Over the snowbanks, and through the slush, to the grocery store we go

Every since, we got the cart back in the summer, we have been curious as to how it would fair in the snow. In one of those insane moments (that make up most of our lives), we decided to try it out. Much to our surprise, it actually did fairly well on its way to the grocery store.

Coming back, it was a different story. It had snowed so much that the cart was getting harder to pull. But we made it!

On our way out of the grocery store, Pricesmart has someone at the door saying good-bye to us (like a greeter, but they say, good-bye!). We've seen her many times before, and she always laughs when we bring in the cart. This day, she laughed at us and said, "You never cease to amaze and surprise me!" Apparently our antics take a lot of people by surprise. Another cashier, proclaimed "Isn't your blanket going to get snow on it?" as we placed a blanket over our groceries to keep the snow off of them. We simply replied, "A blanket can be washed and dried. But my broccoli doesn't like to be frozen!"

An Evening at Starbucks

Can you tell that we are Starbucks fans? Amanda and I make a habit of heading down to our "third place" (Starbucks), almost every Friday or Saturday evening. (thank goodness for gift cards!) We kinda do this as a date night, or take a break and reconnect after busy weeks. Now normally, it is a quite evening spending time talking, reading books or playing games, but tonight (Saturday night) was a different story. We got in, ordered our coffee and went looking for the comfy chairs (of which there are only two), only to find that there was disheveled man occupying just one of the two comfy chairs. We sat down at the table next to him, in hopes that he would move fairly quickly and we could take his seat. We are patient people! However, he ended up falling asleep and we move tables so that we could hook up the computer to an outlet. After we moved tables, one of the baristas, Jess, came over and asked us if we moved tables because the man smelled bad. We didn't smell anything. A few minutes pass, and we see another barista, Jen, go over and nudge the man awake and politely ask that he either stayed awake or that he needed to leave. It took her a bit to wake him up, and he seemed not to answer her. A few more minutes pass, and Jen returns to wake him up again. It took her almost 30 seconds to rouse him and he still didn't move. More time passes and this time, Jess goes over and tries to wake him. Still no movement, and no response. This time there was a warning that more action would be taken if he didn't move. He promptly fell back asleep after Jess left. Tyler, another barista, comes by our table and tells us that the cops are coming but that he wishes he could have at him. We tell him that we'll take our camera and record the action, but the man has to hit him first so that its self-defence. We also joke that "what is starbucks going to do? Fire you?" (it was his last day at work, as he is going to join the army). Needless to say, about 10 minutes pass and two cops walk in the door. Everyone just smiles and turns to watch. The cops take nearly a minute to wake the man (he was obviously on something). They proceed to talk to the man for a moment, and the next thing we hear is the sound of handcuffs being put on him. They take him out and grab his jacket. Seeing the seats empty, Jess told us to get up and move over to them. We walk over, but realize that the seat needs a wipe before we can sit down. She gladly sanitizes the seat for us (she really does like us!) and goes to grab a glove to remove the man's hat from the floor. She needed to wear gloves, since there was an unknown substance crawling in his hat. We proceeded to enjoy our evening at Starbucks, while listening to the music that Jess and Tyler had on their ipod. (no standard company music for us!) When they were putting this music on, we were the only ones in the entire establishment that they asked permission to put on the music. We gladly agreed and enjoyed an eclectic mix of music.

Tyler and Jess from our local starbucks

Help from strangers, neighbours, friends

Today was the second day of our Christmas shopping adventures. We have saved up all year to purchase a new television (our current model doesn't do white or bright colours very well. It all turns into a blinding scene of white, great for spiritual experiences, but not for television viewing). We've been looking around at various sales, seeing what our options were, for the amount of money we had saved up. On a whim (okay, to buy pop for Christmas), we went into London Drugs (the pop was on sale!). We decided to check out the televisions while we were there, as the Boxing Week flyer had just come in the mail and we didn't get a chance to read it. We happened upon a television in our price range that we had eyed up a few times. So we decided that we would purchase it, as they only a few left in stock. But this choice posed a problem for two people who walk every where they go. How do you get a television home without breaking it, when you are walking? Plus, can you stand to carry that heavy of an item home on your shoulders? (This isn't spongy like a Christmas tree). We happened to mention out loud that we needed to find someone who could come pick this up, before we paid for it. Amanda got the phone out, ready to call her mom or Dan's grandma for help. Before we could dial any numbers, the lady next to us, turns and asks us, "Do you live on Tims Ave?" We told her that we did. She seemed familiar, but we couldn't place from where we knew her. Turns out, she lives two doors down from us and was willing to give us a ride home. Evelyn, is a sweet older woman, who we saw maybe once or twice in the summer as we walked by her house as she was gardening. She told us, she likes to know who lives in the neighbourhood and paid attention to us walking around. It was a pleasant surprise that she would offer us a ride (and consequently wait for us to pay for the TV, and wait for an employee to get it out of the stock room).
Sometimes it surprises us that people recognize us since we walk around town so much. Our unofficial title seems to be "the walking couple." But then again, we notice other people who walk around as well. We still don't know what sets us apart from them, but it is nice to be recognized for that. And its nice that seeming random strangers are willing to help us out just because they recognize us from walking around town.
This isn't the first time this has happened to us. About two years ago, Dan and I walked to Superstore and ended up with more groceries than we could take home. We were about to call a taxi, when a nice woman offered us a ride home in her pick up truck. She said that she recognized us as the couple who walked around town. Needless to say, we accepted and are eternally grateful.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

It was a perfect walk today. I took both kids, our trusty green wagon and a very large package (containing the old broken printer) to the UPS store by Staples/Safeway. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground, and enough snow falling from the sky to keep the kids entertained. Cypress (almost 4) walked the whole way to the store, while River (2.5) rode in the wagon. We dropped off the package (yah, free shipping) and then I decided that it would be a wonderful treat to stop at Starbucks for a polar bear cookie and a kids hot chocolate. We shared the 440 calorie polar bear, splitting it in 3, Cypress ate the head, River the toes, and I got the fat belly. Then we all shared the hot chocolate. Okay, they each had a sip, decided against it and I drank the rest. We enjoyed our treats while sitting outside enjoying the snow falling. Then it was time for the walk home. Cypress was tired from the walk to the UPS store, so I let her ride in the wagon. I wanted River to walk, and of course he threw a fit. I told him he had to walk to the corner, but I never did specify which corner! After the first corner, the tears stopped (probably because he got to press the crosswalk button). After we crossed the street, River found a bird. He asked if he could catch it. I said, "sure, why not?" So off he fluttered, trying to catch a moving bird. He never did get close, but it kept him moving in the direction of home when I kept telling him there was another bird up ahead that he should catch. After a while, we got out of the forested Courthouse Yard, and into the urban forest where there were no birds. We were walking down the sidewalk and all of a sudden River kicks a mailbox. With the biggest sense of pride, he tells me, "I kicked it!" Hmm....boys will be boys and kids will be kids and River will kick things. (Just ask me about the bunny incident). But needless to say, although he was tired, he kept walking just to kick the next pole. One pole after another, he just kept walking and kicking. Now normally I'm not into the violent act of kicking. But under these circumstances, I wanted him to walk home (my arms were sore from pulling the wagon). So, I let him continue walking and kicking. He walked the whole way home and was so proud of himself. Cypress was so proud of him she just kept encouraging him and praising him for his efforts. It was a peaceful walk and a funny walk. Sometimes, you just have to let things that you know are right, go. Sometimes, you have to let the schedule and the need to move quickly slide and enjoy the time you have together. Today was one of those days. And I enjoyed it.

Christmas Tradition Revamped

Dan and I have a somewhat different Christmas tradition. It is something we have done for three years now and plan to do it for years to come. We go to the local grocery store (this year it was Pricesmart) and pick up a local tree. We would love to go into the forest and get a tree, but that doesn't seem legal. Nor is there a U-cut place within walking distance. So, the grocery store will have to do. But instead of tying down our Christmas tree to our non-existent car (or one that we borrow), we decided to carry it home on our shoulders.
I must point out that we had my mom's car this evening. It was parked at home. We chose to walk to the store and continue our tradition. It started three years ago, when my roommate Jenny wanted a Christmas tree. While we were shopping for groceries, we picked up a tree and she decided that we had to carry it home. Thus, the tradition began. Usually we try to wait for the first snow, but that sometimes takes too long and I get impatient. Plus, lets face it, walking in the snow isn't as pleasurable as walking on pavement.

This year, we took our tree tradition to a whole new level. We stopped at the Starbucks. Dan wanted to take the tree inside, but I somehow convinced him that would be inappropriate. I think I mentioned something about it being busy and there not being enough room. We redeemed a coupon for a free tall beverage and said hi to the Friday night girls. (We usually have a date night on Friday nights at Starbucks, redeeming our Visa points for Starbucks cards, and thus we've gotten to know these three fairly well). We enjoyed our coffee and asked one of the girls, Amanda, to join us for a photo opt. She agreed and we had a few laughs.

Then we walked the rest of the way home. We got a thumbs up from some kids in A&W and some stares from some drivers. But mostly people just laugh at us. When we got to our apartment, we invited Erin from upstairs to take some pictures with us. All in all, it was one of the most memorable trips to get our Christmas tree that we've ever had. Some people think we are crazy, but wait until there's a baby and we continue the tradition. I can picture a baby in a backpack crying because there are some tree branches poking its head. Yep....don't doubt us. It just might happen (especially if Dan has his way)!

Call Centers from Hell

So, our Kodak printer went on the fritz two days ago. Well, actually, it died. It refused to turn on after a few problems with the paper catching and printing. We looked online to fix the problem, followed the steps and nothing. This printer refused to turn on. ahhhh! So, the dreaded call to the call center in some foreign country. After being disconnected 4 times, I finally got through to the right area. "Your estimated wait time is 5 minutes." Okay! Not bad. Then, the inevitable elevator music started, interrupted every 30 seconds with the same 4 advertisements advertising their website help center (oh so helpful!!!). Five minutes passes and I get the message, "Your estimated wait time is 10 minutes." WHAT?!! I just waited five minutes! Now I have to wait longer? Honestly, sometimes these call centers do it to themselves. They make us wait longer than any normal human being should wait to talk to another human, aggravating us. No wonder people loose their cools while talking with the call center. Any way, another five minutes has passed and I get the message, "The next available service representative will take you call!" YAH!!! Then a few minutes pass and I get the message, "Your estimated wait time is 15 minutes!" Okay, now I'm going crazy! Finally, I get to talk to another human being...who barely speaks my language. On top of that, the phone system is terrible and I can barely hear them speak. Great!
Then the inevitable information exchange happens. You know, where you have to tell them your name, phone number, email address, address, security code, birth date and the length of your right arm. All the while having to spell out each letter with the "H as in Hotel" mode of information exchange. Then finally you get to tell them about why you are calling.
A: My printer won't turn on. I've tried the information on the web page and its still not working. The web told me that it can't be fixed and I need to call you guys.
TC(Tech center): Unplug the AC Adapter
A; uh...I've already tried that.
TC: Please remove the AC Adapter from the back of the printer.
A: Fine, but it doesn't work. We've tried. Okay, its unplugged.
TC: Now wait 30 seconds before...
A: Plugging it back in. I know. And then wait thirty seconds after plugging it back in before pressing the on button. I know. I've tried and it doesn't work.
(i humour the guy and do what he asks)
A: Nothing.
TC: Can you try a different outlet.
A: What good will that do. I get some lights on, but not the on/off light. A new outlet won't change that.
TC: Can you please try plugging it into a different outlet.
A: Okay. Nothing (I didn't move...I'm not stupid. A new outlet would change anything).
TC: Okay, then. Your printer is shot. You'll have to get a new one. Where and when did you purchase the printer.
A: It was gift and we got it last Christmas.
TC: So where was it purchased?
A: IT WAS A GIFT!
TC: Do you know where it was purchased?
A: NO! It was a gift.
TC: Okay. Then what I will need you to do, is send in a proof of purchase....
A: It was a GIFT. I have no proof of purchase. (can you sense my aggravation growing?)
TC: Well, do you think you could call up whoever gave it to you and get it from them.
A: Hmmm...NO!
By this time, I've lost my cool. I'm done talking to someone who doesn't understand what the word gift implies. Basically, after explaining what the word gift implies, he told me that there was nothing he could do for me. Knowing that I was under warranty still, I knew he had to replace the printer. So, I asked to speak to his supervisor.
TC: I'm sorry, there is no supervisor and nothing he can do for you. (hello, contradictory statement).
A: I would like to talk with your supervisor or manager please.
This conversation goes on for a while, until I ask him for another number to call so that I can talk with someone who will help me. He gives me the number for the tech center, which I currently am calling, to talk with him. I tell him I didn't want to talk with another person from the tech center. I want to talk with someone who can help me. He finally gives me the number for someone in Canada. the man on the other end of the Canadian line is understanding and promises to send me a new printer. Yah!

Now we start with a new day and a new attitude. I am surprised to receive my new printer in the afternoon. The delivery man says he took it off the plane an hour ago. Talk about service! (just a note..the service is good from DHL..NOT KODAK!) Anyway, I unpack my new printer to find a COMPLETELY different model. It doesn't look as nice and I'm worried that the cords aren't going to fit. Anyway, I call Kodak to sort this all out. And the aggravation starts again!
Once again I am forced to spell out my email address in the "H as in Hotel" form of communication. I got so frustrated that when I got to C it turned into "C as in Can you spell that?" I was tempted to turn "I into Idiot" but I refrained myself.
Then, I was put on hold so that he could look over my records. The elevator music began and in the background, I hear a strikingly familiar voice-my own! He was listening to the conversation I had with the other tech center man from yesterday. (Did I mention that I was quite forceful in my insistence to talk with a supervisor?) It was like reliving the pain from yesterday all over again! AWFUL! Once he was done listening to my conversation from yesterday (you know, recorded for quality assurance), he came back to talk with me.
Unfortunately, there was no record of my call with the nice man in Canada, so I had to explain to the man that I received the wrong printer. He assured me that this model is better since it has WiFi and more features. I wasn't going to fight with him. I'm so done talking with tech center people. I then proceeded to have to have to ask him for printer ink (the Canadian was supposed to send me a few), since there was none in my package and the brand new ink cartridges were full and stuck in my old printer. He told me that he could only send me one. Not a few. This makes me mad, but I'll let it go. But he offers me paper instead. I'll take what I can get.
Then I have to ask for a new printer head. The tech man tells me that he can't send that to me, since I should just use the old one. I tell him that I can't turn on my old printer, so he would need to send me a new one. He tells me that he will have to charge me for it. I refuse to pay and insist that he send me a new one.
Then there was the whole issue with my "case id number." That statement is apparently hard to say in his native language, coupled with the fact that his phone kept cutting out and he was hard to hear due to the lack of volume on his end. At the end of it all, we got things figured out. Probably until the next package arrives and I have to go through this all again.
Somewhere in the midst of all of this, I figured out that hell is probably being permanently stuck talking to someone in a call center.
Have I ever mentioned that I hate call centers? (its no wonder people just go out and buy a new item rather than use their warranty to replace the item).

Shopping is bad for my self esteem

Normally, I'm pretty happy with my body type. I don't find myself overweight (although I could stand to loose a few pounds). But whenever I go shopping, I begin to feel like a hippopotamus-monkey. Today I went to go find myself a winter jacket. I needed a new one, as the old one had worn thin and on Sunday, I found myself jammed in the jacket as the zipper failed. Since it was non-fixable (I had to actually cut myself out of the coat), and there was a bit of money left in the budget, I went in search of the perfect coat.
Now most woman get excited about shopping. Probably because they can go to the ladies section, find something cute in their size and go home. Not me! I start in the ladies section, and find the XL (which isn't really my normal size...I'm actually only a medium/large, depending on the size of the garment) and see if it will fit me. No such luck. I have broad shoulders and long monkey arms that refuse to fit into ladies clothing. (I actually get surprised when the sleeves reach my wrists)
So I'm off to the men's section. Now, not only do I have to find a size that will fit me (and some what flatter a Lady's figure), I have to find a design that can pass as feminine. This isn't that easy, especially when you are on a budget. So there was three coats in the one store that fit me. But two of them were manly patterns (and reminded me of the crazy walking dude on our street). So I had one choice. Just one. When I put it on, I felt like a hippopotamus. It felt large, which makes me feel large. This isn't good for a woman's self esteem.
I went to another store, and there was just ONE coat in my budget that fit. It's not too manly, and could pass as a unisex jacket. I feel okay in it. Sadly, I don't get to have much choice. I get to make do with what you can afford and what "fits."
Every time I go shopping I feel like this. Apparently, feeling like a woman is not for any one who is almost six feet tall. You get to feel large and like nothing is made for you. I always hear that I should "tailor" things. That would be great, but there isn't enough fabric to make the garment fit. I would need to find two items and sew them together!
There must be a reason my parents named me A-MAN-DA. Yep. I'm just a man stuck in a woman's body. Or, the textile world has neglected the tall woman. (aren't we considered models in the textile world? Something must be wrong.)
Meh. I guess I'll just stay away from the mall. It's better for my self esteem.

Christmas Cookies

Our care group decided to bake cookies and bring them to a few select people in the church. Mostly those with young kids, or people whom we knew the names of. We decorated cookies and then headed out in search of their homes.

It was surprising how thankful people were for such a simple gesture. We got comments such as, "I was craving something sweet and didn't have anything in the house! Thank you!" Or, "We were making lunches and realized there weren't any cookies or sweets. We are thankful for these cookies." Or my personal favorite was overheard as I answered the phone, "Mommy, can I please have another cookie?" Followed by a grateful parent.

As a care group, it was a fun opportunity to spend some time together, enjoying each others decorating skills (or lack there of). We enjoyed driving down the same road numerous times trying to find someones address. We liked guessing if people would answer the door at 9 or 10 at night to sometimes "strangers." We thought it was funny as we wondered if raccoons or dogs would eat the cookies if we left them on some one's door step since they weren't home (the recipient got them just fine). We relished in the requests for carol singing, yet spared everyone the horror. But most of all, we enjoyed the service experience. Spreading a little bit of cheer to people who didn't expect it.

Disfunctional Family Christmas

There is a lot of pressure at this time of year. Between shopping for the perfect gift, numerous family gatherings, Christmas Concerts, decorating the house, baking cookies, wrapping gifts and regular household duties, there lies the pressure to create the "perfect" Christmas. You know the one; full of happy faces, perfect meals, peaceful interactions-straight from the Hollywood movies. Somehow we assume that just because its Christmas, family interactions will somehow change, our finances will miraculously be fixed, people will cooperate, and the house will be decorated without any complaints or arguments. But often there is a chasm between our dreams and reality.
I remember for so many years, I dreamed of having that perfect family Christmas. But my reality was that my dad would watch TV until my mom told him firmly that it was time to start opening presents. This would begin the annual Christmas Eve argument, until one of them finally won out. Then, in a tension filled room, we would open our gifts and disperse as quickly as possible, only meeting in the kitchen to fill our plates with appetizers before heading to our own separate directions.
Then, our family dynamics changed when my parents separated. The second year after their divorce, I was working at the youth center, being somewhat bah hum bug about the upcoming holiday festivities when Al McLean, my supervisor advised the volunteers during our pre-meeting and prayer time that this time of year was often difficult for the youth. It wasn't always a happy time of year due to family difficulties or financial troubles. Dysfunctional families were often MORE problematic due to the stresses and pressure of the holiday season.
Somehow, knowing this, freed me from the dream of the perfect Christmas. That year, I decided I was going to enjoy my dysfunctional family Christmas. Here is an excerpt from my journal that year:
"Here's the scene: Owen is screaming and crying, ready to puke up anything that comes his way. Sarah is frustrated with Owen's crying and looks so dead monkey and ready to fall over at any time because she has the flu. Jon begs anyone with legs to get him shrimp and croquettes. Grandma babbles on and on about who knows what, and Mom rolls her eyes frustrated. Rachel is half naked, trying on every new outfit she got, including her princess attire. James has his paws clinging to my box of chocolates and we have a tug of war until I finally let him win, only to distract him with a toy and steal them back a few seconds later. Dan is sitting back, laughing at the hilarity of the situation and enjoying his first Christmas with my family. Aside from fighting with James for my chocolates, I just laugh. And Smile. I like dysfunctional family Christmas. Its everyone's personalities shining through. When we are dysfunctional, we get to be ourselves. No pretending to be nice, or acting perfect. Just being who we are and accepting each other for their quirks. That's dysfunctional family Christmas, and a perfect one at that." (2005)

Every year since I changed my perspective about Christmas, has been interesting. They all have had something go wrong (goodness knows, we have the 12 days of Christmas to celebrate, something is bound to go wrong). But along with changing my perspective, I've also changed my focus. Now Jesus has become focal, and all the rest can be what it may.

When I first started dating Dan (almost 4 years ago), I made him a deal that I would get to be bah hum bug one year and I would try my best to be happy the next. But he has been lucky. He has yet to suffer a bah hum bug year, except maybe that first year. We choose to celebrate Christmas, with all its dysfunctionalities, and let it be what it is: Christmas.

April did a sermon this week about discouragement. As she introduced her sermon, she relayed how she had been asked to talk about discouragement way back in September, but saved it for this week. She found it fitting to start the Advent season with a sermon on discouragement, as that is often a part of people's mindset at this time of year. While I was listening, I relayed it back to my dysfunctional family Christmas. Then I went a step further and realized that the whole Christmas story isn't all about peace and happiness. Its about struggling and feeling discouraged. I think Joseph found it a struggle to find a place to stay and discouraged when all he was offered was a stable. Didn't all those people know his wife was about to give birth to the Chosen One? And I'm sure Mary didn't find it peaceful giving birth to Jesus (just ask any woman about childbirth!) I find the entire story saturated with dysfunctionalities, lack of peace, frustrations and discouragement. Perhaps, we've injected our need for peace and happiness into the story (don't get me wrong, I know its there), but we have forgotten that its also full of dysfunctionalities.

This Christmas season, lets just enjoy the craziness. Forget that impossible dream of the "perfect" Christmas. Let's trust God and embrace the dysfunctionalities.

Something to make you giggle

While at church on Sunday, I saw a man (okay, it was Anthony), wearing a shirt that caused me to giggle. Instead of describing it, I googled it. So much better. Enjoy!