Fighting the good fight

Did I mention that they drew my name for the 2009 Knee Knacker? Yep, they did. Damn them. So I have a 50km trail race in my future, in July to be specific. About all I can say to that is "dear god"! We've started training (running buddy Jane also got in) and I have a lot of work ahead of me! Not only that but this year the race organizers imposed a mandatory volunteer requirement on all entrants. By June 15th each entrant must have volunteered at least 4 hours with any group, for any cause, or forfeit their entrace fee and place. Personally I think it's super cool. Most people will probably volunteer at another race or do their hours cleaning up trails on the North Shore. I thought I would take a look around for other opportunities that might be out there, and found a fantastic site.

Go Volunteer is a website that lists hundreds if not thousands of volunteer opportunities all over Canada. They range from long term commitments to short term or one-off opportunities like special events, and there's a huge diversity of groups who are using the site to advertise positions. You can narrow your search by interest (like Arts or Health, etc.) or by location, or by availability.

I know there are very few of us who see any time in their schedules available for volunteering, but this race has forced me to find some time, and actually I'm really looking forward to it. A new group of people, trying something new or teaching something that's old to me to a new student, and getting to see another side of my community. Take a look at the site - I think you'll be surprised at what's out there to take advantage of. Have fun!

Great ad

Browsing Craigslist and found this little ad:



Love it! Is anyone interested? I'd go pick the stuff up for you just to meet the person who posted it. :-)

Men and the cats who love them

Apparently this went viral last year and I missed how. How could this BE??? I'm on the intertubes EVERY SINGLE DAY, and I am drawn to cat paraphernalia. Bullshit that I missed this! Anyway, *le sigh*, I've found it now and want to share it with all of you for educational and cat compassion-building purposes.

For my Alberta eaters

Through six degrees of separation, I found this site for the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association that allows you to link up with farmers and food producers so you can get your food directly from the producer. Those businesses listed might be the farm itself that offers a U-Pick, or a market that carries locally produced food stuff. The coolest feature is a google mapping tool that lets you look up any food, like beef or broccoli and a whole extensive list, and pins producers on an interactive map.

Here's a screenshot of searching for basil.


It's such a great tool! Happy food hunting!

The evolution of Boris binding

As you scroll down the page, witness the evolution of Boris binding we've recently experienced.

Majorly depressed in his doctor-prescribed cone. He wore it for over three weeks!


A delightful sweater that Boris found far too tempting to lick - maybe because it was quite like fur. He licked it to death after only a couple days.


T-shirt number one. A good compromise; freedom from the cone that was not licktastic but he did manage to pull the stitches apart after about a week.


The current look: Super B! T-shirt number 2.

I can't believe he still needs to be wearing anything, but the weird wound in his armpit is still not totally healed. I'm suspicious it's more than the vet thought, but maybe we'll see the vet again for another opinion next week. Meanwhile...Super B wears his colours!

Sheldon the Magnificent!

Here he is! All 7lbs, 12ounces of him. I've met him by webcam and I get to meet him in the flesh in a couple weeks. Can't wait! K and H are happy he was a little early and everyone is doing very well indeed, thank you. K even said something ridiculous, that maybe I shouldn't be repeating here in case it incites acts of wrath from other mothers... oh well. She said it wasn't even that hard! Seriously?! I think maybe she just really wants Sheldon to have cousins. Yeesh.

Closing note: SERIOUS CUTIE! Congratulations to all three of you! And send more pictures!

Evil baby ... or is he?

This is for Kath and Hugh. I hope life with wee Sheldon is this much fun!