Hello. Do I know you?

While I was out for a little bit, I heard someone say, “Hi, Mike!” I smiled and responded, “Hello,” and we both kept on walking in our different directions. I was glad he didn't stop to engage in conversation, as I had no idea who he was. But obviously he knew who I was since he greeted me by name. Sometimes I recognize the face and I know that I've met the person in question before, but I just don't know where, and can't put a name to the face.

But not this time. I didn't recognize the voice or the face. Maybe it's someone who was given a tour of the office one time? Could be. People are occasionally shown around and introduced to me, but I've usually forgotten their names before they even leave the room, and their faces vanish from memory soon after. Or maybe he was from church. I've never liked the “Okay, everyone turn around and greet people” thing, which seems to be like there's an 11^th Commandment that all churches must do it at some point in the service. Maybe several months back he shook my hand and introduced himself and I told him my name in return. And of course, I would have forgotten his name and face moments later, but he's one of those people who never forgets anyone they meet.

I remember a situation several years ago where I ended up having a conversation with someone I ran into somewhere. She knew me, but I didn't have the foggiest idea who she was. It's pretty awkward trying to converse with someone and making it sound like you know them, while hoping they say something in the course of the conversation to trigger a memory as to their identity. That's why I'll never greet anyone I bump into somewhere that I think I recognize unless we know each other well enough that there's no doubt that both of us know who the other is. Not to mention that if we don't know each other that well I probably wouldn't have anything to say so I wouldn't have a reason to even start a conversation...

Yes, I Consider Myself Canadian

Cartoonist Charles M. Schultz once said, “I love mankind; It's people I can't stand.” If I can reword and personalize it a bit, I'd say, “I don't mind hockey; It's the obnoxious fans I can't stand.” Seriously. What is it about hockey that makes people act totally obnoxious and inconsiderate?

Bin There, Done That

Storage bins are amazing things. How is it that a pile of stuff sitting there looks cluttered and disorganized, but if that same pile of stuff is put inside a bin, even a clear plastic one, it suddenly transforms into something neat and orderly? Who cares about the iPad, I think the real “magical and revolutionary device” is the Rubbermaid bin.

Three Awesome iPad Stands for One Awesome iPad

So, I lucked out last Friday after work and went home with a brand new iPad 2. Right now there aren't really any cases or stands available for it aside from Apple's Smart Covers. I think they're a cool idea, but I personally don't want one. To be honest, I really don't care for their appearance, and I prefer to have a full folio-style case (like this for example) than just a fold-up cover for the screen. I've seen pictures of all sorts of new iPad 2 cases, but they're not available to purchase yet. But I really want to have at least some sort of stand for it, now. So what do I do? I make one. Out of what? Why, Lego of course!

A Match Made in Heaven

For all you math lovers out there, let me start out with some simple algebra. If x=a and y=a, then x+y=2a, right? Where am I going with this? Well, let's see a real world example. Using this logic, it should be safe to say that if pizza=awesome and cheeseburger=awesome, then pizza+cheeseburger=double the awesomeness.

Yes, the cheeseburger pizza is indeed supremely awesome. Even more so, since technically what I made was a bacon cheeseburger pizza. After trying it once, I'm definitely going to make it again. And again. But how does one go about making a cheeseburger pizza? Well, I'm glad you asked!

First, get a regular 12" pizza shell. Second, spread on a mixture of about ⅓ cup pizza sauce and ½ cup ketchup. Then, get ½ lb of ground beef and a chopped onion and brown them on the stove. When that's done and you've drained any grease, spread it all around over the sauce.

Next, shred about 1 cup each of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, mix them up nicely and add it to the pizza. On top of that, add a chopped up tomato, some sliced up pickles and a few slices of bacon that you've cooked and chopped up or crumbled.

Finally, cook it in the oven. For me, it was about 8 minutes at 425°F, but if your pizza shell includes suggested cooking directions it's probably best to go with them. You wouldn't want to burn the crust or have it get too crunchy.

I think I can say with absolute certainty that this is the best pizza I've ever made, although the “BBQ Chicken with Spicy Banana Peppers” one I made a few months back was very good too. But maybe next time I'll make something more traditional, like ham and pineapple. I'm sure as Easter draws near, ham will go on sale so that will be a great time to make one. But as long as it's a pizza, that's what really matters, no matter what kind it is. Remember, pizza=awesome, after all!

Tax Time!

Many people dread tax time, but I love it. Perhaps my opinion is affected by the fact that I've never had to pay anything, and have always received fairly sizeable refunds. Also, the popular opinion is that taxes are a pain to do and are so very time consuming, and many people resort to paying professionals or purchasing software to help them. But that has never been my experience.

I used to fill out the forms by hand, but several years ago found a service called CuteTax Online (now renamed to the much better, although less memorable, name of Tax Chopper) that really simplifies things. While I would never think of spending $50+ for a piece of tax software, this is only $10 which I think is well worth it, considering the time saved and that filing taxes electronically means I get my much anticipated refund quicker and I don't have to pay postage to mail anything. Plus since I've been using it every year I don't have to re-enter all my personal information each year.

This evening I checked my mailbox and saw I had received the last thing I was waiting on before I could start, so I made myself a nice latte then proceeded with working on my 2010 taxes. And I kid you not, making the latte was the most time-consuming part. Maybe I'm just lucky in that I don't have very complicated taxes, due to things like not having education or medical expenses to claim, no dependents or spouse and not being a home owner. But with Tax Chopper, all I had to do is say what forms I had and type in what was on the forms, enter the totals for RRSP contributions and donations, pay them so I could download the forms and then upload them to the CRA. Because it's much faster for them to process electronically filed taxes plus I get my money direct deposited to my bank account, I usually see my refund sitting in my account in about a week. And the timing couldn't be better, because I already know the first thing I'm going to spend it on!