Symphony Online

It took a couple months to work up my will to visit a garage again after getting gouged on my first visit after returning to Canada. My car stereo has a security code that is required if the power is disconnected (so stealing the stereo is pointless). As I bought the car as a recovered stolen vehicle, I didn't have the code. 

The aforementioned garage removed the stereo and got the serial number off of it to then get the code. The code they gave me was wrong. I wasn't keen on spending another $60 at an Audi dealership to get another code, so I didn't until today.

Walked in to Royal Oak Audi (just around the corner from where we live) and gave them the stereo serial number and VIN. They went into a back room. Came out and went to my car with the 4-digit code and voilá! I have tunes in my A4. I brought the invoice to the counter where she had me sign it. I asked how much because the invoice I signed said $0.00. She said since I had already done all the work she wouldn't charge me.

Amber and I listened to Johnny Cash and Coldplay on the way home. Cranked to 11.

A public thanks to Royal Oak Audi for their kindness today!

Go Grizzlies!

I coached a junior high volleyball team in Spruce Grove, AB in 2004. Though it was exhausting having to put in practice and game times in through the first two months of school when I was barely holding my classes together, it was rewarding all the same.

I managed to drift into the same position at my new school this year. I coach 12 seventh and eighth grade boys in volleyball. We've played 3 of our 8 games this week and won all three (due in tiny part to their illustrious coach). 

So, congratulations boys! You're making it worth the early mornings and late work days.

opening the stress valve

This past month is the first month I have ever carried an owing balance on my credit card. We've had a heap of expenses moving from Guatemala to Canada and then moving into our new house. I just kept telling myself that its just money and I'm already paying through my nose for my mortgage so it doesn't matter in the long run.

What's really cool though is that in the past 30 days, thousands of dollars have been deposited into my account in the form of payment for our car in Guatemala, back payments of child tax credit and child care for my daughter, GST cheque, and funds from Impact Ministries (they agreed to give us a 3 month cushion when we moved back to Canada). Plus I get paid tomorrow for my job. Amber has picked up a few days of substitute teaching this month too which wouldn't have been possible without having my sister-in-law living with us to care for Blaise and Acadia.

All the stress could come back when I go to buy winter tires and a block heater for our car in the next month. Maybe I should start buying lottery tickets.

How to drink water

I have a cold. I need fluids. Last night I decided do take a dose of cayenne pepper in a glass of water. I added some lemon juice to make it a little more palatable. After downing the fire water, I quickly had to drink four more tall glasses of water to quench the burning.

I had to get up at 11:30 pm to pee. I peed longer than a thawing Austin Powers.

Raffi Cavoukian gets it

Amber borrowed a Raffi Concert DVD for our kids from the local library. She grew up listening to his songs like Baby Beluga and Little Toy Trains - I didn't. I have to admit, his gentleness, meaningful (though sometimes silly) songs, and the way he has promoted his music really impresses me.

Born in Egypt to Armenian parents who then moved to Ontario, a middle aged Raffi quickly became a child entertainment sensation. He has been very conscious of the environment and children's rights. It's never been about the money for Raffi. He's turned down several lucrative opportunities because the business plans for the projects went against his principles. He has lobbied to eliminate the commercial exploitation of children (advertising geared towards children) and his company hasn't advertised to children.

So, Raffi the Global Troubador, thanks for making music in a way that doesn't put 5 minutes of commercials at the beginning of it (Disney) and that is wholesome and kind. My kids are going to listen to lots of you. Thanks a lot.