tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50725532024-03-14T01:18:47.013-06:00Summer's Daydreams"Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today." - President-Elect Barack ObamaAllie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.comBlogger1523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-76850734996950810972011-11-22T13:15:00.000-07:002011-11-22T13:15:50.782-07:00Vacation Pictures...I finally have my July family vacation pictures all up online! I don't have a good excuse for not having done this sooner, but it matters less now that it is done. So, enjoy.<br />
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<a href="http://flic.kr/s/aHsjvq7ceJ">Walt Disney World</a><br />
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<a href="http://flic.kr/s/aHsjvq7m1N">The Wizarding World of Harry Potter</a><br />
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<a href="http://flic.kr/s/aHsjwT4KoM">Daytona Beach, Florida </a>Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-12229267742946316182011-07-29T12:25:00.001-06:002011-07-29T12:36:32.961-06:00The Best Things Are Happy Endings<iframe width="400" height="330" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mC2RFDO_TSY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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I have been a little shocked at the amount of twitter chat involving criticism of yesterday's <a href="http://www.edmontonsun.com/2011/07/28/amber-alert-issued-for-young-boy-seen-with-suspicious-man">Amber Alert</a> in Edmonton and frankly, as a parent and a citizen, I don't understand it. <br />
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How was there not enough concern to warrant an Amber Alert in this case? I don't believe we should be participants of generating criticisms of our police force when they themselves are 1. Pleased with the overall process and the outcome of this incidence; 2. Hailing the quick thinking of the playground program staff; and 3. Encouraging us as citizens to continue to report suspicious incidents like this.<br />
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I understand to some this might have seemed like a waste of resources because the outcome was good. However I suspect these same people would have different criticisms if the outcome had not been good and the situation had not been reported or acted on in a timely fashion. <br />
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While you ponder the situation, consider this. A child is dropped off by an adult at the start of a playground program. These community programs have supervised hours through out the day. Before the end of that supervised period a different adult, whom you don't recognize, comes to take the child. Maybe the child doesn't want to go (stop playing) and puts up a fuss, but this adult takes the child anyway. Imagine now that this is not reported and three hours later the original adult comes back to pick up their child only to find they've now been missing for three hours. <br />
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A lot can happen in three hours... Now imagine this is your child and I think you'd find that an Amber Alert would be more than called for. <br />
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I think the Amber Alert program has been a great way to improve communications in the community and cross communities with other police services when a situation dictates speed is of the essence. I think the police need to have the confidence that they can use it whenever they feel justified and that we will trust in that, false or not. Indeed, isn't the best outcome of this that it was false to begin with and that the child is safe?<br />
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Just my humble opinion, of course. But I do strongly believe it's never a waste of anyone's time or resources if they are spent in the attempt to help one of the more vulnerable members of our society. Also, I think huge kudos should go out to the team of people who were involved in looking for this child and discovering that he was safe so quickly. Bravo.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-15314001434908227462011-07-18T20:06:00.000-06:002011-07-18T20:06:25.050-06:00Deathwing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zijKIn_0aRw/TiTli-Aa4xI/AAAAAAAAA4o/npO6-54n8rs/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zijKIn_0aRw/TiTli-Aa4xI/AAAAAAAAA4o/npO6-54n8rs/s400/blog.jpg" /></a></div>Early this morning Edmontonians woke up to an incredibly orange sky that prompted many comments of the apocalyptic variety on twitter. It's hard to tell from the pictures but the air itself appeared to have an orange glow to it, everything in my bedroom when I first woke up looked orange but our window is west facing. I've never seen anything quite like it.<br />
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These pictures were taken around 5:00am in west Edmonton. You can see my other shots <a href="http://flic.kr/s/aHsjvn18aD">HERE</a>.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-40765422611138312172011-07-15T23:05:00.000-06:002011-07-16T00:05:45.322-06:00The Culmination of a ChildhoodAs we have for many of my son's birthdays, tonight we watched a Harry Potter movie on opening night. I couldn't help but reflect back through the years that my children grew up alongside the characters in the world of Harry Potter... truly they are what could be called the Harry Potter generation - as the books and movies paralalled their own milestones and life as close to real time as could be. <br />
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I found it very fitting, then, that on the cusp of my son turning 18 years old, that we would be watching the final installment in the franchise that we had loved so much. There is something a tiny bit sad but also very epic in all of this, the end of an era, in more ways than one. But with every ending there is a beginning just around the corner, new and exciting adventures to be had and I am very much looking forward to that.<br />
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Good bye Harry Potter and friends, thanks for all the memories!Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-3866785086216305702011-07-12T09:31:00.000-06:002011-07-12T09:31:08.296-06:00Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thank Canadian Red Cross volunteers for response efforts in Slave Lake- Canadian Red Cross<a href="http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=39992&tid=025">Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thank Canadian Red Cross volunteers for response efforts in Slave Lake- Canadian Red Cross</a>Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-20074901627163086732011-07-07T07:37:00.001-06:002011-07-07T07:37:00.288-06:00Our 7th Wedding Anniversary!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8Zpmwb9SAk/Tgi_22L0DyI/AAAAAAAAA1w/CE4_ZWnUe0A/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="309" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8Zpmwb9SAk/Tgi_22L0DyI/AAAAAAAAA1w/CE4_ZWnUe0A/s400/wedding.jpg" /></a></div>Marriage: Allows you to annoy one special person for the rest of your life. <br />
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Happy anniversary Duncan!Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-77258389257924070912011-07-01T07:26:00.003-06:002011-07-01T07:26:00.644-06:00Happy Canada Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkb6pBTweUs/Tgi9umDzAVI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/jPbQnOkQ0Pw/s1600/c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="289" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkb6pBTweUs/Tgi9umDzAVI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/jPbQnOkQ0Pw/s400/c1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQhnAyahm7c/Tgi948W4bgI/AAAAAAAAA1g/hyAwb6HppeY/s1600/c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQhnAyahm7c/Tgi948W4bgI/AAAAAAAAA1g/hyAwb6HppeY/s400/c2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UiDT2aOoaA/Tgi-JSxmLzI/AAAAAAAAA1o/y93O2HxNMMs/s1600/c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UiDT2aOoaA/Tgi-JSxmLzI/AAAAAAAAA1o/y93O2HxNMMs/s400/c3.jpg" /></a></div>Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-60030136542511118562011-06-29T20:53:00.000-06:002011-06-29T20:53:29.776-06:00Happy Graduation!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFLk04UGkq8/Tgvk-U_4G9I/AAAAAAAAA14/PaeNkXVolH8/s1600/IMG_6477a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="279" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFLk04UGkq8/Tgvk-U_4G9I/AAAAAAAAA14/PaeNkXVolH8/s400/IMG_6477a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Wesley finishes his High School career! Congrats!Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-84751509112015781882011-06-28T17:22:00.000-06:002011-06-29T20:53:48.273-06:00Social Media Revolution<iframe width="400" height="257" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x0EnhXn5boM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Based on #1 International Best Selling Socialnomics by Erik Qualman this is the latest in the most watch social media series in the world.<br />
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This is the long version produced June 2011Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-82891654027985878782011-06-27T11:24:00.000-06:002011-06-27T11:24:02.318-06:00Slave Lake PicturesI finally got all of my Slave Lake photos loaded up into Flickr. You can see them <a href="http://flic.kr/s/aHsjv6UJaH">HERE</a>.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-50646112695021073412011-06-19T11:33:00.002-06:002011-06-19T11:37:53.730-06:00Don't Forget About Slave Lake!<iframe width="400" height="257" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WBE7kvrjR-g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<div align="center">"<i><b>In all the years I've been doing this job, I haven't seen anything with this kind of speed and devastation</b></i>." <br />
- Len MacCharles, incident commander<br />
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"<i><b>When you first see the devastation, it's a numbing feeling. It's going to take some time to get our community back</b></i>."<br />
- Slave Lake Mayor Pillay-Kinee</div><br />
As we hear less and less in the traditional media about the efforts ongoing in Slave Lake, Alberta, I wanted to remind everyone that much help is still needed there. The Canadian Red Cross has committed to the recovery process for the next two years and you can help fund that support for the residents of Slave Lake with a financial donation (some agency's will continue to take material donations as well).<br />
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On May 15th 2011 a wildfire, fueled by winds of up to 150km, burned through the northern town of Slave Lake, destroying 40% of the town. 374 homes were destroyed and another 52 were damaged. The province declared a level four emergency – the highest on its scale - and more than 7000 people fled in an immediate evacuation, leaving everything behind. After 10 days some people were allowed to come back, but many still can not.<br />
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A month after the fire there is still much work to be done in Slave Lake. The Red Cross is still registering people and last I heard there were 200 families that the town had not yet re-connected with. Thank you for keeping Slave Lake in your thoughts as the recovery process continues.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-76292226301769998972011-06-09T10:31:00.001-06:002011-06-09T10:33:11.427-06:00We Take Too Much For Granted EverydayAlice Pyne is a 15 year old girl who knows she is running out of time. She has hopes and dreams like we all do - she would have liked to have been a dolphin trainer - but she knows that some of those things will now, in her words, "remain dreams."<br />
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I became aware of Alice yesterday when her <a href="http://alicepyne.blogspot.com/">blog</a> went viral with her bucket list - and one of the things she wanted was to trend on twitter. For me there is something inherently human in this desire to reach out - a need to be known, to be thought of - simply to say "I'm here, I exist, I live... and there's so much stuff that I still want to do." I know to some extent we all can relate to this.<br />
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One of the items on Alice's bucket list is to "make everyone sign up to be a bone marrow donor." This is something that is simple for most of us to do and I highly recommend it. I've been on the bone marrow registry for years and I hope that one day I might be able to help someone, like Alice, to keep on working through their bucket list and to live all of their dreams. In Canada you can start the process <a href="http://www.blood.ca/CentreApps/Internet/UW_V502_MainEngine.nsf/page/E_ubmdrPKG-intro?OpenDocument&p=OMFormE">HERE</a>. In the United States go <a href="http://www.marrow.org/">HERE</a>. For everyone else, google "bone marrow donation" and your country and it should bring up the program you need.<br />
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Another thing Alice challenges us to do is consider what it is we are putting off doing and why. If something is important to the way we want to live our life then we should start making that a priority and look for the opportunities we need. We're all relatively guilty of getting bogged down in the mundane daily tasks we feel responsible to participate in and we always put things off because we will get around to them, eventually. But what happens when you run out of time? As Alice asks in her blog profile - "If today was your last day on this earth, how would you spend it?"<br />
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It's worth some time today to ponder that question, right after you sign up for the bone marrow donor program in your jurisdiction.<br />
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We are all running out of time, just most of us don't know it. Keep on dreaming, my friends.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-91106870815475492792011-06-01T10:50:00.000-06:002011-06-09T10:51:16.065-06:00Catching Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyoGl_8M89g/TfD4aAORBZI/AAAAAAAAA08/fiv3rF6e_Ss/s1600/IMG_4990%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="271" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyoGl_8M89g/TfD4aAORBZI/AAAAAAAAA08/fiv3rF6e_Ss/s400/IMG_4990%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" /></a></div>My silence on this blog has spanned a period of time that includes all of my anniversary type dates - my 8th blogiversary, my 4th twitterversary, my year celebration on Empire Avenue and my not-yet-40th birthday. Let's just call it a blog hiatus.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-38529485645804559132010-12-27T13:06:00.000-07:002010-12-28T01:33:18.836-07:00The Gift of Time!You may recall my <a href="http://walks_like_summerrain.blogspot.com/2010/11/dear-santa.html">"Dear Santa" post in November</a> where I lamented not having any specific or material "wants" to put on a Christmas wish list for my family. Instead I asked for the gift of time with them, in any shape or form they desired. Well this Christmas morning I received just that - and I couldn't be happier with my gifts! Wonderfully creative and full of opportunity to spend time with each other, each one makes my wish come true. I am blessed! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRmd1h3SnrI/AAAAAAAAA0c/qRu778GCYaE/s1600/t1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="262" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRmd1h3SnrI/AAAAAAAAA0c/qRu778GCYaE/s400/t1.jpg" /></a></div>Duncan gave me a series of gift cards to venues/events and a written note outlining what he likes to share with me at each place and why.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRmdsSjZJDI/AAAAAAAAA0U/rs0lRfosvFM/s1600/t2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="262" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRmdsSjZJDI/AAAAAAAAA0U/rs0lRfosvFM/s400/t2.jpg" /></a></div>Raven gave me a movie she had seen at school once and really wanted to share with me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRmdjn4Y4BI/AAAAAAAAA0M/4TCXg64hUoQ/s1600/t3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="262" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRmdjn4Y4BI/AAAAAAAAA0M/4TCXg64hUoQ/s400/t3.jpg" /></a></div>Wesley gave me the Pacific - we are going to start watching together in January.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-74807618787569122392010-12-24T21:10:00.001-07:002010-12-24T21:11:10.783-07:00Merry Christmas!<object height="275" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RpPrZ_S5cas?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RpPrZ_S5cas?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="275"></embed></object><br />
This year to celebrate Christmas I have compiled 40 years worth of Christmas memories (which I've been furiously sorting and scanning for the past couple of days) into one movie and married it to my favourite Christmas carol. Enjoy!<br />
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From our family to yours, we wish you the very best of the holiday season.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-6349902606213484722010-12-21T17:57:00.001-07:002010-12-22T02:48:46.080-07:00HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRG83P_lkTI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Vpc0CfcKF18/s1600/IMG_4197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRG83P_lkTI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Vpc0CfcKF18/s400/IMG_4197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Total Lunar Eclipse</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRG83Wm7l2I/AAAAAAAAAz4/AXoclp5sZL4/s1600/IMG_4228%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRG83Wm7l2I/AAAAAAAAAz4/AXoclp5sZL4/s400/IMG_4228%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Winter Solstice Sunset</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRHJVDCIV5I/AAAAAAAAA0A/NPmKctyR8no/s1600/fb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="259" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TRHJVDCIV5I/AAAAAAAAA0A/NPmKctyR8no/s400/fb.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">Solstice Moonrise (over WEM)</div>Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-693422095571572212010-12-19T11:59:00.001-07:002010-12-19T12:18:05.068-07:00Let The Bodies Hit The Floor!!!!!<object width="464" height="376" id="1969477" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" alt="EMBED-Parrot Sing "Let The Bodies Hit The Floor" free videos"><param name="movie" value="http://embed.break.com/MTk2OTQ3Nw=="></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://embed.break.com/MTk2OTQ3Nw==" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess=always width="464" height="376"></embed></object><br />
<font size=1><a href="http://www.break.com/cue-the-cuervo/parrot-sing-let-the-bodies-hit-the-floor-1969477" target="_blank">EMBED-Parrot Sing "Let The Bodies Hit The Floor"</a> - Watch more <a href="http://www.break.com" target="_blank">free videos</a></font><br />
Simple things like this make life worth living. This parrot makes me laugh every time I listen to him and trust me, I've listened to it over and over again. I think I am updating my Christmas Wish List - I now want this bird!Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-8752243911160495712010-12-17T13:53:00.000-07:002010-12-18T13:55:36.110-07:002010 Christmas Greetings!<img border="0" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTI2NTM4MjE3NDImcHQ9MTI5MjY1MzgzMTYwMiZwPTYyNTEmZD1jb2RlYm94Jmc9MSZvPWVlZDMzN2IzZTYyZjRj/ZWI5NTI*MzFhNmVlOTA1NGJj.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /> <a href="http://blingee.com/blingee/view/119588700-Smyth-Wojtaszek-Family" target="_blank" title="Smyth-Wojtaszek Family"><img alt="Smyth-Wojtaszek Family" border="0" height="241" src="http://image.blingee.com/images18/content/output/000/000/000/720/701062521_1720953.gif" title="Smyth-Wojtaszek Family" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://blingee.com/" target="_blank" title="Myspace Glitter Graphics"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Myspace Glitter Graphics</span></a>Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-10949428976607782882010-12-16T10:31:00.001-07:002010-12-16T10:35:05.524-07:00Maisie's Magical Christmas House<object width="400" height="275"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zw5ulSJtm4c?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zw5ulSJtm4c?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="275"></embed></object><br />
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If you're in Edmonton for this holiday season, you should visit <a href="http://www.maisieschristmashouse.com/">Maisie's Magical Christmas House</a>, located at <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=9619+-+144+Avenue,+Edmonton,+AB&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=41.137032,65.566406&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1">9619 – 144 Avenue</a>.<br />
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The house is named such in honor of the home owner's mother, Maisie Dolynchuk, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 82 years. Maisie loved the Christmas lights so much that she wanted them to be enjoyed by people even after she was gone. The house is her legacy. <br />
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There is no charge for people to come and tour the display, but you're asked to bring a non-perishable donation to the Edmonton Food Bank.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-59772245935511423452010-12-14T00:37:00.002-07:002010-12-14T00:38:40.242-07:00A TREE for a Good Cause<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/red5standingby/3904348215/" title="christmas tree factory by red5standingby, on Flickr"><img alt="christmas tree factory" height="281" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3904348215_8032a0a1d2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div></div><div></div><div><br />
Do you need a Christmas Tree? Know someone else who doesn't have their tree yet? Today you can support Edmonton's Food Bank by purchasing an amazing live Christmas tree for the holiday season - <b>for only $10</b>! The trees are being sold at Churchill Square from 6am to 2pm today and volunteers are available to help load the trees into your vehicle for you. </div><div></div><div><br />
Cash or cheques (<i>made payable to Edmonton's Food Bank</i>) are accepted for on-site purchases. You can also text to donate (keyword TREE to shortcode 30333 and $10 will be added to your phone bill in support of Edmonton's Food Bank) or call 780-425-2133 for VISA or MC transactions over the phone. If you prefer to donate online you can do so at <a href="http://edmontonsfoodbank.com/">edmontonsfoodbank.com</a> via <a href="http://www.canadahelps.org/">Canada Helps</a> (VISA or MC).<br />
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Remember to bring your skates as well - you will have the opportunity to skate with the Edmonton Oil Kings on the ice at City Hall.</div>Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-53437973107729132872010-12-07T23:13:00.000-07:002010-12-07T23:13:28.647-07:00The Tree is Trimmed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TP8gMceTEFI/AAAAAAAAAzs/FhnYb76HMy0/s1600/treetrimmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TP8gMceTEFI/AAAAAAAAAzs/FhnYb76HMy0/s320/treetrimmed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We put up the Christmas Tree Sunday evening. Decorating the Tree is one of my favourite Christmas rituals... We have ornaments from each of our childhoods, our parents, grandparents and godparents, including homemade decorations. We divide the ornaments into piles according to whom they belong to and then we take turns adding them to the tree - recalling the people, times and stories associated with each one. For me the most important thing about Christmas is family and creating more memories spending time together. Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-33218506608496721662010-12-05T11:50:00.001-07:002010-12-05T11:52:43.805-07:00Yesterday, Tomorrow and Fantasy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TPvciWV9-rI/AAAAAAAAAzo/nwVhZECkf_Y/s1600/walt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TPvciWV9-rI/AAAAAAAAAzo/nwVhZECkf_Y/s320/walt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past .... and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America... with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.</i></b><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The life of Walter Elias "Walt" Disney (December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966)<i> </i>changed mine before I was even born. Like most of us, I grew up watching Disney every Sunday evening, reading the stories over and over, loving everything from Bambi to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Then later in life I found myself sharing all of these (and more) with my own children. Everything about Disney echoes something about childhood we don't want to let go and, thanks to Walt Disney, we don't have too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I loved the trips we took with the kids to Disneyland and Walt Disney World. There were moments there where I was a kid again - like the first time I saw Mickey Mouse! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Birthday Walter Disney. Thanks for all the memories!<i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div>Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-82806270145482126152010-12-02T23:38:00.000-07:002010-12-02T23:38:42.468-07:00Christmas Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TPiQOBZxQFI/AAAAAAAAAzk/67aMaSV6cuo/s1600/ChristmasLightUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TPiQOBZxQFI/AAAAAAAAAzk/67aMaSV6cuo/s320/ChristmasLightUp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When the lights go on at the Alberta Legislature grounds I know it is Christmas time and I should get our tree up.Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-31095169046287042682010-12-01T21:45:00.000-07:002010-12-02T00:28:45.204-07:00Happy Channukah!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TPdKfwcpKtI/AAAAAAAAAzg/d4idoiJxgho/s1600/candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QtJYNXCu1ts/TPdKfwcpKtI/AAAAAAAAAzg/d4idoiJxgho/s320/candles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072553.post-41831009297232454422010-11-28T14:05:00.001-07:002010-11-28T14:06:53.991-07:00Dear Santa...I'm having trouble this year deciding what it is that I would ask for to receive at Christmas if I were to make such a "wish list." Thing is I really have everything I need and am quite happy with what I have. I'd truly be happy just to enjoy the holidays with my family, see the happiness on their faces and to maybe steal some snuggle time with kids who will one day (too very soon) be too old for hugs or even just away from home at school or elsewhere in their lives. Honestly, this is possibly the last at home Christmas we all have together as next year my son will be off at university already (likely in in another province). Life marches onwards.<br />
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Because there isn't really anything I need, the Mom part of me would be happy just to use any extra resources we have to make this a great holiday for the whole family. However, as unselfish as this might at first seem, the truth is that it is not helpful to my family, who would like to get me something for Christmas and keep asking me for input or other direct suggestions to that end. I'm not sure what to say even though I am aware that I need to find something to say.<br />
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I'm a Mom so I really do mean it when I say things like "I'd love it if you made me something" or "Whatever you think to get me would be a treasure to me" but this is mostly met with mild disdain and the rolling of eyes (yes, both from my teenagers and my husband). My husband has gone so far as to threaten if I do not come up with something for my Christmas wish list than he will be getting me some sort of trinket with "Homer" engraved on the side of it (for dramatic affect, I'm sure).<br />
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So as I lay here in my bed and contemplate this dilemma I find I am pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. I already have a house full of possessions I may or may not use on a regular basis. I know that there are many places in the world where a small amount of money spent on me for a gift (that I might not need) could save the life of a child or improve the quality of life for an entire community. I do tire of the seemingly competitive nature of our throw away consumer economy and culture at times and yet I do realize (as I feel the same about giving presents) that my family desires to express love and attentiveness through the purchasing of a gift for me with their hard earned money. This is what our culture teaches us is expected, for better or worse. This dilemma is definitely a first world problem and in ways I am ashamed of my part in it. But I recognize too my helpless participation in it is required for many reasons. I am also relieved that this is the biggest issue facing me at this time. Life could be worse.<br />
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So, what can I tell you? There are items I suppose that I would be happy to receive, that in a perfect world full of infinite possibilities, I could see myself asking for. For example I would love to use an iPhone 4 with it's snazzy new camera, or have a video camera to make home videos for youtube or even a new camera body as mine has aged significantly. But all those cost enough money that it seems silly to ask for when I already own devices that perform similar tasks. I wouldn't cry if I opened an iPad on Christmas morning, but as I already have both an iPhone and a laptop why would I ask for that? I did want AppleTV but now with Netflix and Playstation Network the addition of AppleTV is merely <span id="search" style="visibility: visible;"><i><span id="mce_0_start" style="line-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span>superfluous</i></span><span id="mce_0_end" style="line-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span>. Indeed, isn't it all? That can't be the point, can it?<br />
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A scanner would help me get all my old family pictures into the digital realm (where I find I am spending most of my free time), my turtle would love to have a bigger domain to call his own (as would my goldfish), and (even though I have a gym membership) I'd love to have a treadmill at home so I can exercise everyday. I love having my hair and nails done and a tattoo would be cool. I love books (a better gift would be time to read I suspect, but that's not realistic) and I love to travel (I'd love to be going to see the last launch of the Space Shuttle in February). I don't have any winter clothes or a winter jacket (although I'm ok wearing Wes's jacket from last year). So I guess there are many ideas to choose from. I just don't want to ask for those things.<br />
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If I had my way I would ask for the gift of time. Personal time with each of my kids to get to know them as the people they are becoming and date time with my hubby, as well as family time together - a game night once a month, movie nights, day or weekend trips and time just to sit around and chat about our days. It seems as we all get busier and busier time for opportunities like this get farther and farther in between. But these are the things that I crave, need and desire. I have a strong awareness that when I die these times will be all that matter to me, not what items I have possessed or consumed in my life, but the memories of the times I was held in love by those who love me in return. And if I am lucky enough that, when I die I am once again surrounded by family and friends and held by those who love me, then I will have had, all my life, everything that I've always wanted or needed.<br />
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So, Dearest Santa, please, if you can, show my wonderful and loving family that I will happily take everything and anything that they want to offer me and that it really is the thought that counts. I promise to cherish it (and them) forever.<br />
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Love,<br />
Allie <br />
Allie Wojtaszekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17288605727373925328noreply@blogger.com2