gracecheung604 | write on time: October 2009

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloweed Saturday

No concrete plans for the day, but a friend is coming over tonight to just hang out and stay away from the madness of Halloween.
Never understand why girls think that Halloween is Hoochieween. It's like the invasion of Naughty Nuns, Slutty Schoolgirls and Nympho Nurses. Give me a break.
It's like the perfect excuse to dress down and dirty but not take responsibility.
I say, if you're going to do it one night a year, do it on a night of your own choosing, not a night when the whole world does it.
That's why, sometime this year (maybe on Xmas), I'll dress up as a dominatrix...:-)

Friday, October 30, 2009

Freaking Friday

Awesome, Fun, and my new motto!

Fun Friday

Got home from work and relaxed a bit before heading out to Earl's to meet up with co-workers to catch the PPV Canucks game. Called 416.905 to catch up a bit. Then picked up bff from the skytrain station since it was pouring rain.
Had a great time, some good sushi and dry ribs and a few glasses of vino. Finally starting to feel like a part of the crowd at work, the Burnaby crowd at least.
Got a last minute call from an old friend and we headed out to see Paranormal Activity...and a midnight showing at that! Don't remember the last time I saw a midnight show...come to think of it, don't remember the last time I watched a movie in a theatre. How pathetic. He got me a shooter glass from his trip to Regina...the Saskatchewan Roughriders...I know it's football, right?
Also got him to lend me a book The Lost Symbol, can't wait to get into it. Came home and had another glass or two of wine before hitting the sack.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday

BBM - a curse and a blessing. Realized that technology is a double-edged sword.
Dinner tonight at the #1 restaurant in Canada as voted on by enRoute magazine - Cibo! On my way down to the restaurant, saw a strangely familiar car. Twas someone I haven't seen in over a week...but there they were. Good thing I wasn't spotted!
Dinner was amazing...started off with champagne and two amazing appetizers. Gnocchi with ox tail and Spaghetti and clams. Got some freebies...
the rabbit ravioli and a chicken liver pate...I love rabbits (as a pet, so I abstained), but devoured the pate. My main course was Ox Hearts on a bed of lentils, and my stepdad had the venison. My mom stayed true to her roots and had some roasted ling cod.
Dessert was Apple and Pear Fritters, but a little disappointing...and greasy.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Wine-be-gone Wednesday

Power Smart event with a candlelight dinner after work with bff. Headed to the Shangri-la for a drink after work, and the place eventually filled up! It was definitely the pre-U2 crowd in there. After a nice White Cosmo, we walked over to the Italian Kitchen and had a great dinner together in the dark.
Started with the mussels and carpaccio...then we shared a pasta platter. Only had one drink with dinner, feeling pretty good about myself. Came home with a new bottle of wine that I've been dying to try, and had to shed a tear when it crashed to the floor and broke open. Cleaned up everything and then resolved to have an early night myself. Well, it was more decided for me, but what the heck.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Thrilling Tuesday

Went to work and realized halfway that I left my phone at home. Contemplated going home at lunch to get it, but then realized...i'm LIBERATED!
After work, I went to Joey's to hold a table of 18. Managed to drag another co-worker with me, because I really don't want to be the weird girl that holds a whole row of seats at the theater by placing one tiny article of clothing on each chair!
After dinner (where there was Super Stoked Vodkas, Supersonic Gin and Tonics as well as Freight Trains - which I introduced to my co-workers), we went on a Haunted Trolley Tour.
Had the chicken souvlaki wrap again, but not until I had a tuna taco as well as some gyozas.
Had a good time at the morgue but the cemetary was a little disappointing. Good thing bff was there to hold my hand! Drove her home afterwards...it's the least I can do!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Manic Monday

Slept in just a little bit...the new tires saved me!
Headed to T&T with BFF from work and got my BBQ Duck on Rice.
Borrowed a bus pass from a friend at work, and felt so liberated! If I had to drive there, I don't think I would have done it.
Had just a bit of it at the very quiet cafeteria at Tinseltown before heading back to work.
Had a long drive home after a long day at work. Got home and settled in time for a Skype chat with 416/905.
Doggies are so cute, Nicholas even posed long enough for a photo!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sleepy Sunday

I'd have to say...today was a boring day. Slept in, read a few magazines and just chilled at home.
Perhaps knowing that I have a busy week coming up is making me want to coccoon...either that, or a lack of options...hehe.
Sleep is good.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Save-on Saturday

Stayed home and just got more bored. Headed to do groceries ahead of the game. Got some proscuitto, capicollo and trying some Black Forest Chicken.
Hope it's good! BFF from work came over for a chat and had another great conversation. Another friend also came over and we all talked into the wee hours of
the night. Even though I stayed home, it's like the party came to me! Gotta love it. I'm blessed.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Funny Friday

Don't go to the Bella Salon on Robson...they are exactly like this...

Not so Free Friday

Woke up nice and early today even though I was on a Personal Day at work. Went to the passport office, and after a 30-min wait, and $82 later, my application was submitted. Next on the errand list was the matter of getting new tires. My friend found me an awesome deal...four tires installed for just a hair under $500. And I scored a free lunch too, while my tires were getting done. Pretty good deal! :)
Came home after everything was done, and I have to say, the tires rock! Need nap now. Plan to stay home since it's pouring and windy outside. Have a nice bottle of wine and lots of TV to catch up on!

Thursday, October 22, 2009









Went to the Steve Nash exhibition game after work today. Know it`s going to be a gong show, and sure enough, Steve was in his socks after halftime. Went to Hapa afterwards, and really, I don`t think I should have. Though it was nice to see the new side that they just finished renovating...but, [at the end of the day, it is what it is] long story short: Know when you call it a day, Gracie...

Top 12 things to never ask your man

So true...so sad...wonder if men's mags have rules like this for us girls.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wow Wednesday

Today is that God said "let there be light"...well, even though it's Wednesday, it's still a good and BRIGHT day! My stepdad's friend and installing engineer genius came over today after work and lit up my place. The track lighting was done first, and it is SO much better.
The pendant light over the dining table looks so good, looks like metal, but it's actually glass! And the new floor lamp...is SO sexy with it's nice curvy base. Oh, and I have to say, dimmers are a life saver. I had a dimmer installed in my bathroom, and now, I can take a bath without feeling like I am under interrogation by the FBI. I really feel like my place is finally complete!
I am so happy! Dinner followed was fun, filled with conversation, good food and good wine. I was told that I looked 26 today...how great is that!?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

iTalian Kitchen Tuesday

The day started off great when my bff messaged and said that she was coming downtown to meet me for lunch! Since my boss and boss's boss are both out of town, it worked out perfectly! We went to Italian Kitchen, shared yummy Mushroom Bruschetta, Mussels and Spaghetti & Kobe Meatballs. It was delicious, filling and best of all, a great time catching up with a great friend. Her baby boy is so cute now, it's amazing how much babies growth, just over ten months and he's got little teeth!
Headed home with NO leftovers, for the first time in a long time. Decided to have another third of my Keg burger, and will probably have the other third Friday...if it's still good.
Went home today to dispose of all the boxes for the lights that are being installed tomorrow. Figured it would be safe since the recycling for the building is done every Wednesday. I went downstairs expecting a thoroughly empty bin, so was surprised to see a full container. You know your day is going to suck when you think it's Wednesday but it's only Tuesday. Oh well, I'm getting my lights installed tomorrow! Can't wait! Have to remember to pick up my mom tomorrow after work, to save on the travel time since my stepdad doesn't have to get her.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Manic Monday

It was a busy day, just as I expected. I did lots, got more lots to do...but it's a good thing. Had lunch with work bff at The Keg...ordered the cheddar and mushroom burger with a salad. I think I ate a third. Saved the rest for dinner, but I am really against eating the same thing two meals in a row.
Went back to work afterwards, and was caught texting...oooops. Guy who caught me was off in Vegas all last week, so I'm just not used to being "watched". Will make note to self.
So after my usual Monday 416/905 call, I decided to make chili! It's weird, I know, but I just had to make it. I think I might not eat it, but just the cooking soothes me. I like being soothed, even though I am alone.
After Dinner: I made the chili, ate a little bit with a panini bread roll. It was good, since I added some broth from boiled jalepenos. Talk about spicy!
Slept fairly early after watching The Big Bang Theory.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Sleepy Sunday

Spent the day at home and relaxed. Made some chicken gizzards for dinner, but barely ate. Slept early so that I can get a good start for the week, because it's going to be a busy one!
Home IS where the Heart is...wish I knew where home was.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Hot Pot Saturday

Had brunch with my parents at White Spot today, after they delivered all my lights. It's going to be nice...about 1K worth of nice. I am looking forward to Wednesday, when the installer is booked to come.
Went downtown after brunch to go pick up my car... I was SO worried...to the point that I took two faresavers with me...in case the car was gone. But it's here!!! Whew!
Went home and headed to Future Shop...because I needed to get a webcam/mic for my new Skype account. Yes, I know I'm a little behind the times. But ended up with the MS LifeCam Show...it's so cool. Also picked up the new Professeor Layton game. I love it!
Had dinner at Landmark, complete with prawns, beef and liver. Went to Charm afterwards for a few freight trains...and bumped into a old friend, and his wife, also an old friend. Too bad she doesn't feel the same.
Went home after a great night out, but felt strangely empty. It's pretty much the story of my life.
My one victory...I was called someone's BFF!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Fan Friday

Here is my offering for this Friday...Taylor Swift!

and one more!

Foodie Friday

OS 4.7 is too smart for me. I now have 5 calendars syncing into my Tour!
(No, I don’t know when I will stop referring to my phone as a Tour – WITH the capital T).
Will head home after work to try to reset using desktop manager…
Oh well, got sidetracked and ended up having drinks at Joey's instead. Met a whole bunch of people from Raymond James, and they are all from Toronto. Weird talking about the restaurants there...gee, I do miss Canoe. And they were raving about Ki, not the food, but the "vibe".
Having dinner at Quattro tonight...first went there in the 90s and haven't been back since I moved to Toronto. It used to be one of my family's favourite restaurants for birthdays and anniversaries, but something about a shooting (while I was in Toronto) changed all that.
Let's see if their food is anywhere near where it used to be!
After dinner: The carpaccio is still great. The mussels were pretty good, though don't remember having them before. The two pasta dishes we ordered came platter style, perfect for us to share. Only complaint is the wine list...very narrow choices for such a well-known restaurant.
Had a friend over for a bit just to sip vino and lemonade. No TV - just my iPod. Was great to catch up and eat m&ms! Oh, and it's definitive...Big 2 is the New/Old Poker!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Tour Thursday





No more Hourglass Party, all day, everyday! Spent an hour at the Connect store in Cathedral Place today, trying to upgrade my phone. Can someone explain to me why Telus would force me to change to a higher monthly plan, take away my web browsing, and not give me a discount on a phone? Thank goodness I used to work there, so I know the only way to get things done isn’t to talk ad nauseam to the CSR, but just ask to be put through to L&R. Sure enough, that’s what the in-store rep, an ex-colleague from my Cell City days did! Can’t say the process was painful, but it certainly was tedious. I heart my Tour!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Wayback AND Wing Wednesday

Work is busy! I only have 3 days left to do 4 days of work! Short weeks rock but only if it's NOT during peak season.
Had dinner tonight at Earls (it is Wing Wednesday, afterall) with an OLD friend…not that he’s old, but it’s a friend from elementary school, good old St. Francis Xavier. I think we met back in Grade 4/5 but I don't remember seeing him anytime after Grade 7.

Getting caught of on the missing years in between makes for loads of good conversation, especially if you add a generous helping of lubrication...via a nice bottle of red.
I really think the friends you make when you’re younger are easy to reconnect with years later. After all, they knew you when you were a pudgy, nerdy and awkward 12 year old!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Toronto News on a Tuesday


It’s a long day alright…working reception since work bff is off on holidays today and tomorrow. It’s weird sitting up there, greeting people I rarely see.
Didn’t do much tonight, tried to get together with a friend for a drink, but he was off on the Island sampling wines and trying new restaurants.
Came home and chatted with 416/905 for a bit and heard all about amazing turkey dinners and bratty children. Afterwards, I made myself a dinner of spinach and bean sprouts! Very filling and soothing since I had it in a nice warm soup, well, Oxo broth…

Monday, October 12, 2009

Mundane Monday

Turkey day for some, but none for me! Didn’t really do much all day, but I guess that’s what a long weekend is supposed to be. The Dark Knight was on TV today, and for the first time, I actually sat through a whole movie without puttering. It was strangely captivating although a bit dark but I guess Heath Ledger is really as good as they say.
Slept early to prepare for the short week ahead. But it’s always been my experience that the anticipation of a short week always makes the week feel longer actually. But forewarned is forearmed.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Sunday

Woke up this morning and watched a bit of the Presidents Cup, taking place in San Francisco. Mike Weir vs Justin Leonard and Y.E. Yang vs Tiger Woods. Gorgeous scenery. Not planning on doing much else today, really enjoying the solitude and peace. But will gladly give it up to go to the Canucks game tonight! First game of the year for me, better not be the last!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Some blogging fun...

Playing on Blogger and found some cool clocks! Testing out this one for now, do you like it?

Scratch and Win Saturday

Went and got my duck craving taken care of at lunch. Went to Wonton Mein Saga (which is supposedly a chain based in HK, I didn't know that until I found them on DineHere.
Needed Diet Coke so found myself at my neighbourhood store and grabbed a Super Crossword, wish me luck! Still remember one of my friends saying that I should just give him $3 everyday, and once in a while, he'll give me a Toonie back...he had a valid point.
Oh and got an email from QP yesterday...we're going spahhh-ing soon! Yay, better use up my massage therapy dollars before the year is up!

Friday, October 09, 2009

Fan Friday

Every Friday, I'm going to try and post a video...and here is my first contribution. I'm a closet fan...

Friendly Friday

As part of my recommitment ceremony to myself, I've decided to befriend some of the girls I work with. I received an invitation for a shopping night and decided to share it with them. I sent it to 5 girls and all are a "go", except for one girl who is away on holidays. So next Thursday, it's going to be Friends going to the Fine Finds Shopping Event! Can't wait. Ahhh, new beginnings!
Oh, and my work bff made me lunch today. It was a sushi triangle with crab and tuna...seaweed on the side. It was super yummy and just what I needed! I wanted lunch but didn't really know what I wanted. But I didn't just take, I give too! I brought her a moon cake, a few days late, but she enjoyed it too!
After spending hours yesterday updating my Blackberry OS, during which time I also downloaded the new BBM 5.0, I surfed around today and found the ORIGINAL Blackblerry ring tones. Downloaded it and loaded it into my renovated phone. It's weird, whenever I hear those sounds now, I feel 10 years younger. Haha, the price of youth!

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Th(S)ick Thursday

Fever got me, and not the Saturday Night Fever...sigh. Went to Pho to have as a soothing food and then headed home for a nap.
Dinner with the family at White Spot and sampled three of their seven yummy new burgers! Needless to say, neither my mom or me could finish our burgers, so we now have lunch for my stepdad tomorrow and dinner for my mom tomorrow night.
Went home and hosted a friend for coffee night...music, smokes, cards (Big 2) and chats...love how you can talk to someone when the bloody tv isn't on. I really am bad, kept losing...If he hadn't bought the BIG bag of M&Ms over (and the cards), I would have been mad. :)

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Winning Wednesday!

Worked the usual day today, but looking forward to Wing Wednesday @ Earl's! It's going to be awesome with the Canucks playing Montreal. Who knows when they were last here in the 604!
GOAL SCORERS
MTL: A. Kostitsyn (PPG, 03:08 - 2nd)
VAN: R. Kesler (13:50 - 1st) , M. Raymond (16:41 - 1st) , S. Bernier (PPG, 18:34 - 1st) , H. Sedin (PPG, 11:59 - 2nd) , H. Sedin (15:36 - 2nd) , M. Samuelsson (PPG, 11:39 - 3rd) , A. Burrows (11:58 - 3rd)
GOALIES
MTL: J. Halak , C. Price (L) VAN: R. Luongo (W)
After the game: OMG...I heart my Canucks! You guys rock, socre and are my Heroes tonight!
Raymond reminds me of Bure...still my all time fave...sorry Daniel!

Monday, October 05, 2009

K&H Tuesday

Had a busy day at work and a busy evening too! Went home after work and rested a bit before dinner. Took the skytrain downtown to Burrard and walked over to Kingyo for dinner. It seemed like a short walk until you realise Denman is FAR! At least it was downhill...but seriously, it was weird walking around downtown at night...
Makes me wonder what life would be like if I bought a condo downtown instead of where I ended up buying. But, I'm still sure it's better than trying to find parking, since it took my friend 10 minutes to find a spot! Dinner was amazing, with a sake called "You's Time"...not Your Time...so Jap!
Headed to Habit for a bevvy afterwards and it is SO nice after the renovations. And when you order a Manhattan, they bring you a box with all the ingredients and you make it yourself. So you can't blame the bartender if it's not the way you like it, but then...why would you tip him?

Made-it Monday

Sigh, when you are sick on the weekend, you really feel bad when it's Monday. I mean, another 5 days before a day off...to sleep some more?! Oh well, at least next Monday is a long weekend, and I can have that extra day to compensate for a less-than-memorable weekend.
Work was good today, starting with the usual early Monday morning meeting. Looking forward to lunch though, going to see a friend that I haven't seen for over 10 years.
Although we keep in close touch due to the advent of BBMessenger, it will be nice to see him again. We went to Cactus Club and I ordered my favourite, Rocket Salad. He got the chicken tenders with yam fries, and man, if I wasn't sick, I'd have traded him my salad!
After Lunch: he said I looked the same as 10 years ago, with the same cut-eye, and everything. Haha...so true about the eyes, but maybe the ponytail made my wrinkles less noticeable...just a thought. Was nice catching up...friends you make when you are young really do stay friends forever.
Went home today with my lunch leftovers and to the leftover chicken noodle soup from last night. No pasta for me tonight, maybe I'll add in some Yam noodles or Tofu sticks. Can't wait!

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Shakey Sunday

So woke up feeling much more clear-headed than yesterday, but with the scariest shakes. Was holding a glass of water and practically spilled it just bringing it to my lips!
Bring on comfort food in the form of boney bbq duck. I really do abuse all things fowl when I'm in need of comfort. That was lunch though and by night-time, as tired as I was, I was craving soup! Instead of succumbing to the high-sodium Lipton Chicken Noodle Soup (oh believe me I was tempted), I decided to slice up an onion, a yellow pepper, six chinese mushrooms and a chicken leg and create my own comfort food? Well, must be the Swanson's chicken broth! Added some penne and it became my Asian Chicken Noodle Soup.
At least it isn't snowing here yet, like some parts of CowTown. My poor parents are in Calgary for a wedding...pretty sure they weren't counting on a dusting of snow!
Decided to get into bed by 9, but woke up hourly to nightsweats and cold spells.
Work is going to be fun tomorrow! Gotta love those 8am meetings!

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Sickly Saturday


Ugh...woke up with a big cough and headache. Decided to sleep, and ended up sleeping the WHOLE day.
Even a mid-day shower didn't help shake the shakes and cold spells. Back to bed. Decided to stay in and got caught up on some trashy tv, and then slept some more. I don't care if fall isn't here yet, flu season has certainly started.
However, the sickly feeling did not dispel my desire for MOON CAKE! So bad for you, no wonder they only serve it once a year!

Friday, October 02, 2009

Finally Friday

Sucks that we lost but glad that the season has started! Boss noticed that I was a little sniffly, so I left work just a bit early to get some rest. Headed over to Urban Fare thinking that I would get some sushi for dinner but every roll they had was a California Roll, with some sashimi on top. Didn't feel like picking out avocado from every piece. Maybe I will end up trying the sushi joint by my home instead. Well, either that or I will just have instant noodles. Just can't decide what I want yet.
Back to my trusted chicken wings, with yam noodles. It's my comfort food.
And then I've discovered vodka and crystal light...yum, ouch, yum yum.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Hockey Season Starts tonight!

I cannot wait for the game tonight!
So excited that the Canucks will be on CBC tonight.
See the schedule here.
Oh, and some farm team called the Leafs are playing too. See their schedule here.
Oh hockey fans, it's been too long, hasn't it?

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