Sunday, December 26, 2010

Merry Christmas surprise!

So the plans were set, the lasagna made, and I was just waiting for my guests to arrive.

Thomas showed up around 12:30 and we both had some lunch before opening the gifts.  I had already given him loads of stuff to help set up his new apartment, you know the stuff like dish drainer, pot holders, bag clips, waste paper bins etc. and of course a big bag of groceries.  I also gave him a nice area rug for his living room.  So for Christmas day I gave him the new Canon lens for his DSLR camera, another rug for the kitchen (he has ceramic floors), a kettle, some long underwear, a t. shirt from the One of a Kind Show, a salt and pepper grinder, and a bunch of other things he needed.

He gave me a lap pad for my lap top, or to use when my table is covered in scrapbook stuff.  He had one of his photos printed and framed for me, that is absolutely beautiful.
He bought me a beautiful piece of art work he saw me admiring in a store.
I also got a tea infuser spoon, some English candy and chocolate, a huge 1lb bag of yarn and some silly gifts added to my stocking.
 It was a fun afternoon, and while I prepared the vegetables for roasting he took a little nap.  I was expecting Beatriz to arrive around 4:30, so I picked up the book I got from the library and started to read.

Just before Beatriz arrived, Thomas came to tell me that there had been a problem with Kay's flight from Korea.  She was supposed to arrive sometime at the beginning of January.  He said something about her not being able to get a visa for the connection in the USA.  I mentioned that the very same thing had happened to one of my couch surfers, then asked when she would be coming and he said that she had already arrived 4 days ago!  WOW, what a surprise.  Then I asked why she wasn't here for dinner and he told me she was on her way.  Then the panic set in.  I didn't have any gifts for her!.  Thomas kept saying it was okay, but I couldn't stand the thought of someone coming for Christmas and not having a gift to open.

I grabbed my one of my cards and wrote it to her, then I took a spare box of truffles and that would be my present.  A sad offering, but something anyway.

The buzzer went just as Thomas got a call from Kay saying she was in the neighbourhood.  I let Beatriz in and Thomas went to pick up Kay.  I was so happy that I had a houseful of guests for a wonderful Christmas Day celebration.

Beatriz gave me the hand blender I was wanting, it came with a whisk, a measuring cup and a chopper.
 I gave her a set of dishes, an iron and a mail and key holder to go beside her door.  She asked specifically for those.  I had also made a mini album with pictures of our trip to Cuba in.  And while I was visiting Thomas at the liquor store I thought it would be a great idea to get Beatriz a bottle of wine from her home, Argentina.

Kay gave me something that I had asked Thomas for.  She brought it from Korea.  It is a hand held pump and special plastic bags with a valve in, that can store food and the air can be pumped out for extra freshness.
I gave her the chocolate that she was very happy with.  I apologised for not having more for her.

Later I showed Beatriz, who is also a knitter, the huge bag of yarn Thomas had given me.  She asked me if I would start knitting again, and I told her I had already made somethings earlier in the week.  I went to get the some of the things, a neck warmer and a pair of fingerless gloves.  As I was showing them to her I realized that these would make a lovely gift for Kay.  So I offered them to her which she accepted graciously.

I set up the food buffet style in the kitchen so all could choose what they wanted.  There was spinach lasagna, made with gluten-free noodles, roasted vegetables, salad, dinner rolls, and cornbread.  Not your traditional Christmas dinner, but a wonderful meal all the same.  We had Beatriz's wine and cranberry juice.  We pulled crackers and laughed at the silly jokes and quotes in them, we even wore the silly gold and silver crowns.  After eating dinner I set out a variety of mini desserts and I had some gluten-free Christmas cake I found at the farmer's market.  It was a lovely meal, with some great company and some lively conversation.
 After dinner we relaxed in the living room and watched my favourite Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. 

 This will go down as one of my favourite Christmases, mostly because of the company, the food, and the big surprise of meeting Kay again.

Friday, October 08, 2010

my blog: Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless t...

my blog: Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless t...: "Hello my girl, I wanted to say hi and tell you how much I miss you and that I hope your classes are going well and that you are having fun ..."

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

But he was really great to look at!

I found a posting at an online dating site and the guy said he liked all forms of entertainment including football and baseball, so I shot off a quick message quoting the first two lines of the famous baseball song, "Take me out to the ballgame.."

He responded by instant messaging me and we chatted a little bit before he asked if we could continue 30 minutes later.  I agreed and he offered me his phone number.  When I called him later, I was instantly hit with the way he talked, very slow, almost depressed like. But I know I can't make assumptions so I continued the conversation. He said we should meet at Yonge Dundas Square for a coffee. I mentioned that there was actually no place in the square that serves coffee, but he felt I was wrong.

We were to meet outside the Eaton Centre entrance, and after some confusion as to which entrance he meant we found each other. He did look like his photo, in fact he was very good looking, I took an instant liking to him. We walked over to the square where he discovered there was no place to buy a coffee, so we went inside to Indigo Book Store and got a coffee there. He was a man of little words, I hate doing all the talking and on a first date I always feel that I have to keep the conversation going if the other person is shy, introverted or just not comfortable. I got a bit bored of hearing my own voice, then asked if he had ever gone to the roof top garden at City Hall. He hadn't so I suggested we walk over there and take a look. Once we got there and we walked around a little, he suggested we sit on a bench. I thought we'd talk some more, but he just wanted to sit with his face in the sun and not talk! It was more than I could bare, so after a while I told him of another place nearby that had an interesting story. We went to a courtyard that has sculptures of the garden of Eden. I told him the story, hoping to get some interest, but the conversation just stalled. I made an excuse about why I had to get home, and left him at the subway.

Later that night he called and asked me about the alley walks that I mention in my profile, and we decided we would choose one to explore.

A few days later he picked me up and we drove to the beginning of the walk we had chosen. As we walked I tried to encourage him to talk about himself, and it occurred to me that he mentioned more than once, that he would inherit a large sum of money on his mother's death. He told me of the bad blood between him and his brother, and perhaps more members of his family. He barely looked at all the amazing street art/graffiti that was along the way. We ended the walk and decided to have something to eat and drink at the Drake.  It occurred to me again that he talked with such sadness in his voice. I told him about the Music Gardens down by the lake, and he wanted to go and see them. We got in his car and drove towards them, but he couldn't find free parking, and didn't want to pay, so we didn't go. Instead he drove on my suggestion to Cherry Beach. He found a free parking spot, and we walked around the water's edge. He barely spoke a word, and again he suggested sitting on a bench, so we did. He sat in silence. I just didn't think this was what a date should be like, we should be sharing our thoughts, and stories about ourselves. After a while I again made an excuse as to why I needed to leave, and he drove me home. When I was about to get out of the car, he leaned over to kiss me, and I pulled away suddenly. He had a look of shock on his face. I said I wasn't ready for that and got out of the car.

He later called me and asked me if there was anything he had done. I admitted that there wasn't, but I just didn't feel like that towards him, and didn't think there was much chemistry between us. He sounded more deflated than ever, and we ended the conversation.

He called again later that week, and said he had told me he would take me to a baseball game, and wanted to make good on that promise. I told he didn't have to but he really wanted to. I agreed. (I also decided that I would leave the talking to him this time).  He picked me up on the day of the game, and told me he had bought $75 tickets. I told him it wasn't necessary to spend that much, as it was just as much fun in the cheap seats. Anyway the seats were amazing, behind home plate in the 100's level. The game began, and I just sat there waiting for any conversation he may decide to offer. There was none. It is the only game I have ever been to that I sat quietly. Anyone who has gone to a game with me knows I make LOTS of noise, and am out of my seat for much of the game. At about the 5th inning I decided to go get something to eat, and did not ask him if he wanted anything, (he hadn't asked me!). I spent quite some time wandering around, because I just wasn't having fun with him. I eventually went back to my seat, and at the top of the 8th inning he said we should leave as he didn't want to get caught with the onslaught of fans leaving at the end of the game. Fine by me.

Again when we got to my home, he wanted a kiss, and I reiterated that I didn't feel there was much we had in common, or that there were any sparks between us. So I said good bye, and that was the end of that!

He wasn't much of a conversationalist. He didn't have a lot to say. He said he prefers to listen. I like having guys listen, but when I'm not talking he's quiet, and I'm not very comfortable with too much quiet. He mentioned on many occasions that he was expecting a large inheritance, it appeared that he thought I was impressed with that. I gave this guy ample opportunity to show his best, and if this was it, I couldn't give any more.

NEXT!

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Summer Break



It's been ages since I last added anything here.  I have been dealing with some personal issues that have more or less worked themselves out.  A positive attitude works wonders.
We hosted the G20 summit here in Toronto and it was a ridiculous display of events, from protesters, to riot police, to the holding cells, to the damage done to our city.  All costing the city a disgusting amount of money.  I kept hearing many of our citizens asking why they can't teleconference.  The savings would be phenomenal, the leaders would be safe, and they could focus on the business that needs to be discussed.
I hosted Jack Stafford who played at the Cameron House for the North by North East (NXNE).  He invited me out to watch the Stones in Exile movie and to catch a few music groups, one of which was from England dressed in Orange NASA-like suits.

So the last few weeks of school were wonderful.
  • Helping out with a grade 1/2 class on a trip to the beach, ending at a splashpad where I was greatful for the cool spray that came my way whilst observing the children. 


  • The Grade 6 children got to take a trip to Niagara Falls where they hiked and explored.  I wish I could have gone with them, but I was needed at the school.
  • Their graduation on Monday was a lovely event with awards and speeches.  I helped put together a wonderful slide show including pictures of the students from 2006 when they looked like innocent little angels! I was lucky enough to be invited to their graduation party in an aunt's beautiful back yard.  The kids had such a fantastic time being kids, having cupcake and whip cream fights, as well as dressing the part for the Under the Sea theme.


  •  
  • We also had the last day assembly where the teachers could congratulate students in some of their accomplishments.  At the end, just before the last bell we did the clapout for the graduates.  We line the hallway from the gym to the front of the school and clap as they walk out of the school for the last time as grade 6 students.  I always get teary eyed at this point.
  • The staff party this year was held in a co-worker's back yard.  She also hosted us the first week of school in her yard in September 2009.  There was her famous sangria, hamburgers, pizzas, veggie kabobs, and tons more.  I stayed only for a short while as I had an appointment with a Dr.  But from all accounts this was a wonderful party that went on well into the night.
  • The very next day was the last day of school for the staff.  No kids, just a morning filled with a meeting that covered many plans for next year.
And that was it.  School over for 2 months.

I don't have many plans for the summer.  Doing a bit of hosting during July for couch surfers and going to the Queen's Plate tomorrow, Sunday to watch the races, and possibly get a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth.

I will also get some more scrapbook pages done, go to the gym, ride my bike, hang out with friends and read lots of books, (I finally renewed my library card!)

I am seeing my sports medicine doctor on the 19th and will hopefully get moving on surgery for my shoulder.  A large tear in my rotater cuff, so the scan said, but the MRI will give a more accurate idea.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

James Taylor and Carole King

Last night I went to the Air Canada Centre to see a concert with two old favourites of mine.  Carole King and James Taylor.  I had such a great evening listening to the two of them singing.  Carole had a cold or sore throat, and was rather raspy throughout, but I loved it anyway.  They were the most gracious entertainers and genuinely thanked the audience for their applause.  The other thing I found quite touching was the fact that all the performers applauded their peers for their performances after each song.  So cool.


Here is a video that I recorded:

Friday, May 28, 2010

Meredith

I dropped by the gym yesterday to say a final farewell to my trainer, Meredith.  She has been a good friend helping me out with both my exercise and my diet.  She is returning to her native Prince Edward Island to work in her other field of expertise, nutrition.

Good Bye and Good Luck Meredith

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Victoria Day Breakfast.

I woke up yesterday and decided I should have a good breakfast to celebrate Victoria Day.  Here in Canada most of us refer to this as the May two four weekend.  No one really understands why we call it Victoria Day, well we know it is supposed to be Queen Victoria's birthday, but why??  We just enjoy the day off and watch fireworks.  So now I will start a new tradition and make myself a big breakfast instead of the usual green smoothie variety.

Here I have scrambled eggs with a little onion added in, cucumber, tomatoes and a gluten-free bagel.  That bagel looks good right?  It was and I appreciate the fact that I finally found some at the grocery store.  However, $7 for 5 bagels is a sin!

Here is the mug of tea I finished off my breakfast with.  I seldom drink black tea anymore, since I only really drink it with milk and I'm trying not to drink cows milk now.  Once in a while I buy a 250ml container of skim milk just so that I can have a cup of tea.  It just doesn't taste the same with Almond milk.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Curried Carrot Soup with cornbread Croutons

Iris over at The Daily Dietribe, suggested that her readers adopt a gluten-free blogger.  So of course I am choosing my favourite blogger who produces amazing food, not only taste-wise,but she takes delicious photos of her food. Gluten-Free Goddess Karina Allrich always makes her food so appealing, not only from the ingredients that she uses, but her writing style is so succulent that you just can't help but to be enticed to try out her recipes.

The first recipe I tried was her Cider Roasted Vegetables. To die for. 
Then I tried the Warm Quinoa + Spinach Salad with Grape Tomatoes.

I loved the Focaccia with Garlic and Tomato.


For Christmas dinner in 2009 I made the Vegetarian Shepherds Pie. and served it to my friend, who is neither vegetarian or gluten-free.


This picture is of the latest dish I made. Curried Carrot Soup with Pan Toasted Cornbread Croutons. (Except I didn't pan toast the croutons!)
I served it to a friend after a great spinning class.  We were ravenous and ate it with extra cornbread, followed by yoghourt, strawberry muffins and fresh strawberries and blueberries.  We finished off with a cup of herbal tea.  Delicious.  My friend joked about the fact I say I hate cooking, and yet every time I feed her it tastes great.  That is really thanks to Karina.

My next dish is that I am dying to try out is Baked Grape Tomatoes with Basil and Cornbread Crumbs.

Sunday, May 09, 2010

Logorama - animated short


Logorama from Marc Altshuler - Human Music on Vimeo.

Jack Stafford at C'est What

An invitation was sent out to all Toronto Couchsurfers encouraging them to go to C'est What and listen to Jack Stafford sing.  He is a couchsurfer too, and is on tour spreading his music around.

I dropped by and chatted to a few other couchsurfers, and enjoyed the 2 sets of music played.

A sample can be heard here:
www.thejackstaffordfoundation.com

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Meningitis Septicemia

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and it can be caused by several different germs.  Some are bacterial and some are viruses.  Meningitis caused by a virus (viral meningitis) is generally less serious.  The bacterial germs can cause septicemia (blood poisoning or infection of the blood) as well as meningitis.  Anyone of any age can get meningitis or septicemia and the tow illnesses can occur at teh same time.  If the illness is diagnosed early and treated quickly, most people recover completely.


Bacterial meningitis is quite rare, but can be very serious.  There are three main types, named after the germs that can cause the illness.  The three types are:

Meningococcal
Pneumococcal
Hemophilus influenza type b (known as Hib)


Immunization against Hib infection is now possible.  Children are immunized at two, three and four months - at the same time as diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio.  If you do not remember your child being immunized, and he or she is under four, you should contact your doctor.


Each year there are over 2000 cases of bacterial meningitis in England and Wales.  This figure is lower that it was because of the success of the Hib vaccine (the most common type of meningitis in children under four used to be Hib).  The meningococcal germ is now the most common cause of meningitis and septicemia in all age groups.  Young people and adults also get the pneumococcal form of meningitis and septicemia.


The germs that cause bacterial meningitis are very common and live naturally in the back of the nose and throat.  Coughing, sneezing and kissing spread the germs, but they do not live for more than a few seconds outside the body and are not easily passed from one person to another.  People of any age can carry them for weeks or months without becoming ill.  It is only rarely that they overcome the body's defenses by entering the blood from the throat causing meningitis or septicemia.  You cannot get the germs from water supplies, swimming pools, factories or buildings.


People with meningitis or septicemia usually have a rash which can be anything from tiny red spots to larhe blotchy bruises.  If you press a drinking glass against their rash it will remain visible through the glass (whereas rashes that occur with most other infections will fade or blanch).  Their skin may be pale and clammy, even though they have a fever.


Besides a rash, the other symptoms that may be found in cases of meningitis are: fever, vomiting, severe headache, still neck, dislike of bright lights, impaired consciousness or excessive drowsiness.  The symptoms of septicemia are similar, though the rash is always present; the headache is not so severe; a stiff neck and dislike of bright lights are not usually found.


If you are worried someone may have meningitis or septicemia you should seek medical help immediately.

Fabulous Flower

I took this photo 4 years ago, at the green house in Allen Gardens.  Love these colours.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Busy Doing Nothing

My life has been a bit confusing and mixed up in the last few weeks.  Things have happened to me that I cannot explain, and I have been accused of something that isn't very nice.  I am at this time not at work, and I don't know when I will return.  I can't really get specific on the details as there is are investigations going on.

So the trick has been to keep myself busy so that I am not overwhelmed with negative thoughts, and obsessing with what the outcome may end up being.

I decided that it would be a great idea to go back to my personal fitness trainer, Meredith and work with her a couple of times a week.  This has been a great help.  I go up to her condo and use the gym there.  It is much more personal, cleaner and comfortable.

I am also doing a little shopping here and there and spending far too much  money.  But what's wrong with that?  I bought a great pair of rubber boots to wear in the rain, some clothes, and scrapbook supplies.


I got my hair cut and went back to having highlights.  In order to make it look natural, Telli my hairdresser had to give me high and low lights.  It turned out quite dark, almost my own hair colour.  She also wanted to make my hair a little healthier, as there were quite a few split ends.  So she cut it quite short.  So at this point I am not much in love with my hairstyle and colour.  Thank goodness it grows!


I have been to a few events with MeetIn.  I saw Grease a few weeks back, then more recently I saw Burn the Floor.  I thought this dance show would be great as some of the dancers were from So You Think You Can Dance.  However it was quite repetitious and at times boring.  I was expecting the dances to tell a story, but it lacked there somewhat.

I have been out for dinner a few times, and a lunch here and there, more money spent!  But it is important to surround yourself with friends while your life is taking you on an unknown path.  I was at a wonderful restaurant for lunch on Sunday, Bar Mercurio on Bloor St. W.  They have gluten-free desserts.  Lots of them.  I am going to have to go back to try each and every one of them.  This could potentially become my first date meeting place!!

I went to get an ultrasound of my shoulder and they ended up doing both shoulders.  I have to wait until next Friday to get the results.  But yesterday at my weekly physiotherapy appointment my therapist Sabrina at Athletes Care told me that the scan shows tears on both shoulders.  She had initially thought it was just an impingement, but realized after a number of treatments that there must be more.  So I'll find out from Dr. Edelist what the treatment will be.  Sabrina doesn't think surgery is an option as the tear is only partial on each side.  So it's likely that it will have to continue to be medication for the pain and physiotherapy.

I participated in a great scavenger hunt a few weekends ago.  There were about 4-500 people who met at Nathan Philips Square, and we got into groups of about 8.  My group were mostly couchsurfers.  We had a blast finding all the stuff.  We broke up into smaller groups to get it all done.  2 hours later we returned to Nathan Philips Square to discover that we came 12th after the scores were totaled up.



I met a friend at Ed's Ice Cream shop for a well deserved treat.  I usually get cappuccino and raspberry, they are my favourite flavours.  While there I saw my friend's photography pieces on display in the shop.  Very cool, literally, they are photos of ice sculptures.

My good friend Beatriz celebrated her birthday on April 30, so I got her a ticket to join me at the show Burn The Floor.  She enjoyed it, but also said it was a bit repetitious.  After the show we went to the Pickle Barrel, and ate some food with a few others from MeetIn.  I spent almost a week on a mini album that I made for Beatriz's birthday present.

Now we are here in May, and I need to find new things to do. May 1st was National Scrapbook Day, so I spent a large part of the weekend completing challenges offered by My Pink Stamper.



I am planning on joining a few people to make a few cards.  My Stampin'Up demonstrator, Caroline holds classes for stampers every month.

I have had a few hours sitting in the sun, reading and relaxing, but that gets boring quickly.

So if you have any ideas of how I can keep busy, let me know.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Good Luck

Having made the decision to go out with guys who contact me through the dating websites that I am a member of, I accepted a date with Donald.  His profile said he likes the active life, and mentioned he was trying to get a business up and running.  Also on the subject of "Do you like to drink?" he had responded, "Prefer not to say"  I felt this was a little suspicious, so my first email to him asked him about it and I mentioned that I was allergic to alcohol (in case he was an alcoholic and was looking for a drinking buddy!)  He replied that he too had an allergy.

I suggested a coffee shop not too far from me, and while I was waiting for him I saw a friend who I met through Couchsurfing and started chatting to him.  A few minutes later I felt a man staring at me, saw it was him and introduced Donald to Dave.  I walked to the counter to order my tea, and asked Donald if he was getting something, to which he replied, "no, I've already had my tea."  I paid for my tea, and while I was putting milk in it I suggested that Donald find us a seat.  (I was a little surprised that he didn't offer to pay for my tea).

I noticed immediately he was uncomfortable making eye contact.  I understand that nerves get the best of us sometimes, but I need a confident man in my life, not someone who embarrasses easily.  I started with easy conversation to put him at ease, and that seemed to help.

We talked a little about the things he was interested in and it sounded like he no longer participated in them.  His family is a bit fractured by divorce and he doesn't see his kids much and most of his interests were their interests.

He told me a lot about his kids, his ex, his dog, his motorbike, his therapist, his cat, and little about what he does for a living.  I got the impression that he hasn't had a job in 2 years, and is having a hard time finding work.

I told him a little about my son, why I came to Canada, my work, my experiences of the dating scene, and this and that.

I was really hungry, so I said I needed to go home and eat.  We got up and he asked if he could walk me, and I politely declined the offer.  At the corner I said that it was nice meeting him and I wished us both good luck on our search.  He had a genuine stunned look on his face.  It made me feel a little uncomfortable, but I was surprised that he thought we had any chemistry.

I walked home looking forward to eating something, but once I got home the fire alarm in my building went off and I smelled smoke.  The garbage chute was on fire again, this was probably the 4th time its happened.  So by the time the fire was out and the fire fighters left I was starving!

The alarm went off again later on, so I left the building to meet some friends at a nearby pub to talk about the problems we have dating!

This morning I got an email from Donald who said the he guessed Good Luck meant I had found something in him I didn't like.  I responded saying it wasn't something I didn't like, just no chemistry.  He wrote back saying he didn't think that chemistry could be developed or felt in a coffee shop. I wont respond any further, as I don't want to continue any relationship with him.

Monday, April 05, 2010

Limp Fish

My last date was one I have had too often.  I was contacted through an online dating site by Jim who said I was pretty.  I checked out his profile and saw a man that looked older than his years, and his profile description showed me he was a man who liked an even keel, with little to no excitement to offer.  But he contacted me and I want to try to see through any invitations that I get.

He had suggested we go to the Distillery District for tea, so I agreed.  I met him at the market, then we walked over to Toronto's first pedestrian only village.  On meeting him, I offered Jim a handshake only to receive a very limp hand that made me want wipe my hand on my jacket!  Doesn't EVERYONE know that a firm handshake is the desirable method of a first greeting?

From Wikipedia:
"It is considered to be in poor taste to show dominance with too strong a handshake; conversely, too weak a handshake (sometimes referred to as a "limp fish" or "dead fish" handshake) is also considered unseemly due to people perceiving it as a sign of weakness. Because a first impression can last a lifetime, the handshake is actually very important when meeting people for the first time and a weak handshake can instantly make people form negative opinions of you"

I found another article on 'Manly' handshakes here.  Quite funny actually.

So we talked on the walk over and my impression of him didn't change.  We sat in the coffee shop sipping our tea chatting about this and that, and still my impression didn't change.  He told me that he could not stand hearing people swear, (and my first thought was, "WTF?").  He told me he loved to eat cheese.  He told me that he was an accountant, (but I had figured that out already!)

After 30 minutes or so I left to use the ladies room, and on return I remained standing and suggested we leave.  He insisted on walking me home, where the conversation remained bland.  A block before my building I said goodbye and he wanted to offer me his business card, but he couldn't find one.  Just as well really.

I wish I knew the secret of finding a good guy to date.  Or even just a guy who has interesting things to say, or perhaps just a good firm handshake.

The search continues........

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Easter


I have 4 days off for the Easter holiday. I don't do religious holidays, just lost faith along the way. But I am grateful for the extra days off, as it gives me a chance to reconnect with friends and family. 


I spent most of Friday at home tidying and putting stuff away. It was a record breaking temperature, but when I went out, it didn't feel that way to me. So I didn't feel too bad about staying in. I did go out on my E-bike to pick up a new vacuum cleaner, as my old one broke 2 new belts on the first try. I found a good one that does floors and carpet, and it is very light weight.

On Saturday I went grocery shopping and got some great deals. I also went to Joe Fresh to check out their new summer stuff. It was another warm day, although not record breaking this time. I found some great deals on tee shirts, as well as a cardigan and a pair of shorts. I dropped into the St. Lawrence Market to pick up a few things, and found a Kinder Surprise egg that I bought for Thomas, and then promptly ate it later that afternoon! 

 I spent the majority of the day outside, enjoying the sunshine. I took a few photos of flowers that have blossomed already. Those poor things will have a shock when the temperature returns to the normal for this time of year.

I called my aunt in England, she is my mum's sister, so it's almost like talking to my mum. We had a good laugh about roller coasters and other daring activities she used to love to sneak away and do. Later I chatted with a friend in England on Skype, he didn't even realize he had Skype till I messaged him on it! 


Sunday I am cooking brunch for Beatriz and just chilling out. I plan on making some omelettes, hash browns, and tomatoes with some fresh strawberries, blueberries and bananas with yoghurt for dessert. 

Happy Easter everyone.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

New furniture




Here are some of the pieces I bought at Ikea. 

The armchairs have been sent back because although they look okay, they were as hard as a rock to sit on.  

The other pictures show the dining room table with pieces of the sideboard waiting to be put together.  

There is the book cases that are lying on the floor waiting for the backs to be nailed on.  

At the time I took the photos I didn't have the sideboard put together yet.  

I will post more pictures when the spring cleaning is done, and if and when I find new armchairs to replace the ones I sent back.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Time for a Change

I've had my living room furniture for over 15 years now and I have decided it is time for a change.  I went through this a few years ago, and in doing so, I realized that couches and chairs are ridiculously expensive! 

Three years ago I got the cushion covers of the couch reupholstered in black leather, because I couldn't find anything as comfortable at a reasonable price and so stuck with the same couch.  The leather had started to crack so it needed to be done.  I went to a leather shop and found a piece of leather that mostly matched the old stuff.  I then found someone in the west end who would reupholster them for me.  He did a great job, and I got it at a great price, way less than a new couch, that's for sure.

It has served me well, but the original reason I wanted to change the furniture, is because I was tired of having black in the living room. 

While I was at Ikea with my friend Beatriz a few weeks ago I saw the Poang chair in red, and the idea came to me that I didn't need new chairs, just new covers.  So I bought a red Poang cover to try out.    I put it on the chair and lived with it for a week, but I knew almost immediately that it wasn't going to work.  The colour was wrong.  Plus my chair is one of the very old models and the cover isn't really made for it.  So while talking with my son, he suggested just buying new chairs.  It actually makes sense since the covers cost $60 and the new chair is $99.

So tomorrow I will be returning the cover and looking at a variety of chairs.

Saturday, January 02, 2010

New Years Eve

My plans changed for New Year's Eve.  I was supposed to go to a house party with my friend Beatriz, but she wasn't feeling great because she had a bit of a cold.  So Vanessa and I decided that she would come to my home and we would un-celebrate the new year!  Neither one of us are in a relationship and we both hate the stroke of midnight when we have no one to kiss and hold close, so we would just watch videos and ignore welcoming in 2010.

We decided to watch "Love Actually" and when I tried to use the DVD player nothing happened.  Early this past year Rogers upgraded me to a digital box, and I figure they must have done something or else the dvd player is broken.  So I tried to come up with a solution, which turned out to be just fine.  We watched it on my laptop, but then I realizes that I could hook up my desk top monitor because it is bigger.  Doing that I also figured out that if i hooked up the speakers too, then the sound would improve.  It did and we were happy with the solution.

After the movie we watched the end of another movie on tv, and then I showed Vanessa a bunch of funny You Tube videos.  We had a great laugh!

Vanessa slept on my comfy couch and promised that she would go to the gym the following morning.  I had a hard time falling asleep for some reason, but I think it was about 5:30 am when I finally fell asleep.  Vanessa didn't manage to wake up in time for her class, so we just relaxed.  I made pancakes for breakfast with strawberries, blueberries, clementines and  apple sauce.  We drank tea and spent the whole day doing as little as possible.

What a wonderful way to start off 2010.