Thought for the Day: Wonderful things start to happen when you dream outside of your sleep. —Richard Wilkins
Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards, but only applicable to the "Ace of Spades." To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people were thought to be stupid or dumb because they weren't "playing with a full deck."
I wonder where they got the terms dumber than a bag of hammers, one sandwich short of a picnic, not rowing with both oars in the water. I know there are more, but they escape me at the moment. I guess the list is endless.
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At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people drank from pint- and quart-sized containers. A bar maid's job was to keep an eye on the customers and keep the drinks coming. She had to pay close attention and remember who was drinking in "pints" and who was drinking in "quarts," hence the term "minding your "Ps and Qs."
Ahhhh ... just tell people to mind their own damn business.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
History Lessons for Today
Thought for the Day: God understands our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them. ~ Anonymous
In days of old, personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind your own bee's wax." Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile." In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt . . . therefore, the expression "losing face."
********************
Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the front. A proper and dignified woman as in "straight laced". . . wore a tightly tied lace.
In days of old, personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind your own bee's wax." Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile." In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt . . . therefore, the expression "losing face."
********************
Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the front. A proper and dignified woman as in "straight laced". . . wore a tightly tied lace.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Another History Lesson
Thought for the Day: "Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced." — James Baldwin
In the late 1700s, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly, a long, wide board folded down from the wall was used for dining. The "head of the household" always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal. To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge. They called the one sitting in the chair the "chair man." Today in business, we use the expression or title "Chairman" or "Chairman of the Board."
Bet you didn't know that, did ya??
In the late 1700s, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly, a long, wide board folded down from the wall was used for dining. The "head of the household" always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal. To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge. They called the one sitting in the chair the "chair man." Today in business, we use the expression or title "Chairman" or "Chairman of the Board."
Bet you didn't know that, did ya??
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Kids and Drugs—How Times Have Changed!!
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question:
"Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"
I replied, "I had a drug problem when I was young ... I was drug to church on Sunday morning.
I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in Mom's garden and flowerbeds. I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbours to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed. Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behaviour in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and if today's children had this kind of drug problem, the world would be a better place.
~author unknown~
God bless the parents who drugged us.
"Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?"
I replied, "I had a drug problem when I was young ... I was drug to church on Sunday morning.
I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in Mom's garden and flowerbeds. I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbours to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed. Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behaviour in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and if today's children had this kind of drug problem, the world would be a better place.
~author unknown~
God bless the parents who drugged us.
Friday, March 16, 2007
More History Lessons
Thought for the day: The woman came out of a man's rib. Not from his feet to be walked on. Not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal. Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved.
Yesterday, Keyboard asked me about the origin of another saying similar to "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." It took some Googling, but this is what I found:
A local variant is "cold enough to freeze the nuts off a bridge," a supposedly true story from the early days of iron (not steel) bridges when the nuts of bridge bolts were alleged to have cracked in extreme cold.
Now... for another you may not know
Many years ago, personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind your own bee's wax." Should the woman smiles, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile." In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt . . . therefore, the expression "losing face."
Yesterday, Keyboard asked me about the origin of another saying similar to "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." It took some Googling, but this is what I found:
A local variant is "cold enough to freeze the nuts off a bridge," a supposedly true story from the early days of iron (not steel) bridges when the nuts of bridge bolts were alleged to have cracked in extreme cold.
Now... for another you may not know
Many years ago, personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind your own bee's wax." Should the woman smiles, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile." In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt . . . therefore, the expression "losing face."
Thursday, March 15, 2007
History Lesson
Thought for the Day: Most worry is about things that can't be changed (the past), things that can't be controlled (the present), or things that might not happen (the future).
In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from rolling about the deck? The best storage method devised was a square-based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem ... how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a "Monkey" with 16 round indentations.
However, if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make "Brass Monkeys." Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey. Thus, it was quite literally, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey."
All this time, you thought that was an improper expression, didn't you??
In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from rolling about the deck? The best storage method devised was a square-based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem ... how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a "Monkey" with 16 round indentations.
However, if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make "Brass Monkeys." Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey. Thus, it was quite literally, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey."
All this time, you thought that was an improper expression, didn't you??
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Scary Time
Thought for Today: Ideals are like stars—you will not succeed in touching them with your hands; but like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them, you reach your destiny. ~ Carl Schurz
Last night I had a scary time. I have a condition known as IBS. It is not necessarily life threatening, but by times you might wish you would die. I have developed this condition due to surgery in 1992 and long-term stress, stemming from my past life. It can be controlled to a degree by diet and by watching my stress levels. Unfortunately, some days you just can't win, no matter what you do. It is a difficult condition to live with, and also has resulted in some major food sensitivities and diet restrictions. To say the least, it sucks hard.
However, last night I was awakened on more than one occasion with excruciating abdominal pain, like I have not experienced before. It is times like that when I find it scary that I sleep alone. I wasn't sure I could even get out of my bed, and trying to call to either of my children would have been futile. They would not have heard me. I managed to be able to take care of myself, but wasn't sure for a time. I thought I might end up going to the hospital, but I got it under control and was able to go back to bed.
After all that pain and lack of sleep, I feel like hell today. I am wiped out and feel like I have been repeatedly punched in the stomach. Lord, I hope there isn't a repeat performance tonight. I couldn't take that again. No more chili for me...the suspected culprit...no matter how good it tastes. Good thing I am working from home this week or I wouldn't be working at all today.
Last night I had a scary time. I have a condition known as IBS. It is not necessarily life threatening, but by times you might wish you would die. I have developed this condition due to surgery in 1992 and long-term stress, stemming from my past life. It can be controlled to a degree by diet and by watching my stress levels. Unfortunately, some days you just can't win, no matter what you do. It is a difficult condition to live with, and also has resulted in some major food sensitivities and diet restrictions. To say the least, it sucks hard.
However, last night I was awakened on more than one occasion with excruciating abdominal pain, like I have not experienced before. It is times like that when I find it scary that I sleep alone. I wasn't sure I could even get out of my bed, and trying to call to either of my children would have been futile. They would not have heard me. I managed to be able to take care of myself, but wasn't sure for a time. I thought I might end up going to the hospital, but I got it under control and was able to go back to bed.
After all that pain and lack of sleep, I feel like hell today. I am wiped out and feel like I have been repeatedly punched in the stomach. Lord, I hope there isn't a repeat performance tonight. I couldn't take that again. No more chili for me...the suspected culprit...no matter how good it tastes. Good thing I am working from home this week or I wouldn't be working at all today.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Thank You, Halifax!
Thought for the day: Tears are God's way of melting a heart frozen in grief.
Well, today the news is filled with controversy over a decision made by Nova Scotia and the municipal government. After winning the bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, today Halifax reneged on their bid. Several county councillors left the room in disgust as the announcement was made, athletes are threatening to pull out of Nova Scotia, and the critics are offering kudos.
I'm not much of a sports fan. I like a few of them, but I'm not a fan. Never have been. But that has no bearing on how I feel about this decision. I think it will take a while for people to get over the shock, and we will, no doubt, get a bad reputation for this. However, I also offer my kudos for this decision. For the first time that I can recall in my life, I have just witnessed the government making a decision that is financially reponsible to its citizens. If these games would cost us more money than the revenue they could possibly pull in, then there is no question in my mind as to whether or not the decision was the right one to make. It definitely was. All I can say is, "Thank you Mayor Kelly for making a responsible decision about spending the taxpayers money." God only knows we pay far too much in taxes now. I'm glad to know that our money is not being thrown away. Kudos to Halifax!!!
Well, today the news is filled with controversy over a decision made by Nova Scotia and the municipal government. After winning the bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, today Halifax reneged on their bid. Several county councillors left the room in disgust as the announcement was made, athletes are threatening to pull out of Nova Scotia, and the critics are offering kudos.
I'm not much of a sports fan. I like a few of them, but I'm not a fan. Never have been. But that has no bearing on how I feel about this decision. I think it will take a while for people to get over the shock, and we will, no doubt, get a bad reputation for this. However, I also offer my kudos for this decision. For the first time that I can recall in my life, I have just witnessed the government making a decision that is financially reponsible to its citizens. If these games would cost us more money than the revenue they could possibly pull in, then there is no question in my mind as to whether or not the decision was the right one to make. It definitely was. All I can say is, "Thank you Mayor Kelly for making a responsible decision about spending the taxpayers money." God only knows we pay far too much in taxes now. I'm glad to know that our money is not being thrown away. Kudos to Halifax!!!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
I Miss Him Still
Today is the 4th anniversary of my father's death. It has been a day filled with memories and missing him and, yes, a few tears. I miss his smile, his corny jokes, his jovial nature and deep belly laugh, and I miss his bear hugs. Today was a day when I could have used all of those things.
I miss you Dad. I hope you are watching over me. I sure could use someone to do that for me. Some days I feel so alone and empty. I'll love you always Dad.
I miss you Dad. I hope you are watching over me. I sure could use someone to do that for me. Some days I feel so alone and empty. I'll love you always Dad.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Back to Work
Thought for the Day: Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. [I see this thought as being the way it is and should be when you share your life with someone you love. I really want to share my life and experience these things...something I have never really had and have always wanted...I think I'm worth that...]
Today I went back to work after being off 6 working days. I always hate the first day back. It is so busy trying to sort things out and organize what is on my desk and trying to figure out where to start. It usually takes 1/2 to 3/4 of a day to get through the e-mails, the snail mail, and the constant line-up of people coming to my desk to ask questions they couldn't get answers for while I was away. It was 9:40 before the constant line-up stopped and actually 3 p.m. before I could get to the meat of my work where I really wanted and needed to be. It's looking like the next month is going to be filled with deadlines. I've already informed my boss that I may have to take a day or two here and there to work at home in order to appropriately meet deadlines. I have so many interruptions in the run of a day due to the nature of my work that I can't make much headway at all. The type of work I do needs a lot of concentration and a keen eye. It's hard to maintain that (sometimes near impossible) when you have constant interruptions.
To top it all off, construction has begun again. Last Thursday before I left, I was told to empty one of my cubicles into the other so it could be dismantled and/or moved a couple feet towards my other one while they rip down the wall behind me and open up the now unoccupied space and set it up for another of our divisions that is being moved into our building from up in the east part of town. Oh goody!! This means that my partially quiet spot will now be surrounded by other people. So much for the level of quiet I now enjoy. At least I still have a window. After 26 years of dedication, they better not try to take it away again.
It was fun one day recently when I suddenly noticed that my black shoes were becoming white. I looked in the corner and found the gyproc dust of the destruction behind the wall was coming in through the radiator, which was partially opened, and dumped into my cubicle. When I started having difficulty breathing and noticed the mess, they weren't long attending to it and sealing it off and cleaning up the mess. Both my cubicles were completely covered with gyproc dust. I was not impressed. Now with the destruction happening this weekend, if the air quality is not good, I will be working from home. In addition, the painting will be done at night, so the smell needs to be gone. Before they lay the new carpet, they will have to off-gas it first. There are many of us who are sensitive to chemical scents. Not a fun time.
So...here's hoping I can work at home during the messy construction phase.
Today I went back to work after being off 6 working days. I always hate the first day back. It is so busy trying to sort things out and organize what is on my desk and trying to figure out where to start. It usually takes 1/2 to 3/4 of a day to get through the e-mails, the snail mail, and the constant line-up of people coming to my desk to ask questions they couldn't get answers for while I was away. It was 9:40 before the constant line-up stopped and actually 3 p.m. before I could get to the meat of my work where I really wanted and needed to be. It's looking like the next month is going to be filled with deadlines. I've already informed my boss that I may have to take a day or two here and there to work at home in order to appropriately meet deadlines. I have so many interruptions in the run of a day due to the nature of my work that I can't make much headway at all. The type of work I do needs a lot of concentration and a keen eye. It's hard to maintain that (sometimes near impossible) when you have constant interruptions.
To top it all off, construction has begun again. Last Thursday before I left, I was told to empty one of my cubicles into the other so it could be dismantled and/or moved a couple feet towards my other one while they rip down the wall behind me and open up the now unoccupied space and set it up for another of our divisions that is being moved into our building from up in the east part of town. Oh goody!! This means that my partially quiet spot will now be surrounded by other people. So much for the level of quiet I now enjoy. At least I still have a window. After 26 years of dedication, they better not try to take it away again.
It was fun one day recently when I suddenly noticed that my black shoes were becoming white. I looked in the corner and found the gyproc dust of the destruction behind the wall was coming in through the radiator, which was partially opened, and dumped into my cubicle. When I started having difficulty breathing and noticed the mess, they weren't long attending to it and sealing it off and cleaning up the mess. Both my cubicles were completely covered with gyproc dust. I was not impressed. Now with the destruction happening this weekend, if the air quality is not good, I will be working from home. In addition, the painting will be done at night, so the smell needs to be gone. Before they lay the new carpet, they will have to off-gas it first. There are many of us who are sensitive to chemical scents. Not a fun time.
So...here's hoping I can work at home during the messy construction phase.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Eclipses
As I write this, we are in the midst of a lunar eclipse. As I look out my kitchen window, I can see the moon slowly disappear behind the shadow of Earth. The three heavenly bodies are becoming perfectly aligned. If you would like to read about this, there are a several sites on the Internet about it, such as this one.
I knew it was coming. My astrologer has been speaking of it for a couple weeks now. It will be followed by a solar eclipse on March 19. There are always two eclipses a short period of time apart. It is said that some ancient civilizations and the modern astrologers believe that the period between two eclipses opens a portal into a new world. A period of time when the impossible can become possible. So, let's see if something in your world that seemed impossible becomes possible between tonight and March 19. I wish you the best in achieving the impossible in your life. Wish me luck for mine.
I knew it was coming. My astrologer has been speaking of it for a couple weeks now. It will be followed by a solar eclipse on March 19. There are always two eclipses a short period of time apart. It is said that some ancient civilizations and the modern astrologers believe that the period between two eclipses opens a portal into a new world. A period of time when the impossible can become possible. So, let's see if something in your world that seemed impossible becomes possible between tonight and March 19. I wish you the best in achieving the impossible in your life. Wish me luck for mine.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
It Never Stops!!!
I have been on vacation since last Friday, and I have not stopped. As a home owner and single parent there is never a shortage of things to do, only a shortage of money to do them.
I've been busy cleaning up my house and tidying up my life. I'm culling things from the past that no longer have any meaning (other than negative ones) and getting rid of stuff I just don't want anymore. I've cleaned and I'm doing a few little things here and there to make things better around here.
I found a homemade cabinet downstairs that was left by the previous owners. Once I got a carpenter to remove the spikes that held it onto the 2 x 4 framing for a half-bath downstairs, it sat there for 4 months. This week, I painted it and bought some new knobs for it. Tomorrow or Saturday, it will take up residence in my bathroom. This house has 1.5 baths and neither of them have any storage other than under the vanity. It sucks hard. So, this will help a little in the main bath.
I bought a new dishwasher, which will be delivered tomorrow, and had the old one pulled out and disconnected so they can take it with them when the new one comes. You never know how much you miss one of those suckers until you don't have one for awhile. It's dreadful!
I also bought a new set of heavy duty shelving for my utility room. No tools required. Yeah! That room is totally out of control. If only my kids would get their own places, 2/3 of what is there would be gone!! Totally unruly. In fact, my daughter has stuff that belongs to her spread out in nearly every single room of my house. Definitely means she needs a place of her own.
Today I fixed the legs on my table there were too loose and tightened up the
frame on my futon to the best of my ability. Damn...the things I have to learn as a single Mom. Some aren't so hard, but many are things I'd rather not have to have the responsibility for doing. Some things, I've learned, I just don't have the know-how or physical strength to do. Boy...do I need a man to help me out around here!!! Hmmm...I can think of many other positive benefits to that too.
Laundry, meals, dishes, paperwork, tax returns...here I come...again. The work just never stops!!
I've been busy cleaning up my house and tidying up my life. I'm culling things from the past that no longer have any meaning (other than negative ones) and getting rid of stuff I just don't want anymore. I've cleaned and I'm doing a few little things here and there to make things better around here.
I found a homemade cabinet downstairs that was left by the previous owners. Once I got a carpenter to remove the spikes that held it onto the 2 x 4 framing for a half-bath downstairs, it sat there for 4 months. This week, I painted it and bought some new knobs for it. Tomorrow or Saturday, it will take up residence in my bathroom. This house has 1.5 baths and neither of them have any storage other than under the vanity. It sucks hard. So, this will help a little in the main bath.
I bought a new dishwasher, which will be delivered tomorrow, and had the old one pulled out and disconnected so they can take it with them when the new one comes. You never know how much you miss one of those suckers until you don't have one for awhile. It's dreadful!
I also bought a new set of heavy duty shelving for my utility room. No tools required. Yeah! That room is totally out of control. If only my kids would get their own places, 2/3 of what is there would be gone!! Totally unruly. In fact, my daughter has stuff that belongs to her spread out in nearly every single room of my house. Definitely means she needs a place of her own.
Today I fixed the legs on my table there were too loose and tightened up the
frame on my futon to the best of my ability. Damn...the things I have to learn as a single Mom. Some aren't so hard, but many are things I'd rather not have to have the responsibility for doing. Some things, I've learned, I just don't have the know-how or physical strength to do. Boy...do I need a man to help me out around here!!! Hmmm...I can think of many other positive benefits to that too.Laundry, meals, dishes, paperwork, tax returns...here I come...again. The work just never stops!!
Monday, February 19, 2007
New Work Policy
The following new policy was posted at work. It is assumed we will abide by this policy. Personally...I THINK NOT!!!!!
Dress Code
1. It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a pay raise.
1. It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a pay raise.
2. If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a pay raise.
3. If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a pay raise.
Sick Days
We will no longer accept a doctor's certificate as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.
Holiday Days
Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday & Sunday.
Compassionate Leave
This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.
Toilet Use
1. Entirely too much time is being spent in the washroom. There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the cubicles.
2. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the cubicle door will open, and your picture will be taken.
3. After your second offence, your picture will be posted on the company notice board under the "Chronic Offenders" category.
4. Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under the company's mental health policy.
Lunch Break
1. Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more so that they can look healthy.
2. Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure.
3. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim-Fast.
2. Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure.
3. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim-Fast.
Thank you for your loyalty to our company. Remember we are an employer of choice and we are here to provide a positive employment experience.
Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation and input should be directed elsewhere.
Thank you for your attention.
The Management
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Stupid Cupid
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Another Hallmark and Cadbury holiday. A day when the stores get rich, flowers and candies fly out the door of the stores, restaurants and hotels are packed, and love abounds. Well ... it does for some of us.
I've never experienced any such Valentine's Day. Just once in my life I would like to be pampered and loved on that day. Hell ... to be pampered and loved like that on any day would be awesome.
Stupid Cupid!! Point those arrows the right way will you. Your aim stinks!!!!!
I've never experienced any such Valentine's Day. Just once in my life I would like to be pampered and loved on that day. Hell ... to be pampered and loved like that on any day would be awesome.
Stupid Cupid!! Point those arrows the right way will you. Your aim stinks!!!!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Education: Coming Full Circle
Last week I had the opportunity to sit in on a meeting with a consultant who was describing his portfolio to a graphic designer to create a logo to represent a new educational initiative. I didn't really know much about it up to that point. As I sat there listening, I became more and more fascinated by what he was saying. I absolutely love being part of the education system and seeing the vision of what we wish to accomplish with the youth who are our future. This incident was no exception. Let me tell you about this program.
Here in Nova Scotia we are beginning a new initiative called Community-Based Learning (CBL). This program goes hand-in-hand with the new Options and Opportunities (O2) program that is now being offered in some schools. The intent of these programs is to bring the community into the classroom and the classroom into the community in partnership or mentoring programs. In this way, we hope to provide our youth with opportunities to explore different careers to see what they like, what they don't like, and where they feel they fit. We are facing a huge labour shortage as the Baby Boomers and the early Gen-Xers head into retirement. With the pull from the west to bring our tradespeople out there and the pull to the south for the medical profession and other professions, we are in serious danger of losing so many of the businesses that are essential to our existence. So we are taking the bull by the horns.
The first obstacle to overcome is the paradigm thinking of the Boomers and Gen-Xers that unless you go to university, you won't succeed in life. You will never make money, you will never be someone. Hogwash! They could not be more wrong. Not everyone is meant to go to university, and there is no shame in that whatsoever!!! We have heard from several industries that they can't get tradespeople at all to work for them because if the youth do choose the trades, the west is calling them out there. They are offering more money and more opportunities, but their hearts belong at home and they want to be there. Businesses are beginning to see that they need to offer more money to these tradespeople to keep them here. We have spoken to the businesses and have developed our programs as a result. Here is the main objective of these:
We have approached businesses to become mentors to our youth. They take the students into their businesses and teach them about what they do and how so that students can make informed decisions about career possibilities. The students spend a specific number of hours out in the community learning about these career possibilities, both through the trades and university careers. It helps them to know what courses they need to have if they want to work in these careers. By informing them, students are more successful in the classroom because they see the big picture of what they need and why it is important. They also have opportunities to work in co-operative education settings in businesses. The CBL and O2 programs help to educate the students on what it is like in the real world and help them to see what it is they are working towards. There is even a personality profile portion to the program to assist them in making their choices. They will be more likely to know what direction they want to go in at the end of high school so that they don't waste money and years of their life trying to figure it out (like I did, and my daughter). One of the most exciting aspects is that Nova Scotia is working with the businesses to create a Mathematics Skills course that will provide students with the kind of math they need to succeed in these careers. When we can bring real-life experiences into the classroom and take the students into the community we all benefit and school makes so much more sense to them, increasing their success rate.
This seems to me as if we have come full circle in our education program. Even 50 years ago, many, many people learned their trades through mentorship, working part-time while attending school. The old-fashioned way wasn't all that bad after all, was it? These programs really excite me. I see so much potential for students who might once have risked falling through the cracks. It is so exciting!!
Here in Nova Scotia we are beginning a new initiative called Community-Based Learning (CBL). This program goes hand-in-hand with the new Options and Opportunities (O2) program that is now being offered in some schools. The intent of these programs is to bring the community into the classroom and the classroom into the community in partnership or mentoring programs. In this way, we hope to provide our youth with opportunities to explore different careers to see what they like, what they don't like, and where they feel they fit. We are facing a huge labour shortage as the Baby Boomers and the early Gen-Xers head into retirement. With the pull from the west to bring our tradespeople out there and the pull to the south for the medical profession and other professions, we are in serious danger of losing so many of the businesses that are essential to our existence. So we are taking the bull by the horns.
The first obstacle to overcome is the paradigm thinking of the Boomers and Gen-Xers that unless you go to university, you won't succeed in life. You will never make money, you will never be someone. Hogwash! They could not be more wrong. Not everyone is meant to go to university, and there is no shame in that whatsoever!!! We have heard from several industries that they can't get tradespeople at all to work for them because if the youth do choose the trades, the west is calling them out there. They are offering more money and more opportunities, but their hearts belong at home and they want to be there. Businesses are beginning to see that they need to offer more money to these tradespeople to keep them here. We have spoken to the businesses and have developed our programs as a result. Here is the main objective of these:
We have approached businesses to become mentors to our youth. They take the students into their businesses and teach them about what they do and how so that students can make informed decisions about career possibilities. The students spend a specific number of hours out in the community learning about these career possibilities, both through the trades and university careers. It helps them to know what courses they need to have if they want to work in these careers. By informing them, students are more successful in the classroom because they see the big picture of what they need and why it is important. They also have opportunities to work in co-operative education settings in businesses. The CBL and O2 programs help to educate the students on what it is like in the real world and help them to see what it is they are working towards. There is even a personality profile portion to the program to assist them in making their choices. They will be more likely to know what direction they want to go in at the end of high school so that they don't waste money and years of their life trying to figure it out (like I did, and my daughter). One of the most exciting aspects is that Nova Scotia is working with the businesses to create a Mathematics Skills course that will provide students with the kind of math they need to succeed in these careers. When we can bring real-life experiences into the classroom and take the students into the community we all benefit and school makes so much more sense to them, increasing their success rate.
This seems to me as if we have come full circle in our education program. Even 50 years ago, many, many people learned their trades through mentorship, working part-time while attending school. The old-fashioned way wasn't all that bad after all, was it? These programs really excite me. I see so much potential for students who might once have risked falling through the cracks. It is so exciting!!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Yes, I Have the Answers
This is in response to the questions at Sam's Place. My responses are in red.
* Why you always stop by a puddle when you park. Because there are no lakes in parking lots.
* Why the telephone cord always gets knotted no matter how carefully you hang it up each time. (Thank goodness for cordless phones.) If I pull your cord beyond the coils, it will coil up incorrectly too. It can only take so much stress.
* Why the computer always freezes near the end of a long document. (Never near the start or when doing a short project.) If it froze near the start, you would simply start it over in a new file. Where would the aggravation be then? Seriously, the more complex and full the document, the more chance of it freezing, so keep the files small, simple, and clean.
* Why the door lock is always stiffer or stuck when your arms are full of packages. It's not silly. You just can't turn your arm as easily if it is full. Duh!!
* Why you think to turn the dryer on after you get upstairs. I think this happens only after the age of 40. Information overload. Too many things to think of so nothing can stay for more than 10 seconds. Some times I think I can't even manage 10 seconds before I forget.
* Why the cashier with the shortest line up has to call for a price check just after you get there. Sometimes people just pick up something without a price on it and don't notice it themselves.
* Why your coat only gets caught in the door when your arms are full of packages. Just plain dumb luck!!
* Why the water gets warm just after you finish washing your hands under running water. Duh ... you're supposed to wait for it to get warm before you wash your hands. Were you brought up in a barn?
* Why the key you need is always the last one you try out of the bunch. Because none of them are marked or else if you lost them, someone could come break into your house and steal your things. Now that would just be silly!!
In all honesty, these things just happen. Just dumb luck. Shit happens. Live with it and don't sweat the small stuff. Life goes on...
* Why you always stop by a puddle when you park. Because there are no lakes in parking lots.
* Why the telephone cord always gets knotted no matter how carefully you hang it up each time. (Thank goodness for cordless phones.) If I pull your cord beyond the coils, it will coil up incorrectly too. It can only take so much stress.
* Why the computer always freezes near the end of a long document. (Never near the start or when doing a short project.) If it froze near the start, you would simply start it over in a new file. Where would the aggravation be then? Seriously, the more complex and full the document, the more chance of it freezing, so keep the files small, simple, and clean.
* Why the door lock is always stiffer or stuck when your arms are full of packages. It's not silly. You just can't turn your arm as easily if it is full. Duh!!
* Why you think to turn the dryer on after you get upstairs. I think this happens only after the age of 40. Information overload. Too many things to think of so nothing can stay for more than 10 seconds. Some times I think I can't even manage 10 seconds before I forget.
* Why the cashier with the shortest line up has to call for a price check just after you get there. Sometimes people just pick up something without a price on it and don't notice it themselves.
* Why your coat only gets caught in the door when your arms are full of packages. Just plain dumb luck!!
* Why the water gets warm just after you finish washing your hands under running water. Duh ... you're supposed to wait for it to get warm before you wash your hands. Were you brought up in a barn?
* Why the key you need is always the last one you try out of the bunch. Because none of them are marked or else if you lost them, someone could come break into your house and steal your things. Now that would just be silly!!
In all honesty, these things just happen. Just dumb luck. Shit happens. Live with it and don't sweat the small stuff. Life goes on...
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Age
Have you ever had days where you feel your age? Days when you feel older? Days when you feel young again? I think we all experience all of them from time to time depending on what we are going through at the time.
Today is my birthday! Two days ago I would have told you I was 90. Yesterday I would have said I was 55. Today I feel a little younger than my ____ years.
Well ... you didn't think I was going to write the number down there did you? Not a chance.
Today is my birthday! Two days ago I would have told you I was 90. Yesterday I would have said I was 55. Today I feel a little younger than my ____ years.
Well ... you didn't think I was going to write the number down there did you? Not a chance.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Tears
There are many different kinds of tears, each with their own scientific consistency. There are tears of sorrow, tears of fear, tears of happiness ... you name it. We each cry for our own reasons. Some of us cry easier than others, some cry harder than others. Me? I cry easier and harder than a lot of people. I'm not afraid to feel my emotions or express them. I don't, however, like to display tears in my workplace, but it has happened from time to time for various reasons.
The tears of sorrow seem to be more acidic or more saline than others. I don't know this to be fact, I only know that they make my eyes sting, my cheeks burn like crazy and I get one hell of a sinus headache. The snotty nose is another issue to deal with. Why does that have to accompany the tears? I guess that is why they say tears are cleansing. They clean your body of all fluids so that you can't even spit.
All I know is that my face is killing me, and I look like hell...
The tears of sorrow seem to be more acidic or more saline than others. I don't know this to be fact, I only know that they make my eyes sting, my cheeks burn like crazy and I get one hell of a sinus headache. The snotty nose is another issue to deal with. Why does that have to accompany the tears? I guess that is why they say tears are cleansing. They clean your body of all fluids so that you can't even spit.
All I know is that my face is killing me, and I look like hell...
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Nothing to Say
Well, Keyboard tells me I am behind in my blog writing, and so I am. I've been having a complete writers' block lately and can't really think of anything worthwhile to say. The things going on in my mind really aren't appropriate to put here (I'll let your mind wander on that), so I have said nothing at all. Hmmm ...
Can't think, brain dumb, inspiration won't come
bad ink, poor pen, best wishes, amen.
How is that? or maybe this:
As you slide down the bannister of life, may the splinters never point your way.
I really can't think of anything to say. I've been extremely self-absorbed lately, so the ideas just won't come. Keyboard, I promise I will try to think of something to write soon. In the meantime, it's nice to know you miss me (teehee).
Can't think, brain dumb, inspiration won't come
bad ink, poor pen, best wishes, amen.
How is that? or maybe this:
As you slide down the bannister of life, may the splinters never point your way.
I really can't think of anything to say. I've been extremely self-absorbed lately, so the ideas just won't come. Keyboard, I promise I will try to think of something to write soon. In the meantime, it's nice to know you miss me (teehee).