That’s right. Operation: Meet-New-People has begun. I’ve resolved to meet some people here in this land of unfriendliness, so I am going to do one new thing each week (with repeats allowed) to help me do that. Today I dragged Chris with me to a beginner Tango class and Milonga. The Milonga was basically a dance party after the class with all ability levels joining in. Fun! I really suck, but we had a good time and I think we’ll go again next week. Today was focused mostly on not getting my feet stepped on, but I think next time we’ll be able to relax a bit more and chat with the other tango-ers a little more. On the agenda this week: possibly sledding or bowling. Next week: knitting group. Woo!
Recovery Road: Seeing the bright side May 16, 2010
Things that are making me smile today 
- playful pups sharing the same toy
- sunny days
- petunia’s in the window boxes
- practicing (who would have known?!?)
- cuddles with hubby
- coffee
Strange Sights May 10, 2010
Seen at the Detroit airport. Yes, that’s right, it’s an Ipod vending machine.
Busy Bee May 7, 2010
Today is a busy day. Just one of the many-to-come from this busy month! We are listing our house to sell, and have a gazillion little fix-ups to do. I worked an early shift today until 11am, and now I’m about to get started. A few items left to do are:
- paint front door
- stain front and side porches
- install and paint quarter round in guest room
- weed front garden
- plant flowers in window boxes
- sweep & dust basement
- clean windows
- clean carpet runner on stairs
- stage, stage, stage!
The other thing that is keeping me busy is that I’m preparing for a couple of orchestra auditions that are coming up. I have lots of excerpts to learn and some serious brushing up to do on my concerto and unaccompanied Bach. I’ve actually played most of the excerpts before, but as 2nd violin so I don’t know the 1st parts yet.
I’d better get practicing. And painting.
Faltering Faith January 25, 2010
I am need of a boost of faith – faith in my fellow Canadians. I have two stories to tell.
1. Yesterday was the day of rallies across the country to protest Steven Harper’s proroguing of parliament. I have not been outspoken on this topic, but I have spoken about this with several people, as it is a “hot topic” at the moment. EVERYONE I spoke with was against proroguing. There were about 500 people at our city’s rally, and of those 500 people, I didn’t know anyone. I am quite disappointed that not a single person I know showed up. I couldn’t get anyone to come with me, so I went alone. I’m a big believer in standing up for what’s right, and though I am happy that so many other Canadians feel the same way, I am ashamed that I don’t personally know more of them.
2. This next event took place a couple of months ago, but I drive past the place it happened once a week on the way to the grocery store and so am reminded of it often. On the sidewalk of a rather busy road, an elderly lady was walking home. She lost her balance and fell backwards and couldn’t get up. She was shouting for help. There were a couple of other people nearby on the sidewalk, and several cars were driving by. I was the only one to pull over and help her. Even the other pedestrians didn’t rush to help her. I am sad that so many people saw her fall and struggle, and that no one else made an effort to help her.
So please, help restore my faith in people. I have decided to do as many nice things as I can for others, and I challenge you to do the same! Please share your nice deeds with me to help restore my faith!
Bye-bye Christmas, Hello Winter! January 6, 2010
Christmas is officially over 
But at least winter is finally here! Christmas is a time I look forward to every year. It makes me feel warm and cozy, I get to spend time with and thinking of family and friends, and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. Snow didn’t come until after the big day this season, but it is here now! We have lots of snow, and a lot more on the forecast for the next week. The doggies love it, and I have a great time playing in the snow with them too.
I started the task of taking down the holiday decor today, and will slowly put it all away this week. I have a long to-do list to catch up on around the house, especially since we will likely put it on the market this spring. Here’s what’s on the go:
- Finally finish painting the trimwork in the living room, foyer, guestroom, and staircase
- refinish wood floors in the guestroom
- paint front door and side door, inside and out
- replace trim in MB closet
- fix the wall/trimwork around the window in the MB (we had a little leak last winter which has already been fixed by handy hubby)
- patch and paint basement floor
- paint staircase in bsmt
- Clean! Lots of spring-cleaning to do, albeit a little early
On that note, I’d better get started!
