So... I have slowed down a bit, particularly in the past few weeks. A shorter commute and a pretty intense 900 page book are to blame... but still on track:
1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
3. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
5. Hard Core Logo by Michael Turner
6. Running with Scissors: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs
7. What the Dog Did: tales from a formerly reluctant dog owner by Emily Yoffe
8. Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story by: Christopher Moore
9. You Suck: A Love Story by: Christoper Moore
10. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
11. The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
12. Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O"Neil
13. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
14. A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs
15. Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
16. Knit Two by Kate Jacobs
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Mini Family Reunion...
A few weeks ago I had the chance to meet up with Barley's Mom Mika and his sister, Keiko...
SO much fun!!!
SO much fun!!!
Pets are a Waste of Money
Not really.... I love my pups more than anything...
but the other day, I went to pay for some bread at the grocery store, and didn't have any money.... I could have SWORN that I had $35.... so I racked my brain to think of the things I had purchased in the last few days... and nothing...
Mystery was solved when I swept the floor yesterday...
The dogs had gotten into my purse....
but the other day, I went to pay for some bread at the grocery store, and didn't have any money.... I could have SWORN that I had $35.... so I racked my brain to think of the things I had purchased in the last few days... and nothing...
Mystery was solved when I swept the floor yesterday...
The dogs had gotten into my purse....
Friday, February 19, 2010
Before and After: Olympic Torch Relay
So my wonderful sis worked her magic on a few of my pictures..
they look SO much better now!!
Thanks Kate!
they look SO much better now!!
Thanks Kate!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
What Every Canadian Should Read
I don't usually post stuff like this, but the recent tragic events unfolding in Trenton and the Media & Public's reactions have not sit "right" with me. I have been trying to find the words to explain this, but have come up short.
From the Globe and Mail:
Lewis MacKenzie
From Friday's Globe and Mail
Published on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010 5:57PM EST
Rarely has Canadian news coverage of a high-profile criminal case offered so much misleading speculation and so many erroneous conclusions as in the charges against Colonel Russell Williams. The following assertions are offered as evidence.
‘RED FLAGS' WERE MISSED
A national TV news network's commentary asserting this mentioned everything but the “red flag.” Presumably because there wasn't one. The competition for senior command positions in the Canadian Forces is fierce. The process is thorough, expensive and time consuming, and has produced well over 16,000 leaders at the colonel and general rank over the past century. Not one of them was ever charged with crimes even close to the seriousness of those attributed to Col. Williams.
COLONEL WAS ‘ON TRACK' TO LEAD THE AIR FORCE
Oh? Col. Williams's promotion to the rank of colonel in 2009 at 46 did not put him in the same league as officers who will reach the rank of lieutenant-general and command Canada's air force. If he was 39 or 40, the odds would be more in his favour. To use a military metaphor, he was on a fast train – but not the express.
Perhaps a word on how the military selects personnel for promotion is in order. Once a year, promotion boards are convened in Ottawa, where all personnel performance files are held. Boards are convened for each military classification – pilot, navigator, infantry, artillery, sub-surface (submariner), maritime engineer, etc.
For officers, the board's members are from the classification two ranks senior to the rank being considered for promotion. The board is chaired by an officer three ranks senior to the rank considered. As an example, if pilot captains are being considered for promotion to major, the board will consist of up to six lieutenant-colonel pilots, with a full colonel as chair.
Also of great importance is the participation of one or two “honest brokers” – say, lieutenant-colonels from an unrelated classification, such as the infantry – to ensure the process is not incestuous. An entire week is devoted to selecting those to be promoted in the coming year.
‘MORALE' IS LOW
Journalists who write or say this don't know the difference between morale and attitude. When morale is low, airmen and airwomen are sullen and withdrawn. They avoid work and responsibility and won't put extra effort into their daily duties. I have never seen that attitude exist in more than 50 years of observing Canada's sailors, soldiers and aircrew. Attitude, however, is something else. You can have high morale and be picked off at the same time. I dare say a large number of our people are angry at Col. Williams for, by his own accounts, shaming the uniform. But morale is not low – the men and women at CFB Trenton are still working their butts off to keep up with the 24/7 demands of supporting our troops in Afghanistan, Haiti, Vancouver, Nevada and a dozen other locations around the world, in addition to searching and rescuing civilians in trouble.
PART OF THE ‘ELITE'
What drivel. What constitutes this “elite”? Is there some secret society I was not invited to while serving? Was there some secret handshake I was not aware of? The leaders of the Canadian Forces meet every morning at National Defence Headquarters. Col. Williams was not invited.
A GENERAL'S ‘RESPONSIBILITY'
During an interview with Canada's top soldier, General Walter Natynczyk, a national television reporter asked whether, given that he had placed Col. Williams in charge in Trenton, he had any words for the families of the victims. Midway through his compassionate response, the reporter asked, “Do you feel responsible?”
The question's innuendo was barely camouflaged – do you feel responsible for the murders and the assaults? That question was the second “body blow” taken by Gen. Natynczyk in the past few days and was contemptible. To his credit, the Chief of the Defence Staff pointed out that he is responsible for more than 90,000 military personnel, regular and reserve. He avoided directly answering the question, which he should never have been asked.
Considering their current high profile and well-earned respect both at home and abroad, our young men and women in uniform deserve better treatment than some in the news media have been dishing out.
Lewis MacKenzie is a retired major-general. He was first commander of United Nations peacekeeping forces in Sarajevo.
From the Globe and Mail:
Lewis MacKenzie
From Friday's Globe and Mail
Published on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010 5:57PM EST
Rarely has Canadian news coverage of a high-profile criminal case offered so much misleading speculation and so many erroneous conclusions as in the charges against Colonel Russell Williams. The following assertions are offered as evidence.
‘RED FLAGS' WERE MISSED
A national TV news network's commentary asserting this mentioned everything but the “red flag.” Presumably because there wasn't one. The competition for senior command positions in the Canadian Forces is fierce. The process is thorough, expensive and time consuming, and has produced well over 16,000 leaders at the colonel and general rank over the past century. Not one of them was ever charged with crimes even close to the seriousness of those attributed to Col. Williams.
COLONEL WAS ‘ON TRACK' TO LEAD THE AIR FORCE
Oh? Col. Williams's promotion to the rank of colonel in 2009 at 46 did not put him in the same league as officers who will reach the rank of lieutenant-general and command Canada's air force. If he was 39 or 40, the odds would be more in his favour. To use a military metaphor, he was on a fast train – but not the express.
Perhaps a word on how the military selects personnel for promotion is in order. Once a year, promotion boards are convened in Ottawa, where all personnel performance files are held. Boards are convened for each military classification – pilot, navigator, infantry, artillery, sub-surface (submariner), maritime engineer, etc.
For officers, the board's members are from the classification two ranks senior to the rank being considered for promotion. The board is chaired by an officer three ranks senior to the rank considered. As an example, if pilot captains are being considered for promotion to major, the board will consist of up to six lieutenant-colonel pilots, with a full colonel as chair.
Also of great importance is the participation of one or two “honest brokers” – say, lieutenant-colonels from an unrelated classification, such as the infantry – to ensure the process is not incestuous. An entire week is devoted to selecting those to be promoted in the coming year.
‘MORALE' IS LOW
Journalists who write or say this don't know the difference between morale and attitude. When morale is low, airmen and airwomen are sullen and withdrawn. They avoid work and responsibility and won't put extra effort into their daily duties. I have never seen that attitude exist in more than 50 years of observing Canada's sailors, soldiers and aircrew. Attitude, however, is something else. You can have high morale and be picked off at the same time. I dare say a large number of our people are angry at Col. Williams for, by his own accounts, shaming the uniform. But morale is not low – the men and women at CFB Trenton are still working their butts off to keep up with the 24/7 demands of supporting our troops in Afghanistan, Haiti, Vancouver, Nevada and a dozen other locations around the world, in addition to searching and rescuing civilians in trouble.
PART OF THE ‘ELITE'
What drivel. What constitutes this “elite”? Is there some secret society I was not invited to while serving? Was there some secret handshake I was not aware of? The leaders of the Canadian Forces meet every morning at National Defence Headquarters. Col. Williams was not invited.
A GENERAL'S ‘RESPONSIBILITY'
During an interview with Canada's top soldier, General Walter Natynczyk, a national television reporter asked whether, given that he had placed Col. Williams in charge in Trenton, he had any words for the families of the victims. Midway through his compassionate response, the reporter asked, “Do you feel responsible?”
The question's innuendo was barely camouflaged – do you feel responsible for the murders and the assaults? That question was the second “body blow” taken by Gen. Natynczyk in the past few days and was contemptible. To his credit, the Chief of the Defence Staff pointed out that he is responsible for more than 90,000 military personnel, regular and reserve. He avoided directly answering the question, which he should never have been asked.
Considering their current high profile and well-earned respect both at home and abroad, our young men and women in uniform deserve better treatment than some in the news media have been dishing out.
Lewis MacKenzie is a retired major-general. He was first commander of United Nations peacekeeping forces in Sarajevo.
Olympic Torch Relay
I have to say- I wasn't excited about the Olympics until I got on the train today- and everyone was wearing red and white and chatting- the excitement was contagious!!
This morning, I had the opportunity to watch the Olympic Torch Relay on Opening Day.
I have to say- it was a pretty cool experience.
This morning, I had the opportunity to watch the Olympic Torch Relay on Opening Day.
I have to say- it was a pretty cool experience.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Port Moody on a Rainy Morning
So.... the trains were mucked up this morning- 1 broke down , plus with the torch being carried through Port Moody, the bus never showed up, leaving me to walk to the station in the pouring rain.
On the plus side, I got to take some pictures!!
On the plus side, I got to take some pictures!!
As Close as I am Going to get to Gold
These came into the office today. I would have loved to keep them- but had to send them to a client.
2 tickets for the Women's Hockey Gold Medal Game.
Price on the Ticket: $350
Price on Craigslist: $1,100
2 tickets for the Women's Hockey Gold Medal Game.
Price on the Ticket: $350
Price on Craigslist: $1,100
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Before and After: Peep-Toe Heels
:(
The dogs got into the front hall closet and ruined 1 of my favourite pairs of shoes... or should I say half a pair of shoes...
The dogs got into the front hall closet and ruined 1 of my favourite pairs of shoes... or should I say half a pair of shoes...
Monday, February 8, 2010
Cooking with Mom: Palak Paneer
This is one of my FAVOURITE dishes in the world.
I asked the lady at the local Indian store what spices I needed, and she recommended I use the package, as it was the right spice blend.
I asked the lady at the local Indian store what spices I needed, and she recommended I use the package, as it was the right spice blend.
It says Asloo Palak (potato) but I used paneer (cheese)
In a pan, heat 1/2 cup oil and add 1 med. sliced onion
Cook until golden brown.
Add tsp of garlic paste and tsp of ginger paste (I used fresh) and simmer for 3 mins.
add spice mix and simmer for 3 mins.
Add pkg. of paneer, 1kg spinach, boiled and drained (I use caned with salt) 1/2 cup water.
Cover and simmer for 10 mins.
Add 3/4 cup yoghurt
Remove cover and simmer until liquid evaporates.
This pic. doesn't do it justice, it is SOOOOOO good!
Cooking with Mom: Tofu Meatballs
I thought I had the recipe for these.... but I guess I don't.... will post it later!
Mom in the kitchen..
Best Part is, they go with everything!
With Stir fry
With Pasta:
They are great as appies as well!!
TOFU NEATBALLS:
2 extra firm packages tofu, crumbled 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage (or 2Tbls. dry spices)
3 Tbls. soy sauce 2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp. mirin 2 Tbls. ground flax seeds (optional)
4 garlic cloves, minced 4-6 Tbls. water (to bind ingredients when forming balls)
1 cup whole grain bread crumb 2 Tbls. olive oil (or as needed to brown balls on all sides)
1/2 cup grated Asiago OR Parmesan
In a bowl, mix together tofu, soy sauce, mirin and garlic; let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir in bread crumbs, cheese, sage (or dried spices), eggs and flax.
Shape heaping tablespoons int tightly packed balls.
In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat
Brown balls on all sides, about ten minutes.
Makes 36 - 50 neatballs - they freeze well for several months
Mom in the kitchen..
Best Part is, they go with everything!
With Stir fry
With Pasta:
They are great as appies as well!!
TOFU NEATBALLS:
2 extra firm packages tofu, crumbled 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage (or 2Tbls. dry spices)
3 Tbls. soy sauce 2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp. mirin 2 Tbls. ground flax seeds (optional)
4 garlic cloves, minced 4-6 Tbls. water (to bind ingredients when forming balls)
1 cup whole grain bread crumb 2 Tbls. olive oil (or as needed to brown balls on all sides)
1/2 cup grated Asiago OR Parmesan
In a bowl, mix together tofu, soy sauce, mirin and garlic; let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir in bread crumbs, cheese, sage (or dried spices), eggs and flax.
Shape heaping tablespoons int tightly packed balls.
In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat
Brown balls on all sides, about ten minutes.
Makes 36 - 50 neatballs - they freeze well for several months
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Cooking with Mom: Big Breakfast
Basted Eggs
Fresh Blueberries
Multi Grain Toast
Tomatoes Fried in Olive Oil, salt & Pepper & garlic
Fresh Blueberries
Multi Grain Toast
Tomatoes Fried in Olive Oil, salt & Pepper & garlic
Friday, February 5, 2010
Cooking with Mom: Stir Fry
My Mom is here!! And we are cooking together!
Stir Fry & Vermecelli Noodles with Black Bean Sauce and Soya
I fired some spices up in Olive oil, then added the onions fried until they were clear. Then added the rest of the veggies and fried until cooked, added black bean sauce, soya and baby corns. Heat and serve.
Noodles take about 3 mins to boil!
Stir Fry & Vermecelli Noodles with Black Bean Sauce and Soya
I fired some spices up in Olive oil, then added the onions fried until they were clear. Then added the rest of the veggies and fried until cooked, added black bean sauce, soya and baby corns. Heat and serve.
Noodles take about 3 mins to boil!
Chinese Food with my Moms & Lynn
This week I was luck enough to have both my Moms in Vancouver at the same time!
So we all, along with our good friend Lynn went for Chinese Food!!!
So we all, along with our good friend Lynn went for Chinese Food!!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
