Friday Photo Flashback - August 22, 2014

Alexus mimicking the statues at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC

Friday Photo Flashback - August 15, 2014

This was taken last 2007 Bohol beach club in the Philippines. It was our family's first out of town trip.

Irmee's House Project List - Item 5

Number 5 on her list - Track Light - Completed

I can not count using my fingers and toes how many times my wife urged me to purchase and install a track light in our small hallway. She said that the current light is too bright that it affects the visibility of the shows on television when it is on. I finally gave in and purchased and installed one last Sunday.

I was hoping that I will at least have some time before the next request comes and I was mistaken. The next request came a day after this project was finished. I will just not mention what it was.

Project details:

Cost: CAD 74.94 plus tax IKEA

- CAD 29.99 - "Husinge" Track light

- CAD 8.99 x 5 - "Ledare" LED GU10 Bulbs

Duration: 1/2 Day

Installation fee: Priceless

Purchase date: August 17, 2014

Nike Shox TL IV Metallic

Got this kicks from the Nike outlet store at Buffalo NY. Paid less than USD 50 including taxes. Now being worn after it was purchased more than five years ago.

Voltes V Memorabilia T-Shirt

When I was young, Voltes V is my favourite robot anime. It is a Japanese anime television series that was aired on Philippine television in the early 1980's. I got this t-shirt 20 years after.

Home Insurance

During the time we were looking for a house, I canvassed for the cheapest home insurance that we can get. That time TD insurance was the cheapest. It was several hundred dollars less than what my preferred insurer RBC. I prefer to get it from RBC because it is where I have all my financial accounts. I was happy with the premium I paid for the first year with TD insurance.

I found out that the happiness was shortlived. Like everything else, the premium increases every year. On this third year of my renewal, I again canvassed rates from other companies I did not call before. I got a quote that was $150 lower than what I was going to pay TD so I changed my insurance provider to CAA.

There is a caveat:My Home and auto will not be insured by TD insurance, which results in loosing my multi-product discount. In effect my auto insurance will go up in which based on my calculation would total more than what I would save by transferring my home insurance. However, come December when my auto insurance expires, I can move it to CAA as well. Hopefully, when that happens, I will get a multi-product discount and realize the savings I was anticipating from this change.

Protect Yourself from Harmful Sun Rays

It is summer once again. Students are on a long break and a lot of them are engaged in summer activities that require staying under the sun. Although physical activities are good for everyone, we must be very careful not to expose our skins too much to the Suns harmful ray.

Following are some steps from Canada's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care newsroom (Release - July 12, 2014 9:00 a.m.) to protect yourself from harmful sun exposure:

• Using sunscreen - SPF 30 or higher -- and reapplying at least every two hours or after swimming or sweating a lot, even on cloudy days.
• Limiting time spent in the sun, especially between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
• Wearing the right gear, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light clothing to cover the skin.
• Staying in the shade or indoors, especially during heat alerts; find air-conditioned spaces, including malls, libraries and specially designated community facilities.
• Drinking a lot of water, even before you feel thirsty.