Political change happens when you vote

For those who live in Ontario, you likely woke up to some political changes.

This was certainly the case in Ottawa. Not only did we elect a new mayor, we elected 10 new councillors, six of which are political challengers who defeated incumbents. Gone are Alex Cullen, Glenn Brooks, Christine Leadman, Rob Jellett, Georges Bedard and Michel Bellemare, many of whom were long-time veterans on city council.

This is the first time in the history of the amalgamated city that an incumbent went down in defeat. Sitting on my couch, watching the results come in, I was surprised, but at the same time I wasn't. Obviously Ottawa residents wanted change. I know I've been craving it.

Perhaps we learned our lesson four years ago when we elected a new mayor, but kept with the status quo with incumbent councillors, which led to a dysfunctional environment. It seemed like council would make decisions, but then change its mind. And in some cases, it wasn't willing to make a decision. Council seemed stalled, entrenched in an combative stance. If we wanted change, electing a new mayor wasn't going to cut it. Change needed to happen all around the council table. In my ward, we elected a representative who seems to be a fiscal conservative, which is quite astounding as the councillors who have represented the area since the city first amalgamated have been left leaning in their political views. Again, people wanted change.

But change only happens when you vote. Reports indicate that voter turnout was lower than it was in 2006. Forty-four per cent of eligible voters cast ballots in Ottawa's municipal election. Ouch. My parents taught me at an early age that you must exercise your civic right and vote, even when you don't want to. There have been plenty of elections that I've almost had to hold my nose and vote, but not voting seems almost sacrilegious. If you want your voice heard, you've got to vote.

Congratulations, Ottawa. You voted for change and change we got.

Crock Pot Mondays

Although it is one day late (sorry, it is turning into that kind of week) here is this recipe: slow cooker lasagna. This is a Kraft Foods recipe. I've made this recipe before. This time, I tweaked it with the ingredients I had on hand. I replaced the shredded mozzarella cheese with cheese I already had. Opted to leave out the Parmesan cheese because I had none, and added green pepper and mushrooms. But I added less water to compensate for the amount of veggies I added.

I cooked this in my large oval family Crock Pot and it was done in about 3 1/2 hours. It was a hit with darling daughter. We had to cut her off after she asked for a third helping of "sa."

The snowsuit decision

For awhile I've been feeling like a crappy mom since darling daughter didn't have a snowsuit for the upcoming winter. Momma guilt went into overtime yesterday when I saw a one-year-old bundled in a snowsuit at the bus stop. Since it is almost the end of October and dear husband called the local tire store today to make an appointment to get our winter tires installed on the car, I decided no more excuses and immediately executed Operation Buy Snowsuit.

The last two years we've lucked out as darling daughter has wore fleece suits. Her first winter she was still contained in her infant seat when we went out. Last year, she was uneasy on her feet in winter boots and she didn't play outside in the snow. This year is a whole different story.

After putting Operation Buy Snowsuit into effect, I soon found myself in Mountain Equipment Co-op. The last time we brought darling daughter with us, she cried up a storm. I've learned that it best to go alone. But solo shopping has its disadvantages as it is hard to gauge size with no child in two. I was soon pondering the question: do I go with the size two or the size three?

I ended up taking both suits home and letting darling daughter try them out. Size two fits nicely. Size three is roomy. But I'm afraid that if I went with size two, we'd need size three in mid-January as she is due for a growth spurt. But do I want my kid tripping in a suit that is tad too big? Argh, it is the same question every year when it comes to outerwear: do I go with the size that fits or the bigger size?

A decision has yet to be made. I'm leaning on going bigger. This is likely a question that many have pondered for generations, including my own mother. Damn snow. I have yet to see a flake and I'm cursing it already.

Photo Wednesday: All Aboard

This afternoon, darling daughter decided to give some of her "peeps" a ride in her small wooden wagon. She is shouting "Bye, Mommy" to me as she pulls her wagon. Two year olds can be so damn cute.

Dishpan hands

Other than a maid or the over use of my dishwasher, is there any solution to dishpan hands?

I don't exactly have dishpan hands, but every time I turn around I'm doing dishes. Dishes from breakfast. Dishes from lunch (and there seems to be a lot of them) and again dishes at dinner. Pots, pans, plastic cups and dishes, knives and anything else needs to be wash. I seem to be chief bottle washer in this joint.

Dear husband does his best. We do take turns unloading the dishwasher, another task I detest, but there are only so many times you can ask your significant other if he doesn't mind putting away dishes when you are overdue for your turn.

Me: Can you unload the dishwasher?

DH: No, can you? I did it last time.

Me: Pleeze? Pretty Pleeeeeeeeze? I'm tired. I always do it.

DH: Okay (audible grumbles in the background).

So yeah. Dishes. They are a pain. Have to live with them, can't live without them. I wish someone would invent self cleaning dishes. Or maybe I'll win the lottery one day and hire someone who is devoted entirely to washing my dishes.

Crock Pot Mondays

In the world of slow cookers, size does matter. And this recipe proves it.

I've made this sweet mustard roast recipe twice: once in my five quart slow cooker and again yesterday in my three quart slow cooker. The smaller pot made all the difference. If you do use a bigger crock pot, you will have to reduce the cooking time. Just to note, I bought a 2 pound roast on sale at Sobey's this week for $5, so this recipe could be budget-friendly if you take advantage of the sale.

Sorry, no photo this week. When I got home from the gym, darling daughter and dear husband were in the middle of dinner and I snagged the last piece. There was no time to take a photo because I was starving. Without further ado, here's the recipe.

Sweet mustard roast

The ingredients:
* 3 pounds beef or pork roast
* 1/3 cup molasses
* 1/3 cup Dijon mustard (I used regular mustard as I don't like Dijon)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder (I got fancy and crush a couple of cloves of real garlic)
* 2 tablespoons white vinegar

The Method:
Place meat in the crock pot. Mix molasses, mustard, garlic and white vinegar. Pour on top of meat. Using tongs, flip the meat over a few times to coat it nicely with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

In Remembrance

Today is pregnancy and infant loss awareness day. To be honest, I'm not too sure how I feel about the day. Perhaps it is in close proximity to when I experienced my first known miscarriage and I have a tendency to feel numb around significant dates, including miscarriage anniversaries and estimated due dates. September was a horrible month for me as it was another reminder that I wouldn't be holding a child. I was so glad when October arrived, but again, October has its own challenges.

Firstly, I'm glad there is an awareness day as awareness around this issue is sorely lacking. It may sound cruel, but I won't be lighting a candle tonight. I'm not ready. But I do remember. I remember every day. Instead of lighting a candle, I ran. I really needed to run today. And it helped.

Last weekend I planted tulips bulbs in my front flower garden in honour of the two babies I've lost. In the spring, it will be nice to see them grow and bloom.

As I write this, there is a wave of light happening in Canada and the U.S. I want to thank everyone who lights candles tonight, remembers and spreads awareness of a subject that shouldn't be so taboo.