Reading...

Do you ever forget like you've forgotten how to read? Ok, not literally...

I seem to have forgotten how to read as a pastime. Since moving here, I have barely read. I have finished one short story - Metamorphosis by Kafka - and maybe four chapters of The Book of Negroes.

To help my pending illiteracy...I've set out a plan...

1. Get a library card
2. Set aside specific times to read - until it becomes a habit again

And I'm happy to report - I got my library card today!! I didn't get any books out...yet. But I've started a list. I still need to finish some of the dozen or so of unread books I have here first.

So, I guess I better read tomorrow!

While at the library - I needed change for laundry - so I stopped at the cafe there. And - they had a square there that my family has made for decades!!


It was good! Not exactly like my mom or my aunt H makes - but good! The interesting part is - they use honey in the base. It was really curious - and tasty.

For those of you who haven't had the opportunity to try one of these Oh Henry squares - they have an oat bar base with a chocolate/peanut butter topping.

Nice to have a bite of nostalgia - cross off a goal, and spend part of the afternoon roaming around downtown just for fun.

Sick

I'm getting over a cold. It's been a rough couple of days.

There are two reasons why I don't want to be single anymore - so that I don't have to go through a cold or a sunburn alone again. Well, the sunburn thing... that could also just read sunscreen application too... I know, some spouses suck when one is sick... they don't really do nursing bit well... But... I'm a good teacher. And, I can do a lot of things on my own - it's just that I'm a one-man-army... so, when I'm down, the whole company stops... The garbage...the groceries...the litter...the laundry... And to try to get caught up - while you're just getting your energy back... S.U.C.K.S.

However, there were some great things accomplished during this "wellness leave" -

- got to watch The Rookie and The Blind Side back-to-back
- made a GREAT pot of chicken soup
- took myself out for brunch this morning
- tried "green grape-eucalyptus" and "kiwi-green apple" Halls - both were really good!
- still managed to go to the movies on Friday with my new friend, AA, we saw "The Social Network" - all about the birth of Facebook - and the lawsuits that ensued.

The Social Network was good. Interesting. Although it was a tad long... the dialogue was great. I was all ready tipped off by MR about this being great. I just didn't know until the starting credits that it was all courtesy of Aaron Sorkin. Once I saw his name, it all made sense. Makes me want to re-watch The West Wing. That was a terrific show with fabulous - and fast - dialogue. I bet one of those scripts would equal an entire season of Desperate Housewives.

I just can't get past how much Facebook has become a part of my daily life. It's such a great place to connect and keep connected. I am still in awe of how well the idea was captured and executed. No wonder it's worth $25 billion...

The stand-up

So, as part of Operation Hibernation, I have been going on some dates. The first date - there just wasn't any chemistry...sizzle...interest... The second date... Stood me up.

Yes, I am surprised that I was stood up... and that someone wouldn't keep our date.

More than that - I am thankful. I love it when I'm protected from even meeting the people I shouldn't.

Last weekend, a new friend of mine went on a date and it went well. She was willing to see him again. That was...until she did a quick Google search on him. It was disastrous. There was a page of news links (all very credible sources) about a court case he was in. I won't put details in here, but even to be accused of a crime against multiple people (and in this case - children) - it's hard for me to take a not guilty verdict at it's word. So, there are definitely people I'd rather be protected from even meeting. I realize that Bachelor #2 was probably not as criminally tainted as this guy - but even if nothing was to come of it - I'd rather have my afternoon back so I can spend it how I wish!

This afternoon - I'm going to continue the apartment overhaul I started this morning, workout and go grocery shopping. All the while - enjoying the sunshine that's pouring through the windows!

It's making out to be a great Thanksgiving. A different Thanksgiving than usual - but a great one.

Personal challenge

I am in the midst of a big personal challenge.

In my office, the last birthday brings in treats for the next birthday (very kindergarten, really...) So, I had a co-worker bring in veggies for my birthday, because that's what I wanted... And Heather, who's birthday is on Saturday, has requested something good with chocolate...

(Besides the fact I have cut tons of things out of my diet - sugar, salt, dairy, wheat - I gave myself an additional challenge of not having any pizza or chocolate those rare times I do eat "off plan")

So, I decided to make one of my favourite recipes - "So you are the last one left to get married and have a baby Smores" from The Happy Baker. (I have made three recipes from this book and they were all fabulous). It's basically a graham cracker crumb base, melted marshmallow, chocolate chips, regular marshmallows, and a little extra graham cracker mix pushed down on top. This all gets baked together - and the marshmallows get all toasty and it's delicious!

So, this is what I made today! These are the first ingredients that are "off plan" that I've had in my kitchen! Crazy.

I'm proud of myself for keeping my kitchen "clean" for six months - and for not eating one of these squares I've baked! Now, I just need to put them away until Friday...

Everyday hero

(My apologies to KT - she's been waiting for a post - and I am posting a story she's already heard...go back to bonding with your parents!)

I finally made it to my first blood donor clinic at work since I started there (6 months ago already!?!?!). Now, I don't know if you donate - but if you can - do it. I have been donating for years, and this past January when my best friend needed three blood transfusions during childbirth - I was SOOO happy I was contributing to the blood bank - and so was she. She even mentioned it when I spoke to her the next day - "I saw the blood hanging there and hoped it was yours!" How much sweeter can one get when talking about blood??

Anyway, being a frequent donor, I know the drills quite well. I even knew what to say to my old Canadian Blood Services staff to remind them about my "special" qualities... I'm no ordinary woman...

A funny thing though this time - a few nights before, I was at a comedy club, and the comedian made almost the same joke I make when you're filling in the questionnaire with the nurse... you say "no" to so many things, it makes you feel like you haven't tried anything! Anyway... I warned the nurse that I have a low resting heart rate. And she just did a partial smile and went along with her business. And then the big ol' 47 came across the screen and she said "Oh my! You weren't joking!" Nope. That was after running down three flights of stairs...

Then my vampire nurse - the one who was going to take my blood - he was prepping me, and I gave him my usual series of warnings. I was already squeezing my hand and he said, oh there's no need for you to start yet... Me: If I want you to find my vein, yes... He checks... I then tell him - my veins run really deep, but they flow fast, so take your time finding it before you have the needle in there. He had almost the same reaction as the other nurse, the polite, 1/2 smile that is really saying, don't tell me you know your body better than me little blood donor... Well... Of course, he is going in for the vein (a little cocky) and couldn't find it. I know, some of you don't want to read these details - but when you have a needle in someone's arm it is not the time to go rummaging around looking for a vein. So, I told him that he had to find it or get out. So, he removed his needle. And then offered to try the other arm. And I said, OK, but are you going to listen to my warnings this time? This isn't the first time I've donated, or had a nurse who couldn't find my vein. He said he was going to call on another nurse. I warned her, she felt my vein and said, yep, I know exactly what you mean. And ladies and gentlemen, it was like butter. She was so smooth. I hope I get her every time!!

Best part - I donated with my left arm, my slow arm - and was done in 7 minutes! I think my fastest time with my right is 6 minutes! I was really impressed.

As I was leaving I passed the male nurse - Digger - and told him he can try again next time...