Was just searching for various stuff and found this video. Very challenging - optimism seen as action.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
I'm on ACID
well, not the street kind, anyways...
I signed up for a university course called "The Music Teacher and Technology (K-12)" and one of the programs we are using is called ACID - it's a loop mixer. Our assignment is to make a 1 minute song using this program.
If I can find a way to post the results here, I will.
I signed up for a university course called "The Music Teacher and Technology (K-12)" and one of the programs we are using is called ACID - it's a loop mixer. Our assignment is to make a 1 minute song using this program.
If I can find a way to post the results here, I will.
Previous home improvements, part II
This Spring we had a surprise repair - The old window in the dining room had two panels, the upper one being 1/3 of the window, the bottom the rest. The upper panel was not movable, and the lower panel slid up. This was old wooden construction.
In mid-March, the upper panel gave way, and slid down about 2 inches. We now had a complete break in the seal to the outside. After covering it in plastic, we called the same company that did the upstairs windows. In April, we got the window replaced. This is one of two large windows we wanted to do, but not yet. We are thinking of doing the other one later on.
When the window company came to give us the quote, they took one look at the plastic covered old window, and said that it definitely needed to be replaced. Considering it was a custom job, it was done pretty fast.
In mid-March, the upper panel gave way, and slid down about 2 inches. We now had a complete break in the seal to the outside. After covering it in plastic, we called the same company that did the upstairs windows. In April, we got the window replaced. This is one of two large windows we wanted to do, but not yet. We are thinking of doing the other one later on.
When the window company came to give us the quote, they took one look at the plastic covered old window, and said that it definitely needed to be replaced. Considering it was a custom job, it was done pretty fast.
Previous home improvements
There are some home improvements that we have been doing that havn't made it onto this blog. This summer we tackled the front yard - it was a mess of weeds and spotty grass. In June, I borrowed a neighbour's electric tiller and dug up the front yard. We then put in a path and garden, covering the path with sand, and the garden with wood chips. The squirrels have decided that the wood chips are neat, and are digging in the garden, but otherwise the front yard is looking good. We have only lost one plant so far, a Chinese lantern plant that Suzanne is hoping will come back in the spring. We aren't sure what ate all it's leaves, but after a month, it had no leaves left at all, and the stems were being eaten.Considering what a difference it makes in looks, this improvement wasn't that expensive. We want to put in a rock path where the sand is, but we need to find a truck to carry the stones in... delivery costs more than the stone itself!
Last summer (07) we applied for and received a grant for frontal improvements to the house. We used the money to help pay for two replacement windows in the second story. Windows that opened up in the summer, and didn't leak air like crazy in the winter. What a difference it made to the front two bedrooms!Saturday, August 30, 2008
Lower Fort Garry
For the first time, I went to Lower Fort Garry. Suzanne and the boy went on Canada Day (for free!), but I was occupied with Orff Level II. Since it was the last weekend of the season, they had a few activities going, but they were also getting ready to shut down for the season. The pictures here are from the East Gate, facing the Red River.
The Warehouse (which later became Manitoba's first jail, first national jail, and first mental asylum).
the fur loft and trading building. The white one beside it was HBC's retail outlet until 1911.
the Big House (for the governor and his family/servants). After HBC left the Fort (except for the retail outlet), this became the officer's quarters for the RCMP.
The HBC's flag.
One of the interesting things was that from 1914 to 1964 (50 years, anyways), the fort was leased to the Manitoba Motor Club as a club house - and the buidings were altered quite a bit. When the Federal govm't got it from the club, they had to remove quite a few items and construction updates to bring it back to the period of 1851.
The Warehouse (which later became Manitoba's first jail, first national jail, and first mental asylum).
the fur loft and trading building. The white one beside it was HBC's retail outlet until 1911.
the Big House (for the governor and his family/servants). After HBC left the Fort (except for the retail outlet), this became the officer's quarters for the RCMP.
The HBC's flag.
One of the interesting things was that from 1914 to 1964 (50 years, anyways), the fort was leased to the Manitoba Motor Club as a club house - and the buidings were altered quite a bit. When the Federal govm't got it from the club, they had to remove quite a few items and construction updates to bring it back to the period of 1851.
Mojo's operation....
Mojo had an operation on Monday - she had this HUGE growth on her side that just wouldn't go away. Other growths have been appearing, none staying long or getting huge, but this one just kept getting bigger.
It took 2 days, but now she's normal - except that she has to wear the collar for 14 days. She's still on painkillers and antibiotics until Monday Sept 1 - the stiches come out the following week. She spent the first few days taking the stairs really slowly, and only coming down to eat and go to the bathroom. She prefers being upstairs, so that's where she wanted to be.
I was talking with a neighbour, and he commented that Mojo had pretty major surgery... imagine that kind of cut on your body! The shaving makes it look really bad, but the cut is pretty clean. With that collar on, she looks like a vacumn with legs when she eats!
Because of the stress of the whole thing, she's shedding like crazy now. Dog hair everywhere!
All we have to do is make sure Ezra doesn't help take the stiches out early...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Gate's in...
Sunday Morning, Nathanael and I finished the gate and installed it into the fence. Put the caps on the posts later in the evening. All we need now is a latch to hold the gate closed - the yellow bungee is doing the job for now.
I caught myself thinking it would be nice to take the fence all the way to the back lane......
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Parent Application - Thanks, Dad.....
My father sent me this.....
I'm not sure if he's trying to send me a message or not....
PARENT - Job Description
POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing t o be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required (unfortunately)
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this!
You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses!
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do... or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.
** AND A FOOTNOTE 'THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!
I'm not sure if he's trying to send me a message or not....
PARENT - Job Description
POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop
JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing t o be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required (unfortunately)
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this!
You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses!
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do... or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.
** AND A FOOTNOTE 'THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!
Friday, August 08, 2008
fence done, gate next...
Well, we (Szuanne and I) got the 2x4's cut this evening, and then we put on the fence boards. With the 2x4's on the stairs connected to the posts, the whole thing is pretty stable. All that is left now is the gate - Nathanael and I will work on that Sunday.
Next Step - String and 2x4 brackets.
Took Nathanael to his dancing today, and then went to RONA (see previous post) and got a line level. They didn't have any when I started....
Next step was to put the string on the posts, and to nail the 2x4 brackets to the posts. If you look closely, you will notice that the corner is NOT 90 degrees.... I'm following the concrete already laid out, so the posts are not exactly where I would like to have them. I'm accomodating this a bit by putting the brackets on the posts in such a way so that the boards are a bit closer to 90 degrees than they would be otherwise. So... in the first photo, the brackets are off to the side of the post, closest to the concrete. In the second photo, the brackets are closer to the middle. The same thing will be happening with the other side.
Went to RONA....
... and bought a toolbelt. Suzanne's reaction?
"I can't believe it... I never thought I'd see one of those in my house.... What is it doing here?"
I figured it was better than having nails and tools all over the place when I started working on the fence.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
htc troubles....
It happened this month - my touch started to reset itself.
Doing a quick internet search, I've discovered that this is not a unknown issue - but the only solution was to hard reset it.
Now I wait and see how well this solution takes....
UPDATE
Called Rogers today and they are replacing my touch with a refurbished phone. It's being sent out by courier, and will not cost me a penny.
Doing a quick internet search, I've discovered that this is not a unknown issue - but the only solution was to hard reset it.
Now I wait and see how well this solution takes....
UPDATE
Called Rogers today and they are replacing my touch with a refurbished phone. It's being sent out by courier, and will not cost me a penny.
Cutting posts....
My neighbour, Cody, has lent me his powertool - a compound mitre saw. Today I used it to cut the posts into 5 foot lengths. That will make them the right height for the fence. He gave me a quick run-down of how to use it, and what to watch for. The goggles are his, he won't let me use it without them.
I also chopped a short length off an old post to use for banging the spikes in. The first spike hit a stone, which meant I had to dig it out a bit. It's in now, with a post in it. I'll get the other two in before I put another picture up.
I also chopped a short length off an old post to use for banging the spikes in. The first spike hit a stone, which meant I had to dig it out a bit. It's in now, with a post in it. I'll get the other two in before I put another picture up.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Got the lumber and supplies...
Today I went and got the lumber and supplies - lumber's in the yard, and the supplies in the house. Tonight, my neighbour is going to show me how to use a power tool (anyone remember Father's Day "THE BOX"?), so I can cut the wood to the needed sizes.....
The sledgehammer is for hammering the spikes that you see in the previous post.
Cousins meet for the first time....
Nathanael and his cousin met for the first time this summer. Although we only had a week to visit, it only took one day for these two to get along. By the end of the visit, they were doing really well. We went for a family portrait, and the photographer mistook them for siblings!
I guess that's understandable, as they acted like it. They even smirked when the other was in trouble!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Orff Level Two
Well, I took the plunge this year and did my Orff Level II Certification. It was a lot of work, and I didn't get a lot of sleep, but it was a lot of fun, and definitely worth it! The picture here is of our movement to a poem called "Thistles" - Albert and I are supposed to be "little devils".
Monday, August 04, 2008
Fence - first step
First - I had to get rid of all the weeds and junk - as well as banging out the areas for the posts to go in. It's only about 10 feet of fence I'm doing - I'm adding it onto existing fence and deck. The bamboo sticks are where the posts are going to go. These pictures show where the fence is going - view is from the yard and from the path between the two houses. We share a common access with the neighbour - so the gate is going beside thier gate.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Rhubarb!
I finally got a rhubarb plant!
A friend of ours who live a block away gave us part of her rhubarb root, and I have planted it in the backyard. I have been missing having rhubarb.... and the bonus was, that she also gave me a bag full of stalks.
I ahve since found a website devoted to all thing Rhubarb: The Rhubarb Compendium - You name it, it's there. Found some great recipies, and made jam tonight.
Oooooo can hardly wait!
A friend of ours who live a block away gave us part of her rhubarb root, and I have planted it in the backyard. I have been missing having rhubarb.... and the bonus was, that she also gave me a bag full of stalks.
I ahve since found a website devoted to all thing Rhubarb: The Rhubarb Compendium - You name it, it's there. Found some great recipies, and made jam tonight.
Oooooo can hardly wait!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Apology
It's 11:30 at night, and I am watching a re-broadcast of today's apology for the residential school policy of the Canadian Government.
What has impressed me the most is the calls for reconciliation and moving forward together that has come out from every leader so far. If even a portion of all the words said so far are realized in action, we will be much better off as a country.
Ever since my aunt passed on information providing us with the heritage of my Grandfather (her dad), I have become more and more interested in reading about the Metis and the Cree of the Manitoba woodlands. Inside the package she gave us was a copy of a script signed by our Great-Great Grandmother in the Red River settlement. Grandpa was Metis.
I don't know if he ever went to residential school. He always told us that he was adopted, so I am not sure that he did attend such a school. I do know that he kept that part of his heritage private - he always told us to put down French in the census results.
Getting back to the apology - I'm glad that the First Nation, Metis and Inuit leaders were invited to be present on the floor, and that they were able to respond on the floor of the House of Commons. Having thier words to listen to, and to have them in the Hansard is important. All MP's needed to hear what they had to say.
Since I have begun working in the inner city of Winnipeg at an elementary school I have found this topic very compelling to me. Likely it is because of the Seven Teachings that the school division expects us to pass on to the students. I have found these to be profound, and to fit within my personal Christian beliefs without conflict.
So I watched today's ceremony with interest, and with pride and hope. I know that this is the beginning of a journey - not just for those who reside on reserves or who are considered First Nations, but also for all Canadians. We have to build a new relationship together.
What has impressed me the most is the calls for reconciliation and moving forward together that has come out from every leader so far. If even a portion of all the words said so far are realized in action, we will be much better off as a country.
Ever since my aunt passed on information providing us with the heritage of my Grandfather (her dad), I have become more and more interested in reading about the Metis and the Cree of the Manitoba woodlands. Inside the package she gave us was a copy of a script signed by our Great-Great Grandmother in the Red River settlement. Grandpa was Metis.
I don't know if he ever went to residential school. He always told us that he was adopted, so I am not sure that he did attend such a school. I do know that he kept that part of his heritage private - he always told us to put down French in the census results.
Getting back to the apology - I'm glad that the First Nation, Metis and Inuit leaders were invited to be present on the floor, and that they were able to respond on the floor of the House of Commons. Having thier words to listen to, and to have them in the Hansard is important. All MP's needed to hear what they had to say.
Since I have begun working in the inner city of Winnipeg at an elementary school I have found this topic very compelling to me. Likely it is because of the Seven Teachings that the school division expects us to pass on to the students. I have found these to be profound, and to fit within my personal Christian beliefs without conflict.
So I watched today's ceremony with interest, and with pride and hope. I know that this is the beginning of a journey - not just for those who reside on reserves or who are considered First Nations, but also for all Canadians. We have to build a new relationship together.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
I QUIT
Oh yes...
After "toughing it out" for a couple of weeks, I gave my notice at my second job. The amount of time it would take for me to fulfill the job, and the amount of work it would take, wasn't worth the return. I'll look for something else, and Suz is doing the same. The loss of income will be missed, but not the hassle of getting out there.... I'm actually looking forward to having Saturdays at home....
After "toughing it out" for a couple of weeks, I gave my notice at my second job. The amount of time it would take for me to fulfill the job, and the amount of work it would take, wasn't worth the return. I'll look for something else, and Suz is doing the same. The loss of income will be missed, but not the hassle of getting out there.... I'm actually looking forward to having Saturdays at home....
WBC done, plans for next year.
Well, the WBC had the year end concert at the end of April. Grandma and Grandpa B came out to watch, and I think they enjoyed the concert. Nathanael thought he sang well, and really liked having the extra family members present to listen. The whole choir did a great job, and we had guest artists from the U of M who did some wondering Jazz Music for us at the end.
Next year, there will be a lot of stuff for the boys to sing - plans are for concerts throughout the year, as well as the two the choir puts on themselves. Should be a fun season.
Next year, there will be a lot of stuff for the boys to sing - plans are for concerts throughout the year, as well as the two the choir puts on themselves. Should be a fun season.
May News
Wow.... been a while...
You would think that with the amount of time I spend on computers, I would have time to spend on writing something in here, but alas, that is not the case.
What it has come down to is that I am doing other things with this machine, and not spending time on the browser as much. Likely not a bad thing, but....
I've got 5 things in the head right now, so I'll enter them as separate posts....
You would think that with the amount of time I spend on computers, I would have time to spend on writing something in here, but alas, that is not the case.
What it has come down to is that I am doing other things with this machine, and not spending time on the browser as much. Likely not a bad thing, but....
I've got 5 things in the head right now, so I'll enter them as separate posts....
Sunday, February 17, 2008
HTC Update
Job changes....
Well... it was due to happen sometime.
Yesterday at my second job, I was told (with lots of others in the same situation) that my job description has changed. We are now to "promote" - ie sell - a product that we provide technical support for.
It's been two years since I did the training for this phone support job. At the time, we were told there was no sales involved. Since the new product came on line, there have been incentives to promote it to people calling in for assistance with other products, but the promotion part was on our own, at least that was what I inferred.
Yesterday's session was good in that the expetations were very clear - the job has changed. Start doing it.
A bunch of years ago, I did outbound sales for phone companies from the states. I lasted 4 months before I couldn't do it any more. I hope that this is different. At this point, the "Promotion" part is the only part I'm uncomfortable with.
Yesterday at my second job, I was told (with lots of others in the same situation) that my job description has changed. We are now to "promote" - ie sell - a product that we provide technical support for.
It's been two years since I did the training for this phone support job. At the time, we were told there was no sales involved. Since the new product came on line, there have been incentives to promote it to people calling in for assistance with other products, but the promotion part was on our own, at least that was what I inferred.
Yesterday's session was good in that the expetations were very clear - the job has changed. Start doing it.
A bunch of years ago, I did outbound sales for phone companies from the states. I lasted 4 months before I couldn't do it any more. I hope that this is different. At this point, the "Promotion" part is the only part I'm uncomfortable with.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday Thoughts
Today is the first day that I have tried to do a post with the new phone. It is quite different trying to use the tiny keyboard or the writing area to make the words. So far I would say the easiest is the keyboard with the stylus and the word prediction turned on.
Just got the Bible installed as well - even got some surfing done.
Well, should go and do some other stuff for awhile.
Just got the Bible installed as well - even got some surfing done.
Well, should go and do some other stuff for awhile.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
New Toy.....
The old Palm has finally bit the dust this past week. The right top corner has stopped working, and it is starting to drive me nuts, as what started as a small section gone has turned into a large 2cm by 3cm unusable corner.
So Friday I took the plunge into the market and am trying out a HTC Touch. It's on a Rogers $10 plan, and I still have a week to see if I like it. So far, I am liking most of what it can do - the calendars working OK, and I figured out the syncing part Sunday night. The only part I don't really like too much is that it uses Outlook to sync to. I've gotten so used to Palm's desktop and to Thunderbird that to use Outlook again seems weird.
I did briefly consider Blackberry as an option - except that the plans were not really good - most of the carriers out here wanted $30-45 a month for the data plans. The neat thing about the Touch is that it has Wi-Fi - I've already got it surfing at home and at the dance school Nathanael goes to, and today I got it linked to a Second Cup hot spot.
What gets me is that most of the software that I have on the Palm will not be usable on the Touch. oh well.....
So Friday I took the plunge into the market and am trying out a HTC Touch. It's on a Rogers $10 plan, and I still have a week to see if I like it. So far, I am liking most of what it can do - the calendars working OK, and I figured out the syncing part Sunday night. The only part I don't really like too much is that it uses Outlook to sync to. I've gotten so used to Palm's desktop and to Thunderbird that to use Outlook again seems weird.
I did briefly consider Blackberry as an option - except that the plans were not really good - most of the carriers out here wanted $30-45 a month for the data plans. The neat thing about the Touch is that it has Wi-Fi - I've already got it surfing at home and at the dance school Nathanael goes to, and today I got it linked to a Second Cup hot spot.
What gets me is that most of the software that I have on the Palm will not be usable on the Touch. oh well.....
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