So, I haven't blogged in a while, and here's the reasons:
First, I had one hell of a busy week, which started out with a totally fun trip to St Lawrence Market, from which I came home laden with the most wonderful things, including veggies, prosciutto, balsamic mustard, pasta sauce, lavender, and various other lovely sundries.
Then I had one Sunday to get everything I needed for the next week done, because from the first minute of my Monday, there was no stopping for over a week. From book club to pottery class, birthdays and bridal showers, the only time I was at home that week was to sleep and shower.
I guess it's no wonder that the week after, I came down with a wicked cold. I tried to take it easier last week, and this past weekend I literally stayed in- didn't leave the apartment once- trying to get this virus dealt with and gone, but unfortunately things don't really work that way.
I'm getting better now, but it's been a struggle to find the right decongestant so I can keep functioning at the office (mom keeps telling me to take a day off, but I'm too stubborn for that).
So, that's where I am now, though I'm in the middle of another busy week at the moment, having spent Monday evening with my aunt Laura, pottery class again, dinner with some of my girls tonight, and a mini family reunion this weekend. Add on to that the continued busyness of my job, and things are a little stressed- right now I should not be blogging, I have work I've brought home that I should be working on. But, I wanted to check in before I disappear again. I'll try to blog again this weekend, after seeing the fam. Until then, I wish you all a Happy Hallowe'en, and I'll finish with a joke I got off of a piece of Hallowe'en candy at the office today:
Which is faster, hot or cold?
Hot, of course, anyone can catch a cold!
Ha ha ha...seriously, I wish you all good health (at least, better than mine, lately!)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Anonymity restored
Wanna know what I just did? I just spent an hour going through old blogs to change a name. Happy little brother???
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Effectively kuglish
So, thanksgiving was this past weekend, and the brother and I made our own turkey dinner with all the usual trimmings on our own for the first time (with Mom's help in printed-out-email form). It went rather well, I think- the turkey was moist and not pink in the middle, the stuffing tasted the way I like, and the kugle was effectively kuglish. Extra kudos to the bro for choosing brussel sprouts (good call), volunteering his kitchen, and running out for last minute supplies.
Other than the fact that it was 33 degrees on Monday (and after watching An Inconvenient Truth with him, that was doubly as uncomfortable than it would normally be), it was a great weekend.
The week, though, has finally learned its manners and turned into a decent autumn- I even got to wear my orange sweater today. It went very well with my nails, which I had to cut off because of the pottery class I'm taking, and to make myself feel better about losing all my lovely long nails, I bought new nail polish and painted them dark chocolate brown, and that made me very happy.
And I voted today, the way I wanted to, which wasn't actually the smart way (as Lauren says, some people say there are only two parties in Canada, and it's better to vote for the one you dislike least), but I can't do that. As I told her, I'd rather cast my vote into the obscurity I approve of than give the little power I have to someone I don't truly believe in. And that's all I have to say about that.
After voting, I stopped at the grocery store to grab ingredients to make my own Asian Chicken Soup (recipe to follow), and Colin Mochrie was in my grocery store (click the title of this entry if you don't know who he is). He smiled at me, and that was kind of cool, but then I had to walk home in the rain, and my hair got all puffy, and then I made soup.
Bethany's Loaded Asian Chicken Soup
2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
tons of chicken broth (I used about 11 cups, plus one of water)
ginger
garlic
sesame oil
soy sauce
green onions
red pepper
bok choy (I used baby)
sugar snap peas (or snow peas)
bamboo shoots
water chestnuts
carrots
mushrooms
Cook the chicken in the sesame oil and soy sauce until it's not pink in the middle (duh), while you gently boil the broth and water with the ginger and garlic (don't cut up the cloves or ginger chunks, so you can take them out later). Cool the chicken while you cut up all the veg. Put the veg in the soup and simmer it while you cut the chicken. Add the chicken and taste the broth, adjusting it as necessary (ie., add salt, soy sauce, lemon or lime juice, red pepper flakes for some kick...whatever you think it could use). Enjoy!
P.S. I found a blog you should go to. It's http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
Other than the fact that it was 33 degrees on Monday (and after watching An Inconvenient Truth with him, that was doubly as uncomfortable than it would normally be), it was a great weekend.
The week, though, has finally learned its manners and turned into a decent autumn- I even got to wear my orange sweater today. It went very well with my nails, which I had to cut off because of the pottery class I'm taking, and to make myself feel better about losing all my lovely long nails, I bought new nail polish and painted them dark chocolate brown, and that made me very happy.
And I voted today, the way I wanted to, which wasn't actually the smart way (as Lauren says, some people say there are only two parties in Canada, and it's better to vote for the one you dislike least), but I can't do that. As I told her, I'd rather cast my vote into the obscurity I approve of than give the little power I have to someone I don't truly believe in. And that's all I have to say about that.
After voting, I stopped at the grocery store to grab ingredients to make my own Asian Chicken Soup (recipe to follow), and Colin Mochrie was in my grocery store (click the title of this entry if you don't know who he is). He smiled at me, and that was kind of cool, but then I had to walk home in the rain, and my hair got all puffy, and then I made soup.
Bethany's Loaded Asian Chicken Soup
2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
tons of chicken broth (I used about 11 cups, plus one of water)
ginger
garlic
sesame oil
soy sauce
green onions
red pepper
bok choy (I used baby)
sugar snap peas (or snow peas)
bamboo shoots
water chestnuts
carrots
mushrooms
Cook the chicken in the sesame oil and soy sauce until it's not pink in the middle (duh), while you gently boil the broth and water with the ginger and garlic (don't cut up the cloves or ginger chunks, so you can take them out later). Cool the chicken while you cut up all the veg. Put the veg in the soup and simmer it while you cut the chicken. Add the chicken and taste the broth, adjusting it as necessary (ie., add salt, soy sauce, lemon or lime juice, red pepper flakes for some kick...whatever you think it could use). Enjoy!
P.S. I found a blog you should go to. It's http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 04, 2007
The continued piled-on-edness of my days
I’ve been having a pretty good week. Last week was tough; work really got me down, I was having some serious issues with my job, and then someone gave me a reason to really question whether I wanted to stay in my job (yes, I’m being deliberately vague). But this weekend was particularly effective for stress relief, as Kev came into town and spent a couple of days hanging out with Hugh and I, and as it was Hugh’s birthday, we went out Saturday night with him and his med-student crowd and had a great time. By Sunday I was calm once more, thinking a lot more clearly, and knew that I couldn’t leave my job just yet. I still have stuff to do there.
Which is even more true this week, as my long-term projects list continues to grow, making my to-do list (which usually covers a couple of days at a time) huge- right now I know what I’m doing at work well into the new year.
But, despite the continued piled-on-edness of my days, the week’s been good. I’m taking a pottery class with a friend that started on Tuesday, and I’m so excited about it. The class is all female, and not heavily octogenarian, which I’d worried about. The teacher seems to know his stuff (he’s maybe a little rambly, but that’s okay), and the class has great supplies to work with, which is good, because all my experience comes from high school, where we had all of three glazes to work with (unimpressive). This class has more slips and glazes and other things that I’d never heard of than I can count, and it makes me super excited to get my hands into the mud. The first class, I make a set of sake cups. Regardless of the fact that I don’t drink sake.
And I’m totally looking forward to this weekend. The brother and I are going to try and do our own Thanksgiving (wish us luck), and then Sunday we’re hanging out with the Robins, who are moving into yet another new temporary place on Friday. And Monday I think I’m being made to groom Eggroll (the brother’s dog), since I stupidly did a really good job on him last time, and now the brother has decided that I’m going to be the one to do that from now on. Oh well- I have yet to tell him what I charge!
Which is even more true this week, as my long-term projects list continues to grow, making my to-do list (which usually covers a couple of days at a time) huge- right now I know what I’m doing at work well into the new year.
But, despite the continued piled-on-edness of my days, the week’s been good. I’m taking a pottery class with a friend that started on Tuesday, and I’m so excited about it. The class is all female, and not heavily octogenarian, which I’d worried about. The teacher seems to know his stuff (he’s maybe a little rambly, but that’s okay), and the class has great supplies to work with, which is good, because all my experience comes from high school, where we had all of three glazes to work with (unimpressive). This class has more slips and glazes and other things that I’d never heard of than I can count, and it makes me super excited to get my hands into the mud. The first class, I make a set of sake cups. Regardless of the fact that I don’t drink sake.
And I’m totally looking forward to this weekend. The brother and I are going to try and do our own Thanksgiving (wish us luck), and then Sunday we’re hanging out with the Robins, who are moving into yet another new temporary place on Friday. And Monday I think I’m being made to groom Eggroll (the brother’s dog), since I stupidly did a really good job on him last time, and now the brother has decided that I’m going to be the one to do that from now on. Oh well- I have yet to tell him what I charge!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Go to bed
Just a quick post, as it is actually too late for me to still be out of bed, let alone on the internet and blogging- I have work tomorrow (which hasn't been going well lately, so I really should be getting my rest so I can put in a good showing tomorrow, but hey, tomorrow's going to suck no matter how well rested I am, so I might as well do whatever I want before bed). I am certainly tired enough to sleep now; there's a new girl at work and today we went to the gym together. It was the first time I've ever worked out with someone else, and it went okay (which kind of surprised me). But we were there for longer than I usually go, and we did more than I usually cover in one visit, so I'm tired and a little sore.
Nothing else is new- this weekend I have to scout out a locale for next weeks' book club meeting- I need a nice restaurant, not very expensive, where a group of seven or more people can sit and discuss for a long time, comfortably and without screaming, in the Y & E area. Anyone with suggestions, please write in.
Oh, and of course, this weekend is also Hugh's birthday, and though plans are still up in the air, at least I know we'll be doing something, with Kev who is coming into town, and with the docs, so that should be fun.
Now, I'm going to be good and get to bed. Goodnight, people.
Nothing else is new- this weekend I have to scout out a locale for next weeks' book club meeting- I need a nice restaurant, not very expensive, where a group of seven or more people can sit and discuss for a long time, comfortably and without screaming, in the Y & E area. Anyone with suggestions, please write in.
Oh, and of course, this weekend is also Hugh's birthday, and though plans are still up in the air, at least I know we'll be doing something, with Kev who is coming into town, and with the docs, so that should be fun.
Now, I'm going to be good and get to bed. Goodnight, people.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Hoarded topics
I hoard up topics to write about here, gathering them like Easter eggs, and then when I go to write them, I feel like I don’t do them justice; a quick mention to things that I thought I had a lot to say about. (Forgive the atrociousness of that grammar- I’m going a little stream of consciousness, here.) Combine this with the fact that a) the last time I blogged I was on the other side of the country, and totally meant to blog again while I was there, and b) this past weekend I got burned by my cousin for not blogging enough (and here I was thinking no one was reading!), and this all adds up to another of my resolutions to blog more often. Not sure when I’ll find the time to do that- work is stressful and busy and exhausting, I have book club and dinners out with friends, I signed up for a pottery class that starts in a few weeks, and since my return from the coast, I’ve renewed my efforts at the gym, and am there twice a week (at least- yay me).
So, lets work backwards, shall we? This past weekend was the Queen’s West Art Crawl, which featured none other than my cousin Mark (please refer to his comment left on the previous post to this one). I was duly impressed that one of the artist in our family (and there are more than you’d expect) was not only showing but successfully selling their art (to my knowledge, he is the first to have done so, though my cousin Steven may have done that already- but if he did I don’t know about it). But beyond the impressive public quality of showing his pictures, it was great just to see his work- his work is varied, and (being totally honest) I love some of it and appreciate all of it. Some of his pictures are very geometric, almost to the point of being mathematical; very Mark, but it doesn’t wring the emotional pull in me that I get in a piece of art that really gets me (I would never say something as cheesy and clichéed as ‘moves me’). Transfiguration I is without a doubt my favourite. I’d seen it on his web page (I’m adding the link to my blog, if I can wrap my head around the necessary HTML), and liked it then, but at the show (which was outside, in a park, on a gorgeous cold day- autumn is here!) he had a large blow-up of it, which made the impact that the image on the computer screen could not.
After the park, we (myself, the brother, the brother’s roommate, and the Robins, that is), grabbed dinner at the Green Mango (yum), then went to see the Beatles music movie, Across the Universe, which I’ve decided I very much liked- and poo on the critics who said it was bad.
Last weekend was actually the second time I’ve seen the Robs since BC- the brother and I get together with them fairly regularly, now, which is great. I like to think we’re expanding each others' horizons- they introduced me to Dim Sum, my brother is now addicted to the Green Mango, and the weekend before last, when Robin insisted we go to Sugar Mountain (bulk candy palace), I bought Every-Flavour Beans, and everybody tried them. (For you few unfortunates who are yet to be indoctrinated into the Harry Potter universe, this is a candy which is featured in the books; jelly beans in every flavour, and they mean every flavour.) Of the gross ones, the brother ate a dirt flavoured one (and others, though I don’t remember what they were), and I tried booger, ear wax, earthworm, and grass willingly. I also had sardine, but that one was an accident, as I thought it was butter popcorn flavour. Grass I found to be not unpleasant. Aunt Robin disagreed. Steven smirked as he chewed on an earthworm bean, claimed it was good, but when pressed, admitted it was disgusting. Robin was the bravest, having tried one of the vomit flavoured beans, so hats off to him. It was more than I was willing to do!
How was the last of my BC trip, you ask? It was amazing, in all ways. Mom and I took a road trip (with many stops) to Tofino, which also explains the lack of blogging for the rest of the trip. Cathedral grove was amazing, though Mom and I agreed that we wanted all the other tourists to go away, so we could be tourists there alone. It was restful, except the part where Mom almost fell into a wide, shallow stream, and a group of guys (male bonding tourists) made a plethora of jokes at us. Then we got to Tofino, which was a quiet, sleepy little town…with nowhere to sleep. Meh. We made our own way, found respite at an ironically named restaurant (Shelter), slept in the car, and were caught by neither cops nor bears. How very adventurous of us; it was a terribly bohemian thing to do.
The next day we got a hotel room first thing, crashed for a few hours, then went whale watching (orcas, a grey and a humpback whale), nature watching (baby bear, eagles, sea otters), and hit the hot springs (a highlight of the trip- if you’re ever there, stake out the last section, where the hot springs flow out into the ocean, and the ocean waves come in…waves of hot and cold…soooo good!)
By the time we got home we were happy but exhausted, so cancelled Salt Spring Island (something to do next time) in favour of Buchart (gorgeous but busy), and then I flew home. I had a great trip, and it was good to see Her. I really must go out there again, though my next trip isn’t planned until Christmas 2008- urgh. Oh well; I have England to save up for before that!
So, lets work backwards, shall we? This past weekend was the Queen’s West Art Crawl, which featured none other than my cousin Mark (please refer to his comment left on the previous post to this one). I was duly impressed that one of the artist in our family (and there are more than you’d expect) was not only showing but successfully selling their art (to my knowledge, he is the first to have done so, though my cousin Steven may have done that already- but if he did I don’t know about it). But beyond the impressive public quality of showing his pictures, it was great just to see his work- his work is varied, and (being totally honest) I love some of it and appreciate all of it. Some of his pictures are very geometric, almost to the point of being mathematical; very Mark, but it doesn’t wring the emotional pull in me that I get in a piece of art that really gets me (I would never say something as cheesy and clichéed as ‘moves me’). Transfiguration I is without a doubt my favourite. I’d seen it on his web page (I’m adding the link to my blog, if I can wrap my head around the necessary HTML), and liked it then, but at the show (which was outside, in a park, on a gorgeous cold day- autumn is here!) he had a large blow-up of it, which made the impact that the image on the computer screen could not.
After the park, we (myself, the brother, the brother’s roommate, and the Robins, that is), grabbed dinner at the Green Mango (yum), then went to see the Beatles music movie, Across the Universe, which I’ve decided I very much liked- and poo on the critics who said it was bad.
Last weekend was actually the second time I’ve seen the Robs since BC- the brother and I get together with them fairly regularly, now, which is great. I like to think we’re expanding each others' horizons- they introduced me to Dim Sum, my brother is now addicted to the Green Mango, and the weekend before last, when Robin insisted we go to Sugar Mountain (bulk candy palace), I bought Every-Flavour Beans, and everybody tried them. (For you few unfortunates who are yet to be indoctrinated into the Harry Potter universe, this is a candy which is featured in the books; jelly beans in every flavour, and they mean every flavour.) Of the gross ones, the brother ate a dirt flavoured one (and others, though I don’t remember what they were), and I tried booger, ear wax, earthworm, and grass willingly. I also had sardine, but that one was an accident, as I thought it was butter popcorn flavour. Grass I found to be not unpleasant. Aunt Robin disagreed. Steven smirked as he chewed on an earthworm bean, claimed it was good, but when pressed, admitted it was disgusting. Robin was the bravest, having tried one of the vomit flavoured beans, so hats off to him. It was more than I was willing to do!
How was the last of my BC trip, you ask? It was amazing, in all ways. Mom and I took a road trip (with many stops) to Tofino, which also explains the lack of blogging for the rest of the trip. Cathedral grove was amazing, though Mom and I agreed that we wanted all the other tourists to go away, so we could be tourists there alone. It was restful, except the part where Mom almost fell into a wide, shallow stream, and a group of guys (male bonding tourists) made a plethora of jokes at us. Then we got to Tofino, which was a quiet, sleepy little town…with nowhere to sleep. Meh. We made our own way, found respite at an ironically named restaurant (Shelter), slept in the car, and were caught by neither cops nor bears. How very adventurous of us; it was a terribly bohemian thing to do.
The next day we got a hotel room first thing, crashed for a few hours, then went whale watching (orcas, a grey and a humpback whale), nature watching (baby bear, eagles, sea otters), and hit the hot springs (a highlight of the trip- if you’re ever there, stake out the last section, where the hot springs flow out into the ocean, and the ocean waves come in…waves of hot and cold…soooo good!)
By the time we got home we were happy but exhausted, so cancelled Salt Spring Island (something to do next time) in favour of Buchart (gorgeous but busy), and then I flew home. I had a great trip, and it was good to see Her. I really must go out there again, though my next trip isn’t planned until Christmas 2008- urgh. Oh well; I have England to save up for before that!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Busy summer
Okay, so it's been way too long since I blogged, so I figure a quick catch-up is in order before I really get rolling.
July was Harry Potter month, in all it's glory. The movie came out on the 11th, and believe it or not, I wasn't lined up at the theatre at midnight to see it. Hugh was in the middle of his last med school rotation of the year (and therefore way too busy to go to the movies with me), Lauren's in Australia (back from Thailand, but still not close enough to go to the movies with), Mom's in BC, the brother would just laugh at the mere suggestion...you get the gist. Anyways, the book club had planned to see the movie on the 21st, so I figured I could wait. That didn't last, though, since both my cousin and I get off work early on Fridays, so he called me and we went to see it on the 13th, then met my other cousin for dinner. So, that was the first time I saw the movie.
Then I saw it, as planned, with the book club, on the night that the book came out. There's a huge theatre next to an Indigo downtown, so we went to see the movie (in Imax 3D - awesome), and then went next door to line up for the book. It was a great night.
Anyways, I got the book and read that night...and the next day...and the next day...and had it finished by Sunday at about 3pm (I took my time). I loved it, though the ridiculous epilogue was, well, ridiculous. Meh.
And then the next week, Hugh was finally done with that rotation, so we went to see the movie. Yes, I saw it three times. Yes, it's that good.
And then I had one solid week of craziness at the office, getting ready for the Summer Sales Meeting in Collingwood, and spent the weekend packing for two back-to-back trips. Last week was Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood for the SSM (informative, hard work, interesting but exhausting), and I got home from it on Friday around 4pm; about 12 hours prior to when I'd leave again to go to Victoria for a week to visit Mom.
...and now you're caught up, and here I am, in BC! My flight left at 7am and landed at 930am, which was pretty good for a six hour flight (time change trips me out). Mom picked me up from the airport, though not my luggage, as that was, apparently, left in Vancouver. So instead of going straight to Victoria, Mom and I bummed around the town the airport is in (don't remember the name right now; I was REALLY tired), did some shopping, went into a bakery and went a little nuts, and then had lunch at a Swiss bistro- yum. Then we checked the airport (still no luggage), and drove back to Victoria, where we did some sightseeing by driving around, since my energy level was in the negatives. Oh, but we did stop at the marina, where there are seals, and I fed them- very cool. Then, after running some errands, and looking at furniture cause Mom is still decorating her place, we went back to Mom's house, which is really nice. I met her cat, and the airport delivered my luggage, and then Mom made me spaghetti, and all of that was great.
Yesterday was pouring rain in the morning, so we tried to go to the Museum, but it was crazy packed, and we didn't want to spend the day in a lineup, so we did the museum gift shop and then left, and by then the rain had stopped. We went through the Empress hotel, and the Dragon boat festival, and shopping downtown. We did Mexican for dinner.
Today, Mom has to work, so I'm going to walk downtown and hit the bead shops (because I need beads, and also cause I'm hippie-hunting), and maybe the Museum too cause it won't be busy now, then Mom and Jerry will meet me downtown after work and we'll do dinner (probably Thai). Can't wait.
Anyways, that's long enough I think. I'll write more later; I'm using my blog as a travel diary.
July was Harry Potter month, in all it's glory. The movie came out on the 11th, and believe it or not, I wasn't lined up at the theatre at midnight to see it. Hugh was in the middle of his last med school rotation of the year (and therefore way too busy to go to the movies with me), Lauren's in Australia (back from Thailand, but still not close enough to go to the movies with), Mom's in BC, the brother would just laugh at the mere suggestion...you get the gist. Anyways, the book club had planned to see the movie on the 21st, so I figured I could wait. That didn't last, though, since both my cousin and I get off work early on Fridays, so he called me and we went to see it on the 13th, then met my other cousin for dinner. So, that was the first time I saw the movie.
Then I saw it, as planned, with the book club, on the night that the book came out. There's a huge theatre next to an Indigo downtown, so we went to see the movie (in Imax 3D - awesome), and then went next door to line up for the book. It was a great night.
Anyways, I got the book and read that night...and the next day...and the next day...and had it finished by Sunday at about 3pm (I took my time). I loved it, though the ridiculous epilogue was, well, ridiculous. Meh.
And then the next week, Hugh was finally done with that rotation, so we went to see the movie. Yes, I saw it three times. Yes, it's that good.
And then I had one solid week of craziness at the office, getting ready for the Summer Sales Meeting in Collingwood, and spent the weekend packing for two back-to-back trips. Last week was Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood for the SSM (informative, hard work, interesting but exhausting), and I got home from it on Friday around 4pm; about 12 hours prior to when I'd leave again to go to Victoria for a week to visit Mom.
...and now you're caught up, and here I am, in BC! My flight left at 7am and landed at 930am, which was pretty good for a six hour flight (time change trips me out). Mom picked me up from the airport, though not my luggage, as that was, apparently, left in Vancouver. So instead of going straight to Victoria, Mom and I bummed around the town the airport is in (don't remember the name right now; I was REALLY tired), did some shopping, went into a bakery and went a little nuts, and then had lunch at a Swiss bistro- yum. Then we checked the airport (still no luggage), and drove back to Victoria, where we did some sightseeing by driving around, since my energy level was in the negatives. Oh, but we did stop at the marina, where there are seals, and I fed them- very cool. Then, after running some errands, and looking at furniture cause Mom is still decorating her place, we went back to Mom's house, which is really nice. I met her cat, and the airport delivered my luggage, and then Mom made me spaghetti, and all of that was great.
Yesterday was pouring rain in the morning, so we tried to go to the Museum, but it was crazy packed, and we didn't want to spend the day in a lineup, so we did the museum gift shop and then left, and by then the rain had stopped. We went through the Empress hotel, and the Dragon boat festival, and shopping downtown. We did Mexican for dinner.
Today, Mom has to work, so I'm going to walk downtown and hit the bead shops (because I need beads, and also cause I'm hippie-hunting), and maybe the Museum too cause it won't be busy now, then Mom and Jerry will meet me downtown after work and we'll do dinner (probably Thai). Can't wait.
Anyways, that's long enough I think. I'll write more later; I'm using my blog as a travel diary.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Motorcycles and leeks
I had the best weekend!
The weather was a little cooler, which was a nice break from the constant, unleavened heat of the past few weeks. I met Hugh for lunch after work on Friday (summer hours at the office means I get off work at 1230 on Fridays), and we decided to eschew our movie-going plans in favour of a concert that was happening north of the GTA. We took Hugh's motorcycle! I love the ride up (it stopped being scary after just a couple of minutes). Yeah, I'm awesome. The concert was great- good music, kind of small townish (it reminded me of Bayfest back in the Sarn), good food, and, for some reason, apparently every cop in the greater York region. We think they were trying to justify their budget or something. They even did a fly-by with a helicopter. There were like, 200 people there; I've seen bigger weddings, seriously.
Everything about the night was great, except it got kinda chilly once the sun went down, and since Hugh and I had to take the bike all the way back, we left early, before it could get even colder. And, as fun as the bike was on the way there, it was not as fun on the way back. See, you can't wear glasses with a motorcycle helmet, and while I can see okay in daylight without my glasses on (things are fuzzy, but I can still tell what I'm looking at), this is not the case at night. At night, without my glasses, I am much closer to blind. This makes for an uncomfortable ride on a bike. Regardless to say, as fun as the day was, I was happy to get home.
Saturday I met up with an old friend (like, from elementary school), who is living in the city for the summer. We had a great time; we met up at St. Lawrence Market, where I learned that I cannot go to a market and not buy something. So I ended up with something random (leeks) hat I'd never cooked before and had no idea what to do with. Then we went out for lunch, talked for several hours, and agreed that we'd have to see each other again, soon.
Sunday I did domestic things, including making Mushroom and Leek risotto (had to do something with those leeks) that turned out awesome.
I'm terribly pleased with how my weekend turned out- now, if only the week will follow this trend.
The weather was a little cooler, which was a nice break from the constant, unleavened heat of the past few weeks. I met Hugh for lunch after work on Friday (summer hours at the office means I get off work at 1230 on Fridays), and we decided to eschew our movie-going plans in favour of a concert that was happening north of the GTA. We took Hugh's motorcycle! I love the ride up (it stopped being scary after just a couple of minutes). Yeah, I'm awesome. The concert was great- good music, kind of small townish (it reminded me of Bayfest back in the Sarn), good food, and, for some reason, apparently every cop in the greater York region. We think they were trying to justify their budget or something. They even did a fly-by with a helicopter. There were like, 200 people there; I've seen bigger weddings, seriously.
Everything about the night was great, except it got kinda chilly once the sun went down, and since Hugh and I had to take the bike all the way back, we left early, before it could get even colder. And, as fun as the bike was on the way there, it was not as fun on the way back. See, you can't wear glasses with a motorcycle helmet, and while I can see okay in daylight without my glasses on (things are fuzzy, but I can still tell what I'm looking at), this is not the case at night. At night, without my glasses, I am much closer to blind. This makes for an uncomfortable ride on a bike. Regardless to say, as fun as the day was, I was happy to get home.
Saturday I met up with an old friend (like, from elementary school), who is living in the city for the summer. We had a great time; we met up at St. Lawrence Market, where I learned that I cannot go to a market and not buy something. So I ended up with something random (leeks) hat I'd never cooked before and had no idea what to do with. Then we went out for lunch, talked for several hours, and agreed that we'd have to see each other again, soon.
Sunday I did domestic things, including making Mushroom and Leek risotto (had to do something with those leeks) that turned out awesome.
I'm terribly pleased with how my weekend turned out- now, if only the week will follow this trend.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Good times
It's annoying; I sit on the bus, or at my desk at work, or somewhere, and I think of blogs I want to write, or emails to family or Lauren, and then when I'm home there's always some other thing to do that steals my attention away, like the beading project I'm thisclose to finishing, or the chores I have to do or the books I'm reading or whatever. Suffice it to say that when I'm not writing, I'm often thinking about it. Which isn't much good to you, I understand, but there that is, nevertheless.
I've had a busy month. I've spent a lot of time out with friends, like movies and shopping with the girls from work, and book club, and dinners, and nights out with Hugh and his medschool entourage. I made a new friend in Hugh's roommate's girlfriend, and tonight I was out at a restaurant/lounge downtown to celebrate Andrew (from book club)'s birthday. There were about twenty people there, and when the night started, I knew four of them. It was interesting, meeting all those people from different parts of this one friend's life. Kind of mindboggling to think of the networks of people you're linked to by association (like if everyone got together twenty of their own friends, how huge that group would get, fast). It's a little pyramid-schemey to think about, but it also makes that 'nine degrees of separation' thing seem infinitely plausible.
I'm being weird.
Tonight was fun, though one of the best parts of the night was complaining about the restaurant in the car on the way home. The places downtown are largely like this one was; badly verbose prose-y menu that's trying too hard to be snooty, overpriced food whose quantity and caliber is not worth the cash you lay down for it, unaccommodating wait staff that aren't worth the gratuity you're strapped to cause they included it on the bill, and as soon as 10pm hits, the music gets jacked up so loud you can't hear yourself scream, and suddenly the place is 'standing room only' and the entryway is clogged with a cloud of smokers who are loitering out front, having conversations with their girlfriends and gesturing wildly with lit cigarettes in their hands. We had fun joking about how fun it would be to get lit on fire on the way out of the restaurant, too.
Not to mention, as soon as you go downtown, everyone is nuts. Walking to the restaurant (in daylight), some guy growled as me from the bushes beside the sidewalk. Full-on snarled. I would have been scared except there was another group of guys right beside at the time. Consequently, as I passed said group of guys, one of them asked me to rate one of his friends' ass. I gave him a six. I told you, everyone downtown is crazy.
Helped Mom pick out a couch today, made possible despite distance by cellphone and Internet at once. It was fun, and she likes that we've found a way to make it possible for me to help her shop. I'm looking forward to being there in August. Actually, that's where a lot of my focus is going these days. I'm making plans and trying to get things organized. It's still a ways away, and a trip like this really doesn't take much planning anyway, but I think I'm getting the jones to get out of the city again, and that's why I'm focusing so hard on this BC trip. I've found that while I like Toronto, it's good to get out of the city periodically; it keeps you sane. I would try and find a weekend to go to Orangeville, except Kev's pretty busy these days. This weekend he's off camping, and kiteboarding with Mark. I hope they're having fun- it's a great weekend for it, nothing but clear, warm weather for weeks now. I would have gone with them except I've put myself on a $ spending diet for the moment. Irregardless that the act that brought on this sudden urge for me to clamp down on the wallet was the splurgey, somewhat extravagant purchase of a gorgeous, wonderful, had-to-have-it Matt&Nat bag. We'll also ignore the fact that it's my second M&N bag bought in as many months. No more!
Anyways, tomorrow is another minor errands and cleaning day. It's annoying how much stuff you need to do when you're on your own, just to keep everything going. Like, when I was living with Mom, she did most of the grocery shopping, and I'd do most of the laundry, and we kind of shared the cleaning (I'm taking poetic licence here, Mom). But on your own, you have to do it all; the shopping, the cleaning, the laundry...everything. It's friggin tiring, man!
Anyways, as always, there's more to say, about how Laur's doing- she's in Thailand, now- and dinners and Cranium tournaments with Steven and the brother and the Robins (I've created a set of monsters, I swear), and about how the brother is doing (redid his kitchen counter, promptly ruined it, then fixed it and now everything's cool)...but I have neither the energy nor the time. I'm going to go have a peanut butter sandwich, to fill me up after that $20 undressed salad I got downtown, then watch IronChef and head to bed. Good times.
I've had a busy month. I've spent a lot of time out with friends, like movies and shopping with the girls from work, and book club, and dinners, and nights out with Hugh and his medschool entourage. I made a new friend in Hugh's roommate's girlfriend, and tonight I was out at a restaurant/lounge downtown to celebrate Andrew (from book club)'s birthday. There were about twenty people there, and when the night started, I knew four of them. It was interesting, meeting all those people from different parts of this one friend's life. Kind of mindboggling to think of the networks of people you're linked to by association (like if everyone got together twenty of their own friends, how huge that group would get, fast). It's a little pyramid-schemey to think about, but it also makes that 'nine degrees of separation' thing seem infinitely plausible.
I'm being weird.
Tonight was fun, though one of the best parts of the night was complaining about the restaurant in the car on the way home. The places downtown are largely like this one was; badly verbose prose-y menu that's trying too hard to be snooty, overpriced food whose quantity and caliber is not worth the cash you lay down for it, unaccommodating wait staff that aren't worth the gratuity you're strapped to cause they included it on the bill, and as soon as 10pm hits, the music gets jacked up so loud you can't hear yourself scream, and suddenly the place is 'standing room only' and the entryway is clogged with a cloud of smokers who are loitering out front, having conversations with their girlfriends and gesturing wildly with lit cigarettes in their hands. We had fun joking about how fun it would be to get lit on fire on the way out of the restaurant, too.
Not to mention, as soon as you go downtown, everyone is nuts. Walking to the restaurant (in daylight), some guy growled as me from the bushes beside the sidewalk. Full-on snarled. I would have been scared except there was another group of guys right beside at the time. Consequently, as I passed said group of guys, one of them asked me to rate one of his friends' ass. I gave him a six. I told you, everyone downtown is crazy.
Helped Mom pick out a couch today, made possible despite distance by cellphone and Internet at once. It was fun, and she likes that we've found a way to make it possible for me to help her shop. I'm looking forward to being there in August. Actually, that's where a lot of my focus is going these days. I'm making plans and trying to get things organized. It's still a ways away, and a trip like this really doesn't take much planning anyway, but I think I'm getting the jones to get out of the city again, and that's why I'm focusing so hard on this BC trip. I've found that while I like Toronto, it's good to get out of the city periodically; it keeps you sane. I would try and find a weekend to go to Orangeville, except Kev's pretty busy these days. This weekend he's off camping, and kiteboarding with Mark. I hope they're having fun- it's a great weekend for it, nothing but clear, warm weather for weeks now. I would have gone with them except I've put myself on a $ spending diet for the moment. Irregardless that the act that brought on this sudden urge for me to clamp down on the wallet was the splurgey, somewhat extravagant purchase of a gorgeous, wonderful, had-to-have-it Matt&Nat bag. We'll also ignore the fact that it's my second M&N bag bought in as many months. No more!
Anyways, tomorrow is another minor errands and cleaning day. It's annoying how much stuff you need to do when you're on your own, just to keep everything going. Like, when I was living with Mom, she did most of the grocery shopping, and I'd do most of the laundry, and we kind of shared the cleaning (I'm taking poetic licence here, Mom). But on your own, you have to do it all; the shopping, the cleaning, the laundry...everything. It's friggin tiring, man!
Anyways, as always, there's more to say, about how Laur's doing- she's in Thailand, now- and dinners and Cranium tournaments with Steven and the brother and the Robins (I've created a set of monsters, I swear), and about how the brother is doing (redid his kitchen counter, promptly ruined it, then fixed it and now everything's cool)...but I have neither the energy nor the time. I'm going to go have a peanut butter sandwich, to fill me up after that $20 undressed salad I got downtown, then watch IronChef and head to bed. Good times.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Happy Victoria Day!
I'm sitting in my apartment watching the tree line off my balcony, where I can see no less than seven sets of fireworks going off. Most are pretty far away, given, but still- this is a pretty sweet deal I've got here.
I had a great weekend. Got off work early on Friday, went shopping. Most of Saturday was spent cleaning my apartment, then the brother came over (with Eggroll) and we went grocery shopping (nice to have some help carrying everything home). Then I made dinner - the last of Mom's spaghetti sauce. He stayed over at my place for a few days, despite the fact that I had a date with my friends and left for most of Saturday. We went to the zoo- always a great time- and then out for Japanese food (yum).
Meanwhile, my brother was very, very productive on my behalf this week (big thanks, bro). He put stuff in my storage locker that had been taking up valuable closet space, he put up my curtain rod, he put shelves up in my bathroom, he built me a floating bedside table, and he WD-40'd every moving item in my apartment.
And, he left me with homework. Apparently, I'm now assigned the following tasks: to sort through my books and dispense those which are not needed, to buy wood filler and finish the shelf he built, to get rid of the two VCR's I'd been storing, with their accompanying VHS tapes (obsolete), buy fabric for that curtain rod I mentioned, and talk to my super about getting new closet doors, a new stove, and whether I'm allowed to have a barbecue on my balcony. Also, I need to buy soil and pot plants and re-pot the Jasmine tree and the Phil cuttings I took. Whew.
But in the meantime, I'm just gonna go chill on the deck and watch the pretty lights go off.
Hope you all had a good May 2-4!
I had a great weekend. Got off work early on Friday, went shopping. Most of Saturday was spent cleaning my apartment, then the brother came over (with Eggroll) and we went grocery shopping (nice to have some help carrying everything home). Then I made dinner - the last of Mom's spaghetti sauce. He stayed over at my place for a few days, despite the fact that I had a date with my friends and left for most of Saturday. We went to the zoo- always a great time- and then out for Japanese food (yum).
Meanwhile, my brother was very, very productive on my behalf this week (big thanks, bro). He put stuff in my storage locker that had been taking up valuable closet space, he put up my curtain rod, he put shelves up in my bathroom, he built me a floating bedside table, and he WD-40'd every moving item in my apartment.
And, he left me with homework. Apparently, I'm now assigned the following tasks: to sort through my books and dispense those which are not needed, to buy wood filler and finish the shelf he built, to get rid of the two VCR's I'd been storing, with their accompanying VHS tapes (obsolete), buy fabric for that curtain rod I mentioned, and talk to my super about getting new closet doors, a new stove, and whether I'm allowed to have a barbecue on my balcony. Also, I need to buy soil and pot plants and re-pot the Jasmine tree and the Phil cuttings I took. Whew.
But in the meantime, I'm just gonna go chill on the deck and watch the pretty lights go off.
Hope you all had a good May 2-4!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Things are coming together
Today was a long, standing-water kind of day.
A lot of days this week have been like that (at work, at least). But, things are good, too. Like my apartment. Last weekend Ikea finally got my bookcase in, and Robin (to whom I owe a HUGE debt for this) helped me go get it. It took a little maneuvering, but eventually, he and I got it in the car. We picked up my brother, and after dropping the box at my place, we went to the Robins', along with my favourite boardgame, Cranium, which I had promised them all would be the best game they'd ever played.
Thankfully, they had no reason to call me a liar. In fact, I think I've created a monster...or three.
The plan had been to have dinner, play the game, head home. Simple. Neat.
Reality saw us laughing till we cried, yelling challenges, making one hell of a bloody mess, and finally crashing after dinner and four very long games of Cranium, around 4am. Then a game at breakfast. Then a game before dinner, after visiting Aunt Rose (she's doing well, btw; we took her out in the sun, it was a gorgeous day). Another game after dinner. I got home just in time for bed, more than 24 hours after first heading out. See what I mean about monsters?
Anyways, bookclub on Monday, which was great, but would have been greater if I'd remembered my umbrella (wet slacks suck). Tuesday I FINALLY found time to take my bookcase out of the box and knock it together. And it's PERFECT. I love it, totally. My place is clean, it has some vague notion of style...I'm finally starting to feel like this is 'the place I live', not just 'a place I'm staying', if you know what I mean. I feel like a grown up.
It feels good.
A lot of days this week have been like that (at work, at least). But, things are good, too. Like my apartment. Last weekend Ikea finally got my bookcase in, and Robin (to whom I owe a HUGE debt for this) helped me go get it. It took a little maneuvering, but eventually, he and I got it in the car. We picked up my brother, and after dropping the box at my place, we went to the Robins', along with my favourite boardgame, Cranium, which I had promised them all would be the best game they'd ever played.
Thankfully, they had no reason to call me a liar. In fact, I think I've created a monster...or three.
The plan had been to have dinner, play the game, head home. Simple. Neat.
Reality saw us laughing till we cried, yelling challenges, making one hell of a bloody mess, and finally crashing after dinner and four very long games of Cranium, around 4am. Then a game at breakfast. Then a game before dinner, after visiting Aunt Rose (she's doing well, btw; we took her out in the sun, it was a gorgeous day). Another game after dinner. I got home just in time for bed, more than 24 hours after first heading out. See what I mean about monsters?
Anyways, bookclub on Monday, which was great, but would have been greater if I'd remembered my umbrella (wet slacks suck). Tuesday I FINALLY found time to take my bookcase out of the box and knock it together. And it's PERFECT. I love it, totally. My place is clean, it has some vague notion of style...I'm finally starting to feel like this is 'the place I live', not just 'a place I'm staying', if you know what I mean. I feel like a grown up.
It feels good.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Winter's colouring outside the lines
I’m actually quite a big fan of winter. I love layering clothes, I like hot chocolate, I even have a necklace with a snowflake on it. But I don’t like it when winter colours outside the lines. In Toronto this year, Easter weekend was colder than Christmas. That’s colouring outside the lines, and I am greatly unimpressed.
This weekend was supposed to be putting the winter coat in storage, let the cats out on the balcony, wash the windows, change to canvas shoes weekend. Not bundle up in your thickest sweater, where did that glove go, what do you mean I’m out of milk I’m not going out into that weather again weekend! It sucked. No one was around, I was dogsitting for the brother, and it snowed, off and on, for all three pointless days of my weekend. I did go shopping, though it wasn’t nearly as pleasant as I wanted it to be. I wanted to wander up Yonge street and investigate the shops there (my main goal was Ten Thousand Villages). Instead, I took a bus straight there cause it was too cold to walk. And when I got there, they didn’t have what I wanted! Now, that doesn’t mean I went home empty handed; I bought a cute little grey stone box that is perfect for the thumbtacks I need for my bulletin board. And the prices there are better than I remembered. But I wanted a mortar and pestle (I’ve wanted one forever), and they had two, but they were both made out of rose-coloured stone, and I don’t do pink. I’ll go back there again when they get more stock.
I know, it’s a little weird, why do I want a mortar and pestle? In my brain, cooking will be more fun that way. It makes putting spices together like potion-making! Also, I have this idea in my head that I want to create some new kinds of cookies and things (ideas nipping me in the heels are Red Chili Pepper White Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Key Lime Blondies with Cream Cheese Icing), and for that, I need a mortar and pestle. I’m going to create my cookies, and if they turn out, I’ll pass on the recipes.
What else is going on? I spent five days in Niagara-on-the-Lake on business, though I did manage to come home with Greaves jam (yum).
I went to Pesach dinner at the Robin’s, which was REALLY good, though a little embarrassing, cause when it comes to Jewish customs and well, basic knowledge, I’m a bit of a dough head. We’re blaming my mother. Maybe I can find myself a book; “Judaism for Dummies”.
I’ve been talking to Laur a bit more now that she’s settled in her classes in Oz. She sounds like she’s having an incredible time, and she’s been accepted to a placement in Thailand! I’m so freaking jealous. I’m seriously thinking of going to teachers college just so I can do something like that (jk, it would be cool, but I’m much more likely just to save up or hope to win the lottery and go on my own). But it does sound amazing. I emailed Mom to email Jerry to suggest some places where Laur should visit. I can’t wait for more pictures (hint hint).
And speaking of pictures, I just printed off a pile of mine from Florida, and others’ from various places, and have put them up in my apartment. It’s not done yet, but it’s getting there. One conspicuously missing piece is that #%#$& bookcase I’ve been wanting forever. I’m not sure I’ve mentioned it, but there’s a bookcase from Ikea I’ve wanted forever, but alas, as I’m carless, it’s really hard to get it to me. Well, last week my dear, generous, helpful friend Emily offered to take me there in her pretty and very blue car, and after much shoe shopping, we made it, only to find them…tragically out of stock. I was shocked speechless, caught between hilarity, tears, and a full-blown tantrum worthy of a two year old. Ever since, I’ve been checking the online stock availability every day, and as soon as it shows up…well, I’m not sure what I’ll do, but if you spy me walking down the street with a large box strapped to my back, you’ll know why!
This weekend was supposed to be putting the winter coat in storage, let the cats out on the balcony, wash the windows, change to canvas shoes weekend. Not bundle up in your thickest sweater, where did that glove go, what do you mean I’m out of milk I’m not going out into that weather again weekend! It sucked. No one was around, I was dogsitting for the brother, and it snowed, off and on, for all three pointless days of my weekend. I did go shopping, though it wasn’t nearly as pleasant as I wanted it to be. I wanted to wander up Yonge street and investigate the shops there (my main goal was Ten Thousand Villages). Instead, I took a bus straight there cause it was too cold to walk. And when I got there, they didn’t have what I wanted! Now, that doesn’t mean I went home empty handed; I bought a cute little grey stone box that is perfect for the thumbtacks I need for my bulletin board. And the prices there are better than I remembered. But I wanted a mortar and pestle (I’ve wanted one forever), and they had two, but they were both made out of rose-coloured stone, and I don’t do pink. I’ll go back there again when they get more stock.
I know, it’s a little weird, why do I want a mortar and pestle? In my brain, cooking will be more fun that way. It makes putting spices together like potion-making! Also, I have this idea in my head that I want to create some new kinds of cookies and things (ideas nipping me in the heels are Red Chili Pepper White Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Key Lime Blondies with Cream Cheese Icing), and for that, I need a mortar and pestle. I’m going to create my cookies, and if they turn out, I’ll pass on the recipes.
What else is going on? I spent five days in Niagara-on-the-Lake on business, though I did manage to come home with Greaves jam (yum).
I went to Pesach dinner at the Robin’s, which was REALLY good, though a little embarrassing, cause when it comes to Jewish customs and well, basic knowledge, I’m a bit of a dough head. We’re blaming my mother. Maybe I can find myself a book; “Judaism for Dummies”.
I’ve been talking to Laur a bit more now that she’s settled in her classes in Oz. She sounds like she’s having an incredible time, and she’s been accepted to a placement in Thailand! I’m so freaking jealous. I’m seriously thinking of going to teachers college just so I can do something like that (jk, it would be cool, but I’m much more likely just to save up or hope to win the lottery and go on my own). But it does sound amazing. I emailed Mom to email Jerry to suggest some places where Laur should visit. I can’t wait for more pictures (hint hint).
And speaking of pictures, I just printed off a pile of mine from Florida, and others’ from various places, and have put them up in my apartment. It’s not done yet, but it’s getting there. One conspicuously missing piece is that #%#$& bookcase I’ve been wanting forever. I’m not sure I’ve mentioned it, but there’s a bookcase from Ikea I’ve wanted forever, but alas, as I’m carless, it’s really hard to get it to me. Well, last week my dear, generous, helpful friend Emily offered to take me there in her pretty and very blue car, and after much shoe shopping, we made it, only to find them…tragically out of stock. I was shocked speechless, caught between hilarity, tears, and a full-blown tantrum worthy of a two year old. Ever since, I’ve been checking the online stock availability every day, and as soon as it shows up…well, I’m not sure what I’ll do, but if you spy me walking down the street with a large box strapped to my back, you’ll know why!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Jealous?
Okay, so I had a post that I wrote a couple of days ago, but for some reason this computer refused to publish it for me, and I got frustrated and walked away from it, so that's my explanation for the long silence. My post was short, just a quick update on how busy I've been having fun down here, doing a ton of stuff like kayaking, hiking, boating, bike riding, shopping, eating, fishing and more. We've been out in the gorgeous sun every day and my skin has lost that mid-Canadian-winter pallor, and I think I've also successfully undone the month-and-a-half's gym time I've put in so far (the food here is amazing, and the fam reunion has always been a time for indulgence- it just usually only goes on for a couple of days).
Though, believe it or not, I'm not totally horrified at the idea of going home. Don't get me wrong- I love this place, and my aunt's condo is fantastic (with many, many thanks to her for letting me stay here), and spending time with Mom again is great- but I'm also starting to miss my own bed, my own computer, my cats and my apartment, not to mention my friends.
Things I'm not missing? Keeping track of days (I know it's Wednesday, and I know March starts soon, but I get a little fuzzy if you ask me for anything more specific than that), the slushy streets, the salt-stained pant legs, and lugging home large heavy groceries like cat food and pop in -20 degree weather.
As for now, I'm going to leave the soft glow of the computer screen...to go lie beside the pool.
Though, believe it or not, I'm not totally horrified at the idea of going home. Don't get me wrong- I love this place, and my aunt's condo is fantastic (with many, many thanks to her for letting me stay here), and spending time with Mom again is great- but I'm also starting to miss my own bed, my own computer, my cats and my apartment, not to mention my friends.
Things I'm not missing? Keeping track of days (I know it's Wednesday, and I know March starts soon, but I get a little fuzzy if you ask me for anything more specific than that), the slushy streets, the salt-stained pant legs, and lugging home large heavy groceries like cat food and pop in -20 degree weather.
As for now, I'm going to leave the soft glow of the computer screen...to go lie beside the pool.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
My S.O.L vacation
Okay, so yesterday I meet the brother at the bus station, because we're taking a bus to get to the airport to catch a plane to Florida for a sweet sweet two-week vacation in the sun.
I say to him, "Happy vacation!", and he says to me "My vacation doesn't start until I get to my destination; everything up until then is just a hassle."
My brother is a wise, wise man.
So, we get to the airport and meet my Aunt, with whom we're checking in, in hopes of getting seats together on the plane.
Well, she got a seat, at least.
Did you know that Air Canada purposely overbooks their flights? See, there's this 10% chance that people won't show up, so they overbook in order to ensure that the planes are always filled. But if everyone shows up for their flight, then someone is S.O.L.
Guess who?
So, then the customer service people (my aunt has flown away by this time), plan to send us to Fort Lauderdale that night. The plane would get in at midnight, so the bro makes them confirm that we'll have a hotel room for the night.
Smart move- Fort Lauderdale is having a boat show and there are no hotel rooms to be had.
So, we end up at the Airport Hilton in Mississauga on Air Canada's dollar, and we're flying out today, a day late.
We're tired, we're annoyed, the brother is sick (and I'm doing my best not to catch it), and unlike us, our luggage made it to Florida- so we've got nothing with us. No toiletries, no changes of clothes...
I know my last two posts were titled 'Florida can't come soon enough'. Well, at this point, it's overdue.
I say to him, "Happy vacation!", and he says to me "My vacation doesn't start until I get to my destination; everything up until then is just a hassle."
My brother is a wise, wise man.
So, we get to the airport and meet my Aunt, with whom we're checking in, in hopes of getting seats together on the plane.
Well, she got a seat, at least.
Did you know that Air Canada purposely overbooks their flights? See, there's this 10% chance that people won't show up, so they overbook in order to ensure that the planes are always filled. But if everyone shows up for their flight, then someone is S.O.L.
Guess who?
So, then the customer service people (my aunt has flown away by this time), plan to send us to Fort Lauderdale that night. The plane would get in at midnight, so the bro makes them confirm that we'll have a hotel room for the night.
Smart move- Fort Lauderdale is having a boat show and there are no hotel rooms to be had.
So, we end up at the Airport Hilton in Mississauga on Air Canada's dollar, and we're flying out today, a day late.
We're tired, we're annoyed, the brother is sick (and I'm doing my best not to catch it), and unlike us, our luggage made it to Florida- so we've got nothing with us. No toiletries, no changes of clothes...
I know my last two posts were titled 'Florida can't come soon enough'. Well, at this point, it's overdue.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Florida isn't soon enough!
So tired. So happy.
It's kind of crazy how crazy things have been (and continue to be). Tonight I was at book club (a total indulgence, especially seeing as how I didn't read the book for this week). I (finally!) got to see Catherine's place (bachelor apt, smaller than mine, but somehow less cluttered), and she made us some awesome carrot soup, and we fried up perogies and potstickers to go with it (a random mix, to be sure, but it was goo-ood!) Then they made me hide in the bathroom while they got my birthday cake ready. Andrew treated us all to ice wine, and we had a great time together.
Yesterday (I've decided to work backwards) I went out for dinner with Hugh and Kevin- it was wonderful to be out with my boys- and before that, in the afternoon, Hugh and I did the Science Centre. That morning Robin made me his fabulous brie omelet for breakfast, because I'd spent the night at the Robins' after watching Garden State with them.
And that is only the tip of the iceberg. Tomorrow I have dinner out with the work girls, then Wednesday Hugh is coming over for birthday stuff (he won't define that any better for me), and Thursday Cath and Mary are coming here (though they've promised not to hold it against me if I pack while they're around!) I've reserved Friday for pedicure and packing, and Saturday we leave! I am so excited, because it will be great to see Mom, and the whole family, but also that with life this crazy, and work right now is wild busy, I am so in need of a vacation!
I'm sorry I'm being so brief- there are other things to cover here, like all the stuff that's going on with Mom and my friends, and other stuff that I'm into, but I'm just so tired from it all that I need my bed. Goodnight until next time!
It's kind of crazy how crazy things have been (and continue to be). Tonight I was at book club (a total indulgence, especially seeing as how I didn't read the book for this week). I (finally!) got to see Catherine's place (bachelor apt, smaller than mine, but somehow less cluttered), and she made us some awesome carrot soup, and we fried up perogies and potstickers to go with it (a random mix, to be sure, but it was goo-ood!) Then they made me hide in the bathroom while they got my birthday cake ready. Andrew treated us all to ice wine, and we had a great time together.
Yesterday (I've decided to work backwards) I went out for dinner with Hugh and Kevin- it was wonderful to be out with my boys- and before that, in the afternoon, Hugh and I did the Science Centre. That morning Robin made me his fabulous brie omelet for breakfast, because I'd spent the night at the Robins' after watching Garden State with them.
And that is only the tip of the iceberg. Tomorrow I have dinner out with the work girls, then Wednesday Hugh is coming over for birthday stuff (he won't define that any better for me), and Thursday Cath and Mary are coming here (though they've promised not to hold it against me if I pack while they're around!) I've reserved Friday for pedicure and packing, and Saturday we leave! I am so excited, because it will be great to see Mom, and the whole family, but also that with life this crazy, and work right now is wild busy, I am so in need of a vacation!
I'm sorry I'm being so brief- there are other things to cover here, like all the stuff that's going on with Mom and my friends, and other stuff that I'm into, but I'm just so tired from it all that I need my bed. Goodnight until next time!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Florida can't some soon enough
I was very pleased when I found this apartment; I like the location, the layout, it's clean... I know that older buildings have their problems, but I like the thick concrete walls they have, too. And the rent was decent, and utilities were included, so I don't have to pay for water, or electricity, or heat. Sure, I don't have to pay for heat- yeah, right.
The whole back wall of my apartment is one big patio door and window. A very old window, with a metal frame...that lets so much wind in there might as well not be any glass in it. I was very proud when I realized this might cause a problem, so I went out and got one of those plastic film insulator kit thingies, and put it up all by myself.
But, see the thing is, with the wind blowing in through the cracks, the plastic would bow out, bloated-belly style. Last night it was so bad it almost knocked over my lamp before finally tearing off the tape that held it down. Combine that with the fact that the temp here has dropped in the last week (and is just going to keep on falling), and my place was more than a little frigid. I was online with Laur and Hugh, and it was hard to type. My bed is right under the window, so I made up the pullout and slept there, under every blanket I own, wearing my new yoga pants (thick sweatpants) and a huge fleece pullover I stole from Lauren a million years ago. And socks, and slippers.
First thing this morning (well, noon at least, when I could finally convince myself to crawl out from under the warm covers), I bundled up and walked to the hardware store, and bought $20 worth of duct tape, something called 'weather shield crack seal' (think grey silly putty for windows), and another plastic film kit. I brought it home, tore the remaining old plastic off my window, and pressed that grey plasticine into every side of the window. I even used kleenex in the big spaces. Then I got out the new plastic film kit, and put that up as well as I could.
And when I pressed down the last corner...the whole thing bowed out like a bloated belly, and tore off the tape that held it down. I was so frustrated I could have cried. My hands were freezing, I hate it when my nose is cold (and it is), and I'd just wasted more of my money. In a fit I tore into the duct tape I'd bought (as a last resort, cause duct tape is, first of all, ugly, and second, a man's way of solving a problem). I attacked the window, covered every edge completely, along with most of the sill. I *think* I might have finally got it all. Tomorrow I'll go get another plastic film insulator kit. In the meantime, excuse me- I have to go cover my patio door with duct tape. Brrr.
The whole back wall of my apartment is one big patio door and window. A very old window, with a metal frame...that lets so much wind in there might as well not be any glass in it. I was very proud when I realized this might cause a problem, so I went out and got one of those plastic film insulator kit thingies, and put it up all by myself.
But, see the thing is, with the wind blowing in through the cracks, the plastic would bow out, bloated-belly style. Last night it was so bad it almost knocked over my lamp before finally tearing off the tape that held it down. Combine that with the fact that the temp here has dropped in the last week (and is just going to keep on falling), and my place was more than a little frigid. I was online with Laur and Hugh, and it was hard to type. My bed is right under the window, so I made up the pullout and slept there, under every blanket I own, wearing my new yoga pants (thick sweatpants) and a huge fleece pullover I stole from Lauren a million years ago. And socks, and slippers.
First thing this morning (well, noon at least, when I could finally convince myself to crawl out from under the warm covers), I bundled up and walked to the hardware store, and bought $20 worth of duct tape, something called 'weather shield crack seal' (think grey silly putty for windows), and another plastic film kit. I brought it home, tore the remaining old plastic off my window, and pressed that grey plasticine into every side of the window. I even used kleenex in the big spaces. Then I got out the new plastic film kit, and put that up as well as I could.
And when I pressed down the last corner...the whole thing bowed out like a bloated belly, and tore off the tape that held it down. I was so frustrated I could have cried. My hands were freezing, I hate it when my nose is cold (and it is), and I'd just wasted more of my money. In a fit I tore into the duct tape I'd bought (as a last resort, cause duct tape is, first of all, ugly, and second, a man's way of solving a problem). I attacked the window, covered every edge completely, along with most of the sill. I *think* I might have finally got it all. Tomorrow I'll go get another plastic film insulator kit. In the meantime, excuse me- I have to go cover my patio door with duct tape. Brrr.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Busy weekends
Hi All,
I just got told by my friend Lauren, who has taken herself away to Australia for a year (in case I haven't mentioned it), for not blogging enough. Which, I admit, I was aware I was neglecting. With Mom in BC now and Lauren on the other side of the world, I really should be updating now more than ever, but life's been getting in my way.
It kind of surprises me, that I'm this busy. When I was living with Mom, most of the things I had planned for after work on a weekday had to do with what she and I were doing, having for dinner, or where we were shopping. I kind of expected, once she was gone, that my life would be even more quiet, more sedentary. It's not.
I joined a gym (urgh). A few weeks ago I would have thought that 'urgh' was an automatic inclusion- it had to be there- but now I hesitate to include it. Other than a rocky start (cause I wasn't prepared for bubbly gym personel to reveal themselves as used-car-salesmen in disguise), I'm actually not minding the gym. Enjoying it?...I don't think I'd go that far. But, it's definitely more okay than I expected it to be. I go at least twice a week (except for last week, when I didn't go at all cause I twisted my knee), and the only problem I'm having right now is that when I'm there I work hard, till I'm sweaty and gross and my muscles are all jelloey, but the next day I don't hurt, and if I'm working hard enough...well, shouldn't I? I talked this over with kev, who said I should do more reps with the same amount of weight, which I've been trying.
Speaking of which, I went to visit Kev a few weekends ago. The plan was to go up Friday after work, but he was working late (again; it sounds like work is really a bitch for him, lately), so I went up Saturday morning. One major reason for going was to get my tattoo touched up (by my very cute tattoo artist, Sean), which I did, and I must say, Sean does beautiful work. Then Kev and I bought food and rented movies, and then spent the rest of the weekend mostly asleep. It was a great recharge-of-batteries weekend, for both of us.
Which was great, cause work is crazy right now. I'm kind of the administrator for a huge division-wide projecty thing right now. It's not as impressive as that makes it sound- this is actually part of my regular duties- it's just a ton of work, and a big headache, and I hate having to tell higher-ups what to do, which is part of what it entails. You want me to direct people who are lower than me on the workforce totem? Sure. Co-work with a peer? No problem. Tell a superior what to do...that's what gives me pause. And sweaty palms. Never thought of myself as that authority-oriented, but there it is.
Last weekend (getting back to the list of things that have been taking up my time), I went with the brother to my aunt's house, for dinner and a movie. Me, her fiancee, her brother and mine got together, and while we only watched half the movie, we did scarf down a ton of thai food and talk for- no kidding- the whole night. Seriously; my aunt picked us up at 7pm and dropped me at home at 7am. It was awesome, and it makes me super pumped for Florida, which is my family reunion that is coming up. I love staying up late with my Mom and her sisters and cousins, talking for hours. Also, we're talking about going to the beach, and on a boat, and fishing and a bunch of other things that I cannot wait for. Not to mention that it will be right over my birthday, so for the first time since I was, like, 16, I get to have lobster for my birthday, which rocks (he he, 'Rock Lobster!'- Lauren is ROTF). Plus, Hugh was over tonight, and VERY KINDLY (can you tell I'm grateful?) agreed to come and take care of my cats while I'm away, which is awesome of him, and it means that I have nothing more to worry about!
Everything lately seems to focus on this trip- last week I bought and hung (all by myself!) a full-body mirror, so that I could take a look at the summer clothes I have to bring with me and figure out what I need to buy. I went to the mall today and had some capris hemmed and got my hair cut (I usually go to the cheapy places, cause my hair is way too basic to need that expensive treatment), but the place I wanted was full, so I went to check out the price of another place (and this one was a salon/spa place), and then faster than I could figure out what was going on, I was getting into one of those hair-resistant, armless raincoat getups they make you wear, and this nice fellow was washing my hair (with a head massage thrown in- amazing), and then this girl was clipping away, and it was a little more than I'm used to paying, but was still doable, and I'm pleased enough with the outcome that I think I'm going back there. Hugh even called my hair 'sexy', which was pretty cool to hear. And come to think of it, I spent the same amount on my hair as I did on my new sandals, so maybe that is okay after all (don't you love how I justify spending money by spending the same amount of money on other things? That logic totally works for me...)
Anyway, there's other things going on, but it's all litte stuff. My apartment is still making baby steps towards being 'complete'. I decided I hated the couch cover I bought, and am going to exchange it. This means I am overhauling my entire blue-and-brown design for my livingspace- yay shopping! I would be dropping the brown completely (I'm actually very into black-and-white right now), but I'm still in love with the giant brown pillows I got for the ugly couch, so the new design is to be green, with brown highlights. Next week I'm going to get the new bookcase that my TV is going to be going on, and then I need the new couch cover, and then a duvet with cover, new pillows, and throw blankets. This is going to be so much fun! The only hard part about it is fighting with myself to hold off doing any of it (much of it) before I go on my trip. I should be waiting until I get back, to make sure the $ works out okay...but you know what it's like- you want to have your place the way you want it, asap! Well, at least I have a plan.
I just got told by my friend Lauren, who has taken herself away to Australia for a year (in case I haven't mentioned it), for not blogging enough. Which, I admit, I was aware I was neglecting. With Mom in BC now and Lauren on the other side of the world, I really should be updating now more than ever, but life's been getting in my way.
It kind of surprises me, that I'm this busy. When I was living with Mom, most of the things I had planned for after work on a weekday had to do with what she and I were doing, having for dinner, or where we were shopping. I kind of expected, once she was gone, that my life would be even more quiet, more sedentary. It's not.
I joined a gym (urgh). A few weeks ago I would have thought that 'urgh' was an automatic inclusion- it had to be there- but now I hesitate to include it. Other than a rocky start (cause I wasn't prepared for bubbly gym personel to reveal themselves as used-car-salesmen in disguise), I'm actually not minding the gym. Enjoying it?...I don't think I'd go that far. But, it's definitely more okay than I expected it to be. I go at least twice a week (except for last week, when I didn't go at all cause I twisted my knee), and the only problem I'm having right now is that when I'm there I work hard, till I'm sweaty and gross and my muscles are all jelloey, but the next day I don't hurt, and if I'm working hard enough...well, shouldn't I? I talked this over with kev, who said I should do more reps with the same amount of weight, which I've been trying.
Speaking of which, I went to visit Kev a few weekends ago. The plan was to go up Friday after work, but he was working late (again; it sounds like work is really a bitch for him, lately), so I went up Saturday morning. One major reason for going was to get my tattoo touched up (by my very cute tattoo artist, Sean), which I did, and I must say, Sean does beautiful work. Then Kev and I bought food and rented movies, and then spent the rest of the weekend mostly asleep. It was a great recharge-of-batteries weekend, for both of us.
Which was great, cause work is crazy right now. I'm kind of the administrator for a huge division-wide projecty thing right now. It's not as impressive as that makes it sound- this is actually part of my regular duties- it's just a ton of work, and a big headache, and I hate having to tell higher-ups what to do, which is part of what it entails. You want me to direct people who are lower than me on the workforce totem? Sure. Co-work with a peer? No problem. Tell a superior what to do...that's what gives me pause. And sweaty palms. Never thought of myself as that authority-oriented, but there it is.
Last weekend (getting back to the list of things that have been taking up my time), I went with the brother to my aunt's house, for dinner and a movie. Me, her fiancee, her brother and mine got together, and while we only watched half the movie, we did scarf down a ton of thai food and talk for- no kidding- the whole night. Seriously; my aunt picked us up at 7pm and dropped me at home at 7am. It was awesome, and it makes me super pumped for Florida, which is my family reunion that is coming up. I love staying up late with my Mom and her sisters and cousins, talking for hours. Also, we're talking about going to the beach, and on a boat, and fishing and a bunch of other things that I cannot wait for. Not to mention that it will be right over my birthday, so for the first time since I was, like, 16, I get to have lobster for my birthday, which rocks (he he, 'Rock Lobster!'- Lauren is ROTF). Plus, Hugh was over tonight, and VERY KINDLY (can you tell I'm grateful?) agreed to come and take care of my cats while I'm away, which is awesome of him, and it means that I have nothing more to worry about!
Everything lately seems to focus on this trip- last week I bought and hung (all by myself!) a full-body mirror, so that I could take a look at the summer clothes I have to bring with me and figure out what I need to buy. I went to the mall today and had some capris hemmed and got my hair cut (I usually go to the cheapy places, cause my hair is way too basic to need that expensive treatment), but the place I wanted was full, so I went to check out the price of another place (and this one was a salon/spa place), and then faster than I could figure out what was going on, I was getting into one of those hair-resistant, armless raincoat getups they make you wear, and this nice fellow was washing my hair (with a head massage thrown in- amazing), and then this girl was clipping away, and it was a little more than I'm used to paying, but was still doable, and I'm pleased enough with the outcome that I think I'm going back there. Hugh even called my hair 'sexy', which was pretty cool to hear. And come to think of it, I spent the same amount on my hair as I did on my new sandals, so maybe that is okay after all (don't you love how I justify spending money by spending the same amount of money on other things? That logic totally works for me...)
Anyway, there's other things going on, but it's all litte stuff. My apartment is still making baby steps towards being 'complete'. I decided I hated the couch cover I bought, and am going to exchange it. This means I am overhauling my entire blue-and-brown design for my livingspace- yay shopping! I would be dropping the brown completely (I'm actually very into black-and-white right now), but I'm still in love with the giant brown pillows I got for the ugly couch, so the new design is to be green, with brown highlights. Next week I'm going to get the new bookcase that my TV is going to be going on, and then I need the new couch cover, and then a duvet with cover, new pillows, and throw blankets. This is going to be so much fun! The only hard part about it is fighting with myself to hold off doing any of it (much of it) before I go on my trip. I should be waiting until I get back, to make sure the $ works out okay...but you know what it's like- you want to have your place the way you want it, asap! Well, at least I have a plan.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year, Everybody
Good morning. It's very early and I'm a little dopey, though not hung over and sick, like Hugh (yeah, just needed to razz him a bit for that).
Last night was great. The clique (Kev, Laur, Hugh and I) went out to the Keg, had drinks at the bar while we waited for our table (hour and a half wait; double what they old us it'd be) and then had the best meal.
Then we rushed off to Hugh's place, cause he was supposed to be having a party and he was already late.
The party was great; there were lots of sweets, drinks, and music...we watched the ball drop and played Guitar Hero, which some of the med students said ruined the party, but med students are cracked, cause Guitar Hero rocks.
I called both Mom and the brother at midnight, which is a little awkward now as my midnight happens at their 9pm. But I figured I'd rather not have them call me at THEIR midnight, so it was a preemptive strike, so to speak (though as it turned out the party was still going here when the west coast was celebrating, so they could have called after all).
As for the rest of the holidays? (I'll go chronologically backwards); Hugh and I and his friend Veronica (med student) went out pubbing then came home to watch Talladega Nights (which wasn't as excruciating as I'd expected).
Laura and I got together for dinner, which turned into dinner and shopping and a movie. We went to see Night at the Museum, which was fun- lots of laughs, though it was kid-friendly humour.
The Robins and I went out for dim sum (my first time doing dim sum, but damn, that was good!), and also shopping and a movie...so, basically I did what all Jews do over christmas; I watched movies and ate Chinese food.
It was good, though- a nice break from work and I've enjoyed the rest. Am I ready to go back to it tomorrow? Ask me in a few more hours, I have to go back to sleep.
Last night was great. The clique (Kev, Laur, Hugh and I) went out to the Keg, had drinks at the bar while we waited for our table (hour and a half wait; double what they old us it'd be) and then had the best meal.
Then we rushed off to Hugh's place, cause he was supposed to be having a party and he was already late.
The party was great; there were lots of sweets, drinks, and music...we watched the ball drop and played Guitar Hero, which some of the med students said ruined the party, but med students are cracked, cause Guitar Hero rocks.
I called both Mom and the brother at midnight, which is a little awkward now as my midnight happens at their 9pm. But I figured I'd rather not have them call me at THEIR midnight, so it was a preemptive strike, so to speak (though as it turned out the party was still going here when the west coast was celebrating, so they could have called after all).
As for the rest of the holidays? (I'll go chronologically backwards); Hugh and I and his friend Veronica (med student) went out pubbing then came home to watch Talladega Nights (which wasn't as excruciating as I'd expected).
Laura and I got together for dinner, which turned into dinner and shopping and a movie. We went to see Night at the Museum, which was fun- lots of laughs, though it was kid-friendly humour.
The Robins and I went out for dim sum (my first time doing dim sum, but damn, that was good!), and also shopping and a movie...so, basically I did what all Jews do over christmas; I watched movies and ate Chinese food.
It was good, though- a nice break from work and I've enjoyed the rest. Am I ready to go back to it tomorrow? Ask me in a few more hours, I have to go back to sleep.
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