Buffalo Zoo Review

There are lions and tigers and bears of course, but the Buffalo Zoo offers more than just the standard animals in cages. They have unique breeding programs, hands-on opportunities for interaction with the animals, a large children's play area and a recently added exciting Rainforest Exhibit. They may be the third oldest zoo in the nation but they are as cutting edge in their ideals and training as the newest.

The Animals

The Buffalo Zoo offers a variety of mammals from the common deer, to the majestic lion; from the domestic mule to exotic the Indian rhinoceros and everything in between. There are also many species of birds, as diverse as parrots, toucans and vultures. Not to forget the cold-blooded crowd, the zoo is also home to many amphibians and reptiles including frogs, turtles and even a cobra.

The Exhibits

Because of the zoo's age, some of the exhibits are old-fashioned looking and you get an old-world feeling while visiting. Do not let this fool you, the care of the animals is twenty-first century and the zoo staff is top-notch.

If you have children with you do not miss the Sea Lion Cove and Otter Creek displays. Nothing is funnier than the crazy antics of these water mammals. Your kids will also love the children's petting zoo, where they can get hands on with pigs, ducks and some awfully silly chickens.

Make sure to explore the new Rainforest Waterfall Exhibit with its South American flora and fauna. You must also visit the Vanishing Animals Exhibit, although the zoo staff tend to coddle these animals a bit, so note that if it is a cold day some of the animals may be brought inside.

Interacting with the Animals

Feeding the Giraffes: For a small fee you can have the fabulous opportunity of feeding these elegant creatures, an experience you will never forget.

Wild Workshops: For a fee you and your family can enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to work behind the scenes with the zookeepers to help prepare the animals for their day.

Zoo Outreach: You can see the animals without even going to the zoo! The Zoo-mobile and the Zoo Trunk bring the zoo experiences to places well outside of the zoo gate.

Breeding Programs

The Buffalo Zoo is an active member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariumsand is especially active in their Species Survival Program. They breed all the popular and media friendly mammals like giraffes and gorillas but they also have a breeding program for the less trendy animals. The Buffalo Zoo is working tirelessly to help save endangered species of frogs, lizards and snakes. In fact, just a couple of years ago they reintroduced 1,000 endangered Puerto Rican crested tadpoles back into the wild into pools located in Guanica State Forest in Puerto Rico. The Zoo has been recognized with a number of awards for their work in this area.

Other Zoo Attractions

If the parents need a break and the kids are still revving, take a stop at the large children's playground. There is plenty of fun for the kids and plenty of places for the adults to rest-up.

For a bite to eat you can visit the Beastro. This cutely named concession stand offers standard attraction fare like ice cream, soft drinks and hot-dogs.

No visit would be complete without a visit to the Gift Shop and the Buffalo Zoo has a nice one. Lots of cute little animals and T-shirts as well as more mundane items like batteries and stroller rentals. Be sure to check out their new "Animal Land" where you can stuff and personalize your very own zoo animal.

The Buffalo Zoo is one of the most entertaining ways to spend a day, and at less than $31 for admission for a family of four, one of the most economical. You will find because of its constant changing and upgrading it will become one of your family's favorite destination stops. So next time you are looking for a roaring good time, put on your safari shorts and head over to the Buffalo Zoo, you will be glad you did.

For more information on directions, zoo hours and admission, please visit http://www.buffalozoo.org/.

The Ups and Downs of Weight Loss

I want to weigh less than my husband!

I don't want to be supermodel thin or even Sear's catalogue thin, I just don't want to wear the biggest sized jeans in the house anymore. In my defence, my hubby is pretty thin but let's just say he didn't carry me over the threshold on our wedding night.

I have been in a control struggle with my weight since hitting puberty, when my formerly thin, athletic build turned into a curvy hipped traitor with breasts. I fought it for years. First, by ignoring it, then by extreme exercise, and finally by hiding it with baggy sweat suits. Around 20, I just gave in. Apparently, I was destined for a Marilyn Monroe existence not the Kate Moss one I had always envisioned.

Big problem with giving in; once I stopped working out,Marilyn Monroe turned into Roseanne Barr. Eeeks! So began my lifelong relationship with the "diet". Back then, the Scarsdale Diet was all the rage, basically you starved yourself but ate meat. How on earth did I follow this? But follow it I did and lost enough weight that I could wear a size 8. Please note: I am not a size 8; Marilyn was a good solid 14. Of course, because it was impossible for my body to be this small the weight came back on, AND it brought some friends, lots of friends.

This was the first in a long line of diet failures: Grapefruit, Cabbage Soup, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, South Beach. Don't get me wrong, I lost weight on all of them but not for very long. One thing I did learn was that no one should ever say that fat people have no willpower. I ate cabbage soup 3 times a day for 3 weeks, if that isn't will power then I need a new definition.

About a decade later, I realized this was no way to live. My health was being affected and I think I could actually hear my metabolism grinding to a halt. I said, "the heck with the diets, I am going to start exercising and eating healthy." I stopped counting calories, got myself to a gym and finally started to drop the pounds. It took a good year but I finally had a body I was happy taking out places. I even got to the point where I would have had to take Marilyn's dresses in a bit. And then........ I got pregnant.

As thrilled as I was to have my beautiful daughter, I was back to Roseanne Barr, and my jeans are a bigger size than my husband's. So now it's back to salads and the treadmill. At least I know how to do it this time. Slow and steady. I just have to learn to hold it together when my husband, while eating potato chips, tells me he lost weight this week because he did too much walking at work. Hmmmm, I wonder if slapping him silly counts as exercise?

Ooeey, Gooey, Yellow Ooze

A beautiful thing appeared one day

Early in the Month of May
It was gorgeous in a stunning way
A strikingly colorful array

The people of a little town

Were captivated by the land's new crown
They gathered all their tools round
And tried to get this jewel down

They struck it with their mighty poles
And created four gigantic holes
Four colors came out in big steaming rolls
The towns' folk got scared and ran for their souls

Ooey Gooey Yellow Ooze
Coming down the road in two's
C'mon and help us spread the news!
Ooey Gooey Yellow Ooze

Blecky, Yucky Purple Slime
Coming down like serpentine
Oops it just got that mime!
Blecky Yucky Purple Slime

Icky, Sicky Big Green Goop
Coming down with Hoola Hoops
Somebody warn those girl guide troops!
Icky Sicky Big Green Goop

Dusty Musty Gross Brown Bunk
Pouring out of old car trunks
We have to stop it or we're sunk
Dusty Musty Gross Brown Bunk

Worried Furried Mr Mayor
Said, this town needs help, someone to care
To tame this colorful nightmare!
Poor worried furried Mr. Mayor

Happy Chappy Painter Paul
Heard the sad and tainted call
My paints and I can help them all!
Onward Happy Painter Paul

First he got the Yellow Ooze
By lighting a special color fuse
It exploded all the sallow hues
Goodbye Gooey Yellow Ooze

Then he hit the purple slime
Got it with some purple mines
Grabbed the slime and saved that mime
See ya later purple slime

Now on to the Big Green Goop
He cornered it in a chicken coop
Then turned it into Broccoli soup
Now is yummy big green goop

Last came musty gross Brown Bunk
He simply told it how much it stunk
It then backed off, an embarrassed hunk
No more worries about Gross Brown Bunk

Now finished, Paul turned around
He then stepped forward and made this sound
"You silly people of this town
Never knock another Rainbow down!"

Jerseyville Road

1. Between highways 52 and 403,
   there is a gnarled and arthritic road.
   Chaotic paving its only concession to normalcy.
   
   Skulking its way through a pockmarked landscape,
   this crude artery secretes a poison
   causing homes and farms along its skin edge
   to fester as warts and boils.
   
   No livestock graze, the pond by the bridge is dark and empty.
   There are animals though-
   night creatures.
   They can be seen, bloody and eviscerated on the scrawny shoulder.
   
   Algal blooms, sulphur springs, and root rot
   scent this track.
   A funeral stench without the mask of lilies.
   
   But the worst is the trees.
   Skeletal victims of fungus and mistletoe
   waving their fleshless limbs in desperation and warning.
   
   Heed them and do not linger on Jerseyville Road.

How to Beat the Winter Blues

It is four o’clock in the afternoon and the streetlights are on.  You have not seen the sun for days and even looking out of the window causes you to shudder.  Welcome to winter.  For those living north of the sunshine belt, the months from November to March can play havoc on our mental health.  The experts call it Seasonal Affective Disorder or its appropriate acronym S.A.D. and the rest of us call it the winter blues.  Take heart, there are things you can do to take the chill out of your psyche and warm up your spirit.

1. Go on a Holiday

Are you missing the sun?  If it is within your budget, go somewhere warm and sunny.  Get on good terms with relatives in a warm climate or check out Expedia.com for some great deals to southern destinations.  It does not have to be a long trip.  A long weekend is often enough to say goodbye to the blues.

2. Get Out

Bundle up in your warmest winter gear and get outside.  Building a snowman, going tobogganing, or even just walking around the block will do wonders for your state of mind.  If the day is sunny, you will even get a nice dose of vitamin D and all the other wonderful benefits our sun provides.

3. Take Your Vitamins

Most people do not get enough vitamin D in the winter and our fruits and vegetables are not as fresh as they are in the other seasons so adding a multi-vitamin to your daily diet can go a long way to making you feel better.  It will also give your immune system a boost making it less likely to get sick.

4. Wash Your Hands

Part of the problem with the winter blues is the constant colds and flu’s that come with the season.  Simply by washing your hands often and keeping phones, doorknobs, light switches and the like clean you can avoid getting sick.  Having a healthy body is a good start to having a healthy mind.

5. Get Together with Friends

Host a potluck on a dull Saturday afternoon.  Invite some good friends, turn the music up loud, relax and enjoy yourselves.  Summertime is not the only time to socialize.  Your back deck or front porch may be closed for the season but there is no reason not to bring the party inside.  Sharing a laugh with friends is one of the best ways to chase away the blues.

6. Bring Nature Inside

Fill your house with plants and flowers.  It will remind you that under all that snow there are tulips and crocuses already thinking about spring.  Green plants and fragrant flowers will help you remember that the warmer weather will be upon you soon.

Unless you have the means and the vacation time to winter in Florida, winter weather is a part of life and we must all find ways to make it more pleasant.   It is also good to bear in mind that in about six months you will be looking for articles on how to keep cool in heat waves.

Snapshots of Kaitlin at Three

1. An outing with Daddy, her golden (dirty blonde) ponytail,
   bouncing with excitement.
   A sudden second thought, and
   a return up the veranda stairs to give me one more hug and kiss.
   
   Snap
   
   I awake to a weight on my stomach. I open my eyes to that same golden hair,
   now tousled and slightly muffling a request to “fry wike aeiry”.
   The flapping arms lend a clue and I bench press thirty pounds
   of squealing, flapping, three-year-old fairy; then a crash landing and giggles.
   
   Snap
   
   An outgoing child, she sits on a neighbour’s lap, chatting happily about a kitty cat that has made his way up to the porch.
   Our neighbour and good friend tells her she is “Ernie’s girl.”
   To the shock of us both she gets up desperately and with a tear in her eye,
   climbs up on me and announces, “No! I Mommy’s girl.”
   
   Snap
   
   A tired toddler, tantrum and time-out.
   She is forgiven and I offer the forbidden pacifier.
   I wrap her in my arms and she drifts off to sleep. Four is looming
   and a fierce emotion only mothers experience, (love but with a bittersweet edge)
   overcomes me and I know like one and two, three will be gone in a
   
   Snap

Things to do with a Toddler in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton, Ontario is a great place to raise a toddler. There are innumerable activities and events geared towards the under four crowd and there is no need to spend a lot of money, most activities are either free or close to it. Whether it is a warm, sunny, July afternoon or a cold, damp, February morning there is always something to do with your little one in Hamilton.

1. Parks

Hamilton has some of the best children and family parks in the country. Almost all have some type of wading pool or splash pads, and baby swings. The larger ones have washrooms and changing areas.

Check out Gage Park for a nice afternoon of exploring the paths, smelling the flowers in the garden, climbing on the playground and splashing in the fun splash pad. Even in winter, this large park is a fun destination for building snowman, collecting pinecones or catching snowflakes on your tongue.

Pier 4 park is also a great place to take your toddler. The tugboat playground is angled to the waterfront so the kids get the feeling of being in a real boat. There is also tons of green space, a terrific waterfront trail and a small beach. A fun park to spend an afternoon or a day.

There are also a host of small parks along the Waterfront Trail at Hamilton's beach. Kinsmen Park is especially nice with its wading pool. Your toddler will enjoy going from park to beach to pool. A great way to indulge the short attention span.

For more info on Hamilton's city parks, check out the Hamilton Park Website.

2. Libraries

It is never too early to introduce your child to the joys of reading. Hamilton's public libraries have a number of geared towards toddler programs available at different locations throughout the city. They have Family Story Time for 2-5 years; Toddler Story Time for 2-3 years and Preschool Story Time for 3-5 years. The kids love this; it is not just stories but songs, finger plays, and puppets. They last about 30 minutes. Check the Hamilton Public Library Website for schedules and locations.

To make a morning or afternoon adventure out of it, take Hamilton Public Transit there. Your little one will love riding the bus especially if you point out sites of interest along the way.

3. Ontario Early Years Centres (OEYC)

Check their website for a location near you and you will be glad you did. These drop-in centres for babies to preschool children are a lifesaver for stay at home parents. They offer gym activities, play activities and crafts for the kids as well as a supportive community for the parents. They even offer daily lunches for both the kids and parents. All this is free. It is a great place to go spend a few hours on a rainy or snowy day. Especially good is the daily open gym to burn off that toddler energy.

4. Hamilton Children's Museum

Occupying a small corner of Gage Park, this seemingly humble building is a fun place for your toddler. They have many interactive exhibits, games, stories and lots of play areas. Your little one gets to have a great time and learn as well. Who knows, you may even learn something yourself. Admission for two costs less than a Happy Meal ($3 for toddler, $1 for an adult) and the time you spend together is priceless. Check out the Museum's website for operating hours and exhibit information.

5. Indoor Playgrounds

Hamilton has a couple of wonderful indoor playgrounds for those cold or rainy days. There is Chatters with its great big slides, ball room and toddler area and Zoom Zoom's in Ancaster, which is a little bit smaller, but still a nice size. Both facilities are clean, well staffed and offer a snack bar. Make note though, that although these are enclosed facilities you are responsible for supervising your toddler and keeping him safe.

This list of things to do with your toddler in Hamilton is by no means exhaustive. Check out local Mom boards for recommendations, or your local YWCA and Boys and Girls Clubs for their programs. Do not forget about family swims at local pools, local petting zoos and seasonal activities such as pumpkin patch visits and holiday parades. Very few cities have paid as much attention to their youngest citizens as Hamilton has, make sure you take full advantage of all this city has to offer to them.

Toddler Meals

Parents of very young children know that the term "toddler meal"  is an oxymoron, toddlers do not eat meals: they pick at them, they play with them and they feed them to the dog. Unless the meal consists of macaroni and cheese and cookies, getting them to eat is a challenge. There are ways however, to get some nutritious meals into your little eater.

1. What Your Toddler Doesn't Know Won't Hurt Him.

Did you think you were done with jarred baby food? Think again. Sure, he might be on solids now and eating at the big table but there is still lots of use for pureed nutrition. If it has been a couple of days since your precious child has had a vegetable, it's time for the puree.

Sweet potatoes and squash are easily hidden in pancakes.  Make them as usual but add half a jar before you add the water or milk and cook as usual. This is healthy for the rest of your family too.

Pureed broccoli and spinach can be added to a box of macaroni and cheese. Make as usual and add half a jar when you mix in the cheese sauce. As a bonus, it turns the pasta sauce green which the kids love.

2. Just a Spoonful of Sugar..

It is simply amazing what a toddler will eat if you make it a little sweeter. If you are having trouble getting your child to eat carrots, try using a brown sugar glaze. If it is pork or beef, try putting a sweet fruit sauce or applesauce on the meat. A little bit of honey on her chicken may help her get it down a little easier. If your little one refuses to drink milk add a little chocolate syrup and watch how fast it gets finished.

3. Make Dinner Fun

If the dinner table becomes a battleground, nobody ends up eating well. Make sure you laugh and joke and play during dinner. Count the peas as you eat them, make mashed potato sculptures then eat them with your fingers. If you make mealtime fun, your toddler is more likely to eat and it is a great bonding activity for your family.

4. Finger Foods, Finger Foods, Finger Foods

Toddlers have a hard time with utensils. They are learning but cannot be expected to eat every dish at every meal with a fork or spoon. They get tired and frustrated, then get fussy and are likely to stop eating. A good rule of thumb is to have only one dish per meal that requires your child to use a utensil. If you are having roast beef, cut it into strips for your little one. She can use her hands for the beans and a fork for the potatoes. If you are having spaghetti, let her use her hands. You might have a bit of a mess, but at least your toddler is getting some nutritious food in her stomach.

These tips should help you to get your toddler to eat his meals, but if they don't, try not to fret. Toddlers are the fussiest eaters on the planet and yet still manage to get what they need to grow. However, if he truly seems not to be eating, do not hesitate to take him to his doctor to be evaluated.

Unwanted Divorce

The respectable life of a widow,
was a role I was ready to play.
As the cancer destroyed your body,
I’d dream of that glorious day.

I had planned to the nines, your funeral
and picked out the perfect black dress,
practiced my tears in the mirror and
rehearsed my grief to my best.

“Your so brave” they would all be consoling,
“You are handling this all so well.”
“I’ll miss him, my husband of fifty years,”
I’d be lying, but no one could tell.

Then that donor came through with that liver,
and you got better as a matter of course.
But I can’t take another moment with you
so sign these, I want a divorce!

How to Get your Neighbours Together

The community of the 1950's is long gone and we do not socialize with our neighbors as prior generations did. With busy work schedules, soccer practice and the Internet it is difficult to find time to turn the folks next door from neighbors into friends.  There are so many good reasons to get to know your neighbors better.  It is nice to have someone watch your house while you are away; to mow your lawn if you are ill, or simply to have someone from whom you can borrow a cup of sugar. Although the task may seem daunting, there are ways to reach out and start friendships that can last a lifetime. Try some of the following ideas to make your neighborhood more of a community. Do not be afraid to make the first move, both you and your neighbors will be glad you did.

Host a Barbecue

There are a number of ways to do this. If there is a central park in the neighborhood, you can set up barbecues there and do a pot luck. If your community allows it, you can block of your street and have the event out front or you can even have different courses served in different yards (eg. appetizers at the Jone's, dessert at the Johnson's). The best way to get the word out is to place invitations in everyone's mailbox and then follow-up a week later by going door to door. Do not worry about disturbing people. Neighbors are usually a welcome intrusion. Plus, going door to door will give you a chance to meet everyone personally, which is great for introducing people at the party.

The barbecue should be rather unstructured to give people a chance to talk, but games for the kids are a great idea. Perhaps each household could host one game. The Food Network has some terrific barbecue party ideas to get you started.

Band Together for a Cause

Whether it is to get the speed limit reduced on your street, have a park added to your community or establishing a Block Parent program there is nothing like a cause to bring folks together. We all want to live in the best neighborhood possible and it is a terrific opportunity to get everyone involved. The best approach is to talk to your neighbors door to door about the issue, then set a date and location for the meeting. Chances are you will form subcommittees to deal with different elements which is a super way for neighbors to become allies and then friends.

Once the issue is resolved, you can always find new ways to bring your community together. Both firefighters and police have neighborhood liaisons that talk to people on safety. You also can have your local city councilman come and speak about future plans for your area. There are always causes that can help knit residents together.

Host a "Spring Cleaning"

No matter where you live, early spring reveals the ravages of the winter. The trash that has been hidden under snow for months or branches that have fallen due to winter storms can make a neighborhood look dingy and depressed. Organizing a spring clean up is a fantastic way to get your lawns and streets in ship-shape and offers a chance to get to know your neighbors better. Arm your children with garbage and recycling bags and parents with chain-saws and ladders and prepare yourself for a day of fun, laughter, and good old-fashioned hard work. It is especially nice to help out elderly neighbors with tree trimming and gutter cleaning. Any money you make on recycled materials you can put towards next summer's barbecue.

A cohesive and friendly neighborhood is a great place to live. Knowing you can count on the people next door in an emergency is terrific. Nurture theses relationships and they will be there for you; to keep your spare key, to brew a coffee and listen to a problem, and of course to lend you that cup of sugar.

The Deadline

The year, it was two thousand twenty,
the earth was still alive.
With morals few and guns a’plenty
it was hard just to survive.

The war had left us short of men,
the quakes had turned the water.
We all seemed soaked in blood and sin,
and Hell could be no hotter.

Most women folk could not conceive,
and if they did we prayed,
that babies born could hear and see
or their lives would not be saved.

In this new world there wasn’t time
for love, just time for dread.
Each day we drew out two new lines,
for life, and one for dead

And if one woke up with cough and fever
then he was out of time.
With no meds to cure, or pills to give her
They must go to the line.

A deadline in this brave new world,
truly meant your time was done,
A difficult cut with a dirty sword
to save the ammo for the gun.

Songs for the Father - Daughter Dance

The tear-jerker of every wedding reception is the father-daughter dance. It is inherently sweet, the love of a father as he gives his baby girl to her new husband. Heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. Thank goodness the music industry has provided us with endless choices for the perfect song for this dance.

The following songs are all guaranteed to bring a smile and a tear to each guest at your reception. They are rated in order of the Tear Factor.

One Teardrop - Sweet Child of Mine

Whether you choose the Cheryl Crow version or the original Guns and Roses version, this song will get your Dad rockin' and the crowd laughing. A great choice if you don't take yourself too seriously.

Two Teardrops - Sunshine of My Life

"You are the sunshine of my life, that's why I'll always be around." What a beautiful sentiment. Lovely, traditional father-daughter dance song.

Three Teardrops - Circle Game

Joanie Mitchell breaks your heart with this one by describing a child growing to adulthood and how short and circular our lives are.

Four Teardrops - Lullaby

This song is a great choice because it is so fitting but not heard very often at weddings. Billy Joel doesn't get it wrong too often. If your relationship with your Dad is a little rocky you might want to try his other song Moving Out

Five Teardrops - Fragile Leaf

The deep soulful melody in this song is like melting into one of your Dad's best bear-hugs. It is by an indie artist, Shannon Bryant.

Six Teardrops - Teach Your Children Well

By Crosby, Stills and Nash, this gem expresses the importance of allowing your children to follow their dreams. It's about keeping them close while letting them go.

Seven Teardrops - To Sir With Love

Another unusual one, especially nice when the father is older or if a grandfather is the father figure. It is especially endearing as it comes from a daughter's point of view.

Eight Teardrops - Sunrise, Sunset

This song from Fiddler on the Roof is perfect for the bride with brothers and sisters. There won't be a dry eye in the family during a dance to this song.

Nine Teardrops - I Loved Her First

Thank goodness all you have to do is dance and not sing it. Anyone who has ever raised a daughter would be hard-pressed to make it through this song with dry eyes. Heartland does an amazing job of expressing the love for his daughter but still keeping the cheese factor to a minimum.

Ten Teardrops - Turn Around

There are a few versions around, but Kenny Loggins' is the best. 'Turn around and she's two, turn around and she's four, turn around and she's a young girl walking out of the door." Pass the tissues for this one, the heart-wrenching pain and pride of a father watching his beloved little girl grow is almost too much. A terrific choice for your wedding.

These are but a few of the many songs out there. Think of what is special between the two of you. It doesn't have to be traditional, it just has to have meaning, but whether you are rockin', waltzing or slam-dancing, enjoy your special dance.

How to Lift Your Spirits

"When you're alone and life is making you lonely
You can always go - downtown
When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry
Seems to help, I know - downtown"

Petula Clark knew what to do to get herself out of a funky mood back in the '60s; a little exercise, a change of scenery and a great tune. A perfect cheering up recipe. When life gets rough, we all need a way to get ourselves back on track. If you're not sure what might work for you, try a couple of the following ideas and you'll be smiling in no time.

1. Music

Put on a happy tune and dance, sing, or even indulge yourself in a little air-guitar. Groove to the beat and lose yourself in the song. Turning the beat around can turn the mood around.

2. Laugh

Go on-line and spend sometime on a funny joke site, or look up funny videos on You Tube. Watch an old rerun episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and just let yourself laugh. Laughing releases endorphins and makes us feel good in spite of ourselves.

3. Nurture

Bake banana bread for an elderly neighbour, or cut her lawn. Call your mom and listen to her problems or baby-sit your sister's children for the evening. Helping others makes us feel better about ourselves.

4. Get Moving

Go for a walk, head to the gym, or go for a swim, anything that gets you moving will help make you feel better. Your brain get the message that you are taking care of yourself and the actual exercise is a mood elevator.

5. Call Your Best Friend

Whether you call or visit, seeing a friend is probably the best way to lift your mood. You can get that terrible day off your chest, and before you know it you will be smiling and laughing about all the curve balls life throws at you.

6. Go to the Park

Watch the kids play with abandon with no worries about how they look. Not much gets a six-year old down, especially when there are swings and a slide nearby.

7. Try Some Retail Therapy

Don't max out your credit cards but buying a shirt that you feel good in, or a good book to read can give you a lift. Just getting out and spending time near people is good therapy.

8. Indulge Yourself

Whether you are male or female, getting a new haircut or relaxing in a nice, hot bathtub are great stress relievers to help forget the problems of a tough day. We have to remember to be good to ourselves.

9. Eat Your Fruits

Evidence shows that eating healthy carbohydrates such as fruits can help improve your mood by increasing serotonin levels which can in turn can reduce pain and produce a sense of calm.

10. Take A Break

You may be grouchy because you are tired. If possible lie down for twenty minutes, or just sit with your eyes closed for a while and try to clear your mind. With cell phones buzzing, emails coming in, traffic honking, and bosses yelling it is easy for your mind to go into hyper-drive. If you can drown everything out for a few minutes and reboot your brain you might just find that your mood has been rebooted as well.

The main thing to remember is that bad moods are not permanent. They will pass, and when all else fails you can take the advice of Petula and go Downtown.

How to Write a Speech

Most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy -Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry nailed it.  Public speaking is one of the number one fears, ranking before the fear of death. The thought of making a speech in front of an audience can be terrifying to some. It's a shame this fear may prevent someone from toasting the happy couple or properly memorializing a loved one.  It doesn't have to, the fear stems from not being prepared or not having the right words to say. The following are a few tips to find those words and deliver a wonderful speech.

1. Decide what tone you want for the speech.

As a rule, a sentimental speech is easier to both write and deliver than a humorous speech.

2. Figure out what is special about the speech's subject.

Whether it is a bride who makes the world a better place by doing charity work, the deceased grandfather's love of bird-watching, or a couple's unique proposal story, jot it all down.

3. Make notes about what is special about your relationship with the speech's subject.

People love a personal anecdote when listening to a speech; it brings them emotionally closer to both the speaker and the subject. So write down those special or funny stories.

4. Are there any other people close to the subject of the speech that should be included?

In both a eulogy and a wedding speech it is nice to mention close family and friends. Add an anecdote or two or simply welcome or thank individuals.

5. Are there any favourite songs or poems of the speech's subject?

It's nice to open a speech with a quote from the bride and groom's "song" or a favourite bible verse of the dearly departed.

*Congratulations, your speech is almost written. You are probably sitting with enough material for a three minute speech. Now you just have to put it together.

6. Start with a quote such as:

"Have I told you lately that I love you, Have I told you there is no one else above you". You can than lead in with "this song sums up how "Jack and Jill" feel about each other. It doesn't matter what the song is.

7. Simply add in the anecdotes and stories from steps two and three.

Your writing doesn't have to be perfect. If it's from the heart, people will love it, so don't stew over grammar or repeated words. No one will care.

8. Add in your welcomes and thank you's.

You can say something like "I would like to thank you all for attending what I know will be a lasting union" or "I would like to thank all of you for attending this celebration of my mother's life."

9. Add a poem or a toast.

There are many websites that offer free poems. You can use Google or try loveofpoems.com for eulogies or IslandIreland.com for wedding toasts.

10. Put the speech on recipe card sized paper and practice, practice, practice.

Do it in front of your spouse, your children, your parents, your friend, the mirror. The point of all this practice is to get used to the speech. The better you know it the easier it will be to deliver.

It may seem overwhelming at first but you can write this speech and deliver it. The nicest thing about overcoming this fear is that you may start to enjoy writing and giving speeches. It is rewarding to be able to speak to a crowd in your own words.

If worse comes to worse and you just can't write that speech, don't despair there is help. There are a few websites that offer a great service to the oratorically challenged:

To buy a speech, look to spend $50 - $200. Money well spent for some people.

Which ever direction you decide on, don't let the fear of public speaking overwhelm you. The trick is to practice and be yourself. People in your audience want you to succeed. Remember, it really is better to be giving the eulogy than to be in the casket.

The Hand of a Mother

The Hand Of A Mother

The hand of a mother can cradle her babe,
And will care, feed and nurture him all of his days.

The hand of a mother can sooth a sore wound,
And when joined with her kiss, it will heal up soon.

The hand of a mother bakes mouth-watering treats,
And a bit of her love goes in each wonderful sweet.

The hand of a mother can wipe her babe's tears
And will continue to do so for many a year

The hand of a mother is both strong and soft,
To comfort her children when their way has been lost.

The hand of a mother can be folded in prayer,
To give thanks, to praise, or simply to share.

The hand of a mother acts with kindness and love,
Because the hand of a mother is guided by God.

Getting Married in Hamilton

How to Get Married in Hamilton, Ontario Area on a Budget

Hamilton is a difficult city to navigate through when trying to figure out how to get married economically.  Many unique and traditional venues are incredibly expensive.  There are also many unique and traditional venues that are very reasonable.  The following is a list of half a dozen possible wedding venues for the bride on a budget.

1. The Grand Olympia

Unbelievably this high-end banquet hall can fit in your budget, if you are willing to get married off-season.  For less than $60/plate you get a gourmet meal, a full bar, and a decorated hall.  They are open to negotiations in the off-season and you should be able to get the DJ and the cake added to your package at no, or little extra charge.  If you are willing to get married Sunday-Thursday you may be able to get married for under $50/plate.  http://www.olympiabanquets.ca/pdf/specials2.pdf

2. Grand River Dinner Cruises

If you want a magical wedding on the river, this is one of the nicest ways to get married.  If your wedding guest list is under 60 people, you can get married, cruise, enjoy a delicious three-course meal with a few glasses of wine, all for under $3000.  You can decorate the boat as you wish and the staff are very accommodating.  http://www.grandrivercruises.ca/2012%20wedding%20info.pdf

3. Slainte Irish Pub

If you are looking for a more casual atmosphere that promises a down to earth style, great tasting food and a super fun atmosphere, it is worth taking a look at this authentic Irish Pub.  (It truly is authentic, torn down in Ireland and shipped to Hamilton).  Get married at church, the lake, or even Gage Park (yes, they do it, call city of Hamilton for more details) and then come enjoy the reception at this unique venue and pay as little at $40/plate.  http://www.slainteirishpub.ca/pdf/Platters_Menu.pdf

4. Christies Conservation Area

Get married on the conservation lake and then have a picnic reception at the park.  They have a gorgeous pavilion available with a kitchen that you are free to decorate as you like.  You can have your wedding catered, hire a barbeque service or just have a friend run the grill.  Add some salads, some sandwiches and a bar and you are away to a reasonable priced wedding that is fun for everyone.  The charge to use the park is under $500 and the price of the reception can be done for as little as $10/person. http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/christie-lake

5. The Binbrook Agricultural Society Building

This venue is terrific if you are looking for a venue to hold more than 200 people.  It is big enough for a large dance floor and the hall will cater your wedding for you, for less than $20 per person.  The food is good old-fashioned home cooking and is delicious.  http://www.binbrookfair.org/Catering/Catering.html

6. Flamborough Downs Live Horse Racing

If you want to try something completely different, how about an Outdoor Barbeque at their outdoor pavilion or a hot dinner or lunch buffet inside.  Meals start as low as $10/person and the room rental is under $300.  It does not come much more reasonable, or much more fun. http://www.flamborodowns.com/groups/catering/we_offer_you.aspx

This list of economical venues in Hamilton is far from exhaustive but it is a great place to start.  You might also want to check http://www.paulshalls.info/ which lists hundreds of halls for rent throughout Ontario.  Remember to negotiate. The stated price for wedding is seldom the final price.  Do not be afraid to ask for discounts on everything from your flowers to your venue, to your dress.

Crabby Abby's Breakfast Adventure

Crabby Abby's Breakfast Adventure

Crabby Abby woke up one day,
Sat down to breakfast, to her dismay,
She no longer fancied her curds and whey,
They are much too sticky and taste like hay.

She grabbed her pup Otis and off they went,
Her plan was to use her puppy's keen scent,
To sniff out new food for her breakfast event,
Something so tasty, and yet not cost a cent.

Otis sniffed something down by the river,
It was a horrible smell, it gave Abby the shivers,
And tending the grill, was an old man, quite withered.
Who offered them barbequed, water snake livers.

After a while they saw a house near a brook,
And singing inside, was Gerda the cook,
Reading a recipe from her mouldy cookbook,
And then out of her cupboard, bug-guts she took.

As Abby and Otis went on down the path,
They saw George the Dragon fresh from his bath.
He was eating a sandwich and doing some math.
The sandwich was made from scraps from the trash.

Abby said, "Otis, this isn't good,
It seems that no-one has good tasting food.
Next meal we see might be one of blood pud',
So zip up your sweater, I'll put up my hood."

So back they went to their own breakfast table,
Grateful that their food required no label,
Where they ate curds and whey 'till they were no longer able
And that is the end of this little fable!

How to Make Money as a Stay at Home Mom

Almost all new moms struggle with the decision on whether or not to go back to work. With rising prices, increasing debt loads and the economy still in recovery, staying at home often seems impossible. There are however, a few ways to make money and not have to go into the office everyday. These are some real options for real women.

1. Drive a School Bus

If you are a good driver with a clean record, love kids and are good with directions this is a terrific job for you. Most school boards in the United States, and all of them in Canada allow you to bring your infant to preschool aged children on the runs with you. Check when you apply. The bus company pays for the training and the licence upgrade and it takes about two weeks of your time. Check out First Student, the largest school bus company for more information. For a step by step guide on how to become a school bus driver in Canada, check out "How to Become A School Bus Driver In Canada."

Cost to get started: Babysitter for the two week training
Expect to make: $200-$400/week

2. Crafts

If you have a terrific talent for knitting, crocheting, pottery or any other craft you might want to consider signing up for an Etsy store. This is an on-line craft fair where you can show off your goods or bid to create requested items.

Cost to get started: $1 for the Etsy-store sign up, materials
Expect to make: $20-$100 per item

3. Buying and Selling

If you love to shop garage sales you can turn this into some extra money. Look specifically for children's items, bicycles, small tables. Clean them up, paint them if necessary and then put them up for sale for a profit on Craigslist or Kijiji.

Cost to get started: just a few dollars for your garage sale finds
Expect to make: up to $100 per week if you are diligent

4. Writing

If you have a way with words you should consider joining a writing site such as Helium or Associated Content. Generally, these sites pay better the more articles you write and it may take you a few months to write enough articles to make more than just pennies, but if you stick with it, you can make a nice income.

Cost to get started: $0
Expect to make: $5 - $300/month

5. Catalogue Sales

If you have a very wide social circle you may want to look into selling Avon, Tupperware or Regal. You just have to control your own urges to purchase their items.

Cost to get started: $0 - $10
Expect to make: $20-200/month

6. Tailoring/Alterations

If you have a way with a thread and needle there is money to be made in simple alterations. Hemming, taking in, or letting out, it is a terrific way to bring in some extra income. Work with a local store or dry-cleaner. Put on-line ads up on Craigslist or Kijiji. Put paper ads up at local Laundromats.

Cost to get started: $0 if you already have the supplies.
Expect to make: $50-200/week depending on how well you advertise

7. Babysitting

If a houseful of children is music to your ears and you have a child-care background, babysitting one or two children during the working day might be a way for you to bring in some extra money. Check into your local child-care regulations for what is required in your area.

Cost to get started: varies
Expect to make: $80-$200/child/week

8. Photography

Are you a terrific amateur photographer without the equipment or money to photograph weddings or to take professional portraits? You can still offer some unique photographic services. Put up an on-line or newspaper ad to photograph a marriage proposal, a child's birth, a graduation or a birthday party. You will be surprised at how many people will jump at the chance to have these special events photographed well.

Cost to get started: $0 if you already have a good digital camera
Expect to make: $25/hour

This list is by no means complete, there are dozens of ways to make an income and continue to be a stay-at-home-mom. Make a list of what you can offer, from both a talent and time point of view, look at these suggestions and stretch your mind to find something that will work for you. Be creative, be diligent and be ready to bank your earnings.

Bed-wetting Strategies

When you are changing the sheets at three in the morning while your spouse has your young child in the bathtub, there is little consolation to hear how common bedwetting is.  However, it is a very common issue with a great number of children and even some young adults.  There is hope though; there are ways to make nighttime wetting a thing of the past.

1.  Consider Your Child’s Age

If your child is only three or even four, they just may not by physically ready for nighttime potty training.  If your child is day-trained but wetting the bed at night just give it another six months or so in pull-ups.  If it simply a matter of not quite being ready, she will start staying dry on her own overnight.  Then it is a simple matter of eliminating the pull-ups.

2.  Restricting Liquids

This is a tried and true method of nighttime training.  You ensure the last liquid he gets, is with his dinner.  This gives a couple of hours for it to get through his system and then you have him go potty before bed.  It is very difficult to wet the bed with an empty bladder.  This is a great system to use in the cool months but it is not recommended to restrict liquids in warm weather.

3.  Wake the Child Up

If your child tends to wet her bed around the same time every night, try waking her up an hour before that, it may mean setting your alarm.  The trick here is in not allowing her to wake right up and be up all night.  Leave the lights dim and use a wipe to wash her hands rather than letting her wash them herself and then quickly put her back to bed.

4.  Try Some Creative Visualization

A school of thought believes that the bedwetting issue can be solved with mind over matter; that the brain not the bladder is the major issue.  The basic idea is to use imagery and repetition to help break the bed wetting cycle.  “Dry All Night” is the name of a book that utilizes these concepts and that many parents swear has helped cure chronic bed-wetters.

 5.  Visit your Paediatrician

It may be that your child’s issue is a medical problem.  It could be an allergy, urinary tract infection or a reflex bladder.  Your doctor can help you rule out any of these and he may also have some suggestions based on your particular child’s medical history.

Most children outgrow bedwetting eventually and in the meantime, there are a number of products available to keep them dry at night.  Underjams and Goodnites are discrete and look like underwear and will keep your child’s sheets dry while not causing him any shame or embarrassment.   The best advice though is to relax about it all.  Stressed parents create stressed children and stressed children will never be able to stop wetting their beds.