Date: Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
Word of the Day: brobdingnagian (brob-ding-NAG-ee-uhn); of extraordinary size, gigantic, enormous
Weight: 221 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 89 pounds
Waist Size: 49 inches
Rowing Duration: 92 minutes, 58 seconds
From day to day, I never know what I'm going to talk about, I wing it basically and sometimes it's not easy. That is one of the reasons why I have the section "topics coming soon," at least there are subjects there that will give me something to talk about (should I need them,) and I will eventually talk about them, after I have researched them, and have a little more knowledge to what I'm talking about.
I'm in a slump again, and getting on Cruella is getting harder and harder. I have adjusted the time that I row, and I'm not sure if that is the problem, but whatever it is, it is so difficult for me to now get on Cruella, once I am there and have been doing it for a couple of minutes, I'm okay, it is getting me there. I'm sure some of you may be able to relate to this situation, can you?
As far as food consumption goes, yesterday was a bad day for me. I started off well, which is usual, I had my cream of wheat with oat bran, splenda, flax seeds and skim milk on it, then I went way off base and finished off a bag of cheesies for my lunch. For dinner, I got back on track by having Zac's famous Spanish Rice, but I had two large servings of it. I then had a blueberry yogurt for dessert which wasn't too bad, but I really have to cut out this compulsive eating.
Have you heard the news yet? Billy Elliot, the musical, tickets for the Toronto run go on sale Monday, and I hope to be the first person on the telephone to order tickets. If I was in Toronto, I would go down to the Canon Theatre as the first 100 people in line will get one free ticket and one free tutu. The box office at the Canon Theatre opens at nine o'clock am. and telephone lines open at ten o'clock am.
I am so looking forward to seeing this show; if I could, I would cross the Atlantic to London, England and see it in the West End where it originated or if I had more time, I would just go down to New York City and see it on Broadway.
The show has won every major award around including the Tony and the Olivier. You heard it from me first, you do not want to miss this show and I know our Canadian production will be just as good as any other one out there, so what are you waiting for?, get a ticket to Billy Elliot, the musical!!!!!
The second Steven and Chris show was better than the first. The guys have changed their format a little, they used to deal with design questions from viewers at the end of their show, this season, the boys are addressing people's problems at the inception of the show, I think I prefer when they did it at the close of the show. I like it when I get drawn into the show at the beginning, you know, by getting to the first guest or doing that fabulous cooking segment, the way the boys are doing it now is slow moving, and I think they should rethink this segment, I do know a little about this sort of thing!!!
I need to organize my time a little better, I'm finding that handling my email of late is taking more of my time than I would like to devote to this activity, so don't be surprised if there are changes in the wind, change is good and is one of the things that you can most count on.
Some of you may remember that I had to contact Dell (at least I think I told you; I tell you everything,) regarding The Camden Plus. I believe I had dealings with Dell over a week ago, they were going to send me a replacement computer as the Camden Plus is a little temperamental, it really is. Sometimes The Camden Plus turns on when I just touch the on/off key and sometimes I really have to hold it in, one thing for sure is its lack of consistency, so back it goes when I get the new one, whenever that is.
Today's word of the day sure is a mouthful, let's see how many of you can use brobdingnagian in a sentence that I would actually use; come on, send in your sentences, participate in life, get involved.
Okay, the time has come to talk a little (very) about Travel, and the very mention of that word makes some people yearn as they've used up all of their vacation time, and money, for this year. My favourite travel destination is Hawaii, and I have been fortunate enough to visit the islands five times in my life, each time was a renewed pleasure; you get lei'd the minute you arrive in Hawaii!!!!!!!!!
My favourite vacation was when I took the Concord to London, England, from New York City, and then took the fabulous Queen Elizabeth 2, back to Manhattan. Zac has been fortunate enough to make this exact trip twice! Nothing I do will ever match this holiday as you can't take The Concord anymore, and The Queen Elizabeth Two is now resting/residing in Dubai. One day I would like to travel to Dubai and after it is built, I would like to stay at the Hydropolis, which is an underwater hotel, thank goodness I learned how to swim at an early age!!!!!!!
How do you define Travel? Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic,) hallucinogenic or international. Travelling is done for recreational, business, and commuting purposes and we travel for a plethora of reasons: tourism, health care, because Hazel went there, migration, fleeing war, etc.
The word Travel originates from the Middle English word travailen ("to toil,") which comes from the Old French word travailler ("travail"). A person who travels is called a traveler (United States) or a traveller (United Kingdom).
Green Travel refers to any means of transport with low impact on the environment and includes walking and cycling, transit oriented development, green vehicles, carSharing and building or protecting urban transport systems that are fuel-efficient, space-saving, and promote healthy lifestyles.
In 2009, the top ten most visited cities by estimated numbers of international visitors were:
1) Paris, France
2) London, England
3) Bangkok, Thailland
4) Singapore, Singapore
5) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysis
6) Hong Kong, China
7) New York City, United States
8) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9) Istanbul, Turkey
10) Shanghai, China
I have travelled to three of these cities while Zac has travelled to seven of them. How many have you travelled to, did you have a favourite?
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Twins
Television
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tantalizing Tuesday
Date: Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
Word of the Day: imago; (ih\MAH\go) an idealized concept of a loved one, formed in childhood and retained unaltered in adult life; entomology, an adult insect
Weight: 221 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 89 pounds
Waist Size: 49 inches
Rowing Duration: 119 minutes, 4 seconds
It is the first day of fall, or the last day of summer, I'm not sure which is which, regardless, it is going to be a beautiful, bright crisp day. again!!!
I don't like it that there is a chill in the air, especially at two o'clock am., but I do love to see those amazing fall colours, it truly is art heaven up here, an artist's paradise, I wish I could paint like Zac's sister, May.
Okay, I'm always trying to improve upon things so I've now added the correct pronunciation for the word of the day, hope this helps you incorporate new words into your vocabulary, but please remember, always use plain language when writing.
It rained up here last night, or early this morning, the lake here could really use a few inches added to it, it has become so shallow that I hurt myself getting into the Jack E T at the boathouse. The Jack E T is a pontoon boat, just in case you don't remember, and getting on and off of it usually is no problem, but because the lake is so very shallow, well, even getting on and off a pontoon boat is now something of a challenge, for me!
Have all of you seen the movie "Nine?" what did you think of it? I heard so much about this movie that I was really looking forward to seeing it, and built up alot of expectation, which is always a big mistake, nothing lives up to my expectations, except Andrea McArdle of course. This past summer Andrea played "Miss Hannigan" in "Annie" which is something of a full circle for her; I bet she was amazing, like always!
Every bone in my body is hurting today, and I have a rather large bruise all over my left arm, really, the bruise runs the full extent of my arm, courtesy of getting hurt getting on the Jack E T and from being over fifty years of age!!!!
I received some feedback on my blog yesterday, and I appreciate all of it, some of my posts will be longer than others, some days I'm really into the subject and I ramble, other days you may just get a few sentences, that is how blogging goes.
I watched the season premiere of the Steven and Chris talk show yesterday, I was a little disappointed, I thought something really wonderful would occur, but it was just like every other day on this show, and maybe that is the best recommendation for watching it, you know what you're getting.
However, I did miss the season premieres of "Dancing with the Stars (DWTS)" and "Hawaii Five-O", I don't care about missing "DWTS," so much, but I did want to see the new "Hawaii Five-O," oh well, hopefully it will be on next week, with new shows, you never know from one week to the next. Yes, I was sleeping!!!!!
Last night for dinner I had about four bites of chicken, one small potato, a handful of carrots and a strawberry yogurt for dessert, maybe my stomach is shrinking, at least Winter was happy as there was more for her!!!!
I haven't yet received the book "Freedom", but I expect the delivery of it will be soon. You still have time to get it, I know you want to read it at the same time I do, won't this be fun? After I finish reading Freedom, there are about three more books on my list, they are: The Reader, The Unit and White Plague, the last two books were recommended by a dear friend, evidently, The Unit is a difficult read because of some parts, but I'll give it a go, I actually will read anything and I need something to read on that long drive to Gainesville, Florida. Hopefully, all of the books will get read before Florida and I'll be on to something new, maybe something you recommend, what do you think?
We've arranged the house were going to live in for two months when we go to Gainesville, Florida, it is the same house that we rented last March, its a little expensive, but we know what we're getting. It is a large four bedroom house with a great swimming pool and both Zac and I really like the area of the house, I'm actually looking forward to going, but I'm not looking forward to leaving the cottage on the lake, oh, its so very beautiful here.
I am hoping that one, or two, or even three of our friends may join us down there for a visit, we will be there for the last half of November and will leave in the middle of January next year. We are hoping to try and find a house that we both like enough to buy while were visiting, prices have come down so much, Zac thinks that prices are going to come down even more, and Zac is seldom wrong about this sort of thing, I hope this time will not be an exception.
I did manage to watch The Queen last night on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) channel, and I watched it in 3D, how about that? I've seen the Queen's coronation before but I will watch anything and everything that relates to the Queen, I just love royalty, maybe I've mentioned that before.
My friend Nancy just started reading my blog yesterday, she is starting at the beginning and feels I am a good writer, nice of her to say, I hope she doesn't change her mind.
Excuse me, time to get a cup of coffee, I think I made it on the strong side today, Judy never complains about my coffee, I guess she is just happy that I've made it. Last night I wrote out and sent a marriage proposal to my dear friend Melinda, she very kindly turned me down, but she did turn me down, its just as well, she is still technically married, c'est la vie, and the world goes round with Francine Evans!!!!
Remember Miss Liza is a guest on the Oprah show today, Liza is Hollywood royalty, and even though her voice is damaged from too much smoking, Liza stills gives it everything when she performs and I never tire from seeing her, but she's no Judy Garland!!!!!!!!!
Gosh, I just saw lightning flash and I can hear thunder, the whole cottage sometimes moves when the thunder is close, I hate storms. Zac's partner at the office was killed when he was struck by lightning at his cottage leaving his poor wife Anne a widow, and at such a young age. Maybe we're not going to get the predicted beautiful bright sunny day after all. In any case, because it is now raining, because Nicole Kidman is singing A very unusual thing, and because of the lightning and thunder, I am going to log off my computer to be on the safe side, I believe everyone should use common sense during a storm, why take chances? That means that's it for my post today, tune in tomorrow.
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Word of the Day: imago; (ih\MAH\go) an idealized concept of a loved one, formed in childhood and retained unaltered in adult life; entomology, an adult insect
Weight: 221 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 89 pounds
Waist Size: 49 inches
Rowing Duration: 119 minutes, 4 seconds
It is the first day of fall, or the last day of summer, I'm not sure which is which, regardless, it is going to be a beautiful, bright crisp day. again!!!
I don't like it that there is a chill in the air, especially at two o'clock am., but I do love to see those amazing fall colours, it truly is art heaven up here, an artist's paradise, I wish I could paint like Zac's sister, May.
Okay, I'm always trying to improve upon things so I've now added the correct pronunciation for the word of the day, hope this helps you incorporate new words into your vocabulary, but please remember, always use plain language when writing.
It rained up here last night, or early this morning, the lake here could really use a few inches added to it, it has become so shallow that I hurt myself getting into the Jack E T at the boathouse. The Jack E T is a pontoon boat, just in case you don't remember, and getting on and off of it usually is no problem, but because the lake is so very shallow, well, even getting on and off a pontoon boat is now something of a challenge, for me!
Have all of you seen the movie "Nine?" what did you think of it? I heard so much about this movie that I was really looking forward to seeing it, and built up alot of expectation, which is always a big mistake, nothing lives up to my expectations, except Andrea McArdle of course. This past summer Andrea played "Miss Hannigan" in "Annie" which is something of a full circle for her; I bet she was amazing, like always!
Every bone in my body is hurting today, and I have a rather large bruise all over my left arm, really, the bruise runs the full extent of my arm, courtesy of getting hurt getting on the Jack E T and from being over fifty years of age!!!!
I received some feedback on my blog yesterday, and I appreciate all of it, some of my posts will be longer than others, some days I'm really into the subject and I ramble, other days you may just get a few sentences, that is how blogging goes.
I watched the season premiere of the Steven and Chris talk show yesterday, I was a little disappointed, I thought something really wonderful would occur, but it was just like every other day on this show, and maybe that is the best recommendation for watching it, you know what you're getting.
However, I did miss the season premieres of "Dancing with the Stars (DWTS)" and "Hawaii Five-O", I don't care about missing "DWTS," so much, but I did want to see the new "Hawaii Five-O," oh well, hopefully it will be on next week, with new shows, you never know from one week to the next. Yes, I was sleeping!!!!!
Last night for dinner I had about four bites of chicken, one small potato, a handful of carrots and a strawberry yogurt for dessert, maybe my stomach is shrinking, at least Winter was happy as there was more for her!!!!
I haven't yet received the book "Freedom", but I expect the delivery of it will be soon. You still have time to get it, I know you want to read it at the same time I do, won't this be fun? After I finish reading Freedom, there are about three more books on my list, they are: The Reader, The Unit and White Plague, the last two books were recommended by a dear friend, evidently, The Unit is a difficult read because of some parts, but I'll give it a go, I actually will read anything and I need something to read on that long drive to Gainesville, Florida. Hopefully, all of the books will get read before Florida and I'll be on to something new, maybe something you recommend, what do you think?
We've arranged the house were going to live in for two months when we go to Gainesville, Florida, it is the same house that we rented last March, its a little expensive, but we know what we're getting. It is a large four bedroom house with a great swimming pool and both Zac and I really like the area of the house, I'm actually looking forward to going, but I'm not looking forward to leaving the cottage on the lake, oh, its so very beautiful here.
I am hoping that one, or two, or even three of our friends may join us down there for a visit, we will be there for the last half of November and will leave in the middle of January next year. We are hoping to try and find a house that we both like enough to buy while were visiting, prices have come down so much, Zac thinks that prices are going to come down even more, and Zac is seldom wrong about this sort of thing, I hope this time will not be an exception.
I did manage to watch The Queen last night on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) channel, and I watched it in 3D, how about that? I've seen the Queen's coronation before but I will watch anything and everything that relates to the Queen, I just love royalty, maybe I've mentioned that before.
My friend Nancy just started reading my blog yesterday, she is starting at the beginning and feels I am a good writer, nice of her to say, I hope she doesn't change her mind.
Excuse me, time to get a cup of coffee, I think I made it on the strong side today, Judy never complains about my coffee, I guess she is just happy that I've made it. Last night I wrote out and sent a marriage proposal to my dear friend Melinda, she very kindly turned me down, but she did turn me down, its just as well, she is still technically married, c'est la vie, and the world goes round with Francine Evans!!!!
Remember Miss Liza is a guest on the Oprah show today, Liza is Hollywood royalty, and even though her voice is damaged from too much smoking, Liza stills gives it everything when she performs and I never tire from seeing her, but she's no Judy Garland!!!!!!!!!
Gosh, I just saw lightning flash and I can hear thunder, the whole cottage sometimes moves when the thunder is close, I hate storms. Zac's partner at the office was killed when he was struck by lightning at his cottage leaving his poor wife Anne a widow, and at such a young age. Maybe we're not going to get the predicted beautiful bright sunny day after all. In any case, because it is now raining, because Nicole Kidman is singing A very unusual thing, and because of the lightning and thunder, I am going to log off my computer to be on the safe side, I believe everyone should use common sense during a storm, why take chances? That means that's it for my post today, tune in tomorrow.
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday is for Mirthful Misfits
Date: Monday, September 20th, 2010
Word of the Day: jactation; bragging, boasting; a restless tossing of the body
Weight: 221 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 89 pounds
Waist Size: 49 inches
Rowing Duration: 107 minutes, 53 seconds
I have finally broken ten pounds, yes folks, I have lost eleven whole pounds (in total,)and it has been a struggle and effort. I'm told the first ten pounds are the hardest, but I bet they all will be hard to lose, and in another triumph, I've managed to knock off two more inches from my waist, yes Efrem give yourself a pat on the back!!!!!
It is almost four o'clock am., and I'm trying to work up enough nerve and warmth to go out and get on Cruella, I hate the cold.
I did it and I think for returning to Cruella after a four-day rest, I did very well, and I'm proud of myself, it was quite cold outside but I still went and did what I had to do, good for me.! I need your help loyal readers, I really don't know if wearing myself out twice a day on Cruella is a smart thing, so I'm doing a little survey, how many of you think I should continue doing Cruella twice a day?, or how many of you think I should try to do a different exercise other than Cruella?, I know how you feel Marta, so you don't need to answer (unless you really want to answer.) Remember, when I return to Toronto full-time (after Thanksgiving,) I intend to resurrect my swimming. I know I won't be able to swim too long, or too far, at first, but I have hopes of getting back to swimming two miles a day.
Check out that word of the day, how about that?, its pronounced exactly how it spells, ensure that you use it in your daily voice so that you remember its meaning.
We're finally back here at the cottage on the lake and all of us could not be happier, it has been way too long.
For those of you who like this and that sort of thing, this is the sort of thing for you: Bill Gates is a guest on Oprah today, you should watch this show as Mr. Gates really knows his stuff and you might learn a thing or three.
On Oprah's show tomorrow, the living legend herself, Miss Liza Minnelli is a guest, so set up your vcr and dvd recorders in advance, better yet take the day off, you don't want to miss Judy Garland's oldest daughter, do you? I'm sure you can all remember that not only have I seen Liza a few dozen times, but I was introduced to her by my friend, Roger Minami.
I was also wondering if you've purchased Oprah's recent book selection, Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen, what are you waiting for?, come on, pick it up and we'll all read it together!!!! Whose with me?????????
Christmas is only 95 days away so get out there and do some shopping before prices go up, don't kvetch at me, I told you about this holiday last August!!!!!!!
I plan on having my best Christmas ever this year, and I can't wait. I've already done some of my shopping, thank goodness I'm more mobile than I have been in five years, and there are plenty of bargains still to be had, you don't have to go into debt.
Check magazines, flyers, newspapers and the Internet to stay abreast of all sales going on, Ashley's have their annual fall sale coming up and you can buy beautiful china for half of the normal cost. Talk to your friends, especially your women friends, and ask them if they know of any sales!
Santa Efrem is here to help you with Christmas gift-giving and your shopping, please start now and don't let it overwhelm you, so where should you start?:
Make a list of everyone that you want to give a gift, everyone, family, friends, and co-workers ,and do this list way in advance, then separate that list into three categories: 1) those that get the best gifts (ie. ME,) 2) those that get the okay gifts, (him,) 3) those that get the small token gesture gifts (usually co-workers.)
Don't wait until Black Friday or other doorbuster sales. Contrary to popular belief, you'll most likely end up spending more money on Christmas gifts if you choose to wait for the big holiday sales. Got that, please, please make a note of that because that two hundred (200) dollar coffee-maker may now only be sixty dollars, but the sixty could potentially buy you several gifts for several people, KEEP IN MIND THE BIG PICTURE!
Look where you would least expect to buy gifts, one of the best places to buy gifts is the discount store, you know the dollar store, the 99 center. They have a wide array of items that you can purchase, usually for 90% less money. They may be cheap gifts but items, for example, such as, champagne flutes can be purchased for a dollar a piece. You could buy six champagne flutes, a gift box, and some tissue paper for less than ten dollars at the store. You don't have to tell the person where you made the purchase and it is the thought that counts! By the way, I love to have a glass of champagne, and crystal is still crystal.
Sentimental gifts make the best gifts, so go ahead go to your local drug store and purchase some photo albums, you can get some really nice inexpensive ones, then customise that photo album to each person and they'll appreciate and love that gift alot, because they know you will have taken time to not only think of them but you made it so special by involving them.
Make up those personal gift cards, not the ones you buy at the store, but the ones you personalise by telling them: the bearer of this card is entitled to one free breakfast in bed, the bearer of this card will not have to do laundry for an entire week because I'm going to do it, the bearer of this card does not have to walk the dog because I'm going to take her/him for a half hour walk every day, the bearer of this card does not have to cut grass for an entire month because I hired someone to do it (he,he) you all get the idea!!!!! I love giving this gift card because it is free and it shows imagination and your love!!!!
E-BAY, E-BAY, E-BAY, there are so many cheap gifts available for you to purchase and I'm talking brand names, and on some practically new items!!!, stick to your guns people and know your budget, do not get caught up in the excitement and drama of outbidding someone by spending more money than you can afford, remember, you are supposed to be saving money by doing this activity.
Do you have a special talent?, and the time?, well what are you waiting for, knit that scarf, write that short story, novel or poem, go visit that old relative of yours in the nursing home, cook that special meal from your secret recipe, make shortbread cookies, candy and other delectable treats, compose that special song, paint that painting, sing that song, play that difficult piece on the piano because you've been practicing, all of these personal gifts are welcomed by everyone, and I wish all of my gifts that I receive are of this ilk (well, maybe not all of them,) because they are so very personal, and they tell the bearer that you not only love them, but you took real time, which is the best gift you can give anyone, to make, compose, cook, their Christmas gift to you.
Another item that is contrary to popular belief is giving gift cards from stores, NEVER DO THIS EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY, it lacks imagination and especially don't do it if you don't have too much money to spend, have you ever received a five dollar gift card?, it would be alot nicer if you took the time to find something, no matter how small for the recipient.
SANTA EFREM IS NOW GOING TO TELL YOU OTHER WAYS TO SAVE MONEY, AND NOT JUST AT CHRISTMAS:
Before you buy anything new, ask yourself if you really need it
Pay credit cards charges when they become due so interest isn't added to it
Reuse foil wrap after washing
Swap services with neighbours and friends who can do things you can't
Think in terms of doing something for yourself rather than hiring someone to do it for you, like home repairs, painting, garden work, etc.
Use reusable plates, cups, utensils, glasses, napkins for parties instead of plastic disposables
Crumpled up used aluminum foil is ideal for scouring pots and pans
Paper towels are expensive, use washable towel cloths instead
Wash and reuse transparent plastic wrap
Attend movies early when prices are frequently lower
Organize a baby-sitting club with friends and neighbours, take turns
Learn about the many bargains at "no frills" discount stores
Dilute your shampoo with small amount of water, for easier rinsing
Consider cutting your family's hair yourself, it will grow back
Give yourself a home permanent instead of paying top money at a salon
Save empty plastic food containers for storing leftovers and freezer use
Save "junk mail" reply envelopes for filing recipes, receipts, etc.
Restrict family between-meal snacking to inexpensive food items
When buying big-ticket items, learn all about them from consumer magazines and the Internet
Start your children earning money at an early age
Be wary of banking gimmicks, get the best deal in town
Check all monthly bills closely, including your bank balance. Big companies can and do make mistakes
Garage sales and flea markets are excellent for buying and selling; make sure you don't sell your hubby's favourite golf clubs
Examine your cheque at restaurants and other clubs to make sure no mistake has been made
Please, above all, look at all of your bills closely, remember, just recently a customer noticed that a cash advance had been put on their bill when they hadn't received any cash, the sales person was eventually charged and sent to jail for theft, this happens as people know other people don't always look at their bills, I used to be very guilty of this, not anymore!!!
Excuse me for a moment, I have to go and make coffee for Judy, she has been up for quite awhile and is about to go crazy from caffeine withdrawl, also, I'm going to give Zac and myself our meds, feed Winter, so I may be gone just a little longer than a moment, but, I'll be back.
Zac and I have had our meds, Winter's fed and has gone back to sleep, the coffee is made and yet the aroma of it still has not brought down Judy, I wonder if she's gone back to bed. Hmmm., I guess I'll enjoy that first cup of coffee by myself.
Whilst drinking my first cup of delicious coffee, I am also reading my email, thank you again, but I wish some of you readers would register on google so that it would record all of my blog followers, that means YOU!
Its time for me to now relax, I hope I have made a difference in your life and in your thinking, even just a little, because if I can make a difference, so can you!!!
Have a great day, remember, 95 days people!
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Word of the Day: jactation; bragging, boasting; a restless tossing of the body
Weight: 221 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 89 pounds
Waist Size: 49 inches
Rowing Duration: 107 minutes, 53 seconds
I have finally broken ten pounds, yes folks, I have lost eleven whole pounds (in total,)and it has been a struggle and effort. I'm told the first ten pounds are the hardest, but I bet they all will be hard to lose, and in another triumph, I've managed to knock off two more inches from my waist, yes Efrem give yourself a pat on the back!!!!!
It is almost four o'clock am., and I'm trying to work up enough nerve and warmth to go out and get on Cruella, I hate the cold.
I did it and I think for returning to Cruella after a four-day rest, I did very well, and I'm proud of myself, it was quite cold outside but I still went and did what I had to do, good for me.! I need your help loyal readers, I really don't know if wearing myself out twice a day on Cruella is a smart thing, so I'm doing a little survey, how many of you think I should continue doing Cruella twice a day?, or how many of you think I should try to do a different exercise other than Cruella?, I know how you feel Marta, so you don't need to answer (unless you really want to answer.) Remember, when I return to Toronto full-time (after Thanksgiving,) I intend to resurrect my swimming. I know I won't be able to swim too long, or too far, at first, but I have hopes of getting back to swimming two miles a day.
Check out that word of the day, how about that?, its pronounced exactly how it spells, ensure that you use it in your daily voice so that you remember its meaning.
We're finally back here at the cottage on the lake and all of us could not be happier, it has been way too long.
For those of you who like this and that sort of thing, this is the sort of thing for you: Bill Gates is a guest on Oprah today, you should watch this show as Mr. Gates really knows his stuff and you might learn a thing or three.
On Oprah's show tomorrow, the living legend herself, Miss Liza Minnelli is a guest, so set up your vcr and dvd recorders in advance, better yet take the day off, you don't want to miss Judy Garland's oldest daughter, do you? I'm sure you can all remember that not only have I seen Liza a few dozen times, but I was introduced to her by my friend, Roger Minami.
I was also wondering if you've purchased Oprah's recent book selection, Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen, what are you waiting for?, come on, pick it up and we'll all read it together!!!! Whose with me?????????
Christmas is only 95 days away so get out there and do some shopping before prices go up, don't kvetch at me, I told you about this holiday last August!!!!!!!
I plan on having my best Christmas ever this year, and I can't wait. I've already done some of my shopping, thank goodness I'm more mobile than I have been in five years, and there are plenty of bargains still to be had, you don't have to go into debt.
Check magazines, flyers, newspapers and the Internet to stay abreast of all sales going on, Ashley's have their annual fall sale coming up and you can buy beautiful china for half of the normal cost. Talk to your friends, especially your women friends, and ask them if they know of any sales!
Santa Efrem is here to help you with Christmas gift-giving and your shopping, please start now and don't let it overwhelm you, so where should you start?:
Make a list of everyone that you want to give a gift, everyone, family, friends, and co-workers ,and do this list way in advance, then separate that list into three categories: 1) those that get the best gifts (ie. ME,) 2) those that get the okay gifts, (him,) 3) those that get the small token gesture gifts (usually co-workers.)
Don't wait until Black Friday or other doorbuster sales. Contrary to popular belief, you'll most likely end up spending more money on Christmas gifts if you choose to wait for the big holiday sales. Got that, please, please make a note of that because that two hundred (200) dollar coffee-maker may now only be sixty dollars, but the sixty could potentially buy you several gifts for several people, KEEP IN MIND THE BIG PICTURE!
Look where you would least expect to buy gifts, one of the best places to buy gifts is the discount store, you know the dollar store, the 99 center. They have a wide array of items that you can purchase, usually for 90% less money. They may be cheap gifts but items, for example, such as, champagne flutes can be purchased for a dollar a piece. You could buy six champagne flutes, a gift box, and some tissue paper for less than ten dollars at the store. You don't have to tell the person where you made the purchase and it is the thought that counts! By the way, I love to have a glass of champagne, and crystal is still crystal.
Sentimental gifts make the best gifts, so go ahead go to your local drug store and purchase some photo albums, you can get some really nice inexpensive ones, then customise that photo album to each person and they'll appreciate and love that gift alot, because they know you will have taken time to not only think of them but you made it so special by involving them.
Make up those personal gift cards, not the ones you buy at the store, but the ones you personalise by telling them: the bearer of this card is entitled to one free breakfast in bed, the bearer of this card will not have to do laundry for an entire week because I'm going to do it, the bearer of this card does not have to walk the dog because I'm going to take her/him for a half hour walk every day, the bearer of this card does not have to cut grass for an entire month because I hired someone to do it (he,he) you all get the idea!!!!! I love giving this gift card because it is free and it shows imagination and your love!!!!
E-BAY, E-BAY, E-BAY, there are so many cheap gifts available for you to purchase and I'm talking brand names, and on some practically new items!!!, stick to your guns people and know your budget, do not get caught up in the excitement and drama of outbidding someone by spending more money than you can afford, remember, you are supposed to be saving money by doing this activity.
Do you have a special talent?, and the time?, well what are you waiting for, knit that scarf, write that short story, novel or poem, go visit that old relative of yours in the nursing home, cook that special meal from your secret recipe, make shortbread cookies, candy and other delectable treats, compose that special song, paint that painting, sing that song, play that difficult piece on the piano because you've been practicing, all of these personal gifts are welcomed by everyone, and I wish all of my gifts that I receive are of this ilk (well, maybe not all of them,) because they are so very personal, and they tell the bearer that you not only love them, but you took real time, which is the best gift you can give anyone, to make, compose, cook, their Christmas gift to you.
Another item that is contrary to popular belief is giving gift cards from stores, NEVER DO THIS EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY, it lacks imagination and especially don't do it if you don't have too much money to spend, have you ever received a five dollar gift card?, it would be alot nicer if you took the time to find something, no matter how small for the recipient.
SANTA EFREM IS NOW GOING TO TELL YOU OTHER WAYS TO SAVE MONEY, AND NOT JUST AT CHRISTMAS:
Before you buy anything new, ask yourself if you really need it
Pay credit cards charges when they become due so interest isn't added to it
Reuse foil wrap after washing
Swap services with neighbours and friends who can do things you can't
Think in terms of doing something for yourself rather than hiring someone to do it for you, like home repairs, painting, garden work, etc.
Use reusable plates, cups, utensils, glasses, napkins for parties instead of plastic disposables
Crumpled up used aluminum foil is ideal for scouring pots and pans
Paper towels are expensive, use washable towel cloths instead
Wash and reuse transparent plastic wrap
Attend movies early when prices are frequently lower
Organize a baby-sitting club with friends and neighbours, take turns
Learn about the many bargains at "no frills" discount stores
Dilute your shampoo with small amount of water, for easier rinsing
Consider cutting your family's hair yourself, it will grow back
Give yourself a home permanent instead of paying top money at a salon
Save empty plastic food containers for storing leftovers and freezer use
Save "junk mail" reply envelopes for filing recipes, receipts, etc.
Restrict family between-meal snacking to inexpensive food items
When buying big-ticket items, learn all about them from consumer magazines and the Internet
Start your children earning money at an early age
Be wary of banking gimmicks, get the best deal in town
Check all monthly bills closely, including your bank balance. Big companies can and do make mistakes
Garage sales and flea markets are excellent for buying and selling; make sure you don't sell your hubby's favourite golf clubs
Examine your cheque at restaurants and other clubs to make sure no mistake has been made
Please, above all, look at all of your bills closely, remember, just recently a customer noticed that a cash advance had been put on their bill when they hadn't received any cash, the sales person was eventually charged and sent to jail for theft, this happens as people know other people don't always look at their bills, I used to be very guilty of this, not anymore!!!
Excuse me for a moment, I have to go and make coffee for Judy, she has been up for quite awhile and is about to go crazy from caffeine withdrawl, also, I'm going to give Zac and myself our meds, feed Winter, so I may be gone just a little longer than a moment, but, I'll be back.
Zac and I have had our meds, Winter's fed and has gone back to sleep, the coffee is made and yet the aroma of it still has not brought down Judy, I wonder if she's gone back to bed. Hmmm., I guess I'll enjoy that first cup of coffee by myself.
Whilst drinking my first cup of delicious coffee, I am also reading my email, thank you again, but I wish some of you readers would register on google so that it would record all of my blog followers, that means YOU!
Its time for me to now relax, I hope I have made a difference in your life and in your thinking, even just a little, because if I can make a difference, so can you!!!
Have a great day, remember, 95 days people!
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Dum Da Dum Dum Sunday
Date: Sunday, September 19th, 2010
Word of the Day: wend; to pursue or direct (one's way), to proceed or go
Weight: to be recorded later
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: we shall see
Waist Size: wait until we get back to the island as that is where the measuring tape is located
Rowing Duration: still on vacation, not much longer Cruella
The engagement party was amazing, Shoshanna's family is lovely and both Zac and I met alot of interesting and new people. I especially enjoyed chatting with the people that work in the film industry, I'm so envious.
Wally's mother, May, seemed to outglow practically everyone else there; Shoshanna gave her a run for the money, but as the bride-to-be, that is certainly allowed, honestly people, I have never seen Shoshanna look happier or prettier, she is so in love with my nephew, Wally.
Actually, most of the women who attended this engagement party were very, very pretty; must be something in the water in North York. I would say that it appeared only one of the ladies wore a come-get-me-dress, (too bad,) and I'm willing to bet that more than half of the women attendees could have been models, if that is what they wanted to be, they were all so very pretty, I know, I know, I'm going on about them but, you should have seen them, truly!!!!!
I managed to have a little chat with Shoshanna, I could not hog her as she was one of the two central figures of the party, but I did get a word or two with her, and enquired whether or not she still was finding some time to read my blog, to my delight, she is!, and Shoshanna has told me that one of the things she likes best about my blog is my honesty which Shoshanna says is pretty rare in a blog, so how about that?
There was so much food and boy were both Zac and I surprised when we learned that the food that we were ravishing down were only the appetizers; we couldn't eat the dinner, it was just way, way too much food. I always hope and recommend that when there is a surplus of food left over from a party, take it to a soup kitchen or a shelter please, alot of people really can benefit by your doing this, and it doesn`t take that much of your time. To escape making gluttons of ourselves, Zac and I left the party early, well, it really wasn't too early for Zac and I.
Zac and I tend to get sleepy around seven o'clock pm. I don't know if it is because we both take medication or if it is because we are both over fifty years of age, whatever the reason, when the clock strikes seven, we like our heads to strike the pillow, sometimes it gets embarrasing, but we do our best to try and stay up, we just fail alot of the time.
May and Tony said that they were going to come back to our place to sleep, but we never saw them again after we left the party, I guess they just decided that they would like to sleep in their own beds, I understand and appreciate this feeling.
When we got home by 8:45 pm., my sister Judy was already in bed sleeping, but at least Winter was up to greet us, and to check and see if we brought home any treats for her, I did!
I tried to go to bed to sleep the second I got home, but of course I failed in this endeavour. Zac would like to leave very early tomorrow (today) morning so we can get back to the cottage at the lake as soon as possible; I'm in complete agreement about this, I just don't like missing any of my beauty sleep!
Yesterday, I emailed a picture of the cottage on the lake to my brother Biff, whose family I have been trying to get to come up from Florida to visit our beautiful home in the great near North, and finally, yes finally, I think I may have succeeded.
My sister-in-law Louise told me that Biff really liked the picture, and she and my wonderful nieces and nephew have been on a campaign to get Biff to take them up here when they get vacation next summer, I and Zac would love it as I expect the children and Louise will, the jury is still out on Biff so when I spoke to Louise on the telephone yesterday morning, (Louise is so very smart,) she advised me that I should send Biff similar and more pictures of the cottage on the lake, will do Louise!!!!!
Biff is not the fly in the ointment as some of you may think, Biff just worries that his children may get bored on the island, they might, and it is a rather long drive to the cottage on the lake from Gainesville, Florida so please don`t harbour any negativity towards Biff!
Did I tell you that I found time on Friday to get my haircut, I look just like Matt Damon, especially if you are visually impaired and have a wild imagination!!! I also can look alot like George Clooney if the lighting is just right!!!!!
I want to give a special salute and a big thank you to my friend Marta, she never misses my blog, has been suggestive towards ideas for the blog, she is a great, great woman and friend, and is, and has always encouraged me to continue writing my book, which is entitled ``Just don`t tell my mother``. If you ever see a book with this title in Chapters, Coles or some other bookstore, please buy it!
I know you will not be surprised, shocked or upset by the brevity of today`s post, but we will be travelling for over four hours, and I do have to get some sleep, so please come back tomorrow, I`ll try to make it worth your time.
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Word of the Day: wend; to pursue or direct (one's way), to proceed or go
Weight: to be recorded later
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: we shall see
Waist Size: wait until we get back to the island as that is where the measuring tape is located
Rowing Duration: still on vacation, not much longer Cruella
The engagement party was amazing, Shoshanna's family is lovely and both Zac and I met alot of interesting and new people. I especially enjoyed chatting with the people that work in the film industry, I'm so envious.
Wally's mother, May, seemed to outglow practically everyone else there; Shoshanna gave her a run for the money, but as the bride-to-be, that is certainly allowed, honestly people, I have never seen Shoshanna look happier or prettier, she is so in love with my nephew, Wally.
Actually, most of the women who attended this engagement party were very, very pretty; must be something in the water in North York. I would say that it appeared only one of the ladies wore a come-get-me-dress, (too bad,) and I'm willing to bet that more than half of the women attendees could have been models, if that is what they wanted to be, they were all so very pretty, I know, I know, I'm going on about them but, you should have seen them, truly!!!!!
I managed to have a little chat with Shoshanna, I could not hog her as she was one of the two central figures of the party, but I did get a word or two with her, and enquired whether or not she still was finding some time to read my blog, to my delight, she is!, and Shoshanna has told me that one of the things she likes best about my blog is my honesty which Shoshanna says is pretty rare in a blog, so how about that?
There was so much food and boy were both Zac and I surprised when we learned that the food that we were ravishing down were only the appetizers; we couldn't eat the dinner, it was just way, way too much food. I always hope and recommend that when there is a surplus of food left over from a party, take it to a soup kitchen or a shelter please, alot of people really can benefit by your doing this, and it doesn`t take that much of your time. To escape making gluttons of ourselves, Zac and I left the party early, well, it really wasn't too early for Zac and I.
Zac and I tend to get sleepy around seven o'clock pm. I don't know if it is because we both take medication or if it is because we are both over fifty years of age, whatever the reason, when the clock strikes seven, we like our heads to strike the pillow, sometimes it gets embarrasing, but we do our best to try and stay up, we just fail alot of the time.
May and Tony said that they were going to come back to our place to sleep, but we never saw them again after we left the party, I guess they just decided that they would like to sleep in their own beds, I understand and appreciate this feeling.
When we got home by 8:45 pm., my sister Judy was already in bed sleeping, but at least Winter was up to greet us, and to check and see if we brought home any treats for her, I did!
I tried to go to bed to sleep the second I got home, but of course I failed in this endeavour. Zac would like to leave very early tomorrow (today) morning so we can get back to the cottage at the lake as soon as possible; I'm in complete agreement about this, I just don't like missing any of my beauty sleep!
Yesterday, I emailed a picture of the cottage on the lake to my brother Biff, whose family I have been trying to get to come up from Florida to visit our beautiful home in the great near North, and finally, yes finally, I think I may have succeeded.
My sister-in-law Louise told me that Biff really liked the picture, and she and my wonderful nieces and nephew have been on a campaign to get Biff to take them up here when they get vacation next summer, I and Zac would love it as I expect the children and Louise will, the jury is still out on Biff so when I spoke to Louise on the telephone yesterday morning, (Louise is so very smart,) she advised me that I should send Biff similar and more pictures of the cottage on the lake, will do Louise!!!!!
Biff is not the fly in the ointment as some of you may think, Biff just worries that his children may get bored on the island, they might, and it is a rather long drive to the cottage on the lake from Gainesville, Florida so please don`t harbour any negativity towards Biff!
Did I tell you that I found time on Friday to get my haircut, I look just like Matt Damon, especially if you are visually impaired and have a wild imagination!!! I also can look alot like George Clooney if the lighting is just right!!!!!
I want to give a special salute and a big thank you to my friend Marta, she never misses my blog, has been suggestive towards ideas for the blog, she is a great, great woman and friend, and is, and has always encouraged me to continue writing my book, which is entitled ``Just don`t tell my mother``. If you ever see a book with this title in Chapters, Coles or some other bookstore, please buy it!
I know you will not be surprised, shocked or upset by the brevity of today`s post, but we will be travelling for over four hours, and I do have to get some sleep, so please come back tomorrow, I`ll try to make it worth your time.
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday, Saturday, Saturday
Date: Saturday, September 18th, 2010
Word of the Day: burlesque; involving ludicrous or mocking treatment of a solemn subject
Weight: 224 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 92 pounds
Waist Size: 51 inches
Rowing Duration: on vacation for four days
I know alot of you people are happy that the weekend is finally here, and I'm sure there is much that we all have to do, Saturday's are those kind of days.
My sister, Judy, came over for a visit yesterday, and has very kindly offered to take care of Winter when later this afternoon Zac and I go to an engagement party for Zac's nephew, Wally, and his fiance, Shoshanna.
I purchased the book "Freedom" by Jonathan Franzen, this is an Oprah selection from her book club and is the first book selected in this, her final season, I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I am trying to get back to reading books, currently most of my reading gets done off of this computer, I read the newspaper, blogs, email (of course,) but not too many books, I am changing, and the book I am reading now is Patti Lupone's memoir which is quite funny.
I'm not surprised that Patti's memoir is funny, she is. I've seen Miss Lupone in concert and have listened to some of Patti's albums, and she can be hysterically funny, didn't know that did you?, you just thought she is an amazing singer and actress, she is, after all Patti Lupone did go to Julliard.
I am rather ashamed at how messy I've let the bedroom get at my home in Toronto, its disgusting. I have dvds all over the place, there is garbage and Winter's hair all over the floor, there is hardly any room to do any walking around, today is the day that all of that changes.
Zac's sister, May and her husband Tony are coming by here before heading off to Wally and Shoshanna's for the celebration party. I think they want to drop off something, I forget exactly why May said she wants to drop by, that happens more and more when you're over fifty years of age, how old are you?
Okay, just for my readers, I'm going to share with you a big secret of mine, this always works and you're going to love it, especially the ladies, whenever I get asked how old I am, I always counter by asking the question, "How much do you weigh?" it shuts people right up and believe me, they will never again ask you how old you are, you're welcome people!
I, myself, used to ask very personal questions of people, and I work very hard at trying not to do this anymore. I try very hard to respect people's privacy, and sometimes it gets difficult when you meet someone new, say at a party, and you are trying to make conversation. I find that it gets awfully difficult not asking any questions because there are so many that you are not supposed to ask anymore, such as, what do you do for a living?, you are not supposed to assume that the person is fortunate enough to be working at a paying job, boy did I get in trouble for once asking that question, jeez Louise!!!
Besides reading Patti's memoir, I also keep at close hand, Miss Manner's etiquette book and I find this very helpful, amusing and very interesting, I have learned so many new comebacks to questions that have always made me uncomfortable when asked, I'm so grateful Miss Manners. I wonder if Miss Manners would like to know my answer to the age question?, hmmm.
I am getting frustrated not rowing on Cruella, I am really affected at missing my daily exercise this weekend, but I do have more vindication that my efforts on Cruella are paying off; yesterday afternoon when I took Winter for her afternoon walk, this is about two and a half miles long, usually I have to stop and catch my breadth, sit down and rest, as my back is sore as well as being breathless, this is probably due to my pronounced gut. Anyway, yesterday pm., I did the walk without stopping, except to pick up Winter's little gift of course,, I wasn't out of breath and my back wasn't the least sore, how about that for validation????
Tomorrow is the big weigh in day and I'm not looking forward to it, again. The scale here is different from the cottage on the lake, and I believe this scale adds weight, we shall see.
Of late I have been watching another show courtesy of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) , this is "Best Recipes Ever," and I love this half-hour cooking show, I learn so much, I never cook but I do learn.
Thank you again for sending me all of those pictures, jokes, seminars for better living, etc., I appreciate it all and try to forward it out back to you.
Today I'm going to share with you what it is like not going to work, I am still off on disability but I would love to return to the workplace, unfortunately, this still is not yet possible for me. My walking just isn't that great, but I'm working on it, as you all know.
I don't know if it is just the social contact that I miss, I loved all of the people with whom I worked, and I had many dealings with many people. I like to think that I did make something of an impact with these people, I do know when I taught courses at my workplace, my classroom was always full and the evaluations I received back were always positive, encouraging and complimentary. I think one of my strengths was teaching and if I had to do it all over again, I think I would choose a different route, wouldn't we all?
I liked work because I felt I was making a difference to someone's life and I loved helping people, I really miss doing that with people and I try to help out those people in my life but its just not the same thing.
I guess the ultimate for me would be if I was allowed to work from home, it would be for eveyone I suppose, but in my case it is a necessity to returning to the workforce, and at this time my job involves "hands on involvement" so for me, going back to work is still out of the question.
I always hated commuting to work and when I lived in Oakville, I had to spend almost two hours each way just getting back and forth to work, I hated it, and after I moved back to Toronto, I swore I would never commute again. I do not miss the GO Train and it has become so expensive, but then so has everything else.
I would often sleep on the GO Train, like millions of others, but I had to stop after I had been told that I would frequently talk and SWEAR in my sleep, apparently I really offended this young nun one day, but that truly is another story for another day.
Often I would read but on those days that I chose to read, I always seemed to sit beside a "talker," I can't complain too much about this because I too have been a "talker" so, no, can't criticise the "talker."
I am also embarrassed to go on any form of public transit because of my weight, people do not like sitting beside a fat person and unfortunately, I'm still rather heavy. Being heavy, I have learned that there is alot of prejudice out there towards people who have a little food problem that shows, and it is unfair. Not everyone is overweight because of gluttony, please try to remember that people and work on improving yourself, believe me I know that I'm overweight, you really don't need to tell me.
Well its the weekend and we all have stuff to do, I've got some cleaning that needs immediate attention, so like most of my Saturday posts, I'm cutting this one short.
Have fun people and get outside, don't be a hermit.
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Word of the Day: burlesque; involving ludicrous or mocking treatment of a solemn subject
Weight: 224 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 92 pounds
Waist Size: 51 inches
Rowing Duration: on vacation for four days
I know alot of you people are happy that the weekend is finally here, and I'm sure there is much that we all have to do, Saturday's are those kind of days.
My sister, Judy, came over for a visit yesterday, and has very kindly offered to take care of Winter when later this afternoon Zac and I go to an engagement party for Zac's nephew, Wally, and his fiance, Shoshanna.
I purchased the book "Freedom" by Jonathan Franzen, this is an Oprah selection from her book club and is the first book selected in this, her final season, I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I am trying to get back to reading books, currently most of my reading gets done off of this computer, I read the newspaper, blogs, email (of course,) but not too many books, I am changing, and the book I am reading now is Patti Lupone's memoir which is quite funny.
I'm not surprised that Patti's memoir is funny, she is. I've seen Miss Lupone in concert and have listened to some of Patti's albums, and she can be hysterically funny, didn't know that did you?, you just thought she is an amazing singer and actress, she is, after all Patti Lupone did go to Julliard.
I am rather ashamed at how messy I've let the bedroom get at my home in Toronto, its disgusting. I have dvds all over the place, there is garbage and Winter's hair all over the floor, there is hardly any room to do any walking around, today is the day that all of that changes.
Zac's sister, May and her husband Tony are coming by here before heading off to Wally and Shoshanna's for the celebration party. I think they want to drop off something, I forget exactly why May said she wants to drop by, that happens more and more when you're over fifty years of age, how old are you?
Okay, just for my readers, I'm going to share with you a big secret of mine, this always works and you're going to love it, especially the ladies, whenever I get asked how old I am, I always counter by asking the question, "How much do you weigh?" it shuts people right up and believe me, they will never again ask you how old you are, you're welcome people!
I, myself, used to ask very personal questions of people, and I work very hard at trying not to do this anymore. I try very hard to respect people's privacy, and sometimes it gets difficult when you meet someone new, say at a party, and you are trying to make conversation. I find that it gets awfully difficult not asking any questions because there are so many that you are not supposed to ask anymore, such as, what do you do for a living?, you are not supposed to assume that the person is fortunate enough to be working at a paying job, boy did I get in trouble for once asking that question, jeez Louise!!!
Besides reading Patti's memoir, I also keep at close hand, Miss Manner's etiquette book and I find this very helpful, amusing and very interesting, I have learned so many new comebacks to questions that have always made me uncomfortable when asked, I'm so grateful Miss Manners. I wonder if Miss Manners would like to know my answer to the age question?, hmmm.
I am getting frustrated not rowing on Cruella, I am really affected at missing my daily exercise this weekend, but I do have more vindication that my efforts on Cruella are paying off; yesterday afternoon when I took Winter for her afternoon walk, this is about two and a half miles long, usually I have to stop and catch my breadth, sit down and rest, as my back is sore as well as being breathless, this is probably due to my pronounced gut. Anyway, yesterday pm., I did the walk without stopping, except to pick up Winter's little gift of course,, I wasn't out of breath and my back wasn't the least sore, how about that for validation????
Tomorrow is the big weigh in day and I'm not looking forward to it, again. The scale here is different from the cottage on the lake, and I believe this scale adds weight, we shall see.
Of late I have been watching another show courtesy of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) , this is "Best Recipes Ever," and I love this half-hour cooking show, I learn so much, I never cook but I do learn.
Thank you again for sending me all of those pictures, jokes, seminars for better living, etc., I appreciate it all and try to forward it out back to you.
Today I'm going to share with you what it is like not going to work, I am still off on disability but I would love to return to the workplace, unfortunately, this still is not yet possible for me. My walking just isn't that great, but I'm working on it, as you all know.
I don't know if it is just the social contact that I miss, I loved all of the people with whom I worked, and I had many dealings with many people. I like to think that I did make something of an impact with these people, I do know when I taught courses at my workplace, my classroom was always full and the evaluations I received back were always positive, encouraging and complimentary. I think one of my strengths was teaching and if I had to do it all over again, I think I would choose a different route, wouldn't we all?
I liked work because I felt I was making a difference to someone's life and I loved helping people, I really miss doing that with people and I try to help out those people in my life but its just not the same thing.
I guess the ultimate for me would be if I was allowed to work from home, it would be for eveyone I suppose, but in my case it is a necessity to returning to the workforce, and at this time my job involves "hands on involvement" so for me, going back to work is still out of the question.
I always hated commuting to work and when I lived in Oakville, I had to spend almost two hours each way just getting back and forth to work, I hated it, and after I moved back to Toronto, I swore I would never commute again. I do not miss the GO Train and it has become so expensive, but then so has everything else.
I would often sleep on the GO Train, like millions of others, but I had to stop after I had been told that I would frequently talk and SWEAR in my sleep, apparently I really offended this young nun one day, but that truly is another story for another day.
Often I would read but on those days that I chose to read, I always seemed to sit beside a "talker," I can't complain too much about this because I too have been a "talker" so, no, can't criticise the "talker."
I am also embarrassed to go on any form of public transit because of my weight, people do not like sitting beside a fat person and unfortunately, I'm still rather heavy. Being heavy, I have learned that there is alot of prejudice out there towards people who have a little food problem that shows, and it is unfair. Not everyone is overweight because of gluttony, please try to remember that people and work on improving yourself, believe me I know that I'm overweight, you really don't need to tell me.
Well its the weekend and we all have stuff to do, I've got some cleaning that needs immediate attention, so like most of my Saturday posts, I'm cutting this one short.
Have fun people and get outside, don't be a hermit.
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Friday, September 17, 2010
Funny on Friday
Date: Friday. September 17th. 2010
Word of the Day: quaggy; marshy. boggy; sort of flabby
Weight: 224 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 92 pounds
Waist Size: 51 inches
Rowing Duration: on vacation for four days
I'm back in the city, at least for awhile, look out Toronto! How appropriate (for me,) is that word of the day?
Zac and I both plan to get our hair cut today, we are both overdue. We had tried to get our hair cut in May, June, or July, I forget which one exactly, but when we went to the barber, he was on holiday, and we don't like anyone else to cut our hair. It is our hair that we're talking about people, you can't just let anyone touch it.
Well like I predicted, I awakened shortly after one o'clock am., and have almost nothing to do, there is television, but how many times can you watch episodes of "The Golden Girls?" The answer is many times, I never get sick of watching Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia.
Late yesterday afternoon Zac and I attended dear old Uncle Mario's 85th birthday party, and it was a wonderful affair, both Zac and I each had a great time, and I would personally like to thank Edna May for remembering to extend us an invitation. It was so good to see family and friends that we have not seen for far too long.
I especially enjoyed seeing my dear "Samuel." Sam and I used to be very close, we grew up together as boys, our relationship is about forty-seven years young and if I had to say who my best friend was, well, of course it would be Samuel. Yup, we go way back!!
As it happens in life, Samuel and I lead different lives and we found different paths to explore. We never had a fight or anything quite so dramatic, but Samuel and I just sort of lost touch, which is a little sad but happens all too frequently. I know had either of us ever really needed the other, well, we would have done anything, to help each other, fortunately, there was no need, or unfortunately, depending on your viewpoint.
It would be lovely to think that now that Sam and I re-connected, we will stay in touch regularly, but that was never our relationship, we were never great at communicating with each other, nor do I expect we ever shall be, but I will continue to wish Samuel the very best in life, I'm so glad he has found new love and happiness, and I know he is happy for the life I lead.
As I've told you before, I am the luckiest man in the world, I have everything and more that I shall ever need, and I am now in the point of my life that I can give back to all those people that have given me so vey much. I am such a blessed man and I thank God daily for all of his blessings. Sorry, if that seems corny to you but that is the type of hairpin that I am.
I gotta share with you that my friend Marta sent me the most wonderful jokes (I love jokes but I can never remember them anymore,) which includes little anecdotes on life, (or funny stories/comments,) and I shall forward them all on to my friends whose email address I have, when you get them, say a quiet thank you to my friend Marta, she really is a jewel.
Jewel, however, is not how I would describe my friend Edna May, I seem to recall the words "sick bitch," whenever I think of her, sorry folks, I'm just joking, Edna May really is a jewel, we have similar senses of humour, and I love her like a sister, she means everything to me, but I tell you, you never want to get on Edna May's bad side because you will be there forever, she is, after all, Italian, did the lights just go out?
I know that in life you can't please everyone, and I do so much want to please one of my more loyal readers who provides me with great input and insight, but, I can't help this one, its a timely thing, last night I watched the musical movie, "Good-bye, Mr. Chips," which stars the incredible Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark. Wow, talk about run-on sentences!, whatever would Miss Collett and Miss Silver say to me!
I first saw the movie, "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," in 1969 at the Uptown Theatre which was located at Yonge and Bloor Streets and is now torn down, I think it actually fell down. "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," was the very first movie shown at the Uptown Theatre, in the main cinema (Cinema One) to be exact. I do believe that the first two movies shown in the other two cinemas of the main house were "Joe," which I could not see as this was a restricted movie, and "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" which I never saw because I don't like westerns.
I'm just pulling your legs people, "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is not a western, it is a very big drama with a fantastic performance by Miss Jane Fonda, but thats another story for another day.
Once when I was in grade nine at Central High School of Commerce, the high school would now and then run movies that also played at the theatre, and the school, just like the theatre, would hang movie cards of the movie being shown in the main lobby. I remember one day glancing at the pictures for "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" when I overheard a girl ask her friend if she was going to see the movie, and the friend replied, "NO, I don't like Westerns!" I lost it people, as I did frequently in those days, "All you have to do you silly bitch is look at the pictures and you know that that movie could not possibly be a western!" I was not popular.
Okay, back (finally,) to "Good-bye, Mr. Chips!" This was the very first movie directed by Herbert Ross, of "Steel Magnolias" fame. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by James Hilton and tells the story of a much beloved schoolteacher named Mr. Chipping and his long tenure at a school named Brookfield, a fictional public boys boarding school. Mr. Chipping conquers his inability to connect with students when he marries Katherine, a young woman whom he meets on holiday, and who quickly picks up by calling him by his nickname "Chips."
I think that the casting of Petula Clark in this movie was inspirational. Petula Clark was not only a delight to hear sing, but Ms.Clark had acting chops and she and Mr. O'Toole had chemistry and that is something you can't fake in a movie, as audiences are quick to pick up, and I'm even quicker, even at fourteen years old, I was such a delightful child.
This version of "Good-bye, Mr. Chips was a kind of remake, (the original was not a musical,) it had been done in 1939, and starred Greer Garson and Robert Donat, who did win the Academy Award for best actor for his performance in this movie.
The 1939 movie was the original movie and is the more popular of the two versions, but it is the 1969 version that pleases me the most. I will watch Peter O'Toole in anything, he is such a gifted actor and deserves to win an Oscar, he never has won one, John Wayne has won one, but Peter O'Toole has been given an honorary Academy Award.
It is suggested that while James Hilton went to Leys School, his inspiration for Chips, the protagonist of the novel and movie, was based on many people, including his father who was a headmaster at Chapel End School.
Chips is likely to have been based on W. H. Balgarnie who was one of the masters at the Leys School and was in charge of the Leys Fortnightly in which Hilton's first short stories and essays were published. Also, like Chips, Balgarnie was a strict disciplinarian, but would also invite boys over for tea and biscuits, something a male teacher would never do in today's world. Balgarnie had mutton chops and was called "Chops," which is likely where the name Chips was derived. How about that?, see what you can learn from the blog of Efrem!!
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Word of the Day: quaggy; marshy. boggy; sort of flabby
Weight: 224 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 92 pounds
Waist Size: 51 inches
Rowing Duration: on vacation for four days
I'm back in the city, at least for awhile, look out Toronto! How appropriate (for me,) is that word of the day?
Zac and I both plan to get our hair cut today, we are both overdue. We had tried to get our hair cut in May, June, or July, I forget which one exactly, but when we went to the barber, he was on holiday, and we don't like anyone else to cut our hair. It is our hair that we're talking about people, you can't just let anyone touch it.
Well like I predicted, I awakened shortly after one o'clock am., and have almost nothing to do, there is television, but how many times can you watch episodes of "The Golden Girls?" The answer is many times, I never get sick of watching Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia.
Late yesterday afternoon Zac and I attended dear old Uncle Mario's 85th birthday party, and it was a wonderful affair, both Zac and I each had a great time, and I would personally like to thank Edna May for remembering to extend us an invitation. It was so good to see family and friends that we have not seen for far too long.
I especially enjoyed seeing my dear "Samuel." Sam and I used to be very close, we grew up together as boys, our relationship is about forty-seven years young and if I had to say who my best friend was, well, of course it would be Samuel. Yup, we go way back!!
As it happens in life, Samuel and I lead different lives and we found different paths to explore. We never had a fight or anything quite so dramatic, but Samuel and I just sort of lost touch, which is a little sad but happens all too frequently. I know had either of us ever really needed the other, well, we would have done anything, to help each other, fortunately, there was no need, or unfortunately, depending on your viewpoint.
It would be lovely to think that now that Sam and I re-connected, we will stay in touch regularly, but that was never our relationship, we were never great at communicating with each other, nor do I expect we ever shall be, but I will continue to wish Samuel the very best in life, I'm so glad he has found new love and happiness, and I know he is happy for the life I lead.
As I've told you before, I am the luckiest man in the world, I have everything and more that I shall ever need, and I am now in the point of my life that I can give back to all those people that have given me so vey much. I am such a blessed man and I thank God daily for all of his blessings. Sorry, if that seems corny to you but that is the type of hairpin that I am.
I gotta share with you that my friend Marta sent me the most wonderful jokes (I love jokes but I can never remember them anymore,) which includes little anecdotes on life, (or funny stories/comments,) and I shall forward them all on to my friends whose email address I have, when you get them, say a quiet thank you to my friend Marta, she really is a jewel.
Jewel, however, is not how I would describe my friend Edna May, I seem to recall the words "sick bitch," whenever I think of her, sorry folks, I'm just joking, Edna May really is a jewel, we have similar senses of humour, and I love her like a sister, she means everything to me, but I tell you, you never want to get on Edna May's bad side because you will be there forever, she is, after all, Italian, did the lights just go out?
I know that in life you can't please everyone, and I do so much want to please one of my more loyal readers who provides me with great input and insight, but, I can't help this one, its a timely thing, last night I watched the musical movie, "Good-bye, Mr. Chips," which stars the incredible Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark. Wow, talk about run-on sentences!, whatever would Miss Collett and Miss Silver say to me!
I first saw the movie, "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," in 1969 at the Uptown Theatre which was located at Yonge and Bloor Streets and is now torn down, I think it actually fell down. "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," was the very first movie shown at the Uptown Theatre, in the main cinema (Cinema One) to be exact. I do believe that the first two movies shown in the other two cinemas of the main house were "Joe," which I could not see as this was a restricted movie, and "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" which I never saw because I don't like westerns.
I'm just pulling your legs people, "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is not a western, it is a very big drama with a fantastic performance by Miss Jane Fonda, but thats another story for another day.
Once when I was in grade nine at Central High School of Commerce, the high school would now and then run movies that also played at the theatre, and the school, just like the theatre, would hang movie cards of the movie being shown in the main lobby. I remember one day glancing at the pictures for "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" when I overheard a girl ask her friend if she was going to see the movie, and the friend replied, "NO, I don't like Westerns!" I lost it people, as I did frequently in those days, "All you have to do you silly bitch is look at the pictures and you know that that movie could not possibly be a western!" I was not popular.
Okay, back (finally,) to "Good-bye, Mr. Chips!" This was the very first movie directed by Herbert Ross, of "Steel Magnolias" fame. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by James Hilton and tells the story of a much beloved schoolteacher named Mr. Chipping and his long tenure at a school named Brookfield, a fictional public boys boarding school. Mr. Chipping conquers his inability to connect with students when he marries Katherine, a young woman whom he meets on holiday, and who quickly picks up by calling him by his nickname "Chips."
I think that the casting of Petula Clark in this movie was inspirational. Petula Clark was not only a delight to hear sing, but Ms.Clark had acting chops and she and Mr. O'Toole had chemistry and that is something you can't fake in a movie, as audiences are quick to pick up, and I'm even quicker, even at fourteen years old, I was such a delightful child.
This version of "Good-bye, Mr. Chips was a kind of remake, (the original was not a musical,) it had been done in 1939, and starred Greer Garson and Robert Donat, who did win the Academy Award for best actor for his performance in this movie.
The 1939 movie was the original movie and is the more popular of the two versions, but it is the 1969 version that pleases me the most. I will watch Peter O'Toole in anything, he is such a gifted actor and deserves to win an Oscar, he never has won one, John Wayne has won one, but Peter O'Toole has been given an honorary Academy Award.
It is suggested that while James Hilton went to Leys School, his inspiration for Chips, the protagonist of the novel and movie, was based on many people, including his father who was a headmaster at Chapel End School.
Chips is likely to have been based on W. H. Balgarnie who was one of the masters at the Leys School and was in charge of the Leys Fortnightly in which Hilton's first short stories and essays were published. Also, like Chips, Balgarnie was a strict disciplinarian, but would also invite boys over for tea and biscuits, something a male teacher would never do in today's world. Balgarnie had mutton chops and was called "Chops," which is likely where the name Chips was derived. How about that?, see what you can learn from the blog of Efrem!!
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Back home Thursday
Date: Thursday, September 16th, 2010
Word of the Day: arch; cunning, crafty, sly
Weight: 224 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 92 pounds
Waist Size: 51 inches
Rowing Duration: 117 minutes, 25 seconds
Well we're on the down slide of September and Zac, Winter and I are headed back to Toronto this am., to later help celebrate the 85th birthday of dear old Uncle Mario, he's not really our Uncle but that is what we call him.
We are going to stay in Toronto for four days, actually we're coming back to the cottage on the lake on the fourth day, but while we're home we will also be attending an engagement party of Zac's nephew Wally to Shoshanna, whom I adore and worship.
I try not to let other people's behaviour influence anything I do, I'm not very successful at this but I do try, anyway, I was a little disappointed that none of you commented on my small review of the movie "The Reader."
I try very hard to have my posts varied, and to inject some of my vim and vigour, some days go better than others, but I enjoy the feedback that some of you give me. It keeps me motivated, and I know that all of my efforts are not in vain.
Zac and Lily feel that when I chat about movies, and Hollywood my posts are at their most interesting, I don't know, I have to keep my focus that I started this blog to record my efforts to lose 100 pounds and to get healthy. I am getting healthier, I am not losing that much weight, although Lily says it is amazing that I have lost eight pounds.
In addition, I have also motivated my friend Alice to rejoin Weightwatchers, Alice is part of our pack, she is family and Alice says that my blog and me are instrumental in helping her get back on track. I know Lily is still struggling with getting started, but she will. In addition. my dear and cherished friend Mabel is also now trying to lose weight again, but I had nothing to do with that.
It seems losing weight is an ongoing battle for many of us, especially as we get older. I have searched my soul to see why I overeat and I can report that I don't recognize any personal demon inside of me , I just like food and we all have to eat.
I am a little blue that I will not be exercising, at least on Cruella, for the next four days. I have told you that when I don't exercise my day just doesn't go well, hmmm., my body must know that something is amiss (is that a word?)
When I go back home later this moring, I will try and go on long walks with Winter, when I have the time, and I do intend that after we are back in Toronto full-time, I hope to resume swimming.
Zac and I are currently searching the web for a home to live in when we go south to Gainesville, Florida. Do any of you have an empty house in Gainesville that we may occupy for November and December?, if so, you know how to contact me.
I am a little concerned that I have not recently heard from Zac's sister Laurel who lives in British Columbia with her husband and two daughters. Laurel used to comment regularly on my posts and I miss hearing from her, I hope she and her family are all well, they are just probably getting back into their routine of returning to school. Laurel is an amazing music teacher and she is not only one of the prettiest women in the world, I mean it, but Laurel is one of those people who sees the good in everybody; she obviously inherited this trait from her dear departed mother. Gosh, I miss Zac's mom so much, its funny how that is always with you.
Okay Efrem, get off your duff, quit procrastinating and just go and get on Cruella!!!!!
I was successful at rowing on Cruella for almost two hours, it was a little easier rowing aujourdhui as I didn't have to battle any elements (except, my head, hehe,) there was no wind, it was still cold but not as cold as yesterday, and after one hour, I removed my sweater as I was getting too hot, so there, stick that in your pipe and smoke it Efrem's psyche!!!!!
I have to try and remember to bring our camera today, so that we'll be able to have mementos of the memories that we'll be making while in the city. I am looking forward to seeing Uncle Mario and the rest of the gang, it has been way too long since we've all been together.
The engagement party that we're going to for Zac's nephew on Saturday will also be good as it will be the first time that our side of the family will get to meet Shoshanna's family, and since soon we all will be family, well I don't think I have to tell you how important an occasion it is, but I do hope we have nice weather, it just makes everyone feel better when the sun is shining, don't you think?
I collect movies, movie memorabilia, movie posters and all the same for the Broadway theatre. My nephew Wally, wants to bring his fiance Shoshanna, over to my home in Toronto so she can see my digital video device (dvd) movie collection. I really do have alot of films and even some television series. Some movies I have two, or even three copies of it, well, you never know what could happen to the original. People borrow movies from me all the time and I'm happy to lend them out. However, sometimes movies get lost in transit from Toronto to Florida to the cottage on the lake. I'm usually very careful about not losing my films, however, occasionally I lose them because of negligence from somebody else. Yup, some people do not return my movies, and I know it because when they borrow it, I keep a log of it, sort of a library card. However, I will only let people abuse my generosity once. If someone, and I mean, anyone, borrows a movie from me, and has the audacity to lose it or not return it, they never get a second chance from me, that's it, no suree Bob, you will never borrow a movie from me ever again, I feel that strongly about it.
I have put alot of time, money and hard work into my movie collection. The genesis of my collection started out as Betamax, yup I bought a Betamax recorder because the quality of video was supposed to be superior to that of VHS, however, when it became difficult to obtain Beta, I switched over to VHS and started my collection all over again. I, then switched to DVD and started over yet again. Now, I refuse to start again by switching to Blue Ray. My collection will just stay as it is if they stop producing movies onto DVD.
A couple of people have expressed interest into what will happen to my collection of films after I am gone. I would like to leave my movies to my sister, Judy, because she loves movies almost as much as I, but, Judy has no room to house my collection, actually I don't have room to house my entire collection, hehe, I'm not joking, I am very serious.) My movies are all over the house in different locations because there is simply no room to leave them in one location. My brother Biff also enjoys films, and the likelihood is that he will inherit my movies, however, he and Louise will have to move to a larger house so that they can properly house my collection.
I have to make out another will, I have drafted one up on MS Word and my lawyer does retain an older version of my last will and testament, but, I have since made changes to the latest version of my will, and even though it is signed and dated, I really should get it to a lawyer for complete verification approval and legality.
I plan to leave everyone in my family a painting from my art collection, some of them will get two or even three but they will all have to wait, not only until after my death, but until after the death of Zac. We started the art collection together Zac and I, and while either one of us is still alive, the collection shall remain in tact and nobody will get a painting until we are both deceased.
I love our paintings, some of them are museum quality, some of them we just enjoy for simplicity itself, but all of them are valuable (to us,) and we get alot of pleasure from looking at them on a daily basis. I hope whoever eventually inherits a painting does not sell it, but retains it as a memory of Zac and I, but you really cannot control that sort of thing.
I am leaving my diamond solitaire, one and a half carats to my nephew Raphael, as I know Raphael will never sell it, but will keep it because he really loves his Uncle Efrem. I have other jewelry that I plan to pass on to other nephews, but right now, I am still trying to decide why and what I should leave the others in my family.
I was left out of my parents will and I always feel badly about this, I know it wasn't my mother's will but it was that of my stepfather who never liked me, but I do not understand my stepfather's irrational rationale, and I try to learn from his mistake by not forgetting anyone in my will. It really doesn't matter what you leave someone, in my view, as long as you don't forget anyone.
Well, I need to cut this post short as I have packing to do, yes, even for just four days there are things that have to go back.
Have a great day and make sure you come back to read tomorrow's blog.
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
Word of the Day: arch; cunning, crafty, sly
Weight: 224 pounds
Goal: lose 100 pounds in one year duration
Pounds to lose: 92 pounds
Waist Size: 51 inches
Rowing Duration: 117 minutes, 25 seconds
Well we're on the down slide of September and Zac, Winter and I are headed back to Toronto this am., to later help celebrate the 85th birthday of dear old Uncle Mario, he's not really our Uncle but that is what we call him.
We are going to stay in Toronto for four days, actually we're coming back to the cottage on the lake on the fourth day, but while we're home we will also be attending an engagement party of Zac's nephew Wally to Shoshanna, whom I adore and worship.
I try not to let other people's behaviour influence anything I do, I'm not very successful at this but I do try, anyway, I was a little disappointed that none of you commented on my small review of the movie "The Reader."
I try very hard to have my posts varied, and to inject some of my vim and vigour, some days go better than others, but I enjoy the feedback that some of you give me. It keeps me motivated, and I know that all of my efforts are not in vain.
Zac and Lily feel that when I chat about movies, and Hollywood my posts are at their most interesting, I don't know, I have to keep my focus that I started this blog to record my efforts to lose 100 pounds and to get healthy. I am getting healthier, I am not losing that much weight, although Lily says it is amazing that I have lost eight pounds.
In addition, I have also motivated my friend Alice to rejoin Weightwatchers, Alice is part of our pack, she is family and Alice says that my blog and me are instrumental in helping her get back on track. I know Lily is still struggling with getting started, but she will. In addition. my dear and cherished friend Mabel is also now trying to lose weight again, but I had nothing to do with that.
It seems losing weight is an ongoing battle for many of us, especially as we get older. I have searched my soul to see why I overeat and I can report that I don't recognize any personal demon inside of me , I just like food and we all have to eat.
I am a little blue that I will not be exercising, at least on Cruella, for the next four days. I have told you that when I don't exercise my day just doesn't go well, hmmm., my body must know that something is amiss (is that a word?)
When I go back home later this moring, I will try and go on long walks with Winter, when I have the time, and I do intend that after we are back in Toronto full-time, I hope to resume swimming.
Zac and I are currently searching the web for a home to live in when we go south to Gainesville, Florida. Do any of you have an empty house in Gainesville that we may occupy for November and December?, if so, you know how to contact me.
I am a little concerned that I have not recently heard from Zac's sister Laurel who lives in British Columbia with her husband and two daughters. Laurel used to comment regularly on my posts and I miss hearing from her, I hope she and her family are all well, they are just probably getting back into their routine of returning to school. Laurel is an amazing music teacher and she is not only one of the prettiest women in the world, I mean it, but Laurel is one of those people who sees the good in everybody; she obviously inherited this trait from her dear departed mother. Gosh, I miss Zac's mom so much, its funny how that is always with you.
Okay Efrem, get off your duff, quit procrastinating and just go and get on Cruella!!!!!
I was successful at rowing on Cruella for almost two hours, it was a little easier rowing aujourdhui as I didn't have to battle any elements (except, my head, hehe,) there was no wind, it was still cold but not as cold as yesterday, and after one hour, I removed my sweater as I was getting too hot, so there, stick that in your pipe and smoke it Efrem's psyche!!!!!
I have to try and remember to bring our camera today, so that we'll be able to have mementos of the memories that we'll be making while in the city. I am looking forward to seeing Uncle Mario and the rest of the gang, it has been way too long since we've all been together.
The engagement party that we're going to for Zac's nephew on Saturday will also be good as it will be the first time that our side of the family will get to meet Shoshanna's family, and since soon we all will be family, well I don't think I have to tell you how important an occasion it is, but I do hope we have nice weather, it just makes everyone feel better when the sun is shining, don't you think?
I collect movies, movie memorabilia, movie posters and all the same for the Broadway theatre. My nephew Wally, wants to bring his fiance Shoshanna, over to my home in Toronto so she can see my digital video device (dvd) movie collection. I really do have alot of films and even some television series. Some movies I have two, or even three copies of it, well, you never know what could happen to the original. People borrow movies from me all the time and I'm happy to lend them out. However, sometimes movies get lost in transit from Toronto to Florida to the cottage on the lake. I'm usually very careful about not losing my films, however, occasionally I lose them because of negligence from somebody else. Yup, some people do not return my movies, and I know it because when they borrow it, I keep a log of it, sort of a library card. However, I will only let people abuse my generosity once. If someone, and I mean, anyone, borrows a movie from me, and has the audacity to lose it or not return it, they never get a second chance from me, that's it, no suree Bob, you will never borrow a movie from me ever again, I feel that strongly about it.
I have put alot of time, money and hard work into my movie collection. The genesis of my collection started out as Betamax, yup I bought a Betamax recorder because the quality of video was supposed to be superior to that of VHS, however, when it became difficult to obtain Beta, I switched over to VHS and started my collection all over again. I, then switched to DVD and started over yet again. Now, I refuse to start again by switching to Blue Ray. My collection will just stay as it is if they stop producing movies onto DVD.
A couple of people have expressed interest into what will happen to my collection of films after I am gone. I would like to leave my movies to my sister, Judy, because she loves movies almost as much as I, but, Judy has no room to house my collection, actually I don't have room to house my entire collection, hehe, I'm not joking, I am very serious.) My movies are all over the house in different locations because there is simply no room to leave them in one location. My brother Biff also enjoys films, and the likelihood is that he will inherit my movies, however, he and Louise will have to move to a larger house so that they can properly house my collection.
I have to make out another will, I have drafted one up on MS Word and my lawyer does retain an older version of my last will and testament, but, I have since made changes to the latest version of my will, and even though it is signed and dated, I really should get it to a lawyer for complete verification approval and legality.
I plan to leave everyone in my family a painting from my art collection, some of them will get two or even three but they will all have to wait, not only until after my death, but until after the death of Zac. We started the art collection together Zac and I, and while either one of us is still alive, the collection shall remain in tact and nobody will get a painting until we are both deceased.
I love our paintings, some of them are museum quality, some of them we just enjoy for simplicity itself, but all of them are valuable (to us,) and we get alot of pleasure from looking at them on a daily basis. I hope whoever eventually inherits a painting does not sell it, but retains it as a memory of Zac and I, but you really cannot control that sort of thing.
I am leaving my diamond solitaire, one and a half carats to my nephew Raphael, as I know Raphael will never sell it, but will keep it because he really loves his Uncle Efrem. I have other jewelry that I plan to pass on to other nephews, but right now, I am still trying to decide why and what I should leave the others in my family.
I was left out of my parents will and I always feel badly about this, I know it wasn't my mother's will but it was that of my stepfather who never liked me, but I do not understand my stepfather's irrational rationale, and I try to learn from his mistake by not forgetting anyone in my will. It really doesn't matter what you leave someone, in my view, as long as you don't forget anyone.
Well, I need to cut this post short as I have packing to do, yes, even for just four days there are things that have to go back.
Have a great day and make sure you come back to read tomorrow's blog.
Topics coming soon:
Sex
Travel
Twins
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