Sprained my Arm...

Stayed home from work today due to a workout injury. Between the chest and incline presses that I did, as well as the various planks and other bench related exercises that I’ve been doing, I must have pulled something in my arm, and pulled it bad. I didn’t notice the pain right away, but there was definitely pain involved when I was driving home yesterday. I couldn’t make a turn using my right arm only. The next thing that made me realized it was the pain I got when trying to open the fridge for a Coke Zero! Emailed my boss last night to advise her of my stupidity.
Woke up early this morning but just couldn’t get out of bed. In desperate need of soothing food and shameless pampering. Since I can’t really drive, I enlisted my friend to help me out by taking me to lunch at NingTu (review here)…and to Costco…and to the liquor store.
Had to get TP from Costco. I’ved been living on my own for 9 months and this is the first time I have bought TP for my place. I’ve been mooching off my mom this entire time…shameful!

Got a ton of new magazines and enough European sausages to have my very own sausage fest tonight! Yes, I took them out of the original packaging...and repackaged into ziploc baggies in a less menacing portion...only 4 at a time. Wonder if they shrink in the freezer?

Staying in for an old school WAP night, (Wine and Austin Powers) night. It’s an old school tradition and one that has been forgotten for way too long. The race is on to see who can recite more lines from the movie…we opted for AP #2 with just a touch of Liz Hurley and a whole lot of Heather Graham. Hmmm, he thinks the crochet dress would be one wicked Halloween costume…I just need to get a wig…and the body!

Sprung Monday

Despite having sprung forward yesterday, a very lazy Sunday, my body wasn't cooperating this morning when tried to wake up and head to the gym. My eyes saw 5:45, but my brain said "Noooeffingwayareyougettingupnow!" And since my body follows my brain (most of the time), I stayed in bed and felt guilty for the rest of the day.
Things didn't improve when I got to work and after less than an hour at my desk, we experienced a nationwide server meltdown. I used the downtime to clean my desk, file my files, unclutter my drawers...I think I actually twiddled my thumbs for a few minutes too. And true to Murphy's Law, the computers came back online about 20 minutes before I had to leave.
Just enough time for me to book some vacation time for Maui in May. Good thing too because the tickets were booked this morning. :)
Shopping trip to Costco planned for after work - on my list: prawns, romaine and eggs. And since my trip is booked, this is pretty much all I get to eat for a while. Got to look good for Maui...right?
Dinner at Boston Pizza with two handsome fellas again...and this time, the littler one got the spaghetti and meatballs that the bigger one promised last time. Cute little monster.

Shopping Saturday

Headed out for brunch with my mommy (yes, I picked her up since she refuses to drive downtown) at Yew. It was a fabulous time, without my stepdad, we caught up on what I've been doing the past few weeks. She's surprised, happy and shocked. Surprise that I've been out so much! Happy that work is going well for me. And shocked that I enjoy my independence! Haha..like mother like daughter. She's been independent for as long as I've known her, my hero, my mentor, always.
Headed to Holt's and found out more about their Private Shopping Party on Tuesday...you know where I'll be. Now, if I can find a sugar daddy to go with me, I'd be all set, haha.
Napped for a bit after I got home. Had to rest up for dinner and a movie...
Cactus Club's dry ribs and tuna tataki...It's the type of meal that allows you to save room for popcorn!
The Fourth Kind...sigh...3:33...if I ever wake up in the middle of the night (as I often do) and the clock shows that...creepy.
Looking forward to VSO tomorrow...

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!

Shopping Saturday

Had decided early last night that I needed to satisfy my BBQ Duck craving...headed to Congee Noodle House, and satisfied it! YUMMY!! Also went to T&T and bought myself enough meat to last a month...chicken wings, chicken thighs, chicken gizzards, chicken hearts, (and before you think I have some misguided grudge against chickens), pork short ribs, and quails. Now that I am home, I realized I should have bought some Shitake mushrooms and even some ground beef. Oh well...I will remember when I am back there, I'm sure.
Stayed home again and made my Soy Sauce Chicken with hearts, gizzards and wings, Super Yummy!
Fell asleep watching TNG...bliss...except bad kink in neck now!

Sunny Sunday

Woke up to a message that my mom was standing me up! Instead of coming over to review lighting options for my place followed by dinner, she was heading into Point Roberts where we have a cabin. Sigh...decided to force myself to go to Ikea (yes, on an SUNDAY) and return the light that I didn't like. Waiting there seems like hell sometimes...just sitting there watching the number creep closer towards the ticket in your hand. Ended up buying some cushions, plates and candles, plus a vase for my kitchen utensils. Was looking for their wooden adjustable cutlery tray, but couldn't find it. I guess I'll have to keep looking elsewhere.
Went by Burnaby Mountain again, but it was so packed - not a single parking spot in sight! Grrr...headed back down the mountain and homeward bound. Sat on the common area outside my building, yes, I was determined to soak up the sun. Unfortunately, the shining star made playing on the DSi a little hard, sigh!
Stayed home for dinner and made myself some Shrimp Angel hair pasta, but instead of all pasta, I mixed some bean sprouts into it to hike up the veggie content and lower the calorie content.
Couldn't sleep so decided to build the candle holder I bought on clearance a few weeks ago...too late to return now.
Can't believe I've lost 4 pounds already this week...so Happy!

Shopping Saturday

Woke up this morning and decided to go shopping with my mom as planned! With my stepdad in tow, we hit a lighting store that had everything I wanted! I have enough ideas to spruce up my place now! I cannot wait for the light to be shone in my apartment. Strange though, because I want most of those lights to be on dimmers...hehe...
Spent the afternoon at Burnaby Mountain...bikini and sun...how quickly two hours can go by! Being alone is a little scary...can't fall asleep without keeping a hand on my purse.
Stayed home and had a dinner of bread with oil and vinegar...and a small smattering of dry ribs. Considering it's a weekend, and I'm still only eating ONE meal...I am feeling pretty good. Hoping I can keep this up for tomorrow.
No plans for lunch tomorrow, and maybe dinner with the parents...but if not, then I might just make my shrimp pasta...stayed tuned!

Happy Labour Day

After a whirlwind 110 hours, I am sitting in my own apartment again. But before amnesia reigns...let me blurt it all out now!
Places I've Been

• Burnaby - Cactus Club
  
• Granville Island - wuffles and meows
  
• West Vancouver - Fraiche & Dundarave Pier
  
• Downtown - Market @ Shangri-la
  
• Robson - Guu
  
• Victoria/Malahat - Aerie
  
• Cowichan and Duncan Wineries
  
• Victoria, Oak Bay - Marina Restaurant
  
• Yaletown - Cioppino's & Goldfish
  
• Richmond - Shanghai Wonderful
  
• Gastown
  
• Olympic Clock
  
• Yaletown - again - Blue Water, R.tl...whew...

Things I have learnt...

• Any YVR store will have dog stuff: food bowls, toys, etc.
  
• Nuts live at the beach - like the one scrubbing his feet at the pier.
  
• Izakaya crawls requires tremendous restraint at the first stop.
  
• I drive in 40 mins what Google said takes 60 - but only at 6am!
  
• Wine tours are best done when someone else is driving...
  
• Breaking bread with a winemaker is a pretty cool experience.
  
• Swartz Bay is far from Victoria.
  
• I have to take ALL three skytrains to get to Yaletown,
  
• I can get downtown via cab for $25, and no walking in the rain.
  
• Cioppino is in his restaurant even on a weekend!
  
• A seafood tower contains more food than expected: 10 oysters
• Shanghainese Food is best in Richmond...even my mom agreed (when the dumpling burst in her mouth)!
  
• Gastown really is a tourist trap...but strewn with furniture stores with pieces too big for tourist to lug home.!

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!

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.

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...

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.

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!

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!

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.

Monitored Monday

Super busy at work today, so I’m sure glad I got the sleep I did. I even managed to head to Tiffany’s during work to get my necklace back. I really did miss it. Though I love that “bean” I was wearing, it just wasn’t the same, the chain was longer, and it just felt weird on!
Contemplated on what to do after work. I didn’t just want to go home and sit there, so I forced myself to head out right away. Didn’t even sit down, just got changed and headed out. Today would be a good day to work in a air conditioner showroom…
Drove to T&T in Metrotown, but I parked in the wrong place and ended up having to haul my loot through the mall a little. That thought in my head made me sure limit what I bought…though you wouldn’t know it, given my haul.
I came away with wings, ribs, quail, chicken hearts and gizzards, European sausages, yam noodles, bean curd sheets, beef balls, fried fish paste, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and the lightest items, spring onion and bean sprouts! The walk back deterred me from getting BBQ Duck (well, my weight issues played a part too), sushi, and some really yummy looking dimsum.
Still have no idea what I’m going to eat, but I’ve got all the meats I love now at home! Sorted out everything and froze them in single serving portions…that way, I don’t have to make something and eat it for a week.
Okay, so marinated 3 little quails and ended up eating two of them. Tagging this with wings since quails DO have wings too! And am starting to monitor my intake of those little sips of wine I take here and there...it's a good thing.

Sunning on a Sunday

Woke up happy. Watched HGTV and was still happy. Was a little conflicted as to whether I should head to the beach or head out with the family. The dilemma was solved when my niece said she wanted to play tennis instead, since she’s starting tennis camp this week. Headed down to Spanish Banks to get some run…boy was it hot!
Made a few pit stops on the way to check out tiles, I’m thinking I could do something funky below my island area – to make that wall a little more attractive. Also, it’s starting to scuff, so I need to take care of that. Was going to head to the Flea Market to see if I can get my R4I card, but just didn’t see the point of paying to get in. Well, maybe if the plan was to stay for a bit, and not just run in and out. I think I got a tan on the WAY there, never mind the hour and a half I was roasting myself.
Dinner was half a corn on the cob with two little quails…I do love food on a small scale. Should have bought some extra for the rest of the week! Despite all effort to sleep early, I didn’t actually fall asleep until 3 in the morning. Think I fell asleep because I just had to, or else it would mean another all-nighter and then going to work very tired.
Tagging this entry as "wings" because quails have wings! I don't discriminate...

Saturday at Some Malls...

Went to Crystal Mall to get some duck and roast pork for lunch. ALso grabbed an OLD SCHOOL rice cooker...only $19!

There was also a sale at Nood, where I picked up a magnetic board, some bathroom accessories, and a new duvet cover...all at 50% off! Love it! Oh, and scored free Bruno shirts too, since 94.5 (The Beat) was there. Mozied over to T&T and picked up some food for a bbq at a friend's place. His first time hosting, and it's supposed to be for UFC 100. Hmm... I'm not a fan, so I must just be there for the food. Once I got there, there was a girl that looked strangely familiar. Turns out she was a froshie back in the day when I was in a club at UBC...what a small world...

Finally Friday!

TGIF!! Work was/is super quiet today.
Perhaps some people took advantage of the “Friday off for 20% off” deal…but not me. I’d rather do five days of work in five days, not four!
Going to Tiffany’s later to see if they can repair my necklace…the clasp is wonky.
Have no plans tonight…think I’ll just chill with some chicken gizzards and a glass of vino.