The Lowdown on the Shutdown

Like many, I'm shaking my head at the  US Government shutdown.  Here in under four minutes is the lowdown on the shutdown.  Sad but true...

Age-Activated Attention Deficit Disorder

I have been out of academia and the workforce for several years now and while I do make an income, I consider myself semi-retired.  There days I go full tilt and get nothing done.  I came across this video that really explains my condition.  It sums up my days to a 'T'!  Quite frankly I have always displayed signs of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) but have never been officially diagnosed even though it is quite apparent.  The inability to concentrate and focus on one task combined with dyslexia really made earning my post secondary degrees a challenge and then some.  The only way I got through academia was by religiously following a very rigid schedule.  That made it difficult for our home life raising kids because I was not as spontaneous but it is what I had to do to survive long enough to earn my degrees.

Folks not affected by ADD have no clue how challenging and frustrating it can be.  It has nothing to do with being forgetful although I may have a bit of that now that I'm getting up there in years but I take thiamin to help with any memory issues.  The real problem is not being able to focus on one task.  I seriously cannot sit and watch television without doing something else at the same time.  I knit, crochet, blog, and the list goes on but I never just watch television.  If a commercial comes on, I am up puttering, emptying the dishwasher or doing whatever pops into my mind that needs doing.  If I am online and this one really drives my husband nuts, I have a multitude of tabs open on the browser bouncing between them.  It could take me well over a day to write a blog post because I'm up and down puttering between thoughts or checking out tangents online.  The distractions never end and it is not as simple as telling me to focus because there is just too much sensory overload for me to focus on one task.

Having ADD or even ADD symptoms does not mean you have dementia and with proper health care mixed with good genes you may never develop dementia as you age.  ADD really is an issue that if you have it, you likely have had it from birth and have dealt with it for your entire live.  It isn't something that just suddenly manifests itself.  Many with ADD tend to be perfectionists which feeds into the ADD because you either do it perfect or you are off on tangents to find out how to do it perfectly.  Many are also high end achievers - scoring in the upper tenth percentile academically, climbing that corporate ladder and basically to the outside world, everything is perfect.  But it isn't.  Along with  ADD comes an incredible amount of frustration, a healthy dose of low self esteem, and a feeling of being somewhat disconnected or disorganized.  It can lead to those with adult ADD to alienate or disassociate from people because they are tired of being judged for being a bit different.  It can lead to self medication via drugs or alcohol which can complicate the problem.  At the same time, those with ADD tend to develop some rather impressive coping mechanisms but then that is the same of any disorder.  You do what you have to do to get by in life.  ADD is not funny, it isn't fun dealing with it but I can so relate to this video!

And A Soldier Cries, Oh Canada...

[Note: This is a repost from my personal blog, My Journey. It was originally posted on November 11, 2008.  I modify the note each year but have kept the original video intact.  This will be the forth year that I've used this wonderful video tribute to the fine men and women that serve our country.  Not only do they keep us safe they act as amazing Canadian ambassadors helping to maintain peace home and abroad as well as serving in a humanitarian capacity.  Please take a moment to watch the video and ponder the price so many have paid and continue to pay to make Canada the great nation that it is.]

Today I will attend the Remembrance Day ceremony in my hometown.  Yes I have to drive there and it will more than likely be unpleasant weather but I will be there!  I may even stop by the Legion afterwards to share a drink with a couple of family members who served.  I'll  gaze (actually photograph) some of the portraits of those who served in the Legion and Ladies Auxilary, my Mom and uncles for certain.  It doesn't matter how yukky the weather is, I will sit by the river and ponder those who paid the price then wander over to the cemetery to pay my respects.  Every single freedom that I enjoy as a Canadian is a result of the ultimate price paid by those who have served and continue to serve our country.  Let us never forget that!

On the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11th month we honour our fallen with 2 minutes silence from shore to shore of our great nation, Canada. Please join our nation in showing our respect and how thankful we are for enjoying the freedom they fought so hard for.

Remembrance Day Tribute

courtesy of
Global TV Edmonton

Garden Gnome
©2008-2010

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

Funny Cat Video

Having been owned by a feline friend and having grandkittens it was almost impossible not to chuckle at the cat antics in this video.  Cats are just downright hilarious at times, wouldn't you agree?  I hope you enjoy the video and have a little chuckle.  Enjoy!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Remembrance Day 2010

[Reposted from November 11, 2008 because this video is that good! Please take a few moments to view the video and ponder the price of freedom our brave service men and women have paid.]

I come from a strong military family with ancestors that were instrumental in shaping the history of Canada. I grew up surrounded by relatives who had fought for this country. Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice and while they are no longer here they live forever in our memories. If this video does not bring tears to your eyes, nothing will. On the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11th month we honour our fallen with 2 minutes silence from shore to shore of our great nation, Canada. Please join our nation in showing our respect and how thankful we are for enjoying the freedom they fought so hard for.

Remembrance Day Tribute

courtesy of
Global TV Edmonton

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Round and Round We Go

Who says Mother Nature doesn't have a sense of humour?  I spotted this little guy on one of the kitchen cupboard knobs at our vactaion home and just had to take a short video of him.  Enjoy!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

A Little Monday Chuckle

Those who have been following this blog will know exactly what the significance of the donkey is.  For those not aware of the significance of the donkey please check the archives.  Here's a cute little video of a donkey apparently not happy with things not going her way that I find just a bit on the funny side.  In some respects this rings rather close to home for a certain donkey but without going into further detail enjoy the chuckle and have a great Monday :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Toddler Argues With Mom

Following the trend of cute babies and toddlers I found another cute video of a little one arguing with her Mom.  Apparently she did not eat her food but puts up a rather good case for not doing so.  The end result is rather priceless!  Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Baby Argues With Himself

Babies and toddlers can be downright hilarious sometimes.  It's funny how after raising our own kids some of those priceless memories are now being repeated in slightly different versions by our grandbabies.  It's interesting to see how they try to figure things out while their different personalities come into play.  The problem is sometimes all you can do is laugh at their antics!  I found this cute video of a toddler after being told by his parents not to go up the stairs wrestling somewhat with self control.  Arguing with himself in the mirror seemed to be the solution to his problem.  Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Fashions and Hairstyles of the 1920's

There is just something that appeals to me about the Roaring Twenties.  This was a phase coined to describe the 1920's in North America, London, Paris and Berlin.  The time period was nestled between the end of World War I and the Wall Street Crash of 1929 that ushered in The Great Depression.  The economy flourished.  Several life changing inventions, discoveries and new technologies (automobile, moving pictures, radio) during the Roaring Twenties would change the world forever.  Jazz music became quite popular.  The mood was lighter and cheerier.

As someone interested very much in genealogy the Roaring Twenties is a fascinating time period.  The fashions and hairstyles are quite interesting, reflecting the changing roles of women in society.  Here's a great video of the fashions and hairstyles.  Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

A Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of the Toddler Party

Everyone has their opinion on current political events and the politicians give them plenty of fodder to form that opinion.  Even the little ones are getting into the political scene.  Here is a party political broadcast on behalf of the Toddler Party.  Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Monday Morning Chuckle

Monday mornings notoriously get a bad rap.  Whatever the reason everyone could use a Monday morning chuckle to brighten their day.  I found this cute video of babies laughing that is sure to bring a smile to your face.  Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Her Empty Frigidaire - An Original Country Song

One of my Twitter friends sent me the link to Paul Sonnenberg's song  Her Empty Frigidaire.  If life gets to the point you can't enjoy eating string cheese the way it was meant to be the only thing you can do is poke a little fun at it!  Enjoy :)

Here's the lyrics:

Her Empty Frigidaire

In the ice box was a single piece of string cheese
That she left me on the night she went away.
I just didn't have the heart
To pull that cheese apart
So I just ate it in the ordinary way.

And there was a beer behind that jar of pickles
If one wrinkled, orphan pickle makes a jar
And I was so glad for that
'Cause you know I'm busted flat
And she's not here to pay my tab down at the bar.

Still there's a light that shines
When the ice box door is open
And I take some comfort there.
But I don't know how long
That light can burn without her
'Cause they called to repossess the Frigidaire...

So this box of saltines just will have to do me
I can make it last at least a day or two
But as I sit here and stare
At her empty Frigidaire
I can't help wondering just where she's gotten to

Still there's a light that shines
At least when the door is open
And I take some comfort there.
And now I know how long
That light will burn without her
'Cause they're here to repossess the Frigidaire.

Well I wish had that little piece of string cheese
That she left me on the night she went away.
I still wouldn't have the heart
To pull that cheese apart
But I could eat one in the ordinary way.
Yes, I could eat one in the ordinary way.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Elvis Presley - Viva Las Vegas

I've been an Elvis Presley fan since being knee high to a grasshopper.  Over the years we have collected his singles that we play on our old juke box and many of his albums.  Here is one of my favourite Elvis Presley songs.  Enjoy :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Telemarketer Vs Leslie Nielson

I have often thought of humorous value to telemarketing after getting one of those precious [sic] calls.  If you're going for the humour value then wasting their time is the key goal since time is money especially in the telemarketing business.  Leslie Nielson is just hilarious in his approach to dealing with a telemarketer.  The poor girl was definitely getting confused.  He actually managed to waste 5.49 minutes of her time which is rather impressive.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Telemarketer Prank

As you know telemarketers are not my favourite people. Oh sure they are likely quite lovely people when they aren't calling people at inconvenient times to sell them something they don't want.  The Canadian Police Association conducts a telemarketing campaign a few times throughout the year.  I haven't heard of the Cops for Kid's program in the schools but they usually call to ask us to sponsor a less fortunate child to go to the circus.  I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I've talked to the telemarketer in the video.  The Canadian Police Association telemarketers are every bit as annoying as any other telemarketer so thanks to our phone system with built-in call block we no longer get phone calls from them.  Here's how a couple of pranksters deal with a call from the Canadian Police Association.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

It's Time for Your Monday Chuckle of the Day!

Monday's always get a bad rap because quite frankly that when all the little, annoying problems seem to happen.  It doesn't help the perception either by being overtired from a weekend of fun.  Now if this cute little video does brighten your Monday blues nothing will!  Enjoy the chuckle and remember problems are easier dealt with if you can smile :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

The Golfer's Christening

While browsing through YouTube I discovered Jeanne Robertson.  She is an amazing funny comedian who proves you don't have to resort to foul language or bathroom humour.  I quite enjoyed this short video of her describing the golfer's christening.  I hope you enjoy it as well.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

Don't Send a Man to the Grocery Store!

A few days ago I received an email with a link to the following video.   Being a foodie with a husband who has been sent to the grocery store with a list the sender likely thought I would be able to relate.  Well heck yes!  I laughed so hard I cried while mental images of her description of the events as the unfolded kept popping up.  Jeanne Robertson is one amazingly funny comedian so watch for a few more clips from her in the future.  In the meantime I hope you get a good chuckle out of the video.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010

McDonald's Big Mac Commercial (circa 1970's)

Some commercials catch on so well they become classics.  So it was with this McDonald's Big Mac commercial (circa 1970's).  Enjoy a blast from the past :)

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010