Lent: Day 30

Started work at 9 instead of the usual 8 so that I didn't have to wait around too long before tonight's festivities! Found my old Day-Timer and I'm going to use it to desparately keep myself organized! Heading to Saltlik for a quick drink after work, and then to Italian Kitchen for a quick bite before Beyonce @ GM Place. Should be nice and deafening. Canadian Idol Eva Avila is the Opening Act. Damned!

Lent: Day 29

So back to work today. The office is still pretty quiet, but I managed to keep myself busy with my incoming invoices. I woke up super early today for an 8am meeting, but the meeting was cancelled at the last minute. I barely left my desk all morning, and didn't really get up until 2pm. Time flies when you're keeping busy! Had some seaweed and wasabi peas for a lunch...maybe I'm part Japanese!
Looking forward to the Beyonce concert tomorrow!

Lent: Day 28

So, after the debauchery of last night, I woke up and decided to cleanse! Headed to Safeway and bought a baguette along with some cambazola and smoked salmon. Had the baguette with leftover cheeses from before. Chilled and got caught up with my Y&R recaps. I'm shocked to see "Bradsicle"! Watched the Canucks fight, I mean, play hockey, against Avalanche. The fights were crazy! Dinner was a Thai Salad with the half steamed trout I had left from Tuesday...don't worry, it was frozen before I cooked it!

Sorta Sunday, Really Saturday

Woke up and decided to take advantage of my meat-eating day! Went to Glowbal for brunch - the first time I've been there before 6pm! They were packed, as much so as at night. Had their appetizer platter, complete with their Kobe meatballs, braised short rib, rare ahi tuna, jumbo prawn coctail, lobster croquettes and some asian slaw. Followed with a Lobster Benny, and filled out with their delightly dimsum boxes of mini-donuts. I am officially in meat heaven.
Oh wait, then there was dinner, which was BBQ Duck with rice noodles. How I love my meat days! I'm pretty sure I did stuff other than eat, but the food coma has taken over and I have no idea what they were!

Lent: Day 27

Another birthday dinner tonight at Hapa Izakaya. My dear friend (whose husband I saw last night) was there. I decided that it would be a good time to ask her where her hubby was last night. Good thing (for him) that she knew exactly where he was, and also who he was with! Not sure what I would have done if he hadn't told her...would I have said anything? Should I have? Been there, done that, right guys? The party was alright, but with anything with a large group of people, food and drinks...the bill at the end of the night was a nightmare. Been there, done that too, right guys?
Despite all the tempting food that was at the table, only a few were actually meat, so I managed to hang onto my lent sacrifice during dinner. The tuna lettuce wrap is amazingly meat like! Unfortunately, after midnight, my energy and willpower waned and I ended up having a sausage bun from Anna's, purchased earlier in the day. At the time, the intention was that I would eat 'around' the sausage, but at 1am, who has that type of dexterity...haha. But since it was after midnight, I have decided to switch out my Sunday cheat day with Saturday! Hope it's all even in the eyes of God.

Lent: Day 26

Have birthday dinner at Joe Fortes tonight for a friend, so lunch was non-existent. Went home before dinner to get ready and had a long chat with my mom, who seems to have a topsy-turvy view of the world lately. Just hope it doesn't contaminate my world outlook! Dinner was good value for the money - they had a prix fixe for $28 per head. Pretty good appetizer and the seafood linguine was huge. I couldn't finish it, not sure if it was the slight 'over-saltiness' of it, or if it was the portion size.
It was also a little exciting...I almost bumped into a friend's hubby. "Almost" because although I was sure it was him, he wasn't with her, in fact, he was with a huge group for a work function. Not exactly cool to invade, right?

Lent: Day 25

Had a hard-boiled egg for breakfast, good thing I stopped at one, because I'm meeting a dear friend QP for lunch! It's a gorgeous Vancouver day and she's decided to come downtwon with her son to join me for lunch at Market. This morning, I was debating whether or not I should go to the gym after work, but I guess it will now depend on what I eat for lunch! Keke...
Part II: Ditched the gym in lieu of drinks at Boathouse @ English Bay! Had a bellini and a glass of white vino before heading home. Was good and managed to stay on my diet with some veggies for dinner, I think. Since I already had such a big lunch!

Lent: Day 24

I woke up this morning feeling fairly refreshed! Although I was still waking up in the middle of the night, I noticed that I could fall back asleep! So instead of being up for two 1-hour stretches, it was more like five 5-minute stretches! Definitely an improvement! And I could fall asleep so easily too, no more anxiety attacks over not being able to sleep, what a contradiction! Felt really refreshed! What a relief!!
Part II - chilled out and had some steamed fish for dinner...also made some salad rolls too. Watched a really good episode of Criminal Minds too, and then a rather confusing episode of CSI, followed by boring banter. An evening that would have been perfect if I went to bed a 10pm, haha.

Lent: Day 23

Ok, so since Lent is officially 46 days long, I'm at the halfway point! I've cheated twice on allowable Sundays (4 have passed, so I'm at 50% for the cheat ratio). I've got two more Sundays, and then it's Easter! Going back to my crazy diet soon too, the one where every little thing I eat is scored onto my excel sheet. I've GOT to lose some weight! Cannot believe that I will end up gaining weight over Lent, too embarrassing! Was planning on going to the gym today, but perhpas Wednesday will be better this week...I'm looking forward to rest after the weekend. I think all I can manage is a quick dinner with my mom after work tonight!
Part II - dinner was a low-key affair at L'artista...definitely one of our favourites now. Lots of seafood, yummy house wine and nice warm buns!! And although she was just there last Friday, she agreed to indulge me and go again! Mom's are great that way!

Cheater!

Woke up a little dehydrated...and since I already had a chicken wing the night before, I decided to splurge and had hot dogs for breakfast. Something about overly processed meats that make them so irresistable!
Went into Richmond to meet up with JY again to do some shopping. Also went downtown to do some eating! Had a huge dinner at Kamei, where we ate everything possible.
Lots of Uni, sashimi, robata chicken gizzards and duck tongue, ikura sushi, salads, oysters, beef carpaccio, clams, soft-shelled crab...you get the picture. I think we pretty much ordered something from every category! It's really easy eating lots, when you're part of a crowd...you just don't want to stop!
Went home nice and early and was in bed by 10pm - have to be responsible and get my sleep so I can be fresh for work tomorrow!

Lent: Day 22

Okay, very weak and easily tempted this Saturday. Woke up wanting Pho, Sausage Egg McMuffin, BBQ Duck on Noodles, Chicken Wings and various other legged creatures. Of course I did NOT give into my wanton cravings! Instead, I had half a package of instant noodles (spicy!) with a fried egg thrown on top. This should last me until tonight, where we are converging onto a restaurant called Northern Dynasty, for their Alaska King Crab.We're gonna steam it, fry it and to add insult to injury, toss it with noodles! Oh, it's going to be SO good!
I suppose we have to eat some other stuff too, like veggies and some chicken, to appease the other carnivores at the table! After dinner, we headed back to JY's hotel room @ River Rock and played poker and had a bit of wine. We all got a bit antsy by midnight, and decided to find a karaoke.
It shouldn't be hard in Richmond on a Saturday night, but it was! The first one was closed, and Zodiac didn't have any rooms, and forced us to sit in the lounge. And then we found out their microphone was busted?! Anyways, after throwing a fit, we managed to get the room, and the singing soon ensued!
Since it was after midnight, I decided to splurge a little and let myself have a chicken wing...those deep fried greasy things are SO good. Also had some deep-fried fish balls, perfect texture, bouncy and juicy!
And then followed by McDonald's Filet-o-Fish and a side of Fries! All good intentions were shot to h#ll!

Lent: Day 21

Worked all day with the anticipation of knowing that Ms. JY will be arriving shortly! I haven't seen her in years, so I can't wait!Since she was having dinner in Richmond, I went downtown for a quick drink @ Uva before meeting up with her.
We went to George (and got a very annoying and stoic bouncer) for a bit, but it was really crowded, almost too much so. We decided to move to Elixir @ the Opus, and managed to shrink our gany by one, between the two places...guess that is what happens when you pass your id to another friend, in PLAIN view of the bouncer, haha! Lesson learned, or maybe not, eh?
Finally got some elbow room, and we had some shooters and some martinis...on a fairly empty stomach, but it was okay, I managed to keep it alll together until I crashed at home. Hey, at least there were no problems sleeping!

Lent: Day 20

Originally had plans to meet up with a friend and watch the hockey game somewhere. However, after yet another sleepless night, I decided to give my body (and mind) a much needed break. Instead of heading out, I boringly went home after work and just slept. And watched the game intermittently. At least it's Friday tomorrow, and my friend from Calgary is coming to visit for the weekend! Yay! It's probably a good thing I rested, since it's going to take all my energy to keep up with her!!

Lent: Day 19

Skipped the gym unintentionally today! I didn't have my stuff...how silly! Ended up having dinner with mom @ Earl's again, where I had their Prawn Tacos and Smoked Salmon/Tuna Sushi Roll. It doesn't sound like a lot of food, but it was! Couldn't finish the roll! And they packed it up in those old-school paper Chinese take-out boxes! It was SO cool!!
Afterwards, we had a realtor/friend come for a consultation, just to see what the markets are like and what possibilities there are for me if I choose to move out. It's an exciting and daunting process!
Also had a few "pseudo-choco-cakes"...then bed at like 1am!

Lent: Day 18

Had another bad night's sleep last night, so wasn't really looking forward to work. However, I didn't even need a coffee until close to noon! Worked away for my boss's boss for most of the day. After work, I went to Joey's for some martinis and tuna tacos. Got home after that and made salad rolls with boiled bean sprouts, boiled lettuce and dace fish paste. Wow, it was yummy! Instead of having to dip the roll into the sauce, I was inspired!! I tossed the bean sprouts with hoisin sauce, and tossed the cooked fish paste with hot sauce. Everything in a hand-held meal!! Purely Gratuitous.

Lent: Day 17

So, back on the wagon today. Going back to my mushroom, fish paste and sprouts. Also headed to the gym. Had an awful time sleeping last night, in bed by 11, but not asleep until 1am, then up and 3 and didn't fall back to sleep until 5. I must have looked like death warmed over. Surprisingly, only one cup of coffee and I was back to normal at the office! Hoping the workout tonight will make sleep come easier. Fingers crossed!

My Cheating Sunday

Went to Yew for lunch, and ordered the Lobster Roll, and then followed it with a Crab Eggs Benedict. The lowlight...there was a hair beneath the poached egg. I took it as a sign, if I've been this good so far, I decided to cheat. Got some barbecue duck for dinner and had it with some rice noodles. It was only a two-legged animal, so it's like HALF a cheat, right?

Lent: Day 16

Saturday should be my day of rest, and oh boy, was it ever. Working really makes you appreciate the weekend. Stayed home and read "The First Hour I Believed", by Wally Lamb. A sad book, but an easy read. Spent most of the day in bed and had takeout sushi and tempura, along with homemade salad rolls! I'm getting addicted to those things.

Lent: Day 15

What a weird day...was planning on making dinner at home, but then got SUPER lazy. Ended up with more mushroom and tofu instead. At leaste I didn't break my lent promise. Had a Susage McMuffin this morning from McDonalds, and peeled the offending piece of meat away from the cheese...it looked so gross and soggy. I'm glad I did it!

Lent: Day 14

Lunch with the department at the Italian Kitchen. Shared a huge antipasto platter and brushetta sampler too. I ordered the Fusilli Funghi, and couldn't finish it. So much food! I don't remember the last time in my life that I have mushrooms everyday. I think the fungus is going to take over my body!

Lent: Day 13

Enjoyed a yummy veggie pizza with mom and Jim again. And also got pizza bread, and a caprese salad. We went to Lombardo's, which is famous for their stone, wood-burning oven. Being vegetarian isn't nearly as bad as I imagined.

Lent: Day 12

Peace is flowing like a river, flowing out of you and me... (I love that hymn)
It's been a rough day, work was rough, and the day just flew by. I only had time to sneak in one smoke! :)
Came home after work and had to do the recycling, and some miscellaneous garbage, and on top of that, I was TIRED!
Had a quick dinner of veggie-broth boiledromaine lettuce with bean sprouts, as well as the remainder of the Veggie Fried Rice. After all that reheating, I am ready for bed, even though it's only 9pm...let sleep come rescue me from this nightmarish existence.

Lent: Day 11 | Work: Second Week

I had a little biscotti for lunch, and walked around Bentall centre for a bit. I really enjoy my lunch hour, except it's hard to fill up a whole hour walking around by yourself! Then I worked until 4pm and had a nice workout at the gym after. It was nice to sweat. After that, I went home and had my Thai Salad along with some more pea shoots with bean curd skin. Oh, and then I had to have some carbs, so I had the leftover Veggie Fried Noodles from yesterday. All in all, a very satisfying meal. Maybe I'll make something fresh tomorrow for dinner. How about another Tuna Melt!? I do have some more pea shoots and mushrooms though, and it is a nice soothing dish.
Oh and good news...both doggies are okay and have clean bill of health, what a relieve! I'll get to be with them in 31 days! Can't wait until I can nap with them all day long.

Snowy(!) Sunday (and who stole my hour!)

Waking up at 11am, and being awake by noon...I hate it when they change the clocks (forwards) but I don't mind it when I get the extra hour...in fact, we should do that every month. Went to The Boss for lunch and had their Veggie Fried Noodles...so, I didn't cheat!
Grabbed groceries for dinner as well as some stuff I needed for baking, like buttermilk and about 2 dozen eggs. So when I got home, I started with the Chocolate Chip Banana Almond Muffins. They didn't require the use of my precious KitchenAid mixer, but turned out fantastic! I don't know what it is about buttermilk, but it seems as though the muffins get fluffier with it.
Before the oven could cool down, I moved right along to the Cheese Scones. Mom gave me some butter she purchased from Point Roberts that was already premeasured to a half a cup, which is exactly what I needed. I also used the buttermilk here too, so buying a litre didn't seem so pointless...the scones totally puffed up, and the cheese melted so nicely over all the buttery scones. I'm so proud of myself!
After a dinner of steamed tofu and veggies, I'm gonna make my biscotti...I should start a business...

Lent: Day 10

Oh man...slept all day, no alarm, no obligations, no plans. Now I realize why people enjoy the weekends, especially if you work all frikking week! Two days is just not enough, is it? Since I had no plans today, I joined my parents for dinner at L'artista, where we used to go all the time. I had a lovely minestrone soup, followed by a halibut steak, with a side of linguine in tomato sauce. We all shared a litre of wine, and a tartufo for dessert. A good time was had by all, especially my mom, who took half my entree as her dinner tomorrow.
I am contemplating cheating tomorrow....let's see how that goes...
Went through my latest baking cookbook and have decided that tomorrow, I'm going to make Biscotti, Cheese Biscuits and Banana Chocolate Chip Almond Muffins. Wish me luck!

Lent: Day 9

Went for dinner at Prince, and had a 10lb Alaskan King Crab, done three ways...had the Steamed version with spring onions for the legs, and the spicy stir-fried knuckles, followed by a noodles in crab broth. Wow, certainly don't miss meat! Also had some veggies with the tofu-skin...again steamed. Super full after all the food, but not in a disgusting, need to sleep sort of full. Full from volume, but not from indigestion...can't beat it!
Started a new book today, by Wally Lamb, called The Hour I First Believed, which seems much more interesting than the other book I just finished...let's hope you CAN judge a book by its cover, or at least it's first few pages...

Lent: Day 8

In the continuing saga of meat-free dining, I skipped lunch today (does coffee count?) and made myself a Thai Noodle Salad for dinner. It's a combination of sliced cucumbers, bean sprouts, prawns and vermecelli. The dressing is simply fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, lime juice and chili paste. The result was divine, and I even used it as a filling for a salad roll, pre-dousing with the dressing. It is a great dinner salad...protein, carbs, and veggie all accounted for!
Finally finished reading my Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers...a most annoying book!!

Lent: Day 7

So, I've made it a whole week without my leggy animals! I know that I was going to the gym after work today, so I, with forethough, brought a Blueberry Lemon Muffin to work. I ate it around lunch time, and worked through lunch.
I went to workout right after work, and managed to finish showering by 6pm. The traffic was not bad at all, so this is totally workable! The only thing I didn't like was the plethora of kids that were swarming in the Ladies Change Room at the time I needed to come into change into my workout clothes. But with a little bit of patience, ok, a LOT of patience, I should be able to side-step this little problem.
Got home and sipped a bit of wine while I had a snack of toasted tortilla with some melted cheese, dipped into a bit of salsa. This tied me over for another hour, and then I was onto my Spring Mix with ikura and a fried egg on top! Love the way the runny yolk runs over everything...eggy and healthy! Is that a "moo" point, a la Joey de Friends!?

Lent: Day 6

So, I decicided to abstain from lunch today, and just ended up getting a cup of coffee for lunch. I lasted all the way until I got home. I was totally craving vino, as well as a tuna melt. And then I made a side dish of lettuce with oyster sauce. It's like my staple diet food, and oh, so comforting after a long day.
Cheese and carbs totally make up for the lack of meat with legs.

Lent: Day 5

First day of work! Been a few months coming, but so worth it. I took the Skytrain and had a pretty smooth ride. No need to change trains and got a seat so I can read!

The people seem friendly and I'm learning lots! My department head took two of us out for lunch and we had a great time. We went to Mosaic, where I had my Caesar Salad, and a lot of water. The salad came with anchovies, which were allowed, but I declined to add chicken to it, staving off another meat-addled meal.

I came home and had an awesome Shrimp and Ikura Salad for dinner, along with the rest of my salmon heads from last night. What a wonderful way to end the day! Also sipping a little bit of wine...

Lent: Sleepy Sunday

So, Sundays are my cheat days, but I've been good. I had a cup of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup along with some garlic cheesed bread. Dinner was 1.5 salmon heads, grilled and salted. I know it sounds yukky, but the Japanese have it all the time! When meat is off the table, many other options become viable. It was good, just a sprinkle of salt and then popped into a 400 degree oven for 30 mins. Then broiled it skin side up for about 5 minutes so it got nice and crispy.
In preparation for my first day of work tomorrow, I showered at 9pm, and was in bed by 9:30. Unfortunately, the body and mind doesn't always obey, and I didn't really get to sleep until 11:30pm! Oh well, at least I was lying in bed, just reading and trying to sleep. There were moments when my heart was just racing, fearing the stress of tomorrow!