Wednesday, August 8

Maps

Seattle tourist map

This Seattle Tourist map was invaluable during our day trip to the States. However, even though we were equipped with highway and city maps, there were quirks in the road systems, you know one ways, highways cutting through the downtown core, that kind of thing. Life is like a road trip. We have our life planned to the detail, including what school we will attend, who we will marry, how many kids we would like to have and what ideal job we will land. Sometimes there are detours, which delay our destination arrival time. Usually, the detour is worthwhile and actually helps when we do finally arrive. Other times, we end up going in a completely opposite direction due to taking the wrong exit because we jump ahead. Thankfully, there is usually another exit that leads us back to our original destination.

We didn't find a particular store (according to the tourist map) and neither did we find a Vietnamese restaurant a local barrister recommended, but we did find this huge book store and a Cambodian Restaurant with excellent food at bargain prices. It was worth the diversions.

feet up

Sunday, July 29

radio relaxation


Ah, it truly feels like a summer weekend. A relaxing weekend.

Yesterday, I hung out with a friend and her family pretty much most of the day. We explored the Farmer's Market (reminds me of Granville Island marketplace, but smaller). Afterwards, we had some great Vietnamese food. My friend, Wendy, came over to my place and we watched 15 Minutes and sipped cold water and ice tea. Then, we headed back to family's place to pick loads of rasberries and eat an amazing BBQ dinner with Korean short ribs, chicken, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, soba beans and seaweed salad. Mmmm ... my mouth is still watering ...

I managed to get motivated to clean up my place (I love my vaccuum cleaner... my latest household gadget/toy). Just listened to CBC Radio 2's Tonic on the internet ... a jazz program (what great music to unwind to on a hot Sunday afternoon).

It was a weekend of indulgence in the most simplest pleasures. Good food, good music and good company. Who could ask for anything more?

Tuesday, May 1

Block Parents Look to Make a Comeback

What ever happened to block parents?

Well, they still are around ... but a lot less of them. According to an organizer who was interviewed on television, in the past decade, the number of households involved with this program has dropped by half. In 1968, the Block Parent program began in London, Ontario (who knew!)

People involved with the Block Parent programs (according to its website) could help children who are:
  • bullied
  • lost, hurt or ill
  • caught in severe weather
  • frightened by a stranger
In this age where it seems more people are out to harm kids (sexual predators, kidnappers, for instance), it seems there would be more need for this community-based program. The sense of being connected to neighbourhoods and communities is rare these days.