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Post by franko on Dec 25, 2007 12:48:31 GMT -5
OK -- it's sad, I know, to be playing on the site on Christmas Day . . . but I'm relaxed and relaxing and so what! The presents here have been opened and everyone has crashed back to sleep (our "youngsters" still get up/get us up early -- today they "slept in" until about 6  before they woke us up -- and they quickly headed back to bed . . . 2 of them work later -- double time-and-a-half makes a big difference to university students). So . . . what did Santa bring? Not sure what to do with HA's certificate of a visit from Mistress Wanda myself, but I'll figure it out (hope he enjoys the Bible I bought him ;D). Unfortunately, this year I get a furnace, to be installed Thursday. Yup, the quick inspection I had [obvious mistake!] meant that I would have been red-tagged if I hadn't known the guy and made an immediate order (throwing myself on the ground and having a temper tantrum must have helped). Stupid Ontario government -- the furnace was fine last year, but this year they changed teh specs/requirements so it is "unsafe". Unsafe??? It's been fine all these years, but now all of a sudden it isn't? I think they are in collusion with the furnace companies, myself. Oh, and I also get a new car. Something that was on the list of "upcoming purchases" -- certainly unplanned for now. But when they die they die. It has been a good vehicle (though a gas-sucking pig of a mini-van), but now repairs outweigh the cost of replacement . . . so Thursday after the furnace is replaced I waste take the afternoon talking to salespeople, them trying to wear me down, me saying "but I'm not going to pay that". At least the laptop came in -- PC, unfortunately, not a Mac; the good thing -- I was able to get it with XP rather than Vista. May this day be one of rest and enjoyment for all. Now if the Habs would brighten my week with a couple of wins in a row . . . |
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Post by habmeister on Dec 25, 2007 18:34:59 GMT -5
not much for myself, a few small things, i asked my family to donate to a few charities in my name instead, i don't enjoy getting gifts i don't need when there are millions of kids in the world that don't even eat. sorry i hope it didn't rain on anyone's parade, but it makes me feel good to help others more than getting "things" myself. i in no way expect or think anyone else should do it or feel the way i do, its just my own thing.
it started 5 years ago when i sponsored my first child in nepal, even though she doesn't write to me or anything like that its great to see that she's healthy and getting an education from only $1/day from me.
i highly recommend it, 90% of us can afford it, but less than 1% actually do.
anyone else do any charitable things? its my dream to leave a legacy of a school or something like that when i leave this rock.
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Post by franko on Dec 25, 2007 18:56:29 GMT -5
not much for myself, a few small things, i asked my family to donate to a few charities in my name instead, i don't enjoy getting gifts i don't need when there are millions of kids in the world that don't even eat. sorry i hope it didn't rain on anyone's parade, but it makes me feel good to help others more than getting "things" myself. i in no way expect or think anyone else should do it or feel the way i do, its just my own thing. Excellent! My wife and I have passed the point of giving gifts to each other just to give gifts -- our list (easier that way) included books and CDs (that we'd probably buy ourselves anyway!), though there is always the small throw-ing gift or two as a surprise. Chidlren are old enough that they get gift certificates so they can buy the clothes they'd wear rather than what we'd give them. [the things listed above were not options for me . . . and I'd much rather than saved the money needed to be spent] But as to the charities . . . it is a great idea. We decided to do that for all the adult friends and relatives we normally give gifts to . . . then we thought we'd better clear it with them. Winds up they were all of the same mind. There are so many different and worthy charities it is hard to single some out, though eventually one must. We sponsor a child through World Vision, so topped up there and added a goat; our church's compassionate ministries arm does great work with AIDS orphans in Africa so we donated there as well. We are also sponsoring a church in Cuba: the minister and congregation merely subsists) so even comparatively we are very well off. Not tooting my own horn, as you are not . . . but you are so right: A lot of people talk about the need and the sorry state of our selfish North American society, but never do anything about it. We have so much in Canada and act like we deserve it. Legacy: remembered not for greatness as the world sees it but for being a great person. The beginning lyrics of a song I like: When the music fades into the past,
When the days of life are through,
What will be remembered of where I've come?
When all is said and done?[I'd better stop: beginning to sound like a sermon ;D] So . . . in answer . . . yes . . . you are lot alone . . . I imagine we aren't alone. But I must admit, I didn't buy even one tree (save the one that was cut down and is standing decorated in my living room) let alone an acre of rainforest . . . |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 25, 2007 21:31:07 GMT -5
anyone else do any charitable things? I give to charities throughout the year. Mostly to cancer-related charities though. Our family has been hit pretty hard by this disease. I'm a part-time teacher and full-time curriculum designer. I've taught both young people and adults and its rewarding to see what they take with them when they finally graduate. Cheers. |
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Post by CentreHice on Dec 25, 2007 21:52:19 GMT -5
not much for myself, a few small things, i asked my family to donate to a few charities in my name instead, i don't enjoy getting gifts i don't need when there are millions of kids in the world that don't even eat. sorry i hope it didn't rain on anyone's parade, but it makes me feel good to help others more than getting "things" myself. i in no way expect or think anyone else should do it or feel the way i do, its just my own thing. it started 5 years ago when i sponsored my first child in nepal, even though she doesn't write to me or anything like that its great to see that she's healthy and getting an education from only $1/day from me. i highly recommend it, 90% of us can afford it, but less than 1% actually do. anyone else do any charitable things? its my dream to leave a legacy of a school or something like that when i leave this rock. Good for you. This year, instead of a family gift exchange, we've donated to a young man (25) who needs a bone marrow transplant. Also, our band is putting on a Classic Rock Concert on his behalf. He has to go to the States to get it done....because Canada (Ontario) won't do near match....the U.S. will and it costs $200,000. (After hearing about the movie "Sicko" one really has to wonder how much of that cost is pure gravy.) Anyway...his family has mortgaged their house to raise money. We're trying our part to ease their burden. Here's the site: www.helpdany.comP.S. The Hispanic community is his best shot at a perfect match, but sadly, there is no bone marrow registry in Central America....apparently many would-be donors are frightened of waking up without a kidney (or other organ) due to the black market. Scary world..... |
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Post by franko on Dec 25, 2007 22:32:31 GMT -5
So . . . perhaps the thread should be called "What are you and Santa giving/bringing?".
When and where is the concert, CV?
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Post by CentreHice on Dec 25, 2007 22:45:48 GMT -5
So . . . perhaps the thread should be called "What are you and Santa giving/bringing?". When and where is the concert, CV? You mean CH?  It's going to be held near the end of January somewhere in the Kitchener/Cambridge area. Dany is from Kitchener, and I'm from Cambridge. I approached the organizer with the idea....he's looking for venues right now...especially ones that will lower their rates or donate for this cause. Most halls charge full rate no matter what the event. Then I'll get on local radio/newspapers, along with the spearheader (Ron Giles....a great story. He donated his bone marrow a few years ago and saved a life. He's been hooked ever since on doing whatever he can to get people to register.....raise money, etc.) I'll post when/where the event will take place as soon as I know. |
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Post by franko on Dec 25, 2007 22:55:08 GMT -5
So . . . perhaps the thread should be called "What are you and Santa giving/bringing?". When and where is the concert, CV? You mean CH? Of course I do  Probably a little too far to drive just to heckle you ;D but it is amazing when a community comes together. |
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Post by Skilly on Dec 27, 2007 0:31:35 GMT -5
Santa got me a new Taylor Made putter and hiking boots.
As for charities, I, like Dis, donate throughout the year to cancer (and other disease) charities. And I donate on a monthly basis to the local children's hospital.
My work sponsors 3 or 4 local families each year to buy presents, groceries, and a cash donation. This year my wife and I bought something for everyone in each family (as opposed to picking a random gift of the present list - I did that a got toothpaste. I came home disgusted because, to me, these children deserve one day where they should be spoiled. So we went out and bought them presents as if they were our own children)
I heard too many horror stories about how much a child actually receives when you sponsor a child, that it turned me from doing that. (although I applaud you guys for doing it) I am also a big fan of anonymous donations (especially xmas time) ... to that extent, my wife and I agreed that next year we will be approaching a local church/organization and sponsoring a family anonymously next Xmas.
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Post by Cranky on Dec 27, 2007 2:31:44 GMT -5
Some sky pilot send me one of this. It almost burst into flames when I got close to it.....  .....so I went and exchanged it for this....  And I also got one of this.....  And I thought that it was some kind of cool Spartan armour. Until the wife showed me the padlock...... |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2007 23:39:26 GMT -5
The 'rents got me an iPod nano. Pretty expensive, but my step-dad bought an HD box for his very nice TV. We watched football and hockey in high definition. It was pretty amazing. I was sad to have to come back to Hamilton.
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Post by jkr on Dec 30, 2007 9:04:53 GMT -5
The 'rents got me an iPod nano. Pretty expensive, but my step-dad bought an HD box for his very nice TV. We watched football and hockey in high definition. It was pretty amazing. I was sad to have to come back to Hamilton. Know what you mean. My parents have a HD set & about 1000 channels. Then I come home to my 19" set & basic cable.  |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 30, 2007 19:28:22 GMT -5
Some sky pilot send me one of this. It almost burst into flames when I got close to it..... .....so I went and exchanged it for this.... And I also got one of this..... And I thought that it was some kind of cool Spartan armour. Until the wife showed me the padlock...... Geeze ... I felt a tad out of place mentioning my seasons 1 & 2 of Rome. Wonder what people would think of my Christmas edition of "Playboy" I found in my stocking? Kim Kardashian is featured on the cover. Isn't Mrs Dis wonderful? Cheers ... I mean ... Happy New Year everyone!! |
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before they woke us up -- and they quickly headed back to bed . . . 2 of them work later -- double time-and-a-half makes a big difference to university students).
