Huhboy

Joy And Disappointment

2008-07-24T18:26:00.002-04:00

So the baby shower I planned for Kathie turned out to be a success (well, at least in the fact that she was surprised and really liked the gifts we gave her). Ruthie even brought Trinity and she didn't cry! In fact, I think she likes me because we had some rather insightful, articulate conversations. Seriously, this baby is the smartest two year old I have ever come across. I can't wait until Sharon and I...get a dog. And then a child. Hopefully.

But then there was the disappointment for the day: our contractor, who is 95% complete our bathroom, did not show up again today. Sharon is understandably upset. We're so close, yet, so far away.

I'm trying to take a new route so that I don't pop a blood vessel. Patience. There is nothing I can do when it's up to others thatwe rely on. I understand that we paid him a lot of money for a good product; which, it admitedly is. The problem is, as is most things in life, the service we expect is turning out to be horrible.

In the grand scheme of things, the bathroom will be complete and we will be happy with it. But I guess that saying of "the ends sometimes does not justify the means" applies.

* * *

Going camping tomorrow for the first time in a long time. Bon echo! Hopefully it does not rain too too much. Would love to go canoeing again...hopefully we don't fall in.

* * *

Finally, one of my best friends at work (and, well, best friends period I guess) is having a hard time. She desperately wants a child, but is not having any luck yet. To make it more unfortunate for her, our other friends are going on mat leave soon. When they leave, it will just be us two again (when I first started for the Region, she and I were the youngest ones there and we really clicked. Let's just say she's as retarded as I am).

For a long time I selfishly did not want her to leave (even on mat leave) because she's my lunch buddy and someone I talk to and tell things to that I really don't tell anyone else (with the exception of Sharon, of course). But for the past few years, I've seen the pain in her face.

Now, more than ever...I'd rather be alone at work and her on leave (she admitted she probably would not return if she got preggers). I can't wait to meet their future child; no doubt it would feel love that any child would want, and more.

I wish when the time comes, Sharon and I do not have that problem

Blukackular

2008-07-20T09:41:00.002-04:00

Haven't had that in a while: was knocked out yesterday from food poisoning.

I think it stemmed from eating the leftover pulled-pork sandwich from the ribfest (I don't think I'll be able to eat pulled-pork sandwiches for years to come now; the thought of it makes me nauseous).

I don't know if I could've avoided it. It's not like I know anything about food safety or anything. Loser!

Git Me A Bib For That Rib

2008-07-18T18:09:00.000-04:00

Going to the Ribfest tonight at City Hall. Let's hope it's not too crowded, because, you know, I'm all sorts of crankey when it comes to that

iRed?

2008-07-16T15:58:00.002-04:00

So I did something today that I haven't done in a long time: I read. A book. For fun.

I was teaching a course with Kathie and it was at a place that I couldn't leave during my breaks. So I decided to read the girly book she brought ("If you can see me now" by the same authour of "P.S. I love you"). It's a 355 page book and I got to page 102. I told her to bring it in again when she's done with it (I always finish what I start...sometimes...most times.)

Couple this with yesterday's post, it would be safe to say that I'm looking awfully fruity these days.

All I Needed Was The Touch Of A Man

2008-07-15T20:46:00.002-04:00

Okay, the title sounds tres homo, but it's true.

I went for a massage therapy appointment today (to make it doubly gay, his name was Ricardo), and, well...it was the best massage I ever had. Maybe it was due to the fact that "man hands" make for a deeper tissue massage. Or maybe it was due to the fact that it was all business, with no small talk or idle chatter. Or maybe it was because his technique was so different from the previous massage therapists I've had. Or maybe it was all of the above.

Whatever the case, my muscles just felt like it went through a workout of the good kind.

Ummm...I think I'm gonna go chop some wood, shave my beard and make out with my wife now

OhOh...It's Peaking

2008-07-14T22:06:00.002-04:00

Just watched a show on Food Network called "In Search of the Perfect Peking Duck". Not surprisingly, I'm a little dehydrated due to the drooling.

Oh yeah, and the 8 month project of finishing the shutters is nearing done. Mind you I have motivation: finish the renos, get a Great Dane. I wish!

First Time In A While!

2008-07-13T22:40:00.003-04:00

Staying home all weekend and having no events, that is.

So we took advantage and worked around and out of the house. I finally 90% finished the California Shutters project I started about, oh, 8 months ago. I even borrowed my neighbour's tall ladder and (without looking down) climbed up high to take off the decorative shutters from the second story window while my wife mocked me.

Now I just need to concentrate on the backyard...

Nevermind You Eastgate

2008-07-11T20:52:00.003-04:00

For the past few years I've been getting my eyeglasses and contacts at Dixie Park Optical. After I went to look today, I think I'm done with them. Aside from the fact that they don't have that much selection, it's also quite pricey.

I'm gonna find another optician (and not in Markham anymore, as more and more it's not worth it anymore to drive down there)

Craziest Thursday Jaunt Ever!

2008-07-10T22:32:00.002-04:00

Woke up at 4:00am to drive parents to Buffalo.

Finally got to Buffalo airport at 7:15am-ish.

Got to Mercer, PA at 11:15am-ish.

Went crazy shopping.

Drove to Walden Galleria to eat at Cheescake Factory (one word to describe the place: ridonkulous).

Didn't get dinged at the border (score!).

Got home at 10:25pm.

Go to gym tomorrow morning.

Die.

But at least it's the weekend after that!

Pence Ill Vay Nana

2008-07-09T19:07:00.001-04:00

So looks like we're gonna couple our trip to Buffalo with Pennsylvannia. All in one day.

Like, whoa!

That's It?

2008-07-08T22:15:00.003-04:00

So after three faithful months of watching Hell's Kitchen, the show came to a close today. And I can't help but feel...unsatisfied. I don't know what it is.

Maybe this is why I shouldn't be watching reality TV

* * *

Slightly irritating change of plans for Thursday: was supposed to drive my parents after work to Buffalo for their trip. Instead I find out it will have to be before work. Oh well

And You Are...?

2008-07-07T21:17:00.003-04:00

"The Workmate! Not the husband!"

And thus went my day at the Emergency Room at the hospital. Ruthie somehow fainted and bumped her head at work today, and an ambulance had to be called. I decided to go along with her so that she wouldn't be alone. It's true what they say at the ER in Peel...four hour wait for a five minute checkup.

But hey, at least she was okay. And it did lead to this somewhat amusing exchange:

Me (phonecall to my cell, where there is hardly any reception in the ER) : "Hello? Hello?"

Sharon: "Hello? Are you in a meeting?"

Me: "No, I'm in the hospital"

Sharon: "What...*click*" (lost reception)

I wish there was more dramatic suspence, but she called a few seconds later and the story was cleared up. But still, nothing like hearing your spouse is in the hospital for reasons unknown

Happy Debut Cessy

2008-07-06T01:20:00.003-04:00

So I went to a debut today, and somehow ended up in it. Oldest Rose there.

And just when I thought I was done with it, ten years later I get sucked back in.

But whatever, it wasn't that that bad

Now Who's Gonna Rub My Body?

2008-07-04T17:41:00.002-04:00

My massage therapist is leaving her clinic and her field altogether. I finally found a good one (albeit she did talk a lot), and now she's leaving.

Looks like I have to find another set of capable hands

Goal Update

2008-07-03T01:13:00.002-04:00

Remember that goal of 155 by August? I suppose I'm still on my way...if I point out how I didn't technically say what year. Let's just say I tried to go running today, and crashed and burned.

160? Maybe more reasonable. If I was a reasonable person.

* * *

Finally put up some Maritime pics on my Facebook account. Of course I always have to try to be a comedian, so it took me over an hour. And now what? Looks like I'm not gonna sleep a lot for tomorrow; and yet, I still post this. Sounds about right

Happy BirthCanadaDay Baby

2008-06-30T23:55:00.002-04:00

28 years young...and doesn't look a day over 29. If that makes sense.

What better way to celebrate than to have friends and family over, and on top of that the next day being a stat holiday meaning no work?

No way!

For some unknown reason, she got stopped at the border for a "random terrorist check". Some unknown reason

And what says Birthday and Canada Day better than a Mexican party?

Nothing!

Backabreakah

2008-06-29T23:36:00.002-04:00

Man oh man carrying those stones from the pond is heavy. Hopefully it'll look good in the end.

* * *

Team Miktie (aka. Chrischael) is in town. They just came over and we spent hours talking, as if nothing has changed. In a way, nothing really has...it's not like we see our other friends on a more frequent basis. I suppose that's what happens when you gets olds

* * *

My darling's anniversary on the date of her birth tomorrow, which can only mean one thing: Mexican party!

Motion For Laotian Nuptualotion

2008-06-29T00:09:00.002-04:00

So we went to Ian and Maunly's Laotion wedding today...very interesting.

It was kind of like going to an auction house. Sounds mean, but really, it was. That along with loud, high-pitched singing and cold food, it accounted for a unique outing

Being Green = Melting

2008-06-27T16:17:00.002-04:00

So it's mighty hot in our house (think 29 degrees) because I suppose we are being "green".

I think I want to re-label "green" as "sweat".

* * *

Long week of work done (and on the first week back from vacation too!). Thank goodness, cause I worked some mighty hours. I think I need (another) vaykay

* * *

Gonna watch "Inch of Your Life: Episode 2" tonight, my friend Andrew from work's play. I hope it ends with Episode 3 because if it gets to Episode 17 or gets to "Inch of Your Life: The Movie", I might go broke

Goodbye Pond, Hello Swamp

2008-06-25T21:33:00.003-04:00

So we are going through the stages of getting rid of our pond in our backyard. Long story short: leaking, too much work, waste of water.

Short story long: as in, work. Damn it's gonna take a long time to get rid of it. On top of that, water is stagnating in the hole and stinking up the place like no one's business. It's a swamp.

I started getting rid of the water (manually, with a bucket) and got eaten alive by the mosquitos (hello West Nile Virus!). I started trying to get rid of the liner so the water could seep back into the earth, and what do I find out? The stupid idiot previous previous owners used old pieces of carpet, tarp and other crap under the liner. What the F?

RIP Pond

So the big job turned even bigger.

And on top of that, our bathroom is still a couple weeks from being completely done because the countertop and sink are on back-order, and our contractor will have to move our toilet a few inches to the left for better clearance. I'm just really, really glad that he's doing it and it's not me. But regardless, it'll be a while before we can use the bathroom and I don't imagine my wife being all too pleased with the prospect of that.

But hey, I'm working overtime. I don't know how that's supposed to make me feel better, but I suppose money is always a good thing. Gosh knows I'm running out of it...haha...oh wait...

Back To Work

2008-06-24T22:59:00.001-04:00

And...back to not wanting to be at work. That can't be good

Lobster Tailin' It Outta There

2008-06-23T22:56:00.002-04:00

Well, that was a blast, but it's time to return to reality. Back to the grind tomorrow, but I feel a bit more refreshed.

The Maritimes is beautiful (I'll see if I put up pics in the future...don't hold your breath).

Perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the trip came courtesy of my wife, who said this gem: "We are overeating too much. Hey, you think obese people are the way they are because they think they're always on vacation?"

I love her

Maritimistamines

2008-06-20T21:00:00.002-04:00

What the hell...how do I get crazy allergies here. I think it got to the point I developed a headcold.

Why the hell do I always get sick when I go on vacation? Seriously...what the F?

Aside from that, we're here in beatiful PEI. New Scotland was fun and all, but we needed a change of scenery. Too bad the motel we're at is all sorts of ghetto. Hope we don't get body lice from the sheets or anything

It Was Bound To Happen

2008-06-17T19:51:00.003-04:00

Getting lost! Luckily it was only a matter of 60 km. But with gas at $1.45/l here...yikes.

So to counteract that (and for the sake of my health), I plan to skip lunch for the next couple of days. Right. Let's see how that turns out.

We're here in Lunenburg, a mighty quaint town, home of the Bluenose (that which appears on the Canadian dime). Ironically, the Bluenose isn't in town. It's in Ontario (no joke)

Off to Cape Breton tomorrow

Whale Of A Tale

2008-06-16T20:16:00.003-04:00

Saw some Minke Whales today; no Humpbacks (or "Hunchbacks" as Sharon called it). But that's okay, because we also saw some seals (aka. dogs of the sea). Fun times, and we didn't drown!

The overeating tour continues...