Another amazing person’s life has ended too early because of ALS.
Karen Liebrock died at 2:30 this morning. Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Death, Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Health Authority
I have a problem. My desk is mess.
The nature of my work makes it very difficult to complete tasks in a linear fashion; from start to finish. Interruptions are inherent in my job. I begin each day with a “to do” list and a plan, but invariably more urgent things arise and the items on the list get pushed aside.
I will plan to devote a day to my charting or to calling patients but then, in the middle of this, I will have to start working on something else that takes precedence. I do get back to the previous task, but it sometimes isn’t until the next day.
This results in a backlog of unfinished work that sits on my desk, organized (and I use that term very loosely) into piles. I still know where everything is. It might be under a pile of other things but, after a quick search, I’ll put my hands on it.
It actually doesn’t bother me at all, but I’m worried about one of my coworkers. Continue reading
Posted in General
1. My neighbour’s spectacular rhododendron is brightening up our side view.
2. The slug collecting has begun.
3. Baths have become mandatory every night (see above).
4. The school bags are being held together by spit and a prayer.
5. I find myself barbecuing rain or shine.
6. The kids are complaining that it’s still bright out when they’re going to bed.
7. The hockey detritus in the porch has been replaced by cleats and shin pads.
8. Muddy handprints can be found on every surface of the bathroom.
9. Skinned knees have tapped out our band-aid supply.
10. Facebook tells me it’s hot in Toronto.
11. The sunscreen battles have begun.
It might sound like I’m complaining, but I’m not. It’s just that the kids are tired of school and I can hardly stand to pack another recess snack. In short, we are ready for summer. The Freezies are solid – so bring it on!
I don’t smoke or do drugs. I don’t drink coffee or tea. I drink so little alcohol that my New Year’s resolution for the past two years has been to drink more. I’m doing a much better job of it this year!
I drink Diet Coke (I know it is bad for me) and I get a little cranky if I haven’t had a can by mid-afternoon. Does this make me an addict? Continue reading
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck
in Roman Holiday (1953)
It’s been a while since we returned from Italy but I have yet to tell you about our last stop. As with Venice and Florence, this Rome experience was very different from my original trip in 2000. Thirteen years ago was very rushed and I was exhausted by the thought of all the things that needed to be seen. For this trip, we planned to spend the largest chunk of our time in Rome and we had only pre-booked a few excursions.
I won’t get into all of the details, because there are just too many details. Instead, I want to tell you about two specific tours that we did. They were fantastic! Continue reading
At work today, in an e-mail, I told someone I liked her. She is always perky and supportive, and is lovely to talk to, and… well… I like her. It felt strange as I typed it and I realized that I haven’t said “I like you” to anyone in a very long time. Probably not since junior high school and I was attempting to communicate with a shy boy.
I just got home from my writing group, full of encouragement but too tired to write tonight. Our group is pretty simple – four women who love to write and love to laugh. We share our work and our woes and give each other the firm push we need to keep going. Thanks gals!
Before I head to bed, however, I do need to tell you some great news and a funny story. Continue reading
From the obscure references I’ve made here and here, people have guessed that I was either a flight attendant or a hired assassin in my previous life. It was not my intention to be cryptic, I just didn’t want to distract from what the posts were really about.
Before I retired at the end of 2000, I was a professional tennis chair umpire.
In case you are not overly familiar with tennis, this is what I did:
A John McEnroe tirade of yore.
This is, of course, not me in the chair. Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged ATP, Australian Open, chair umpire, French Open, Grand Slam, officiating, Quebec City, tennis, travel, Women's Tennis Association
1) The sun shone – we’ve had too many grey days lately.
2) I had “Happy Birthday” sung to me 5 times before 8 am – one was a call from my parents, the other four were my six-year-old.
3) I reconnected with friends on Facebook and got some great birthday wishes – thanks everyone! Love you.
4) I had a fantastic day at work – everyone was in a great mood (I think it’s the sun!)
5) I didn’t make dinner – we ordered in Thai from the amazing restaurant around the corner.
6) My kids gave me a wonderful card – they had worked on it in their rooms to keep it a secret.
7) BDN (beautifully dressed neighbour) and family knocked on my door – hubby played guitar while they serenaded me on the porch. It was wonderful!
8) My family gave me an iPad mini and keyboard – they are fantastically supportive of my writing!
9) My sister called and played a hilarious recorded message from my brother-in-law – she married a great guy. We have a double-date on Friday!
10) My best friend called from Waterloo – she made me laugh until my belly hurt!
11) I snuck into the kids’ rooms and gave them extra kisses – they both had their animals snug in the crooks of their elbows. So cute when they’re asleep!
It was a good day.
Escaping Elegance 