Today's mixed messages

The corkboard by the microwave here is sporting a "Weight Watchers" poster, a "Fitness class" poster and a "Girl Guide Cookies for Sale!" poster.

Who says the hunt has begun?

The social committee has organized an Easter Egg hunt today.

I am reminded of this.

Looks like it's Thursday at RIM

Seems to be Thursday for some people with RIM jobs.

I'd refer you to our HR department, but I don't think there's anyone left down there...

Some bright-eyed and crazy, some frightened and lost

The Conservatives must be absolutely desperate to be this afraid of Bob Rae.  Maybe they've forgotten that they won stole a majority in the election last year.  Otherwise, how can you explain attack ads on the interim leader of the third place party?

Maybe they're getting nervous about the new mandatory minimum sentences for election fraud...

Conversation of the day

F: [calling from the bathroom]: Veronica! Get in here!
V: What?
F: Come here. Now listen, do not talk.
V: But...
F: No! Listen! NO talking!
V: I...
F: LISTEN! And WATCH! This. Is how. You FLUSH! [toilet flushes]

She's only in Grade Three, but it's no wonder she's been voted "most likely to be punched out in the schoolyard" four years running.

Conversation of the day

On tonight's Brier telecast...

Vic: Who was the last Calgary team to appear at the Brier?

Russ: Eddie Lukowich, 1994.

Vic: Who was the last Calgary team to win the Brier?

Russ: Eddie Lukowich, 1986.  I helped him win it.

[For the non-curling fans in the crowd (what are you doing here, anyway?) Lukowich beat Russ Howard in the final...]

Timeline of Conservative Election Chicanery

The Sixth Estate has a wonderful Timeline of Conservative Election Chicanery.

Keep checking back – I’m sure this story will go on and on.

Cunning linguistics

One of our team members cornutos is travelling for work in the near future.  He's been perusing his Italian phrasebook to get ready for the trip.

That reminded me of my university roommate, who boasted that he was able to say "Sit on my face" in many languages.  He was particularly proud of his prowess, and track record, in Italian, Spanish and French.  I guess that's why they're called "romance languages".

Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa

We spent the Family Day week in the hot sun and warm ocean of Saint Lucia, at Coconut Bay.

Coconut Bay is on the south side of the island, just a five minute drive from the airport.  The airport has a separate customs line for families travelling with children, so we were out the door and checking in at the hotel about fifteen minutes after the flight landed.  The kids were handed a fruity smoothie and we were sipping a rum punch (or two) while checking in.

We found our room, dropped our bags, threw on some shorts and went out to the patio for the Caribbean Night barbeque.  Next thing you know, the kids were onstage doing the limbo with the local dancers.

A big attraction for families at Coconut Bay is the water park.  There are two water slides and a lazy river to float along.

The girls spent some time at the kids club as well.  The club was extremely well organized, with lots of fun activities, including beach Olympics and coconut bowling.  Between the kids club and the "teen hangout" the girls were often out on their own.  We would often find them at the swim-up bar, ordering another "Cloud 9" or "Sponge Bob" drink when the 11am fruity drink twitches started.  All this past week I was having "Yellow Bird" mid-morning cravings myself. 

The ocean was surprisingly warm.  V and I spent a couple of days diving to see the colourful fish.  The water was a bit turbulent due to the constant Atlantic breeze, but behind the breakwalls the fish were easy to spot in the clear blue water.

Highly recommended for a family winter getaway.

More pictures here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/101858163970822360192/StLucia2012