Thirsty for Hockey Thursday!

Went to the gym again today, that's twice in a week! Was feeling really tired though, could it be the lack of food in my system? My legs really don't want to move and I was getting tired after only 10 minutes. Will have to make a conscious effort to eat a bit prior to my workout...
After that, headed to Moxie's to watch the game and for some nibbles. Had the wings and ribs along with some vino. The Canucks pulled a real nail biter...from leading 3-0, to letting the Hawks TIE! For full details...here.
Well, at least we won...whew.Went right home and off to bed!

Workin' it Wednesday

Had a great day at work today, new projects to tackle, new things to learn, and new responsibilities. This all adds up to a fabulous Hump Day! So excited I almost want to go out and have a drinky-poo...but alas, none of that! Not until Canucks game tomorrow!
So tis another day of Lipton's and I should see some results at the gym tomorrow. Drinking loads of water too, hoping to flush out the system. Also ate a whole romaine lettuce today, haha...could have been worse, could have been a whole BBQ duck!
Sleeping early again - read a little of my escapism (Y&R) and then drifted off to slumber...ah, so this is how normal people spend their nights!

Terrible Tueday

Not the best day at work today - we all got some pretty bad news. However, the clearer message is - onwards and upwards - so I guess that's the way to go, right? No gym today, but still had my Cream of Chicken soup. I think I'm actually doing a bit better now that I've stopped with my Cafe Misto in the morning, and just getting a nice Venti Bold. It's a stronger kick actually, so that's better, and less calories even though I only use non-fat milk. Can't wait to have dinner tonight, another Spring Veggie coupled with my crackers, all with a side of boiled romaine and bean sprouts. YUM!

Another Monday

Off to work again! Lots to do this week, since I was sick on Friday and need to catch up! Looking forward to my Lipton's Chicken Noodle Soup for lunch...definitely have to eat, since I am definitely going to the gym after!
Part II - okay, gym was good, did about 40 mins on the elliptical and the Ab Workout from P90X. Then succumbed to temptation and met up with friends who were at The Five Point (I think that's what it was called) watching the Flames/Blackhawks game. Had some wine, and they had a special of 3-4-2 appies. So I picked Tuna Bites, Korean Style Beef Short Ribs and 911 Hot Wings to share for hte table. Lots of yummy food for a bar...was quite impressed! First time I ventured out in the publick in my gym clothes too...twas weird. Don't think I'll do it again...I felt very short without my heels! :) Got home nice and early, about 7:30 and took a long hot shower. Also watched 24 with my mommy on the couch...very satisfied!

Start Fresh and Spa Sunday

Finally my Signature Spa Massage at Spah Utopia is here! Heading down a little earlier to de-stress and to get my steam on. Appointment is at 1pm, so going to be there for 12:30. Lots of time to steam and catch up with QP. This is a nice long massage...75 mins, with Hot Stones, Relaxation, and a Hot Foot Massage too. I can't wait!
After the Spa, one of the restaurants I took my sister and clan to while they were in Vancouver, Chow, is having their Two-Year anniversary party - free food and "limited" free drinks. Actually, there was a whole little pig being roasted...gives new meaning to "swine" flu, haha.
I'm also going to make some changes this week...heading back to the gym tomorrow for one thing. And, staying on my diet is another thing. Definitely limiting my food intake starting on Monday. Fingers crossed...

Dim Sum Saturday

Had plans for dim sum with my mommy, but decided to wait for my stepdad...well, that was a mistake! We went from a 12:30 reservation at Kirin to a 2pm lunch! Also grabbed the menu from Shang, the noodle place next door...looks like it's worth a try. I didn't really mind since I had nothing really planned afterwards, except to drop by a bbq. But my poor parents had to go to a family dinner at 6pm! Haha - talk about getting stuffed and then stuffed again! But I have to admit, it was a great day for a BBQ...a little chilly, but still sunny!

Fnom Penh Friday

So...I had to take a day off work (sick) today because I couldn't get any sleep last night. Going into the office today would have been pointless as I would still be struggling to breathe. I feel really bad, since I had a ton of stuff to do today, but I really needed it. I emailed my boss this morning...and mailed it to the wrong domain...further evidence of my lack of sleep.
Anyhoo, I was hungry and decided to go to Phnom Penh for some comfort food noodles...topped off with some chicken wings and sure to clear your sinuses Hot and Sour Soup...I think some Rare Beef might have gotten into my tummy too. Feeling all better and full now too! Shopped while in Chinatown for tomorrow's bbq - got some wings, ribs, and beef for sliders. It's gonna be awesome!
Came home and napped to get some well-needed rest.

Timely Thursday

First time since I've started working that I actually woke up and washed my hair in the morning, before going into work. I was just too tired after dinner last night, and I also wanted to give my nails another few hours of hardening, before subjecting them to being waterlogged. I allowed myself an extra 30 minutes to get ready and it was perfect. Had time to dry my hair and everything! Don't think I'll be making a habit if it, but it's definitely nice to have the option.
Had another one of the Cream of Chicken soups today and crushed some Wisecrackers into it also. It gave the whole thing a much more fulfilling vibe.
Work is picking up again...more things to do now and more things to learn! It's getting exciting now.

Wicked Wednesday

Downtown was crazy last nigth! It was insanity after the Canucks swept the Blues away into history!
Had a few drinks during the game and tons of Happy Hour Appys! Started with BC Roll ($3.25), California Roll ($3.25), Negitoro Roll ($3.25) and the Chopped Scallop Roll ($3.25). Followed with a dozen oysters ($12), 10 hot wings ($2.50)and Prawn Gyoza ($5.99). Pricing was insane! And boy, was I stuffed!! I think I'm just going to go get food from there everyday now!
Not feeling too good today, I think I'm going to have to take some medications...already took my Rapid Dissolve Claritin, had to use my inhaler a few times and feeling very nauseous. Did go down to the Rexall here and grabbed some Lipton Cup of Soups (Cream of Chicken is YUMMY!)
Have a manicure today after work followed by dinner at Provence Marinaside! Happy Birthday to my Mom!
And then bed...rest...water...rest...repeat...

Game Day Tuesday

Heading to Ebi-Su after work to watch the 4th (and hopefully final) Canucks versus Blues game! Puck drops at 5pm! Very appropriate place, Ebisu/Yebisu is the Japanese God of good luck! Haven't eaten there before (lunch or dinner) so a little hesitant about the food tonight. They do have a crazy happy hour menu, so that could be promising...

Manic Monday

Back to work, and back to commuting! I can’t say that I really mind, but it’s definitely easier to wake up early now, after adjusting to Toronto time for the past week. Enjoying the freedom to not eat lunch though…was going a bit crazy in Toronto with all the food, but then again, I was on vacation.
Back to my coffee and branflakes for a while. Going to start bringing my seaweed again too. Gotta lose some weight before summer actually arrives, somewhere between 5-10 pounds is good.
Had yummy BBQ duck and rice noodles for dinner though, been wanting that since Easter arrived!

So Long, Sunday

Woke up early enough to tag along for the boy’s morning walk. Took some fancy shots of them by the duck pond, and various points in between.
Had a nice lunch of caviar, with some eggs and red onions, as well as some grilled sausages, some from St. Lawrence Market, some from Costco. What a perfect meal, and it was nice eating lunch at home, versus the rush or fear of getting to the airport late, if we ate at a restaurant.
Flying out at 4pm was perfect – had a quick nap after lunch and then got back to YVR in time for dinner! Oh, and to watch the last few seconds of the Canucks game – we’re leading the series 3-0 now! Went to Chop Lounge in Richmond for a quick drink (or two) and then headed back home.

Satisfying Saturday

Another car-related errand today…someone needs to take the winter boots off and slip into some summer sandals! We used BFJC’s GTR as our limo of choice after dropping the car off. I know it’s supposed to be a fast car, but all I thought was…cool looking car! Got some great shots of him on the on-ramp to the 404 though, pretty sure he doesn't have any of those. Decided to satisfy a Starbucks craving on the way back and they were out of mild brew, so I asked for the bold brew, and lo and behold, they were out of that too! It’s like…do you sell coffee here??
Lunch was a cool little Italian place called Nonna’s in the Stouffvile area. Apparently, their chicken sandwiches are amazing. I took a bite of one, and could barely get my mouth around the whole thing – it was crazy big. I ordered the GianFranco alla Bandiera pizza, which I only ate half of…hey, I can bring the other slices on the flight with me! Better than the crap they sell you on Air Canada, that’s for sure!
The rest of the day was just spent grocery shopping for tonight’s Pub Night and then just cuddling with my doggies. I wonder if they know I’m leaving – I think they know something’s up when they see the suitcase.
Didn’t do the wings on the BBQ since it kept looking like it was going to rain…it didn’t but you know once we head outside to BBQ, it’ll start pouring, that’s why they call it Murphy’s Law, right?
Shortly after dinner, BFJC came over and we watched two of Chris Rock’s standup for entertainment, since SNL was just a rehash of Amy Poehler’s shtick.

Foodie Friday

Found some lovely diamond earrings that I’ve had for a long time, but since it was in the safely deposit box, I never wore them. I’m wearing them everyday now!
Also had to get up super early to get the CRV back from BFJC, but we needed the big car because we were doing a road-trip with the doggies!
Drove up to Unionville, ordered a pizza and just sat at the park and enjoyed the great weather! It was definitely better to do it on a Friday versus a Saturday, since the crowds would have made the dogs unmanageable. And the big shocker was the yummy $10 pizza from Pizza 241!
Dining out with the BF and wife today at Via Allegro! Decided to cab it there so we could take advantage of the drink menu! So after an $80 ride, we drove up to this place that looked like a Mandarin Buffet on the outside. We were all a little horrified, thinking that we just made a huge mistake. And I was most terrified, as I was the one who picked the restaurant for the evening.
Once we walked inside though, all was redeemed, spiralled filigree and mood lighting abound. The food menu was about 4 pages long and the wine menu was about 400 pages! I started off with a bevvie – the Winter Storm, it was divine – a frozen vodka martini – twas like a slurpee!! For dinner, I had the quail and risotto to start, and the lamb duet for my main. Funny, it used to be a lamb trio according to some website I found, but I guess the recession does hit everyone, haha.
I’m not complaining though, not at all. They have bottle of balsamic vinegar for $13K! And some pretty pricey wines too. Will take a look through my cameras and upload pictures soon!

Thirsty Thursday

Went over to our old bank to deposit all our change! Would you believe we had over $700 in rolled change?!? Got stuff done nice and early, so we could just kick back and enjoy the day. Headed down to Yorkville in the Porsche and just pretended to live in lala-land for a bit. Traffic along Bloor was a nightmare, they are constantly digging up that whole area right by Holts! Anyways, after being stuck in traffic, we managed make our way to Sassafraz and had an awesome lunch on the patio. Their burger was amazing, as was my pastrami sandwich – which I only ate half of, the portion was huge! Also sipped on a cosmo – very staycation style!
Also wanted to see what the fuss was about C5 at the ROM was all about, so we walked there for a drink after lunch. The décor was pretty unique, very angular and geometric. The view was alright, but we both decided that the patio at Sass’s was a much better choice for lunch. Headed home and faced crazy traffic again! This time, it was due to the no-left no-right turn signs all over the city! Arrgh! Who can drive in this city! Met up with RL at Staples to buy some much needed “supplies”, got some toner, a cordless phone, and a cordless mouse.
Made reservations for dinner at Nota Bene (the new place opened by David Lee of Splendido fame). Had an amazing steak tartare to start and the cornish game hen for my main. He had the grilled calamari salad and the halibut special…saving the red meat for tomorrow’s dinner. All the food was delicious and definitely worth going back!

Windy Wednesday

This morning, I woke up with a mission - and that is to BAKE! Using my super awesome gas-powered Thermador oven, I created Parmesan Thyme Crackers, Chocolate Brownies, Cheese and Green Onion Biscuits! And...I had it all done before 1pm, which was my planned pig-out of AYCE sushi with my other ex-co-workers. I almost hesitated on going, since my little Nicholas decided to regurgitate his breakfast at around 11am - or maybe that is his commentary on my baking prowess. However, we decided to go the healthy route and opted for a coffee @ Starbucks instead. MH brought me some of her Greek cookies, made in a more nutritious way and not smothered in powdered sugar. They were yummy! Had a nice long chat about my new job, her current job and life in general.
Noticed a new Cachet Creek veterinary hospital nearby too, actually, it’s practically walking distance from home, which is a great thing when your doggies are sick.
Since I moved to Vancouver a few months ago, I’ve been craving authentic Indian food so decided to try a new one out by Yonge/Eglington area. Jaipur Grille had food so hot that it blew my mind…not just crazy hot, but nicely spiced too! The setting was very non-Indian, almost European, but the food was good Indian fare. Ordered enough for four people, but there was only the two of us. Had the chicken kabab (the hariyali flavour was amazing, also had lamb vindaloo, some daal makhani and of course, no Indian meal is complete without my lamb biryani, along with some naan! Very satisfying – I think we took home almost half of everything!

Tuesday in TO

Had a nice lunch with an ex-co-worker from my TO job. Went to our usual haunt, Restoran Malaysia. Food was good, but not as good as I remembered it. Perhaps I was remembering it through was my rose-flavoured palate.
Then it was back home to my doggies! Cuddled with them all day, and it’s true, they can really sleep all day. I actually took hourly photos of them asleep! So fluffy and cute.
I decided to cook dinner tonight, and made some crazy spicy pork chops…also had some of the jumbo shrimp from last night…I wasn’t going to make a side dish, since I am trying to stay away from carbs. But once I made the sauce for the chops, I realized how it really needed to be sitting on a bed of rice. So I quickly hauled out the rice cooker and made about a mug of rice for the two of us. Had to put the chops in the oven to keep them warm, and away from the devilish doggies!

Is it a Holiday or Not?

Easter Monday is a holiday for me, but it seems as though most other places don't have that luxury...except for the govenment employees that I know. Had some legal stuff to take care of in the morning, and was done by about 11am. Since we weren't sure what was open and what wasn't, we decided to go the safer route and just had Pho for lunch at First Markham.
Headed home after lunch to play with the dogs. Their welcome was less than stellar, it seems as though they are much less likely to jump and fuss since they are out of the crates now.
Another car-related errand to be run today - headed to Pfaff to get a weak-signalled Boomerang replaced. It didn't take long, and got some good use of my iTouch for the games. Attempted to go to Costco but gave up that dream when we saw how packed the parking lot was, which definitely translated to crazy line-ups inside the big box retailer. Mozied over to Loblaws where the line-ups were non-existent and the prawns were fresh! Didn't have much planned for the evening, just a simple dinner of organic beef t-bones, as well as the gigantic Thai Prawns that I picked up earlier at Loblaws.

Easter!

Went for Easter brunch in Forest Hill, where we feasted on Dhansak and some Nota Bene wine. But I had a craving for a Shandy, which had to be satisfied before the wine could be appreciated. I also munch on some Thai Chili chips which went really well with the Shandy. The meal was rounded out by a birthday cake, which was supposed to be from Dufflet’s but their cakes were very Easter-focused, so we ended up with a birthday cake from Frangipane instead, chocolate decadence. No matter how much I bake, I don't think I'll ever be able to ice a cake the way bakeries do...
The conversation flowed easily, and lots of pictures were taken, of the food, family and friends. I regret not taking a picture of Bo Obama's cousin, Marco, the Portuguese Water Dog.
After a short nap, it was time for me to prepare my Easter Dinner! Having a friend over for dinner and decided to make: Stuffed Mushroom Caps, Crab and Shrimp Dip, Rack of Lamb and Salmon Filet (for the non-game eater). A simple side of sauteed mushrooms (shitake, oyster and cremini) as well as buttered baby carrots.
Since the weather was cooperating, we managed to BBQ the lamb and salmon outside! It was a nice well-rounded meal...except there weren't any carbs! I guess I gave up meat for 40 days, I'll plan to give up carbs for the next 40! Dessert was again a Haagen Dazs bar and some Chunky Monkey!
Pictures were taken, I think...can't be too sure now, but will have to find out how the S230 performed.

Lent: Day 40

Okay, so if I could cheat on yesterday in lieu of my first non-cheating Sunday, I’ve decided to cheat today, in lieu of my second non-cheating Sunday. Had to go to Wheels Direct to get the snow tires off the CRV, and since it’s first come, first served, we showed up bright and early @ 9:30, although they only open at 10am.
In any case, we got a great deal (cash only) and were out of there by 11am. For lunch, the three of us went to Ding Tai Fung for some yummy Shanghainese dimsum. Got the usual “siu loong bau”, “chee fan” plus a pan fried beef bun and some fried pork chop noodle soup! Three of us made for no leftovers…how yummy!
Also headed to Chapters for a Starbucks coffee, and ran into an old colleague from Staples – what a small world.
Dinner was at a new restaurant downtown called The Harbord Room, located on Harbord Street. I’ve never really been to this part of town (university area) before when I lived in TO, so it was nice to visit it. The restaurant is across from Splendido, where I dined just prior to leaving TO in the summer.
Because HR had screwed up our reservations, we got a nice chilled glass of champagne to start. We shared a Calamari, Clams and Chorizo plate to start, and I had the Beef Paparadelle and he had the Chicken Breast with House Made Sausage. Both were delicious and just filling enough. Nothing from the dessert menu appealed, (and since we had shopped at Metro in the afternoon and loaded up on Haagen Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s), we didn’t order dessert at the restaurant.

Lent: Day 39

Since most non-Asian restaurants are closed for the Good Friday holiday, I decided to have lunch at Kaze, and AYCE sushi place in Richmond Hill. The food was all right, but the service was dreadful. It’s a good thing they built their 10% service charge into the bill, or else they would not have received a tip from me at all!
Went home after lunch and just played and photographed my dogs. I think they got dizzy from the flashes!
Also went to Moxie’s for a quick drink/snack, it was shockingly busy for a Good Friday! Dinner was a buffet of Epoisse and Proscuitto/Casalingo. The logic for cheating is compensated for the first Sunday I didn’t cheat during Lent. Sigh, it’s all the same, isn’t it? No meat for 40 days, does it really matter if it was a Sunday, Friday or whatever?
Also watched some Y&R, afterall, what is a holiday without some trashy TV!

Lent: Day 38 Part II

On the flight to TO, I sat next to a man with a most interesting story. He told me about a friend of his whose wife had purchased a used Harley Davidson motorcycle for his birthday. A few days after he got the bike, he received a phone call from Jay Leno, who offered him $1 million for the bike. The man asked why, and Leno refused to tell him. He simply reiterated the offer. The man didn't truly believe that it was Leno, so he just ignored it.
A few weeks later, Leno was doing a show in Montreal and showed up at the man's house with a check. The man saw the certified check, and mulled it over. He asked Leno to return after his show and he'd have an answer for him them. When Leno returned, the man decided to sell him the bike. Once the check/keys changed hand, Leno turned to leave. The man asked him to tell him why he wanted the bike so badly. Leno walked over to the bike, lifted up the seat, and underneath was an inscription. To Elvis, Love Priscilla. Fact or Fiction?

Lent: Day 38

Worked a halfday today - didn't really have much to do at the office, so decided to help out where I could. Left around noon and headed to QP's house to pick up my new Nikon S230 camera. Just in time for my trip. Her hubby had the foresight to charge it up for me and even lent me a 2GB memory card! Then went to the airport and had a nice Veggie Burger (my first time) @ Milestones. It was amazingly meat like! Grateful that lent is almost over...can't wait to have some proscuitto!

Lent: Day 37

Super Busy Day @ work...Have a trade show (TOPS) to attend at 11, a photoshoot to coordinate at 1-5, training from 3-4 and then a chef-guided tour of Granville Island at 4:30. Can't complain, since I'm off to Toronto tomorrow! Gonna see my puppies, try fantastic restaurants, do some shopping, hang out with old friends, no gym and no work!

Lent: Day 36

Had a quiet night at home since the PUs are off on vacation. Caught up on some magazine reading, as well as my weird old shows that no one else appreciates, like Poirot...Went to the Big Sister's Spring Lunch today where I already had fulfilled my fish quota for the day. That made the tuna spaghettini from last night a little less than appealing. So I decided to make my Emperor Egg - so called because of some long-winded explanation where the word egg phonetically sounds like emperor. Basically, it's a steamed concoction of Black egg, Duck egg and Chicken egg...yummy comfort food over steamed rice.

Lent: Day 35

It's the home stretch, boys and girls! Just another 5 days without meat and I'll have done it! Made chicken wings, ribs and some chicken gizzards last night, and also snuck in some chicken chow mein. Needless to say, cheat day was a success. Going back to work today meant a breakfast of rice cake (tamari and seaweed flavour) as well as a lunch of half a cup of wasabi beans...and no, I'm not Japanese. Dinner is going to be a simple affair, tuna with a bit of spaghettini/fettucine and a generous sprinkling of garlic and parmesan! YUM!!

Oh, the last cheat...

It's finally Sunday...to be hailed forth by brunch at DB Bistro Moderne. Mom went off to the gym nice and early, but I picked her up after and we went for a leisurely lunch. Leisurely because that is how the waiter decided to serve us. We had to wait for water, coffee, the bill, etc. food was good though, croque madame rocks as did mom's duck confit poutine.

After lunch, since the weather was soooo nice, we strolled along 4th, where I bought my chocolate truffle umbrella from Gumdrops! $45 for an umbrella, I know it's a lot, but when it rains as much as it does here in YVR, the cost per use will be nil! Praying for rain...

Lent: Day 34

Was supposed to go and get a PERM today, but totally chickened out. Mom went and got her cut and color. I took the chicken-route and went to Dim Sum at the Kirin at Starlight Casino. I'm always amazed at the array of vegetarian dimsum they have there. Chilled (as planned) for the rest of the day...
Happy Yee Toong Holiday!

Lent: Day 33

TGIF...nothing really planned this weekend, so lots of chilling, hopefully. Work was interesting, and got a LOT more interesting with the arrival of QP downtown. She had the hookup! A 25% discount at Holt Renfew...INCLUDING Tiffany! Ahhh...money saved, and money spent. Gosh, that was an expensive lunch hour!

Haha...Also bought my mom her birthday present...not sure if she'll keep it, but hopefully, she will. It's nice sterling silver understated studs...nothing fussy.

Got off work around 3 today, so headed home after getting something for dinner...cambozola and smoked salmon to go along with my parisian baguette. Heaven!

Lent: Day 32

Dinner with the family at Market at Shangri-La. Third time for me and first for my mom. We ordered a Steamed Shrimp Salad, the Black Truffle Pizza and the Crab Dumplings to start. My entree was the Lobster Gnocchi...yum! Mom had the Red Snapper, and it was the one of the last two left...good thing we ordered it the minute we sat down. My step-dad got the Rack of Lamb...which looked amazing too. My lobster gnocchi was loaded with lobster, enough to share. Also had drinks at the Keg prior to that, and they had these home-made chips that look just like Terra Chips...
Just goes to show that you can gain weight during lent, while cutting out meat!

Lent: Day 31

The concert last night was amazing...she definitely rocked Sasha, and I have to admit, those were the songs I like the best. Dropped by R.TL for a drinkie-poo before heading home and was pleasantly surprised by the cozy room, and the exceptonally genuine staff. Immediately made reservationos for dinner this Friday - hope the food doesn't disappoint!
Going to the gym for the first time in over two weeks, feeling a little guilty, but hey, it's LENT! Isn't that what it's all about?