My race in Vancouver
Oh yeah... As of this week I'm officially registered for my half marathon in Vancouver! I'm pumped! Time to get the gears going so I can be sure to beat my time from last year...
Along with the race, I plan to make a vacation of it and sight-see in both Vancouver and Seattle (and anywhere else close-by that's worth seeing). If anyone has ANY suggestions on what to see, I'd love to hear from you!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Random Stuff
- Ok... I really think I HAVE to see the movie "The Notebook". I have heard nothing but amazing things from people about that movie and how much it made them cry. Even just this morning I got an email from my father stating:
have you seen the "Notebook"? Ev Sprung came over Friday night for supper and we watched it after. It is a bit of a chick flick rated 0.75 boxes of kleenex.
I can't wait to see it! Although I am prone to crying in just about anything (even sad commercials like the Freedom 55 commercial where they show the parents thinking about their new baby daugther that they just brought home, and reflecting on her growing up over the years, and how precious this life investment is going to be for them....), I especially like a movie that makes me cry. There is something so satisfying about letting it ALL out and balling hysterically after a really touching movie. I know I've got my money's worth when I leave the theater with a soaking wet kleenex in hand and big red poofy eyes!
- The latest Suave shampoo commercial on TV is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen! There is some spin case "news reporter" giving the latest breaking news about this *fantastic* shampoo... and then it ends with her giving the other female news broadcaster some evil girlie glare. Huh? Is that supposed to make me want to buy that product?
- Owen Sound has hit the headlines for a drug bust last week. Police raided a restuarant called The Old Mill in Williamsford (outside of the city) Tuesday, and seized more than $600,000 worth of marijuana, including 800 plants in various stages of growth and 50 pounds of finished product. The operation was pretty sleek and it sounds as if they were actually using the Mill to generate power for its hydroponics operation. Way to go Owen Sound!
- Good luck to my favourite RIM aisle buddy Jeff Wong on his first day at work tomorrow. Welcome to the "real" world. No more slacking off and shaking responsibilities like you did on those co-op terms! ;)
- My parents are the craziest parents I know... This morning they woke up and decided to leave for Waterloo at 10:30 to come for a "visit" just to see my sister's engagement ring. They brought a casserole lunch and my other siblings came for a visit (I tell you... it's a one stop shop these days with all 4 of us living in the same city!). A few hours later, it was time to hit the road as they departed at 4:30 so they could be home by dark. I love my parents so much. I can not BELIEVE what they will do for their children!
- Ok... I really think I HAVE to see the movie "The Notebook". I have heard nothing but amazing things from people about that movie and how much it made them cry. Even just this morning I got an email from my father stating:
have you seen the "Notebook"? Ev Sprung came over Friday night for supper and we watched it after. It is a bit of a chick flick rated 0.75 boxes of kleenex.
I can't wait to see it! Although I am prone to crying in just about anything (even sad commercials like the Freedom 55 commercial where they show the parents thinking about their new baby daugther that they just brought home, and reflecting on her growing up over the years, and how precious this life investment is going to be for them....), I especially like a movie that makes me cry. There is something so satisfying about letting it ALL out and balling hysterically after a really touching movie. I know I've got my money's worth when I leave the theater with a soaking wet kleenex in hand and big red poofy eyes!
- The latest Suave shampoo commercial on TV is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen! There is some spin case "news reporter" giving the latest breaking news about this *fantastic* shampoo... and then it ends with her giving the other female news broadcaster some evil girlie glare. Huh? Is that supposed to make me want to buy that product?
- Owen Sound has hit the headlines for a drug bust last week. Police raided a restuarant called The Old Mill in Williamsford (outside of the city) Tuesday, and seized more than $600,000 worth of marijuana, including 800 plants in various stages of growth and 50 pounds of finished product. The operation was pretty sleek and it sounds as if they were actually using the Mill to generate power for its hydroponics operation. Way to go Owen Sound!
- Good luck to my favourite RIM aisle buddy Jeff Wong on his first day at work tomorrow. Welcome to the "real" world. No more slacking off and shaking responsibilities like you did on those co-op terms! ;)
- My parents are the craziest parents I know... This morning they woke up and decided to leave for Waterloo at 10:30 to come for a "visit" just to see my sister's engagement ring. They brought a casserole lunch and my other siblings came for a visit (I tell you... it's a one stop shop these days with all 4 of us living in the same city!). A few hours later, it was time to hit the road as they departed at 4:30 so they could be home by dark. I love my parents so much. I can not BELIEVE what they will do for their children!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Monday, February 21, 2005
Happy Engagement Laura and Mike!
As my MSN name clearly puts it: "holy crap! my sister is engaged!!"
Yep... that's right... Mike finally popped the question! It happened this weekend while in Ottawa for a Winterlude visit. Mike and Laura went out for a Saturday morning skate on the canal and with the sun shining and the cool air on their faces, Mike got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage.
I'm so excited for the two! My sister is FINALLY getting married :) Congratulations!!
As my MSN name clearly puts it: "holy crap! my sister is engaged!!"
Yep... that's right... Mike finally popped the question! It happened this weekend while in Ottawa for a Winterlude visit. Mike and Laura went out for a Saturday morning skate on the canal and with the sun shining and the cool air on their faces, Mike got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage.
I'm so excited for the two! My sister is FINALLY getting married :) Congratulations!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Doing good things
After a long and timely process, I finally had an appointment at MDS labs yesterday to have some blood drawn to determine my bone marrow type. This was a long awaited apointment that was initiated well over a month ago. After learning about the death of my friend's mother to Leukemia, I decided that it was about time I made the effort to register myself. I fully admit that it sucks that it takes something like that to give us the extra nudge needed, but I suppose its better than not doing anything at all.
So now that my blood has been taken, I guess I just wait. They will probably determine my "type" and then put me on the "list". And as long as I notify Canadian Blood Services of any major address or phone number changes, they will contact me if there is ever a match. Statistics are actually quite high that I may never receive a phone call. But if/when a match DOES occur, I will be ready!
If anyone is intersted in learning more about getting on the Bone Marrow registry, I encourage you to enquire. You can visit the CBS website for detailed information on becoming a donor.
Interesting Facts:
1) Each year, hundreds of Canadians need bone marrow transplants to treat potentially life-threatening illnesses. Fewer than 30% of these patients will find a family member with compatible bone marrow to donate. For the rest, an unrelated donor is the only available source of bone marrow. Fewer than 30% of these patients will find a family member with compatible bone marrow to donate. For the rest, an unrelated donor is the only available source of bone marrow.
2) Because Canadian Blood Services complies with international standards established by the World Marrow Donor Association, they can also search more than eight million donors on over 50 registries in other countries. By agreeing to make their donor data available worldwide, registries have significantly increased the odds of being able to find a matching donor for any patient, anywhere in the world.
3) You’re free to decline to donate at any point in the process. And it goes without saying, your decision will remain entirely confidential. However, you should be aware that there’s a serious risk of death to the patient if you decide to withdraw after his or her radiation or chemotherapy treatment has begun in preparation for the transplant.
4) Bone marrow is removed from the large bones of your pelvis using a needle. You’ll be given an anesthetic (either general or spinal) to ensure that you experience no pain during the collection procedure. Most people need only a mild pain reliever after the procedure to alleviate discomfort. Much of what is collected is actually blood that is withdrawn along with the bone marrow. The total volume collected ranges from under 0.5 litres to as much as 1.5 litres, depending on your size and the size of the recipient. This contains about three to five per cent of your body’s bone marrow. Both the blood and the bone marrow are replenished by your body, in two to three weeks.
5) The initial test for donating bone marrow is actually really simple and unevasive - you simply donate 2 vials of blood. No bone marrow is extracted (the scary part) until a match is found (in which case the idea of saving someone's life will probably override any fear of the process).
After a long and timely process, I finally had an appointment at MDS labs yesterday to have some blood drawn to determine my bone marrow type. This was a long awaited apointment that was initiated well over a month ago. After learning about the death of my friend's mother to Leukemia, I decided that it was about time I made the effort to register myself. I fully admit that it sucks that it takes something like that to give us the extra nudge needed, but I suppose its better than not doing anything at all.
So now that my blood has been taken, I guess I just wait. They will probably determine my "type" and then put me on the "list". And as long as I notify Canadian Blood Services of any major address or phone number changes, they will contact me if there is ever a match. Statistics are actually quite high that I may never receive a phone call. But if/when a match DOES occur, I will be ready!
If anyone is intersted in learning more about getting on the Bone Marrow registry, I encourage you to enquire. You can visit the CBS website for detailed information on becoming a donor.
Interesting Facts:
1) Each year, hundreds of Canadians need bone marrow transplants to treat potentially life-threatening illnesses. Fewer than 30% of these patients will find a family member with compatible bone marrow to donate. For the rest, an unrelated donor is the only available source of bone marrow. Fewer than 30% of these patients will find a family member with compatible bone marrow to donate. For the rest, an unrelated donor is the only available source of bone marrow.
2) Because Canadian Blood Services complies with international standards established by the World Marrow Donor Association, they can also search more than eight million donors on over 50 registries in other countries. By agreeing to make their donor data available worldwide, registries have significantly increased the odds of being able to find a matching donor for any patient, anywhere in the world.
3) You’re free to decline to donate at any point in the process. And it goes without saying, your decision will remain entirely confidential. However, you should be aware that there’s a serious risk of death to the patient if you decide to withdraw after his or her radiation or chemotherapy treatment has begun in preparation for the transplant.
4) Bone marrow is removed from the large bones of your pelvis using a needle. You’ll be given an anesthetic (either general or spinal) to ensure that you experience no pain during the collection procedure. Most people need only a mild pain reliever after the procedure to alleviate discomfort. Much of what is collected is actually blood that is withdrawn along with the bone marrow. The total volume collected ranges from under 0.5 litres to as much as 1.5 litres, depending on your size and the size of the recipient. This contains about three to five per cent of your body’s bone marrow. Both the blood and the bone marrow are replenished by your body, in two to three weeks.
5) The initial test for donating bone marrow is actually really simple and unevasive - you simply donate 2 vials of blood. No bone marrow is extracted (the scary part) until a match is found (in which case the idea of saving someone's life will probably override any fear of the process).
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Nausea = quick and easy diet plan
It's amazing how easy it is to loose weight when one is stricken by 2+ weeks of nausea. I think I've lost close to 8 pounds now and I'm wondering when it will stop. My newest strategy: eat as much as I can when I have an appetite since I don't know when the next wave of nausea will hit, nor how long it will last. Man... if this isn't a lesson in life, I don't know what is.
It's amazing how easy it is to loose weight when one is stricken by 2+ weeks of nausea. I think I've lost close to 8 pounds now and I'm wondering when it will stop. My newest strategy: eat as much as I can when I have an appetite since I don't know when the next wave of nausea will hit, nor how long it will last. Man... if this isn't a lesson in life, I don't know what is.
Monday, February 14, 2005
It's a thong thing
So I've decided that it's about time my sister was introduced to the "thong" and so I picked one up for her while I was out this weekend. Although originally a skeptic myself, I've come to appreciate the comfort and utitilty that this particular undergarment posseses. I mean, you can't beat haivng no underwear lines, and with the right fit, you have pure comfort with the added benefit of no wedgies -- the perfect package! What more could a woman ask for?! What kind of a sister would I be if I didn't share this type of love...? :)
So I've decided that it's about time my sister was introduced to the "thong" and so I picked one up for her while I was out this weekend. Although originally a skeptic myself, I've come to appreciate the comfort and utitilty that this particular undergarment posseses. I mean, you can't beat haivng no underwear lines, and with the right fit, you have pure comfort with the added benefit of no wedgies -- the perfect package! What more could a woman ask for?! What kind of a sister would I be if I didn't share this type of love...? :)
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
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