Everything you wanted to know about Nova Scotia

Last week I started a new job. While sitting at my new desk opening up drawers and leafing through binders, I noticed a book sitting on a co-workers desk. I asked her if I could have a peak at it and she said "sure, it was cleaned out from your desk".

The book is called "Nova Scotia Book of Everything" and it's chock full of tidbits, slang words, best beaches, famous Nova Scotian's etc.



Here are a couple interesting things I found while leafing through 176 pages:

* In 1901, Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to manufacture cars - long before Ontario.

* That lobster was considered a "poor man's food", an everyday meal that children grudgingly took in their school lunches.

* The most winter lightning in Canada occurs in an area just south of Sable Island in the Atlantic Ocean.

Now I'm going to give the book back, it's week #2 and I still have to make a good first impression :)

Feeding Ducks at Sir Sandford Fleming Park

A day before a snow storm, my daughter and I went to Sir Sandford Fleming Park (the Dingle) to feed the ducks.

I found some seed when cleaning out a closet and thought that, at this times of year, the ducks would like a winter treat.

The ducks were timid at first but as the sea gulls and crows came on the scene, they decided to come closer. Then we ran out of seed and it was time for a quick walk around the park and then go home.

Just as we were leaving, an elderly couple arrived with a bag full of bread scraps for the ducks. Go figure.

Then at the round-about (formerly "rotary") on our way home, we noticed a duck sitting in grassy inner circle who likely stopped a few cars getting there.

March Break Camps in Halifax

March Break 2009 is March 16 - 20th.

By now every parent is thinking about what to do. Not everybody does or can take the entire week off so they start looking around for fun, safe and entertaining day camps during March Break.

Here are a few ideas I've put together. Please share your ideas!

Artech Studios
Build a robot, design a video game or produce an animated movie.
Mini-Camp (ages 5-7)- Full day and Half day camps are available
Production Studios (ages 8-14) - Full days
Game Designer & Robot Innovation Studios (ages 8-14)- Full days
Teen ONLY Studios (grades 7 and up)- Evening workshops
Located at Dartmouth Sportplex

ViewFinders March Break Camp: Animated Minds
For youth ages 12 to 18. Create a series of stop-motion animation Public Service Announcements or short films. Apply for free registration.

Rec Connect
Some programs still available for registration but it's slim pickings

YMCA Day Camps
Keep checking this website for detailed information.

Pier 21's Myths and Legends Camp
Explore various cultures from all over the world and here in Canada.

Creative Kids Education Centre
Choose from:
BBoying(break dancing)
Rock Band
Young Campers
Break Into Business Camp

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia March Break Art Classes
AGNS is offering a variety of creative and fun Art Camps to appeal to any child. Taught by well-qualified and experienced artists these classes are for kids ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 and teens.

Ski Martock Day Camp
Ski School program
From 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily

Claytime's Rock Star Camp
Daily from 9:00am -noon
Pottery - drum box, guitar tray, microphone, star cup, wall plaque
Fused Glass - picture frame
Crafts - clay star- tambourine

St. Mary's University Camp of Champions
Basketball camps available but this year there is no hockey camp

Dalhousie University's March Break Camps
Basketball Camp (8-14 yrs)
Bouldering Camp (5-12 yrs)
Climbing Safety Camp (7-14 yrs)
Assistant Climbing Leader Camp (13-17 yrs)
Hockey Camp

Ice Men Hockey Kids Camp
Calling Atom & pee wee kids (ages 8 - 16) for their Ice Men tykes program, and also offering an Ice Men Juniors program for players up to 16 years of age.

The Utata Gallery and Art Centre in Windsor are having March Break Programs for children in grades K-6.
From drumming to painting, there is something different for every day.

Crank Your Core Lacrosse March Break Camp (16th-20th)
For girls and boys ages 8-12, this camp is for all skill levels and will be held in the new Caledonia Boys & Girls Club in Dartmouth from 9am-4pm.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special events/Day Activities:

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic's TUGS!
This interactive exhibit opens March 14th

Mooseheads
Friday, March 13, 2009 at 7 p.m. (Saint John Sea Dogs)
Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 2 p.m. (Acadie-Bathurst

Halifax Rainmen
Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. (Manchester Millrats)

AGNS Drop in Drawing
Daily from 2 - 4 p.m. No registration necessary, free with regular gallery admission

Museum of Natural History Exhibit: Ice Age Mammals

Let's keep this list growing, send me your ideas

Running in Halifax: My love-hate relationship

I believe that running is a love-hate relationship. Actually, more love than hate because I wouldn't be pounding the sidewalk if I didn't get anything out of it. I hate the irritating things like Iliotibial bands and Plantar fasciitis.

In an earlier post I mentioned that I am running in the Hypothermic Half in Halifax. Looking at the forecast for Sunday, the event will live up to its name indeed.

This past week I've been thinking about why I run. Here are my top 5 reasons:
1. Feels good - seriously
2. Before run-"Grumpy", Post run-"Mellow"
3. Weight management
4. Gets you outdoors, even in the dead of winter
5. No gym membership, just need sneakers.

When I'm not running, I obsess about my next run. I try to get out at least three times a week. I am no speedster. I run for me. Though, I kid you not, it would be nice to break my old race times.

I credit the Running Room for changing my life (sounds sappy but it's true). From the Learn to Run to the Full Marathon clinics (I've taken them all), they've taught me how to run properly and helped me feel good about myself.

This photo is me finishing my first marathon, the Bluenose. There was a time when I watched runners outside my window and thought "they're nuts". It is so inspiring to see runners in their fifties and sixties take up running for the first time. By keeping my annoying injuries at bay, I plan to run for a long time.

Looking for a running/walking route?
Gmaps pedometer is amazing and calculates the distance for you.

Upcoming race: The Scotiabank International Bluenose Marathon, the website is now open for registration.

See you on the sidewalk.