Jon and I had to do some shopping this past Saturday, so we headed to the local mall. It was a rainy day, so there wasn’t much else to do. Unfortunately, everyone else had exactly the same idea.

You forget about back-to-school time. Of course we always bought new clothes and school supplies, but you forget how big of a deal it really is. It trumps all other holidays and events except for Christmas, when it comes to retail dollars spent. And it’s even crazier than Christmas, because the whole process is guided by irritable children, who really don’t want to be there because it means that their vacation is ending.

Anyway, we were in and out of there as quickly as possible. It’s all just too much, for those of us who have no children. If I had witnessed one more extravagant brand-name purchase by a 10-year-old, or one more screaming match in the middle of a store, that would have been it for me, I think.

My baby sister is engaged! Aidan proposed to her on her birthday, and she’s very happy. They’re not making immediate wedding plans, although they’re thinking that they will have a small event. We saw both of them yesterday, along with the rest of my family, so that was great.

We also got to visit with Ted, Laurie, and James in Birch Bay on Saturday. James is doing really well at EA, and Ted and Laurie had a great trip to the interior, where they got to see Christy. So, all is well on the family front.

Today is my little sister’s birthday. She’s not so little anymore, although I will spare us both by concealing her age.

Anyways, here’s to Gretchen!

So, Jon and I spent much of this weekend watching the Olympics. We thought that the opening ceremonies were sort of so-so, although I really liked the historical tableau parade. The torch-lighting wasn’t all that impressive, though, compared to other Olympics. Also, as a non-Greek, the order of the countries was puzzling, to say the least.

I have to be honest, I’m really not a sports fan. However, between the well-edited features and the commentators walking you through every little thing, I find the Olympic coverage to be extremely accessible. I find myself watching sports that I would never seek out otherwise, like softball and cycling. I guess that the Olympics are just packaged much better for the non-fan.

My favourite event, so far, is the swimming. Races are short and engaging, which is perfect for me. You don’t really need to understand anything, like in gymnastics or diving. A bunch of people just dive in and go for it, and a few minutes later someone gets to the wall first. I think that I also like the track events, for many of the same reasons.

On Saturday, Jon and I attended a barbeque for the graphics people at Global. The party was held at a co-worker’s house on Bowen Island.

Neither Jon nor I had ever been to Bowen, but we both thought that it was perfectly charming. Summer markets, used book stores, that sort of thing. We have plans to return for a day trip, at some point. There are a number of restaurants and things within walking distance of the ferry, so you could even make the trip without your car, if it suited your fancy.

Jon’s co-worker has a cat, who in turn has four 8-week-old kittens. The kittens were very cute, of course. However, Jon and I agree that Dorothy was, and is, far cuter. We have parental bias, you understand.

I have a public service announcement to make. It is rude to whisper to your friend during yoga class. People are trying to relax and concentrate, and your discussion is interfering.

Also, it is generally not polite to whisper in another language, when you are the only two people in the room who speak that language. We all think that you’re talking about how big our butts are, even though you probably aren’t.

There, now I feel much better.