Thursday Thirteen

My birthday is on Monday, March 19th. To celebrate my upcoming birthday, here are:

#24 - 13 Things About My Birthday

1. I was born on March 19, 1972.
   
   
2. So this year I will be 35 years old.
   
   
3. I was born in Selkirk, Manitoba, which is not far from Winnipeg.
   
   
4. My birth mother was 16 years old, and gave me up for adoption, because she wanted me to have a better life than she could give me at that point in time.
   
   
5. My parents were able to adopt me because they were Catholic. My birth mother was Catholic and she wanted me to go to a Catholic family.
   
   
6. My parents had tried to have children for many years, but were unsuccessful, and so wanted to adopt a baby. I was that baby.
   
   
7. My astrological sign is Pisces, although I was born just a few days before Aries begins. If you believe is astrology (I don't, but find it entertaining) I have some Pisces characteristics, and some Aries characteristics.
   
   
8. Throughout elementary and high school, there was about a 50-50 chance that my birthday would fall during March break.
   
   
9. In Grade 12, my friends threw me a surprise birthday party, the only surprise party I've ever had. And I was surprised! I thought I was going over to a friend's house to work on a school project.
   
   
10. Here is a list of famous people born on March 19. These include Bruce Willis and Glenn Close.
    
    
11. The best birthday present I ever received was for my 15th birthday. I chose a Seal Point Siamese for my present, whom I named Whiskers, because he was missing the whiskers on one side of his face when I adopted him. He had lost them playing with his brother. Whiskers went to the Rainbow Bridge on September 1, 2006, just two months shy of his 20th birthday.
    
    
12. Back in Canada, I would normally celebrate my birthday with my family: my husband, my parents and my sister. We all lived in the greater Ottawa region, so it was easy to get together for holidays and birthdays.
    
    
13. This year, I will celebrate with my husband and our Sphynx kitten, Dragonheart. Hubby and I will celebrate by going out to dinner either on Saturday or Sunday. I have a massage scheduled for Monday, on my birthday.

Tags: Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

In Europe, March 5-11 is Endometriosis Awareness Week. In North America, the month of March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Here are 13 facts about this terrible disease.

1. Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects 5 1/2 million women and girls in the USA and Canada, and millions more worldwide.
   
   
2. Endometriosis occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus - usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.
   
   
3. This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining does: each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual blood flows from the uterus and out of the body through the vagina, but the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving the body.
   
   
4. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood and tissue from the lesions, and inflammation - and can cause pain, infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and bowel problems.
   
   
5. Symptoms of endometriosis include pain before and during periods, pain during intercourse, infertility, fatigue, painful urination during periods, painful bowel movements during periods, and other gastrointestinal upsets.
   
   
6. The only way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy, a surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size, and extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and patient make better treatment choices. Ultrasound CANNOT diagnose endometriosis.
   
   
7. Laparoscopy is also used to treat endometriosis. With the use of scissors, cautery, lasers, hydrodissection, or a sonic scalpel, endometriotic tissue can be ablated or removed in an attempt to restore normal anatomy. Unfortunately, endometriosis lesions frequently regrow after surgery, resulting in the return of pain and other symptoms.
   


8. The cause of endometriosis is unknown.
   
   
9. There is no cure for endometriosis.
   
   
10. Hysterectomy is not a cure. Many women experience a recurrence of endometriosis and/or its symptoms after hysterectomy.
    
    
11. Pregnancy is not a cure. Some women find that their pain symptoms are reduced during pregnancy, but this is not the case for everyone. In most cases, endometriosis symptoms return after giving birth and stopping breast feeding.
    
    
12. Women with endometriosis are at greater risk for several other diseases, including autoimmune diseases and hypothyroidism.
    
    
13. Although there is no cure for endometriosis, a variety of treatment options exist. These include pain medication, hormonal therapy, surgery, and alternative treatments. These treatments seek to manage the pain and minimize the other symptoms associated with endometriosis.
    

I, personally, have had two laparoscopies for endometriosis. During my first surgery, the endometriosis lesions were cauterized, and I experienced pain relief for about a year, before the pain slowly starting back again, gradually increasing. For my second laparoscopy, my surgeon used laser excision. I have had a return of pain during periods after this surgery as well, but as I only have four periods a year, it is manageable. Ideally, I would take continuous birth control, and have no periods, but my body won't cooperate, and insists of having a period every 3 months or so, no matter what type of birth control I'm on (and I've tried just about every monophasic pill out there). I am, however, unable to function for two days every time I have a period, because I am in so much pain (even with prescription painkillers).

To learn more about endometriosis, visit The Endometriosis Association.

Tags: Thursday Thirteen, Endometriosis

Thursday Thirteen

#22 - 13 Things About our Trip to Switzerland

My husband and I were in Château d'Oex, Switzerland, last week. Here are 13 things about our trip

1. We had no internet connectivity, so I was out of touch with all of my internet friends for a week. It's also the reason my blog hadn't been updated for a while, and why I wasn't able to visit all of my blogging friends. I'll get around to visiting all of you sometime today or tomorrow!
   
   
2. We had absolutely gorgeous weather. It was sunny and warm for most of our trip. The only day where the weather wasn't nice was Thursday, when it rained. It was still warm though.
   
   
3. It's a good thing neither my husband nor I are skiers. All of the ski slopes in Château D'Oex (the town where we were staying) were closed due to a lack of snow. There were some slopes open in other nearby towns, but it was mostly manufactured snow on those slopes.
   
   
4. Our Chalet was way up on the side of one of the mountains, with the town of Château D'Oex far below in the valley. Fortunately the weather was nice, so we didn't need chains on our car tires to get to and from the chalet. We did hike down and up the mountain a couple of times and it was a good workout!
   
   
5. Our Chalet was beautiful, although the bedroom had two small single beds in it! Fortunately there was a very comfortable sofa bed in the living room, so we pulled that out and used that as our bed. Not only did my husband and I want to sleep next to each other, but our Sphynx kitten, Dragonheart, is accustomed to sleeping with us and we thought he would be very confused if he had to choose one of us to sleep with!
   
   
6. We only went running twice while we were in Switzerland. So we took a bit of a break from our marathon training. It was impossible to run anywhere without running up and down lots of hills! So we got in some hill training, which is great for leg strength.
   
   
7. We went horseback riding once. We had a beautiful day for a trail ride. Since I am an experienced rider, I was given the opportunity to tack up (and untack) my horse by myself. I rode a very nice horse named Cherokee. My husband, who has only ridden a handful of times, was given a very calm, easy-going horse named Nicki, who just followed the other two horses. And they tacked up and untacked the horse for him. I was very happy that we rode English (hunter seat) for the trail ride, since that is what I am used to. I ride hunter seat and also take dressage lessons.
   
   
8. Although the weather was warm during our trip, we still enjoyed lighting a fire in the fireplace every night. Dragonheart really enjoyed the fire, especially the warmth it gave off! He also enjoyed starting at the flames.
   
   
9. We spent a lot of time just relaxing in the Chalet, reading books (I'm re-reading the books in George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones series), playing computer games (Civ IV and Neverwinter Nights 2), playing with Dragonheart, enjoying each others company, and I managed to do some crochet, making two sweaters for Dragonheart.
   
   
10. We had a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains from our balcony. It was just beautiful. Since the weather was so warm, Dragonheart was able to explore the balcony in his harness one day, when the temperature climbed to +15°C.
    
    
11. We were in the French part of Switzerland, so I had a chance to practice my rusty French. I was considered perfectly bilingual (by the Government of Canada) before my husband and I started German language training in preparation for our posting to Munich. I quickly discovered that once we started learning German, I lost a great deal of my ability to speak French! I still understand French perfectly, and can read and write French very well, but often when I try to speak, German words come out instead of French! It's as if my brain can only handle one foreign language at a time! *grin*
    
    
12. Dragonheart was very well behaved throughout the trip. We had water, food, and a litter box for him in the car, but he ignored all of them, and spent most of the car ride curled up in my lap, or curled up on the seat behind me. He had his harness on, so he was restrained, and we didn't allow him into the front of the car where my husband was driving. He also seemed to really enjoy being in the Chalet. The only thing he didn't like was his smaller litter box! He used it, but would dig around in it a lot, and jump in and out of it many times before finally doing his business!
    
    
13. The highlight of our trip was going paragliding on Friday. Both my husband and I went paragliding. We each did a tandem flight, which meant we were strapped to an experienced instructor. It was an amazing experience! Just incredible to be flying like a bird. I've skydived once before (tandem again, strapped to an experienced jump instructor) but I didn't like the freefall - once we were under canopy I loved it, but I didn't enjoy freefall. So paragliding was perfect for me. No freefall, under canopy the entire way. Just a wonderful, amazing, incredible experience. We haven't received our photos yet (they are coming in the mail) but you can check out some photos from the company we paraglided with here.
    

To see more photos of our trip, check our Dragonheart's Thursday Thirteen, or read his report of our trip!

Tags: Thursday Thirteen, travel, Château d'Oex, Switzerland

Thursday Thirteen

#21 - 13 Things About our Trip to Switzerland

My husband and I leave Saturday morning for a trip to Château d'Oex, Switzerland, here are 13 things about this trip

1. My husband and I (and our Sphynx kitten, Dragonheart) will be spending a week in a Chalet in Château d'Oex, Switzerland.
   
   
2. Neither my husband nor I downhill ski, so we won't be doing any downhill skiing.
   
   
3. We may cross-country ski however.
   
   
4. We may also snowshoe.
   
   
5. Château d'Oex is known for its hot-air baloons, and in fact, their International Hot Air Baloon Week and Festival ended on January 29th, so we may take a hot-air balloon ride.
   
   
6. Parachute jumps are also available. I've already done one tandem jump (which was amazing) and my husband, as an airborne engineer in the Canadian Forces, has done more jumps than he can count.
   
   
7. I horseback ride (hunter seat and dressage) and since there is a riding school and bridle paths in Château d'Oex, I hope to go horseback riding at some point.
   
   
8. There are also sleigh rides available, which would be a lot of fun.
   
   
9. My husband and I will get to add another country to our list of places where we've run. We're in the middle of training for a marathon (Vienna Marathon on April 29th) so we'll have to keep training while we're on vacation.
   
   
10. It will be our first road trip with Dragonheart, so it will be interesting to see how he reacts. Hopefully he'll enjoy all the new sights, sounds and smells (since he is very curious and adventurous, we think he'll enjoy it.)
    
    
11. We won't have internet connectivity while we're away, so we'll be out of touch.
    
    
12. Our chalet has a fully-equipped kitchen, but we will definitely sample some of the traditional Swiss food at the local restaurants.
    
    
13. Our chalet has a fireplace, and we are looking forward to relaxing in front of the fire. I'm sure Dragonheart will enjoy the heat of the fireplace (well supervised of course!)

Thursday Thirteen

#20 - 13 Races I've Run and Plan on Running

1. Terry Fox Run - I've run this race every year for as long as I can remember. Even before I was a runner, I used to walk the 5K or 10K. Back in school, we would also do the Terry Fox Run during a school day. The Terry Fox Run raises money for cancer research. For those of you who don't know who Terry Fox was, he was a Canadian single leg amputee (due to bone cancer) who set out to run across Canada, a journey called the Marathon of Hope. Sadly, the cancer spread to his lungs and he had to stop before he had finished his journey. But every year, in his memory, Canadians across the country and around the world, participate in the Terry Fox Run in his memory.
   
   
2. Run For The Cure - I've run this race every year since becoming a runner. The Run for the Cure is a 5K event that raises money for Breast Cancer Research.
   
   
3. Do It For Dad - My husband and I ran this race for the first time last year, doing the 10K run, while my mom and dad walked the 5K. This race raises money for prostate cancer research, and I wanted to do this race after my dad was diagnosed with, and treated for, prostate cancer last year.
   
   
4. HBC Run For Canada - Taking place on July 1st (Canada Day) my husband and I have run all of the "Run For Canada" 10K races taking place in Ottawa. The race is run early in the morning on Canada Day, before all the Canada Day celebrations start in downtown Ottawa, and has been a fabulous way to celebrate Canada's birthday. Entry fees from this race go to support local charities as well as Canadian amateur athletes.
   
   
5. Run For Lunch - This was my first "real" 10K race, timed, with an entrant's bib and number (the Terry Fox races, being charity events, aren't officially timed and you don't have an entry number or bib.) This entry fee from this race went to help the student food bank at the University of Ottawa, hence the name "Run For Lunch."
   
   
6. Ottawa Fall Colours Half-Marathon - In 2004 I ran this race as my first half-marathon. It was a great race. Small, but well organized, and the weather that day was perfect for me for running - overcast and cool. The photo in my Thursday Thirteen header this week is from this race.
   
   
7. National Capital Half-Marathon - My husband and I have run this race the past two years, when it has been incredibly hot and humid, so not ideal conditions for running. The course for this race is lovely, along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, but there is little shade along the route. So with the half-marathon starting at 10 am at the end of May, it is hot out there for the runners. For 2007, they are finally moving the half start to an earlier time.
   
   
8. Prince Edward County Marathon - My husband and I ran this race in 2005 as our first marathon. A small, rural marathon, the route is quite nice, through rural farmland, small villages, and through Sandbanks Provincial Park. Unfortunately, the year we ran it was also a very hot day, much warmer than usual for October, and so the conditions weren't ideal for running. Still, it was an accomplishment to finish my first marathon.
   
   
9. 20 km de Paris - My first race in Europe. I ran this race this past October, meeting a group of friends from the Runango Running Forum. The race went well, although not as well as I had hoped. There is a lot of smog in Paris and my poor lungs couldn't take it! But it was fun to see Paris on foot and to socialize with my running friends.
   
   
10. Vienna Marathon - My husband and I plan on running the Vienna Marathon this April. It will be our second marathon, and our goal is just to finish, running the entire race (unless the weather doesn't cooperate.) I am very fortunate - my husband runs much faster than I do (I'm very slow for a variety of reasons, including poor biomechanics due to the way my bones come together at the joints and a permanently compressed vertebra from a fracture in 1993) but he enjoys running and racing with me, so he happily runs with me for our long runs and for races. He does get runs in at his own pace when he runs at lunch at work (as an army officer, he is expected to stay fit and has time in his workday to do PT - physical training.) He is a great running coach and supporter.
    
    
11. Winterlaufserie 15K - My husband and I plan on doing this race as a training run on February 15th. It will be an opportunity to run through Olympiapark, where the München Frühjahrslauf will take place.
    
    
12. München Frühjahrslauf - My husband and I plan on running this half-marathon on April 1st of this year here in Munich. I'm hoping that the weather will be cool enough for me to have a good race.
    
    
13. Munich Marathon - If, after Vienna, I still have the desire to run another marathon, it will be the Munich Marathon. The course runs through many of Munich's neighbourhoods and past some of Munich's most famous monuments, buildings and sights. The highlight of the race is the finish in the Olympic Stadium.

For those who are curious about the various race distances, here are some conversions:

• 5K = 5km = 3.1 miles
• 10K = 10km = 6.2 miles
• 15K = 15km = 9.3 miles
  
• 20K = 20km = 12.4 miles
• Half-Marathon = 21.1 km = 13.1 miles
• Marathon = 42.2 km = 26.2 miles

Tags: Thursday Thirteen, race, running, memes

Thursday Thirteen

#19 - 13 Places we Plan on Visiting While We're Posted to Germany

My husband is an engineering officer in the Canadian Forces, and he's currently working as an exchange/liaison officer with the German military engineers. Sadly, Canada doesn't have any bases in Germany any longer, so the only army postings here are either exchange postings or NATO positions. Since my husband is in an exchange/liaison position, we know we'll only be in Munich until the summer of 2009. Between now and then, here are some places we plan on visiting.

1. Egypt - Ancient Egyptian history fascinates me. We plan on taking a trip to Egypt next fall, starting in Cairo, taking a cruise down the Nile to Abu Simbel. I can't wait to see the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, the Temples at Karnak and Luxor, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo with the treasures from King Tut's tomb.
   
   
2. Rome - The history of the Roman Empire also fascinates me. I'm looking forward to visiting Rome and seeing the great Coliseum and many of the other historical sites. There is so much history and culture in Rome that I am looking forward to experiencing.
   
   
3. Mainau Island - This is an Island in the Bodensee, which is a large lake between Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Due to the island's geography and the weather conditions, it has an almost tropical climate, with many tropical plants growing here. The island is a park and flower garden, and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the island. I'm looking forward to visiting and seeing the natural beauty of this island.
   
   
4. Berlin - It goes without saying that while we are living in Germany we must visit Berlin, the capital of Germany. Must-see and must-visit locations in Berlin include the Brandenburger Tor, Berliner Dom, the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag, and many others.
   
   
5. Great Britain - We're not sure exactly where in Great Britain we will visit, but we will definitely travel there at some point. There is just so much to see, and so many potential places to visit, that we haven't decided exactly what we want to see yet.
   
   
6. Greece - Another country rich in history. We would like to take a cruise of the Greek Islands, and also visit Athens. The Acropolis of Athens would be an amazing site to see.
   
   
7. Herrenchiemsee - A castle here in Bavaria, built by King Ludwig II. It was modelled after Versailles, as Ludwig II was a great admirer of King Louis XIV of France. This castle was built on an island, which also features a park and waterworks.
   
   
8. Versailles - Speaking of Versailles, I also want to visit the real Versailles. Both the castle and the park look like amazing places to visit. Versailles is rich in history, with so much to see and learn.
   
   
9. The Louvre - When we were in Paris in October, we had a chance to visit a great deal of the city, but we didn't have enough time to really visit the Louvre. I want to take the time to visit a good portion of the museum, and see many of the great works of art housed here.
   
   
10. Château d'Oex, Switzerland - We will be spending a week here in February, at a chalet. Famous for it's hot-air balloons, there are also many other activities, such as horseback riding. Neither my husband nor I ski, but there will be plenty to keep us busy during our week's vacation.
    
    
11. Vienna - We will be visiting Vienna at the end of April, when we will be in the city to run the Vienna Marathon. We also plan on visiting the famous Spanish Riding School and seeing the Lippizaner Stallions.
    
    
12. Salzburg - Another city in Austria that is rich in history and culture. Places to visit include Mozart's birthplace and residence, Salzburg's Cathedral, St. Peter's Abbey, and a number of museums and art galleries.
    
    
13. Dachau - This memorial site is not far from Munich. As an army officer, my husband visited the concentration camp memorial at Auschwitz when he was in Poland, and it was a moving and disturbing experience. This will not be a pleasant trip, but is something that we want to do. It is important that we not forget, and that we pay tribute to the memory of those who were interred in these camps.
    

Tags: memes, Thursday Thirteen, travel

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Thursday Thirteen

#18 - 13 of Caylynn's Favourite Hobbies

1. Running - it will come as no surprise to any regular visitor that running is one of my favourite hobbies. I usually run between 3 and 5 times a week, and I'm currently training for a spring marathon (the Vienna Marathon) so my long runs are increasing - last week my long run was 14 miles, and the next several will be 16, 18, 20 and 20 miles. I've run numerous races, including several 10Ks (6.2 miles), three half-marathons (13.1 miles or 21.1 km), one 20K, and one marathon (26.2 miles or 42.2 km). I'm very slow, but I can run forever. After fracturing my L2 vertebra falling off a horse while jumping back in 1993, I'm just happy to be able to run at all!
   
   
2. Horseback riding - Yep, even though I fractured a vertebra while riding, I still love it! There's nothing like the connection between a horse and a rider when it works. I ride English-style, and in the past I've mostly ridden hunter seat. Since my riding accident I have jumped again (mostly for psychological reasons, to prove to myself that I wasn't afraid) but I currently take dressage lessons.
   
   
3. Teaching Group Fitness - Many of you will know group fitness as "aerobics" but those of us in the industry don't use that term anymore, since group fitness classes encompass so much more than traditional aerobics. When we were living in Canada, I was teaching between 4 and 6 group fitness classes a week. Here in Munich, I only teach once a week. I love it! I'm a certified group fitness instructor with CanFitPro, and I also have a Resist-A-Ball Level I certification. My favourite classes to teach are Step and Stability Ball. I can also teach High-Low (traditional floor aerobics), Body Sculpting/Muscle Conditioning (strength training/weights in a group setting), and any combination of the previous classes. The class I currently teach is Step and Tone - step choreography alternating with muscle conditioning.
   
   
4. Taking Group Fitness Classes - I also enjoy taking classes from other instructors, especially formats that I don't teach, such as Pilates, or Advanced Step. (I teach basic to intermediate step.)
   
   
5. Strength Training - I love lifting weights. I love the way it makes me feel and the way it makes me look. I like being strong! I lift heavy weights, because that is the most effective way to develop strength, and most women won't bulk up, even when lifting very heavy weights. I only know a few women who , due to their genetics, actually develop large, bulky muscles when lifting heavy. For most women, lifting heavy will just help them develop strength, acquire sculpted muscles, and burn fat. By the way, most women, unless they are genetically blessed, cannot develop "six pack" abs unless they get their body fat down to an extremely unhealthy level.
   
   
6. Reading - I'm a voracious reader. I read every night before bed - it's my way of relaxing and unwinding at the end of the day. I read mostly fantasy and historical fiction. I also enjoy reading non-fiction (history, science, running, horseback riding, etc.) but now that I'm a student again (working towards a Masters degree in Physiotherapy) I don't read as much non-fiction. I get enough of it in my studies! Some of my favourite authors are L.E. Modesitt Jr., Katherine Kurtz, Kate Elliott, R.A. Salvatore, George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Diana Gabaldon, Lindsey Davis, Dick Francis, and many others, too numerous to mention.
   
   
7. Comic Books - My husband is a long-time comic book collector and reader, and he introduced me to the hobby. I now enjoy reading comic books almost as much as I enjoy reading regular books. My favourite comic book creators include George Pérez, Gail Simone, Brian K. Vaughn, Greg Land, Greg Rucka, Brian Michael Bendis. Titles that I'm enjoying at the moment include Birds of Prey, 52, Civil War, Ex Machina, Fables, Jack of Fables, Knights of the Dinner Table, Queen and Country, Rex Mundi, Runaways, Artesia, Ultimate Spiderman, Y: The Last Man, Age of Bronze. Favourite past runs include George Pérez' re-launch of Wonder Woman, Marv Wolfman and George Pérez' New Teen Titans, and CrossGen's Sojourn.
   
   
8. Watching TV - Yes, I also enjoy watching TV. I mostly enjoy watching shows on Discovery, National Geographic and History channels, although my husband and I also enjoyed watching regular T.V. My all-time favourite TV show is M*A*S*H. The best show ever made, in my opinion. Shows that we currently watch include Mythbusters, Stargate SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Smallville, Battlestar Gallactica (the new one) and the various Law & Orders.
   
   
9. Computer Games - I enjoy playing role-playing games(RPGs) such as Neverwinter Nights (1 & 2), Knights of the Old Republic (1 & 2), Oblivion, Baldur's Gate (1 & 2) and similar RPGs. I also enjoy turn-based Strategy Games such as Civilization III & IV, and City-Building Games such as Caesar IV.
   
   
10. Playing with our Sphynx Kitten, Dragonheart - Drake LOVES playing with wand toys, so we obviously need to play with him. He especially enjoys chasing anything that has feathers on the end. Of course, doing anything with Dragonheart is fun.
    
    
11. Blogging - It goes without saying, but blogging has become one of my favourite hobbies very quickly! I started a family blog first to keep in touch with our friends and family back home in Canada, then I started a blog to record my training runs, and now it has expanded from there. But I've met a lot of wonderful, friendly people through blogging, so I'm glad I started!
    
    
12. Writing - Unlike many bloggers out there, I'm not a writer, and I don't have any desire to write short stories or novels, or to ever be published, but I do participate in an interactive fiction/role-playing group called alt.starfleet.rpg. I currently have two characters that I write, a Chief Medical Officer, LCDR StarSong to-Ennien, MD, PhD; and an Operations Officer, LT Catharina Ledoux. It's a lot of fun, and I really enjoy writing with a diverse group of people to create our own adventures in the Star Trek universe.
    
    
13. Doing anything with my husband - We enjoy spending time together. Whether we're running, lifting weights, watching TV, or just doing ordinary, everyday things such as grocery shopping, we just enjoy being together. We are truly best friends and have a great time together, no matter what we're doing.
    

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Tags: Dragonheart, cats, group fitness, horseback riding, injury, memes, Thursday Thirteen, race, Sphynx, hobbies

Thursday Thirteen

#17- 13 Items Caylynn received for Christmas

1. 2 x Shock Absorber B109 Sports Bras - These are wonderful, full support bras that really lift and support, instead of smushing. My favourite running bra.
   
   
2. Gore Running Wear Windstopper Tights - windproof running tights - very comfortable!
   
   
3. Gore Running Wear Windstopper Top - windproof running top - also very comfortable!
   
   
4. Neverwinter Nights 2 (Computer Role-Playing Game) - I've started playing this, and it's great! I'm playing a Paladin.
   
   
5. Fables 1001 Nights of Snowfall by Bill Willingham and Todd Klein
   
   
6. Knife of Dream by Robert Jordan
   
   
7. A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
   
   
8. A Small Cat Painting
   
   
9. Beeswax Candles
   
   
10. An assortment of Lindt Chocolates
    


11. Cranberry Shower Gel (from The Body Shop)
    
    
12. Vanilla Spice Shower Gel (from The Body Shop)
    
    
13. The New Teen Titans - Issues 21-50 - by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Tags: memes, Thursday Thirteen, holidays, Christmas, gifts, running

Thursday Thirteen

#16- 13 German "Weihnachten" (Christmas) Traditions

My husband and I are Canadian, and this year we will celebrate our first Christmas in Germany. Here are some ways we've found that the German Christmas traditions differ from what we are used to back in Canada.

1. Nikolaustag - On the evening of December 5th, German children leave their shoes or boots outside the front door. That evening, St. Nikolaus, visits and fills them with chocolates, oranges and nuts if they’ve been good. His servant, Knecht Ruprecht, leaves bundles of twigs in the shoes if the children have been naughty and are listed in his ‘black book’. On December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, children discover what they've received in their boots.
   
   
2. Christmas Markets - Nearly every town in Germany has their own Christkindlmarkt, which is a market-fest, where people gather to enjoy the Christmas time. These markets offer baked goods, sweets and toys and feature local and regional specialties. Larger cities like Munich, Frankfurt or Nuremberg have large markets, and attract many tourists, both local and foreign. They open before the first Sunday of Advent, and usually continue until December 24th at 12 noon. You can check out a live webcam of the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz here in Munich here.
   
   
3. Glühwein - German hot mulled wine. Served at the Christmas markets. On long winter nights of the 18th- and 19th centuries, it was customary to share a few glasses of the hot, spiced drink in the company of good friends. You can find a recipe for Glühwein, along with a non-alcoholic version for children, here.
   
   
4. Weihnachtspyramide - The German Christmas pyramid (Weihnachtspyramide) was first developed in the Erzgebirge (Erz Mountains) in the German state of Saxony (Sachsen) as a low-cost substitute for a real Christmas tree in the late 1700s. A traditional pyramid is made of wood and may have two to five levels (Etagen). The heat from burning candles turns a windmill-like rotor at the top of the pyramid, making the pyramid revolve and ring its chimes.
   
   
5. Advent Wreaths - My husband and I are Catholic, so we are accustomed to lighting the Advent Wreath at Mass during the Sundays throughout Advent (the month leading up to Christmas). In the Catholic tradition, in Canada, there are three purple candles, and one pink candle (which is lit on the third Sunday in Advent). In Germany, however, traditionally Germans have Advent wreaths in their homes, and the candles are typically red or gold.
   
   
6. Christmas Dinner - A traditional German Christmas dinner consists of roast goose, potato dumplings, red cabbage, and baked apples for dessert. Recipes for this meal can be found here. Roasted pig and white sausages are also traditional foods for Christmas dinner. Other German Christmas foods include Christstollen, long loaves of bread with nuts, raisins, lemon and dried fruit; Lebkuchen, ginger spice bars/gingerbread; Marzipan and Stollen, a moist, heavy bread filled with fruit.
   
   
7. Christmas Eve - Heiligabend, Christmas Eve is the most important time of the Germanic celebration. No waiting for Santa Claus to come down the chimney. The presents (from the Christkindl, Christ Child) are opened under the tree that night (an event known as die Bescherung). Christmas dinner usually comes after that. In religious families, attending midnight Christmas mass (Christmette) is also a part of the celebration. In Canada, we traditionally attend Mass on Christmas Eve, but the opening of the presents, and Christmas dinner, are usually held on Christmas Day.
   
   
8. Krampus Run - The traditional "Krampus Run" recalls the Christian legend of bishop Saint Nicholas and his dark-faced companion, Krampus. Young men wearing deer horns, masks with red eyes, huge fangs, bushy coats of sheep's fur, and brandishing birchwood rods storm down the streets, confronting spectators. Anyone who doesn't dodge or run away fast enough might get swatted (although not hard) with the rod.
   
   
9. Brides Tree - This is a Bavarian Christmas tradition. 12 ornaments are hung upon a tree to help bring good fortune to a newly married couple. The 12 ornaments symbolize the following: angel (God's guidance), bird (joy), fish (Christ's blessing), flower basket (good wishes), fruit basket (generosity), heart (true love), house (protection), pine cone (fruitfulness), rabbit (hope), rose (affection), Santa (goodwill), and teapot (hospitality).
   
   
10. Epiphany - Heilige Drei Könige, January 6th is the day the three Magi came to visit the Christ Child. This is a holiday in Germany and it marks the end of the month and a half long Christmas celebration. As a Catholic, I am used to celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany, however, it is not a holiday in Canada.
    
    
11. Barbarazweig - In Catholic regions of Germany, such as Bavaria, the tradition of Barbarazweig begins on the feast day of die heilige Barbara. A small cherry branch or sprig is cut off and placed in water on December 4th, Barbaratag (St. Barbara's Day). Sometimes a twig from some other flowering plant or tree may be used: apple, forsythia, plum, lilac, or similar blossoms. The cherry branch (Kirschzweig) or other cutting is then placed in water and kept in a warm room. If all goes well, on Christmas day the sprig will display blossoms. If it blooms precisely on December 25th, this is regarded as a particularly good sign for the future.
    
    
12. December 26th, der zweite Weihnachtstag - As in Canada, December 26th is a holiday. Whereas in Canada we celebrate Boxing Day on the 26th, in Germany, the 26th is a day reserved for visiting friends and family.
    
    
13. Christmas Tree - The Tannenbaum or Christbaum originated in Germany. Although many Germans now decorated their Christmas trees with electric lights, many Germans still use candles to light their trees. Germans use special candle holders and have learned how to do this safely; the candles are not left to burn for a long time or without someone in the room.

Tags: Munich, Thursday Thirteen, memes, holidays, Christmas, German, traditions, Christmas traditions, German Christmas traditions, Germany

Thursday Thirteen

#15- 13 Items on Caylynn's Christmas Wish List

1. Senza III Lady Running Shirt
   
   
2. Shock Absorber B109 Sports Bra
   
   
3. Neverwinter Nights 2 (Computer Role-Playing Game)
   
   
4. Fables 1001 Nights of Snowfall by Bill Willingham and Todd Klein
   
   
5. Crown of Stars by Kate Elliott
   
   
6. Servant of the Shard by R.A. Salvatore
   
   
7. Advanced Marathoning by Pete Pfitzinger
   
   
8. Windproof Running Shirt
   
   
9. Windproof Running Gloves
   
   
10. Group Fitness Music (music that I use when I teach Step classes) from Burntrax: Step 24
    



11. Cranberry Shower Gel (from The Body Shop)
    
    
12. Vanilla Spice Shower Gel (from The Body Shop)
    
    
13. Lots of love, hugs and kisses from my husband

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Thursday Thirteen

#14 - 13 Questions about Sphynx cats answered, in honour of our new Sphynx kitten Dragonheart

1. Can people with allergies live with Sphynx?
   
   Some people who suffer from cat allergies can tolerate living with Sphynx cats. However, depending on the type and severity of the individual's allergic reactions, there are still people who cannot live with this breed.
   My husband is allergic to cats, but fortunately he can tolerate Sphynx. Dragonheart doesn't bother his allergies at all.
   
   
2. Are Sphynx friendly?
   
   You bet! Sphynx are friendly, extremely inquisitive and love to be the center of attention.
   
   
3. What do they feel like?
   
   Dragonheart, our Sphynx, feels like a warm chamois to pet. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, "The texture of the Sphynx skin has been likened to suede, a hot water bottle, or a heated chamois."
   
   
4. Do they get cold?
   
   Sphynx get cold only if it is cold enough for a human to also be cold. If a human needs a sweater indoors, chances are Sphynx need one too, although they're also happy to find a warm human to curl up with (or another cat or even a dog if they are around).
   Also, Sphynx have a very high natural metabolism. Because of this higher metabolism, they eat more and more often than "regular cats" do, and need to be fed very high quality pet food. Their bodies have to work harder than that of other cats to keep themselves warm, due to the lack of fur.
   
   
5. Are Sphynx completely hairless?
   
   Sphynx are not always totally hairless; they can have fine down on the body. Some light hair is often present on the nose, tail and toes. Dragonheart is hairless except on the bridge of his nose.
   
   
6. With the lack of whiskers, do they lack the sensitivity other cats have?
   
   Sphynx do not have any whiskers, or if they are present, they are short and sparse. Dragonheart has very short, curly whiskers. Sphynx do not seem to suffer for their lack of whiskers. As to why, no one knows! But even when it is dark out, Sphynx have no problems getting around, they get their bearings easily, don't bump into furniture, and love acrobatics of all sorts. They are very agile cats. So this is one fact about Sphynx that remains a mystery!
   
   
7. Are Sphynx sensitive to the sun?
   
   It depends on the colour of their skin. White Sphynx are more sun-sensitive, and will burn if shade is not provided for them. Sphynx are very intelligent cats, however, and if they feel their skin becoming warm, they will seek shelter in a shaded area.
   
   
8. Do Sphynx cats clean themselves like other cats?
   
   Sphynx do clean themselves with their tongues, like other cats do. However, because of the lack of hair that would normally absorb body oils, Sphynx need to be bathed periodically. Their self-bathing isn't sufficient to remove all the oil. Dragonheart needs to be bathed about once a week to keep him healthy.
   
   
9. Why are they called Sphynx?
   
   A Cat Fanciers' Association judge, David Mare, named them in 1973. To him, these cats resembled a famous Egyptian cat statue in the Louvre in Paris. When he thought of Egypt, he thought of the many Egyptian sphinxes, including the Great Sphinx. Thus this breed of hairless cats came to be known as Sphynx.
   
   
10. What colours can Sphynx be?
    
    Sphynx come in almost every colour imaginable. Cat breeders in Europe and North America have bred the Sphynx to normal coated cats and then back to hairless for more than thirty years. This produced a wider gene pool for the breed and allowed the modern Sphynx to exhibit most of the eye and color patterns available in many of today's cat breeds.
    
    
11. How large do Sphynx become?
    
    The Sphynx is a medium-sized cat. On average, adult females weigh 6-8 pounds while males are 8-10 pounds. Dragonheart's breeder thinks that he will be a large Sphynx, like his grandfather, who was 15 lbs.
    
    
12. How old is Dragonheart?
    
    He's currently 4 and a half months old.
    
    
13. Have you logged Dragonheart on Catster?
    
    
    
    
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    He also has his own blog, which you can check out if you want to learn more about Sphynx.
    

If you have any other questions about Sphynx, or about Dragonheart, leave your question in your comment, and I'll try to answer them in future Thursday Thirteens.


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Tags: memes, cats, Dragonheart, Thursday Thirteen, Sphynx, hairless cats, kittens