to-goodness, paper-in-the-middle book.
Right now, I am reading "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. It's the classic swashbuckling story, except that it is sad. Nothing goes right for the hero. But you have to read it yourself. I would encourage buying it, not getting it from the library, because it is a good 3inches thick (I'm only 1inch in), but I'm already at my 1st renewal.
The other book I am reading (yes, I know, 2 books at a time) is "The Edible Woman" but Margaret Atwood. I don't know why I like it, but I do. It something about descriptive books that I like, but not too descriptive. If the sentence is something like, "Sally laughed a very high-pitched laugh, almost like a pig squealing, but mostly like a bell, but on the bright side of an air-horn," that is too descriptive, if you know what I mean.
Some other notable books I have read are:
Pride and Prejudice
The Scarlet Letter
Shirley
Jane Eyre
Northanger Abbey
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
Frankenstein
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
City Boy
I really like English literature. It is sometimes a really hard slog, like "Shirley" and "The Scarlet Letter" was, or it can be a really easy read, as "Pride and Prejudice" is. Actually, all of Jane Austen's works are really easy to read, and quite interesting. One of my dear friends, Julia, is blogging about reading Jane Austen right now, on "Reading Through Austen": http://readingthroughausten.blogspot.com/. She comes up with some great points, worth the read.
"The Scarlet Letter" is so scandalous a topic, I'm surprised that it got past the censors (yes, there were censors back then). Without giving away the topic, I''ll just say that it would make your grandmother turn over in her grave, it it happened to you. Any details past that, you'll have to brave it yourself.
"City Boy" is very interesting, as I am from a residential camp background. I know the title isn't what you would expect from a book about camp, but it is a great read. Very smooth, and it goes down very fast.
On a side note, I sound like I'm advertising a nice liquor: "Very smooth, and it goes down very fast", "You'll have to brave it yourself,"and "I make time." See what I mean?
-Sarah
Books, not iPads
Right now, I am reading "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. It's the classic swashbuckling story, except that it is sad. Nothing goes right for the hero. But you have to read it yourself. I would encourage buying it, not getting it from the library, because it is a good 3inches thick (I'm only 1inch in), but I'm already at my 1st renewal.
The other book I am reading (yes, I know, 2 books at a time) is "The Edible Woman" but Margaret Atwood. I don't know why I like it, but I do. It something about descriptive books that I like, but not too descriptive. If the sentence is something like, "Sally laughed a very high-pitched laugh, almost like a pig squealing, but mostly like a bell, but on the bright side of an air-horn," that is too descriptive, if you know what I mean.
Some other notable books I have read are:
Pride and Prejudice
The Scarlet Letter
Shirley
Jane Eyre
Northanger Abbey
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
Frankenstein
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
City Boy
I really like English literature. It is sometimes a really hard slog, like "Shirley" and "The Scarlet Letter" was, or it can be a really easy read, as "Pride and Prejudice" is. Actually, all of Jane Austen's works are really easy to read, and quite interesting. One of my dear friends, Julia, is blogging about reading Jane Austen right now, on "Reading Through Austen": http://readingthroughausten.blogspot.com/. She comes up with some great points, worth the read.
"The Scarlet Letter" is so scandalous a topic, I'm surprised that it got past the censors (yes, there were censors back then). Without giving away the topic, I''ll just say that it would make your grandmother turn over in her grave, it it happened to you. Any details past that, you'll have to brave it yourself.
"City Boy" is very interesting, as I am from a residential camp background. I know the title isn't what you would expect from a book about camp, but it is a great read. Very smooth, and it goes down very fast.
On a side note, I sound like I'm advertising a nice liquor: "Very smooth, and it goes down very fast", "You'll have to brave it yourself,"and "I make time." See what I mean?
-Sarah
Books, not iPads
Saturday 5 March 2011
Skeldale House
As most of you know, I live quite at home here in the Toronto Zoo. Or close to it. My family's menagerie consists of 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 guinea pig, 1 rabbit and 2 fish. And may I add that this is considerably smaller than 2 years ago. My sister had disposable Neon Tetra fish, she would get 5, they would die, she would get 5 more, they would die, she would get another 5, they would die, etc. And it went on like this for a year!! You would wake up in the morning, and walk into the kitchen and step on a fish that jumped out of the tank during the night. It was so gross! It was all hard and crunchy. We ended up getting water snails to dispose of the remains when they died. Those with weak constitutions may leave the blog now.
The rest of my pet life isn't so interesting as the fish.
Here is a picture of my cat Leonard stalking the rabbit.
Leonard is about 6feet high in the picture, and unfazed. Amazing cat, isn't he. Here is a picture of his claws, at the same time. You've heard of dangerous stalkers? Here's one:
You can't really see how far his claws are out, but he is flexing those paws. Makes me quiver just remembering!
Here are some more animals that live here in my house:
That's what Christmas break is for! Sleeping and bubble baths! The bathroom was an absolute mess to clean up. There were bubbles everywhere! You could have covered a dance floor with all the bubbles that were in the tub that day!! On my next birthday............................
-Sarah
Cat Murley
The rest of my pet life isn't so interesting as the fish.
Here is a picture of my cat Leonard stalking the rabbit.
Leonard is about 6feet high in the picture, and unfazed. Amazing cat, isn't he. Here is a picture of his claws, at the same time. You've heard of dangerous stalkers? Here's one:
You can't really see how far his claws are out, but he is flexing those paws. Makes me quiver just remembering!
Here are some more animals that live here in my house:
That's what Christmas break is for! Sleeping and bubble baths! The bathroom was an absolute mess to clean up. There were bubbles everywhere! You could have covered a dance floor with all the bubbles that were in the tub that day!! On my next birthday............................
-Sarah
Cat Murley
Friday 4 March 2011
Knitting
Hey,
Now for a post long overdue, on (drumroll please!)...... knitting! You guys reading might not find this interesting, but stick around girls!
Part of what keeps me crafting is Ravelry. It is a social networking site for knitters and crocheters. How cool is that?!?! And kind of sad, in a way. But still much cooler! You can find patterns for specific yarns, find out what other knitters/crocheters used for a pattern, chat with them, add your projects, etc. It is totally groovy! (I've wanted to use that word for ages!)
One of my major projects right now is a sweater. Yep, you would think it's quite large, but it's not. It's a Aran sweater, so it's white with lots of cables. Here is a picture of it so far. I've only gotten about 10inches up that back panel, so I am not close to finishing it soon.
I am looking forward to showing it off, once it's finished. Notice the intricacy of those cables? And the perfect alignment of those popcorn bumps? They say, "Made with love, by Sarah", or something mushy like that, I haven't quite decided.
Colour-work! Here is a Fair Isle Tam that I made a few years ago, very "Pow!" if you know what I mean. It turned out a little bit big, but I wear it once in a while.
This is a cheaper (not wool) and easier project than the rest. Needless to say, I am a Harry Potter fan. And also needless to say, I am a Gryffindor fan. If I wasn't the classic sentimental, these would be my wedding colours! Buyers beware!
I have many other projects so far, one of them being a self-invented wrist-warmer pattern. They aren't quite finished, but will be soon.
If you are still reading this, good for you. If you aren't, I'll catch you yet. : )
Thanks!
-Sarah
Yarnaholic
Now for a post long overdue, on (drumroll please!)...... knitting! You guys reading might not find this interesting, but stick around girls!
Part of what keeps me crafting is Ravelry. It is a social networking site for knitters and crocheters. How cool is that?!?! And kind of sad, in a way. But still much cooler! You can find patterns for specific yarns, find out what other knitters/crocheters used for a pattern, chat with them, add your projects, etc. It is totally groovy! (I've wanted to use that word for ages!)
One of my major projects right now is a sweater. Yep, you would think it's quite large, but it's not. It's a Aran sweater, so it's white with lots of cables. Here is a picture of it so far. I've only gotten about 10inches up that back panel, so I am not close to finishing it soon.
I am looking forward to showing it off, once it's finished. Notice the intricacy of those cables? And the perfect alignment of those popcorn bumps? They say, "Made with love, by Sarah", or something mushy like that, I haven't quite decided.
Colour-work! Here is a Fair Isle Tam that I made a few years ago, very "Pow!" if you know what I mean. It turned out a little bit big, but I wear it once in a while.
This is a cheaper (not wool) and easier project than the rest. Needless to say, I am a Harry Potter fan. And also needless to say, I am a Gryffindor fan. If I wasn't the classic sentimental, these would be my wedding colours! Buyers beware!
I have many other projects so far, one of them being a self-invented wrist-warmer pattern. They aren't quite finished, but will be soon.
If you are still reading this, good for you. If you aren't, I'll catch you yet. : )
Thanks!
-Sarah
Yarnaholic
Thursday 3 March 2011
Just Life
Hey all(who are, I'm assuming, reading my blog),
Some of you were telling me of having a hard time commenting on this blog. Well, I solved this, and you can now leave a comment, either from your account, or if you don't have an account from one of those numerous sources out there, you may leave a comment simply in your name, or anonymous. Scary, eh? So leave a comment that I know you've been here!
Now, on to more interesting subjects..........
You know you have a boring life when you say that interesting things are coming, and then you can't think of anything.
OK, I thought of something (there will be more tonight, after the Golden Gnome Awards, pictures, news, etc), here is a poem/writing that I wrote, probably about 6 years ago, on scrap paper.
It's kind of small, so I have also written it out for you to read. How thoughtful I am!
The Train of Consciousness Has Left the Station
"I know you think I'm really weird,
I'd like to run, I'm a'fierd,
That if I run, and not be tripped,
My legs and arms they shall be ripped."
"And if in running to and fro,
I, in the process catch a beau,
All my work is not in vain,
My beau and I will catch the train."
"I shot an arrow in the air,
It came down fast and struck a hare.
Around the hare it went,
The shaft, it's axis it almost bent.
The hare, he scolded, "This isn't......."
Pretty neat, eh? Unfortunately, the 3rd (and maybe 4th and 5th as well) page was lost, so there isn't anything else after those 2 pages. But it still is a masterpiece in itself, isn't it? I was a child prodigy.
-Sarah
Mozart
Some of you were telling me of having a hard time commenting on this blog. Well, I solved this, and you can now leave a comment, either from your account, or if you don't have an account from one of those numerous sources out there, you may leave a comment simply in your name, or anonymous. Scary, eh? So leave a comment that I know you've been here!
Now, on to more interesting subjects..........
You know you have a boring life when you say that interesting things are coming, and then you can't think of anything.
OK, I thought of something (there will be more tonight, after the Golden Gnome Awards, pictures, news, etc), here is a poem/writing that I wrote, probably about 6 years ago, on scrap paper.
The Train of Consciousness Has Left the Station
"I know you think I'm really weird,
I'd like to run, I'm a'fierd,
That if I run, and not be tripped,
My legs and arms they shall be ripped."
"And if in running to and fro,
I, in the process catch a beau,
All my work is not in vain,
My beau and I will catch the train."
"I shot an arrow in the air,
It came down fast and struck a hare.
Around the hare it went,
The shaft, it's axis it almost bent.
The hare, he scolded, "This isn't......."
Pretty neat, eh? Unfortunately, the 3rd (and maybe 4th and 5th as well) page was lost, so there isn't anything else after those 2 pages. But it still is a masterpiece in itself, isn't it? I was a child prodigy.
-Sarah
Mozart
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Sequel to the Bigfoot Challenge
Remember I said that my leader for the Bigfoot Challenge landed a face-plant? Here is the YouTube video that one of our friends took during that race.
Like that Tarzan yell at the beginning? I thought so.
-Sarah
It wasn't me
Like that Tarzan yell at the beginning? I thought so.
-Sarah
It wasn't me
Tuesday 1 March 2011
The Golden Gnome Awards
Hi!
So I just up-loaded my first video to YouTube. Yep, I am a late bloomer, but hey! At least I have actually done it!
Here is the video my sister and I made, for the G.G.A. our Youth group is having. Basically, it is the Oscars, but instead of getting an Oscar, you get a golden garden gnome. Yeah, really. Actually, I am really excited for it! (It's a red-carpet event!!!)
Pretty cool, eh? Let me know what you think. I think it's pretty good, but you know, my opinion doesn't always count.
-Sarah
Hollywood producer!
So I just up-loaded my first video to YouTube. Yep, I am a late bloomer, but hey! At least I have actually done it!
Here is the video my sister and I made, for the G.G.A. our Youth group is having. Basically, it is the Oscars, but instead of getting an Oscar, you get a golden garden gnome. Yeah, really. Actually, I am really excited for it! (It's a red-carpet event!!!)
Pretty cool, eh? Let me know what you think. I think it's pretty good, but you know, my opinion doesn't always count.
-Sarah
Hollywood producer!
Violin and the Beatles
I just broke my own pledge to write every day. Yesterday, things just piled up at the end. When I got home from the stable at 7pm, I still had to eat dinner, practice violin (for min. 1 1/2hours), work on theory for violin, edit a video my sister and I are working on (more on that later), and freak out about band practice tonight. Now, mind you, I have no right to freak out about band practice, it's just that I am the only violin on the team, so I really need to make an entrance, and to do that, I need to pre-practice, and for that, I need stuff to practice. As of now, there is no set list. I am freaking out. (no not really, but it makes you guys pity me more!)
The idea of a violin on the worship band at church has set some people off kilter. What I mean is, rock-violin is not that well known, so people are wary of it. To be honest, I don't really know very much about it. We are all learning together. As it turns out, rock/modern-violin can be very interesting. Here is Paul Dateh, a hip-hop artist, playing a mash-up. Oh so cool!
Or consider the Beatles! Everybody thinks, "Beatles! Intense harmonies, intense vocal dynamics, etc." What I'll bet what you never thought about was their backing groups. Right? One of my favourite songs by them is "Eleanor Rigby". My goal is to be able to play the strings section from that song, without sheet music. I place my goals high.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a rock group that works with operas and classical pieces. Beethoven plugged in!
I am working on my own technique, it's a lot harder than it looks. My violin teacher, who plays with Classic Albums Live (http://classicalbumslive.com/calwordpress/), gives me a lot of inspiration, but it's kind of for me to figure out. So far, I play the drone part, or if there is a bassist lacking, I play a deep drone. Interesting, isn't it! I think riffs on the violin would be so cool, but just getting the guitarists to let go might be a problem! I have some supporters though. This could get messy!
-Sarah
"Sarah Rigby"?
The idea of a violin on the worship band at church has set some people off kilter. What I mean is, rock-violin is not that well known, so people are wary of it. To be honest, I don't really know very much about it. We are all learning together. As it turns out, rock/modern-violin can be very interesting. Here is Paul Dateh, a hip-hop artist, playing a mash-up. Oh so cool!
Or consider the Beatles! Everybody thinks, "Beatles! Intense harmonies, intense vocal dynamics, etc." What I'll bet what you never thought about was their backing groups. Right? One of my favourite songs by them is "Eleanor Rigby". My goal is to be able to play the strings section from that song, without sheet music. I place my goals high.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a rock group that works with operas and classical pieces. Beethoven plugged in!
-Sarah
"Sarah Rigby"?
Saturday 26 February 2011
Cannington Dogsled Races and Winter Carnival
Today, we visited Cannington. Yup. Cannington. Don't know where that is? I didn't either, before today. It's about 87.6 km out of Richmond Hill. We stayed at a friend's house in Beaverton, and then went with them to the dogsled races today. Except that the dogsled racing part was canceled due to lack of snow. As Chris (not my brother) said, "This has the potential of being the most boring Winter Carnival ever." Yup. Disappointment! We wandered around, looking at Metis crafts, dog collars and igloos. 3 of our group went on a dogsled ride, for $2 each. They really know how to hit people up for money!
When transporting the dogs, they use an add-on for a pick-up truck. They look like the trucks the dog-catchers use. 6 cells that open on the side, and another 6 on the other side.
But guess what! They fit 2 dogs in each cell! The idea is that they don't move around during transport.
A few games that were happening at various places around the event were: Toilet Seat Toss, the Bigfoot Challenge, and the Tater Toss. Yeah. We tried them all! Toilet Seat Toss was good, clean fun! : ) It was really just horse-shoes with a toilet seat.
Bigfoot Challenge had two ski-like boards attached to your feet, and with a team of 2 other people try and navigate an obstacle-free field. Simple, right? My team's leader ended up in a face-plant in the snow.
Tater Toss was a large slingshot that you load with a potato, then let fire at a target. Pretty fun!
If you think this is stupid (which it kind of is, to a certain extent), how stupid do you think I am? You have no right to laugh at me!
Ice sculptures!
Just a few thoughts from the day:
Broomball: Hockey for wimps
Lime Perrier: It's like drinking liquid hand sanitizer
Clodhoppers: Amazing! (I did that for you, Michelle!)
Most kitchen smoke hoods (I have a few specific ones in mind!): Your home's built in "cone of silence"
How do you get turtle shells, without the turtle?: They strip. I think. Or so I've been told!
L'chiam,
-Sarah Elizabeth
Actually unaffordable, but still true
When transporting the dogs, they use an add-on for a pick-up truck. They look like the trucks the dog-catchers use. 6 cells that open on the side, and another 6 on the other side.
A few games that were happening at various places around the event were: Toilet Seat Toss, the Bigfoot Challenge, and the Tater Toss. Yeah. We tried them all! Toilet Seat Toss was good, clean fun! : ) It was really just horse-shoes with a toilet seat.
Bigfoot Challenge had two ski-like boards attached to your feet, and with a team of 2 other people try and navigate an obstacle-free field. Simple, right? My team's leader ended up in a face-plant in the snow.
Tater Toss was a large slingshot that you load with a potato, then let fire at a target. Pretty fun!
If you think this is stupid (which it kind of is, to a certain extent), how stupid do you think I am? You have no right to laugh at me!
Ice sculptures!
Just a few thoughts from the day:
Broomball: Hockey for wimps
Lime Perrier: It's like drinking liquid hand sanitizer
Clodhoppers: Amazing! (I did that for you, Michelle!)
Most kitchen smoke hoods (I have a few specific ones in mind!): Your home's built in "cone of silence"
How do you get turtle shells, without the turtle?: They strip. I think. Or so I've been told!
L'chiam,
-Sarah Elizabeth
Actually unaffordable, but still true
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