Just Married – Name Change

by listobsessedca, posted in weddings

So I recently got married, but I waited an entire year before attempting the laborious task of filling out a ton of paperwork in order to change my last name to my husband’s. Here is a helpful checklist of what you’ll need to get the job done!

*some items on this list will be specific to weddings performed in Ontario, Canada

  • apply for your marriage certificate online
  • once you receive your marriage certificate in the mail go to Service Ontario and  apply to have your name changed on your health card and driver’s license
  • the next step is to go to Service Canada and get your social insurance number updated with your new name
  • to update your passport you’ll need to fill out the Adult General Passport Application and submit the application at your local Passport Canada office
  • you’ll also want to go to your bank to get your name changed on your debit card, visa card – make sure they keep your maiden name on file as an alias name (you’ll be able to use your old cheques and pre-authorised payments will still be allowed)
  • you’ll also want to call Canada Revenue Agency and get your file updated with your new last name…they will ask for your last year’s tax information so make sure you have that on hand when you call
  • if you have a student loan with OSAP you’ll want to call them to find out the procedure for changing your last name in their system

 

Modern Board Games for 2

by listobsessedca, posted in Activities

If you’re playing the same old board games year after year try something new and look into buying a modern board game, or even testing one out at a local board games cafe. Here is a list of 2 player modern board games that my husband and I have played and love. I’ve also included links for purchase.

*FYI, modern board games do come with more rules and can last for more than 1 hour, but they are worth the effort.

  • The Godfather: Corleone’s Empire
    • this game is action packed just like the movie
    • in this game you get to be a Don and have your own thugs and take territories
    • this game has easy to follow repetitive steps and it can be played with more than 2 players – great family game
  • The Settlers of Catan – Rival
    • easy to play card and dice game, its up to strategy and luck that will bring victory
    • you collect resources to build villages, cities, and collect items – it’s a points race
  • Harry Potter – Hogwarts Battle Co-op
    • if you’re a Harry Potter fan then you’ll love this game
  • X-Wing – Star Wars Miniatures Game
    • very easy to learn game
    • if you love star wars then you’ll love getting to fly the replica space craft and perform their realistic manoeuvres and you battle the opponent’s aircraft in space
  • Boss Monster
    • simple to learn and play card game
    • each person creates a dungeon to try an lure and kill perspective heroes
  • Mage Knight
    • this game is for the experienced, you’ll want to build up your endurance and play a few other modern board games before you try this one
    • takes you into the world of medieval and mystical knights and dragons
    • you will discover territory, destroy villages, and attempt to conquer castles guarded by the fiercest of beasts

 

The Curious Mind

by listobsessedca, posted in Activities

Humans are curious by nature, so it only makes sense to feed this innate drive with knowledge.  Here’s a way to find out what’s going on in your city and learn something new…

  • check out Eventbrite which informs of upcoming lectures, presentations, conventions, etc.
  • take a trip to a science centre (Toronto = Ontario Science Centre)
  • view some amazing relics at at museum (Toronto = Royal Ontario Museum)
  • explore the ocean depths from the comfort of dry land at your local aquarium (Toronto = Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada)

 

 

Africa’s Rich History

by listobsessedca, posted in Travel

Here are some great sites that share a bit of did-you-know knowledge that shines a light on the sometimes forgotten history of Africa.

  • Timbuktu (Mali) – major trade & Islamic intellectual centre in 15th & 16th centuries
  • Gedi Ruins (Malindi, Kenya) – believed to be founded in 13th century, cosmopolitan city with running water
  • Nok Art (Nigeria) – terracotta figurines dating from 500 BC