You’re excused

Well, I didn’t borrow Sharon’s Princess Leia outfit.  Nor did I use Tina Fey’s line in 30 Rock “I don’t really think it’s fair that I be on a jury, because I can read thoughts”.  Quite honestly, I thought the tin foil hat I had made and the T-shirt emblazoned with ‘Aliens are in our Midst’ would be enough.

In the end, it was not about my wardrobe choice.  Apparently, legal discussions went on well after we were told to go home yesterday.  This morning we learned that there was no need for jury selection this week.  We, the potential jurors, were excused…for at least three years.

Mixed feelings – timing wasn’t the greatest for serving on a jury, but there was a part of me that was interested in experiencing the process.

Spider Solitaire – beware!  I will be ready for a rematch in 2012 and beyond!

The jury is out…

So, I was to report to the Court House this morning at 9am with my completed ‘jury selection form’.  There is something intimidating about the whole process.  Must…follow…every…detail…of…enclosed…instructions.

But for one who is normally quite organized, I made a minor slip.  I just assumed I knew which Court House the form was referencing -right across from my favourite pizza-by-the-slice place! 

I quickly realized by the empty parking lot, except for 3 police cruisers, that I was in the wrong place.  Whew…thankfully the correct Court House was right up the street, and still perfect location for making a stop for pizza on the way home! 

Doing my civic duty, I was there with bells on.  Well, actually, I think the security guard wouldn’t have been impressed with the bells and the beeping scanner, so I left the bells in the car and took my Blackberry instead.  

Timing isn’t the greatest  to have to serve on a jury, but there is a bit of curiosity in what it’s like to go through the jury selection process and I am already learning a few things, first and foremost - patience. 

The day started with a line-up to get through security, a line-up to check-in, another line-up to verify personal information, and then sit and wait, and wait…and then they told us that they didn’t anticipate they would get to the selection process today and we were excused until tomorrow.

Apparently, we are ‘on call’ all week.  Too bad ‘on call’ didn’t mean that they called you at home or at work to tell you when you were needed rather than having to be there in person waiting.  I don’t know how the rest of the people (~ 200 or so) feel, but I suspect that there has got to be a better, more efficient way.  That’s a lot of people who missed work, appointments, or maybe even a few extra minutes of sleep.

So, I wonder what’s on tap for tomorrow.  One thing is sure, I will be packing some reading material, my laptop, a fully-charged Blackberry.  Oh…and snacks…

More canoeing/camping shots

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Red Pine Lake...canoeing

A nice way to end one of a few great days on the lake

Table-envy no more

Recently, we’ve been looking at new patio tables.  The one we have is fine, but it really only seats 4 people.  Mark had a fabulous idea – make one.  There is a long-running joke where Mark offers to make whatever I might want…out of wood.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a new chair or a bike…he says he’ll whittle one for me.  It always brings a smile to my face, but lo and behold, and true to his word this time, he made one and it’s awesome!

At over 9ft long, It can easily sit 10 people!  I love it.

We need to finish sanding and then stain it…and I guess it might be helpful if we get some chairs, but, I am one VERY happy camper! 

Don’t drink the water…

We were away this past weekend for a half-Ironman race.  Mark had injured his foot earlier in the week and knew going into this race that he may only be able to do the swim and bike portion. 

I was looking forward to racing and was feeling quite relaxed about the day – alas, not to be.  I strained my back on Saturday and I could only do the swim and bike as well – back spasms on the bike forced me to pull out of the run portion.  Disappointed, but made the smart decision and will focus on getting things back on track for IM. 

But, we had to chuckle.  Upon arrival at the race venue on Saturday afternoon we decided we would do a quick swim first, before picking up our race kits.  The water was very choppy and only a couple of athletes were in the water.  Then we saw the sign saying that the water quality was not acceptable and that swimming was not recommended.  Hmmm, there is a 2km swim in this same lake tomorrow…is it going to change overnight?  Apparently yes!  LOL I didn’t see the signage on Sunday morning. 

Good thing there were lots of these, just in case.

Simon wins – a Playhouse for Pippa

When I was a kid, we had friends who had a playhouse.  It was the coolest place.  Inside, there was a small daybed, a chair, a small table, curtains on the windows, and a radio.  We spent hours in there sharing dreams, singing current pop songs - just being kids. 

Fast forward to Grade 8 and a new girl moved to town.  She invited me over for a pool party and lo and behold, there was a playhouse in her backyard.  It might have already been there when her family bought the house…but wow, very cool.  

Both were basically what we might think of as upscale ‘sheds’.

I don’t know what it is about these mini houses that held such appeal, but the closest thing I ever had was a broad shape apple tree in our backyard that was perfect for lounging along the branches, but wasn’t so great on rainy days.

It seems that I am not the only kid who liked playhouses.  Simon Whitfield, Canadian Triathlon Olympic Gold (Sydney) and Silver (Beijing) medalist was racing at the Hy-Vee ITU race yesterday and managed to pull off an exciting ‘race to the line’ win.  I believe this is the highest prize purse race in the series and the difference between first place and 2nd place winnings is huge.  Payday for Simon!!  Very deserving.

(photo via Simon’s blog)

Apparently, his first purchase…a playhouse for Pippa (his daughter).  And not just any playhouse…a crooked playhouse:

How much fun would that be!!  It brings back memories…remember the nursery rhyme?

There was a crooked man,
And he walked a crooked mile,
He found a crooked sixpence
Upon a crooked stile;
He bought a crooked cat,
Which caught a crooked mouse,
And they all lived together
In a crooked little house.

Sounds like a great ‘memories-in-the-making’ place for Pippa to play, laugh, and dream.

I am grateful for…

Just like my mom and her feelings about Mother’s Day, my dad would be the first to say that Father’s Day should be every day of the year as well.  But hey, even he would be the first to admit that a dad can use only so many new ties. 

As we’ve learned over the past couple of weeks, life is precious and it can change in an instant.  Once again, the wisdom of parents is evident - their theory is a good one.  There is no need to wait for the ‘special day’ – no need to wait until Sunday, in this case.

So…thank-you Dad, for everything.  I can’t begin to say how much love, pride, and appreciation I feel for both of you each and every day.

Like father…like daughter…

 

And dad…we know how to find true ‘keepers’!

 

 

You’re My Hero (link above for song by Teresa James)

I would ride on your shoulders
And look out on the world
Pretending I was big and tall like you
When you were there to hold me
I never was afraid
You made me feel there's nothing I can't do

If I'd spread my wings to fly
When I was very small
I knew that you'd be standing by
To catch me if I fall

You're my hero
Chasing the monsters from my room
Going on trips around the moon
The one who's always been there faithfully
You're my hero
And 'cause you're my Dad...
I'm twice as blessed and lucky to be me

As I kept on getting older
We often disagreed
But you let me find myself in my own way
And it's funny, how just lately
I've come to recognize
How wise you are becoming every day
There's so much you've given me
I hope I've made you proud
You're everything a Dad should be
And it's time to tell you now

You're my hero
You didn't have to say a word
Your love was the message that I heard
Inspiring me to be all I can be
You're my hero
And 'cause you're my Dad...
I'm twice as blessed and lucky to be me

Today…

When you are sorrowful
look into your heart
and you shall see that
you are weeping
for that which has been
your delight
~ Kahlil Gibran

A celebration of life today - may the stories, the memories, and the images prompt smiles through tears. 

‘Blaze’ the Bruce Trail – Adventure for a cause

Today, beginning at 1pm, two teams of elite runners (10 athletes per team) will be off on an extreme adventure following the Bruce Trail in Ontario from Tobermory through to Niagara Falls – 894km.  This is a non-stop relay which is expected to take 4 days (and nights).

 

 

These elite race participants are part of a study to research, among other things, ‘real life’ stresses on the athlete’s body that can’t be duplicated in laboratory settings.…all the while, highlighting the rugged beauty of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and raising awareness for muscular dystrophy and mitochondrial disease – common diseases that affect thousands of individuals.

The teams (Team Muscles and Team Mitochondria) will be using the SPOT device which tracks the athletes via satellite.  You can follow them online via the Adventure Science Website Spot link.

Sending some great race vibes out to both teams…and some extra speedy race vibes out to Martin Rydlo and the rest of Team Mitochondria.