“From page 18, «but I bet if you bad the same options Pve had, you’d =~ robably have lived the same ind of life. °°". : - Things have changed dra _matically for me in the Jast - couple of years.’ My kids have become quite indepen- dent; and I’m no longer liv- . ing. with “the good . = provider.” . + So, where does a 44-year- _ old ex-housewife begin? cock, With a serious internal analysis, of course, to deter- _mine just what, if anything, - I'm good at. Past careers include being a stock broker ’ (great money, good hours, -.,but you’re really just a used car salesman in an expensive /, Suit), a fitness instructor «(you get into great shape but oe people assume you’re a ding- - bat, which is entircly possi- “"ble), a fund-raising consul- “tant (friends run in the opposite direction for fear “you're going to ask them to” ‘donate something), a writer S (well; I'do have this col- . | -umn), and a television hast (show is not being renewed). “Too cheap to pay for. “career counselling, [ turn to Acting out ; CHILDREN, ages 7 to 12, of North Shore Neighbourhood House’s theatre and drama club present the original ‘production Happily. Ever Laughter at 7 p.m. this Thursday, Aug. 30. Sue Hunt and Des Hussey (centre back) taught the students in the summer program. Fall programs start soon. To register, call 987-8138. Muiti-talented woman seeks job those people who are closest to me for clues as to a potential career. - “You’re pretty good at ‘giving lectures,” offers my oldest boy thoughtfully. He’s been on the receiving end of enough lectures from different adults, especially recently, that he ought to know who’s good at it and who isn’t. “You make great KD,” - says my 16-year-old girl, try- ing to be supportive. “Although sometimes you put in too much milk.” She obviously doesn’t appreciate that making KD is a delicate process. One slip of the hand and there’s too much . milk, a faux pas that can destroy the credibility of even the most seasoned chef. “You give the best hugs of anyone | know,” says my youngest boy, sucking up for a litele advanice on his P allowance, which he’s for sure going to get, smart kid. According to my little brother, I have the biggest balls of any chick he knows. Apparently that’s a compli- ment. : “You give excellent hair cuts,” says my dad, but I know that he feels that way because I do it for free. Besides, he’s one of those old-fashioned guys who loves a crew cut and I cut it really short for him despite my mother’s objections that his head looks like a big turnip when his hair is short. “You're very good at get- ting your own way,” says my first husband. It’s so great; he had absolutely no trouble at all coming up with some- thing good to say about me. “Despite your horren- dous grammar Shannon, you’re an okay writer,” says my mother, although judg- ing from some of the e-mail I get, I would be better off writing manuals for waterless toilets than writing my col-, umn. Still, writing this col- umn is a job, albeit a small one, and it keeps me from having to call all my friends and family every week to let School Band Parents... All top brand “musical: instruments *¢ Six. convenient locations to serve you... NEWS photo Paul McGrath them know what’s going on in my fife. For the record, I can carry a tune and play a cou- ple of instruments, which makes me a “must have” ar any office Christmas party. So, with all this talent, what kind of a “job wanted” ad can I write? Let’s give it a go: Middle-aged woman with large balls seeks fulfilling career. Candidate’s past experience includes ‘foasing stocks, teaching fitness, squeezing charitable dona- tions out of. friends, and mak- ing like she’s a big television star, In addition to always setting her own way, this can- didate makes a mean batch of KD and is a seasoned lecturer — with a demonstrated talent for buaging. Please send new career opportunities to . Every Sunday featuring great. health for good fiving. Library. Pre-register for September: 980-4424. CNGOING Rhythms of the World: A multi-cultural adventure in which children can explore different types of play from faraway places through music, games and toys. Cost is $5 for a nvo-hour session. By pre- registration only: 987-5618. Birthday Parties: Jumpin’ Jack Birthdays for kids ages 6- Drop-in Summer 9 years at the North Storytime: A half-hour of Vancouver Museum and stories, songs, fingerplays and Archives. Cost is $60 for a puppetry for the whole family. nwo-hour party. Info: 987- Wednesdays and Fridays at 5618. 10:30) am., West Van Memorial Library. Info: 925- 7408. WEDNESDAYS Maplewood Farm: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Visit “goat hill” and the “rabbitat” then watch. the cow-milking demonstration every day at 1:15 p.m. Drop-in Toddlers Storytime: For ages 2 to 3 at the North Van City Library. Wednesday at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Info: 998-3480. MONDAYS Babytime: For children aged 6-24 months. Registration for the September session starts - Monday, August 28 at 1 p.m. at the youth services informa- ; tion desk or phone 725-7408. = — Compiled by Sharon SATURDAYS re Cacamile Saturday Storytime and Fax your event information to Craft: For 4 to 8 years, 10 985-2104 or e-mail. . — Lfortl. Lasertag game ticket - Bring in this coupon and receive ’ . » your second game free ; Valid Mon-Fri only, Not valid with otter promotions. -:~ One coupon per customer offer expires Sept. 15/00 LASER DOME > UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT + LASER TAG 141 West 16th Street, North Vancouver. Fale 985-6033 THURSDAYS Drop-in Babes Storytime: For newborns to 24 months at the North Van City Library. Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Info: 980-4424. | “ NATIVE JEWELLERY Weppinc RINGS” North Vancouver : . 444 West 3rd Street, © "988-9215. a cae Mo leks “e Academic :: .Excellence 3000... * Moral & Spiritual™ | . Development. ©. 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