Manic Monday

Since today is a short week for me, I am trying desperately to get all my work done in 3 days instead of 5. It's completely doable, but it is a bit annoying when you're rushing madly about, and everyone else is NOT! Have to find a way to light a fire under them!
Stopped by Urban Faire to grab the Epoisse and other tidbits for the weekend...damn, they are the ONLY place that stocks it...oh wait, maybe Granville Island does too, but who wants to do that during rush hour, certainly not me...
Had leftover duck and yam noodles for dinner...man, I love that stuff.
Chatted with mom about the screen door, and how it's not up yet...she wants me to come out for dinner with her and Jim soon. I want her and Jim to come light shopping with me...I think we can figure something out!

Serial Killer Sunday

Got yummy Hainnese Chicken Rice for takeout and spent all day watching back-to-back episodes of Criminal Minds. I really don't recommend it, but it's SO addictive! Something about the constant depravity of the human psyche gets dull after a while. There is initial shock, even revulsion, but by episode 4, you're kind of used to it, in a very sad way...better watch some Frasier to balance the psyche out.
No matter how early I try to sleep, Iron Chef keeps sucking me in!

Solitary Saturday

Ever had one of those days where you'd rather be alone than not? I thought I wanted company, but it made me a little nauseous - certainly killed all appetite I had. Was at Milestone's, ordered a set of three sliders, and ate only one. Ended up going shopping on my own for some home decor, which was really fun, considering there was no other opinion that I had to deal with, like my mom, and other nosy people. It's my house...I don't tell you what to do to yours!
Ate my other third of a torpedo and watched some old Star Trek. Also managed to build all the stuff I got from Ikea, except for the damn light which was missing a piece.
Oh well, I'll wait until the back-to-school madness is done before venturing back into that abyss.

Finally Friday

Had a rough night's sleep last night and woke up needing grease. Got my usual #2 from McDonalds and munched away while busily working away. Got the nicest Thank You again from my boss's boss this morning, thanking the team for allowing him to go to Europe for a month long vacay, because he knew the department was in such good hands. Awww...warm fuzzies all around!
Came home today to let the Telus man in to fix my tv, and lo and behold, less than 30mins later, I'm hooked UP! He gave me a new pvr, new modem and a new remote. I feel SO special. Stayed home and chilled but realized I had no food in the house. Rather than head out to grocery shop, I walked over to the Quizno's by my place and got a Beef, Bacon and Cheddar torpedo...yum. Asked the girl to cut it into thirds, and only had a third so far...but definitely eyeing the other two thirds!

Thursday Thunder

Busy morning at work but rewarded by going sailing in the afternoon. Boarded on Granville Island and then sailed all the way to UBC, what a nice leisurely ride. Also got a lesson in sailing, had a good time. Ended up going for drinks after work to Joey's, and then dinner with another friend at Coast.
Should have driven straight home afterwards, should have...and next time I will. Or accepted a ride home and just left my car in the lot, should have...and next time I will.
Note to self: Defintely do not drive into Richmond.

When I EAT, Wednesday

Had dinner plans that I was going to cancel, but then decided that I'd rather head out than stay home moping. It was definitely the right idea. AYCE sushi and NO sake!
Good girl! Home by 9:30 and in bed by 10:30.

Do you Dare to Change your Life?

You'll have to:

• Remove negative and deceitful people from your life, they are not your problem.
• Do things on your own and treasure your independence and self-reliance.
  
• Form new interests, learn new hobbies and make new friends.
• Give yourself time to make new bonds, true bonds take time to build but rest assured, will rarely break easily.
• Limit self-doubts to 5 minutes a day - don't give it more time than that.
• Spend time with family, sometimes they are all the friend you need.
• Become committed to work and embrace new challenges.


• Cherish those who raise you up.

Josh Groban's You Raise Me Up
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.
There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

Taking it Easy Tuesday

Due to the hours of rest I got last night, I woke up totally refreshed and ready to take on the world, well, at least the part of the world where I work. Went through so many presentations, my mind was boggling afterwards.
Hurried home because the "screen door (SD)" guy was supposed to come up and do measurements. Of course, there was traffic everywhere I went and was so worried that he just left without calling or waiting. Thankfully, he was running late himself and would be later than me. SO I headed up to watch tv, and lo and behold, it's busted. Well, I decided not to do anything about it until after the SD guy came, so I decided to check out my storage locker and move my multitude of boxes down there. Went down without remembering the locker number and proceeded to check about 15 locks before finding my own! Managed to lug the empty boxes for my toaster oven, coffee maker, kettle, alarm clock, rice cooker, wine glasses, stoneware plates...etc ALL downstairs. Also lugged my suitcase (with 3 suitcases inside) downstairs too, and my empty paint cans too! Felt pretty damn proud of myself. Had someone offer to help next week when he's in town, but glad to know I don't need the extra hand.
After the measurements for the balcony and the bedroom window was completed, I decided to call Telus TV...after an hour on the phone troubleshooting, he diagnosed that a technician was required to come check the set-up...and the tech won't be there until Friday! This was all fine by me because I thought today was a Wednesday! No Criminal Mind for me tomorrow then. Boo Hoo.
Heated up my leftover chicken wings around 8:30 and ate to the silence of my place. Decided to take a quick shower and just call it a night. Oh, and I officially love Shirataki!

Moronic Monday

Had awful sleep last night and went to work feeling (and according to some accounts, looking) like a zombie. Was actually told to go home, but I was determined to stick it out. And then was told to not come back tomorrow (I looked THAT bad) but since my boss' boss was returning from a month long vacation, I decided to tough that out too...time will tell.
Didn't eat all day, but really felt like comfort food for dinner, but was too lazy to make chicken noodle soup. Times like this makes you wish you had someone around that you can count on to lift you up, maybe even just a puppy that would lick your face and make you feel better. Oh well, someone recommended Cream of Mushroom...which I did have in the fridge but what is it about being sick that makes you more determined to show the world that you can do more? Would you believe I made Hot Wings and Dry Ribs...yupper! Decided that I showed the world enough and crawled into bed at 9:30pm.

And she's baaack

a la creepy girl's voice from a movie I can't remember the name of...

on haitus

taking a much needed break to restore my sanity
Or at least to restore my language skills!

Soup Diet Over Sunday!

Headed into Richmond to check out Daiso, to see about getting some more miscellaneous kitchen stuff. Got some pretty decent things, but also forgot some other things. Had a nice shanghainese lunch at Aberdeen, though I forgot the leftovers...dammit! Also headed to Richmond Centre (well, JYSK) to look at what they had on sale, but nothing seem right sized for my place. Home to munch on my steaks...

Silly Saturday

Woke up craving Tim's of all things. A few timbits, yeah, but mostly their toasted bagels. In my haste, I forgot to say NO cream cheese and ended up with an Everything bagel, with a huge smear of the creamy goo. Oh well, I can always scrape it off.
Went to the Keg for dinner tonight, it's a pretty safe place after CSD, all it has is meat - unless you throw a bowl of French Onion Soup and a half lobster on it! Oooops, probably gained all that weight back now, dammit!

Frantic Friday

Rejoice! It's meat day! Grabbed my pack of roast beef and decided to munch all day on it. Funny thing about roast beef...it doesn't ever taste as salty as you expect it to. After work, I went and chilled at home for bit, just to enjoy the time at home without fretting about diets, work and etc.
Went to Ikea to pick up some more boxes, and the plan was to get some patio furniture, but that didn't really happen, since I hadn't properly measured out my patio. Did get some planters and another light though, forgot the lightbulbs though...so stupid! Other than that, I don't remember much of that night, in fact, can't even remember if I ate dinner or not? I'm inclined to think I missed it...because those three steaks I bought on Thursday were still there on Sunday.

Worst Day of CSD

Today is the dreaded banana and milk day. Started the day off with a Venti Cafe Misto, and again people thought I was hung! Decided not to invite further speculation and postponed my soup-eating/drinking until 11:30, which I thought was a decent hour. Worked all through lunch and then had a banana at 1pm. Yuck...
Went straight home after work and then straight to the gym. My personal trainer friend advised me to do weights first, then swim and then sauna. I sort of listened to his advice...did 30 mins of cardio, 20 mins of weights, 10 mins of treading water and then sauna-ed. Should be nice and sore tomorrow!
Didn't feel like dinner yet, so walked over to Starbucks for another caffeine jolt. There were 7 little doggies in the courtyard...so cute!
Had some soup and a frozen banana for dessert. Still have two more in the fridge...
Contemplated staying up til midnight to have a slice of roast beef but decided to be good and just sleep, after a nice hot relaxing shower.

Day Three of Hell

Actually, it's not so bad. Instead of having coffee for breakfast, I had soup, at 9:30am! People thought I was nuts, or worse, hung. Anyways, headed over to London Drugs during lunch and again left with more than I bargained for. Luckily, it was all cleaning supplies, so it will not go to waste, well, maybe not. Got back to the office and was greeted by my friend at the elevator...turns out he dropped off a treat for me since I did him a favour this morning. Something so nice about being appreciated...mmm.
Headed to Superstore after work to stock up on future diet fixings: bananas, roast beef and steak! Even though I can't have it until Friday, just the sight of it does me good.
I talked to RS yesterday and explained that I hadn't got to the gym because I didn't want to access it via the parking lot...and even as I said it, I realized how ridiculous I sounded. I was getting fatter by the minute simply because I didn't want to walk amongst cars? Well, that really put the spunk back in my step! As soon as I got the groceries put away, I put on my workout gear and headed to the gym...through the parking lot! Did my elliptical for 25 mins, tis a good start! Felt so good to sweat again!

Why We Lie So Much

Why We Lie So Much

I don't know why this article drew my attention...but it did. Could it be that I think I lie a lot, or could it be that I think I'm being lied TO alot?
The two most interesting things I found in this article is that:
1. ...when you confront people with their lies they very rarely display remorse.
2. ...we lie less to people that we are close to. But when we do, they tend to be the bigger types of lies.
Both very true in my books.

Day Two of CSD

So made it through the first night with just the soup and a mango...plus a few sips of wine.
Second day was better because I brought the soup to my work and had some there. I also brought a pint of grape tomatoes and devoured them, instead of devouring the terimayo that the two girls from work had from Japadog.
Damn...it was hot today...hot enough that you would sit INSIDE when you're at Joey's so that you don't bake on the patio...right?
Fairly early night after a bowl of soup (when it and I cooled down), some snow peas and potato wedges.
Will aim for an even earlier night tomorrow.

Monday, and it's CSD Day One

Finally decided that I have to do something about this endless creeping UP of the scale, the solution? My dreaded CSD. Since I didn’t make the soup ahead of time, it meant that I had nothing to eat today…and with no fruit at work, I was totally out of luck.
Went to Walmart after work and got all the fixings for the soup, as well as the iron and ironing board that I’ve been meaning to get for the past two months. Came home and started cutting up the veggies for the soup…also have a very ripe mango that I can have with my soup. And with amazing forethought, I bought leakproof containers that will allow me to carry this soup safely to work!

Sleepy Sunday

Went for dimsum in Metrotown early on and had a friend come over to help me build my long-ago purchased bathroom. Once the job was completed (beautifully), chilling was in order. Just kick back and watch some (well, a lot of) mindless TV. Even fell asleep watching some, the bad sleep I got last night must be to blame.
Went home and decided to fill out the bathroom cabinet…almost as if daring it to fall down! Thankfully, it‘s still anchored nicely…

Spicy Saturday

Spent the day catching up on Y&R, watching tv and generally relaxing. Headed to a dinner party at a friend’s place where we ate an awesome Chinese dinner. There was some weird steamed pork dish (didn‘t try that), but there was also a spicy beef brisket, a whole chicken with the ginger onion sauce I like, some steamed clams with a spicy black bean sauce as well as spicy green beans. The food was very good, and again, I overate…thus the weight gain…blah.

Fun with work Friday

Woke up late this morning...very late…should have been at work already and I was just getting out of bed! I got to work and indulged in a BELT from Tim’s…and I wonder why I’m gaining weight, haha. However, I have to say that it was good, and the cool thing is, both the Sausage and Egg Muffin from McD’s and the BELT are identical in calories. The only difference is the hash brown, the Tim’s is lower calories (and less tasty) than the McD’s one. Grease is good in its own way.
There was a work barbecue for a small group of us, and I somehow became a designated driver…driving two guys from work there and them and another girl back. Surprisingly enough, none of them feared my driving nor were they backseat drivers. The party was fun, and it was nice to see everyone outside of the workplace. There was one guy there that I actually didn’t recognize…that remained a secret for all of 5 minutes after I asked someone who he was. Hey, if you usually see someone in a suit, and they show up in a baseball cap, you just don’t make that connection!

The last Thursday to see my sister...

SO, since my sister did a good job of packing during the day, the family was able to go out for dinner, instead of the pizza delivery we had originally planned. So where did we end up going? Marcello’s for calzones and pizza…It’s understandable though, since she can get all the Chinese food she wants and we did just have it yesterday!

Witty Wednesday

Mary was having a tough day and had stretched herself out on the couch to do a bit of what she thought to be well-deserved complaining and self- pitying.
She moaned to her mom and brother, "Nobody loves me ... the whole world hates me!"
Her brother, busily occupied playing a game, hardly looked up at her and passed on this encouraging word: "That's not true, Mary. Some people don't even know you."

Since my beloved sister is leaving this Friday to return to Vancouver, our family decided to have another last big bash in her honour. We went to Red Star for a yummy banquet, which left me way to full for way to long! I was dreading going, but decided that I moved back to Vancouver for my family, and for better or worse, here they are, all of them!! Found myself enjoying dinner as well as the company of my cousins, but definitely also feel very “on”.

If

Once, someone asked me to read to him...I felt weird reading out loud, seems like something you only did in school. But I was touched that he liked the sound of my voice, so I did it.
This was the poem:

If - by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

—Rudyard Kipling

The poem's end is the only thing I don't like. I don't want to be a man, I want to be a person!

The word If is so loaded...
I'll love you only if you do this for me, or
if only you could change, I would love you.
Made myself my usual comfort food dinner...chicken wings with hearts and giblets.I know it probably turns most people’s stomach, but I can’t help but crave and love it! Had to make rice too, because, really, how else are you going to soak up the sauce?
Had a fairly early night and a nice uneventful one. Turned off the TV and just chilled with some Café Del Mar and a very old “in Touch” magazine.

Majority Agrees with ME Monday

Shocked to find very active FB-ers agreed with me! Took this little screenshot for proof - click it to enlarge! Aha, so there is a time and place...and judging from the comments below, uh-no, it's not all the time and everywhere. Hooray for independent thinking.


Funny how Pat mentioned twitter, because he was practically psychic...

After this vindication, I had a victory dinner planned...nono, it was a family dinner, already planned. We all went to Pinky's.
We were squeezed into a booth. The service was fair, the food was good, the prices (at 50% off) were great. I guess our server only spent half her energy serving us, knowing she'd only get half the tip the(from the food portion at least ) anyways. Dinner was ruined by someone's smoking and twittering and facebooking, twice in a two hour meal...man, those things must be addictive as nicotine!

Silent Sundays

Stayed in all day and watched HGTV until it repeated.
Think I got bed sores from sitting so long.
Spent all day stewing about something that was bothering me - alot.
Had soup for lunch...and thought about it.
Ate some ribeye...and thought about it.
Played DS...and thought about it.
Ate some wings...and thought about it.
Had some wine...and thought about it.
Went to get more wine...and got away from it for a bit.
Had some more wine...and thought about it.

Decided that I couldn't be alone in my thinking...so I updated my FB status with my anti-FB-updating view. Turned off the computer and readied myself for my judgment tomorrow.

Shocking Saturday

Actually watched and paid attention to a UFC fight. God, the sky IS falling. Perhaps what made the fight bearable was the yummy French Onion Soup, Rib Eye Roast, with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Corn and Broccoli that I had while watching it!

Long day at work today. And had smokes but no lighter...so what does one do? Well, bum a light usually. But it's only the start of the weekend, so I figured I should buy one, since I had change on me. And would you believe...they ID'ed me - even though I was only getting a lighter...not ciggies? How old do you have to be to buy a lighter??
Anyways, after that I treated myself to a manicure/pedicure after work. Walked to a salon on Robson, just past Bute. I really like those massage chairs with the feet soakers...wonder how much they cost?
After that, a friend's birthday party brought me to Yaletown. Clearly I didn't think this through or else I would have just gone to one in Y-town, or one of the many I walked past on my way to Yaletown. Oh well, I could use the exercise!
Had a quick (but filling) dinner at Earl's and then off to Goldfish for the party. Several martinis and a bottle of vino later, I found myself having some truly weird conversations. Gee, I think it's time to head home.

So it's finally here...

Happy Birthday, Valerie!!

May all your wishes and dreams come true!

My little niece celebrated in style tonight!
She got all her favourites:
* chicken wings
* mashed potatoes
* bacon wrapped bananas
then for the rest of us:
* grilled prawns
* rack of lamb
* roast corn
And of course, the requisite
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake from Dairy Queen!

Wicked Wednesday

Worked at reception again this morning...ugh...it's tiring putting on a happy face when you're less than happy. Oh well, it's my cross to bear. Headed out for lunch at Urban Sushi unexpectedly since my BFFQP was in the neighbourhood. A guilt free lunch with yummy sushi for me and her, and mashed carrots for her little guy.
Had plans to meet up with another friend for dinner, and we did the tried and true Cactus Club...with a bottle of Blasted Church - yum!
Also had a long chat with a friend from eons ago...turns out he has two kids - that was kind of a shocker...live and learn, my friends, live and learn...
Ran out of smokes at the end of the night and had to call in reinforcements...mmm...I feel special!

no Transit Tuesday

So, it's back to work today, but with a twist! Instead of having to suffer on the train with overflowing hot dogs, spilling coffees, quirky and/or smelly men, I was able to go to work in the comfort of my own vehicle. The parking garage is gated and looks safe. The walk is just a few minutes away from the office and actually quite pleasant. Even the drive itself wasn't bad.
Working up at reception this morning, so that was kind of a turn-off...but as I tell the people around me...it's more action than I would get in 3 days sitting at my usual spot - a bank of 4 cubicles occupied by only me!
With my newfound mobility, I decided to head to London Drugs to see if my Krups kettle was still around...and sure enough, it had multiplied! There were now 2 of them, so I decided to buy it, but did think maybe there was something wrong with it and it was returned. Oh well, I have fourteen days to make up my mind with it. As I turned to leave the fated aisle, my eye caught the glimmer of shimmer from the Cuisinart Stainless Steel carafe of their mini-coffee maker...had to have that too! No point in fighting the power of London Drugs...resistance IS futile.
After 72+ hours of kid-friendly family time, I decided that this evening was decidedly NOT going to be kid-friendly. Instead, there was red wine, white wine, lemon shots, and cheese plates! That's a grown-up night for ya...

Monday Blues

Sad to say goodbye to the Pacific Sands Resort...the place was amazing. Glad I got to make my first live seafood dish here. Headed off to the New Wickaninnish Inn for lunch. The view totally took my breath away. And the food was good, albeit a little slow in coming...is this standard with Tofino-area restaurants? Then drove towards the Old Wickaninnish Inn for a little stroll. There is a sealife museum there and they were playing a Sea Otter movie - they eat 25% of their own body weight a day, and use tools to feed themselves. Very cool!
Stopped off at Coombs too and visited the Old Country Market where they had goats on the roof! Very cool. Decided to buy some bread, cheese and cold cuts to have as dinner on the ferry ride home. And here is where the brilliance of my abstaining from the red wine on Sunday paid off...wine and cheese for dinner on the ferry!
Home after an exhausting weekend...now I know why people say they need a vacation to recover from their vacation...they must have been travelling with kids!

Sunny-ish Sunday

Woke up and found my family breakfasting...there was no way we were heading out for lunch into town. Decided to sway everyone to my way of thinking...we'll go into town, do some shopping, and then make lunch at home. Found a place that sold live crabs, and bought 2 for the 4 adults. The kids had a mix of bacon and eggs and tomato sauce and pasta. The crab was fun to make - first time ever and the garlic butter we found at the local Co-Op was an amazing complement.
Sunned at the beach for a few hours when the sun actually came out. Kids went exploring for anomones, starfish, jellyfish and sand dollars. I don't really care what they were doing...as long as it wasn't within hearing range for me! Back to the hotel and relaxed with a beer...yes, I said beer! Felt wrong to open the red when no one (except me) wanted to drink it.
Dinner was my treat at Shelter but the service was pathetic...dinner too about 2.5 hours...and with two tired and hungry kids, it felt more like twice as long. No offer of free dessert or a discount on the bill, even though we complained. Good thing they are in Tofino, because they wouldn't last a month in Vancouver. Thank god we got that second bottle of wine...would have slit my own throat with the steak knife otherwise.
Off to home and off to bed...sad to say, the whole group was tired after that long and boring dinner.

Saturday in Tofino

Went over to my parent's place super early...9:30 am...only to arrive and see the kids watching tv. Ferry isn't until 12:30! Argh, the sleep that was robbed of me! Had a small ham and swiss sandwich to recover from the lack of sleep. Strangely satiated. Guess if you feed one hunger, the filling effects spread to your other senses too!
Boraded ferry and noticed a couple sipping on wine and nibbling on cheese - that's the way to travel, reminded me of my train ride into Paris from London...
Arrived in Nanaimo and settled in for a 3 hour drive to Tofino. We had rented a car so that the kids would have a tv in the car. I figured it was my mom's way of keeping her sanity. Stopped off in Cathedral Grove to see the huge Douglas fir trees that are still around. The largest tree in Cathedral Grove is a Douglas-fir 76m high, 9-feet diameter and 9m in circumference! The whole ride consisted of the kids asking to watch tv, and then the kids getting to watch tv at full volume, since they were nowhere near the speakers...but I was lucky, mine was ear-height...cruel joke.
Finally landed in Tofino and it was COLD! For someone who just brought bikinis, tank tops and shorts, this was a huge disappointment. Promptly bought myself a Long Beach sweatshirt to avoid getting a cold. Went to the Sea Shanty for dinner...but had to wait 45 minutes for a table...torture!
Home to bed early...slept with my niece and prayed for warmer weather tomorrow.