I Pronounce thee 'Noteworthy'.doc

I realized this morning that I hadn't christened December with a blog post. It's been (gasp!) almost three days since I said goodbye to November with a recount of the Ale Fest and musing on the political turmoil in Ottawa. The reason for my lack of posting has actually been a lack of action - I've been spending my mornings, afternoons, and evenings working on the final presentation for Friday. Since I'm sure you don't want to hear about the boring nature of during these work sessions, today will be a list of random news items I'm deeming noteworthy.

Note one: I received my first Christmas Card of the season from my Aunt Theresa and Uncle Ed on Monday. It was a subtle reminder how much I'll miss the comforts of Christmas that I've always known - the annual family get together early on in the month, relaxing in the living room with the dog, and having coffee, o.j., and pastries on Christmas morning.

Note two: I received my second Christmas Card of the season from Miss Megan Marie Deeks on Tuesday. It was a subtle reminder how much I'll miss the newer comforts of Christmas that I've come to look forward to - the Bay store windows downtown, spinach dip at a DTD Christmas party for thirty, and a memorable New Years spent with friends (Jess - RIP a camera and a coat).

Note three: I received what I'm calling my Christmas Bonus this morning. Since the money has been earmarked for mobility costs to Amsterdam, which FYI is only costing me 70 quid in trains and a ferry, the rest will go towards the traveling planned for this month as well as mainland Europe jaunts once I settle in my new Dutch digs. I feel like Clark Griswald in that, oh so good, holiday flick. Side note: Emma and I often joked this summer that in our morning jog workout gear, we were the Todd  and Margo of Prescott (Clark's neighbours). Instead of an in ground pool (as if) I'm putting the money into a European vacation - also a National Lampoon's flick. 

Note four: My parents just returned from a ten day Caribbean cruise and had a wonderful time. I don't want to make all you Canadian readers jealous, but they said the temperatures were in the eighties and the visits to the ports along the way were top-rate. I can picture my Mom with a cup of hot tea scrolling through all the posts that were inaccessible while on the boat. I warned them to cancel the trip, for fear of blog withdrawal, but they've managed to return in one piece.

Note five: The temperature where we'll be staying in Turkey is 70 degrees fahrenheit today. Hincks and I won't be basking in eighty degree temps in two weeks, but there is some indication that it could range anywhere from the mid-sixties to the mid-seventies with the possibility for some rain. Regardless of the weather, I know we're going to have a smashing time. A note to travelers who book with Thomas Cook over here in the UK - there is an extra cost to request seats on the plane together! As well, we had to book a return shuttle from the airport to the hotel in advance as it was not included in the all-inclusive price we paid. Since the cost of the trip was so low these extra costs aren't outrageous, but it's a reminder how wonderful the ITRAVEL 2000 group really is. If you're looking for a vacation maybe you should...call 1-866. Wow. Deal. And get away for less (rinse and repeat).

Note six: I've only spent sixty quid on my mobile phone while in the UK - this includes the phone itself and three months of service. Twenty dollars per month for all phone related costs is unheard of in the Canada. Granted, my phone gets a lot less use than it would back home, but there is something really backward about all the cell contracts that lock customers in for three years. When I return, I'm sticking with the European pay-as-you-go. 

Note seven: Jack and potato is my favourite British lunch time meal. At first it sounded to me like a super hero duo - Jack & Potato, fighting crime and taking names. It's actually less glamorous than that; it's a baked potato with jack cheese. You can add a whole bunch of toppings to the potato and thus create a filling lunch time meal. I usually add tuna to get some protein. They're very popular here.

Doc's Prescription of the Day: Consider what exactly we deem of note and what information we ignore or decide not to pass on. This blog, for instance, could be said to be an archive of everything I've deemed worthy to share. What little notes from your day are you deeming worthy to share with others?