Happy New Year to Everyone! I began to wonder "Why do we say Happy New Year!" What better way to find out then using my favorite "encyclopedia" Google. Here are a few traditions:
Hogmanay (Scotland)
The birthplace of "Auld Lang Syne" is also the home of Hogmanay the rousing Scottish New Year's celebration (the origins of the name are obscure). One of the traditions is "first-footing." Shortly after midnight on New Year's eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year's wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party
Oshogatsu (Japan)
The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal. In December, various Bonenkai or "forget-the-year parties" are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed. At midnight on Dec. 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in a effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year's day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside. Sending New Year's cards is a popular tradition—if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year's cards on Jan. 1.
Spain
The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.
The Netherlands
The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.
Greece
In Greece, New Year's day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.
Well at our house there we didn't receive coal or shortbread (although Susie brought the shortbread at Christmas) and there was no tall, dark, handsome man that entered the house after midnight. (there were a few cute ones that entered before midnight) The house wasn't scrubbed clean (that's on my todo list) and nobody was striking any gongs and if they did, it would have been alot more than 108 times!!! I don't believe anyone ate any grapes - but if we were counting margarita's I might have been close to 12! Burning down the Christmas tree was on my mind, but somehow I didn't think it would be environmentally safe considering what they are made of these days! And I didn't find any gold coins in any baked goods. But I better check the banana loaf that susie brought over!!!!
So what did we do for New Years!!!! Well Bill didn't want a party - so we didn't have a party. I did invite Anne and Brian and Susan over. Also Wayne and Susie joined us. Patrick and his girlfriend also joined the "non party!" Ashley went out with friends. We played a new "non" party game - Apples to Apples. Alisa introduced us to this game last year and this year. So that's what we played. It was so much fun. Needless to say, I didn't win any of the rounds.
I did make a New Year's resolution this year. Normally I don't, but this year it just seemed appropriate. I resolved to never leave a spoon (specifically a porcelain chinese soup spoon) in the blender any more. Why you might ask. Well after my first batch of margaritas I conveniently left the spoon in the mixer waiting to make the next batch. But after a blender of margaritas one tends to forgot there was even a spoon used. While I watched the second batch of spirit's, I thought my blender was breaking. I could have a tapping sound - and it was only after 30 odd seconds I remember the missing spoon. Well the spoon is still missing - but based on three small 1/2 inch pieces, I'm pretty sure I could guess where the spoon is. What a waste of tequila!
So that is how the new year started. I'd like to include a quote that I found in a book I received from my good friend Shaunan. The book is called "The Friendship Book" It's a a thought for each day in 2011.
Monday January 3
A traveller once asked a wise man sitting at the city walls what the people inside were like. "What are the people like in the city you come from?" replied the wise man. The stranger then pondered a moment. "They're generous and kind, they're patient and good folk," he said. "Well that's how you'll find them here, " the wise man said.
A few days later another traveller came to the city and asked the wise man the same question. "What are the people like in the city you come from?" the wise man wanted to know. Again there was some hesitation. "The people are fairly mean, and grumpy a lot and pretty miserable." "Well," said the wise man, "that's just how you'll find people here!"
How true this is
Till the next blog.
Stacey
Monday, January 3, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Day 6 of December
Today was the first day in a long time that I didn't want to go to work this morning. In fact I forgot to set the alarm this morning and didn't wake up until 7:00. Last night was the Christmas concert for the preschool. The kids did really well. Except for three students, everyone in the morning class was there. The best concert moment would have been when the teacher was asking and reminding the students what the shepherds used their staff for. They could use it to help sheep get out of ditches; they used it to herd the sheep and they used it to chase off wolves. The teacher said, yes if a wolf came, the shepherd would bonk the wolf on the nose with his staff and the wolf would be sad and run away. Well one of the girls said "He could also hit him on the head and knock his brains out." This from a 4 year old!!!!!
So this morning I just had to go to the school to help clean up from the evening and prepare for January. Patrick came with me so he could use the car. He dropped me off and headed to Market Mall to do more shopping. Well that's when the communication broke down. Even after I asked Patrick to watch how I got to the school - he still got lost - and lost - and lost. So what should have been a 5 minute car ride to pick me up, turned into a 45 minute ride; and three phone calls. That wasn't even the frustrating part. The frustrating part was when Patrick tried to convince me that the problem was miscommunication on my part. Needless to say, we got that straightened out in a hurry.
So the kitchen is clean and straighten out, all the gifts are wrapped (except the ones I haven't purchased yet) and the laundry is 1/2 done. After I pick up Ashley from the airport, I'll be working on the rest of the Christmas cards tonight.
Night
Stacey
So this morning I just had to go to the school to help clean up from the evening and prepare for January. Patrick came with me so he could use the car. He dropped me off and headed to Market Mall to do more shopping. Well that's when the communication broke down. Even after I asked Patrick to watch how I got to the school - he still got lost - and lost - and lost. So what should have been a 5 minute car ride to pick me up, turned into a 45 minute ride; and three phone calls. That wasn't even the frustrating part. The frustrating part was when Patrick tried to convince me that the problem was miscommunication on my part. Needless to say, we got that straightened out in a hurry.
So the kitchen is clean and straighten out, all the gifts are wrapped (except the ones I haven't purchased yet) and the laundry is 1/2 done. After I pick up Ashley from the airport, I'll be working on the rest of the Christmas cards tonight.
Night
Stacey
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Day 5 of December
:City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style - in the air there's a feeling of Christmas. The countdown to Christmas is on and I am no where near ready. I have half of my Christmas cards done. 3/4 of my shopping done; none of the baking (although to be honest, I hadn't planned on baking anyway). The Christmas tree is still standing - turkey has been bought.....hmmmmm - I know there's more, but can't think of it right now.
Friday night was Bill's company Christmas party. It was a nice evening. The food was delicious and the music was fantastic. Unfortunately Mr. Hop-a-long is still not back to his dancing self. We did manage to get a couple of dances in. They had character artists for entertainment. Our picture doesn't look like either of us, except for my boobs and Bill's sore leg. This is the first year where there were hardly any people dancing. They might have goofed by putting the bar in a separate room. I love to sit and watch people dance.
Needless to say I was a little tired when I woke up this morning and had to go into work at the cards. I thought I would get there early before the crowd - well the quietness didn't last long.
Patrick is off to tech practice and I'm hoping I can sneak in a nap while he's gone. Tonight would be a good night to finish off any Christmas stuff. Hopefully I'll remember that when I wake up from my nap.
Stacey
Friday night was Bill's company Christmas party. It was a nice evening. The food was delicious and the music was fantastic. Unfortunately Mr. Hop-a-long is still not back to his dancing self. We did manage to get a couple of dances in. They had character artists for entertainment. Our picture doesn't look like either of us, except for my boobs and Bill's sore leg. This is the first year where there were hardly any people dancing. They might have goofed by putting the bar in a separate room. I love to sit and watch people dance.
Needless to say I was a little tired when I woke up this morning and had to go into work at the cards. I thought I would get there early before the crowd - well the quietness didn't last long.
Patrick is off to tech practice and I'm hoping I can sneak in a nap while he's gone. Tonight would be a good night to finish off any Christmas stuff. Hopefully I'll remember that when I wake up from my nap.
Stacey
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Day 4 of December
Well it is December 12th and I still haven't gotten my Christmas cards sent. Let me rephrase that, I haven't even finished my cards. That is the next thing on my list - on my very long list.
Saturday night Patrick and I went to see another school play. This time it was MacBeth and my niece Jane was in it. Of course Patrick wanted to sit in the front row and so we did. It was a little too close for me. My neck was getting sore from staring up at MacBeth for most of the night. He would stand right in front of me. Thankfully, the few times that spit came flying from his mouth, he was standing somewhere else. The young man who played MacBeth was an amazing actor. He delivered his lines with such conviction and enthusiasim, that even I was getting into MacBeth. There was one point in the play where he placed his hand in the witche's cauldron. When he brought his hands up, he shook them and some of the witches brew (vinegar and such) landed on Patrick. Well both Patrick and I spend the next 5-10 minutes trying not to laugh out loud. I'm sure the entire front row was shaking from our giggling. Who knew there would be comedy. Jane did a wonderful job as well in the play. At one point, her character was being threatened by MacBeth, and the look of terror on Jane's face had me scared as well.
After the play Jane, Patrick and I went out for something to eat and then headed home. Everyone was tired.
Today I did my treadmill - not as early as I had hoped, but there were things on that darn list... Then I headed out to some stores. Hit Michaels first. I got Jane's Christmas present. You know the feeling you get when you have bought that perfect gift, well I believe Jane's is the perfect gift I bought this year. I can't wait to see her face. After Michael's I met my sister Robin over at Walmart. Needed a couple of stocking stuffers. Well we arrived only to discover, they now sell produce, and everything. I thought I would try out this new concept (had planned on going to Sobey's anyhow) and I think I got most things on my grocery list. (no frozen fruit or meat though)
I trying a Lean Cuisine Healthy eating program for a week. Their meals are very similar to Jenny Craigs. We'll see how they taste. You can go their website and print out a meal plan for a week.
K, writing in my blog is off the list. I better move on to other things.
Stacey
Saturday night Patrick and I went to see another school play. This time it was MacBeth and my niece Jane was in it. Of course Patrick wanted to sit in the front row and so we did. It was a little too close for me. My neck was getting sore from staring up at MacBeth for most of the night. He would stand right in front of me. Thankfully, the few times that spit came flying from his mouth, he was standing somewhere else. The young man who played MacBeth was an amazing actor. He delivered his lines with such conviction and enthusiasim, that even I was getting into MacBeth. There was one point in the play where he placed his hand in the witche's cauldron. When he brought his hands up, he shook them and some of the witches brew (vinegar and such) landed on Patrick. Well both Patrick and I spend the next 5-10 minutes trying not to laugh out loud. I'm sure the entire front row was shaking from our giggling. Who knew there would be comedy. Jane did a wonderful job as well in the play. At one point, her character was being threatened by MacBeth, and the look of terror on Jane's face had me scared as well.
After the play Jane, Patrick and I went out for something to eat and then headed home. Everyone was tired.
Today I did my treadmill - not as early as I had hoped, but there were things on that darn list... Then I headed out to some stores. Hit Michaels first. I got Jane's Christmas present. You know the feeling you get when you have bought that perfect gift, well I believe Jane's is the perfect gift I bought this year. I can't wait to see her face. After Michael's I met my sister Robin over at Walmart. Needed a couple of stocking stuffers. Well we arrived only to discover, they now sell produce, and everything. I thought I would try out this new concept (had planned on going to Sobey's anyhow) and I think I got most things on my grocery list. (no frozen fruit or meat though)
I trying a Lean Cuisine Healthy eating program for a week. Their meals are very similar to Jenny Craigs. We'll see how they taste. You can go their website and print out a meal plan for a week.
K, writing in my blog is off the list. I better move on to other things.
Stacey
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Day 3 of December
Tuesday (that would be yesterday), was a very eventful day. I worked in the preschool in the morning. The class was small; only 15 children, but seemed as busy as if we had 20. Sometimes my mind is more tired than my body. I love their inquisitive nature.
Then it was time for job number 2 - picked up Susan and Patrick and we went to soccer. Patrick didn't do any training after coaching, so we were able to leave for home around 5:15ish. I dropped the son off at home, and I headed to job number 3. It's the Christmas season, so the cards need a little more attention; Well at least at Chapters. I was just arriving at the store and I ran into a dear friend I used to work with at PREP. It was so wonderful to see Nav. She has been on my list of people to call and this was such a nice surprise. We chatted for a bit and made plans to get together soon. After a couple of hours with the cards, I headed to Safeways - 10% Tuesday you know!!!! Got the few items I needed and ran into Bill's cousin, Ginger. Had a nice chat and just as we were saying good-bye, I see another young lady I used to work with at PREP, Miss Robin. She is looking happy and healthy. It reminded me how much I miss a few people I used to work with and how much I miss the kids. Needless to say, I was humming Christmas carols all the way home. What a way to put a smile on your face.
I've realized I'm getting behind in posting my 50 list. According to my records and I could be wrong on this, I've reported on 5 - so my list is down to 45. Well I have two more to knock off my list: Sept 20 (my birthday) I didn't have any pop for 2 months. Again, since Sept 20, I didn't have any alcohol for 2 months. Both those can now be checked off. Yes I've had a cocktail since then; and yes I've had pop since then. But I can honestly say, I'd rather have sparkling water, or water and lime juice instead of the pop.
I better get a few things done, or I'm going to be behind again today.
PS: Congratutions to my friend De - another 1/2 marathon under her belt. She is my inspiration!!!!
Stacey
Then it was time for job number 2 - picked up Susan and Patrick and we went to soccer. Patrick didn't do any training after coaching, so we were able to leave for home around 5:15ish. I dropped the son off at home, and I headed to job number 3. It's the Christmas season, so the cards need a little more attention; Well at least at Chapters. I was just arriving at the store and I ran into a dear friend I used to work with at PREP. It was so wonderful to see Nav. She has been on my list of people to call and this was such a nice surprise. We chatted for a bit and made plans to get together soon. After a couple of hours with the cards, I headed to Safeways - 10% Tuesday you know!!!! Got the few items I needed and ran into Bill's cousin, Ginger. Had a nice chat and just as we were saying good-bye, I see another young lady I used to work with at PREP, Miss Robin. She is looking happy and healthy. It reminded me how much I miss a few people I used to work with and how much I miss the kids. Needless to say, I was humming Christmas carols all the way home. What a way to put a smile on your face.
I've realized I'm getting behind in posting my 50 list. According to my records and I could be wrong on this, I've reported on 5 - so my list is down to 45. Well I have two more to knock off my list: Sept 20 (my birthday) I didn't have any pop for 2 months. Again, since Sept 20, I didn't have any alcohol for 2 months. Both those can now be checked off. Yes I've had a cocktail since then; and yes I've had pop since then. But I can honestly say, I'd rather have sparkling water, or water and lime juice instead of the pop.
I better get a few things done, or I'm going to be behind again today.
PS: Congratutions to my friend De - another 1/2 marathon under her belt. She is my inspiration!!!!
Stacey
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Day 2 of December
Is it just me, or do Saturday and Sunday seem to have fewer hours in them!!!!!
Doesn't seem like I did very much, but the time just flew by. Saturday, Patrick had a soccer game at noon. Both Bill and I went to watch. Again, the team wasn't on their game. And the ref'ng was scary. You don't appreciate how a ref can make a game enjoyable or very frustrating. By the end of the game, I thought both teams were going to have a brawl. It was a little disconcerning. Then to make matters worse, Patrick took a push/fall/trip into the corner boards. Thank goodness I didn't see the play (didn't have the best angle), but you could hear it. Didn't realize it was Patrick until I couldn't see him as I was looking for his reaction. I think that is the first time for him. (and hopefully his last) I was more concerned than he was at first, but by the end of the evening he was wondering if he should get checked out. I gave him a SCAT test (sports concussion assessment test) right after it happened, and he passed. (with math tests were that easy for him). I woke him up a couple of times during the night and he woke up. He should probably stay away from soccer for a week, just to let the jiggling of his brain stop. I'm sure he won't be happy about that.
Sunday I took my mom grocery shopping. First we met Sharry and Tracey and Kiena (sister and niece and great niece) for coffee at Tim Hortons. It was a nice visit. Then Mom and I headed to Safeways. I can't figure out how come mom spent more in groceries than me. Then of course it was lunch time, so Mom and I headed out to her favorite restaraunt (thanks to Alisa) Ricki's. I love their pancakes. I could eat them for any meal.
Of course as soon as I got home, Patrick wanted to borrow the car to go Christmas shopping. Not sure when I can expect him home.
I cleaned up under the stairs last night so I can get some of the Christmas boxes back under there. I remember when Patrick would use under the stairs as his Harry Potter Room. !!!
Time to get a few things done and off to relax.
Night
Stacey
Doesn't seem like I did very much, but the time just flew by. Saturday, Patrick had a soccer game at noon. Both Bill and I went to watch. Again, the team wasn't on their game. And the ref'ng was scary. You don't appreciate how a ref can make a game enjoyable or very frustrating. By the end of the game, I thought both teams were going to have a brawl. It was a little disconcerning. Then to make matters worse, Patrick took a push/fall/trip into the corner boards. Thank goodness I didn't see the play (didn't have the best angle), but you could hear it. Didn't realize it was Patrick until I couldn't see him as I was looking for his reaction. I think that is the first time for him. (and hopefully his last) I was more concerned than he was at first, but by the end of the evening he was wondering if he should get checked out. I gave him a SCAT test (sports concussion assessment test) right after it happened, and he passed. (with math tests were that easy for him). I woke him up a couple of times during the night and he woke up. He should probably stay away from soccer for a week, just to let the jiggling of his brain stop. I'm sure he won't be happy about that.
Sunday I took my mom grocery shopping. First we met Sharry and Tracey and Kiena (sister and niece and great niece) for coffee at Tim Hortons. It was a nice visit. Then Mom and I headed to Safeways. I can't figure out how come mom spent more in groceries than me. Then of course it was lunch time, so Mom and I headed out to her favorite restaraunt (thanks to Alisa) Ricki's. I love their pancakes. I could eat them for any meal.
Of course as soon as I got home, Patrick wanted to borrow the car to go Christmas shopping. Not sure when I can expect him home.
I cleaned up under the stairs last night so I can get some of the Christmas boxes back under there. I remember when Patrick would use under the stairs as his Harry Potter Room. !!!
Time to get a few things done and off to relax.
Night
Stacey
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Day 1 of December
Maybe I am on a roll. It's my first blog of December, and it's only the 2nd day of December. I am so not ready for Christmas. I haven't even finished my Christmas cards yet; but the good news is, I have started them.
The past few days have been a blur. I think this is the first night where I have actually been home and not have to had gone somewhere. Having said that, Patrick just called. He took my car to his soccer practice. Now he is sitting in the parking lot and he can't get the remote to work. Of course his first phone call is too me. We try and figure out what is wrong - doesn't work; so we get Bill on the phone to make suggestions; he does; the remote still doesn't work. Ok, I say, I'll jump in the car and bring over the other remote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Wait - stop--- you've got my car and I can't drive the others! One part of my brain is thinking - Oh, no, Bill's going to have to interrupt what he's doing (fixing his computer) and the other half of my brain is thinking (yeah, I don't have to change out of my PJ's.) I hope Santa only heard the first part of my brain!
So I thought, good time to get something down in the blog.
x
xxx
xxxxxx
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xx 00000000000000
K, that's my picture. I hope it posts as well as I drew it. The x's are the tree (pretty simple) The 0's are the tree stand Bill built, out of wood and covered in wrapping paper. Now, don't get me wrong, I do appreciate it. (the other option was just throw out the stupid tree) But when I hear the word Christmas stand, the image that comes to my mind it something much smaller and based from the base of the tree. It certainly does look better than hanging from the ceiling; and it certainly is straight; and I'm pretty sure it's not going to fall over!!!! Ok, I take back any complaints - I got my optic tree!!!! Now how to figure out how to store it after Christmas.
Well, tomorrow is Friday, and I'm covering for Beth, so I'll be at the preschool tomorrow; then I'm going to take a visit to the cemetery. It is one year since Mom Wee passed away. I could sure use some of her mother-in-law advice.........
Good night, I'm off to work on those Christmas cards.
Stacey
The past few days have been a blur. I think this is the first night where I have actually been home and not have to had gone somewhere. Having said that, Patrick just called. He took my car to his soccer practice. Now he is sitting in the parking lot and he can't get the remote to work. Of course his first phone call is too me. We try and figure out what is wrong - doesn't work; so we get Bill on the phone to make suggestions; he does; the remote still doesn't work. Ok, I say, I'll jump in the car and bring over the other remote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Wait - stop--- you've got my car and I can't drive the others! One part of my brain is thinking - Oh, no, Bill's going to have to interrupt what he's doing (fixing his computer) and the other half of my brain is thinking (yeah, I don't have to change out of my PJ's.) I hope Santa only heard the first part of my brain!
So I thought, good time to get something down in the blog.
Bill celebrated his 50th birthday yesterday. I believe they had a little celebration at work. Somehow a picture of Bill in his bodybuilding "attire" got circulated at work. Not sure how they got a hold of that............................ They also presenting him with a valuable bottle of tequila. He was pretty happy when he got home! Not sure if it was from the party or the tequila.
We still haven't gotten any further with the Christmas Tree. Bill took it out to the garage Sunday to make a stand for it. Now I know Christmas is not his favorite holiday, but if I didn't know that, I do now. The stand works great - but I wish I could draw a picture so you could see it.x
xxx
xxxxxx
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xxxxxxxxx 0
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xx 0
xx 0
xx 00000000000000
K, that's my picture. I hope it posts as well as I drew it. The x's are the tree (pretty simple) The 0's are the tree stand Bill built, out of wood and covered in wrapping paper. Now, don't get me wrong, I do appreciate it. (the other option was just throw out the stupid tree) But when I hear the word Christmas stand, the image that comes to my mind it something much smaller and based from the base of the tree. It certainly does look better than hanging from the ceiling; and it certainly is straight; and I'm pretty sure it's not going to fall over!!!! Ok, I take back any complaints - I got my optic tree!!!! Now how to figure out how to store it after Christmas.
Well, tomorrow is Friday, and I'm covering for Beth, so I'll be at the preschool tomorrow; then I'm going to take a visit to the cemetery. It is one year since Mom Wee passed away. I could sure use some of her mother-in-law advice.........
Good night, I'm off to work on those Christmas cards.
Stacey
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