2D Girl writes

Toddler + blog

2010-06-12T20:21:00.002-04:00

Toddler + blog = no posts for almost a year!

Love my wee gal and miss my me time.

I hope to make proper posts again in the coming months. I don't even have an updated photo to post because I have NO TIME to download photos from the camera to my computer.

long lost blogger

2009-09-24T21:03:00.008-04:00

This mama just can't find the time to blog. It rarely crosses my mind that I still have this here bloggy blog. Ah well, such is the life of a mom with an 11 month old baby.

Baby O is super duper happy, making friends where ever she goes, but she is going through another very clingy period right now. She is so often following me around, pulling on my pant leg and wanting to be held that I don't get much else done. The other day I pseudo-cleaned a toilet with Baby O on my left hip. It took some skill keeping her little hands out of the toilet bowl.

I finished my little gal's knitted cardi. Isn't it gorgeous?!

This is the 12 months size and has a lot of room for her to grow into it, especially the sleeves. The bone buttons are a great touch. She looks fantastic!

I've started a linen/cotton blend dress for her in crochet. The bodice is stripy and the skirt is a lovely minty-leaf green. I have the back of the bodice completed. I'll start the front on Sunday likely.

Hubby's show has been nominated for 9 Gemini awards! Woo-hoo! Can't wait to congratulate Hubby when the awards role in! It's also nominated for some Canadian Comedy Awards (St John the first weekend in Oct)!

Well, I am back to work in a couple of weeks. Tomorrow Baby O and I will go to her new daycare for some mommy/baby play time. This will lead to her being there on her own for an hour or two next week. That will lead us up to full time care by the second week of Oct. I've made sure O is full time for 4 days before I have to go back to the office. Mama needs some 'me' time (ie. house cleaning time). I may also get my butt to Body Blitz once.

Oy! Bad blogger!

2009-06-29T21:30:00.005-04:00

It has been two months since I've posted! Forgive me!

Quick updates:

Well, we are back in Toronto with a beautiful new kitchen! We love it!

We love being in Toronto where people actually walk places (as opposed to driving everywhere).

Baby O is growing and changing all the time! Just started sitting on her own this week. Last week she perfected her crawling. She's playing peekaboo regularly and loves to put on the charm when we are on the bus or subway. She injects people with smiling juice everywhere she goes! She's also just entered a bit of a clingy phase (developmentally appropriate) with me, so in the morning I'm happy to have Hubby have one-on-one time with her while I enjoy a few minutes of me-time.

I'm on a lemon poppy-seed cake kick lately. It's so easy & fast to make! How could I resist!

Here are a few pictures:

Looking cute with lovely red hair!

Nursing on Fathers' Day

Looking sweet in the lady bug on Fathers' Day

Hubby making pizzas for our Fathers' Day/family birthdays celebration

The lemon poppy-seed cake

Sleeping in her sling during the Dyke March

Awake and loving the 519 splash park after the Dyke March!

Shoe issues

2009-04-23T22:24:00.003-04:00

I am having a shoe crisis. This crisis has actually been going on since the late months of my pregnancy. Back then my feet had swollen so much that the only shoes I could get my little piggies into were my black Merrell sandals. This was fine until the days and nights started getting cooler in the Fall. I bought a cheapie pair of black sporty walk around shoes with velcro straps to get me by until baby arrived and the piggies went back to a normal size.

I suffered the winter with a mediocre pair of boots and now I'm back to the sporty walk around shoes. I have a couple of pairs of dressier shoes at home in Toronto, but I couldn't bring a lot to Winnipeg. I did bring a great pair of low burgandy dress boots to Winnipeg. I've had these boots for at least four years and have loved the heck out of them. They've finally bit the dust here in Winnipeg and I'm scrambling!

Do you know how hard it is to shop for shoes with a baby in tow? It's a sloooooooooow process for sure. There are small windows of opportunity for a mom with a baby and my windows allow me to visit about three stores in one mall before they start to close (the windows, not the stores). Given that my window includes travel time to the mall AND changing and feeding baby before we even walk out the door, not much shopping can take place once we are there. I consider these trips research mostly.

I've become a bit of a shoe critic. I check the soles for grip factor. I examine linings. Are they glued in or stitched? I feel for pressure points when I try them on. I now know that I prefer a wider shoe and these are not easily found. I also believe that many people wear shoes that hurt their feet. I just can't do it.

I need a pair of shoes that are not dressy-dressy AND are not athletic, dress down casual. I need the in-between shoe. The shoe to dress up my jeans. The shoe to go with my khakis. Hopefully it is something I could walk a couple of kilometers in without hurting my feet since Hubby and I enjoy walking in Toronto.

I believe that I may have to start paying more for shoes that are better quality and fit.

Stay tuned for more shoe search updates.

List

2009-04-17T21:49:00.002-04:00

Tax receipts compiled and sent to accountant - check!

Two loads of laundry - check!

Bath baby, read baby story, nurse baby, tuck baby in - check!

Recent 2009 receipts filed and table tidied up - check!

Living room tidied up ready for another baby-day tomorrow - check!

Emails replied to - check!

Monthly Facebook photo browsing - check!

Catch-up on blog reading - check!

Empty dishwasher - check!

Load dishwasher - check!

Bake a few cookies from homemade (by someone else) roll in freezer - check!

Make cup of tea - check!

Scoop ice cream into a mug, grab a cookie and tea and relax - DOUBLE CHECK!

Fast baby changes

2009-04-15T22:01:00.002-04:00

O can now push herself backward while laying on her tummy! She does a lovely cobra pose, pushing her torso WAY up, and with that effort she's able to slide backwards a bit. She shimmies on her tummy to change her angle every so slightly, yet effectively.

O and I went to The Forks today. It was beautiful outside (almost 20 degrees!) and we just couldn't stay cooped up in the condo. After a little snack for Mommy and wee look around at some shops, we wandered outside to check out the Red River. Wow! It has almost risen to the top of a three tiered staircase! We stayed WAY back from it.

We stopped in at the Punch Gallery to visit our midwife's mother-in-law who owns the gallery. Turns out that she LOVES hubby's show! We had a long and enthusiastic talk about it.

Baby & Winnipeg update

2009-04-13T22:18:00.005-04:00

Baby O is growing before our eyes. I can really see a lot of changes in the past two weeks. She is noticing things around her (like my glasses or a button on a sweater) and reaching for them, looking at them. She can roll from front to back and back to front. She's able to roll and wiggle to move herself a few inches or even a foot to get to her toys. If I leave the room to pee now I have to be uber fast.

Here's a few recent pics:

Swimming!

With her cousins in Winnipeg in a dress Grandma made!

Winnipeg is finally thawing out. I can see pavement and brown grass. I am SO thankful! I was able to get two walks through Assiniboine Park in last week before parts of it were flooded.

Death to winter

2009-03-10T10:25:00.000-04:00

Here I am in Winnipeg. It is -24C today with a wind chill that feels like -38C.

Hubby and I are sharing a car. He has the car today.

Death to winter!

Shhhhh....

2009-02-25T12:53:00.003-05:00

Teething Baby O is FINALLY having a nap. Mommy is FINALLY able to go pee and eat some lunch.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... don't wake the baby.

T minus 3 days until we fly to Winnipeg. I'm knee deep in suitcases and boxes. Winter clothes, Spring clothes, baby gear galore. Some will be shipped. The rest will fly with us. Getting it all ready while caring for O is a true test of my organizational abilities.

Great news! I finally found a bathing suit that accommodates my engorged gals and my shrinking butt (both compliments of O's exclusive breastfeeding diet). I found it at Seychelles Swimwear on Queen Street East. A two piece suit of swim shorts and tank-style top that ties around the neck. The tank is pink, white, and black horizontal striped. The shorts are black with a little 'belt' of the stripes. Sorry. No picture of it yet.

Even greater news! I managed to wax my own legs! Gone, gone, gone is Winter's insulating layer of long hair! It did take me three different sessions to get it all done, but it is done and I think I did a pretty good job considering the amount of hair I had deal with. I even did a mini bikini wax to take care of a few strays that may have been tempted to peak out from under those swim shorts.

Hubby and I are buying a three month membership at the JCC in Winnipeg. I want so badly to start swimming with Baby O, but I want to avoid chlorinated pools for awhile yet (bad for little lungs apparently). The JCC has an amazing salt water pool. Can't wait!

MILF hair do!

2009-02-21T16:22:00.004-05:00

My post-birth hair was so long, unruly and thick that I always slung it on top of my head with an elastic band.

A shot of the length, sort of.

Before the colour application, my hairdresser chopped my mane at the back. Bye-bye 4-6 inches!

So, here I am after the first chop.

Colour going on.

The styling!

Side view with babe in arms!

The new look!

I LOVE it!

Temporary East End Family

2009-02-18T10:34:00.005-05:00

We had to start our kitchen reno 'on time-ish' even though Marvin's work in Winnipeg was pushed one month. This meant finding a temporary place to live for 3 weeks in T.O.. We are staying in Leslieville in a cute 2 bedroom house. The Purple Purl is at the end of the street! In another life, I owned a house down here just before the neighbourhood became the wonderfulness that it is today.

Here are some pics from our Family Day long weekend...

On our way to the Beach for a long walk.

Reading the Globe & Mail with Dad.

Looking cozy in her 'pride-ful' fleece!

Orly is happy 99% of the time. She's just discovering her laugh!

Mommy Baby tidbits

2009-01-13T09:22:00.002-05:00

This is an entry from late Dec/early Jan that I did not get around to publishing...

Anyway, here are 3 holiday time pics. Baby O at 2mths-ish!

The Famn Damily

2008-12-06T08:23:00.004-05:00

Check us out! A family!

Baby O is such an easy going gal. We take her out to all sorts of places and as long as she can sit up, facing away from us so that she can see what is going on she is happy. She doesn't always like us sitting down when we hold her, especially when she is tired, so we just stand and sway with her.

Baby O in her party outfit. Thanks, Uncle D! I love it! I've worn it a lot already.

I actually got something done!

2008-11-11T20:47:00.002-05:00

I was able to write four overdue thank you cards, make my own lunch and eat it today!

The sling is a wonderful thing. A very, very wonderful thing.

Here is our gal at one month old! She's a delight!

I'm a mom!

2008-10-18T08:18:00.003-04:00

Just over a week ago, I gave birth to this beautiful little human being! It was an amazing birth - ALL NATURAL! (I puked up the gravol and tylenol I took during the second hour of early labour.) I went into early labour while at the movies. I'll have to see Appaloosa again, since some parts of the story are a bit of a blur for me. Ten short hours later our daughter was born! O.A.K. is a joy!

It's cold in cold cut land

2008-10-09T04:41:00.001-04:00

Holy shit.

This is shocking.

Belly update

2008-10-06T08:34:00.000-04:00

This picture is from two weeks ago. Apparently I am even bigger now at 39 weeks. Updated photo in a couple of days.

Anyway, we are still waiting for Baby to arrive. I'm starting to talk to her a bit, encouraging her to come, letting her know we are ready for her. Well, we are emotionally ready, but I am still doing quite a bit of organizing and purging in two of our rooms. We are trying to get the new office set up and make space for it to also be a guest room. My mom will come to help out after Baby arrives and I really want her to have a private place to sleep (ie. not the living room floor with an air mattress!).

Ok. Time for breakfast and then up to the office!

Is she coming soon?!

2008-09-27T13:01:00.002-04:00

I wonder if Baby is coming...

I just put all the groceries away and with great enthusiasm started cleaning the kitchen. I am anticipating Hubby making his fabulous lasagna this afternoon! A clean kitchen is a must to begin that adventure.

Laundry has been started and I'll be tackling my many boxes in the so-called office next.

I've heard that mommas-to-be often get a burst of nesting energy just before labour... Is our baby on her way soon?!

First day of maternity leave

2008-09-26T19:16:00.006-04:00

This wasn't actually taken this morning... earlier this week actually, but Hubby and I think it is pretty hilarious! I'm a big, plush, rolling mass of baby belly. It's great!

Today has been a good day, despite sleeping only about 4 hours last night. It started with some yummy treats at Pain Perdu and got even better when both of my hips adjusted at the chiropractor. How sweet that felt! My chiropractor is so excited and supportive of my pregnancy. She's committed to keeping my pelvis all loosey goosey for the big day. She rocks!

After some quickie house cleaning and left over Chinese take-out lunch, I headed off to Macklem's to buy our Zooper Waltz stroller before meeting my friend at Hoopla around the corner. Hoopla was nice. Roomy aisles for strollers, nursing and play area, door prizes and great vendors. I bought a pair of Lino Thai Pants that grow with baby from 4 - 18 months (maybe more if your kid is small). I also picked up a very lovely blue-grey silk remnant scarf for myself.

As I was dropping off my friend in the east end, Hubby called to say, 'The Monkey Doodlez have landed!'. I had called Baby on the Hip this morning to inquire about waterproof travel diaper sacs for getting our used cloth diapers home from excursions. They recommended the Monkey Doodlez sac since it has a zipper. They said they would call when their shipment arrived. How convenient that it came in while I was on that side of town! I zipped over there and scooped the sac, plus a couple more Apple Cheeks diaper covers, and the irresistible Baby Legs in Phinney and Marco.

First day of maternity leave turned into super-cool-baby-stuff day!

As an aside, check out the icing baby booties on this baby shower cake! These aren't made of that hard meringue. They are pure, soft, sweet icing! Thanks to Big Sis, friend, and Mom for a great shower last week, complete with old family friends from 20+ years ago. Some of the women who came have known me my entire life. It was a lovely afternoon.

Funny how Zen helps

2008-09-19T05:36:00.005-04:00

After getting Zen about things, all plans for Wednesday changed! Midwife had to postpone and then cancel due to another family's baby arriving. Massage therapist very courteously called to say she had a bit of a cold and perhaps we should postpone to Saturday. So, Hubby and I both took off for work. I ended up having a super productive afternoon and finishing 90% of my paperwork! Thanks, Zen!

Today I am off work, but will stop in to pick up a few remaining personal items. I am scheduled to be there next week, but I'm wondering if Babe will be early, so I'm getting ready.

Well, plans for today: kitchen reno quote appointment this morning (don't get too excited, now... it's just a quote for future reference), then drop off Hubby at work. I shall do blissful solo errands (ie. Goodwill/Value Village hunt) for a few remaining birthing items. I need a throw away mattress cover, in case a leak all over our beautiful bed. And some other things...

Later 'gaters!

Got Zen

2008-09-17T05:25:00.006-04:00

Midwife home visit is happening today! I'm looking forward to it, even though I know that she has to give us the 'serious talk' about circumstances that would likely lead to transfer of care to a physician. In the past two weeks I've had some doubting thoughts about being able to go into the deep relaxation of hypnobirthing (fueled by not practicing enough), but in the last few days I have given myself a check-up from the neck up and adjusted my attitude. I'm once again grooving with the positive birthing vibes.

I think a turning point for me happened on Sunday after a couple of days of running around trying to agree on some finishing details for a few projects in the house. I'd been feeling quite miserable after some *ahem* serious 'trying to agree' moments on Friday and realized that all this pressure to get things done before the Babe arrives is just not worth it. The stress was getting in the way of me enjoying these last couple of weeks with Hubby before Babe arrives. After all, her nursery is ready, our bedroom only needs a minor clean-up and we are good to go for bringing her home to at least have a place to lay her little head. Plus we scored a cool retro rocker off Craig's List for $50 on Saturday! So now I even have a place to breastfeed her upstairs!

On Sunday, I just slipped into a Zen place about the nesting, renovating, and finishing up my paperwork at the office. None of it really matters. It will be what it is and it doesn't mean her start in our family will be anything less than what it is meant to be - a joyful time.

So, today I look forward to our midwife and her new student coming to check us out in our home. I've already taken the banana muffins out of the freezer (made on Saturday). Post home-visit, I'm going for a pre-natal massage just around the corner. Lovely.

Post-script:

My folks have been off on a little road trip holiday in the States since last week. I can tell they are excited about the third grandchild's imminent arrival, as they've called us twice since they left. Our family never, ever calls each other while on holiday. Perhaps an email update here or there, but never, ever a phone call, let alone TWO phone calls.

Also, I rode my bike yesterday! While on my way to work, who should start to pass me but an old roommate. We peddled along together until the next traffic light. She told me she biked until she went into labour with her first baby! I can only hope!

Heavy Belly

2008-09-12T05:09:00.005-04:00

This week I've noticed how heavy my belly is becoming. No matter what I am doing the baby belly has a certain heavy sensation. Sitting on the couch - heavy and full. Semi-sitting in bed - heavy. Laying in bed in any position - heavy and full. At work, in front of my desk - heavy. Waddling along to the bus or store - heavy. Waddling to the bathroom - very heavy and very full. My belly is getting so big and heavy I can hardly reach the keyboard of my laptop to write this! And forget about leaning forward to reach the laptop if it were on a table - ouch! More signs to me that Baby is getting ready to join us. I have an intuition that she will arrive before October 12.

In order to get organized for her arrival, I have written several lists. One list for errands and 'to-dos' for this weekend. This includes a lot of stuff for finishing projects around the house. Another list for items to get organized for labouring at home, going to the hospital, and the first week with baby at home. A third list of important things for Hubby and T (who is supporting us during labour) to know, plus reminders for Marvin and I such as calling the diaper service once Baby is here.

Wow! Describing my lists here makes me feel like a bit of a freak, but without those lists I couldn't remember anything I was supposed to buy or prepare. Major mush brain!

Update on sleep: This week my sleep has been almost normal! What's up with that?! This morning is the first time I've had to get out of bed early in over 5 days! A miracle!

pictures and a few words

2008-09-07T21:05:00.002-04:00

Newborn size hat that I knitted for our Babe! I'm digging this knitting thing!

End of 34 weeks... big belly and feeling tired.

Beautiful cake that T made for a coed baby shower in August! It was amazing!

Opening gifts at the coed shower.

Awake again. This time with nesting fury.

2008-08-31T04:04:00.006-04:00

I can't sleep. I get up for my first pee of the night and that's that. No more sleep for Mommy-to-be. Sigh. Sometimes my hypnobirthing relaxation recording helps. Not tonight. I have a couple of other tricks up my naked sleeve for encouraging more shut-eye, but I just didn't have the patience tonight. Thanks to my clenched up jaw, I realized quite quickly that I am preoccupied with nesting.

Well, it is more than nesting. I'm preoccupied with getting my freaking house back into a vague semblance of order. Every time a room gets tidied up, it gets cluttered up with crap from another room that is undergoing a 'transformation'. A couple of weeks ago the nursery had a crib and some hastily stored baby related items in it. Now it is a mess of coats from our hallway (recently painted), painters' equipment (don't ask me why they think this room is their personal storage unit), the vacuum cleaner (needed for the entire upper floor post-painting clean up job), washed and unfolded hand-me-down baby clothes (2 laundry bins full :) !!), our bathroom supplies and medicine cabinet (recently mudded, sanded, and painted), baby gifts, unhung blinds, unhung curtains, clothing from the master bedroom (where a closet was just installed), and goodness knows what else that I can't remember.

My head is spinning. I can't get the now unneeded dresser from the master bedroom into the nursery, where it is needed, until the crap gets sorted and taken out of the nursery. Can I take all of our coats back downstairs to our hallway hooks? Will they be a nuisance to our contractor who is still working on our main floor? Will they get covered in saw dust? Do I vacuum first, or sort coats first? Do any of the coats need to be laundered?

Oh! I forgot! I can't move the dresser out of the master bedroom, until I move our old, 'temporary' linen cupboard out of its path. I can't move the linen cupboard out of the way and into our old clothing closet (upper hallway closet) until I remove the box of toiletries out of the closet and vacuum out the closet. I can't bend down to move the box because my belly is too big and I can't nudge it with my feet because this motion makes my crotch scream at me. When you are pregnant you quickly learn how all of your joints, ligaments, muscles, and bones are connected and work together to help you do the simplest of tasks... or hinder you from doing the simplest of tasks.

And, I wish I could do some of these chores when I have the freakin' energy at 3am! But, this would disturb Hubby and neighbours. I did manage to tidy up the dining room table and half of the coffee table before writing this entry.

I can't do all the things I used to do in one day or one weekend anymore. Yesterday I managed to get to a yarn sale in the morning after doing the dishes. The sale took up the entire morning because I walk slowly now AND I was careful to pare down my yarn pickings before cashing out. I came home and did one load of laundry and ate some lunch (lovingly prepared by Hubby). The closet installers arrived, so I took a break and sat on the couch with some knitting. Post-closet installation, I sorted and transferred clothing from the upper hall closet into the new closet. By 3pm I was spent! Achy and tired. More couch sitting. Ate dinner (thanks, Hubby!). Made dessert. Ate dessert. Did dishes. Ate dessert again. Watched The Cole Miner's Daughter on TVO. Went to bed. Woke up at 2:30am, which brings us to the present.

33 weeks - the Edge draws near

2008-08-29T22:50:00.005-04:00

Today I was in Home Depot looking at bathroom light options. I snapped a shot of one with my cell phone to send it to Hubby, something we've done a dozen times before. An employee, standing high up on a ladder, saw me take the photo and scolded me twice in an authoritarian voice in front of another customer. He said, 'No pictures in our store, Miss!' I couldn't believe how quickly this pushed me to an edge. I was about to tell him to go fuck himself very loudly, but somehow managed to walk away instead. I walked right out of that store and over to Rona. I fucking hate Home Depot! I almost demanded to speak to the manager, but I had a quick flash of me sailing right over the 'crazy pregnant lady' edge at the Customer Service counter and not being able to make it back to Sanity Land.

It was a close call.

This week I had some dramatic moments about the painters' work at our house. Hubby was concerned at how freaked out I became. We have now clarified that Hubby's only true option in these scenarios is to calmly and bravely put his arm around me and comfort me. It is unwise for him to do anything else. Hubby admitted to me later that he was scared to come close to me because I was so freaky standing there in the bathroom, blow drying my hair, crying about how I just wanted the baby's room to look a certain way. (The painters had been too enthusiastic with painting trim. They painted over the already painted trim in the baby's room. Needless to say, it was no longer the 'right' colour. They weren't even supposed to touch that room!)

A week or two ago

2008-08-22T09:44:00.005-04:00

It is August 22 and this is my first entry of the month! Pregnancy sure is all consuming! I'm even getting a little bored talking about it! I can't imagine how everyone else feels listening to me.

Last Saturday night we went to the Square Foot Exhibit reception. It was lovely, although I was more excited about the works last year.

(Hubby in the red hat)

I last about an hour at the show before I had to find a place to sit down. We enjoyed this mango & something cheese cake at a place just south of the gallery. Rich & yummy!

And, yes, I am still riding my bike! I love it! It is SO much easier to ride than to walk. Here we are just about to cycle home:

About a week or two ago I discovered that washing the dishes has become uncomfortable due to my tummy squishing into the counter. Hubby says it isn't because of my pregnant tummy, but because of my shortness 'disability'. Ha ha. Anyway, here's a cute picture of my solution. (Thanks to good friend G for sewing this beautiful dress for me!)

A couple of weeks ago we had a few friends over for a BBQ. Of course we were rained out and had to settle for the living and dining room. Here is my wonderful little friend M showing off her super cool poncho just before going home! Mom, K, is in the background.

I have finished a lovely knitted baby hat, but the pictures I've taken suck. You'll have to wait for another day to see the cutesy hat. I will also have some wool booties finished this weekend to show off. Stay tuned!

Top Secret Knit Project Revealed!

2008-07-26T19:33:00.009-04:00

You may recall that I've been re-learning knitting (ever so slowly) and even posted a picture of the beginnings of my repeat performance of the first project that was top secret.

The first project was a gift for my lovely friend J who is expecting her first babe in September. The gift has been safely delivered by my own personal cross country couriers (thanks S & I!) to BC and I can now post pictures without spoiling the surprise! I'm a bit shocked that I don't have pics of J's blanket (how could I have overlooked recording my first-again knit project?), but here is a shot of the repeat performance that I am making for my babe:

(Hi, Hubby!)

I must give credit to S from SnB at Knitomatic for giving me the idea for this design. I procured her yarn choice (Mission Falls 1824) and the stripe idea, but made it my own. Instead of uniform stripes I decided to do a spontaneous pattern of thin and fat bars and I chose different colours as well. I also decided against fringe.

The garter stitch without a set pattern for the striping makes this a perfect portable project. No pattern to check or rows to count. It's easy to pick up and put down as time and tingly pregnant hands allow. (J was just telling me on the phone this morning that she hasn't been able to pick up a crochet hook for some time due to the pregnancy hand ache! Sorrow!)

Here is a picture of J having her first crochet lesson last summer when she was in town:

Baby update: We just heard from the genetic counsellor that my DNA is negative for retinoblastoma (the childhood cancer that made me a 2D Girl at 14 months of age)! Yippee! This means my cancer was a wild card and I won't pass it on to our babe. I was 99.9% sure it wasn't hereditary, but the genetic counsellor explained things in a way that convinced us to get the testing done.

The results came back just a few weeks before I would have to begin extra ultrasounds to check Babe's eyes, as an early detection method. Less trips to the ultrasound lab at Mount Sinai is music to my ears. The folks at Mount Sinai are lovely, but the lab is super busy and often backed up. Have you ever been in a waiting room with a bunch of pregnant women who may be waiting for over an hour for their appointment?! It can get ugly.

Our hypnobirthing class starts in a couple of weeks. I haven't been practicing the relaxation every night. Probably something I should be a bit more dedicated to if I really want the hypnobirthing to work for me. I'm almost finished the book and will pass it on to Hubby by Monday night.

Do you remember my crochet/Xbox debate with Hubby? Well, this morning Hubby shyly (ie. asking permission voice) told me he has a chance to 'babysit' an Xbox unit for a week. He also has the week off from his writers' room. I was so dumb struck this morning that I couldn't respond. Talk about a rush of mixed emotions. There is so much to get done before Babe arrives. So much to do that I doubt we'll get it all done if we work non-stop for the next ten weeks. I wisely thought it best to keep my mouth shut until my brain had a chance to think things through.

This afternoon I shared my thoughts with Hubby: permission granted, with the understanding that he balance his week between writing, domestic stuff, and the addictive Xbox. I do not want to be known on the street as the crazy 7 month pregnant woman who threw the borrowed Xbox onto the driveway in the middle of a thunderstorm. Not to mention that we'd have to buy Hubby's friend another Xbox. (I am very, very sensitive to the idea of being some voracious nag who denies her Hubby most of the things that make his life fun and boy-like. I feel a one-week loaner Xbox is a decent compromise from the 'over-my-dead-body' statements of the past.) Fingers crossed that it will be a win-win compromise.

Rainy Sunday

2008-07-20T09:36:00.005-04:00

So, we were up early today. That is normal for us. I'm always conscious of not making a lot of noise when we are up and around in the wee hours of the morning because we have a tenant in the basement and we live in a semi. So, I had to find something productive yet puttery to do to kill time until I can really make some domestic noise.

I finally cleaned up my email! Organized my folders. Saved or deleted messages. Even went through my 'sent' folder! Email nice and neat now!

So, plans for today include: sand and mud a few holes in a couple of the master bedroom walls; prime one wall and around the window; write some thank you cards; friend over for dinner.

Yesterday we saw Cabaret at Stratford! It rocked! We enjoyed a yummy dinner at Foster's Inn across the street from the Avon Theatre and then drove home. Good day trip!

I'm hoping to set up my Ravelry page this weekend. I am off work tomorrow, so perhaps I will get that done.

Baby update: she is moving A LOT! I tend to notice when she curls up in a specific area of my uterus. You can even see my belly bulged out where she's squished herself. I like to rub her when she squished up somewhere, because I can feel her body all hard and round where by belly is bulged out.

Tomorrow I have a midwife appointment. I'm taking the dreaded pregnancy diabetes test - yucky orange pop drink followed by a blood test.

Mmmmm... swimming

2008-07-13T21:14:00.002-04:00

Outdoor pool.

Free of charge.

Easy biking distance from home.

Good water temp.

Weightlessness.

Beautiful sky.

Apres swim Italian gelato.

A very nice Sunday evening date with my hubby.

A Saturday morning

2008-07-12T08:53:00.003-04:00

I woke up at 3am and haven't really slept since. Maybe a few winks around 6am, but was out of bed by 7 anyway.

I'm hoping to get my legs and bikini waxed this morning. I want to try out the outdoor pool in our neighbourhood tomorrow night. I have two maternity bathing suits that keep taunting me.

Other plans for today:

make brownies for girls' movie night at T's (started)
knitomatic trip (long overdue)
wrap some baby shower gifts for mailing to friends
laundry
girls' movie night!

Crafty Cottage Week & new support for the gals!

2008-07-09T21:34:00.007-04:00

I just had a lovely crafty retreat week at a cottage in Minden. The bugs were hell, but it didn't matter since my friend and I went there to craft our hearts out.

Here are a few shots of what I accomplished:

Me starting on curtains for the nursery.

The finished product! I took ready-made panels on 50% sale at Fabricland, shortened them and jazzed them up with ribbon and cool tie-backs.

Shot of baby cardigan almost finished. I struggled to darn in the ends and sew it up enough to finish the edging. I've developed pregnancy related tingly/numb hands, so holding the darning needle was torture!

Encouraged by my quilting friend T I helped stitch and design the beginning stages of this quilt. It may take us another year to get together for some dedicate quilting time, but at least we've started it!

I also made progress on my top secret knit project and I was able to start the summer shrug. I think I will get the sleeves and edging done this weekend. I'll have to pass it off to someone to darn and sew for me. My numb little fingers just can't take it.

Hubby stayed with us for the first two days. At week's end we missed him so much we resurrected this sad baking potato in his image. It was T's inspired idea. I loved it!

25 week self portrait! Baby likes to hang out on the left side, down low. The midwife says her head is low right and her back, bum, and legs are low left. Otherwise known as oblique position.

I found out the hard way that I can no longer wear underwire bras. My belly has grown so much it reaches my boobs. The underwire rubs the skin on top of my belly raw. Ouch! I've since been fitted with a very comfortable bra at Secret's From Your Sister. Thank you Sista!

body pillow plans, yoga flop, belly & project updates

2008-06-22T08:57:00.009-04:00

I think I need a body pillow. The multiple pillow arrangement I have been using is not quite cutting it. Plus I wake up Hubby every time I roll over and rearrange myself. I'll be trudging over to the ever crowded Dufferin Mall later today to check out what they have at Babies 'r Us. Sans Hubby. He loathes the Duff Mall, especially on weekends. Going solo is okay with me, as it will give me time to browse cutesy baby things on my own.

I'll also try to find a basket type thing to bungie to the back of my bike, as I am getting tired of lugging around bags on my body while I am riding. Yes, I am still riding when weather permits! So, in the last two weeks that hasn't been often. I did use the bike to jaunt over to my pre-natal yoga class yesterday.

That class was a flop. I've been once before.(I also try to catch a Monday night hatha yoga class that is easily adaptable for pregnant moi). I arrived yesterday all psyched for some preggo talk and good stretching, only to find that there is a substitute teacher. 'No problem', I think. I arrange my mat and make small talk with the sub. She asks me about my yoga experience and she tells me she does Kundalini yoga. Means nothing to me. She says it involves a lot of breath work.

No other students arrive. Hmmmm... great! A personalized class! We begin.

I realize almost immediately that this Kundalini thing might be too woo-woo for me. Extra chanting at the beginning and she tells me there will be a song at the end. A song! Uh-oh! I can't sing! And, excuse me, what happened to a little check-in talk about how my body feels and what I'd like to focus on in class?! No check-in. No pregnancy chit-chat and tips. I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this 'pre-natal' class with the 'non-natal' sub.

As the class progresses, I uncomfortably discover that Kundalini yoga is ALL about breathing and has very little to do with good stretching for pregnant bodies. Sub Teacher leads me in a few limited stretches that she does not adapt for my pregnant belly. I adapt them myself. We sit in a so-called Easy Position for most of the class. My left foot falls asleep and starts to ache at the ankle. My ass starts to hurt more than its usual pregnant stiff hurt. I eventually give up on 'easy position'. I tried not to hyperventilate with all the short, fast nostril breathing.

I almost lost it when we got to the block-a-nostril-and-breathe-quickly-through-the-other-nostril exercise. My allergy irritated sinuses did not cooperate. I imagine that Sub Teacher could sense my frustration because she then launched into the Patience Pose. Sit in 'easy position' with arms lifted straight out to the sides at shoulder height, palms up. Flex your middle finger up and down quickly. Breathe in and out synchronized with finger flexing. Do this for 3 minutes. Try not hyperventilate or faint. Be patient. Patience Pose will end eventually.

Be patient again while singing begins and goes on and on.

Look forward to Hatha Yoga on Monday night for a corrective experience.

Here's updated belly photos for week 23:

These don't look much different than week 15 or 18 pics, but in real life it sure looks bigger. My uterus has grown beyond my belly button already.

I am working on finishing up a couple of baby crochet projects, but no photos yet. I'm thinking of a summer cutesy dress for our Babe to wear next summer. I'm also going to start a summer shrug for myself. In a week I leave for a cottage with my sewing machine in tow - baby curtains will be made under the watchful eye of experienced sewing friend, T!

Here's a photo of the beginnings of my second knit project. (I still can't reveal a photo of the first completed top secret knit project, as it has not be delivered to my friend yet).

long awaited vacation report

2008-06-17T21:16:00.002-04:00

View my SF vacation report here. Sorry for the delay!

Nuclear pregnant meltdown

2008-06-17T19:35:00.005-04:00

It was ugly. After another challenging morning at a community appointment, I arrived back at the office completely drained, hungry, achy, and emotional. Nuclear pregnant meltdown followed within 45 minutes. Thank goodness I work with super supportive social worker types. All women. All much more aware of my limits as a Mom-to-be than I am.

After a drive home, an epsom salts bath, a long nap, and a nutritious meal, I feel better.

Lesson learned. My expectations of myself have to change.

It has been hard for me not being able to do everything I used to be able to do. It took me two weeks to get the baby's room painted. After planting my flower bed the other weekend, I could barely do anything else. Walking to work (4km) is taking almost an hour now and is exhausting.

I'm still riding my bike (easier and faster than walking) and hope to hang on to that as long as possible.

Kids in the Hall

2008-06-07T19:24:00.005-04:00

Hubby and I got comp tickets to the last Kids in the Hall show in Toronto this week; the last show of their eight week North American tour. We saw their warm up show last summer in Montreal at the Comedy Festival. The Toronto show had a couple of new skits and was unique if only because Kevin McDonald had practically lost his voice. The Kids did a lot of cracking up on stage about that.

Because Mark McKinney is working with Hubby on his show, we got passes to the after-party! Here are some shots:

Hubby and good friends, C & S, enjoying the party!

Me with Dave Foley!

All of us with Mark...

The girls with Mark!

Before the show we ate at Harlem on Richmond. Wonderful! We will go back on a night when we aren't rushing to get to Massey Hall. It was a great night out! I didn't get to bed until close to midnight! That is WAAAAY this past pregnant woman's bedtime!

Amateur green thumb

2008-06-07T13:34:00.010-04:00

When we bought our house last Winter we knew the yard would need work. When Spring arrived I felt beaten down by the jungle of weeds and overgrowth that appeared back there. I did a bit of research online and decided to solarize the entire yard to kill the jungle. I covered all the growth with sheets of heavy black plastic that I found in the roofing aisle of Rona.

Here's a picture from this Spring. The plastic is still there covered up by the leaves.

Here's a shot looking towards the back of the house. Not so pretty.

Last summer we met with a landscaper and told her our dream for the yard. She drew up some plans and quoted us a price. We postponed the project. Since Hubby had a great year with his show, we booked our landscaper for her first outdoor spot this season. While we waited for the date to arrive, Hubby entered us into a Home Depot contest for a new back yard. The winner hasn't been announced yet.

Here is the result of our landscaper and her crew's hard work. That's Lynn, our landscaper, in the first two shots:

We picked up the great teak patio furniture off of Kijiji! It rocks!

So, here's what I did today:

Me working on the shade garden. Check out the milk jugs and belly!

The shade garden:

The sun garden:

It's my first garden! I've given myself permission to make mistakes this year. I figure it can only improve as I learn. I read some bits of a few books tnat I took out of the library and prepared a list of shade and sun plants before we went to the local garden centre. Thanks to Hubby for helping with the selections.

After two hours of bending, digging, watering and cleaning up (I missed my pre-natal yoga class) I was exhausted! My shower felt great!

Soccer kicks!

2008-06-01T19:04:00.005-04:00

This isn't the clearest of ultrasound photos, but maybe you can make out the head on the right. There's an ear, a little dent that's an eye above a cheek curve and you can see a little hand tucked under her chin at the top centre of the photo. See the little fingers sticking up?!

That's right! Her! A girl! GIRL POWER! I truly felt that we were having a boy, but during week 17 I had a dream of a baby girl. The dreams don't lie.

Just this past Thursday I started to feel real poking and kicking in my belly. I think she's at soccer practice. Hubby was even able to feel one of her goals! Up until today, she's been active just at bedtime, but even as I write this entry she's flip flopping around and getting cozy.

I've painted the trim in her room and we started and finished the feature wall today (Antique Map, a nice light blue with a hint of green). I can't do as many things in one day as I used to be able to, so getting the whole room painted has taken a lot longer than usual.

I hope to get some light green curtains sewn up during my cottage retreat week in early July. Thanks in advance to friend T for her expert sewing tips.

Well, it is the time of night that I retire to couch to rest my ribs.

Crochet shots and belly shots

2008-05-19T18:49:00.012-04:00

I don't think I ever posted a picture of this finished beauty! It has already found its home in Oakville for Baby Isabella born in late April. Special thanks to my crafty co-worker G for the fabo button donation!

This yarn was left over from my first attempt at my own Catherine Wheel pattern baby blanket. I've started a second baby cardigan using this yarn as an accent colour. I bought a neutral cream for the main colour. I'm thinking I'll keep the second one for our own little babe.

Here's the finished baby vest:

It is supposedly 3 - 6 month size. A few people with more baby experience than me say it looks about right for that age.

I'm also making a gender neutral pull over in red with white trim. It is a very simple pattern, but I think the babe is sucking on my brain because I've had to rip it back a few times already (too many, or too few stitches).

And now for some belly pics!

Marvin and I at my mom & dad's place for Dad's 70th birthday party. You can sort of see the belly there.

Me on my bike outside Knitomatic last week (week 18). One of the gals couldn't believe that I'm riding my bike still, so she was compelled to capture the moment. Again the belly is a bit hidden, but this is best photo for publishing.

Me tonight at the end of week 18! It doesn't look like much more here than the week 15 photos, but in real life it looks and feels bigger! My belly button is getting a lot shallower.

Hubby's show! Sneak peak!

2008-05-12T20:48:00.003-04:00

Less Than Kind

Another listy post

2008-05-12T19:39:00.004-04:00

It's been almost half a month since I've posted. I've been busy I suppose, but I am not too inspired to recap it in detail. One of my popular lists will have to do:

narrowed down colour options for baby's room (final decision this week)
picked up a copy of 'Reading Lolita in Tehran' at a garage sale (loving it!)
saw preview of The Stone Angel (it was ok)
volunteered at AIDWYC's annual fundraiser (fun & felt good to do good)
cleaned up renovation garbage & mess
made a brilliant lemon poppyseed cake (simple & delicious!)
finished knitting top secret project (learning casting off tomorrow from co-worker)
started on a cute gender neutral baby vest (light blue with white trim)
made delicious beans & rice tonight, with side of roasted cauliflower! Yum!
traveled to Mom & Dad's for Dad's 70th! (Nice family time & did Mother's Day a week early)
Enjoyed two episodes of House
started a Monday night yoga class that I missed tonight (long story related to renovation hell)

I'm too lazy to take pics of the baby vest tonight. Watch for photos of that and the top secret project in a week or two. I'll likely have an updated photo of the baby belly too - week 18 this week!

Tired post

2008-04-27T16:42:00.003-04:00

I am tired. I think I am learning slowly that I cannot maintain my previous level of activity. This sucks because I like to get things done in order to 'earn' my down time. Now that I have recorded this possibly twisted sense (theory?) of responsibility and productivity on my blog I am wondering if it warrants a tune-up with my lovely therapist (it's been years since I last saw her). I digress.

I find I have to lay down more often than I would like. Immediately following this post, I am headed for the couch. My ribs hurt. I can feel ligaments stretching under my belly. My toochis muscles are stiff! I feel sort of pooped in general.

I think I did a lot this weekend. Here is a list of the stuff I can actually remember:

bundled and bagged renovation garbage ready for Tuesday morning (my porch looks a lot better now!)
road my bike with Hubby to/from Kensington Market for our beloved market shop
laundry, laundry, laundry
changed the sheets on the bed
hand washing
cleaned the damn tub (this required more stretching than I am comfortable with)
dishes, dishes, dishes (no dishwasher)
walked over 3 miles with Hubby last night (this was enjoyable and tiring)
tidied up the dining room post-tax hell (it was a hellish mess)
scraped and swept old leaves and renovation mess off our driveway
wrote six long over due letters (snail mail!)
caught up on emails & phone calls
found 2006 tax info needed to apply for day care (That's right! We are getting on wait lists now because nos amis avec les enfants have warned us not to wait. Fingers crossed for the day care across the street.)

Things I still want to do:

bake cookies
sand door frame
finish laundry
make my own dinner (Hubby's at poker)

It is likely all about the second trimester and my deep rooted characteristics coming through, but I am finding it a bit more challenging to deal with clutter and disorganization. Hubby and I have very different levels of tolerance in this area. I have relaxed A LOT in this area over the past five years, but I notice myself fantasizing about how the renovations (mostly related to storage issues) are going to make my home a beautiful & well organized place to live.

On a warmer, fiber related topic, I am re-learning to knit! I can't show you my progress since I am working on a top secret project (ie. gift for a regular blog reader). The gals that have seen it have given me very positive feedback.

I am off to the couch.

Week 15 belly!

2008-04-24T07:45:00.004-04:00

Check it out!

It seems like it grows about every second day now!

Mush brain

2008-04-24T07:26:00.003-04:00

About twice a year I get together with a couple of friends who used to work with me. We enjoy some drinks and nachos and catch up on our relationships and general gossip. We had a date set up for last week. That date got postponed since one of us was putting an offer in on a condo. The make up date was last night. I forgot to go. Total mush brain.

Around 6:45 my cell phone rang. I shuffled off the couch to grab it. One of the gals was calling me to find out where I was. I was completely clueless! The conversation must have been a little bit odd for her, because I'm sure my voice had an air of 'Wow. We hardly ever talk on the phone. I wonder why you are calling me.', and she was probably thinking 'Wow. What's up with 2D Girl? She sounds totally clueless.'.

Previously pregnant friends had warned me how they parked their cars incorrectly and been towed (twice!), locked keys in their car with the car running, and even locked themselves out of their homes, etc, etc. Earlier this week I was feeling so proud of not having locked myself out of the house, or gone the wrong direction on the subway, or missed a date with hubby.

I've felt a bit down ever since that call last night. I missed out on the gossipy fun! I completely stood up my gal pals! I have MUSH BRAIN!

This ain't no April Fool's...Are you sitting down?!

2008-04-01T20:31:00.005-04:00

Hubby and I are having a baby! We have safely entered our 2nd trimester and are starting to spread the good news. We've been sitting on our news since week 4. It hasn't been easy, especially for Ms. Tendency-To-Be-An-Open-Book herself - moi! Babe is due to arrive on October 11.

I feel quite lucky regarding my 1st trimester symptoms. I haven't experienced any real nausea and no puking at all. Hubby and I are equally surprised by this, since I have been a puker all my life. I even puke when my menstrual cycle turns up as a monstrual cycle. The biggest changes I've had to handle have been exhaustion (falling asleep right after dinner), crazy hunger, super sensitive smelling, and digestive upset (gas, gas, heartburn, gas, heartburn, constipation). No one ever told me about the digestive funkiness pregnant women face. It's a little wacky.

We had our first ultrasound this afternoon. We got to see the kid in its warm watery home. We had a good look at its profile and could clearly see its little up-turned baby nose! Two arms, two legs, a beating heart at a healthy rate, and a spine. It is currently curled up on the left side of my uterus. Lyndsey, the technician, tappity-tapped the wand on my belly and the babe did a little break dancing move from its hips! Cool!

If you are interested, I recommend the following preggers reads: Bear With Me by Diane Flacks (local Torontonian!) and From the Hips by Rebecca Odes and Ceridwen Morris.

More updates will surely come - stay tuned!

Vacation report

2008-04-01T19:54:00.013-04:00

We arrived home yesterday from our 6 day adventure in San Fran. SF rocks! We both loved it!

Here are a few highlights...

A peaceful walk in Muir Woods

A shared lunch at Moishe Pippic's on Hayes. Holy cow, was it amazing! We earned it, having walked 4 miles from our hotel exploring the city.

The historic streetcars are actually quite charming, although noisy. We took this streetcar from the Castro back to our hotel near 3rd and Market(same day as the 4 mile walk).

High-end Mexican dinner at Maya on 2nd Street

Alcatraz! I know, I know, I'm surprised that I liked it as much as I did. The audio tour that leads you through the Cell House is really, really good! The Eucalyptus tree was in bloom on the island and it smelled wonderful!

We also were completely spoiled by Marvin's cousin and aunt. We enjoyed a few meals with them in San Bruno and SF. Here we are at Hunan Home's on Jackson in SF.

After dinner Cousin J took us on a two hour car tour around some SF neighbourhoods we hadn't reached yet, including the Coit Tower. Wonderful views of the city!

On our last day, we were lucky to share time with our lovely friend from Toronto! It was her birthday the next day and she was in SF coincidentally overlapping our trip.

I don't have a photo of our hotel, but I can't say enough good things about the Galleria Park Hotel (a Joie de Vivre hotel). The room was cozy, but comfortable with lovely linens, a wonderful deep tub and shower, and modern EQ 3 type furniture. Within 5 minutes of settling into our room the Guest Services staff called to inquire if the room was satisfactory. An hour later a small bottle of wine, four chocolate mints, and a handwritten note welcoming us to the hotel arrived at our door. Lovely!

Vacation... aaaaaahhhh!

2008-03-21T16:51:00.002-04:00

As usual, the week leading up to my vacation was a bit stressful. I usually wait too long to take my next vacation and this time was no different. I try to jam too many client appointments in before I leave and this time I've done the same thing for the week I get back. Now that my vacation is here, I've had a little sigh of relief.

This early Spring vacation is starting with a nice weekend with Hubby and a mix of friend and family visits, as well as prep for our six day trip to San Francisco. San Francisco! I can't wait! We are planning on taking some City Guided tours and a trip to Muir Woods. I'm also looking forward to doing as the locals do at a cafe or park.

Crochet & Cookies

2008-03-09T17:33:00.010-04:00

I'm feeling a bit more excited about crochet again. For awhile there, I just didn't feel like picking up a hook and doing anything. I was able to finish a couple of projects that were sitting around here. Here are a couple of photos:

This is a piggie I made for K's third birthday. It was a hit!

Here's an infant blanket that I made for K's new brother. My first project without a pattern! I'm still working on some fine details and want to make it larger before sending it to a magazine in hopes of publishing.

Here is a detail of a scarf I made for S. He told me he's had a lot of compliments!

Right now I am finishing up yet another baby cardigan. Lots of friends with buns in the oven! I can't do a blanket for every girlfriend, but I feel babies and new moms need handmade things, so little cardigans it is!

I also need to concentrate on a spider web cardigan for MezzoDiva. She's working on a great summer tank for me. I started her cardigan in the Fall and of course thought that I had a ton of time before Spring arrived. Even though the Winter from Hell is only just now retreating, I've hardly picked up the project!

Cookie Challenge update!! Finally! Along with not being interested in crochet, I haven't been motivated to bake either. So much for the Cookie Challenge. Last weekend I finally put the apron on and baked two different batches.

Cookie number 5: Orange Oaties

Easy & fast!
Great orange flavour!
Chewy, not crispy (thumbs down for me when it comes to thin cookies).
Low fat (thumbs up for those who care about this).
A little bit too sweet for me.
The gals at work really liked them.

I think if I made these again, I would add some toasted almond slivers.

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Again, easy & fast!
Great chocolate flavour!
Good combination of soft cookie texture and oat crunchiness.
A little bit crumbly, but not so much that it is really messy for eating.
Just the right amount of sweetness for me.

I put chocolate chips in the thumbprint centre instead of chocolate spread as the recipe asked for. Next time I will add a nut to the chips. Chocolate spread would be great if there is already some in the house. I would make these babies again!

Other news: In about 9 days, Hubby and I will be on a plane for San Francisco! I can't wait! I'll be meeting Hubby's 86 year old aunt for the first time. Hubby and I will be doing some free walking tours in the city, lots of eating, a little shopping and possibly driving to see the Muir Woods.

Computer off

2008-03-02T21:57:00.002-05:00

I've been absent from blogland lately. I haven't been interested in turning on my computer. I think this is the first time in about two and half weeks that I've even touched it. I checked my email while I'm at work and I've avoided the two laptops that sit in our living room everyday (Hubby's and our music laptop).

I've helped out my sis the last two weekends. She just bought a new, bigger house and I've been helping her paint. It's been a little bit fun, actually. I noticed how well we worked together today hanging her son's wallpaper border. I dare say it feels good to notice how we can get something done together and do it well.

An old friend I met years ago when I lived in Calgary has found me on Facebook. I love Crackbook for that! I'd lost touch with her when she settled in England. I'd had her sister's address in Richmond Hill and then lost that some years ago. I always regretted not being in touch with her. She found me last week and now we are chatting back and forth as if no time has passed.

Hubby and I had been very snuggly lately. I am LOVING having him home! It rocks my world to eat breakfast together everyday and sleep beside each other every night. I'm a lucky, lucky gal!

We are planning a wee trip to San Fran for the end of the month. I can't wait!

What's new?

2008-02-13T14:10:00.003-05:00

Well, the past two weeks have been interesting! Here's a re-cap:

Hubby came home from Winnipeg for good. Ya!

We spent about $2000 to fix our chimney/furnace room exhaust issue. We discovered the rather dangersous issue when Hubby tried to have a post-airplane hot shower and ended up with a post-airplane cold shower. 4 days and a few line of credit cheques later, we have an unplugged chimney and could have our gas turned back on. Thank goodness it wasn't minus 25 outside that week.

Just after Hubby came home, I left for a four day work retreat. It was sort of nice to get leave domestic chaos behind me and let Hubby deal with it. After months and months of holding down the fort on my own, I happily passed the torch.

Applied for a job, went for the interview, was offered the job and turned it down. It's nice to be wanted and be able to say no. It was reassuring to me that if I ever need to find other work, the Universe will provide.

Feeling a bit better

2008-01-29T20:51:00.001-05:00

You may know that I was struck down with the nasty flu and then a cold/phlegm thing. Just wanted to let people know that I'm feeling better.

I'm also less in the dumps. Since I got sick and stayed home from work for three days, I used up my tolerance for being at home alone (re: Hubby being away). By the time the weekend came, I was in the dumps big time.

Back at work on Monday, I was feeling like my ol' self by 10am. Nothing like dealing with the problems of other people to get your head screwed on straight.

Avoidance 101

2008-01-26T12:12:00.000-05:00

Blogging, reading blogs, calling your friends and family on Skype, landlines, and cells, are all great ways to avoid sorting out the dreaded home office.

Blanket idea

2008-01-24T20:43:00.001-05:00

I'm thinking of making a patch-work type baby blanket. Scraps of yarn made into squares of various stitches, sewn together in a pleasing design. I'm sort of excited about using up some scraps, choosing stitches, and laying out the design. I'm 100% not excited about the assembly. I really don't like sewing things together. Likely I will use single crochet to assemble them - less painful for me.

Stay tuned.

Other projects on the go:

black slouchy beret (on hold, not inspired to finish it)
toy pig
MezzoDiva's cardigan (spider web pattern)
baby cardigan (12 month size)

3:10 to Yuma

2008-01-24T12:42:00.000-05:00

I finally saw 3:10 to Yuma! (refer to More about movies below) I flew to Winnipeg to visit Hubby on Friday. Air Canada has a great entertainment system that allows every customer to watch exactly what she wants on her own private screen. I was sitting in the middle seat right behind Business Class, so my screen was hidden in the arm of my chair, not on the back of the seat in front of me. The stewardess had to help me find my screen, so I got started on the movie a little bit late.

I watched 2/3 of the movie on the way to Winnipeg and the last 1/3 on the way home. Oh my, how I love westerns! I haven't been a particular fan of Russell Crowe before now, but he sure is a bit hubba-hubba in 3:10!

Good looking pizza

2008-01-14T19:29:00.000-05:00

I made this pizza last night and it looked so good I had to take a picture! It tasted almost as good as it looked. It was missing just a little something... garlic? Goat cheese? Just one more ingredient would have made it perfect.

Pottery class therapy update

2008-01-09T22:33:00.001-05:00

There was lots of laughing tonight at pottery class. It got my mind off things for a few hours. I have been missing my pottery friend who died a year ago this month. By the end of class he was on my mind and i was teetering on feeling down again. He was a risk taker in class and in life in some ways. He wasn't afraid to try something new. So, I shall stretch myself and try a couple of new techniques on some mugs. I don't want to go bigger and better. I just want my mugs to look different than they look now.

(I'm a little bit surprised how often my thoughts drift to him. I knew I would miss him. I knew it. I guess I just didn't know exactly how much I would miss him. It's a lot. A lot.)

little down

2008-01-09T17:41:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling a little bit down tonight. Nothing is really wrong, but a couple of things in my life are a tad bit 'off' right now. That little bit 'off' makes it difficult to sleep. Lack of sleep makes it harder to get through the day.

I miss Hubby. He's very stressed right now and I'm worried about him. I feel helpless. There is nothing I can actually do to help him with the problem he is facing. I can only listen and support.

Maybe a little pottery class therapy will give me a boost.

More about movies

2008-01-07T22:47:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I've probably missed my last chance to see 3:10 to Yuma on the big screen! It was playing at the Bloor Cinema last week. I must have been snoozing, 'cause I missed by two days! Crap! I'm really into Westerns and I have no idea how I didn't get my act together to see this on the big screen.

I'll be seeing Before The Devil Knows You're Dead on Friday. I love, love, love, Philip Seymour Hoffman. I might make it a Philip Seymour Hoffman weekend; he's in at least two other movies in the theatres now.

Hubby and I watched Fargo again last week. I'd forgotten how great that movie is. I love Margie.

I just saw, for the first time, To Sir, with Love on Sunday. I really dig Sidney Poitier and I can't resist the 60s music. I give it a thumbs up. (If my Hubby is reading this, he's rolling his eyes in disbelief that I haven't seen this movie before now. He believes that I am a bit retarded in the pop culture areas of my life.)

Holiday movies I saw: Atonement - great music and cinematography, but a wee bit slow for me; I am Legend - I loved it and really appreciated how Will Smith's character flutters on the edge of insanity. (Hubby was less enthusiastic about it.) I think there was one other movie we saw, but I just can't remember right now.

80 year old plumbing

2008-01-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

Just before the holidays, our basement tenant told us about a not-so-pleasant smell that had started burping up from his toilet. Yuck! Around Dec 23 we thought we could smell a super bad fart up in our master bedroom. Neither of us had let one rip. Where did that smell come from? We suspected it was the burping toilet sending its strong fumes up the heating vents.

By Dec 26 I had discovered two small messes on the floor of the basement shower. Sewage back-up! We made a call pronto! On Dec 27 two strong Russians were digging under our porch.

They dug about 7 feet down to reach the old clay trap for our very old house. At a certain point they asked us to flush all the toilets twice. We went outside to check out the flow in the hole under our porch. One of the guys said, 'It was like Niagara Falls! It was really backed up in there!'. I said, 'Ya, but the American side, not the Canadian side.' We all laughed.

And then I wrote a cheque for almost $2800.

Hubby was a bit down about the whole thing initially, but before long we both acknowledged that it was the best of a worse case scenario. At least it didn't flood our basement.

Lots o' stuff

2008-01-05T10:41:00.001-05:00

As promised, here is a mish-mash of updates and interesting tidbits.

Here's me cutting a delicious carrot cake I made for a Girls' Night at S's home in November.

Here are some of the carrot cake fans:

And another big fan:

She also likes Scooby-Do books and Spider Man! She's so cool! I dig her!

On a trip to Montreal earlier this year, I started working on creating a baby blanket pattern. I found the Catherine Wheel design in a book of trims and patterns. Here is a shot of the gauge swatch for the blanket.

Here's a picture of Hubby and our friends waiting for our Porter Air flight to Montreal.

I feel like I'm putting my neck out a bit admitting that we took Porter Air. I am only slightly ashamed to admit that it was pure luxury and I would do it again in a second. In the picture above we are sitting in the self-serve kitchenette in the Porter Air lounge with its unlimited and complimentary snacks and bevies. These are no cheapie snacks either - espresso, cappuccino, juices, trail mix, and quite yummy cookies.

They even served lunch on the plane with your choice of wine or beer! I was so excited that I took a couple of pictures! Here is lunch container:

Here is what was inside!

Hubby and I shared our sandwiches for a little variety. It was all delicious!

So, the Catherine Wheel baby blanket was born on our little adventure to Montreal. Here is the finished product and a detail shot:

This lovely green blanket has a happy home in Winnipeg with the scrumptious little daughter of my childhood friend.

Special thanks to my Knitomatic SnB gals for good feedback on this blanket. After searching and thinking and searching and thinking about the border, I took Haley's advice and went with a simple single and double crochets. Leona also gave me good advice about the tension and hook size. The second attempt at this pattern has been crocheted with Hook size I rather than H. (I haven't yet photographed the second blanket).

You may recall the beginnings of my turtle baby project. Here he is!

This critter was just sent to a sweet little Ladybug in Calgary whom I hope to meet someday.

There is more to tell, but my bed beckons. Plumbing stories can wait.

Lazy blogger

2008-01-03T20:49:00.001-05:00

I've been a lazy, lazy blogger. I thought I would get some done over the holidays, but Hubby was home without his own laptop, so I had to relinquish all rights to my laptop since laptop = lifeline for Hubby's work situ. I read the New York Times and caught up on some crochet projects instead of blogging.

This wee entry is just to say 'stay tuned' for a HUGE entry coming this weekend. I have tons o' pics of crochet, friends, plumbing issues, and other fun stuff!

I like movies!

2007-12-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

I like movies! I don't go out a lot to see movies in the theatre, but I do watch them on Hubby's super cable pacakage at home.

Movies I've seen lately:

You've Got Mail - I've probably watched this movie about 20 times. I used to own a VHS copy. For me, it's a girlie romantic movie I can 'watch' while I clean or bake. Last night it was on one of the super cable channels. I'd forgotten how romantic it is. I even cried a little at the end.

Terms of Endearment - Complete tear jerker. A full box of kleenex tear jerker. Also watched on the super cable. I love it.

Miss Potter - Surprisingly a sweet and inspiring movie. Also a bit of a tear jerker because of the twist of fate that Beatrix experiences.

New Waterford Girl - Love this Canadian movie! I stayed home in my pjs on Monday and watched this instead of going out to a weekly gathering. I found out afterward that there was a birthday cake and gift waiting for me at the gathering - oops!

Margot at the Wedding - I saw this at Canada Square. Nicole Kidman, Jack Black (LOVE Jack!), and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The story is so well written, acted, and so completely twisted that it made me uncomfortable. Great movie, but I don't think I could watch it again. Other movies I hold in this category: Seven and Boys Don't Cry.

No Country For Old Men - I can't say enough about the Coen bros! Love 'em! I saw this with Hubby in Winnipeg recently.

American Gangster - I liked it, but I don't think I would see it again. I also saw this with Hubby on an earlier trip to The Peg.

I'm looking forward to watching more over the holidays. Any suggestions?

Handkerchief

2007-12-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

I use handkerchiefs. If you haven't figured it out already, 2D Girl has one eye. The other eye is artificial. My right eye socket, the one with the prosthesis, has always been a bit snotty and runny. In order to save some trees, I switched from tissues to handkerchiefs several years ago. I have some plain old white ones, but mostly I use some tie-dyed, funkified handkerchiefs to make things interesting. I always carry one in my left pocket.

I ended up on a bus this morning on my way to work. I usually walk or ride my bike, but it was just too icy and windy. I can't afford to fall and break my arm just before the holidays - I have too many cookies to bake!

I digress. I was lucky to get one of the last seats and like most Torontonians, I sat my butt down and stared straight ahead. As the journey dragged on, I noticed the man sitting to my left (my seeing side). I glanced over and something caught my eye - a huge drip of fluid on the tip of his nose. I realized that he must not have any tissues and I wondered why he didn't just surreptisiously wipe the drip on his sleeve. He just sat there and let the drip get bigger and bigger. By the time it reached his lip, I had clued in that he may not be in the best of health (general and otherwise). I reached into my pocket, pulled out my clean hankie and offered it to him. He wiped his nose and we had a brief conversation about how he was feeling a bit better today and that he got new boots just in time for the snow.

I'm happy my hankie has found another home.

Busy = piles

2007-11-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

How does it happen that I find myself in the middle of two weeks with absolutely every evening jammed packed with things to do and places to be? Mostly it is pleasure and some of it is obligation. No matter what is scheduled the result is the same - I get behind in ALL my domestic needs (making nutritious lunches, washing dishes, ironing, doing minor cleaning, keeping up with the mail). Things start to pile up. I end up eating out more and more because I am never home to prepare a meal. Then I stop feeling like I want to go home because there is so much bloody crap to get done before I can allow myself to sit and rest.

Strategy: get up a little bit early tomorrow and get a few things done.

Easier written than done, but I shall try my best.

Cellophane update

2007-11-19T18:48:00.000-05:00

I feel like I made a little bit of progress today on losing that cellophane wrapping. At work today I shared one tidbit about my weekend that I would consider personal. I shared it with my closest friend at work. Not all of my tidbits with all of my work pals. Just one tidbit and one work pal.

Progress.

Chillin post monstrual attack

2007-11-14T18:49:00.000-05:00

I'm home alone tonight even though Hubby is in town. He's out with a friend having boy drinks and industry talk. I'm always welcome to join them, but I had another Monstrual Attack this morning and I need some quiet time. I didn't write about the monstrual attack I had two months ago - brutal. I'm a little surprised that I had another one so soon. Until September 2007 I had been monstrual cycle free for one year.

This morning's attack had a little less bite to it, but only because of Hubby's quick thinking and action. The second the cramping started he rushed to get the heavy duty prescription pills and a glass of milk. I was able to get it down and keep it down for a good 10 or 15 minutes. I think a little bit of the pill's magic was able to reach my cramping uterus.

I had an hour nap, took a shower, and treated myself to a latte and french toast at the end of my street. I was able to walk half way to work before I needed to get on the bus. I planned to leave work early, but I made it to 5 o'clock.

Cellophane

2007-11-13T17:06:00.000-05:00

I notice when I am being too transparent. I notice it right in the moment when I am saying the words that I should just not say. I hate it. Immediately after the words have left my lips I want to grab them all back. I want to be more clothed. I enjoy being nude; I don't enjoy being naked.

As I get older, I feel like there are more things in life to hold precious, to keep close. I haven't had a lot of practice at that. I know how to change habits. I explain to people everyday how to change habits. I've done it in my life before. I want to change this habit of being a piece of cellophane.

Less cellophane.

More clothing.

Habit changing commencing.

Post Script on Chocolate Truffle Cookies

2007-10-28T10:55:00.001-04:00

I took the cookies to a pumpkin carving get-together last night. They were a HUGE hit!

Chocolate Truffle Cookies

2007-10-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

Cookie number 4 of the Cookie Challenge is a success!

Chocolate Truffle Cookies

These were fairly quick to make, if you don't mind the 30 minute cooling time in the fridge before you roll them into balls.
Good texture: slight crunch on the outside, yummy chewy on the inside.
Not too sweet (thumbs up!)
Nice and chocolaty (thumbs up!)
I would make them smaller next time, as they spread a bit more than I expected.

I will make these again for my Holiday gifts.

ho hum

2007-10-27T08:21:00.000-04:00

I'm not really sure what this post is about. This morning I've been feeling ho hum one minute and optimistic and energetic in the next minute. My weekend seems like it will be nice a mix of chores and socializing, which is good. I like getting domestic things done, but it is so much work. It's good to break up the chores with fun stuff, little rewards.

It just occurred to me that perhaps my ho hum feeling comes from only having had a cup of coffee so far this morning. My cook, my favourite person, my Hubby is out of town for many months. I have to rely on my Self getting me fed now. If I don't eat regularly, I develop ho hum-ness.

[pause for nourishment break]

I just realized that I may have started choosing my meals based on what concoction uses the least amount of dishes. You see, we don't have a dishwasher. Dishes, dishes, dishes, every day, even after a simple snack. This everyday chore starts becoming a bore, especially when more than half of your house is still waiting to be cleaned up from the insulation installation that happened over a week ago. (Some clean up already has taken place, only to become covered in insulation dust all over again - sigh.) I feel sometimes I can barely keep up with the everyday chores, never mind the big jobs like cleaning up after a renovation type project.

On a brighter note, another baby has arrived in the world and I'll be packaging up a handmade blanket and card to send off to my friend, the new mother! I know she will love it and that her little ladybug will look gorgeous wrapped up nice in Italian cotton. I chose the catherine wheel design from a book and developed the pattern for the blanket myself (thanks to some Stitch N' Bitch women for their ideas and tips). I'm already working on a second blanket and getting the kinks out of the pattern. Sorry no picture just yet. It's too early on a Saturday morning to figure that out!

Progress has been made on the turtle baby; the tummy and shell are complete and the first little leg is started. Not sure if it will be together for next weekend, but I'll try.

Dough issue

2007-10-21T14:47:00.000-04:00

I tried the Chocolate and Prune Cookies on page 171 today. These are rolled cookies. I've never had a lot of success with rolled cookies, so I tend to shy away from such recipes. At least I am consistent - I wasn't successful with these rolled cookies either.

Here is how they are meant to look:

Perhaps I did not let the butter get quite to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. Perhaps the flour amount listed in the recipe is one cup too much. Not sure. The dough just didn't come together. It was much too dry. I'm leaning towards the flour as the problem. When I sifted the flour and cocoa powder on to the creamed butter, I immediately thought that the dry ingredients were going to overwhelm the wet.

I decided to make bars from the recipe. This is what I got:

They don't look bad, but they are dry'ish', crumbly, and tad too sweet for me. I can tell that they would be quite yummy and unique cookies, if I had been able to get the dough to come together. As cookies, you would be eating less dough at once and I think this would address the 'too sweet' issue.

I've decided to try again (not right away) and follow the recipe exactly. If the dough issue happens again, I will try the recipe a third time with less flour. In the mean time, I shall do a little research on rolled cookies to compare wet and dry ingredient amounts.

This recipe calls for 2/3 cup butter creamed with 3/4 cup sugar, add 1 egg yolk. Then add 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 2 1/4 cups flour. Any thoughts?

Luscious Lemon Bars

2007-10-18T12:05:00.000-04:00

Finding time for the Cookie Challenge has been challenging. I'm home today getting insulation blown into our walls, so about the only place I can hang out and amuse myself is the kitchen. Perfect time to make these:

Luscious Lemon Bars
Not too sweet (thumbs up!)
Not lemony enough (thumbs down!)
My dough didn't form into a ball like I thought it might. I think I let the butter get too soft. It is still delicious and I could use it for many other bar recipes.

I would make them again with more lemon rind.

Turtle babies

2007-10-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

I can't make a blanket for every new baby who will arrive in the next few months. There are just too many babies coming! Yippee!

Cutesy turtles will have to do. I picked the pattern from The Best of Woman's Day Crochet published in 1971 and bought by me in BMV on Bloor St W.

Thanks to Mezzodiva for help with picking out the colours. You rock!

That was fast!

2007-10-10T15:21:00.000-04:00

The first cookie is baked!

Chocolate Chip Cookies on page 28
Sweet & delicious. Light & buttery texture.
Recipe made 20, even though it stated 12.

Items I need to buy in order to continue The Challenge:
parchment paper
golden caster sugar
self-rising flour

New windows!

2007-10-10T11:55:00.000-04:00

In order to appreciate the new windows, you have to see the old windows.

This used to be our front window. I didn't get a chance to take a picture of it still installed; the window guy was just too quick!

Here's the scary office window. We don't even think the glass was the right size. Can you see how it is resting at an angle?

Look closely at the precarious putty job the previous owners did.

Our new windows are almost completely installed. The actual windows are in, but the finishing touches won't happen until next week.

Stay tuned!

#19 on the life list (a.k.a. Cookie Challenge)

2007-10-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

A while back I wrote about starting a life list. Back then I had only six items on my list, or perhaps only six that I was willing to share at the time. I'm up to nineteen items on my list now.

Number nineteen started brewing this past Sunday. I was having a wonky day. I dropped a thirty dollar cake in its box onto our living room floor and had a bit of a freak out over it. (The cake tasted fine that evening. It just didn't look as beautiful as it had in the store.) Anyway, after Hubby did his best at comforting me, making me laugh, and talking about how my freak out had very little to do with the cake face plant and more to do with other things, we decided to go to The Annex for a stroll.

I just love that stretch of Bloor St W! Music stores, book stores, clothing stores, furniture, food, and coffee all in one lovely five block strip. We went into BMV Books to poke around the shelves for kitchen design ideas. There's nothing like a little book store browsing to perk up my mood. Before diving in to the architecture and design books Hubby and I browsed the cookbooks. Hubby found this:

I love to bake! This book is like a gold mine for me! Since it was only nine dollars, it felt like an extra sweet deal. We bought it (along with two kitchen books).

I took a closer look at the book once I got it home. The first sixty-five pages is dedicated to discussion on ingredients, tools, technique, storage, and presentation.

The remaining 160 or so pages is recipes. Everything from fancy to savoury.

I was reading up on ingredients when our friend arrived for dinner on Sunday night. We started talking about the book, my love of all things related to baking, and it dawned on me that I could actually make every cookie in the book. Our friend pointed out that I'd better start an exercise program if I didn't want to gain 100 lbs in the process. That is an unfortunate side effect of having a sweet tooth and loving to bake.

After sleeping on the idea for a few nights, I've decided to take on my Cookie Challenge. I'm going to make every single cookie recipe in The Cookie Book - that's over 200 different cookies, according to the book. The Cookie Challenge is now number nineteen on the life list.

I do not think I will make the cookies in the order they are in the book. There's an entire kids' cookie section, so I'll have to work my way through those as occasions arise.

Train cookies:

Name cookies that could be used as place cards:

As a means to gather opinions on the cookies and avoid out growing my clothes, I shall share generously with co-workers, friends, and neighbours. One of my co-workers is already quite excited about this. Perhaps a little rating card will be developed to track my results.

The big question is: what cookie will be first?

Home ownership = less blogging

2007-10-09T19:32:00.000-04:00

Well, it is official. Since we bought our house in January, I've blogged a lot less. I don't even know if I've shared pictures of my recent crochet projects! What has come over me?!

Sad news for me, but happy news for my blog readers: Hubby is leaving the province for five or six months to work on his television show (his very own television show!). I think his absence will translate into more blogging on my part.

Blog entries I have in mind:

update on the life list
update on crochet projects
my planned cookie challenge
pottery update with pictures
likely many pathetic entries on how lonely I am

Stay tuned!

RMR

2007-09-30T16:23:00.000-04:00

I'm Canadian. I'm a typical Canadian. When I see a celebrity I tend to poke the person next to me and say, "Hey, look. It's what's her name from that movie." I consider it rude to approach someone in a restaurant for an autograph. I may take a second look if I see a celeb in Yorkville, but I'd never try to chat them up. Firstly, I wouldn't know what to say and secondly, it's just got to be so weird for them. I'd make a fool of myself and they'd have to suffer through yet another awkward fan moment.

Having stated the above, I behaved a tiny bit like a star struck fan on Friday night. Hubby took me to see the Rick Mercer Report. I just love Rick Mercer! He's funny and intelligent. He seems humble. He looks fantastic in a suit. He can laugh at himself. He's adventurous and seems to have a good heart. Even though he plays for the other team, I do have a little kissy face fantasy about him.

Here's me and Hubby in line and me with my ticket:

I was pretty excited!

Here's Rick at his desk during the taping!

After the taping of the show, Hubby and I waited around to chat with the director (a business acquaintance of Hubby's) and we were the last guests to leave the studio. We stood in a line that we thought was for the elevator. Along came an assistant who asked us if we wanted an autograph. Hubby immediately answered, "No." The assistant told us to follow her to the elevator. (We'd been standing in the autograph line.) Before I knew it, I was about to step on an elevator and miss my chance to meet Rick! I took a peak over my right shoulder and saw Rick signing autographs and having his picture taken with fans. I wanted a picture! I wanted a autograph! I turned to Hubby and sheepishly told him that I wanted to get back in line. Even though I had to put up with Hubby teasing me, it was completely worth it!

Everything New

2007-09-12T17:21:00.003-04:00

Ever have one of those days when everything around you seems fresh and new and lovely? It's one of those days when just about anything seems possible. I had one of those days today. I had an appointment with my new family doctor - he rocks! People I passed on the streets of Toronto just seemed more open and friendly. The bus driver even seemed to be in a good mood! People on my street waved and said hello as I passed by.

I love days like this. I feel like everything I have to get done will get done easily and happily. I can even see the gifts and possibilities in things that don't go according to plan. Time seems to go by at just the right pace.

I like today. Today is a good day.

Nice morning

2007-09-08T08:14:00.000-04:00

I love getting up on a weekend morning when the rest of my street is still asleep. I get to putter around quietly. I think. I do a few dishes. I make coffee and frothy milk. I crack open the newspaper.

Nice morning.

Old recipe is good comfort food

2007-09-06T18:26:00.000-04:00

I felt a little blue off and on today. If I don't feed myself properly, my blues always get the best of me for a few hours. So, before leaving work today I put my food-thinking cap on and focused myself on nourishing myself tonight.

Great Hubby usually does the cooking around here. He had lots of practice making delicious food from almost nothing in fridge in his previous incarnation as a starving artist and short order cook. Since his television show has taken off, Hubby has had less and less time for nourishing the Good Wife. I am not complaining, just admitting that I am out of practice and a wee bit lazy in the food department.

I thought I would make a simple shrimp salad that I found on Epicurious.com. On my way to the fish monger it occurred to me that I used to have quite a few delicious and easy recipes that I prepared for myself all those years ago. A specific recipe jumped into my mind - White Bean Pasta Sauce. Incredibly, the ingredients came to mind right away and I was able to pick up a few required items at the No Frills.

I am now a happy gal with a tummy full of yummy pasta with white bean sauce. I'm not blue and I'm not hungry.

Life list

2007-09-04T20:29:00.001-04:00

I read an article in the Sunday New York Times a couple of weeks ago. It was about life lists. You know, the things-I-have-to-do-before-I-die list. I've been thinking about my own life list ever since.

It's not an easy list to write. I'm being very careful about what I put on the list. I'm asking myself if the idea is really, truly something that I want to make happen. If I get a hint that I have some romantic, unrealistic idea, I don't put it on the list right away. I think about it some more and really figure out what it is exactly that I want to do.

Here's some of what I have so far:

1) Travel to Prague
2) Make a tea pot on the wheel
3) Learn more about Excel than I know now (I only now the very basics)
4) Publish a crochet pattern
5) Help build a Habitat home
6) Travel to Italy (I think I want to take a culinary course there)

I've inspired someone at work to do his own list. He's really shooting high! I feel my list is a quite conservative compared to his, but I'm comfortable with how I'm approaching it.

Watch for more updates to the list!

August fun

2007-08-26T13:49:00.000-04:00

I am serenading Summer goodbye. It has been a lovely season.

Here's a re-cap of my August.

Peach preserves with my lovely co-worker and friend. Chutney and relish.

Hubby and I had dinner and drinks with Joe, in town on his way to St. Lucia. Here's my delicious Pear Martini from The Drake:

And here is Hubby and Joe on the rooftop patio at The Drake. Hubby likes to pretend he's having a horrible time because he doesn't like getting his photo taken.

I was lucky to catch the reception for AWOL Gallery's Square Foot exhibit with my friend Mary who had three pieces in the show. What a great show! The reception was fabulous! Funky music, cold beer, and tons of hip art lovers. Hubby and I bought a piece and I can't wait to get it home!

Here's Mary, in town for a holiday and this show. Check out the square foot pieces behind her and then imagine a huge room with each wall covered in columns and rows of these paintings!

Here's me and Mary enjoying our hanging out time:

What else did I do in August?

A ferry ride back to the main land after a lovely wedding on Algonquin Island. Here's the beautiful view:

Alley Jaunt the day after the wedding. It doesn't look like much in this photo, but there is really interesting art to see and people to meet. My favourite was the poet Simla Civelek in the VW Van. Check it out next August!

An added bonus on the Jaunt - a bath tub of basil! I could smell it before I could see it. It was incredibly fragrant!

Half way through the Jaunt we stopped for nourishment at the funky, yummy Get Real on Ossington. Check out the grape in my water - delicious! (There's my guide and Alley Jaunt passport. I have my passport at work with all its cool stamps and marks. A nice reminder of a lovely month.)

Another lovely August event was a wee bridal shower at La Tea Da on Queen East. Here's the High Tea tray that we enjoyed. (Can you tell I like food?)

Weird homeowner stuff

2007-08-26T13:23:00.000-04:00

I have lots of really fun things to blog about, but first I have to get a rant out of the way.

When I thought of being a homeowner again, I never expected I'd have to deal with a sick (or possibly just lazy) pigeon hanging out in the entry way to our tenant's basement apartment. I found the pigeon there last night around seven o'clock. I heard something scuffling about and, knowing our tenant is out of town, went to check it out. At first I thought it was a skunk. At closer inspection I realized it was a fat pigeon. It seemed injured or a little sick. It didn't even flinch with Hubby tossed a pebble close to it to see if it would move along on its own. It just sat in the corner and added to its dung pile.

I called the Humane Society and they directed me to the City. I called the City and was told they'd only send someone after-hours if it was a real emergency. I wasn't willing to get close enough to the bird to assess for a 'real emergency'. I was told that even if it was a real emergency I'd have to put the bird in a box before anyone would be dispatched to get it. That's right, Folks. I would have to corner the pigeon, pick it up, and put it in a box myself. No thanks. (At this point I'm thank the Universe that it's not a skunk)! She couldn't tell me if the shelter would expect me to handle the bird in the morning. I was told to call back at 8:30am.

I call at 8:30am. I was told the shelter doesn't open until 10:30 on Sundays.

I call back at 11am. I get dispatch again and begin protesting a bit about being told the shelter would be open to help me with a sick pigeon on my property. I'm told I don't need the shelter, that I need dispatch and please go ahead and describe the issue. I describe. I am asked if the bird is in a box and ready for pick-up. I protest again and tell a white lie (that I am pregnant and can't handle the bird for risk of disease). (Hubby and I are trying to conceive, but no bun in the oven yet). I am told that I don't have to handle the bird, I just have to cover it with a box, for example a Blue Box and that once I do that I should call back and they'll send someone. I tell them to send someone now because I am going to go outside immediately and put a Blue Box over the bird. I am told to call back when the bird is under the box.

I place a Blue Box over the bird on the second try. I call the City and am told someone will be there within an hour.

That was at 11:05am. It is now 1:40pm.

I just called the City again. My pigeon is the 'next' call.

I'm not holding my breath.

Sick laptop

2007-08-12T07:52:00.001-04:00

I have lots to blog about, but I'm having laptop issues!

I have photos and stories and opinions to share, but not enough time on Hubby's computer to do it the way I want.

Thanks for your patience while I wait for my laptop to come home from the hospital.

toooooooo hot

2007-08-03T06:35:00.000-04:00

It is just toooooooo bloody hot to come up with anything interesting to write!

I have settled on a list to you all informed.

* Making peach preserves with lovely co-worker/friend this Saturday. This idea was inspired by my small success with pears last weekend.

* Getting the Volkswagon Bug from Mom & Dad on Sunday while they go off to England and Scotland.

* Wonderful Hubby is planning wonderful brunch as a nice send off for Mom & Dad.

* Hair trim took place last night. My hair dresser told me that if someone had bet him that he'd ever see my hair this long, he would have lost the bet. I would have lost the bet too. For years I forced Joe to keep my hair in a funky, butchy short cut. Hubby inspired me to let it grow. THANKS, HUB!

* I'm all about thick yogurt these days. Yogurt cheese that I eat with fruit and honey or my pear preserves. I just keeping buying containers of yogurt and letting it sit in the fridge in cheese cloth and a sieve.

* It is Friday of a long weekend and I am thankful.

* Going to hang out with a friend on Sunday who has access to a fancy house in Guelph this weekend. A/C and swimming pool, here we come!

Oh! I almost forgot this:

* I ate ice cream from Madeleines for lunch yesterday (the hottest day of the summer so far)! Watermelon sherbert with chocolate covered toasted oats that looked like watermelon seeds. It was heaven!

Last weekend of July in Toronto

2007-07-29T21:13:00.000-04:00

Look what we were gifted this weekend! My mom and dad brought us their old bbq, all reconditioned and freshened up! We've already given it a couple of test drives. Above is a picture of lovely bok choy that hit the grill first. Shortly followed by:

Burgers! Yummy! We tried a simple recipe from Foodtv.ca. Delicious!

On Sundays when we have access to a car, we get ourselves to the Beaches (I know the area is officially known as the Beach, but it doesn't roll off my tongue or fingertips as easily as Beaches does) to enjoy Konditor. Our favourite pastry place in Toronto. There is a lot more to Konditor than their pastries; they have quiches, salads and sandwiches that are all amazing. The house coffee is to die for! We partake in little bit of everything, plus the Sunday New York Times.

Here is a picture of Hubby and our friend who also worships the Viennese pastries:

The last few times we've gone to Konditor, we've headed to the Liberty Village Farmers' Market before going home. We discovered some kick ass pickled garlic here. We've had the regular and the spicy pickled garlic, as well as the garlic relish. Incredible! I served the pickled garlic at my sister's party earlier this month and it was big hit.

Today we kept to our ritual and headed to Liberty Village. Lucky thing, too, since the garlic people won't be back in Toronto until the Cabbagetown festival. I loaded up with two kinds of relish and pickled garlic ends (they are not called ends, but I don't want to go downstairs to look at the jar right now).

A kind merchant pointed me in the right direction for pears. I've been waiting for the Ontario pears to be ready so that I could make some pear reserves. One of the farmers had lovely little sugar pears. I bought about five pounds.

Here's me after working for three hours on Gingered Pear Preserves:

A labour of love. My feet are aching and my back hurts, but I yielded eleven 250ml jars and a few taste tests to share with Hubby and friend. Not bad for being without most of my fancy canning equipment. I improvised and did quite well - no burns or scalds, only delicious preserves.

Crochet weekend

2007-07-15T20:54:00.000-04:00

It's finished! The spiderweb cardigan (a.k.a. The Muppet Cardigan) is done! I finished it at the Alterknit counter over a bottle of organic lemon lime fizzy drink and a butter tart. (I'm in love with the butter tarts!) Check out the sweater:

Detail shot:

Once the sweater really starting taking shape, I wasn't sure I was liking it. I started to think it was looking a bit matronly. Mezzodiva helped me see how it would work on my petite self if I keep it open at the front and keep the sleeves at 3/4 length. All I need now is a couple of really nice tanks or camis to wear under it. I can't wait to show it off at work!

Here's something I whipped up last night:

This is my version of a jean skirt project idea in Interweave Crochet's Spring 2007 issue (page 9). Nancy Marchant's project was 2/3 crochet and 1/3 jean. I wasn't so sure about those proportions, but I like the idea of combining jean with crochet.

While shopping with my lovely cousin last month at Value Village, I found a jean skirt for $5.99. I used two balls of Cantata cotton crepe DK (colour 9480) to make this fringe. I followed the basic instructions from Interweave for the length, but then veered off from there. I picked the pattern from one of my crochet stitch guides. It's called SC Magic. Tight single crochets are used to make the medallion shapes.

Here's a detail shot:

This is really my first pattern creation! I think it's a good start.

Here's the vision, after some sewing has taken place:

The original pattern was worked as a ring. I decided to keep the slit in my skirt, so I worked it up straight across without joining it. I like how it will ruffle when it is gathered during the sewing.

Hubby's not so sure about this project, but I think I can pull it off with the right shoes and accessories. It's good bbq or day trip wear.

top secret project revealed!

2007-07-09T07:43:00.000-04:00

I am drinking beer and eating chili. I'm alone in the house. It's a perfect time to update the blog. This may be short and sweet because I want to get to the spiderweb cardigan tonight. (I've started the sleeves!)

So, first off, here are a couple of cute photos of me crocheting the top secret project (scroll down a bit in that older post)! I can finally show you since the big reveal happened on Saturday.

This is me at Alterknit working on the crocheted wrap. Tiny little clusters. The retro Vogue pattern calls them petals.

Here's Lucy (you can see my hair just beside her) showing off the wrap at a Blue Jays' game in late May. I've been working on the wrap since March and have taken almost everywhere.

When I started the project every row took about 25 minutes to complete. My friend Glenice can vouch for that, since I started it while bunking with her at Nottawasaga Inn for the annual work retreat. (I think I actually started it in the car on the way up there. I wasn't driving.) By the time I finished I had my time down to 17 minutes. I forgot to count how many rows I did, so I can't give you a grand total of hours. Next time I see my sis I'll take a peak at the wrap, do the calculations and report back.

Here's my sis opening the gift at her 40th birthday bbq (shared with her hubby, since they both turn 40 this summer).

Sis showing off the beautiful wrap! She loved it!

Something I learned from making this project: switch up your projects, especially if they are big like this one. I worked only on this wrap for months. My arm started aching from the repeated motion. I had to go to physio for a few weeks to recover!

Other photos from June:

Me in Prince Edward County for a wee vacation. Hubby and I had a lovely time tasting wines and eating good food.

Long Dog Vineyard & Winery. Beautiful place. Too bad it wasn't open. I'll just have to go back!

The library in Wellington. Hubby had to visit because he was jonesing for an email check. I love libraries and this one is so easy on the eyes!

Me and Janine! She visited from BC for a few days before going off to see the parentals and grandparentals in another city. We had a great time crocheting - see below! We spent almost an entire day at Knitomatic.

Janine is working on a practice swatch. She's already altering patterns! I can't wait to see what she comes up with on her own!

Lots of nice things

2007-07-02T08:52:00.000-04:00

I've had a luxurious life recently. I've been able to do a lot of things I enjoy.

A dear, dear friend from BC stayed with us for two days. She's smart, funny, open, adventurous, and so easy to be around. I just love her! She wanted to learn crochet, so we parked ourselves at Knitomatic on Friday and I did a little teaching. She's off and running with Haley's grocery bag pattern and some Super 10 cotton!

We went to The Paper Place and I managed to spend only $5! That's a first! I bought a mini grab bag of paper ends. Can't wait to make some new collage cards!

Just down the street, we popped into Fresh Collective to pick up a T-shirt that Mandy was repairing for me. See Vacation Friday entry for more on Mandy and my love of her designs. I am now coveting one of her belts.

We had a lovely Mexican dinner on Baldwin Street at Margaritas with BC friend and two Toronto friends. The sangria and margaritas were flowing and the tacos were super messy! Not a good first date meal. Thank goodness I'm off the market. But, I digress. Baldwin Street is just such a lovely little piece of Toronto, especially on a warm summer night. It makes everything in life seem perfect. So, perfect that you don't want the evening to end. This led us to College Street for Big Chill ice cream - yum!

Hubby and I watched Pan's Labyrinth on Saturday night. Such a good movie! Last night we caught up on Entourage and watched this week's episode this morning. Thank you Roger's On Demand.

Sunday morning we brunched with our Sunday New York Times and tv writer friend at Cucina. It was pure Sunday morning luxury that lasted 4 hours.

I checked out Cafe Taste for the first time last night with some new friends. I like new friends and I like Cafe Taste.

I'm speeding right along on the Spiderweb Cardigan. Photo later this week - stay tuned!

It's nice outside that box

2007-06-18T09:47:00.000-04:00

Aaaaaahhhhhhh. You know sometimes you just have to break the rules a little bit, use your good reputation to your own advantage, tell a little white (or not so white, yet harmless) lie, and then revel in the feeling of doing something really, really good for yourself.

I used to be a rule follower to the point of bending myself into very uncomfortable pretzel positions. I'm so glad that a few people in my life have gently taught me that it is ok to step outside that box once in awhile. Thanks, Friends! You know who you are.

Coniglio subbuglio

2007-06-18T09:37:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist posting this Italian rabbit story.

Vacation Friday

2007-06-15T07:32:00.000-04:00

Here is the promised picture of my at Knitomatic starting on the Spiderweb Cardigan (aka the Muppet Cardigan).

I love the top I am wearing here. I get compliments on it whenever I wear it. I bought it at One of a Kind a couple of years ago. It is a Mandala Design top by Mandy Armstrong. I have 4 of Mandy's tops and I love ALL of them. In fact, I get compliments on all of them.

This morning I am off to the dreaded Dufferin Mall, but hopefully early enough to miss the crowds. Hubby and I are tardy getting our health cards and driver's licenses updated. (What an odd little word - tardy. It even feels different in the mouth from other words.) Anyway, the Duff Mall has a handy kiosk for updating our records with the government, plus it has a fantastic No Frills. I need more cherries and No Frills has them for dirt cheap, unlike my beloved Kensington Market.

This afternoon I will be enjoying glorious naked beach lounging at Hanlon's Point. I don't make it out to the island as much as I'd like, so I am really looking forward to the ferry ride and beach relaxation. And, yes, the nudity. It just feels right for me.

knit-along, new projects & vacation plans

2007-06-13T22:17:00.000-04:00

I'm on two weeks vacation. I started it with the TTC Knit-along last weekend. I don't have too much to say about it, other than I met some cool people, bought some luxurious Misti Cotton, and I finished my not-so-secret project (thank goodness!). My pics below. (check out flickr for TONS of great photos of the knit-along) Someone took a great picture of me and my not-so-secret project, but I shall not publish it until the secret is revealed to the appropriate persons.

Here is my latte from Alterknit - got to love the i deal coffee latte

Here are Melinda's Alterknit waffles. The waffles were a big hit with many of the gals.

After Alterknit, the Central team was off to Knit-o-matic. I walked along with Carol and Anu, since the weather was so amazing! Here is a picture of the portable project (another market bag) that I worked on when I was walking or on the TTC. The not-so-secret project required dedicated sitting time without other distractions.

Here is a great picture of me with my newly purchased Misti Cotton in light blue twist. This yarn is pure luxury - a cotton and silk blend! Two or three of the gals consulted with me and all purred about their love of the Misti Cotton.

Thanks to some comments on this picture on Facebook, the yarn is now known as the Muppet Cardigan. I've never touched a Muppet, but I if they are super soft, silky, and just a dream to run your fingers over, then this yarn is a cousin or half-sibling.

My sister commented that she thought I was holding a baby. That Misti Cotton is my baby! Right after I paid for it I asked Carol to take my picture. Last night at Stitch 'n Bitch at Knit-o-matic, I asked Haley to take a couple of pictures of the beginnings of the cardigan (Spiderweb Cardigan from Interweave Crochet Spring 2007). I'll post those later, although I had to rip those first few rows out due to my mis-reading the pattern.

After ripping out and re-starting, following the pattern very slowly and carefully, I still had problems with how the beginnings and endings of the rows build on each other. I'm also not sure if the first chain 3 on the foundation row is counted as a stitch. I've sent a friendly email off to Interweave to inquire.

I've also started a dressy T-shirt in Salmon Berry Red cotton fleece from Brown Sheep (the colour is not listed on their site). This pattern is straight forward so far and I'll work on that while I wait to hear back from Interweave.

Other vacation plans:

Hubby and I will be staying for two nights at Ganders Bed & Breakfast in Prince Edward County. I can't wait! We'll visit some local vineyards and potters' studios, play a few cribbage games by the water, and enjoy the jacuzzi in our room.

Hubby is off to Winnipeg for business for a couple of days next week as well. While he's gone I'll do some errands for the 40th birthday party I am planning for my sis and her hubby (their birthdays are a month apart this summer) and hopefully do some relaxing with a girlfriend.

I think there are some patio afternoons in my future too.

Not enough time

2007-06-07T19:39:00.000-04:00

There is just not enough time in my life to crochet. There are so many projects that I want to do and I fear not even half of them will get made. I think I just have to start a bunch of projects and rotate my attention. I've figured out that focusing on one thing only makes my forearm ache. I also get a little bored.

Maybe if Hubby makes it super big in the Canadian Television industry (ya, right)(that is to say that Canadian tv doesn't pay BIG like in the USofA... not to say that Hubby won't make it big), I'll be able to quit work and just crochet and sew. (I have a great sewing machine, but it still intimidates me even after taking a course).

I will be participating in the International KIP Day TTC Knit-A-Long (or in my case Crochetalong) this Saturday. In preparation, tonight I will peruse some patterns and figure out what yarns to scout for. I just bought a couple of vintage/retro cool pattern books. Now all I need is time.

Scary medicine

2007-05-23T22:08:00.000-04:00

This scares me.

Loser says what?

2007-05-23T09:11:00.000-04:00

I just arrived at work. I went directly to my bike bag to retrieve my keys. The keys are not in my bike bag. I reach for my knapsack and do another search in the side pockets. Sure enough, the bloody keys are exactly where they should be! I had the keys the whole time I was 'locked out' last night! They had tucked themselves down into the pocket, passed two girlie hair things and a butterfly paper clip.

not like when I was a kid

2007-05-22T21:23:00.000-04:00

Several times when I was a kid (and by 'kid' I mean teenager), I'd forget my keys to the house. I had usually left them in the house without knowing it. I would arrive on the doorstep of my parents' house after school and start digging through my bag, sometimes emptying all the contents before resigning myself. I'd end up across the street at the neighbours'. A few times I was able to slide open the window to my parents' room and climb in. You should be impressed - my parents' room was on the second floor. One time I wasn't so successful and the entire window crashed in. Not such a happy evening for 2D Girl.

Tonight, when I was about 100 yards from my front doorstep, I realized that I'd left my keys in my bike bag at work. I turned around and walked to the park. I called Hubby to let him know. I sat on a bench until I was too chilly and then walked to the Bistro for an espresso.

I sat at the bar, read some neighbourhood news and tried to be patient with a Stella sipping crazy lady two stools away. (She looked perfectly harmless. I am disappointed that my usually fine tuned Crazy-o-metre was on the fritz. Damn you, Crazy-o-metre! Damn you!) If it hadn't been for Crazy Stella Lady, I would have had a fully corrective locked-out-of-the-house experience.

KR was right & other updates

2007-05-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

My friend, KR, told me weeks ago that the only way to really get your boxes unpacked after a move is to set a date for a party. I've been beating myself up for the never-ending mess in the house: boxes, tools, clothing not put away, baseboards missing. The list goes on and on. I've struggled with feeling incredibly lazy and just trying to keep up with our regular life - eating, laundry, making a lunch for work.

My nephews are coming to stay with us on the first weekend in June. I want them to have a room to sleep in. Finally I have a deadline to get that second bedroom organized. I made a really good dent in it this weekend. I think I got rid of about 7 more boxes. I can probably do three more before we eat dinner.

KR was right; you need a deadline to force yourself to face the boxes.

I'm already feeling a lot better about the house than I did last week. It gets depressing living in clutter and disorganization. I just have to keep doing a little bit every chance I get.

Other updates:

I'm making good progress on a secret crochet project. I can't tell you anymore than that, hence the name 'secret crochet project'.

I'm almost done with the purse kit that Haley 'donated' to my crochet cause. Once all the crochet is done Haley will finish it up with a bit of sewing that I don't have the patience for. I think the finished project will be really nice.

I've picked out 5 skeins of Berry Red Cotton Fleece to make a camisole/T-shirt for myself. I'll start this once the secret project is done. It's going to look great!

I went to a very sexy wedding reception on the weekend at The Sultan's Tent on Front Street. The food and wine were fantastic! The decor is beautiful, red, golds, and dark wood (set up as Moroccan tents). The belly dancing was the sexiest wedding entertainment I've ever seen! It was really very nice.

Fate:

Hubby and I have been together for over four years now. In all those years. We have not had one summer vacation together. His work tends to pick up right around March or April and is going strong by June, July and August. I need to take a summer vacation every year to cope with burn out symptoms.

This year Hubby started a gig in April and told me that there would be a hiatus in June. My vacation was booked for the last two weeks of June; the hiatus, of course, was scheduled for the first two weeks. I was actually successful in getting one of my weeks rescheduled so that Hubby and I could take a week together. I made him promise to get out of town with me for a night or two. I even started researching some road trip ideas.

Happily, a week or so ago, Hubby found out that his television project is going to make it to camera! He gave notice at his job and started to have meetings about his own project. It only took me a couple of days to figure out that our vacation plans were mostly down the toilet. It seems like Hubby will actually be in Winnipeg the week that we planned to go on a little road trip.

Fate is against us. Shall I go to Winnipeg? Shall I crash the business trip, be the tag-along wife? I have mixed feelings. I can hang with Hubby's sister, whom I like very much. I'll get to go to my favourite breakfast joint The Falafel Place on Corydon Avenue and my favourite steak house Rae and Jerry's (50s flashback extraordinaire). The major problem would be the 'industry talk'. I am not exaggerating when I say that the industry talk will likely be 24-7. There's only so much a girl can take.

(If you are ever in Winnipeg, you MUST get to Rae and Jerry's. The waitresses still wear red polyester dresses and serve tomato juice in a glass on a saucer. The decor is new, but reminiscent of the original - wood paneling and red vinyl, with carpet throughout.)

No wax it

2007-04-20T22:06:00.000-04:00

Since Spring seems to finally have sprung, I decided I'd better get the fur off my legs. It wasn't enough that three weeks ago Hubby rubbed his foot down my shin, as we cuddled in bed, and asked me if I was wearing socks. He almost peed himself right there in bed when I indignantly replied, "NO! That's my leg hair! Humph!"

I made an appointment at my local pedicure/manicure/kids haircutting combo shop for the end of the work week. It's a little dumpy, but they're friendly and the price is right. When I go there I try not to think too much about the industry standards for sterile equipment.

Anyway, I hop up on the table in my undies and t-shirt ready for the leg wax. There's a bruise on my left knee - all purple and green - and a raw quarter size scrape just above it. (A couple of nights ago I tripped on a cement pad near one of those lovely almost dead city sidewalk trees. Major body skid. Knocked the wind out of me.) The whole knee is looking quite ugly.

She's making her way down my left leg and I can't believe it when she swipes the wax over the scrape! I know what's coming next and before I can even protest she presses the cloth strip on it and RIIIIIIIIIPS! FUUUUUUUUUUCK! The scrape starts bleeding and oozing immediately. I don't know what to do; my wax is only a 1/4 finished and there's an obvious imbalance of power since I'm laying there in my undies and she's got the hot wax.

Before I know it she's going after it AGAIN! This time I react, but she says, 'Oh, no. I didn't get it. No wax it. That would hurt you bad. No wax on it. Just around it.' Does she think I can't see?! I mean, I do only have one eye, but the other one works fine! I mumble something like, 'Oh. From this angle it looks like there's wax on it.' Does she think the scrape just spontaneously bleeds and oozes?!

Current status of knee scrape: stinging and oozy, sticking to everything that touches it. Ouch! Hubby is getting some serious sadistic thrills from sneaking touches when I'm not looking. Bad boy!

For a laugh like you have never laughed before, check out this related story from The Best of Craigslist! Women may related more than men.

A break from unpacking

2007-04-14T11:03:00.000-04:00

This is my little break from unpacking and doing house stuff. We've been up since 5am (I know, I know!) just because that is when we woke up. I lay in bed for awhile and got up just before 6. We've been working on Hubby's office since about 9:30. We're just taking a coffee break and then it is back to the work, work, work.

I make it sound like we are busting our butts unpacking and setting up the house. Honestly, I feel we are taking our sweet ass time. It is hard living regular life with work, cooking, cleaning, laundry, socializing and also setting up the house. We've sort of become used to getting by without all of our stuff accessible.

Truth by told, I would rather read the paper or crochet when I have free time. I've noticed that I'm thinking more and more about baking again, making granola and scones and cakes. If I'm going to bake I have to get the kitchen fully set up.

Now that we are living in the house and we've emptied our storage locker, I notice how much stuff we have that we A) don't have room for, B) have not used, C) will likely never use. One problem we have is that our basement is an apartment for a tenant, so things that other people keep in their basements (large Rubbermaid containers filled with gift wrap, winter clothes, extra dishes for parties, wigs and boas for occasional dress up fun) we just don't have room for.

Well, Hubby is making some lunch and then we are off to the big Duff Mall (on a Saturday - YIKES!) to update our health cards and licenses at the convenient kiosk. I might may a pit stop at Reitmans for some pants for work. Hopefully we'll order the blinds for the apartment on our way home.