"Car-Free day"

Today is supposed to be Car-Free-Day. I don't think that many people observed this attempt at being environmental. I didn't. I would have, i really would have BUT Toronto, being the "world-class" city that it is does not have a transit system that allows for people living the burbs, working in other burbs to take transit in a reasonable amount of time. For me to get to work by transit it requires taking 2 busses, 2 subways and then another bus...a route that would probably take me 90 minutes, to drive it takes me 40-50 minutes (in traffic-20-30 with none)
If the higher-ups really want people to observe things like car-free days and take public transit days than they have to get with the program and start building better, more widespread subway lines. Sure these things cost money but so does paying the city-counsellors and other government officials 6 figure incomes when really they deserve IMO 1/2 of what they are paid!

What can we do to make those in charge aware of our serious discontent with the system??? Any suggestions???
(this post was started days and days ago but I am only just getting around to finishing it today Oct 1)

Monday Morning Beef

CYCLISTS...
today on my 40 minute commute to work I encountered several cyclists ALL of whom didn't seem to know which rules they should be following. Are they meant to follow the rules of the road that all other vehicles follow OR are they considered pedestrians? This caused me some serious stress and several heart-in-throat moments. The cyclists seem to do whatever pleases them and not have any consideration for others on the road. The big HUGE problem here is if you are the one driving the 1000 tonne car and not the 5 pound bicycle you are likely going to cause serious damage or injury to that often non-helmet-wearing human riding the bike. If you are going to ride a bike instead of walk or drive PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE obey the rules of road. You are either a vehicle, which mean you must stop at stop signs, signal (with your hand!) and give those who get there first the right of way. If you are riding on the sidewalk-then you are a pedestrian- you MUST MUST MUST stop at stop signs/lights, get off your bike and walk across the street and above all- whether you are an adult or a child WEAR A FRIGGIN' HELMET!!! You can save your own life by following the rules and giving us drivers some warning you are there!!!

my new faves

Since I am only working part-time these days we (or I) decided that I am perfectly capable of cleaning the house myself. No more cleaning lady for us (for now). I have been looking for quick cleaning solutions that are simple and also environmentally friendly. I do use white vinegar a lot but also wanted other less stinky cleaning ideas.
I have come across a couple or great web sites lately which focus on just what I am looking for.
My absolute favourite is http://www.happyslob.com/ . There are so many awesome tips on how to keep the house clean and tidy without much effort and time involved!
Check it out...not only is it useful but it also gives me a little chuckle every once in a while :)

my wishlist

from Etsy

I finally did it...

after g-d only knows how many years I finally got myself a pair of new sunglasses. I used to have a clip that fit over my regular glasses but since getting new glasses and not keeping track of the clip I just stopped wearing sunglasses. I would just squint and bear the sun shining into my eyes. I even drove home from work right into the glaring sun daily without any sunglasses. Who knows how many wrinkles I unnecessarily created by my lack of protective sunglasses. Now that I have been wearing them for just over a week I am totally addicted to them. I cannot go outside in even a little sun without them on!
It could be that my eyes have become accustomed to them being shaded...it could be that they are a lovely pair of Prada sunglasses that cost me a pretty penny so I don't want to take a chance by putting them down and possibly losing them...who knows:)
On another kind of weird note...my eyes were tested recently and after about 18 years I no longer need to wear glasses. I do have a very slight prescription but so close to 20/20 that I really don't need them!! This makes me so happy!!!