Thanks for Nothing Amazon

I got an email today telling me that a package I ordered from Amazon is being refunded. I don’t blame Amazon for this.  Based on the tracking, this is a Canada Post matter.

However, I do find it frustrating that the best Amazon can do is offer me possible reasons why the package was not delivered. Was it damaged?  Was there something in the package that they didn’t want to go through the mail system?  Who knows?

If delivery was attempted, they left no note to go and pick the package up at the post office. Also, there is a big package holder in the superbox across the street from my house.  I doubt that I will ever know the real reason.

It is frustrating because these were Christmas gifts. I ordered early to avoid any problems, but I found problems nonetheless.  I don’t know if I should order them or go out to the store and pick them up there.  Just a little information would be nice.

I feel like Charlie Brown and the football.

Kinder Redemption

Long time readers to this blog might know that I have a particular disdain for Kinder Surprise eggs. The story is a good one and you should probably read it first before continuing with this blog.  Please click here.

So, if you’ve read this, and sympathize (or empathize) with me, you should also know that I have told this story to my students on many occasions–usually when the subject of chocolate comes up or when they are eating the aforementioned eggs during the breaks between classes. They find it amusing, but they don’t share my frustration.  They have always gotten cool stuff.

One of my students took this story to heart and wanted very much to change my opinion. Rather than get me the little egg, he got me a rather large, palm size, Kinder surprise egg.  He felt that the quality of toy inside would redeem the company in my eyes.

I was quite touched by my student’s gift. Maybe it was because he listened to me, or maybe it was because he wanted to do something beyond the ordinary.

As you can see, the toy turned out to be quite nice and surprisingly difficult for me to assemble.  The student who gave me the gift was the one who eventually put it together.  He even came up with a cool title for this post–but I have forgotten it.  Sorry Val.

When I showed my colleagues the toy, they mentioned that these things were banned in the US.  One teacher even wondered what would happen if she tried to drive across the border with a few eggs on the backseat.  I am not sure Kinder smuggling ranks high on the list for homeland security, but I have to imagine the border guards have been given some kind of directive.

No Excuses

I have explained before that students sometimes give me gifts. I certainly don’t expect them and I hope I have responded well to them.  I certainly appreciate them and I appreciate that I have made an impression on a student strong enough to warrant a present.

The gifts have been food, coffee, cycling gloves, and drinks. Most recently I got another gift that I think is worth talking about.

What makes this one a little unusual is that this student was never my student. We met when she entered a classroom that I meant to be leaving, but was somewhat slow in doing so.  I usually make small talk to the students who are waiting for their next class and their next teacher.  We talked several times over the weeks and I grew to enjoy these conversations.  She was definitely interesting and the conversations flowed well.

It turns out that she is a literature teacher in Germany.  We had the chance to talk about books, and I probably asked her what her favourite book was, or maybe she asked me.  I am not really sure, but I always ask people who profess to enjoy reading what book they love.  I am often surprised and delighted by the books they choose.

She mentioned that Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was her favourite book. When I told her that I had never read it, she seemed genuinely shocked–well, shocked and annoyed, really.  I must admit that this book has been recommended to me by several people, but I have always found a reason not to read it–My latest excuse has been that I was disappointed by the whole Hermione and Ron debacle. (I am aware of some aspects of the book, just not the plot or most of the characters, and other stuff)

To my surprise, on her last day, she handed me the book and told me to read it. As you can see by what she wrote on the front page, I no longer have any excuses.  She also asked me to submit a book report.  I hope she was kidding about that, though I suspect that she wasn’t.

There’s a lot I can say about this Perfect Moment. First and foremost, I love getting books.  I love giving books.  Books are wonderful.  Also, I am surprised at how well some people pay attention during conversations.  I am also completely floored that they act on those things.  Obviously she felt strongly about giving me this book.

Thank you Andrea. Thank you for a Perfect Moment.  I will read the book in late August or early September.

What is the best book you’ve been given as a gift?

What book would you give to someone who has made a strong impression on you?

Thursday with Friends

I am a little behind in my blogging, but rather than inundate you with incredibly long posts, I will just have to slowly catch up.  I might be a few days behind for a while.

I start with Thursday’s Perfect Moment.

I left work relatively early on Thursday. I met my friends downtown in a comic book store–the famed Silver Snail, which now has a very central location on Yonge street just north of the Eaton Centre, on the second floor.  Perhaps the location is more central, but I still have fond nostalgic feelings for the old Queen street location.  We used to spend hours there.  Now, a quick look around and I am out the door.  Maybe I’ve gotten too old.  Maybe comic books have gotten too expensive.

We then went to a fantastic used bookstore–which happens to sell other things like grindhouse movies, Japanese animation and related products, and other memorabilia. This was more my speed and I had a serious look around.  Despite finding a few things I was interested in, I don’t currently have any room for more books and I didn’t want to lug a lot of stuff around.  As I write this, I am confronted by a bit of irony as I ended up lugging something around.  If you’re curious about this, you’ll have to look here at my other blog to understand what I am talking about.

After leaving empty handed we went to a bar called the Library above the imperial room. This is a great spot that seems to have survived the real estate boom in Toronto.  With rental prices the way they are and being located downtown, I am surprised that the building hasn’t been turned into a condominium.  It wasn’t seedy or anything like that, it just reminded me of Yonge street long ago when being trendy wasn’t the goal., or when substance was more important than flash.  We even got to drink out of pint glasses that you never see anymore.

After a fine dinner we went to the Rivoli to play some pool. This is another place that so far has escaped gentrification.  The tables aren’t in the greatest shape, but they seem to hold corporate events–I was so tempted to grab a slider off the side table.  I guess there is still an appetite for tradition in Toronto.

The good thing about playing pool with your friends is that you don’t have to sweat winning or losing. You can cheer great shots and you can laugh at bad ones–whoever makes them (or doesn’t make them).  We all had some great shots and some legendarily bad ones.  The cue ball never left the table–which is a sin as far as I am concerned.

The night ended with a horribly long commute which saw me take a few catnaps. I really have to learn to set my alarm on my phone.

So, what was the Perfect Moment? Why all of it, of course.  The one thing I have learned is that time spent with friends is golden.  I never have a bad time with them–even if times are bad.  If you tell me you don’t have friends like that, I really don’t know what I can say to you.  I’ve had mine for more than 30 years.

Friday’s Two Perfect Moments

There were Two Perfect Moments on Friday.

The first is that I was given a book by a departing student.  That alone should be considered Today’s Perfect Moment.  However, what was really surprising is that instead of getting someone’s favourite book–which would have been awesome too–I was given a book that they thought was perfect for me.

I guess they were paying attention when I said I was interested in cycling.

As for giving books, I often do that and it is my normal fallback gift when in doubt. I don’t know if everyone appreciates it, but a fallback is a fallback.  The books that I tend to give are as follows (in no particular order)

• Waterland by Graham Swift
• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
• I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison (though often hard to find)
• Barney’s Version by Mordecai Richler

Apart from just being good books, I am not exactly sure why I often give them to people. I just do.

The second is that I had a chance to meet one of my best friends for dinner. We went to a brew pub founded in Quebec, but now having made substantial strides in franchising or expansion is now available all over Ontario.  The night had everything I wanted which was good conversation, good beer, and good food.  I opted for the chicken waffles–because I had never had it, and I was pleasantly surprised.

The only down-side to the evening was the periodic wafting of pot smell that burst through the open doors. It was right next to Dundas Square and across from the Eaton Centre.  These are bid draws for people, and it was Friday night,  so I guess that was to be expected.

Goodbyes

I’ve grown a pretty thick skin over the years of watching students say goodbye to me and to one another. It isn’t coldness, but rather a kind of acceptance.  I like my students while they are here, but I know that it isn’t forever.

This week was a little different, though I am not sure why. A large number of students were done this week.  The picture taking and choruses of goodbyes were clearly in full swing whenever there was a break.  I saw multiple Canadian flag, no doubt purchased in Chinatown, being signed by the different students.  There were hugs, kisses, high fives, low fives, fist bumps and double arm handshakes.  It was quite the sight to see.

I had done some good work with these students and I was rewarded with some great stories, a late night of drinking on Wednesday, and some lovely gifts of chocolate, timbits, and coffee today.

Saying goodbye was bittersweet, but also Today’s Perfect Moment.

Wrapping

I don’t know what it is with me and wrapping presents. It isn’t a terrible activity, but it certainly isn’t one I relish.  In fact, I usually procrastinate it down to the day of, if not the hour before I have to leave.

When I lived in Japan, I took full advantage of department stores that offered to wrap my purchases.  I would just tell them it was a present for someone (puresento desu) and they would do an excellent job of wrapping the gift up, often only needed a sticker from the store to seal it up.  This is a far cry from the metres of cellophane tape I seem to need.  My family and friends were also appreciative because they got some well wrapped gifts from me for a change.

At one point, I gave up completely and started buying bags from the dollar store. This was okay, except that some people did this with a flourish–lots of ribbons, tissue paper, and elegant origami swans–that it became even more daunting.  I also tended to buy the wrong size bad and either had one way too big or way too small.  This didn’t bother me, but the looks I got from the recipients said it all.

I’ve got a birthday party for one of my nephews and because I am committed to other things this week, I was afraid that I wouldn’t have time to wrap the gift Saturday morning as planned. So, unlike so many other times, I decided to wrap the gifts tonight.  That’s two whole days before the event.

Obviously accomplishing the very procrastinate-able task is Today’s Perfect Moment.

I am not sure my young nephew will like the gift, and since it is one of those things that he and his father might have to do together, my brother might not like it either. However, I think it’s pretty cool, so I have no regrets.

What Does This Mean?

I cannot say with absolute certainty that the kitchen (dining area/kitchenette) of an ESL school is any different than the equivalent room in any other office space. There are lots of objects that are common to both.  I am sure that cutlery disappears with equal frequency.  However, I have the gut feeling that it is different.

The ESL eating area is not packed with nicely co-ordinated, store bought, dishes and plates. Even calling it a ragtag collection of dishes, cups, and disappearing utensils doesn’t seem to measure up.  If I were to characterize it, I would call it a dumping ground for non-offensive kitsch from all over the world.  Often students bring us souvenirs, or departing teacher’s leave things behind that they acquired from students, or in their travels.

Today, as I was cleaning up my coffee cup I spotted the cup above in the drain rack and decided to take a look. I was a little confused by the message and I hope you can clear it up for me.

You see, I had two conflicting thoughts about the cup’s message. Does it mean:

1.  Hey USA! Go out and discover the world around you. Go see that there is beauty beyond your boarders and ideas beyond your thinking.
2. The world is in the USA.
3.  Something completely different but unclear to me.

I am a big believer in travel and exploration. There is a great big world of ideas out there that we need to see and experience.  So, I am hoping it is the first idea that it is trying to get across.

I polled all the teachers I could and more than 90% thought it was the second one.

I have no idea, but I need to mull it over. I would be happy to receive your input.

The other funny thing is that the back of the cup is written in Spanish and conveys a completely different idea–something like, we travel to change not our place but our ideas.

That’s a pretty cool thought.

Father’s Day

It should come as no surprise that Today’s Perfect Moment comes from Father’s day. Most of the clan gathered at my father’s house, hopefully having already done the festivities with their own kids.

My younger sister made chicken paprikash (I am only guessing at the spelling) as this was a dish his mother made for him. She did an admirable job and it was quite tasty.

My brother regaled us with tales of current role as manager of his son’s tee ball team. I had no idea a sport meant to be stress free for the children created a ton of stress for the parents involved.

One of my older sisters was able to give me the lowdown on the trials and tribulations of an LCBO (liquor control board of Ontario) employee.  There seems to be so much that we the public have no idea about.

My young niece and nephews were all in fine form. They seemed happy for the attention and happy to play with each other.  They were both shy and camera hogs depending on the whim of the moment.

It was a warm day that we could spend outside, so we did. We spent the afternoon eating, drinking, and firing topics back and forth.  It was as funny as it was informative.  It was perfect.

Growing Enthusiasm

I’ve written before about choosing birthday gifts. In those posts, I wrote about gifts for my youngest niece and nephews.  I want to buy them every toy in the toy store and luckily, they want ever toy in the toy store.  They also aren’t shy about telling you what they want in the most direct of ways.

Buying for adults, though, is harder.  Adults come pre-conditioned to utter completely useless phrases like, “I don’t need much.” or “Just something small.” or ” Whatever you get me will be fine.  Don’t go to any trouble.”  And of course the topper, “Surprise me!”  None of these suggestions will lead to less aimless wandering of the store.  Worse, they might cause buying paralysis or panic buying.

Most recently, I bought my girlfriend some watercolours, a book on how to paint using watercolours with exercises in it, and some brushes. I thought it was a good gift, but at times my confidence waivered.  I worried that she wouldn’t have time to do it.  I also worried that while it came up as a want when we were watching some British painting show on YouTube, whether or not the desire still there.

I should also point out that visual art is not something I really gravitate to. I have been to a couple of big art galleries in Europe and enjoyed them.  I have enjoyed some aspects of pop art.  I have enjoyed comic books and Japanese animation.  However, I still prefer rhythm of words to colours and images.

That also means I don’t know a lot about art and what constitutes good art material. I was concerned as to whether or not the paints I chose were adequate.  I also wondered if you could actually learn something like this from a book–but being a man of words, I quickly pushed that concern off to the side.

On the day of the big opening she was quite happy and I felt pretty good that I had made the right choice.

Blast forward a few days, and we come to Today’s Perfect Moment. My girlfriend confided in me that she had started reading the book and had watched some videos on YouTube.  She is rather busy with work. so I didn’t expect her to have any time in the near future for this.  However, I could see a glint of enthusiasm in her eye.

Earlier today, she had the opportunity to visit the art store where I picked up the material. They had set up a display of watercolours so that people could try them out.  I encouraged her to go and check it out–if only to ask some questions.  It also didn’t seem like a bad idea to do some practice on other people’s materials first.

When we talked about it later, she had an enthusiasm I hadn’t seen for a few weeks…maybe longer. It wasn’t just a glint in her eye, but something that seemed to envelop her.  It wasn’t that edgy kind of excitement that some people get when they’re getting ready for a vacation.  It wasn’t that edgy feeling you get when a concert is about to start.  It was something deeper.

It was so great to see. It was infectious.  It was Today’s Perfect Moment.