This Weekend, How Are You Going to Play?

Daily | November 7th, 2008 by Carrie McCarthy

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves”. Today’s Daily includes a reply from Rick Juliusson. Don’t forget to check out Rick’s other great work on our site.

Carrie says: I’m going begin crocheting a baby blanket with wool my grandmother gave me twenty years ago. All the more memorable because she taught me how to crochet when I was a child.

Danielle says: I’ve been complaining for months that my kid isn’t getting enough artistic stimulation at daycare. Gluing store-bought foamy shapes on white paper isn’t exactly stretching his boundaries of perspective. So, this Saturday I’m starting a free art class for neighborhood kids in my kitchen. We’ll cram ‘em in with paint brushes and big ideas. We’re starting with a “draw what you smell exercise.” Can’t wait!

Rick says: Finally a quiet weekend alone on our farm, the kids and I will enjoy cleaning the chicken coop, building a fort, cycling, and gathering rotten wood and branches for a bonfire veggie-dog roast with the neighbors. And quiet nights by the fire to read, write and miss my wife (teaching a weekend birthing class in Vancouver). In this new, slow country life, I’m no longer the weekend dad scouring the paper for events and museums and external activities to entertain the kids. Those can be beautiful and community-building, of course, but in general the call is just to Be with each other and our land and our neighbors.

Viewing 58 Comments

Constance 11/07/2008 01:14 AM 1 point
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I think I'll start to sketch and do some fashion illustration; I've been missing doing that.

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debbierodgers 11/07/2008 03:17 AM 1 point
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We're having a "wood party"!

We have a pile of wood in the yard (10 cord) that needs to be dealt with. Half will be thrown into the basement where it will be stacked, ready to be fed into the furnace; half will be stacked on pallets not far from the basement window, then tarped for the winter.

After our friends make short work of the job, we're having chili & burgers (& beer!) Hurray for GOOD friends!

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Emily-Sarah 11/07/2008 06:29 AM 1 point
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This is so cool! You're having a real harvest-type celebration like neighbors a generation or so ago did routinely. I love hearing my parents talk of harvests -- shucking corn or, well, killing hogs (I realize that is NOT a romantic notion!) or other types of situations where neighbors came together, worked hard, and celebrated the end of their labor with a grand feast. Families helped one another, bonded in the process, and enjoyed and built not only a "sense" of community but honest to goodness friendships ...

Here's to a great "harvest" for you!

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debbierodgers 11/07/2008 08:19 AM 1 point
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Thanks Emily-Sarah - we will have a marvelous time, I know. It's very satisfying to work together, whether the project is yours or theirs.

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DanielleLaPorte 11/07/2008 08:02 AM 1 point
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are you from Ontario? We Ontarians love our wood parties...and beer.

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debbierodgers 11/07/2008 08:22 AM 1 point
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LOL , Danielle! We lived in Ontario for 50 years and never heard of such a thing (of course, we were always in cities).

It's our friends here in Nova Scotia who introduced us to wood parties. I guess people everywhere like beer!

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Alison 11/07/2008 09:47 PM 1 point
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You're so lucky. I would love to have friends like that.

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ellabobella 11/07/2008 03:49 AM 1 point
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Friday Feist Feast.

Feist is playing tonight in Halifax, and a group of friends are all going for sushi beforehand and then to the show. I am very much looking forward to the whole thing.

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ChaseLisbeth 11/07/2008 06:31 AM 1 point
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Jealous! Sounds like such fun.

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Alison 11/07/2008 09:48 PM 1 point
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I adore Feist, and sushi. Your weekend sounds just divine.

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Ginger_Laine 11/07/2008 03:52 AM 1 point
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Saturday we are taking our 3-year-old to the zoo and then out to our favorite German restaurant (my comfort food). Sunday we hope to take a leaf-viewing drive up the mountain and visit the cross lookout point on a college campus that has spectacular views of the valley below.

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MelissaM 11/07/2008 05:02 AM 1 point
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I'm attending a baby shower for my little sister (she's not so little these days!) on Sunday and then flying over to Vancouver and Victoria (from Ontario) on business. It won't be all work though. Carrie & Danielle: if you had one free weekday (the 11th) and one free Saturday night (the 15th) in Vancouver, what would you be sure to see and do?

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DanielleLaPorte 11/07/2008 08:05 AM 1 point
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one free night in Van? Dinner at Vij's (long wait to get in) If you've got some day time hours available - Granville Island is a MUST. Great exhibit on at the VAG right now. Have dinner somewhere on Denman or Davie and walk a bit of the seawall by Stanley park after dinner. Drinks in Yaletown. Have fun.

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Rick_Juliusson 11/07/2008 08:49 AM 1 point
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Being until recently an alternative East-Vancouverite, I'd recommend dinner at Havana (Cuban, great heated sidewalk seating area) and a stroll along Commercial Drive, ending at Dolce Amor for the best gelato in town. You'll probably be drawn into some live music somewhere along there too.

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MelissaM 11/09/2008 06:51 AM 1 point
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Thanks Danielle and Rick! I'll take you up on your suggestions and see where they lead me. Cheers :) m

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Jess 11/07/2008 05:23 AM 1 point
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A friend of mine are having a girls' night - baking, watching Ab Fab, talking boys haha!
I'll also be going out tomorrow night with some artists which will be great, and I think I'd like to put together a fashion folder because style is something I'm really getting into and experimenting with.

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Chantal 11/07/2008 05:24 AM 1 point
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Taking a drive up to Santa Fe and have lunch with friend at my favorite Vietnamese restaurants. Then stroll the tiny European-style streets of the Plaza and absorb all the culture, art, intensity and beauty this town has to offer.
This gives me renewed inspiration and insights which I then will throw into the mix of painting on Sunday.

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JulieG 11/07/2008 05:30 AM 1 point
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I've got a Halloween-themed anniversary party for some friends of mine, and not only will I be attending, but I'm in charge of setting up all the decorations! So I get to play with spider-webs, stickers, and other spooky stuff!

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Karen 11/07/2008 05:33 AM 1 point
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I will be wandering around a (hopefully) Christmas Market in Bruge, Belgium. Picking and choosing when and who to make new acquantances with. And learning about the artform of making lace.

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CarrieM 11/07/2008 11:45 AM 1 point
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sounds so inspiring!

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Tammy_D 11/07/2008 05:49 AM 1 point
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I will be taking a weekend trip with my hubbie and daughters to a visit my mother-in-law and ride our bicycles. Hopefully, we will see a couple of old friends too. The world seems to be shining a little brighter since Tuesday, and the optimism going around is making it feel pretty good to breathe in the fresh air in the US of A. :-)

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CarrieM 11/07/2008 11:45 AM 1 point
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Ditto, on life feels better!

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Leah Graves 11/07/2008 05:52 AM 1 point
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My cousin is flying out from San Diego (we only get to see him maybe two days/year). We're having dinner tonight and tomorrow heading to a friend's wedding. So it will be a weekend of play until Sunday when it's time to rake leaves.

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http://onesnap.gather.com

Nia 11/07/2008 05:53 AM 1 point
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CRAFT STORE

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Wazzy 11/07/2008 06:03 AM 1 point
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I am going to pick up my knitting needles for the first time this year and knit a washcloth. And I am going to pick paint colors for my dining room. I also have been asked to knit a little hat with ears on it for my friend's baby, and so will be starting work on that project as well. it has been a while since I have done any projects, so I am looking forward to this!

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kim 11/07/2008 06:11 AM 1 point
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If the water is calm, I am going to try out my new kayak!

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Kristin_The_Goat 11/07/2008 06:11 AM 1 point
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I have the house to myself all weekend, so I'm going to take a nap, listen to 80's music and just enjoy my time alone. I will also read & probably watch a chick flick!

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Tabitha 11/07/2008 06:14 AM 1 point
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I wish I could say I have play time, I have to clean because it's the only time I have available. However with this in mind, I'm going to try to make cleaning enjoyable so future playtimes will be better than fun!

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http://www.lifealamode.com

alligator_kate 11/07/2008 06:30 AM 1 point
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I'll be at a Sufi Dancemeditation workshop, so I'll be dancing, whirling, and chanting, all good grounding exercises for me after the excitement of this week. (I live in NYC and was out dancing in the streets til all hours on Wed. morning with thousands of my neighbors.) I'll be sharing meals with dear friends, and catching up on my sleep and dreaming time.

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CarrieM 11/07/2008 11:46 AM 1 point
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Whirling is on my play list! Enjoy!

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jennyjam 11/07/2008 06:33 AM 1 point
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I want to head out for some photography and play with my camera. Time stands still when I edit pics and love when I have a great product at the end.

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Katasha 11/07/2008 06:38 AM 1 point
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After producing a GINORMOUS gala on Saturday, I am going to go to my hometown on Sunday, chill out with my Grandma and get some hugs and kisses from my new hunny.

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DJB 11/07/2008 06:50 AM 1 point
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We're starting the weekend with "First Friday" events in our town touring art galleries, stopping for a glass (or two) of wine and then checking out a new restaurant with my brother and sister-in-law in celebration of my husband's 46 birthday! Saturaday brings "Art on the Farm"--great local artists from the Lancaster, PA area in a beautiful old barn; we'll hit the Farmer's Market and then off to friends for chili dinner. Sunday ends with my in-laws, again celebrating my husband's birthday, and then we plop on the couch for the Philly Eagles game! Busy, busy but a great weekend with my husband and friends...

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lucy 11/07/2008 06:59 AM 1 point
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I have a meeting Saturday morning - and after that a friend who serves on the same committee and I are going to lunch at a lovely restaurant with a sheltered terrace for lunch, catching up, and just being together. No agenda!!!

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missp 11/07/2008 07:13 AM 1 point
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hang out, sleep in, not do laundry, not clean the house, not make lists, not think of all of the endless tasks that i have to do......not have a plan, not have an agenda, take the dogs for a walk in the park and look at the leaves, trees, heron nests, and water.. eat some great food...try the new cream puffs down the street...just relax..laugh alot..

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Elena 11/07/2008 07:14 AM 1 point
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Good question, I'm going to take it as a suggestion: My mother and 12 year old brother are coming to visit from Nova Scotia (I'm in Toronto) and I am going to make a point of playing with my bro somehow, instead of being annoyed at his ADD and trying to make him behave like an adult. I will probably go to the park and make up some obstacle courses and run around, or set up a arts and crafts session for him- scratch that- WITH him, or just encourage some superhero imagination game, or wrestle with him (but he's getting a bit big for that and I am starting to get hurt!) I will remember this.

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colette 11/07/2008 07:50 AM 1 point
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One of my sons is ADD. He can't even be still and quiet in his sleep. That isn't a joke. Since he was three, he has walked and talked in his sleep. When he is awake, he is non stop on the go. All I can say is thank goodness for computers, clay, prepackaged cookie dough, bicycles, roller blades and balls. There is hope. He is now a Medic and loves saving lives.

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Traci 11/07/2008 07:22 AM 1 point
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Write, unpack, clean...write, unpack, clean...write, unpack, clean...

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colette 11/07/2008 07:40 AM 1 point
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I love playing in the dirt via planting flowers, trees, and weeding the garden, and playing with my potted house plants. It's heavenly! Since I live in Central Texas Hill Country, we are still having daily high's of 80' plus weather, and over night lows are only in the mid 40's. I've got a limestone planter I am building. To me, this is all kinds of play and fun!

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CS (Composed Lovely) 11/07/2008 07:50 AM 1 point
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A girlfriend and I are competing in an event called "The Mud Run" - a 6.2 mile, military style 18 obstacle course, all in the mud, along with nearly 4,000 participants. Should be interesting!

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CarrieM 11/07/2008 11:49 AM 1 point
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I have never heard of a "Mud Run" sounds like my kind of fun!
Go girl go!

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Pema 11/07/2008 07:51 AM 1 point
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Volunteering at Portland's WORDSTOCK FESTIVAL! http://www.wordstockfestival.com/#/page_id=111&...
I start tonight by picking up Stefan Fatsis at the airport.

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Linda Borland-Fitzgerald 11/07/2008 07:53 AM 1 point
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Being spontaneous is what I love best and maybe a 'day trip' to Niagara-On-The-Lake is just the thing for this week-end?

There's this restaurant (Rest) in NOTL that sells the best pizza (take-out) we have ever tasted. If you go for dinner, they offer Candy Floss that you can make yourself on their machine. Oh, and then there's the runny butter tarts at the bakery next door (Willow) that are worth the destination trip (they supply desserts to all the fine dining places in NOTL. Then maybe a side trip along the lakeshore to Port Dover? Food and water seems to be the operating theme for me.

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Natasha L 11/07/2008 09:00 AM 1 point
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hmmm. thought this answer would come easy. this is a bday weekend for me so there will be lots of celebrating, indulging, relaxing...but PLAY...thanks for planting the seed...Danielle, LOVE what you're doing for those kids.

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CarrieM 11/07/2008 11:50 AM 1 point
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Dear Natasha,

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
C

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Lindsay 11/07/2008 09:00 AM 1 point
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I'm planning on surfing as much as possible and dancing the 5 rhythms on Sunday morn..... my last weekend on Maui before heading back to Canada. It's all totally surreal here, the community that i've fallen in love with, the dance, the lifestyle, Maui's intoxicating natural beauty.... the ocean..... ahhhhhhh...... the ocean..... where i feel my most at peace. Soaking in the aloha spirit, containing it in my heart and bringing it back for others to feel!! Can you feel it????

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stella 11/07/2008 09:18 AM 1 point
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I am going to the movies...it's been way too long since I have done that!

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Lori_from_Texas 11/07/2008 09:19 AM 1 point
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I'm going to enjoy the good company of friends and cheer on my 5 year old son at his soccer game. I'm also going to take out my water colors and find something blooming in the back yard to paint.

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Susie Hutchinson 11/07/2008 09:40 AM 1 point
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This weekend, I'm going to take my daughter to the beach and jump in rain puddles with her.

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Ellen 11/07/2008 09:54 AM 1 point
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Thank you for reminding me of the importance of play.
I must work this weekend, but I will try to remember to play as well.

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Carolynn 11/07/2008 11:08 AM 1 point
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I'm heading off to Mexico this weekend for some fun in the sun! I. Can't. Wait.

Although, I have to admit Rick's farm style weekend sounds great too. And, Danielle's wildly creative day...not sure about the clean up part of that idea though...

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Suzyn 11/07/2008 11:17 AM 1 point
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I've had a business idea rattling around in the back of my head for a couple of months, and I just saw a mention of a similar idea in the NY Times, so this weekend I may be playing "start a business."

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Ngonzi Truth Crushshon 11/07/2008 12:19 PM 1 point
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2 Girls' Nights & 1 Slick Rick Bday party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Kristen 11/07/2008 01:13 PM 1 point
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To kick it off, my husband surprised me by hiring a cleaning service to clean my house today!!! How GREAT was it to come home from work to a clean house! NOW I can enjoy a weekend of being hockey and football mom AND.......meeting my honey in the hot-tub when the kids are in bed!

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Daniel Gibbons 11/07/2008 01:33 PM 1 point
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Last weekend was Science World with my daughter. She's a little too young for it, so this weekend's challenge is to find something interactive but where the things to play with are about a foot closer to the ground!

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KelliKat 11/07/2008 06:32 PM 1 point
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Wine tasting at a local vineyard--got a free coupon for it at the grocery store.
Hitting the gym for swimming in the indoor pool.
Creating a bulletin board in my bedroom with photos, quotes, and other scraps that mean something to me in my quest for identity.
Working a 12-hour shift at the hospital on Sunday--guess that's not play, really!

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Cobby 11/08/2008 03:46 PM 1 point
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I had my hairline read, my hair colored and then cut by a new stylist who specializes in zen and the art of curly hair I've taken care of lots of Christmas shopping already and will do some more tomorrow. I'll also volunteer selling Junior League cookbooks tomorrow morning to help raise money to support the thirteen projects that we fund in our community. My three hours tomorrow helps us make the money that facilitates us creating positive change in the lives of thousands of families in Collin County, Texas!

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K. 11/09/2008 12:19 PM 1 point
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This question makes me a bit sad because I'm working all weekend! Then again, my work is writing, sitting in cafes, agonizing over imaginary characters and their lives...which is what I love to do, so it's okay.

All that said, I'm going to take some time out to go to Sephora and smell some new fragrances :-)

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