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
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Friday, January 21, 2005
Brrrrrrr...
The room I am currently living out of happens to be particularly cold in the winter. The cause: my room faces north, my walls are VERY thin and it is above the front hallway which is VERY poorly insulated as well. In fact, a scientific experiment performed last month found my room to be 15 degrees celcius over night while my floor measured in at a low of 11 degrees. And this test was performed BEFORE we hit our cold spell with highs of -25 overnight!
I have learned to adjust though! In addition to adding an extra blanket to my bed, I have started wearing to bed...
- Socks (which I NEVER do)
- Down-filled slippers
- Flannel bottomed pjs
- Long sleeved shirts
- and often times, a fleece hoodie
Oh yeah... and usually I wrap myself in my fleece blanket as a final method of trapping in the warmth.
The craziest part? I'm still not warm enough! For someone who normally falls asleep within 3 minutes of hitting the pillow and sleeping right through until my alarm wakes me in the morning, I've been waking up in the middle of the night still cold. Go figure?!
Ohhhh... the joys of living in a townhouse! I'm not complaining though... I still love my winters :)
Gay guy friend
I think I need a gay male friend in Waterloo. I would desperately love to take Salsa dance lessons that are offered at both UW and at the Flying Dog, but it appears that I have no one to do them with. I have tried recruiting some female friends, but it just isn't quite the same when Salsa dancing very much has "male" and "female" roles. As a result, it means someone has to play "male" or else we rotate amongst the crowd with the potential for meeting some extremely creepy men.
Maybe I could put an ad in the Imprint or the Penny saver? Think I'd find any takers? :)
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
I love my sunshine...
I can't believe how rapidly I am noticing the sun changes lately... Last Friday when I was driving home at 5:40pm, I noticed that the sky was actually glowing from a tiny portion of remaining daylight. This definitely caught my attention since I have come to expect the usual pitch black on my way home from work. Three days later, when I was driving home on Monday, I noticed that the glow was even brighter!
And it's not just changing on the afternoon/evening side of the clock... (yes... I know... what a novel concept!) This morning was the first that I noticed a change in my morning routine. Usually when I arrive at work around 8am, I enter the building (with most of the lights off) in nearly complete darkness. Today I couldn't help but notice my desk being illuminated by the sun making its way up and peeking through my window.
I'm so excited! While I love my winters with the cold and snow, I also love my sunshine and extra daylight. Woo hoo! Things are looking "brighter" from here on in... (well, at least until the cycle begins again).
I can't believe how rapidly I am noticing the sun changes lately... Last Friday when I was driving home at 5:40pm, I noticed that the sky was actually glowing from a tiny portion of remaining daylight. This definitely caught my attention since I have come to expect the usual pitch black on my way home from work. Three days later, when I was driving home on Monday, I noticed that the glow was even brighter!
And it's not just changing on the afternoon/evening side of the clock... (yes... I know... what a novel concept!) This morning was the first that I noticed a change in my morning routine. Usually when I arrive at work around 8am, I enter the building (with most of the lights off) in nearly complete darkness. Today I couldn't help but notice my desk being illuminated by the sun making its way up and peeking through my window.
I'm so excited! While I love my winters with the cold and snow, I also love my sunshine and extra daylight. Woo hoo! Things are looking "brighter" from here on in... (well, at least until the cycle begins again).
Monday, January 17, 2005
Congratulations Andrew
Congrats to Andrew on the latest change and new direction in his life. I think this could be a very good thing... I say "screw McGill!" They don't know what they are missing out on...
Congrats to Andrew on the latest change and new direction in his life. I think this could be a very good thing... I say "screw McGill!" They don't know what they are missing out on...
What!? Winzip is charging now?
I can't believe it... I went to download Winzip last night cause my sister didn't have it on her computer, and when I went to download the program at www.winzip.com, I learned that you can now only get it as an "eval" copy that expires in a month...
Go figure!?... I thought that we would never have to pay for programs like that and all this wonderful software would stay free forever! Boo hisss!
I can't believe it... I went to download Winzip last night cause my sister didn't have it on her computer, and when I went to download the program at www.winzip.com, I learned that you can now only get it as an "eval" copy that expires in a month...
Go figure!?... I thought that we would never have to pay for programs like that and all this wonderful software would stay free forever!
Friday, January 14, 2005
Fatherly advice
I woke up this morning to the following email in my inbox that came from my father. I thought it was too cute not to share.
Hi Heather
I just came in from scraping the car (lots of ice) and I thought of a few things that you should keep in mind for winter driving:
I woke up this morning to the following email in my inbox that came from my father. I thought it was too cute not to share.
Hi Heather
I just came in from scraping the car (lots of ice) and I thought of a few things that you should keep in mind for winter driving:
- Try to keep your gas tank filled especially in temperatures that are up and down like we have had the past day or so. The more air space that you have in a almost empty gas tank, the more chance for condensation to take place and that (the condensed water drops) can cause your gas line to freeze up. No gas to the motor - it will not start. This happened to me in Windsor once (long ago). If it happens, put a small bottle of gas line de-icer in the gas tank and let it sit for a while (hour or so). Actually some people add a small bottle of de-icer with each fill-up as a preventative measure in times of fluctuating temperatures.
- Always make sure that your wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield. If they are frozen to the windshield and you turn the wipers on, it can damage the wiper motor and that can be expensive.
- Same thing with power windows. If they will not go down because they are frozen, do not keep pushing the button, because that could damage the window motor and that is really expensive.
- Power locks are great because if the key/lock mechanism freezes up so that you cannot get the key in you can always just use the remote. Sometimes I have to hit the remote unlock button a few times if it is really cold and the lock mechanism is stiff. Hope that this helps.
Love,Dad
Although I already knew about every single item he described, I think it's cute that he thinks he is offering some really important advice to his daughter with her first car. Thanks dad :)
Thursday, January 13, 2005
The "list"
I have prepared the "final draft" of my New Year's resolutions. I realize I'm a few weeks overdue, but heck... I figure I've got a few more left to complete them.
I have prepared the "final draft" of my New Year's resolutions. I realize I'm a few weeks overdue, but heck... I figure I've got a few more left to complete them.
- Get more sleep (an extra 30-60 minutes per night)
- Eat healthy and learn to cook better meals (ie. learn from Laura and Mike)
- Try to develop a "6-pack" (like my big sis!)
- Work more efficiently
- Explore spirituality further
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Pleasant Surprise
This past Friday night I was pleasantly awoken at 11pm to a knock on my bedroom door. Pleasantly, because after coming to and waking from my groggy state, I discoved Andrew standing in my doorway, roses in hand, on a surprise visit from Montreal. My sweetie had decided to come for the weekend in honour of our 4-year anniversary on Wednesday (January 12th). What a very nice surprise indeed. I can't believe it's been 4 years already…
On Sunday, we were both able to attend Andrea and Graham's wedding reception upon their return from taking their vows down in Antigua. The afternoon reception was really nice and flavoured with Andrea and Graham's own personal touches. We experienced their favourite Greek dishes from their favourite restaurant, Colussus. We also got to see a slide show of their beautiful pictures and received a special picture (hot off the press) and frame of us with the bride and groom. Congratulations to Andrea and Graham. I am so happy for the both of you!!! I wish you all the happiness (and more!) that marriage can bring…
This past Friday night I was pleasantly awoken at 11pm to a knock on my bedroom door. Pleasantly, because after coming to and waking from my groggy state, I discoved Andrew standing in my doorway, roses in hand, on a surprise visit from Montreal. My sweetie had decided to come for the weekend in honour of our 4-year anniversary on Wednesday (January 12th). What a very nice surprise indeed. I can't believe it's been 4 years already…
On Sunday, we were both able to attend Andrea and Graham's wedding reception upon their return from taking their vows down in Antigua. The afternoon reception was really nice and flavoured with Andrea and Graham's own personal touches. We experienced their favourite Greek dishes from their favourite restaurant, Colussus. We also got to see a slide show of their beautiful pictures and received a special picture (hot off the press) and frame of us with the bride and groom. Congratulations to Andrea and Graham. I am so happy for the both of you!!! I wish you all the happiness (and more!) that marriage can bring…
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Braless Again
Man... I did it again. You'd think I would learn my lesson... Thank goodness I happened to wear a clean sports bra this morning to the gym, so I at least had an alternative choice. It's amazing the "flattening" properties of a good sports bra. Oh well... at least it managed to do the trick for the day...
Man... I did it again. You'd think I would learn my lesson... Thank goodness I happened to wear a clean sports bra this morning to the gym, so I at least had an alternative choice. It's amazing the "flattening" properties of a good sports bra. Oh well... at least it managed to do the trick for the day...
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Christmas Reflections
This Christmas was one of many new traditions. Although change inevitably requires some adjustment, I'd say that all my new holiday experiences have been good. To start, this was my first Christmas in 5 years without the stress of finishing up exams or the worry of moving to a new city to prepare for another school or work term. VERY NICE! Although I still managed to leave my Christmas shopping to the last minute (I'll blame that on the stress of car shopping the month prior), I still found I was more relaxed and could better enjoy the holidays. I managed to spend every evening from the 20th to the 24th with friends from all facets of my life. It was great!
This year my family decided to do Christmas in Waterloo at Mark's new house since all 4 of the "kids" live in this city and my parents (being retired) have the freedom of a flexible schedule. And given the outcome of the weather, it was good that they were able to arrive a few days early. Our Christmas eve and morning routines were new and creative this year. After arriving at the St. Jerome's Christmas Eve church service at 4:30pm (scheduled to start at 5pm) to find standing room only (and even a spot to stand was hard to come across), some of us opted to go home and relax. Mom, dad, Rob, and Anita found some chairs, while Mark, Sandra, Mike, Laura and I went home and finished some last minute wrapping and relaxing. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying a yummy "pot-luck" dinner and watching Die Hard on Mark's new 55 inch television.
Christmas morning was also interesting as I was woken at 3:30am to Rob getting a bottle for Andrew, 6:00am to Sandra feeding Marly, and 7:30am to the commencement of breakfast preparations (the price I pay for not having a bed to sleep in and having to opt for the couch). Our morning activities were slow and enjoyable and somehow extended late in the afternoon. We finished it off with a swim in Mark's pool and then I headed off to London to spend some time with Andrew and his family. From London, I drove to Owen Sound for one evening to visit with some friends, and then back to Waterloo the next morning to work for a couple of days. I even managed to meet up with Ming, Nat and Kristy in Guelph for a delicious dinner and some intriguing conversation. From Waterloo it was back to London for New Years celebrations and then back to Waterloo to prepare for the upcoming week. Phew... what a schedule! But well worth it.
One thing I particularly realized this Christmas is how presents are meaning less and less to me each year. Although I very much appreciate all that I received, I recognize the fact that I actually felt guilty and overwhelmed by the amount of generosity. I think that the devastation of the Tsunami amplifies this reality. I also recognize that the news of one of my friends losing her mother to Leukemia over the holidays reinforces the fact that friends and family are what really matter the most. In honour of these two events I have decided to split my Christmas money towards two causes: the Tsunami relief fund and the Princess Margaret Hospital research fund. The gift of giving just feels good.
I hope all have had and enjoyed a safe and happy holiday too. Can't wait to hear about everyone elses stories...
This Christmas was one of many new traditions. Although change inevitably requires some adjustment, I'd say that all my new holiday experiences have been good. To start, this was my first Christmas in 5 years without the stress of finishing up exams or the worry of moving to a new city to prepare for another school or work term. VERY NICE! Although I still managed to leave my Christmas shopping to the last minute (I'll blame that on the stress of car shopping the month prior), I still found I was more relaxed and could better enjoy the holidays. I managed to spend every evening from the 20th to the 24th with friends from all facets of my life. It was great!
This year my family decided to do Christmas in Waterloo at Mark's new house since all 4 of the "kids" live in this city and my parents (being retired) have the freedom of a flexible schedule. And given the outcome of the weather, it was good that they were able to arrive a few days early. Our Christmas eve and morning routines were new and creative this year. After arriving at the St. Jerome's Christmas Eve church service at 4:30pm (scheduled to start at 5pm) to find standing room only (and even a spot to stand was hard to come across), some of us opted to go home and relax. Mom, dad, Rob, and Anita found some chairs, while Mark, Sandra, Mike, Laura and I went home and finished some last minute wrapping and relaxing. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying a yummy "pot-luck" dinner and watching Die Hard on Mark's new 55 inch television.
Christmas morning was also interesting as I was woken at 3:30am to Rob getting a bottle for Andrew, 6:00am to Sandra feeding Marly, and 7:30am to the commencement of breakfast preparations (the price I pay for not having a bed to sleep in and having to opt for the couch). Our morning activities were slow and enjoyable and somehow extended late in the afternoon. We finished it off with a swim in Mark's pool and then I headed off to London to spend some time with Andrew and his family. From London, I drove to Owen Sound for one evening to visit with some friends, and then back to Waterloo the next morning to work for a couple of days. I even managed to meet up with Ming, Nat and Kristy in Guelph for a delicious dinner and some intriguing conversation. From Waterloo it was back to London for New Years celebrations and then back to Waterloo to prepare for the upcoming week. Phew... what a schedule! But well worth it.
One thing I particularly realized this Christmas is how presents are meaning less and less to me each year. Although I very much appreciate all that I received, I recognize the fact that I actually felt guilty and overwhelmed by the amount of generosity. I think that the devastation of the Tsunami amplifies this reality. I also recognize that the news of one of my friends losing her mother to Leukemia over the holidays reinforces the fact that friends and family are what really matter the most. In honour of these two events I have decided to split my Christmas money towards two causes: the Tsunami relief fund and the Princess Margaret Hospital research fund. The gift of giving just feels good.
I hope all have had and enjoyed a safe and happy holiday too. Can't wait to hear about everyone elses stories...
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