2) Select an appropriate meal (check)
3) Gather all the necessary fixins (check)
4) Ensure you distribute your home address properly so your guests can find you...........
6) Good food (check)
7) Good wine (check)
8) Good times (check check)
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
A Recipe for Success
1) Invite willing guests (check)
2) Select an appropriate meal (check)
3) Gather all the necessary fixins (check)
4) Ensure you distribute your home address properly so your guests can find you...........
5) Tell everyone your ACTUAL address (check)
6) Good food (check)
7) Good wine (check)
8) Good times (check check)
2) Select an appropriate meal (check)
3) Gather all the necessary fixins (check)
4) Ensure you distribute your home address properly so your guests can find you...........
6) Good food (check)
7) Good wine (check)
8) Good times (check check)
Monday, April 22, 2013
Underneath the Moonlight, The Moonlight
I think I've taken a sufficient break to recover from over-bloggation. I just needed some air.
My landlord has started to show my apartment. I thought someone would snap it up fairly quickly. And then I looked up the posting and found out he's trying to rent this place for $1400. May a take a moment to laugh at his inconceivable greed??? I pay less than $1150 right now, just to give you a basic idea. Rent hikes have been fairly restrictive these past few years. Even if I was incredibly liberal and said $15 a year, it would still come in at shy of $1200. What a greedy bastard. I hope because of that he doesn't rent it for several months. I'm mentally preparing the scathing email I'm going to send him. The more I think about the time I've lived here the more it eats away at it. In particular one line he said in a text was, "Even after a lot of work your place will be in rough shape." Well buddy, why didn't you try to do something about that when I was living here?? I'm censoring myself, but the mental version includes a lot more profanity. Also he took a photo of my "new kitchen" and posted it on the Craiglist posting. He's such a turd burglar. He hasn't even filled in the grouting because he's a lazy sack of excrement.
Also check out the lovely mess he left on my steps a few weeks ago. I got a text at noon on Friday, "Oops, I left without cleaning up the steps. I'll get them soon." He didn't clear them until Sunday at noon. I also got a follow up text at 5:30 telling me he had painted the back of the steps so watch my shoes, to which I replied, "I'm already upstairs." To which I wanted to reply, "I'm already upstairs you stupid shithead." That stupid little fuck. I'd like to ruin his life if possible so he can be as miserable as I am right now.
Calm blue ocean, one more month and I'm out of here. I've been finding a lot of cool stuff as I've been cleaning up. I picked up some organizers at Staples and have properly split up all of my bills and records that I keep. They used to be all jumbled half stuffed into one divider that could no longer properly close. So I picked up 4 or 5 smaller ones and split them up by type. Bills, employment, taxes, etc. I'm pretty pleased with the new system. And spread across my entire apartment and after a clean out of my car I have located almost every single Rogers bill I rec'd in the last 3 years. As well as most of my paystubs dating back to 2009.
I also found a gift card for Montanas which I used with Nikki. We got all you can eat ribs, but let me tell you, neither of us could eat them all. We didn't even make it through the first rack. I embarrassingly asked if they could only charge us for the rack instead of the all-you-can eat, even though it's only $1 more. It's the principle. He made it sound like he was doing us a favour, but if he had said no I would have ordered seconds for the pure purpose of costing them money. Seriously, don't piss me off. And now I'm not super keen on going back. Prick.
I also found this super amazing Christmas card that Jackie sent me. The best part was the cartoon of her being a Mountie whilst double sworded jousting. Which was purportedly a bad idea but it looks pretty boss to me. We always had this idea of doing a comic together. It started with our road trip to BC back in 2008. As I was driving she leaned forward and tilted my stress piggy that sat on the dashboard. She pushed it until it was staring directly into my soul. And hence was born the first one frame comic idea. "STOP LOOKING AT ME, PIGGGGY". We realized it would never make sense to anyone else and thus never came to fruition but it start something we've both been sitting on for a while. I've been toying with a different idea but I haven't decided if it's lame or not so I'm going to keep it to myself for now. Anyways, for your viewing pleasure, Jackie the sword wielding Mountie.
We had Sarah's wedding shower on Sunday which was a lot of fun. Angie made the most amazing video asking Peter questions that Sarah had to answer or risk the punishment of a piece of hubba bubba for each wrong answer. She did pretty well, and pulled out a few pretty impressive answers. Like, Which celebrity would Pete say Sarah would run away with if she could. Answer - Benedict Cumberbatch, and she got it. Lol, I guess it makes sense that she knows, but for them both to know, and for it to be more on the obscure side. If you haven't watched the BBC Sherlock Holmes it's an absolute must. And after that answer Pete said, "He's tall and lanky, and abrasive...he's pretty much a better looking me." And then to end a great party I slipped while walking down the steps from the upstairs washroom. That's my second stair slip in just under a month. So lets just hope I've gotten the quota filled for the next few years, but I'm thinking probably not.
I have to think about a nice dinner to serve Sarah and Pete tomorrow night. He's so anti-carb, and such a great cook, it's a challenge. I'm considering serving some of the banana bread I made tonight. I struggle with sharing my baking though. It's a low cooking esteem issue. Worst case scenario, more for me.
Ta.
My landlord has started to show my apartment. I thought someone would snap it up fairly quickly. And then I looked up the posting and found out he's trying to rent this place for $1400. May a take a moment to laugh at his inconceivable greed??? I pay less than $1150 right now, just to give you a basic idea. Rent hikes have been fairly restrictive these past few years. Even if I was incredibly liberal and said $15 a year, it would still come in at shy of $1200. What a greedy bastard. I hope because of that he doesn't rent it for several months. I'm mentally preparing the scathing email I'm going to send him. The more I think about the time I've lived here the more it eats away at it. In particular one line he said in a text was, "Even after a lot of work your place will be in rough shape." Well buddy, why didn't you try to do something about that when I was living here?? I'm censoring myself, but the mental version includes a lot more profanity. Also he took a photo of my "new kitchen" and posted it on the Craiglist posting. He's such a turd burglar. He hasn't even filled in the grouting because he's a lazy sack of excrement.
Also check out the lovely mess he left on my steps a few weeks ago. I got a text at noon on Friday, "Oops, I left without cleaning up the steps. I'll get them soon." He didn't clear them until Sunday at noon. I also got a follow up text at 5:30 telling me he had painted the back of the steps so watch my shoes, to which I replied, "I'm already upstairs." To which I wanted to reply, "I'm already upstairs you stupid shithead." That stupid little fuck. I'd like to ruin his life if possible so he can be as miserable as I am right now.
Calm blue ocean, one more month and I'm out of here. I've been finding a lot of cool stuff as I've been cleaning up. I picked up some organizers at Staples and have properly split up all of my bills and records that I keep. They used to be all jumbled half stuffed into one divider that could no longer properly close. So I picked up 4 or 5 smaller ones and split them up by type. Bills, employment, taxes, etc. I'm pretty pleased with the new system. And spread across my entire apartment and after a clean out of my car I have located almost every single Rogers bill I rec'd in the last 3 years. As well as most of my paystubs dating back to 2009.
I also found a gift card for Montanas which I used with Nikki. We got all you can eat ribs, but let me tell you, neither of us could eat them all. We didn't even make it through the first rack. I embarrassingly asked if they could only charge us for the rack instead of the all-you-can eat, even though it's only $1 more. It's the principle. He made it sound like he was doing us a favour, but if he had said no I would have ordered seconds for the pure purpose of costing them money. Seriously, don't piss me off. And now I'm not super keen on going back. Prick.
I also found this super amazing Christmas card that Jackie sent me. The best part was the cartoon of her being a Mountie whilst double sworded jousting. Which was purportedly a bad idea but it looks pretty boss to me. We always had this idea of doing a comic together. It started with our road trip to BC back in 2008. As I was driving she leaned forward and tilted my stress piggy that sat on the dashboard. She pushed it until it was staring directly into my soul. And hence was born the first one frame comic idea. "STOP LOOKING AT ME, PIGGGGY". We realized it would never make sense to anyone else and thus never came to fruition but it start something we've both been sitting on for a while. I've been toying with a different idea but I haven't decided if it's lame or not so I'm going to keep it to myself for now. Anyways, for your viewing pleasure, Jackie the sword wielding Mountie.
We had Sarah's wedding shower on Sunday which was a lot of fun. Angie made the most amazing video asking Peter questions that Sarah had to answer or risk the punishment of a piece of hubba bubba for each wrong answer. She did pretty well, and pulled out a few pretty impressive answers. Like, Which celebrity would Pete say Sarah would run away with if she could. Answer - Benedict Cumberbatch, and she got it. Lol, I guess it makes sense that she knows, but for them both to know, and for it to be more on the obscure side. If you haven't watched the BBC Sherlock Holmes it's an absolute must. And after that answer Pete said, "He's tall and lanky, and abrasive...he's pretty much a better looking me." And then to end a great party I slipped while walking down the steps from the upstairs washroom. That's my second stair slip in just under a month. So lets just hope I've gotten the quota filled for the next few years, but I'm thinking probably not.
I have to think about a nice dinner to serve Sarah and Pete tomorrow night. He's so anti-carb, and such a great cook, it's a challenge. I'm considering serving some of the banana bread I made tonight. I struggle with sharing my baking though. It's a low cooking esteem issue. Worst case scenario, more for me.
Ta.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Step On It, Electronic
New glasses and shades:
Easter egg - I'm holding up a mirror behind my phone because lets face it, I'm new here.
Easter egg - I'm holding up a mirror behind my phone because lets face it, I'm new here.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
TGIM?
I woke up sleeping the wrong way at the end of my bed again this morning. I don't understand how it happens, and it's mildly concerning.
I just got home from volunteering at a comedy event put on by the charity I volunteer with. I tried to do them a favour on Friday and pick up the kegs Molson donated, but at 165 pounds a keg the guy at their beer store said no way for a car. It could potentially be enough weight (ugh) to break an axle. So I took a pass on that. I went into their office after the failed pick up anyhow to do a few things for them. Then Friday night Nikki called in on my offer to go help her finish packing. It was 11pm by the time I got there, but I worked until 1:30am packing up some clothes, and cleaning up her living room. And when I could no longer breath I took my leave for the spare room upstairs. The cat-free spare room.
Saturday we were up at 7:30 to do a Timmy's run, pick up the truck, and start boogeying. Another friend came by at about 10 and we started to really move. I warned Nikki in advance my endurance is not tops, so after a few trips up and down the stairs to the curb side I was already ready for a break. Her mom and other friend did some amazing powerhouse lifting which was quite impressive. After heavy furniture, me and her other friend loaded most everything else piece by piece. I passed it up and he arranged it inside the truck. By the time we got the van to Mississauga my joints were locking up from being overworked and then sedentary for an hour and I don't think any of us were in the mood to continue. But we pushed through it. I did the most complaining, but heck, I showed up and did my best which is more than most people can say. We probably got 1/3 to 1/2 way through unloading when one last friend showed up. He took lots of heavy boxes and lifted some of the heavier pieces. Nik actually reminded me that I had told her I'd help her as long as she left her tv stand unit, which she said she was leaving, but then recanted on that promise. The very last piece was her turtle's terrarium which was in my car and I said I just flat out didn't have the energy to lift. Those things can be worth hundreds of dollars and I didn't have enough faith that I wouldn't drop it. Once that was all done it was off to drop off the truck and back to Guelph to take take her friend back to his car, and for Nik and I to pick up the cats and transport them to their new home. We each took two, carefully paired off for who she thought would provide the most calming effects on the other. One of mine was so pissed off she didn't say a thing the entire ride. The other one messed her carrier and cried about it for half an hour. I'd cry too if I had to sit in my own mess for that long. About 2 minutes into the trip I started sneezing and blowing my nose. I thought I was going to be a total goner by the time we arrived back in the 'Saug. But about 20 minutes in the sneezing stopped. Of course, my car has officially been danderfied and I'm going to get the sniffles for a while. Nik already apologized in advance for that.
So after that 26 hour move, and 5 hours of volunteering tonight I'm pooped. I'm also blogged out. I seem to have gone on blog overdrive, but I'm going to tone it down a bit.
Layta playas.
I just got home from volunteering at a comedy event put on by the charity I volunteer with. I tried to do them a favour on Friday and pick up the kegs Molson donated, but at 165 pounds a keg the guy at their beer store said no way for a car. It could potentially be enough weight (ugh) to break an axle. So I took a pass on that. I went into their office after the failed pick up anyhow to do a few things for them. Then Friday night Nikki called in on my offer to go help her finish packing. It was 11pm by the time I got there, but I worked until 1:30am packing up some clothes, and cleaning up her living room. And when I could no longer breath I took my leave for the spare room upstairs. The cat-free spare room.
Saturday we were up at 7:30 to do a Timmy's run, pick up the truck, and start boogeying. Another friend came by at about 10 and we started to really move. I warned Nikki in advance my endurance is not tops, so after a few trips up and down the stairs to the curb side I was already ready for a break. Her mom and other friend did some amazing powerhouse lifting which was quite impressive. After heavy furniture, me and her other friend loaded most everything else piece by piece. I passed it up and he arranged it inside the truck. By the time we got the van to Mississauga my joints were locking up from being overworked and then sedentary for an hour and I don't think any of us were in the mood to continue. But we pushed through it. I did the most complaining, but heck, I showed up and did my best which is more than most people can say. We probably got 1/3 to 1/2 way through unloading when one last friend showed up. He took lots of heavy boxes and lifted some of the heavier pieces. Nik actually reminded me that I had told her I'd help her as long as she left her tv stand unit, which she said she was leaving, but then recanted on that promise. The very last piece was her turtle's terrarium which was in my car and I said I just flat out didn't have the energy to lift. Those things can be worth hundreds of dollars and I didn't have enough faith that I wouldn't drop it. Once that was all done it was off to drop off the truck and back to Guelph to take take her friend back to his car, and for Nik and I to pick up the cats and transport them to their new home. We each took two, carefully paired off for who she thought would provide the most calming effects on the other. One of mine was so pissed off she didn't say a thing the entire ride. The other one messed her carrier and cried about it for half an hour. I'd cry too if I had to sit in my own mess for that long. About 2 minutes into the trip I started sneezing and blowing my nose. I thought I was going to be a total goner by the time we arrived back in the 'Saug. But about 20 minutes in the sneezing stopped. Of course, my car has officially been danderfied and I'm going to get the sniffles for a while. Nik already apologized in advance for that.
So after that 26 hour move, and 5 hours of volunteering tonight I'm pooped. I'm also blogged out. I seem to have gone on blog overdrive, but I'm going to tone it down a bit.
Layta playas.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Around The World in 80 Beers
In my massive apartment clean-up I have come across the fabled Around the World in 80 Beers passport from Bottlescrew Bill's. As long as they remain open, I will go down in Bottlescrew infamy as a successful member of the 80 Beers club. Feb 22, 2008 - Julie McGavin. I should quickly say, the challenge was to drink 80 worldly beers in a year, and record them all in a passport. Not much of a challenge but it worked, and we went back to the bar many times that year. And now for your reading pleasure, I will list off the 80 beers. Yes, Stella is on their twice, but it's not my fault they changed the menu and moved it. I only caught this mistake after the fact. But technically you didn't have to drink 80 different beers to win, as one of my coworkers was drinking 80 Stellas Around the World. I think he made it to 12. In no particular order, as they appeared on the menu.
1. Brahma - Brazil
2. Victoria Butter - Australia
3. Jack Rabbit (Big Rock) - Calgary
4. Newcastle Brown Ale - England
5. San Miguel - Philippines
6. Red Stripe - Jamaica
7. Miller Genuine Draft - USA
8. Fuller's Organic Honey Dew - England
9. Holsten Premium - Germany
10. Goesser Premium - Austria
11. Lead Dog Ale - Yukon (just wow)
12. Harp Lager - Ireland
13. Zyweic - Poland
14. Becks - Germany
15. Tennents - Scotland
16. Smithwicks - Ireland
17. Erdinger Dunkel Draught - Germany
18. Lasko Club - Slovenia
19. Affligem - Belgium
20. Sol - Mexico
21. Bitburger - Germany
22. Lowenbrau - Germany
23. Paulaner Hefe - Germany
24. Warsteiner Pilsner - Germany
25. Hacker Pschorr Weisse - Germany
26. OK Springs Porter - Canada
27. Konig Ludwig Wheat - Germany
28. Carib - Trinidad
29. Naughty Nellies Ale - USA
30. Fish Tale Organic - USA
31. Bellevue Kriek - Belgium (thick cherry deliciousness)
32. Okocim - Poland
33. Duckstein Amber - Germany
34. Stella Artois - Belgium
35. Tuborg - Denmark
36. Mickey's Wide Mouth - USA
37. Erdinger Weissbier - Germany
38. Wild Rose Velvet Fog - Calgary
39. Grolsch - Holland
40. Stella Artois - Belgium - HALF WAY!! I think there's a clear winner for overall alkie country. But I won't judge.
41. Efes Pilsner - Turkey
42. Steigl - Austria
43. Pilsner Urquell - Czech Republic
44. Steinlager - New Zealand
45. Bass Ale - England
46. Edelweiss Weissbier - Germany
47. Tsingtao - China
48. Delirium Tremens - Belgium
49. Tiger Lager - Singapore
50. Asahi Dry - Japan
51. Patagonia - Argentina
52. McEwans Scotch Ale - Scotland
Are you still with me? If you are, don't drink that last one. Transcribing a list of 80 is taking longer than I thought.
53. Kirin Ichiban - Japan
54. Singha - Thailand
55. Tetley's English Ale - England
56. Slavutich - Ukraine
57. Dos Equis XX Amber - Mexico
58. Castle Lager - South Africa
59. Reserva 1925 - Spain
60. Samuel Adams - USA
61. Taj Mahal - India
62. Seattle Pale Ale - USA
63. Coopers - Australia
64. Heineken - Holland
65. Brick Lager Red Cap - Ontario
66. Great Western Honey Wheat
67. McAuslan St. Ambroise - Quebec
68. Buzzard Breath Ale Draught - Quebec
69. Blanche de Chambry - Quebec
70. Trois Pistoles - Quebec
Still here? Don't drink that last one either.
71. Westmall Dubbel - Belgium
72. Sleeman Amber - Ontario
73. Moosehead Pale Ale - New Brunswick
74. Alley Kat Full Moon Ale - Calgary (I had this one last if that matters at all)
75. Sleemans Original Draught - Ontario
76. Shaftbury Cream Ale - British Columbia
77. Guiness - Ireland
78. Cannery Blackberry Porter - BC (I had this one twice by mistake, and regretted it each time).
79. Arctic Red Draught, Yukon (why YT, why)
80. Mytho's Lager - Greece.
And now, for your reading pleasure I shall repeat the list, but in the chronological order of my consumption.
NOT.
I'm so cool it hurts. Peace.
1. Brahma - Brazil
2. Victoria Butter - Australia
3. Jack Rabbit (Big Rock) - Calgary
4. Newcastle Brown Ale - England
5. San Miguel - Philippines
6. Red Stripe - Jamaica
7. Miller Genuine Draft - USA
8. Fuller's Organic Honey Dew - England
9. Holsten Premium - Germany
10. Goesser Premium - Austria
11. Lead Dog Ale - Yukon (just wow)
12. Harp Lager - Ireland
13. Zyweic - Poland
14. Becks - Germany
15. Tennents - Scotland
16. Smithwicks - Ireland
17. Erdinger Dunkel Draught - Germany
18. Lasko Club - Slovenia
19. Affligem - Belgium
20. Sol - Mexico
21. Bitburger - Germany
22. Lowenbrau - Germany
23. Paulaner Hefe - Germany
24. Warsteiner Pilsner - Germany
25. Hacker Pschorr Weisse - Germany
26. OK Springs Porter - Canada
27. Konig Ludwig Wheat - Germany
28. Carib - Trinidad
29. Naughty Nellies Ale - USA
30. Fish Tale Organic - USA
31. Bellevue Kriek - Belgium (thick cherry deliciousness)
32. Okocim - Poland
33. Duckstein Amber - Germany
34. Stella Artois - Belgium
35. Tuborg - Denmark
36. Mickey's Wide Mouth - USA
37. Erdinger Weissbier - Germany
38. Wild Rose Velvet Fog - Calgary
39. Grolsch - Holland
40. Stella Artois - Belgium - HALF WAY!! I think there's a clear winner for overall alkie country. But I won't judge.
41. Efes Pilsner - Turkey
42. Steigl - Austria
43. Pilsner Urquell - Czech Republic
44. Steinlager - New Zealand
45. Bass Ale - England
46. Edelweiss Weissbier - Germany
47. Tsingtao - China
48. Delirium Tremens - Belgium
49. Tiger Lager - Singapore
50. Asahi Dry - Japan
51. Patagonia - Argentina
52. McEwans Scotch Ale - Scotland
Are you still with me? If you are, don't drink that last one. Transcribing a list of 80 is taking longer than I thought.
53. Kirin Ichiban - Japan
54. Singha - Thailand
55. Tetley's English Ale - England
56. Slavutich - Ukraine
57. Dos Equis XX Amber - Mexico
58. Castle Lager - South Africa
59. Reserva 1925 - Spain
60. Samuel Adams - USA
61. Taj Mahal - India
62. Seattle Pale Ale - USA
63. Coopers - Australia
64. Heineken - Holland
65. Brick Lager Red Cap - Ontario
66. Great Western Honey Wheat
67. McAuslan St. Ambroise - Quebec
68. Buzzard Breath Ale Draught - Quebec
69. Blanche de Chambry - Quebec
70. Trois Pistoles - Quebec
Still here? Don't drink that last one either.
71. Westmall Dubbel - Belgium
72. Sleeman Amber - Ontario
73. Moosehead Pale Ale - New Brunswick
74. Alley Kat Full Moon Ale - Calgary (I had this one last if that matters at all)
75. Sleemans Original Draught - Ontario
76. Shaftbury Cream Ale - British Columbia
77. Guiness - Ireland
78. Cannery Blackberry Porter - BC (I had this one twice by mistake, and regretted it each time).
79. Arctic Red Draught, Yukon (why YT, why)
80. Mytho's Lager - Greece.
And now, for your reading pleasure I shall repeat the list, but in the chronological order of my consumption.
NOT.
I'm so cool it hurts. Peace.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Because That's How I Roll
I had a bit of an upset with my bank this week. Last month I moved all my monies into a new savings account with a super rate, almost 6x what I was previously earning. And yes, I was earning a fraction of a peanut before I woke up to new possibilities. I sat down with my advisor, he suggested the new account, we did the swap, and donesies or so I thought. At the end of the month I got a $5 service charge for the transfer (I never got service fees for money transfers before). And that meant my account was in red, in negative, omgwtfbbq. I had a minor panic attack and quickly moved over the amount of money needed to cover the deficit. That was probably 4 days into the month. Then this month I get a $0.01 overdraft interest charge and once again my account is showing up in red. Bright red if you ask me, but most people would probably just say it was normal red. I've been emailing my bank dude lately about my mortgage and meetings and such so I open up an email and draft a politely scathing email. Once in red fine, but twice in two months for an account I'm not using??? He wrote back with an update and asked me to clarify which account and said that he would reimburse me. I said for the amount of interest I'm making in the new account he needn't bother, and I was done with my freak out. And this was his response:
"No I'll reimburse you because thats how I roll lol! Have a great day"
I think if I had drawn any other advisor at the bank I would be having a completely rotten time starting out with my new banking ventures. He's just the coolest. I'm still on high bamboozle alert at all times. But so far so good.
"No I'll reimburse you because thats how I roll lol! Have a great day"
I think if I had drawn any other advisor at the bank I would be having a completely rotten time starting out with my new banking ventures. He's just the coolest. I'm still on high bamboozle alert at all times. But so far so good.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Things...
The question is, what is something I don't like doing on a Monday afternoon after a long day of work?
The answer - getting stuck in a stairwell with no exits.
I guess I can cross that one off my bucket list and hope that it never happens again. T_T
I should also add that one thing I do like doing it playing Mario Party with my besties.
The answer - getting stuck in a stairwell with no exits.
I guess I can cross that one off my bucket list and hope that it never happens again. T_T
I should also add that one thing I do like doing it playing Mario Party with my besties.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Neighbourhood #7: The Annex
I've been wanting to get back out on the streets (so I can walk them, literally....literally) so I can get a few more neighbourhoods under my belt before the bliss of living in Toronto ends. After that I will be a tourist and not a local doing ironic touring. The Annex has been a home base for several years. All through out university it was a go-to place, and even after graduation I've always found myself drawn back to that neighbourhood. This weekend I had a hankering for some brunch. I put some feelers out and Adam was free before his work day started to we hit up Futures. I get the eggs benny 90% of the time, and this time was no different. Adam got the 3 eggs & sausage, it was a massive meal. And we got some sort of early bird pricing as well. There were only like 8 other people at the place, which is a really weird feeling for Futures.
After Adam had to leave I took a walk to BMV to buy some books I don't need. I actually picked up a replacement book for one I lent out to my mother and did not get back. I've been meaning to give it a re-read so I picked it up. I really need to cut that business out until I've read everything on my shelf. And even then I need to use the library more, much more. I strolled back along Bloor St thinking about all the different time I've spent on that street. Sushi & drinks with Debz, countless birthdays and drinking nights at the Green Room, my 23rd birthday at the James Joyce, an infinite number of trips to Futures and BMV, scrabble at Kilgours, drinks at the Pauper, Honest Eds, Jackie stealing the napkin dispenser from the Victory Cafe. Seekers & Sonic Boom (although I haven't been in the new location yet). Growing up on music from Lees Palace. Sushi on Bloor. The Trove around the corner. Shopping for Christmas art supplies with Sarah at Midoco, and tea from Davids Tea. This is a neighbourhood in Toronto that I truly love, and will always hold a special place in my heart.
I thought about sitting down and reading a book, but I've been to the Second Cup there countless times and Aroma a small handful. There wasn't much left for me to explore. I came home and unplugged for a while and did some reading here. Knowing a place like that is 5 minutes away brings me some level of comfort and joy and I'm going to sever that when I move. But back to happy thoughts. I took some photos with my phone as I wandered around. Nothing much special but here it goes:
After Adam had to leave I took a walk to BMV to buy some books I don't need. I actually picked up a replacement book for one I lent out to my mother and did not get back. I've been meaning to give it a re-read so I picked it up. I really need to cut that business out until I've read everything on my shelf. And even then I need to use the library more, much more. I strolled back along Bloor St thinking about all the different time I've spent on that street. Sushi & drinks with Debz, countless birthdays and drinking nights at the Green Room, my 23rd birthday at the James Joyce, an infinite number of trips to Futures and BMV, scrabble at Kilgours, drinks at the Pauper, Honest Eds, Jackie stealing the napkin dispenser from the Victory Cafe. Seekers & Sonic Boom (although I haven't been in the new location yet). Growing up on music from Lees Palace. Sushi on Bloor. The Trove around the corner. Shopping for Christmas art supplies with Sarah at Midoco, and tea from Davids Tea. This is a neighbourhood in Toronto that I truly love, and will always hold a special place in my heart.
I thought about sitting down and reading a book, but I've been to the Second Cup there countless times and Aroma a small handful. There wasn't much left for me to explore. I came home and unplugged for a while and did some reading here. Knowing a place like that is 5 minutes away brings me some level of comfort and joy and I'm going to sever that when I move. But back to happy thoughts. I took some photos with my phone as I wandered around. Nothing much special but here it goes:
The laneway behind Futures. It's dirty but I love it.
The best and only "secret" bar I know of in Toronto.
Waiting for Adam at Futures. Mmmm, cakes.
The best best best second hand bookstore in Toronto, or possibly anywhere ever.
From The Planet Smashers to Electric Six to Peter Bjorn and Paul, I've seen it all here. Though I've yet to sample their store front burrito.
Next time I'll get off my lazy butt and actually get out and properly explore a new place. Happy Bunny Long Weekend.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
It's a Blog-off
Now that I've have been alerted that I'm in direct blog competition with Jackie, this business is o-n.
Actually, it's not, but I do have a few other things I wanted to say. March is sadly drawing to a close. A month that has been hands down the best month of my life, including the last week of Feb ;) I had a great dirty thirty. I bought a condo (in Mississauga, but still lol). I have a financial savings plan for the first time in my life. My boss gave me her 3mos old blackberry (and even though she's not happy with her new one her threats to degift have all been insincere). I've been out of my hovel a few extra times and consumed some delicious bevvies. I finally got to give my landlord a piece of my mind about the stupid first floor. And although he didn't respond to my complaints he said I've been a great tenant and he'd give me a recommendation if need be. Just all together wtf awesome March. Or as I might say to Adam, TBWTFAMI.
Also, Jackie, who I think I might be in love with, sent me the most amazing gift I have ever received. It parallels and exceeds the awesomeness of my last most favouritest t-shirt.
Thank you thank you thank you lol. All I can really say is, "I saw a squirrel, it went this *insert squirrel imitation*" And in follow up to this brilliant t-shirt news, my second favourite ever t-shirt which I lost somewhere in life has just come up for sale again on its website of origin. Soon it will be mine. And that's all I've got to say about that, for now.
I did something really stupid the other day but luckily recovered from it. I couldn't find my keys last night. I looked EVERYWHERE, which isn't too hard since the bedroom was excluded. I finally decided to assemble a back-up set so I wouldn't have to scramble in the morning. That includes my spare car keys that I keep on my bookshelf, and the keys in my shoe outside my door. I open my door and low and behold my key-shoe isn't there. And then it hits me, I just threw out my old runners and sandals, and with them my spare house keys. Luckily the garbage bag was still in the bin out front, but how weeeeird that I would randomly give up on my key search, decide to assemble a back-up all within a week of tossing my keys in the trash. Like I said, life is good.
Also, I woke up last night sleep width wise at the end of my bed. That's never happened to me before. Sure I shift and kick and feel sorry for anyone that has to share a bed or listen to my night crying (so I've been told). But a perpendicular move is even new for me.
You know what's great about renting and then buying? After I pay for my April rent I'm going to have 9 weeks of earning money with no major expenditures. I'm already trying to calculate how much I can put directly onto the mortgage right away while still keeping some bones in the bank for rainy day shiz.
I've been watching Little Britain on netflix. Even though I have it on dvd it's just so much easier to click click next. I've actually been meaning to tell Jackie I'm dumping her for David Walliams. He's 10x the lady you are. Jk.
PEACE OUT.
Actually, it's not, but I do have a few other things I wanted to say. March is sadly drawing to a close. A month that has been hands down the best month of my life, including the last week of Feb ;) I had a great dirty thirty. I bought a condo (in Mississauga, but still lol). I have a financial savings plan for the first time in my life. My boss gave me her 3mos old blackberry (and even though she's not happy with her new one her threats to degift have all been insincere). I've been out of my hovel a few extra times and consumed some delicious bevvies. I finally got to give my landlord a piece of my mind about the stupid first floor. And although he didn't respond to my complaints he said I've been a great tenant and he'd give me a recommendation if need be. Just all together wtf awesome March. Or as I might say to Adam, TBWTFAMI.
Also, Jackie, who I think I might be in love with, sent me the most amazing gift I have ever received. It parallels and exceeds the awesomeness of my last most favouritest t-shirt.
Thank you thank you thank you lol. All I can really say is, "I saw a squirrel, it went this *insert squirrel imitation*" And in follow up to this brilliant t-shirt news, my second favourite ever t-shirt which I lost somewhere in life has just come up for sale again on its website of origin. Soon it will be mine. And that's all I've got to say about that, for now.
I did something really stupid the other day but luckily recovered from it. I couldn't find my keys last night. I looked EVERYWHERE, which isn't too hard since the bedroom was excluded. I finally decided to assemble a back-up set so I wouldn't have to scramble in the morning. That includes my spare car keys that I keep on my bookshelf, and the keys in my shoe outside my door. I open my door and low and behold my key-shoe isn't there. And then it hits me, I just threw out my old runners and sandals, and with them my spare house keys. Luckily the garbage bag was still in the bin out front, but how weeeeird that I would randomly give up on my key search, decide to assemble a back-up all within a week of tossing my keys in the trash. Like I said, life is good.
Also, I woke up last night sleep width wise at the end of my bed. That's never happened to me before. Sure I shift and kick and feel sorry for anyone that has to share a bed or listen to my night crying (so I've been told). But a perpendicular move is even new for me.
You know what's great about renting and then buying? After I pay for my April rent I'm going to have 9 weeks of earning money with no major expenditures. I'm already trying to calculate how much I can put directly onto the mortgage right away while still keeping some bones in the bank for rainy day shiz.
I've been watching Little Britain on netflix. Even though I have it on dvd it's just so much easier to click click next. I've actually been meaning to tell Jackie I'm dumping her for David Walliams. He's 10x the lady you are. Jk.
PEACE OUT.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
So Do You Golf?
So today I was essentially, what I am choosing to call, man-clubbed. I will be the first to admit I may have been able to handle the situation better but...I still think it was rude.
Our account rep for a freight company came by today. Our old rep was passing off to the new rep so they were both there. I heard the front door open and Dean was on the phone so I stepped out to great them, and without introducing themselves the old rep said, "Dean" so I said ok and went back into my office. I figured out who it was as they carried on with their shpeel about trying to get more business blah blah blah. Meanwhile I was in and out of my office a few times to go to the warehouse. Finally on one pass by I got stopped and it went a little something like this.
Dean: You guys should meet Julie.
*handshakes with both reps, hello hello*
Old rep: This is Joe Shmo he'll be taking over for me.
New rep: Yes this account has been passed to me.
Old rep: It's a fairly easy account. *insert some joke about us causing trouble all the time*
Me: *some sort of comment back*
Now this is where I should have said, in Vickie's absence I'll be handling the freight relationships. But before I really had the chance the new rep turns to Dean.
New rep: So, do you golf?
Dean: Not really
New rep: Oh that's too bad.
I know I'm new at this company and very little clout but excuse fucking me. You don't introduce yourself when I greet you and then you pretty much ignore me immediately following our introduction. I wrote him a follow up email after he left to clarify a few points in our contract, like the fact that it said it expired March 2012 (brilliant guys, brilliant). And I felt like finishing it with, "Looks like you asked the wrong effing person if they golfed." Dean thinks I'm overreacting but that is probably the worst feeling I've had since I started working there. Even worse than someone rudely giving me the hand when I asked if I could help them. Some people's kids.
Our account rep for a freight company came by today. Our old rep was passing off to the new rep so they were both there. I heard the front door open and Dean was on the phone so I stepped out to great them, and without introducing themselves the old rep said, "Dean" so I said ok and went back into my office. I figured out who it was as they carried on with their shpeel about trying to get more business blah blah blah. Meanwhile I was in and out of my office a few times to go to the warehouse. Finally on one pass by I got stopped and it went a little something like this.
Dean: You guys should meet Julie.
*handshakes with both reps, hello hello*
Old rep: This is Joe Shmo he'll be taking over for me.
New rep: Yes this account has been passed to me.
Old rep: It's a fairly easy account. *insert some joke about us causing trouble all the time*
Me: *some sort of comment back*
Now this is where I should have said, in Vickie's absence I'll be handling the freight relationships. But before I really had the chance the new rep turns to Dean.
New rep: So, do you golf?
Dean: Not really
New rep: Oh that's too bad.
I know I'm new at this company and very little clout but excuse fucking me. You don't introduce yourself when I greet you and then you pretty much ignore me immediately following our introduction. I wrote him a follow up email after he left to clarify a few points in our contract, like the fact that it said it expired March 2012 (brilliant guys, brilliant). And I felt like finishing it with, "Looks like you asked the wrong effing person if they golfed." Dean thinks I'm overreacting but that is probably the worst feeling I've had since I started working there. Even worse than someone rudely giving me the hand when I asked if I could help them. Some people's kids.
Monday, March 25, 2013
You Can Blog If You Want To
It was Nikki's 30th this weekend. She came over around 3:30 on Saturday to hang out and pick up her special gift. I asked my aunt to get some Criminal Minds swag and get a signed photo of the cast. She happily obliged. Which means I also now have my own cast photo, but I'm not quite sure what to do with it. Last month when Nik came by for my 30th she strung together a birthday necklace out of some lotus beads I had picked up for soup but then decided against cooking. I thought I'd try to one-up her necklace and then took it a few steps too far. I'm actually quite proud of how it turned out, although it's too junky to ever be of any use. It actually felt like one of those back support things people keep in their cars.
After a bit of chilling we headed over to Jack Astors for dinner. I had the Sesame Chicken and Nikki had a wondrous burger with a gluten-free bun. I feel blessed every single day that I can eat gluten, because damn it's yummy. My meal was SO good. I've recently been disappointed at meals out, but this one was super delicious. After dinner we headed over to the Brickworks to catch a paranormal magic show of sorts. It was entertaining but that only trick that stumped me was explained by a friend immediately following the show and I was underwhelmed by the simplicity of the tricks.
Then we headed back to my place to drop off my car and head down to Dave's. There was another big bday party there taking up almost the entire front half but we managed to grab a few seats at the bar. We eventually migrated to a table beside the bar. A few people came and went, and at the end of the night a surviving designated driver gave us a lift back up to my place. Pretty decent turn of events as I was going to get us a taxi each way. Nik fell in love with this piece of art hanging on the wall at the bar. It's from Labyrinth. I seemed to be the only one that didn't pick up on where it was from. If you're at all curious, check out this youtube, and don't mind the ad at the beginning. Because 30,000 hits is apparently enough for this user to waste our time. Probably made 30c on the whole deal. Anyways.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88dyduvKyPI
And for your viewing pleasure, a phone pic of the art. I should I have taken a pic of the painter's name but yano...being drunk and all.
Word.
Out.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
o_O
And then there was that time when I was google street-viewing and thought I saw a woman jumping off the top of her car. *Pause...pause*....ooooh, it's a mural. Moving on.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Dirty Thirthy
Today is my dirty 30. I just got home from an art show with my mom. I finally bought my first piece of art. Or should I clarify and say I finally took my mom up on her offer to buy me a piece of art. She did the same for my brother. She morbidly describes it as a gift for us to remember her when she's not with us anymore. o_O I'll post details later.
I almost got smashed as a 3rd party to a car accident. That kind of woke me up. Maybe next time I'll listen to my gut and not stop in a no stopping zone.
The screen on the razor just died. So I'm back to squeezing life into the chunky motorola flip phone. Not sure what my long term solution is going to be. Just used it this morning with no issue. I'm still receiving phone calls, just can't see anything. And thus can't text. And thus poo. I swear I took good care of it Sim...I swears.
Nikki is on her way over to kill time before the shin dig tonight. I'm putting off doing dishes. I need to go do those now. More later. But not tonight. Because I won't be coherent. Or maybe I should post later tonight when I'm not coherent.
I almost got smashed as a 3rd party to a car accident. That kind of woke me up. Maybe next time I'll listen to my gut and not stop in a no stopping zone.
The screen on the razor just died. So I'm back to squeezing life into the chunky motorola flip phone. Not sure what my long term solution is going to be. Just used it this morning with no issue. I'm still receiving phone calls, just can't see anything. And thus can't text. And thus poo. I swear I took good care of it Sim...I swears.
Nikki is on her way over to kill time before the shin dig tonight. I'm putting off doing dishes. I need to go do those now. More later. But not tonight. Because I won't be coherent. Or maybe I should post later tonight when I'm not coherent.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Snowed In
I finally got around to doing what I've been dreading all weekend. Although the roads have cleared up nicely, there is still a portion of the city that still has to deal with the driveways, laneways, and street parking spots that are suffering. It took me 3 attempts to back in this afternoon after I took it for a defrosting cruise. I hope we can have a few above zero days so it can keep melting. I took some before and afters. It doesn't look so intimidating on film, but I had to shovel out around the entire car to be able to get out. I almost got snow up to my knees. And I can still feel the burn in my arms. But at least it's done for tomorrow.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
YUMMY - Thai Coconut Red Curry
Red Curry was a COMPLETE success. I may have had to use more pans than I would normally want to use. And right after this shot I poured the veg into the soupy mixture and transferred the chicken to the big fry pan for some breathing room. And yes I was cooking at 10:24 last night. My schedule all day was a bit off, and I don't mind a good night time cook.
The prepared meal doesn't look all that interesting, more than just a regular stir fry. But oh boy it was gooood. Which is good because I have 3 more servings packed up in my fridge. Next time I will take the advice of the recipe artist and use more than 1/2 tbsp of the paste, to make it a bit spicier.
http://thai.food.com/recipe/scrumptious-thai-coconut-red-curry-214590
The prepared meal doesn't look all that interesting, more than just a regular stir fry. But oh boy it was gooood. Which is good because I have 3 more servings packed up in my fridge. Next time I will take the advice of the recipe artist and use more than 1/2 tbsp of the paste, to make it a bit spicier.
http://thai.food.com/recipe/scrumptious-thai-coconut-red-curry-214590
Friday, February 8, 2013
Booja
I've readjusted my morning alarm system. I used to have my phone vibrate at 6, 6:15 and then ring at 6:30 in case I snoozed the first two. I found, progressively, that I would ignore the first two alarms and roll out of bed at 6:30 and have barely enough time to get into work. And after getting in trouble for my roll-in time I've adjusted to the first alarm at 6:10, and then I buzz at 6:20, and then again at 6:45 in case I'm a total failure. Seems to be working better for me. Now that only thing that can make me late is getting stuck on a one-laned Eglinton behind someone who thinks 40 is super fast. You wouldn't want to hear me then. It's not pretty.
I woke up at today at the first buzz of my phone, all excited to see the results of the super storm. I was pretty disappointed. Although the roads were covered in white, they looked drivable. And although the hwy camera footage scared me as a driver, I had this gut feeling the rest of the office would brave it and make me look like a snow-day glut. And yes, I'm aware that's not an adjective but it is now. I emailed our group address saying I didn't want to risk it, and boy am I glad. In the morning I was more worried about making it out of my driveway safely, and then back in. The snow started to come down more seriously closer to 7am and here we are at 4:40 and it hasn't stopped yet. When my boss told me the news reported as much as 50cm of potential snow I said I didn't know there could be that much precipitation in the air. She said something like she wasn't an effin meteorologist she just reports what she hears. I might have added that f-bomb because it sounds like something she would have said.
I've been slowly getting a few things done around the house. I cooked up some bacon and had a bacon & tomato sandwich this morning. I think maybe the bacon wasn't good anymore. I took a calculated risk. I haven't been sick....yet. Tonight I'm fiiiinally going to make Red Curry Chicken. I picked up the red curry paste ages ago, but I couldn't for the life of me find coconut milk at my grocery store. A few weeks ago I spotted it. Last week I looked up a recipe, and last night as the storm was setting in I finally picked up the last of the ingredients I need. The recipe calls for bamboo shoots. Which if I recall properly is my favourite ingredient in hot and sour soup. Now that I'm opening a tin I might try to make both this week (if I ever get out of here). I told Adam it was time to get my pot back so I could make some soup. I'd use the one I have but soup usually calls for simmering with the lid on, and since I exploded that lid ages ago, I haven't done any mass simmering since. I was hoping to get down to the Cherry Beach T&T to pick up the various required Chinese mushrooms. And I might stop by my mom's house to pick up small amounts of things I don't want to buy the entire bottle. Peanut oil? When would I ever use that again....a-never.
The snow on the ledge outside my window is piling up so high, soon I'm going to be trapped. Not literally but it feels like a bit of a prison. If I predict correctly, and I'm usually right, my landlord won't shovel and I'll be stuck stomping through feet of snow when it's finally time to escape this house. The only time he does shovel is when all that's left is mounds of unsalted ice, and it would have been easier to walk on 2cm of snow. Idiot.
Speaking of, I'm going to get pre-approved for a mortgage before the end of the month. I can't stand living here any longer, and it doesn't make much sense to pay $1400 a month for a place I can mortgage for 11 or 12. Since I'm not much into high rises there's not much available for but pretty basements or over-priced condos. Condos that won't fit two couches in the living room. Thanks but no thanks. I'm not going to have much of a budget. I'm not approved for much more than a hole in the wall, and that's if I'm in Mississauga. I looked at the floor plan for a nice sized placed being built in my hood and it's like $450K or something ridiculous. Pipe dream. I've always had enough money for whatever I've wanted, but I guess that's because I've never really wanted anything. And now I do. And it sucks. But I just need to keep looking and hope I find a little gem somewhere. Until then the assholes downstairs can listen to me slam doors and walk on my heels for the first time in 3 years. I felt evil as I admitted to my mom that I hope they come to be as miserable as I am. It's sad but true. I actually had a dream last night that he shouted up the stairs for me to shut up, and then I shouted back that they had to shut up first. And he acknowledged that they were wrong. Lol. Dreams really do reflect your daily thoughts. I wonder where the really messed up and obscure ones come from. Dr. Sim? Any thoughts?
I haven't been up to much. I'm trying to read more. My 3rd annual January long-read was a bust, but I'm hoping to catch up. Build up some momentum with some smaller books and then dig into a big juicy one. I finally stopped using my stationary bike as a clothes rack and have started using it again. Maybe twice a week, but I'm hoping to increase that. I knit every once in a while working on my scarf but it's not really getting anywhere significant. I'm still on the first ball of each colour. I need to find out how to get my hands on a 3rd ball of each colour, since last time it was the last mustard alpaca at the store. I might try my local at some point.
I haven't been blogging much lately. I told Sim writing in my daily quote book (which I did go out straight away in the new year and picked up), it helps takes my mind off of things and I don't feel the same need to write here anymore. I have about 5-6 days that I haven't written anything. Not much of a chance of me going back and remembering anything of note so I might just make something up, or try to find an interesting line online. It's fun, but I think the most fun will be next year when you get a year-over-year comparison for each day. And then a triple comparison the next year, and so on.
One last thing. Dana, I came across a really cool quilting website. This woman's designs are really fresh. If I had any inclination or skill in sewing this might have piqued my interest.
http://canadianabroad-susan.blogspot.ca/
If I could manage to stop watching back to back to back episodes of How I Met Your Mother I might actually get some stuff done around here.
Julie out.
I woke up at today at the first buzz of my phone, all excited to see the results of the super storm. I was pretty disappointed. Although the roads were covered in white, they looked drivable. And although the hwy camera footage scared me as a driver, I had this gut feeling the rest of the office would brave it and make me look like a snow-day glut. And yes, I'm aware that's not an adjective but it is now. I emailed our group address saying I didn't want to risk it, and boy am I glad. In the morning I was more worried about making it out of my driveway safely, and then back in. The snow started to come down more seriously closer to 7am and here we are at 4:40 and it hasn't stopped yet. When my boss told me the news reported as much as 50cm of potential snow I said I didn't know there could be that much precipitation in the air. She said something like she wasn't an effin meteorologist she just reports what she hears. I might have added that f-bomb because it sounds like something she would have said.
I've been slowly getting a few things done around the house. I cooked up some bacon and had a bacon & tomato sandwich this morning. I think maybe the bacon wasn't good anymore. I took a calculated risk. I haven't been sick....yet. Tonight I'm fiiiinally going to make Red Curry Chicken. I picked up the red curry paste ages ago, but I couldn't for the life of me find coconut milk at my grocery store. A few weeks ago I spotted it. Last week I looked up a recipe, and last night as the storm was setting in I finally picked up the last of the ingredients I need. The recipe calls for bamboo shoots. Which if I recall properly is my favourite ingredient in hot and sour soup. Now that I'm opening a tin I might try to make both this week (if I ever get out of here). I told Adam it was time to get my pot back so I could make some soup. I'd use the one I have but soup usually calls for simmering with the lid on, and since I exploded that lid ages ago, I haven't done any mass simmering since. I was hoping to get down to the Cherry Beach T&T to pick up the various required Chinese mushrooms. And I might stop by my mom's house to pick up small amounts of things I don't want to buy the entire bottle. Peanut oil? When would I ever use that again....a-never.
The snow on the ledge outside my window is piling up so high, soon I'm going to be trapped. Not literally but it feels like a bit of a prison. If I predict correctly, and I'm usually right, my landlord won't shovel and I'll be stuck stomping through feet of snow when it's finally time to escape this house. The only time he does shovel is when all that's left is mounds of unsalted ice, and it would have been easier to walk on 2cm of snow. Idiot.
Speaking of, I'm going to get pre-approved for a mortgage before the end of the month. I can't stand living here any longer, and it doesn't make much sense to pay $1400 a month for a place I can mortgage for 11 or 12. Since I'm not much into high rises there's not much available for but pretty basements or over-priced condos. Condos that won't fit two couches in the living room. Thanks but no thanks. I'm not going to have much of a budget. I'm not approved for much more than a hole in the wall, and that's if I'm in Mississauga. I looked at the floor plan for a nice sized placed being built in my hood and it's like $450K or something ridiculous. Pipe dream. I've always had enough money for whatever I've wanted, but I guess that's because I've never really wanted anything. And now I do. And it sucks. But I just need to keep looking and hope I find a little gem somewhere. Until then the assholes downstairs can listen to me slam doors and walk on my heels for the first time in 3 years. I felt evil as I admitted to my mom that I hope they come to be as miserable as I am. It's sad but true. I actually had a dream last night that he shouted up the stairs for me to shut up, and then I shouted back that they had to shut up first. And he acknowledged that they were wrong. Lol. Dreams really do reflect your daily thoughts. I wonder where the really messed up and obscure ones come from. Dr. Sim? Any thoughts?
I haven't been up to much. I'm trying to read more. My 3rd annual January long-read was a bust, but I'm hoping to catch up. Build up some momentum with some smaller books and then dig into a big juicy one. I finally stopped using my stationary bike as a clothes rack and have started using it again. Maybe twice a week, but I'm hoping to increase that. I knit every once in a while working on my scarf but it's not really getting anywhere significant. I'm still on the first ball of each colour. I need to find out how to get my hands on a 3rd ball of each colour, since last time it was the last mustard alpaca at the store. I might try my local at some point.
I haven't been blogging much lately. I told Sim writing in my daily quote book (which I did go out straight away in the new year and picked up), it helps takes my mind off of things and I don't feel the same need to write here anymore. I have about 5-6 days that I haven't written anything. Not much of a chance of me going back and remembering anything of note so I might just make something up, or try to find an interesting line online. It's fun, but I think the most fun will be next year when you get a year-over-year comparison for each day. And then a triple comparison the next year, and so on.
One last thing. Dana, I came across a really cool quilting website. This woman's designs are really fresh. If I had any inclination or skill in sewing this might have piqued my interest.
http://canadianabroad-susan.blogspot.ca/
If I could manage to stop watching back to back to back episodes of How I Met Your Mother I might actually get some stuff done around here.
Julie out.
Monday, January 28, 2013
S-M-R-T
So I started the day with a really stupid email conversation with Sim and Spence. Definitely worse than spelling marshmallow incorrectly during a game of Balderdash.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Julie:
I just typoed a new word. Requestion. Now it just needs a defition.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Julie:
I just typoed a new word. Requestion. Now it just needs a defition.
If I had taken two words that meant the same thing and combined them to mean a third word that means the same thing I could be just like Sarah Palin.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sim:
lmao great sarah palin line!
~~~~~~~~~~~
I think requestion is a word... as in... "your honour, I'd like to requestion the witness as new evidence has emerged"
eh? eh?
~~~~~~~~~~~
Julie:
oh yeah. maybe it is a word. I was reading it like, reh-question, as a typo from requested.
I haven't had my coffee yet. I shouldn't speak until I have my coffee.
Sim:
This is getting better and better.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Spencer:
Julie,
:D
Despite not having had your coffee, I note the
clever test of irony you put in your first message by misspelling
"definition." Well-played.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Julie:
You passed what was OBVIOUSLY a test.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Omg lol. I don't know if I can keep up with these tests...
Can I skip the final exam?
I think it's about time for a early afternoon shame cry. If you'll excuse me.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Julie:
AN EARLY
**Expletive**
Spencer:
Omg lol. I don't know if I can keep up with these tests...
~~~~~~~~~~~
Julie:
You pass, you all pass. I'm going home.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sim:
I nominate this to be the thread of the month.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Baby says whaaaat?
Now, to end the year with a party or a quiet night in. I still have about an hour to decide. HNY!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Peace out 2012
Another year is coming to an end. It feels like my year only really began in September when I finally got a job. It definitely changes everything. I feel like I haven`t done anything exciting since my Autumn 2010 trip out East. Probably mostly because there was no money. But now there issss money. I`ve always wanted to drive up to Cochrane and take the Polar Bear Express up to Moosonee / Moose Factory. Maybe that'll be something to do this summer.
Christmas was good. I drove to my parents' on the 24th and stayed over until late on the 25th. My mom and I have a new tradition of doing the Globe and Mail super crossword. Unfortunately since they were out of the country when it was issued their G&M was cancelled so we didn't get it. So I went online and found their PDF version. The squares are maybe slightly larger than 2mm each way. I felt like I should have had a diamond magnifiers on my eye as I entered our answers. We still haven't gotten through all of the hints yet. I went through by myself and added all of the obvious ones. and we're slowly working our way through the rest. I think we're still on Across, but what can you do. This is our third year working on it over Christmas, and it is actually something I look forward to each year. It's funny that working on it with my mom somehow inspires my genius. I can be completely stumped and have NO idea on a clue and then I'll ask her and 2 second later blurt out the answer myself. Hamelin's rat remover (4,5) I'm like, "Who the eff is Hamelin. What? What could this possibly be??? Mooom, what's Hamelin's rat remover, 4 letters and 5 letters........nm, it's Pied Piper."
I went to Georgetown with the fam to visit my cousin's family and her new baby. Holy moly is that baby cute. And sooo well behaved. I'm so awkward holding babies. I don't know how to pick them up, or set them on my knee, it's just all so foreign. She sat with me for a while but then squirmed away. Photo op:
PS to that thought, I gave my cousin the little baby hat, nervous out of my mind that she'd think it was a sub-par gift (I didn't have the needles small enough to do it on the round so I had an ugly stitch crease running up the back). It was still cute, and they loved it!
I went to Oakville last night for a birthday party. Sorry Jackie lol. You really set me up well to steal your friends should you ever depart Ontario. I miss you more and most of all whenever I see them. First I stopped off at the Queensway to see Django Unchained with Adam and a friend of his that is visiting from NY. I don't think my mouth has ever gaped as much before during a movie. For some people it's the in your face eye gauging that brings them out to a Tarantino movie. For me, he can write a script like no other. I think perhaps he's made his more recent work more accessible. I loved Inglorious Basterds and Django was a masterpiece. If he could just tone down the super-violence he'd rocket into my top 10. On top of the gaping I averted my eyes several times. Yikey. After that I stopped by Chapters to return the first book I ever ordered online as I ordered it in FRENCH, go me. Seems the hardcover was the only EN option, so when I opted for paperback hidden in the details page was the comment it was French. I should have known something was wrong when the cover photo wasn't available. I took a stroll through their paper section, because I'm a sucker for their stuff. I was tempted by a scrabble magnet kit, but taking a feel of what was inside it was just magnet sheet squares which would be hard to arrange and rearrange. I should get a set from Good Will or something and magnetize them, a la Michaels. Note to self. I saw this neat journal type book that was a calendar of thoughts for 5 years. There were just 365 day pages, but each page was split into 5 blocks. So you go through a year and each day you write down one comment. Maybe a funny quote you heard, or a funny thought you had, or anything really. I thought it was super cute, but I walked away. And now it's all I can think about. Yes, I could make one myself, but this is already bound and laid out nicely. I need to get back there before or close to Jan 1. My first entry is going to be a retrospective entry from the first moment Adam and I exchanged words after seeing Django. After almost 3 hrs of seeing bodies exploding with bullet wounds, and listening to a hard (but brilliant) script that threw the realities of slavery in your face with atrocious acts of torture, he looked at me and said, "Tarantino got fat." Priceless.
Christmas was good. I drove to my parents' on the 24th and stayed over until late on the 25th. My mom and I have a new tradition of doing the Globe and Mail super crossword. Unfortunately since they were out of the country when it was issued their G&M was cancelled so we didn't get it. So I went online and found their PDF version. The squares are maybe slightly larger than 2mm each way. I felt like I should have had a diamond magnifiers on my eye as I entered our answers. We still haven't gotten through all of the hints yet. I went through by myself and added all of the obvious ones. and we're slowly working our way through the rest. I think we're still on Across, but what can you do. This is our third year working on it over Christmas, and it is actually something I look forward to each year. It's funny that working on it with my mom somehow inspires my genius. I can be completely stumped and have NO idea on a clue and then I'll ask her and 2 second later blurt out the answer myself. Hamelin's rat remover (4,5) I'm like, "Who the eff is Hamelin. What? What could this possibly be??? Mooom, what's Hamelin's rat remover, 4 letters and 5 letters........nm, it's Pied Piper."
I went to Georgetown with the fam to visit my cousin's family and her new baby. Holy moly is that baby cute. And sooo well behaved. I'm so awkward holding babies. I don't know how to pick them up, or set them on my knee, it's just all so foreign. She sat with me for a while but then squirmed away. Photo op:
PS to that thought, I gave my cousin the little baby hat, nervous out of my mind that she'd think it was a sub-par gift (I didn't have the needles small enough to do it on the round so I had an ugly stitch crease running up the back). It was still cute, and they loved it!
I went to Oakville last night for a birthday party. Sorry Jackie lol. You really set me up well to steal your friends should you ever depart Ontario. I miss you more and most of all whenever I see them. First I stopped off at the Queensway to see Django Unchained with Adam and a friend of his that is visiting from NY. I don't think my mouth has ever gaped as much before during a movie. For some people it's the in your face eye gauging that brings them out to a Tarantino movie. For me, he can write a script like no other. I think perhaps he's made his more recent work more accessible. I loved Inglorious Basterds and Django was a masterpiece. If he could just tone down the super-violence he'd rocket into my top 10. On top of the gaping I averted my eyes several times. Yikey. After that I stopped by Chapters to return the first book I ever ordered online as I ordered it in FRENCH, go me. Seems the hardcover was the only EN option, so when I opted for paperback hidden in the details page was the comment it was French. I should have known something was wrong when the cover photo wasn't available. I took a stroll through their paper section, because I'm a sucker for their stuff. I was tempted by a scrabble magnet kit, but taking a feel of what was inside it was just magnet sheet squares which would be hard to arrange and rearrange. I should get a set from Good Will or something and magnetize them, a la Michaels. Note to self. I saw this neat journal type book that was a calendar of thoughts for 5 years. There were just 365 day pages, but each page was split into 5 blocks. So you go through a year and each day you write down one comment. Maybe a funny quote you heard, or a funny thought you had, or anything really. I thought it was super cute, but I walked away. And now it's all I can think about. Yes, I could make one myself, but this is already bound and laid out nicely. I need to get back there before or close to Jan 1. My first entry is going to be a retrospective entry from the first moment Adam and I exchanged words after seeing Django. After almost 3 hrs of seeing bodies exploding with bullet wounds, and listening to a hard (but brilliant) script that threw the realities of slavery in your face with atrocious acts of torture, he looked at me and said, "Tarantino got fat." Priceless.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Houndstooth Update
I'm less than 5% into this scarf. It is definitely going to take me a while. Thought I would post a progress shot. Which also means, I found my charger!!! The colour of blue in this photo is all wrong but the lighting by my desk is medieval so I'm not surprised. It's actually a really rich dark turqouise.
I'm so tired. I've had back to back nights of dinners out which turned into night owl events. I'm just about off to bed right now but wanted to throw this up here first. I've got volunteering tomorrow, shopping on Saturday, chauffeuring my parents on Sunday (and taking a power nap). Then the following week I'll be house sitting in Port Credit. I'm going to hop down to Turtle Books some time before they close for good at the end of the month. I need to get my emissions test. I'm worried but fingers crossed it should be ok.
I definitely need to take some time soon to recharge or I'm going to fizzle out. Laters.
I'm so tired. I've had back to back nights of dinners out which turned into night owl events. I'm just about off to bed right now but wanted to throw this up here first. I've got volunteering tomorrow, shopping on Saturday, chauffeuring my parents on Sunday (and taking a power nap). Then the following week I'll be house sitting in Port Credit. I'm going to hop down to Turtle Books some time before they close for good at the end of the month. I need to get my emissions test. I'm worried but fingers crossed it should be ok.
I definitely need to take some time soon to recharge or I'm going to fizzle out. Laters.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Mustard Green Onion Potatoes
I made something very yummy the other day. I had some potatoes and some green onions, and googled such and came up with this:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/mustard-green-onion-potato-salad-recipe/index.html
And I felt so proud that I had almost all of the remaining ingredients on hand!
In case the link breaks in the future:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/mustard-green-onion-potato-salad-recipe/index.html
And I felt so proud that I had almost all of the remaining ingredients on hand!
In case the link breaks in the future:
Ingredients
- 3 pounds new potatoes, boiled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
Place the warm potatoes and green onions in a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, mustards, garlic, vinegar and parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the dressing to the potatoes and carefully mix until combined.Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Snowmen & Mittens
I went up North with my mom last Saturday. She came and picked me up at 9am and we headed up the 35/115 towards Bobcaygeon way. The funeral home which held her parents' funeral 5 years ago has an annual winter remembrance celebration, for anyone that has lost a loved one. A group of ladies knit a bunch of tiny mittens, and the funeral home decks out their hall with over a hundred snowmen, and it's called the Snowmen & Mittens celebration. Before hand we stopped at Bigley's shoe store. I needed some shoes and my mom wanted to chat with some ladies that used to take care of her mom. It was just a really nice trip. On the way up we saw the cooooolest sheep farm. And for whatever reason the entire lot of sheep were all lined up, stretching across a huge field. On the way back they were spread everywhere, so perhaps it was just a moment in time. Might never know. Anyways, I wanted to share a photo of the totally boss shoes I bought. My mom didn't like them but I luuuurve them.
After work today I stopped by my volunteering to pick up some envelopes to stuff at home. I was going to ask for 400, but looks like I'm stuck with 1000. But I have all weekend to get it done.
I've been working on a scarf using some yarn I originally bought to crochet with. May never use the scarf, but it has been good to practice my stitches. I wish I could manage continental. My mom told me that's what her mom used to do, but I'm stuck with the slow English style.
In other news my laptop has been fixed. HURRAY! I'm still on the whole sleep deprived but working through it. Not much else is new. Going to Sim's for a stitch-n-bitch tomorrow. Should be fun. Then I have a ticket to the one of a kind show. I'm going to sneak off for the late hours tomorrow night.
Time to get stuffin.
After work today I stopped by my volunteering to pick up some envelopes to stuff at home. I was going to ask for 400, but looks like I'm stuck with 1000. But I have all weekend to get it done.
I've been working on a scarf using some yarn I originally bought to crochet with. May never use the scarf, but it has been good to practice my stitches. I wish I could manage continental. My mom told me that's what her mom used to do, but I'm stuck with the slow English style.
In other news my laptop has been fixed. HURRAY! I'm still on the whole sleep deprived but working through it. Not much else is new. Going to Sim's for a stitch-n-bitch tomorrow. Should be fun. Then I have a ticket to the one of a kind show. I'm going to sneak off for the late hours tomorrow night.
Time to get stuffin.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Neighbourhood #6: Kensington Market
AKA the triumphant return of neighbourhood adventures, AKA is it about my cube?
I got an enticing email from Sim on Thursday proposing we get back into it and do another neighbourhood. I almost took a pass because I was near zombie tired, but I really wanted to see Sim and also get back on the neighbourhood train. The once a month business fell flat fairly quickly. And I also must say I think it's time we branch out a bit from the downtown core, maybe with a little Junction or Davisville next time. At any rate this time around it was Kensington Market. I think the market is a place all Torontonians and GTAers have been to at least once in their life. I think the market holds on to what Queen St used to be like in the 70s. I remember visiting Kensington for the first time when I was 14 or 15 and thinking - so this is what being cool is like.
We didn't have much time before the sun would set, but as it was looking like the last decently warm day of the season, Sim and I took to the streets. We met up at Lettuce Knit on Nassau. As Sim has provided some motivation to get into knitting, already being somewhat intro crafts I fell right into it. I've yet to successfully create any pieces, but I've been having fun experimenting with stitches and such. I picked up a nice mustard and dark blue yarn to attempt my houndstooth. Between Ravelry and youtube I think I might be able to pull it off. Sim picked up the perfect ball of black. The kind woman working at the store wrapped our yarn for us, using some in-house equipment. She said it was easy to do, but without that wooden umbrella and spooling mechanism, I have a feeling it might be slightly tricky to do at home. But she said to feel free to come in to have it done there any time. It was a pretty small spot, but had a really great atmosphere. One for the books.
After that we headed North up Augusta to check out some boutiquey stores. First The Blue Banana, followed by the Good Egg. Not much to write home about from the Blue Banana, but I did very much like the Good Egg. Lots of cute kitcheny items, and an interesting selection of books. After that we decided it was time to get a drink. So back down to Nassau we went to grab a pint at Ronnie's Local 069. I normally would keep better track of what we drank and if we liked it. My pint was a Stratford Amber with a weird baby doll head on the tap. It was alright, but a bit punchy for me. I think Sim got the Erdinger wheat, but I stopped paying attention after she said wheat beer. The pub was really cute with an almost hidden back room. Not really hidden but I didn't see it at first, so I'm going to pretend like it was hidden to make myself feel better. It was totally hidden. We sat for a bit while I milked my pint. Finally wrapped it off in search for some good eats.
We walked back up Augusta (not covering very much ground on this trip I'm realizing) to El Trompo. We both got the specialty burritos, which I failed to write the name down. Mine of course was ordered without Coriander so they could be consumed. We also ordered a bowl of guac to go with our chips. It was supremely yummy. About half way through the wraps I thought of adding guac to them, and it was decidely an awesome idea. Dinner was a success.
Although we didn't cover much ground in the Market, walking around Augusta and Nassau took me away from the original Baldwin and Kensington intersection that has dominated my understanding of what the market has to offer. Slowly over the years I've added to my Kensington repertoire by visiting Last Temptation, The Boat, Wanda's Pie in the Sky, and most recently The Supermarket. For such a small stretch of real estate there surely is a ton to do. And even after this adventure, I went home feeling a little bit cooler.
I got an enticing email from Sim on Thursday proposing we get back into it and do another neighbourhood. I almost took a pass because I was near zombie tired, but I really wanted to see Sim and also get back on the neighbourhood train. The once a month business fell flat fairly quickly. And I also must say I think it's time we branch out a bit from the downtown core, maybe with a little Junction or Davisville next time. At any rate this time around it was Kensington Market. I think the market is a place all Torontonians and GTAers have been to at least once in their life. I think the market holds on to what Queen St used to be like in the 70s. I remember visiting Kensington for the first time when I was 14 or 15 and thinking - so this is what being cool is like.
We didn't have much time before the sun would set, but as it was looking like the last decently warm day of the season, Sim and I took to the streets. We met up at Lettuce Knit on Nassau. As Sim has provided some motivation to get into knitting, already being somewhat intro crafts I fell right into it. I've yet to successfully create any pieces, but I've been having fun experimenting with stitches and such. I picked up a nice mustard and dark blue yarn to attempt my houndstooth. Between Ravelry and youtube I think I might be able to pull it off. Sim picked up the perfect ball of black. The kind woman working at the store wrapped our yarn for us, using some in-house equipment. She said it was easy to do, but without that wooden umbrella and spooling mechanism, I have a feeling it might be slightly tricky to do at home. But she said to feel free to come in to have it done there any time. It was a pretty small spot, but had a really great atmosphere. One for the books.We walked back up Augusta (not covering very much ground on this trip I'm realizing) to El Trompo. We both got the specialty burritos, which I failed to write the name down. Mine of course was ordered without Coriander so they could be consumed. We also ordered a bowl of guac to go with our chips. It was supremely yummy. About half way through the wraps I thought of adding guac to them, and it was decidely an awesome idea. Dinner was a success.Although we didn't cover much ground in the Market, walking around Augusta and Nassau took me away from the original Baldwin and Kensington intersection that has dominated my understanding of what the market has to offer. Slowly over the years I've added to my Kensington repertoire by visiting Last Temptation, The Boat, Wanda's Pie in the Sky, and most recently The Supermarket. For such a small stretch of real estate there surely is a ton to do. And even after this adventure, I went home feeling a little bit cooler.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Beaucoup De Vie
I went to see my parents again to celebrate their 40th. I wanted to get them something ruby related, but instead opted to bake them some cupcakes. I found a yummy looking red velvet recipe online and gave it a crack. I think the end result was pretty alright. I don't bake often, so it was fun. It was the first time in a long time both my brother and I remembered and came together to celebrate with them. I also swung by Port Credit on Wednesday to help me mom drop some books off at the local second hand store. My dad was pressuring her to just trash them, but she put her foot down. But she couldn't put her foot down alone she needed someone to do the heavy lifting. When the bookstore only took a handful of books we went next door to the library they said they'd take another box. And from there my mom has left them out at the side of the road and said they have slowly been picked at. They also put out a turn of the century cradle. I'm trying to remember correctly, but I think my great grandma was rocked to sleep in that cradle. Feels weird to think that we just gave away all of that history, but I don't have any room or use for it.
I just got back from a nice dinner with Ausma on Queen W. We went to Chococrepe. Unfortunately my first two choices for crepes were unavailable, so I went for the Pesto. I wasn't floored with the food, but the hot chocolates were delish. They darn well better be for $6. Good thing Ausma had a coupon for a crepe+hot chocolate for $10. They were only going to let us use one coupon until she had to come back for a second time to tell me my second choice wasn't available. I shouldn't even complain since Ausma picked up the tab. She just got back from an awesome sounding trip to New York and DC. My brother also went to NY recently for a long weekend. He was telling our family a funny story from that trip. He was taking a morning walk, I think through Harlem or Spanish Harlem and this car pulls up next to him and this guy says (in your best Joe Pesci voice) "Hey, hey you, put your money away." Not knowing the guy was even talking to him he kept on, when the guy repeated himself, "Hey, hey, put your money away." My brother looked down and he had a bill poking out of the top of his pocket. And he looked back up to the guy in the car who repeated one last time time, "Your money, put it away." Only in NY? I love it.
I'm going up to Bobcaygeon with my mom on the weekend. The parlour that hosted her parents' funeral holds an annual remembrance event. I haven't been yet but thought I would keep my mom the company. With my coworker going through some family health event it's bringing up some sad memories. Even hearing the words palliative care just breaks my heart.
I just found out tonight that someone I know in connection to my volunteering took their life last week. We only met a few times, but it's still extremely sad. I don't think it's fully hit me yet. The director there extended an offer of grief counseling, but I think that will be more important for the people that work there every day. So so sad.
On that unhappy note, I'm off.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Hidden Christmas Gem
While reviewing an old Christmas photo, I came across this gem of an ornament. Oh hai there dad.
Overheard at Work #3
Sometimes when I'm not paying attention at work out of nowhere I'll hear something like:
"F***** sounds f***** like a f***** Vietnam f***** hitman."
And I don't even bother asking. They've already apologized in advance for any swearing.
"F***** sounds f***** like a f***** Vietnam f***** hitman."
And I don't even bother asking. They've already apologized in advance for any swearing.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Still Happening As We Speak
I finally got my signed Hip CD off of Adam, and I've been jamming to it in my car on the way to work all this past week. When Adam handed it to Downie he said, "And who is thiiis for?" And Adam said, "My sad friend that couldn't make it today." And Downie just looked back up and said, "No, what's the name?" So he wrote "Julie's Blues" and they all signed around that. Love love love. At first listen I wasn't sure how taken I was, but that happens for me since I already have a hundred thousand favourites of theirs on my must-listen list. But now I'm quite endeared to several of the new songs. I actually just had a radio-hip spotting on Bloor this evening. I swung by Adam's new place to drop off my level and pick up some brooms I had lent him and a passing car was jamming to either their CD or a song on the radio. Either way it always fills my cockles with joy when I hear someone enjoying their sweet tunes. Maybe in the sub-cockle region, or the liver, I'm not sure.
I got a nice surprise at work the other day. My boss came around and passed out gas cards to everyone for having a great month. $100. They are just the bomb-diggity. No other way to explain it. I think I also bring a certain new fresh dynamic to the office which has had the same 4 employees for the past 10 years. For example, today this guy calls me to his desk and says, "Look, when I try to open a link from an email it gives me an error." So I went back to my desk and googled the error and found a microsoft support webpage with a fix on it. Sent the guy the link, he loaded the fix, rebooted and voila. It was actually funny, when he went to test it out I rejoiced when it actually worked, and as I turned to walk away he said, "It's not working, it took me back to the fix page." And I turned around confused for just half a second and then said, "That's because that's the link in the email you just tested." Cheers all around. He said he had been trying to get that fixed for a while but everyone else just said they didn't know. Score one me.
I put my snow tires on today. After a strange non-drug-induced moment of insanity when I thought the roads were covered in snow (don't ask), I thought it was a sign to get prepared. So I asked the guys at work how much I should be paying per tire, as to ensure I wasn't going to get ripped off. Then one guy mentioned that a neigbouring business does tires and we get neighbour-pricing. He called them for me to make sure it still applied, and when he said my winters had rims I found out it was just $29.99 for the whole shebang, not per tire. Since they have been switched off once and switched back on once, the rims have already paid for themselves. They are massively heavy, since I have R17 sized tires, but still worth it. And then they said once I got them switched to bring them to the back and they'd store them in the warehouse for me. I backed my car up to the loading dock, my coworker heaved them up onto a forklift, and I walked back to the front and they took care of the rest for me. No more rolling them up and down my parents' damn driveway.
I went to see my parents earlier this week. To check in my mom and I offered to rake the leaves since I don't think either of them should take on the physical challenge. My dad had already done the front once, and also cleared out the back. I told him to sit tight and I'd take care of it this time. He insisted he would help me. I refused. He insisted. And gosh darnit am I happy he's more stubborn than I am. Half way through both of us working on the front lawn I took a little sit down break. By the end of it my arms didn't want to lift anymore. I don't know how I used to manage on my own. Between that and my giant moving-fail with Adam I think I need to focus on getting in to some sort of acceptable shape. I was going to say better shape than a Sloth, but even a sloth is in better shape than me. Then I stayed for a really nice roast and a tea by the fireplace. My parents are planning on moving very soon, so I should take advantage of that house before it's gone. My dad said to me, "Would you disown us if we moved to Cobourg?" I just looked at him and said, "No dad, of course I wouldn't.......because I'm already going to disown you as soon as you sell this house." I'll miss that place for sure. Since I first left I've lived in six different places, but for 25 years it was always a place I could call home. For them too, it's the place they've both lived the longest. I said to them I was almost happy that it's going to be torn down so a monster mansion can be built in its place, because I wouldn't want to think about anyone else living there. Our old house in Toronto was eventually torn down to make way for a new home as well. And the house they had before that was on a Toronto renovation show. I can't remember which one, one of those take this house and sell it shows. No one is satisfied with used anymore. We were reminiscing about all the improvements they made themselves on the house. The back patio used to be this stone monstrosity that tilted on an angle back towards the house and it would be a total nightmare when it rained. And there was this awful awful porch cover that jutted out from the roof that looked like yellow translucent corrugated hot mess. If I get torn up when I have to junk a car I've only driven for 6 years, I imagine this is going to be much worse. Cross that bridge when we come to it. And my mom is doing great, for the record. She still has a build up of embarrassing surgery gas which is slowly working its way out. Otherwise, thumbs up.
After dinner I sat down at my mom's electric keyboard and tried to play Moonlight Sonata. I used to be able to play the first two pages no problem, eleven hundred years ago. It was not great, but there's potential there. It's a really hard piece to sight read because half of the notes fall outside of the normal staff and I was also having trouble remembering to play all the sharps (C# minor). The fourth sharp is D, D, D Julie, D#.
I'm tired. I wrote about 400 words for Nanowrimo a few days ago and then stopped. I'm also halfway through re-reading The Great Gatsby and I want to finish that soon. It's one of my favourite books. I lent it out in Calgary and never recouped it before I moved back home. But I got a new personal copy at BMV the other day for like $3.99. But I do need to focus on finishing things I start, was my point. Speaking of, I think I should wrap this up now then. Full stop.
I got a nice surprise at work the other day. My boss came around and passed out gas cards to everyone for having a great month. $100. They are just the bomb-diggity. No other way to explain it. I think I also bring a certain new fresh dynamic to the office which has had the same 4 employees for the past 10 years. For example, today this guy calls me to his desk and says, "Look, when I try to open a link from an email it gives me an error." So I went back to my desk and googled the error and found a microsoft support webpage with a fix on it. Sent the guy the link, he loaded the fix, rebooted and voila. It was actually funny, when he went to test it out I rejoiced when it actually worked, and as I turned to walk away he said, "It's not working, it took me back to the fix page." And I turned around confused for just half a second and then said, "That's because that's the link in the email you just tested." Cheers all around. He said he had been trying to get that fixed for a while but everyone else just said they didn't know. Score one me.
I put my snow tires on today. After a strange non-drug-induced moment of insanity when I thought the roads were covered in snow (don't ask), I thought it was a sign to get prepared. So I asked the guys at work how much I should be paying per tire, as to ensure I wasn't going to get ripped off. Then one guy mentioned that a neigbouring business does tires and we get neighbour-pricing. He called them for me to make sure it still applied, and when he said my winters had rims I found out it was just $29.99 for the whole shebang, not per tire. Since they have been switched off once and switched back on once, the rims have already paid for themselves. They are massively heavy, since I have R17 sized tires, but still worth it. And then they said once I got them switched to bring them to the back and they'd store them in the warehouse for me. I backed my car up to the loading dock, my coworker heaved them up onto a forklift, and I walked back to the front and they took care of the rest for me. No more rolling them up and down my parents' damn driveway.
I went to see my parents earlier this week. To check in my mom and I offered to rake the leaves since I don't think either of them should take on the physical challenge. My dad had already done the front once, and also cleared out the back. I told him to sit tight and I'd take care of it this time. He insisted he would help me. I refused. He insisted. And gosh darnit am I happy he's more stubborn than I am. Half way through both of us working on the front lawn I took a little sit down break. By the end of it my arms didn't want to lift anymore. I don't know how I used to manage on my own. Between that and my giant moving-fail with Adam I think I need to focus on getting in to some sort of acceptable shape. I was going to say better shape than a Sloth, but even a sloth is in better shape than me. Then I stayed for a really nice roast and a tea by the fireplace. My parents are planning on moving very soon, so I should take advantage of that house before it's gone. My dad said to me, "Would you disown us if we moved to Cobourg?" I just looked at him and said, "No dad, of course I wouldn't.......because I'm already going to disown you as soon as you sell this house." I'll miss that place for sure. Since I first left I've lived in six different places, but for 25 years it was always a place I could call home. For them too, it's the place they've both lived the longest. I said to them I was almost happy that it's going to be torn down so a monster mansion can be built in its place, because I wouldn't want to think about anyone else living there. Our old house in Toronto was eventually torn down to make way for a new home as well. And the house they had before that was on a Toronto renovation show. I can't remember which one, one of those take this house and sell it shows. No one is satisfied with used anymore. We were reminiscing about all the improvements they made themselves on the house. The back patio used to be this stone monstrosity that tilted on an angle back towards the house and it would be a total nightmare when it rained. And there was this awful awful porch cover that jutted out from the roof that looked like yellow translucent corrugated hot mess. If I get torn up when I have to junk a car I've only driven for 6 years, I imagine this is going to be much worse. Cross that bridge when we come to it. And my mom is doing great, for the record. She still has a build up of embarrassing surgery gas which is slowly working its way out. Otherwise, thumbs up.
After dinner I sat down at my mom's electric keyboard and tried to play Moonlight Sonata. I used to be able to play the first two pages no problem, eleven hundred years ago. It was not great, but there's potential there. It's a really hard piece to sight read because half of the notes fall outside of the normal staff and I was also having trouble remembering to play all the sharps (C# minor). The fourth sharp is D, D, D Julie, D#.
I'm tired. I wrote about 400 words for Nanowrimo a few days ago and then stopped. I'm also halfway through re-reading The Great Gatsby and I want to finish that soon. It's one of my favourite books. I lent it out in Calgary and never recouped it before I moved back home. But I got a new personal copy at BMV the other day for like $3.99. But I do need to focus on finishing things I start, was my point. Speaking of, I think I should wrap this up now then. Full stop.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
You Don't Know Me As A Whole Person
I have once again proven to myself how incredibly week I am. I helped Adam tonight moving a few small pieces that require two people to carry. He's hoping to finish the single person items tomorrow so when his reinforcements show up in the afternoon it will just be a few key pieces. So tonight we moved his tv and his keyboard. He's moving into a cool third story walk up near Christie Pits. I approve, for the record. After the tv I was already feeling weak. Adam carried the keyboard alone and all I had to carry was the keyboard stand and the fold-up stool. By the time we got from the car to his front door I needed a break. I told Adam to go up ahead knowing I was going to struggle. At about 1 1/2 flights I took another break, and only half a flight from the top I asked Adam to come back and take one of the pieces. I literally couldn't lift both at once!!! Oh boy. He's big and strong so he'll be able to handle the rest of it tomorrow alone.
He told me the most hilarious story the other night. I've lost a bit of the context but a driver exiting a commercial parking lot got pissed at him and honked and then gave him the finger as she drove off. And he leaned out his window and yelled, "You don't know me as a whole person!" I just died. I almost couldn't breathe for 5 seconds and then laughed for a good minute. Good times. We've also taken to adding "total bonus important" to things we talk about. The cherry danish became "Total bonus cherry danish important. And commenting on the amount of snow Calgary has gotten became "Total bonus big time snow important." Or as a shortened version, TBBTSI.
I made a big mistake today. I wanted to use up an egg that I'd had for a while. I thought it would be ok. And even though I was using it raw in a salad dressing I paid no heed to my own apprehensions and went ahead and used it. What I did pay for was that decision.
My mom is having a surgery tomorrow. So I'll be thinking of her in the morning. And then my brother and I are going to go see her afterwards with our dad. I've never been put under, so I don't understand the stress that comes with that. I can only hope everything works out alright. More like delude myself into thinking nothing could possibly go wrong, and carry on as usual.
Work is good. I'm slowly getting used to getting up at 6:15. Though I often push it to 6:30. I love my half Fridays, and pretty much everything else.
I just emailed Sim about Nanowrimo. I think I might actually try this. I'm not a writer, but I think it would be an interesting challenge. I may just get stuck at the creative part, ie. the beginning, but I will at least give it a go.
Time for bed
Le fin.
He told me the most hilarious story the other night. I've lost a bit of the context but a driver exiting a commercial parking lot got pissed at him and honked and then gave him the finger as she drove off. And he leaned out his window and yelled, "You don't know me as a whole person!" I just died. I almost couldn't breathe for 5 seconds and then laughed for a good minute. Good times. We've also taken to adding "total bonus important" to things we talk about. The cherry danish became "Total bonus cherry danish important. And commenting on the amount of snow Calgary has gotten became "Total bonus big time snow important." Or as a shortened version, TBBTSI.
I made a big mistake today. I wanted to use up an egg that I'd had for a while. I thought it would be ok. And even though I was using it raw in a salad dressing I paid no heed to my own apprehensions and went ahead and used it. What I did pay for was that decision.
My mom is having a surgery tomorrow. So I'll be thinking of her in the morning. And then my brother and I are going to go see her afterwards with our dad. I've never been put under, so I don't understand the stress that comes with that. I can only hope everything works out alright. More like delude myself into thinking nothing could possibly go wrong, and carry on as usual.
Work is good. I'm slowly getting used to getting up at 6:15. Though I often push it to 6:30. I love my half Fridays, and pretty much everything else.
I just emailed Sim about Nanowrimo. I think I might actually try this. I'm not a writer, but I think it would be an interesting challenge. I may just get stuck at the creative part, ie. the beginning, but I will at least give it a go.
Time for bed
Le fin.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Lazy Girl Falls Off Chair While Reaching For Food
Today we catch up with Julie, who in attempt to grab her lunch bag from a seated position, fell to the ground with the chair still wrapped around her.
"I thought I'd be able to reach the bag no problem," Julie responded in defense of her fall. "I swear it was just within my reach." She admits with reservation that she came dangerously close to face planting, all for the sake of a mid-morning snack.
When asked if she would attempt another seated-pick-up Julie just laughed and yes, yes she would. And she wouldn't be surprised if she continues to fall on her face on a semi-regular basis.
-Dissociated Press-
"I thought I'd be able to reach the bag no problem," Julie responded in defense of her fall. "I swear it was just within my reach." She admits with reservation that she came dangerously close to face planting, all for the sake of a mid-morning snack.
When asked if she would attempt another seated-pick-up Julie just laughed and yes, yes she would. And she wouldn't be surprised if she continues to fall on her face on a semi-regular basis.
-Dissociated Press-
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Overheard at Work #2
I was talking to my boss today and a few funny things came up. The second of which I actually started laughing and couldn't stop for almost 30 seconds.
Boss: I saw that singer on the National on Sunday
Me: Gord Downie, I saw that too.
Boss: I couldn't understand a fucking word he was saying.
And in reference to someone messing up her tax payments;
Boss: ...I would commit harikari.
Gooood times.
Boss: I saw that singer on the National on Sunday
Me: Gord Downie, I saw that too.
Boss: I couldn't understand a fucking word he was saying.
And in reference to someone messing up her tax payments;
Boss: ...I would commit harikari.
Gooood times.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
12 Mile Lake Thanksgiving Getaway
Some shots from the weekend:
The new fireplace. It kept us warm as long as it was going.
The driveway was a mosaic of autumn colours. I took another photo and made a puzzle out of it. - http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/D715D4D106E?z=0
My dad's old hang out, in his hay-day.
I call it Church beach but clearly I'm wrong. It's also not on Church Rd which I also call it. This is the beach I will forever remember being stranded on with my canoe when I ended up walking home waist deep around the shoreline.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Once Upon a Midnight Dreary
It's actually a crow and not a raven. I guessed wrong, but was corrected by the artist. We picked it up going on the Haliburton Artisan tour that takes place over the Thanksgiving weekend. My brother picked up a lady holding a glass, and last year my parents got a three little birdies on a post that goes in the garden. So that's probably it for us buying from him but it's been well worth it. The artist is clearly massively talented. I don't quite have the right spot for this fella' in my current space, but he will eventually find his proper home. I still have some funds left over to get a painting when I find the right one.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Overheard at Work #1
I have a feeling I am going to have several of these moments in the near future:
Guy 1: *ranting about the NHL lockout*
Guy 2: Fuck sports, fuck the media, fuck the gov't, fuck everything!
Guy 3: That's it guys, we're going off the grid.
Guy 1: *ranting about the NHL lockout*
Guy 2: Fuck sports, fuck the media, fuck the gov't, fuck everything!
Guy 3: That's it guys, we're going off the grid.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
My Music @ Work
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