Twitter

The baby is in bed, the toddler is outside with the husband, and I am inside on the computer learning about Twitter. This would be because apparently I do not have enough to do with my "spare" time? I think it's so I can procrastinate and NOT run, NOT do the laundry or NOT declutter the kitchen (sigh). It IS Saturday night though so I'll give myself a little leeway.

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length which are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have subscribed to them (known as followers). Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends or, by default, allow anybody to access them.
Source: Wikipedia

Geocaching

I have heard about Geocaching a few times and my interest got piqued ~ especially as the nice weather is coming and I really want to do fun & free things with my family.

What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is an outdoor activity where people try to find hidden containers using only latitude and longitude along with searching techniques. A handheld GPS receiver is used to navigate from any place on Earth to the hidden container. By entering the coordinates of the container, the GPS will display the distance and direction that you must travel in order to reach the destination. Once there, you will still need to search out the container as it is often hidden from view.

Every geocache is a container of some sort and sizes vary from very large like a 5 gallon bucket all the way down to very small like a hollow bolt. Within each container there must be a logbook or sheet for people to sign. Signing the log is the proof of a successful visit to the geocache. Even though those two items are required there are other items that can also be inside a geocache, like family-friendly trading items. Trade items are not a requirement but they do add to the fun and the accepted rule is that if you take something out you put something in at the same time.

Keep in mind that what you put in should be something that another person would enjoy finding in the geocache and must be an item that is family-friendly.

Often a geocache is placed to bring people to see something of interest or to encourage people to explore a trail but they can also be hidden to challenge people to find a sneaky hiding place or venture to a place they have never seen before. All geocaches must be placed with permission when the area is private property but most publicly accessible areas can support geocaching.

Through geocaching many more people are enjoying recreational walking, seeing new locations or learning about the local history through tours and research while seeking a cache. Some geocaches even have a puzzle to solve which will provide the coordinates, some take you step by step from one spot to the next but most geocaches are placed to be found easily at the given location.

Happy Earth Day!

Thank you to Simple Mom for her post on 40 Tips to Go Green at Home.

Here are her 40 tips:

40 Easy Ways to Go Greener at Home - Besides Recycling
1. Plant an herb garden. It’s good to have a reminder around of where our food originates.
2. Switch all your light bulbs to CFLs (or at least switch a few).
3. Create a homemade compost bin for $15.
4. Switch one appliance to an energy efficient model (look for the “energy star” label).

5. Stop using disposable bags - order some reusable bags, or make your own. My favorites are Envirosax and Flip & Tumble.
6. Buy a reusable water bottle, and stop buying plastic disposable bottles (loyal Simple Mom reader Sara at Mama Goes Green is having a 10% off sale all products for Earth Day - buy one there!). Then watch the trailer for Tapped, a new documentary about the bottled water phenomena.
7. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.
8. Turn off lights when you leave the room.
9. Don’t turn on lights at all for as long as you can - open your curtains and enjoy natural light.
10. Drive the speed limit, and combine all your errands for the week in one trip.
11. Better yet, walk or ride a bike to your errands that are two miles or closer.
12. Support your local economy and shop at your farmer’s market.
13. Turn off your computer completely at night.
14. Research whether you can sign up for green power from your utility company.
15. Pay as many bills as possible online.
16. Put a stop to unsolicited mail - sign up to opt out of pre-screened credit card offers. While you’re at it, go ahead and make sure you’re on the “do not call” list, just to make your life more peaceful.
17. Reuse scrap paper. Print on two sides, or let your kids color on the back side of used paper.

18. Conduct a quick energy audit of your home.
19. Subscribe to good eco blogs. My favorites are The Daily Green, No Impact Man, and TreeHugger. You can find many more at Best Green Blogs.
20. Before buying anything new, first check your local Craigslist or Freecycle.
21. Support local restaurants that use food derived less than 100 miles away, and learn more about the benefits of eating locally.
22. Fix leaky faucets.
23. Make your own household cleaners. I’ve got quite a few recipes in my e-book.

24. Line dry your laundry.
25. Watch The Story of Stuff with your kids, and talk about the impact your household trash has on our landfills.
26. Learn with your kids about another country or culture, expanding your knowledge to other sides of the world.
28. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
29. Unplug unused chargers and appliances.
30. Re purpose something - turn one of your well-worn t-shirts into basic play pants for your baby. Or save egg cartons for paint wells, seed starters, treasure boxes, or a myriad of other crafts.
31. Collect rainwater, and use it to water your houseplants and garden.
32. Switch to cloth diapers - or at least do a combination with disposables. (Simple Mom has a Cloth Diapering 101 week coming soon.)
33. Switch to shade-grown coffee with the “Fair Trade” label.
34. Use a Diva Cup for your monthly cycles.
35. Make rags out of old towels and t-shirts, and fore go buying paper towels.

36. Use cloth napkins daily instead of paper.
37. Read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and open your eyes to the way conventional food is processed. Then join the Book Club, while you’re at it.

38. Re purpose glass jars as leftover containers and bulk storage.
39. Five-minute showers - make it a goal for yourself.
40. Donate to - and shop at - thrift stores such as Goodwill. You’ll be recycling perfectly usable items, and you’ll be supporting your local economy.

Menu Plan Monday (April 19-25)

I found a very cool FREE website called Meal Outlaw where you can create your menu plan, put it into a PDF file, and also have it keep it current on your blog! (see the top right corner of my blog for my weekly menu a few days at a time). If you want to follow me on Meal Outlaw, my user name is elizabeth_agd. Let me know where you found me from!

The point references below are Weight Watchers.

Sunday
• Lunch: 4 Pt - Turkey Sandwich & Baby Carrots
• Dinner: Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti, Green Beans, Garlic Bread

Monday
• AM Snack: 1/2 cup canned peaches (in juice)
• Lunch: 6 Pt Tuna Sandwich & Apple & Milk
• PM Snack: Fiber One bar, 8 oz. skim milk

• Dinner: 6 Pt Chicken Cacciatore
• Dessert: Lemon Meringue Pie

Tuesday

• Lunch: 8 Pt Large Salad & Crystal Light & Bagel with Lite Cream Cheese

• Dinner: 2 Pt each Crispy Fish Fillets & 1 Pt/cup Crunchy Onion Rings

Wednesday
• Lunch: 6 Pt Egg Salad Sandwich & Orange
• Dinner: Italian Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

Thursday
• Lunch: 5 Pt Chicken Caesar Pita & Hot Cocoa

• Dinner: 8Pts Baked Macaroni & Cheese (1 cup) & Salad

Friday
• Lunch: 4 Pt Smoothie
• Dinner: Homemade Pizza & Salad

Saturday
• Lunch: 7 Pt Chicken Hot Dogs & 10 baby carrots
• Dinner: 6 Pts Baked Teriyaki Chicken

For more menu ideas, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Spring Cleaning Party

I'm joining the Spring Cleaning Party over at Simple Mom. From May 4 to 15, Simple Mom will be writing her spring cleaning process, one room at a time. I'm looking forward to someone else doing the "thinking" part and me just having to "do" and partayyy! I'll let you know how it all goes.

Here’s the Spring Cleaning Party schedule:
Monday, May 4 - a clean sweep
Tuesday, May 5 - the living room, part one
Wednesday, May 6 - the living room, part two
Thursday, May 7 - the kitchen, part one
Friday, May 8 - the kitchen, part two
Monday, May 11 - the bathrooms
Tuesday, May 12 - the kids’ rooms, part one
Wednesday, May 13 - the kids’ rooms, part two
Thursday, May 14 - the master bedroom
Friday, May 15 - the front entry

Income Tax Filing

It's Saturday at 3PM. I just "finished" getting tax information for my father. I don't enjoy doing taxes as my father and I have different ways at getting at things and numbers are not my strength. We have improved how we work together and this year, for the second year in a row, there wasn't any yelling (from either of us) or crying (on my part). It only took me 10 years to figure out what information he needs. There were still some mistakes on the numbers I gave him but relatively minor compared to other years past. I just hope there is a big refund coming so hubby and I can pay down (or off!) our last credit card.

Finance Friday

How to Raise Cash Fast (thank you Sympatico MSN for these tips)

1. Start Your Own Sell-Off ~ Selling possessions is a quick win. Go through attics, closets, garages, kitchens and spare rooms. Anything you don't want any more can be sold. If this doesn't raise enough cash, think about selling things that you don't need – all the things you thought you might use but don't. If you still need more cash, think about selling things you can live without: could you get by without your car for example?


2. Ask Your Boss for More Money ~ If you need cash fast, one place to go is your current employer. Asking for more money, a bigger bonus, more hours, or even just an advance on your salary can cover unexpected bills. But be very careful if you take this last route, as the money that is advanced will not be available next month for your standard bills.


3. Get A Second Job ~ If you can't get more money out of your current employers, you might be able to earn more money in your spare time. Options include online mentoring, becoming part of surveys and doing freelance work.


4. Get Your Tax Back ~ Many Canadians are not aware of the latest tax deductions and lose out on money as a result. Did you move during the 2008 tax year? If so, you might be able to claim the expenses you incurred. Others can claim public transit costs. Visit the Canada Revenue Agency at www.cra-arc.gc.ca for more information on what you can claim on your tax return.


5. Ask Your Family ~ Friends and family can be a great source of help when times get tough, however don't borrow money from them lightly. Mixing money into a relationship can create huge problems and potentially lead to years of stress and divisions.


6. Earn More On The Money You Have ~ Having financial problems can really put things into focus. Making sure you earn every available penny from savings and investment accounts can mean you are hundreds of dollars better off in the long-term. Imagine how much difference that would make now, if you had done it in the past. Search for the best deals you can get and put your money there.


7. Remortgage ~ You can gain two huge benefits from remortgaging. If you move to the best deal on the market you can save hundreds of dollars a year on payments, and if you need money fast, you can increase your mortgage size to get cash now. But be very careful increasing your mortgage amount, as this will have to be paid back and will eat into your equity cushion. This could result in a more expensive mortgage or even negative equity if prices fall.


8. Rent A Room ~ Another way you can raise cash from your house is to rent a spare room. If you've got an extra bedroom that's always empty, consider renting it to a student. They can help pay your mortgage. And you can ask for first and last month's rent up front to get a lump-sum of cash fast.

Cross Stitch Dish Towel (Crochet Project)

This is my latest project. It is really easy and I really like this unique stitch. The full pattern can be found at Marlo's Crochet Corner. I am using Red Heart's Cherry Chip and Off-White colours. Stunning.

Workin Out Wednesday

I'm having a really tough time with this whole weight issue. Let me explain ...

This week I'm at my parents. We "share" a Wii and the Wii Fit program ~ basically I use it whenever we are here. Since the last time I used it (around December 2008) I have gained 6.6 lbs. Since I have been here, using it daily, I have gained 2 lbs. There are a ton of excuses I could use ... the medication I am on makes me gain weight, the 1 lb of Easter bunny solid milk chocolate that I scarfed down in 4 days, I am starting to run so that would add muscle, or I am mid-menstrual cycle and crampy and bloated. All of these are true but I still feel disgusting and blimpy.

With a 3-year old daughter and a 1-year old son I want to ensure I am healthy and focused on a positive self-image. I don't want my daughter to hear me complaining about my butt being too big or my hips or wherever. I want her to know that Mommy goes to the gym or works out to get healthy and feel good. I want to be here for her and don't want my health to be a problem. I also want her to have a good self-image.

What am I going to do about it? This here is my 5-point plan.

1. I am starting to track my Weight Watchers points (I am a lifetime member who has gone off-the-wagon after two kids).
   
2. I am going to exercise (Wii Fit, run or the gym) at least 30 minutes a day and bring it home so I can ensure I get it done.


3. I will plan healthy menus on a weekly basis (one for me and one for the kids).


4. I will increase my water consumption.


5. I will work with my doctor to wean off my medication (it's part of the medical plan so it's all good).

My Blog 1-Year Anniversary

Happy anniversary to my blog! It's been a great year and as I've read through my blogs this past year it is great to see how much I have evolved. I thank you all for joining me in my journey of blogging. Here's to more great blogging years ahead.

A Simple Solution for Plastic Grocery Store Bags

Thank you to Mandi at Organizing Your Way for her fantastic post on how to minimize the space plastic bags take up when storing them. Since I've read it I have taught my husband and mother how to do this technique and we LOVE it!

(photo of final, space-reduced, storage-ready plastic bags)

Here is a summary of how to ... photo instructions (very helpful) on her original story.

1. Start by holding the plastic bag in one hand and the handles with your other hand.

2. Holding the handles tightly, slide your other hand down the bag, squeezing out all of the air.

3. With the end of the bag in the palm of your hand, begin wrapping it around two of your fingers.

4. As you wrap the bag, the handle will twist in your hand.

5. When you get to the end, you should have a small loop left in the handle.

6. Take the loop and slip it over the rest of the bag to secure it in place.

7. Your bags will be tightly secured and compact for easy storage and portability.

The Spectacles

Instead of reporting on a story I have ready (it hasn't happened this week and you'll soon see why not) I will share a story.

Last weekend we visited my in-laws (2.5 hour drive away). Last Sunday after we got home and unpacked, we realised I had forgotten my glasses at their house. I don't think I've ever forgotten them as I am dependent on them for long-term reading or computer work or crafting. My mother-in-law was sweet enough to courier them to me next-day service so I could ensure I had them for my week-and-a-half mini-vacation with the kids to my parent's place (1.5 hour drive away).

On Thursday afternoon I arrived at my parent's, unpacked, and realised I cannot find my glasses. Argh. I look everywhere and call hubby (who is still home for a few days because he had to work) and he looks everywhere at my house for them. Neither of us can find them. Hubby jokes that I'm losing my marbles and must have put them in the freezer or somewhere obscure. We hang up and continue to look. Hubby, having considered his joke, decides to check out obscure places. Just as I am checking out the car (again) Mom calls and says "the search is over". Hubby had found them on top of the fridge, wedged in a pile of coupons. The only reason he looked there was because he didn't know what the crumple was about. His description - it looked like a little kid who tried to hide his uneaten sandwich. I can only laugh as I have absolutely no idea how they got there. It's okay though, I can wait a few days until Hubby comes on Saturday.

Saturday comes and we unpack the cube-van's worth of items I've requested Hubby bring along and - can you guess?? - no glasses. Is this a sick joke, hubby? Are you hiding them on me? Alas, no ... he forgot them on the counter at home.

Guess I'm really relaxing the week, huh?

Have you ever forgotten anything that you really needed while away for an extended period of time? If so, what? What did you do to make the best of the situation?

Workin' Out Wednesday

We went away this past weekend to my in-laws. It was a nice weekend but this meant no running Saturday or Sunday (or Monday).

This week we are doing 7 sets of run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute.

Last night I realised it was already Tuesday and I had done nothing to meet this new goal so ... I was waiting for Scott to finish at an appointment and decided to see how many sets I could get in while running on the spot. I did 5 sets and was pretty proud of myself for taking advantage of the time and doing what I could. Probably not as good as actually running outside but way better than nothing.

I'm going to try for at least two more nights to fit in the practise runs this week.

Is this chocolate season killing anybody else's fitness goals? What are you doing to not gain a gazillion pounds?

Toddler Tuesday

My children go to a pre-school in the mornings. It's through the provincial government and is free to parents and caregivers in Ontario. I have to physically be on-site for the duration of the program (9:15-11:15AM). It's great and the kids love to socialize in their rooms with their age-groups.

We've been doing this since Ava was 1 (she's now 3) and Travis was 3 weeks old (he's now almost 15 months old).

Both of my children, who are generally shy in public (who knew!), have taken to having temper tantrums (Travis) or blatantly disobeying and ignoring their teachers (insolent Ava). I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself.

Travis throws himself flat on the floor and lays there wailing and occasionally licking the carpet. He also SCREAMS if someone takes his toy ... so much so that the children give it back to him in fear. The teachers are just as surprised at this behaviour as I am but I think I find it funnier.

The other day, while Miss R was taking Ava to the washroom (it's outside their classroom), Ava decided to run away from her to the end of the hallway and not listen or come back. Once Miss R finally caught up to her and convinced her to come to the washroom, Ava was really pissed off with her and wouldn't look her in the eyes the rest of the morning. While in the lavatory Ava demanded Miss R "close the door - I need privacy" in a not so nice way. Let's just say I was in and out of the room a few times that morning. After trying to unsuccessfully convince her to apologize to Miss R for not listening I gave up. Then, in the car on the way home, I hear from the back seat "I want to give Miss R a hug". Uh-huh, sure.

Hopefully there will not be too many repeat occurrences of these behaviours. I secretly am thankful that they happen at school and not at home!

Menu Plan Monday ~ April 5-11

I've added the menu of the week on a permanent sidebar box. What do you think?

We are going away later in the week so I'm only doing menu plan until Wednesday.

Breakfast
Breakfast Bars
Yogurt & Breakfast Bars
Fruit Cups

Lunch
Bagels, Cheese & Ham
Noodles with Parmesan Cheese & Apple slices (& salad for Mom)
Pancakes & Blueberries
Meat & Cheese sandwiches, fruit

Dinner
Homemade Pizza
Cheese Quiche & Breakfast Sausages
Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
Pan-Seared Steaks with Mushroom Gravy

Dessert
Cheese Cake
Frozen Yogurt

Visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans

Soaring Spirit Sunday

PALM SUNDAY

~FREED TO LOVE AND SERVE~

Mt 26:14—27:66; Mk 14:1—15:47; Lk 22:14—23:56 Today we begin Holy Week. This week, we leave our clutter behind. We concentrate our thoughts on the love God has shown us through Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. These are important days. Plan to spend this week, as much as possible, in prayer.

MONDAY: A LOVE IMPOSSIBLE TO HIDE
Is 42:1-7; Jn 12:1-11 Is my love for Jesus as obvious and extravagant as Mary’s? The fragrance of Mary’s perfume filled the house, probably the neighborhood. Do I love Jesus with that kind of abandonment and lavishness?

TUESDAY: ‘YOU WILL DENY ME THREE TIMES’
Is 49:1-6; Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 When Peter realized his sin, he went to God, wept over his sin and said he was sorry. I am weak, but God always loves me.

WEDNESDAY: ‘MORNING BY MORNING HE WAKENS ME’
Is 50:4-9; Mt 26:14-25 Like Jesus, the faithful Servant, I should go to God every morning and begin my day talking with my Creator.

HOLY THURSDAY

~WASHING ONE ANOTHER’S FEET~
Ex 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15 Jesus’ example of washing the disciples’ feet is a graphic image of how I can serve others. Washing someone’s feet is a simple gesture. In the same way, my service need not be complicated.

GOOD FRIDAY

~‘OUT OF HIS ANGUISH … LIGHT’~
Is 52:13—53:12; Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9; Jn 18:1—19:42 Jesus suffered agonies I cannot imagine. Yet, out of his suffering, I am forgiven and receive eternal life. Isaiah tells us Jesus has found “satisfaction” in what he has done. He is happy to have saved me! Has there ever been such a love as this?

EASTER VIGIL

~‘DO NOT BE AFRAID; HE IS RISEN’~
Mt 28:1-10; Mk 16:1-7; Lk 24:1-12 Alleluia! Jesus is risen. God’s love has conquered all, even death. Is there anything, really, that can make us afraid if we truly understand that? Is there anything more important?

These posts are thanks to American Catholic and Susan K. Rowland, a freelance writer, is the author of Make Room for God: Clearing Out the Clutter (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2007). She received her B.A. in pastoral ministry from Walsh University, North Canton, Ohio. She gives speeches, workshops and retreats on culture, clutter and spirituality.

PDF to DOC conversion

A very technical title today, I know. I am trying to change a PDF document to a Word document so I can email it in the actual message, versus as an attachment. I've done this before but can I recall how to do it? Sadly, the answer is no. Most frustrating and time-consuming.

Any ideas?

April Fool's Day - Update

Yesterday, the kids (or rather I) had a plan to "get" Daddy. This is how the gag unfolded ...

The night before April Fool's Day ... Ava was asleep by the time I got home from the gym so we couldn't stuff Daddy's shoes for him to find in the morning.

The morning of April Fool's Day ... I crumpled up some older art of Ava's and stuffed it in the toes with her there. She pulled it out and got upset so I had to post the crumpled art onto the cupboard.

The afternoon of April Fool's Day (I know it ends at 12PM in Canada but I warned Daddy we were going to try and that it might be after he got home) ... I stuffed a pair of Travis's socks into each of his shoes. I turned around and the next thing I know, Ava is WEARING a pair of the socks and putting the second pair onto one of her dolls.

At least it makes for a good story, right? Daddy got a kick out of our attempts, too.

Workin' Out Wednesday

I am feeling great. The cold has finally subsided. On Friday night I figured I needed to practise the 1 minute run, 2 minute walk thing (7 times for a total of 21 minutes). I did it!

Then on Saturday morning I went to my clinic and ran the new sets of 1 minute run, 1 minute walk for a total of 2.5 kms in 20 minutes. I did this same thing on Sunday (wahoo). Monday night my new running partner (my neighbour who lives a few doors down) came over and we did the same set as we had on the weekend. I'm feeling pumped and it's getting way easier. I even figured out the correct breathing (in for 2 in through the nose and out for two through the mouth ~ this made a HUGE difference in my stamina).