The ICE Idea

A recent article from the Toronto Star, "The ICE Idea", is catching on and it is a very simple, yet important method of contact for you or a loved one in the case of an emergency. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is program the number of a contact person or persons and store the name as "ICE".

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when they went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which numbers to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name to file 'next of kin' under.

Following a disaster in London the East Anglican Ambulance Service has launched a national "IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (ICE)" campaign. The idea is that you store the word "ICE" in your mobile phone address book, and with it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency". In an emergency situation, emergency services personnel and hospital staff would then be able to quickly contact your next of kin, by simply dialing the number programmed under "ICE".

Please forward this. It won't take too many forwards before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest. For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Well, i'm not sure how this "really could save my life," but it's a good idea, just the same.
This would also be a good time to thank the nice Albion Ferry workers for dialling "dad" and leaving a message when my sister left her cell phone on the ferry.
Also, this is a good defense for why i programmed my number into JM's phone under "My Honey." Teehee.

Christmas Is Coming!

1. Egg Nog, Mulled Cider, or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate. Starbucks makes the yummiest peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles. (But beware, their reg. hc is grody to the max).
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Oh, he just delivers them. Mrs. Clause does the wrapping bit.
3. Do you decorate the outside of your home with lights? Any other displays?
Yes, of course! Lots of lights. (But noooo leaving them up all year!)
4. Poinsettias, Holly or Mistletoe?
Poinsettias, although holly is quite beautiful. And mistletoe is oh! so practical.
5. When do you put up your decorations?
November 12th. Right after Remembrance Day. And they have to come down by Valentine's Day so those decorations get their chance to shine!
6. Do you prefer to give or receive?
Giving is so much fun. My mom is the best person to give presents too-- she honestly loves everything and is so happy about it. (If you tell me she's just pretending, i'll send bad karma your way!)
7. Cut tree, live tree, artificial tree, or Festivus pole?
This year, artificial. But i do love cut/live trees because they smell soooo good.
8. Have you ever made a gingerbread house?
Yes, but not for a long time. I would rather have cookies than candies.
9. Do you display a nativity scene?
Several. It's just so peaceful and awe-inspiring. Not to mention the reason behind all the hulubaloo.
10. When did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't remember. I think i always knew. We always got presents from Santa and had our pictures taken with him and wrote letters... but it was never the focus. He was (is?) like a fun, imaginary part of the celebration of Jesus' birth.
11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Shudder! I despise snow.
12. Can you ice skate?
Yes. Although i try to avoid it. The whole, "freezing cold, pillow strapped to my butt, toes getting pinched" ordeal just doesn't excite me.
13. Do you open your gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
We're allowed to open one on Christmas Eve, our stockings on Christmas morning (and maybe one or two little ones), and the others when we meet up with the rest of the fam on Christmas afternoon.
14. What is the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Being with family. Just sitting quietly in front of a fire, surrounded by soft lights and decorations, soaking up the peace Christmas brings.
15. What is your favorite holiday cookie?
There are many: Russian Teacakes (also dubbed "Mexican Weddingcakes"), Rocky Mountain Christmas Candy, Almond Cookies (with pink and blue and green icing), Fudge, Peanutbutter Chocolate Balls and... well, really, is there any other time that we set aside days and days for baking?!
16. What tops your tree?
An angel, but she's a bit tipsy-- i'll have to look for a new one.
17. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Right now? O Holy Night. Because i just got the Third Day "Christmas Offerings" album and Mac Powell sounds so dreamy when he belts out "oh niiiight divIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIne..." near the end. *sigh*
18. What is your favorite Christmas movie or story?
Love Actually. While You Were Sleeping. The Grinch.
19. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
SLURP! Yum-yum! I am practically drooling just thinking about Edaleen Dairy Candy Cane Ice Cream.
20. Do you send Christmas cards?
Usually I am too late. So i write up a few and hand them out when i see people at our annual open house or the Christmas Eve service at church.
21. What kind of lights do you decorate your Christmas tree with?
White lights. This year my tree has gold ribbon and glittery pointsettas on it. It's so beautiful. But if i had time and energy, i would do it up like we used to at home: homemade strings of popcorn, dried apple slices, and cranberries.
One year we were string popcorn and my sister couldn't figure out why we were getting so far ahead of her. She finally looked down beside her, where the string was hanging over the edge of her chair, and saw our little puppy had wedged himself between her chair and the fireplace and was happily feasting on her decoration!
22. Favorite Christmas memory as a child?
Baking with my mom and sisters. Listening to Grandpa read the Christmas story. Laughing with Nana. Opening presents!
23. Best present that you have received?
The ghetto-blaster we were each given the year my parents got married.
24. Turkey, Ham, Seafood, or Soup for your holiday dinner?
Turkey. Always. I absolutely love it. We only make it twice a year, so no need to vary.
25. Describe your favorite Christmas ornament.
Every year my parents give us an ornament. My mom painted one that has a button on the back that plays music. I also love the ancient one that has a teeny nativity scene in a white mesh half-bulb.

Old dog, new trick

One day Cuddles the poodle starts chasing butterflies and before long he discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.

The old poodle thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep trouble now!" Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on them with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the old poodle exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike. A look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. "Whew!" says the leopard, "That was close! That old poodle nearly had me!"

Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard so off he goes. The old poodle sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up. The monkey soon catches up, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard.

The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!"

Now, the old poodle sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?" But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet. Just when they get close enough to hear, the old poodle says "Now where's that darned monkey? I sent him off over an hour ago to bring me another leopard!"

Moral of this story:
Don't mess with old geezers... age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill! B.S. and brilliance only come with age and experience.