Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho...

Well, I am at the end of week two. So far so good. It was somewhat disappointing that the same jokes are going around (we sell a lamp called 'Colon') and the bloody photocopier in our office hasn't been heaved into the compacter, but otherwise, a very smooth transition. I won't pretend like I am not exhausted. Between classes at Ottawa U and trying to keep up with my working out (six mornings a week, swimming, running, gym, just to brag a little), I am pretty pooped by ten o'clock, but I am extremely fortunate to have the support of a wonderful family and the services of a fantastic Nanny. Stay tuned for humorous Swedish anecdotes...

The Final Countdown

Six days and counting... How 55 weeks will fly by when you're changing diapers and counting stretchmarks! On Monday January ninth I will reunite with my coworkers for the first time in over a year. I have some seriously mixed feelings about this, as you can imagine. On the one hand, I do love my job (most of the time). I like the people I work with (most of them). And I know it won't be much longer before I go completely stir-crazy staying at home. But on the other hand, the baby is so darn CUTE and she seems to be exceeding her daily cute record every day!!! (see photo) I have really enjoyed taking walks with her, baking and cooking with Simon (which may explain why my pants keep shrinking...) and all the wonderful home-maker type things that I would never EVER have done before. (cooking for my man and cleaning the oven to name a few). But the fun has to end sometime right? I have a wonderful Nanny who will look after the kids and I will be home on Fridays, so its not like I won't ever see them, sniffle sniffle... but I will be sad to leave on Monday morning just the same.

Merry Christmas to ALL!

Living in a diverse city like Ottawa can be tricky during holiday season. I had a bit of an awkward situation last week when I wished the Pizza-Guy a Merry Christmas. It was evident that Christmas was not one of the holidays observed by this man, but being a friendly person who was not brought up in the age of "PC", I have been throwing around the "Merry Xmas-es" like they were candy canes at the Santa Claus parade. He gave me a blank look for a second and wished me the same, but I could tell I had made him uncomfortable. While I gorged on my pizza, I took some time to reflect on what had happened and I have come up with this solution to what seems to be a problem plaguing department stores and consumers, Christian and Non around the world. Whether you celebrate or even observe the same holidays and anniversaries as I do, I will still continue to wish you a happy "whatever" regardless. I do not feel that I should curtail my enjoyment of the season or my desire to spread joy simply because you do not share in it. I would not be offended if you wished me a "Happy Hanukkah" or a "Merry Eid"; I would be thrilled that you thought to welcome me to your celebration. I think it is sad that someone would take offense to being wished a happy anything for that matter. "Happy Pride Week" to all my gay AND straight friends you will hear me say this summer. I will accept a "Merry Columbus Day" from my neighbors to the south next fall. We should all accept a wish for a nice day from your waiter, neighbor, bus driver and give one in return this year. There are plenty of people wishing ill to oneanother, lets wish something pleasant and be happy when someone wishes it to us!