"If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble."
~ Bob Hope
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Plague, Redux
I've been hit with the plague. Again. I just got over one a few months ago! It seems I'm not the only one; I'm hearing more and more about people getting sick more often than usual, or everyone's getting hit at least once with whatever's going around at the time. Maybe because we didn't have as cold of a winter as usual to kill off all the germs that is making viruses go around a bit more frequently. Silly theory, but maybe it has some truth to it? So writing for me hasn't been a priority. Sorry.
At the same time, it's hard to do 'nothing'. I feel like my days off should be productive, and while I don't feel like going out amongst the 3D people, I do a little cleaning around the apartment.
LOL.. "I have sickergies!" (I'm literally laughing out loud. I can thank RM for that one. I don't know WHAT made me think of it, but it makes me giggle.) #youhadtobethere
I caved this time. I don't like to medicate (*especially* with a cold), but this time I got Advil Cold & Flu (Neo Citran was sold out - that also tells you something). I give Advil good reviews; it helped make my unbearable suffering... sufferable.. and I've been able to get sleep in spurts. I've missed a day of work, sadly, but that's what vacation time is for I guess.
Apartment. Bah. The universe has not been helpful in finding a new abode. /frustrated
That's all I have for today. I'm going to force myself to sit still a while and read.
Hope you're having a good start to the week.
At the same time, it's hard to do 'nothing'. I feel like my days off should be productive, and while I don't feel like going out amongst the 3D people, I do a little cleaning around the apartment.
LOL.. "I have sickergies!" (I'm literally laughing out loud. I can thank RM for that one. I don't know WHAT made me think of it, but it makes me giggle.) #youhadtobethere
I caved this time. I don't like to medicate (*especially* with a cold), but this time I got Advil Cold & Flu (Neo Citran was sold out - that also tells you something). I give Advil good reviews; it helped make my unbearable suffering... sufferable.. and I've been able to get sleep in spurts. I've missed a day of work, sadly, but that's what vacation time is for I guess.
Apartment. Bah. The universe has not been helpful in finding a new abode. /frustrated
That's all I have for today. I'm going to force myself to sit still a while and read.
Hope you're having a good start to the week.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Rack.. After
Okay, so this is how I ended up keeping it. Don't be surprised if you come by and see books and piles of stuff on it (don't judge).
Monday, March 19, 2012
Acquisitions
There's a guy with a business downstairs that sells furniture from reclaimed wood, so it's very ecologically-minded. I prefer furniture with character anyways, so I love the products in his showroom. He had this.. rack, we'll call it.. in the front window. Think like a bakers rack. Hand-made, welded, with barn board. Now, it's a bit rusty (I'm not sure if it's iron or steel) but not enough to turn me off. He gave me some steel wool if I wanted to try to remove some. I haven't decided yet. I sort of don't mind it and think it adds to it being rustic. I got it for a helluva price and we brought it up this afternoon (FYI.. I will not enjoy moving it out). I'm posting before and after pics. I'm guessing the 'after' will not stay that way; it may become a dumping ground for.. who knows what.. and it gives me another surface to store things.
Isn't it beautiful? Now, I thought if I wanted to remove the wine bottle holders it would be an arduous task and would have to get my father to do some welding, but it seems they just screw out!
Draped with linens and candles. I've used the bottom shelf as storage for an ornate candle holder and some black decor boxes. Now, if you have other suggestions for the wine bottle holders, I'd be glad to hear them; otherwise, I may remove it.
Happy.
Sunday...
It's been a pleasant weekend, weather not excepted. Walks were had (when feeling well enough, which has not been very often lately), spring cleaning has begun and Babu's shedding like a fiend so I've brushed him... twice. Thankfully he loves it and it's an easy task.
It's nice to sit here and hear the birds again.
With said spring cleaning, there has been furniture re-arranging. I didn't think it was possible (in livingroom) because it's not very big and I'm wall-to-wall with stuff already. But, low and behold, a slight change and all is well. I'm going to be a bit cramped more than usual because I've made a new purchase. It'll be stuck in a corner but still takes up some space. I plan to move out this year anyways, so I don't mind feeling cramped for a little while longer. If I start to go a little loco, you know why. Be forewarned, there may be "Not enough space, I need out NOW" venting.
I came across a couple of websites today which may or may not be of interest to you. If you partake in Gluten Free baking, check out Gluten Free Goddess's post of Gluten-Free Baking Tips & Substitutions. I also list her on the main page of my blog here, if you'd like to follow all her other regular posts. I also came across "15 International Food Etiquette Rules That Might Surprise You". A good read (i.e - when you go out for sushi, don't rest your chopsticks upright in your rice, representative of funeral traditions). And last but not least, there's a quick-read article on Michael Ignatieff's view on politics, which is quite accurate. Politics is dirtier than ever now and to make it worse, minister's have very little freedom at Question Period and everything is scripted. Is this what we've come to? What happened to freedom of speech? Is 'democracy' an oxymoron now? Harsh words.
Went for breakfast today at (new) potential job location. The incidental meeting with the owner went very, very well. Keep hoping!!
Choir is still going well and we rocked it today. We have a big (big!) evening coming up this Thursday. I don't remember if I've mentioned this or not already, but Archbishop Collins (Toronto) was accepted to become a Cardinal (so is now Cardinal Collins) and he's from our very own parish, so we'll be doing a celebratory Mass (prayer evening? I don't know what we're calling it) Thursday night. It'll be televised! Eek! We've been practicing lots for it, but wish us luck! :)
I'm going to take it easy the rest of the night and dive into the last? second last? Diana Gabaldon book in the Outlander series, "An Echo in the Bone". I'm not sure yet if I want to read The Scottish Prisoner. Oh, btw, there's a special 20th Anniversary Outlander book. I WANTS.
Enjoy your Sunday evening :)
It's nice to sit here and hear the birds again.
With said spring cleaning, there has been furniture re-arranging. I didn't think it was possible (in livingroom) because it's not very big and I'm wall-to-wall with stuff already. But, low and behold, a slight change and all is well. I'm going to be a bit cramped more than usual because I've made a new purchase. It'll be stuck in a corner but still takes up some space. I plan to move out this year anyways, so I don't mind feeling cramped for a little while longer. If I start to go a little loco, you know why. Be forewarned, there may be "Not enough space, I need out NOW" venting.
I came across a couple of websites today which may or may not be of interest to you. If you partake in Gluten Free baking, check out Gluten Free Goddess's post of Gluten-Free Baking Tips & Substitutions. I also list her on the main page of my blog here, if you'd like to follow all her other regular posts. I also came across "15 International Food Etiquette Rules That Might Surprise You". A good read (i.e - when you go out for sushi, don't rest your chopsticks upright in your rice, representative of funeral traditions). And last but not least, there's a quick-read article on Michael Ignatieff's view on politics, which is quite accurate. Politics is dirtier than ever now and to make it worse, minister's have very little freedom at Question Period and everything is scripted. Is this what we've come to? What happened to freedom of speech? Is 'democracy' an oxymoron now? Harsh words.
Went for breakfast today at (new) potential job location. The incidental meeting with the owner went very, very well. Keep hoping!!
Choir is still going well and we rocked it today. We have a big (big!) evening coming up this Thursday. I don't remember if I've mentioned this or not already, but Archbishop Collins (Toronto) was accepted to become a Cardinal (so is now Cardinal Collins) and he's from our very own parish, so we'll be doing a celebratory Mass (prayer evening? I don't know what we're calling it) Thursday night. It'll be televised! Eek! We've been practicing lots for it, but wish us luck! :)
I'm going to take it easy the rest of the night and dive into the last? second last? Diana Gabaldon book in the Outlander series, "An Echo in the Bone". I'm not sure yet if I want to read The Scottish Prisoner. Oh, btw, there's a special 20th Anniversary Outlander book. I WANTS.
Enjoy your Sunday evening :)
Sunday, March 18, 2012
I Suppose It Was Expected
Post St. Paddy's Day....
"Aye, ye wee drunken goat... if ye decide to buzz me at 2:30 in the mornin' lookin' for yer friend, be advised... IT WILL NOT WERK IN YER FAVOUR". And then after said buzz, I might come downstairs with a bat in my hand.
Do you know the worry that comes from being woken up at that time of night? After I spoke with said gentleman (not buzzing him in, of course) and after my heart stopped leaping out of my chest, I fell back asleep but then I was woken by my neighbour and her friends at 04:30. *shakes head* I give up.
I just... give up.
I need a new label.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Musings
A few things on my mind today. I hope I can stay awake enough for you to write about them all :) I'm going to make myself a tea or hot chocolate first....
I picked hot chocolate. Cause... I want chocolate.
Work was pretty good today. No wait, let me back up... last night's dinner. Last night's dinner was fantastic. I mean, simple enough, but yummy. Chickpea mushroom burgers with a side of tomato salad (I just cut up tomatoes, cucumber, tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette and threw in some feta) with a dollop of tahini. And.. I had it without the bun..cause of the whole GF thing. There will be some modifications made; not making many intentional vegetarian dishes, it.. lacked something. Where you would get a fuller flavour from meat (the fat), flavour had to be derived from somewhere else. So I added a few herbs, a bit of olive oil. Still not enough. My (veggie) neighbour suggested oregano. Can do. Also more filler (bread crumbs, which is challenging because I'm trying to keep gluten low or non-existant, so if y'all figure out an ingredient that can act as a binder, then, have at 'er; I'd like to hear it). I took a picture, but it doesn't at all look as good as it tasted.
Right, so this morning. For all the times I complain about work, there are days like today that just make me smile. For instance, the scenery *cough*highlyattractivedoctors*cough*. That is all :)
I went to church tonight for Stations of the Cross and Mass. To my surprise, CZ and her fiance NS showed up. I was a bit fidgety tonight but made it through. When we were sitting there, I had a great (random) memory; a few years ago (I'd say about.. 3-4) there was a time we would all go to Mass and sit together. And I mean, there would be several of us crammed in the pew (crammed! but that was okay cause it was fun like that). And that would be 60 minutes of my week where I wouldn't be happier. Then we would go out for breakfast after (easily taking up a couple tables) and talk and tell stories and laugh. We would learn each other's idiosyncricies with fooooood (I'm looking at you, AR) ;) But now... time has passed... lives have gotten busy... people have or are moving away (for school or marriage or seminaries)... and we grow apart a bit. I don't think it's any representation that we think of each other less, there are just... different priorities. Life happens. These people, from the onset of my time at the church, have accepted me into their group and I have felt forever at home and thankful. Thanks for listening to me reminisce :) You know, I'm thinking we need to have a reunion.
There was an article in the paper about soaring popcorn prices at the theater and how people more and more are smuggling food in (can you blame them?). The price is highly inflated and keeps getting higher. It was an interesting fact to learn that when theaters get a 'loan' of the movie, they're charged anywhere from 80% to 100% (i.e Star Wars) of the movie ticket price. Mind you, that percentage is for say, the first week, and the longer a movie is in theaters, the more that percentage goes down. So.. they have to make their money somewhere. It's understandable why they jack up the prices of everything else. Some people support this of course, and some people don't, choosing to vote with their wallet (by not going or not paying for said items). (Facts compliment of The Globe and Mail).
An old friend of mine I knew 16 years ago got in touch with me a couple weeks ago - from Norway (I have a lot of overseas friends, what can I say?). It's been a good time catching up. We still seem to have a lot in common (more than I had realized) and it's nice to have him around again..
The no-swearing campaign for Lent is going relatively well, a bit to my surprise.
The search for the perfect next-home is on a stand-still. For now.
I was looking on hotels.com for hotel prices in Toronto this weekend for a possible overnight stay, and some of the hotels (and prices) I saw were amazing. The Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto was listed (for a measly $395 a night). Dude, you have to look at this hotel. I'm not necessarily a materialistic person (even though I enjoy good taste and quality, don't get me wrong) but dang.. I wanna stay here for a night. And for that price, I think they should be including breakfast. Just sayin'. Now, the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville Hotel (also very nice) went from over $400/night down to $169. I'd do that.
Possible second job on the horizon. Please keep prayers coming this way, or cross whatever bodily appendages you can.
Doctors suck. /random
Aaaaaand.. that's all I have today. I'm spent. Hope you have a great weekend! Get out and enjoy the weather!! :)
I picked hot chocolate. Cause... I want chocolate.
Work was pretty good today. No wait, let me back up... last night's dinner. Last night's dinner was fantastic. I mean, simple enough, but yummy. Chickpea mushroom burgers with a side of tomato salad (I just cut up tomatoes, cucumber, tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette and threw in some feta) with a dollop of tahini. And.. I had it without the bun..cause of the whole GF thing. There will be some modifications made; not making many intentional vegetarian dishes, it.. lacked something. Where you would get a fuller flavour from meat (the fat), flavour had to be derived from somewhere else. So I added a few herbs, a bit of olive oil. Still not enough. My (veggie) neighbour suggested oregano. Can do. Also more filler (bread crumbs, which is challenging because I'm trying to keep gluten low or non-existant, so if y'all figure out an ingredient that can act as a binder, then, have at 'er; I'd like to hear it). I took a picture, but it doesn't at all look as good as it tasted.
Right, so this morning. For all the times I complain about work, there are days like today that just make me smile. For instance, the scenery *cough*highlyattractivedoctors*cough*. That is all :)
I went to church tonight for Stations of the Cross and Mass. To my surprise, CZ and her fiance NS showed up. I was a bit fidgety tonight but made it through. When we were sitting there, I had a great (random) memory; a few years ago (I'd say about.. 3-4) there was a time we would all go to Mass and sit together. And I mean, there would be several of us crammed in the pew (crammed! but that was okay cause it was fun like that). And that would be 60 minutes of my week where I wouldn't be happier. Then we would go out for breakfast after (easily taking up a couple tables) and talk and tell stories and laugh. We would learn each other's idiosyncricies with fooooood (I'm looking at you, AR) ;) But now... time has passed... lives have gotten busy... people have or are moving away (for school or marriage or seminaries)... and we grow apart a bit. I don't think it's any representation that we think of each other less, there are just... different priorities. Life happens. These people, from the onset of my time at the church, have accepted me into their group and I have felt forever at home and thankful. Thanks for listening to me reminisce :) You know, I'm thinking we need to have a reunion.
There was an article in the paper about soaring popcorn prices at the theater and how people more and more are smuggling food in (can you blame them?). The price is highly inflated and keeps getting higher. It was an interesting fact to learn that when theaters get a 'loan' of the movie, they're charged anywhere from 80% to 100% (i.e Star Wars) of the movie ticket price. Mind you, that percentage is for say, the first week, and the longer a movie is in theaters, the more that percentage goes down. So.. they have to make their money somewhere. It's understandable why they jack up the prices of everything else. Some people support this of course, and some people don't, choosing to vote with their wallet (by not going or not paying for said items). (Facts compliment of The Globe and Mail).
An old friend of mine I knew 16 years ago got in touch with me a couple weeks ago - from Norway (I have a lot of overseas friends, what can I say?). It's been a good time catching up. We still seem to have a lot in common (more than I had realized) and it's nice to have him around again..
The no-swearing campaign for Lent is going relatively well, a bit to my surprise.
The search for the perfect next-home is on a stand-still. For now.
I was looking on hotels.com for hotel prices in Toronto this weekend for a possible overnight stay, and some of the hotels (and prices) I saw were amazing. The Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto was listed (for a measly $395 a night). Dude, you have to look at this hotel. I'm not necessarily a materialistic person (even though I enjoy good taste and quality, don't get me wrong) but dang.. I wanna stay here for a night. And for that price, I think they should be including breakfast. Just sayin'. Now, the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville Hotel (also very nice) went from over $400/night down to $169. I'd do that.
Possible second job on the horizon. Please keep prayers coming this way, or cross whatever bodily appendages you can.
Doctors suck. /random
Aaaaaand.. that's all I have today. I'm spent. Hope you have a great weekend! Get out and enjoy the weather!! :)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Oh Monday, Monday..
Happy Monday.
Not very happy over here. Well, maybe happy, but VERY tired. For the third night in a row I got poor sleep so I'm starting to get cranky.
Don't have too much to write about today. Babu's been on my mind a lot. I haven't weighed him but it might be safe to say he's at an all-time high weight. I don't know, maybe I should throw him on the scales to be sure. Per the vet's suggestion, he may have a slow metabolism, but there are also external contributing factors: small apartment (there's no room for him to run around), no buddy (also to help keep him going). I'd like to get him a friend, but I'm not sure it'd be financially responsible of me at this point. Feeding it isn't the problem, it's possible emergency costs that could come up. Rare, but nonetheless, something I should take into consideration. I'd really like a new place this year (and it's my goal), but I'm at an impasse as to how I should proceed; do I get a second job first which would help me afford a car and said car could dictate where I live (there are a couple places I have in mind)? Or do I find a new place in the area downtown here where I like and then get everything else (job, car, etc)? Gah. If I find another place near downtown, it takes out the possibility of living in the country, which, to be honest, I really kind of liked that idea (if it were to happen based on the other party). I have no idea. Absolutely no idea. Anxiety is treading lightly because I dislike uncertainty, but this is when one has to let go (and breathe!) and remember things will fall in place as they should, when they should. But I'm telling you, it's very hard to do that right now.
Anyways, part of the reason for mixing the two subjects in one paragraph was... among the varying reasons I want to move, Babu is one of them. This apartment now, is starting to cramp us both.
Work is going well. And when I say well, I mean conflict-free. For now. I still don't want to stay there long. You watch; I'll still be at that bloody hospital in 5 years.
Well! Isn't today's post full of skepticism! Bleh.
Okay, something positive.. something positive... the weather! Aside from being a bit dreary today, we're finally getting warmer temps.. and sun! Oh glorious sun. With warmer temps and sun and (stupid) Daylight Savings Time, comes more energy. Which.... goes away on said dreary days :/
Well, I'm going to carry on with my day, then :) I have intelligent things to write about, but apparently today isn't the day to write them.
Not very happy over here. Well, maybe happy, but VERY tired. For the third night in a row I got poor sleep so I'm starting to get cranky.
Don't have too much to write about today. Babu's been on my mind a lot. I haven't weighed him but it might be safe to say he's at an all-time high weight. I don't know, maybe I should throw him on the scales to be sure. Per the vet's suggestion, he may have a slow metabolism, but there are also external contributing factors: small apartment (there's no room for him to run around), no buddy (also to help keep him going). I'd like to get him a friend, but I'm not sure it'd be financially responsible of me at this point. Feeding it isn't the problem, it's possible emergency costs that could come up. Rare, but nonetheless, something I should take into consideration. I'd really like a new place this year (and it's my goal), but I'm at an impasse as to how I should proceed; do I get a second job first which would help me afford a car and said car could dictate where I live (there are a couple places I have in mind)? Or do I find a new place in the area downtown here where I like and then get everything else (job, car, etc)? Gah. If I find another place near downtown, it takes out the possibility of living in the country, which, to be honest, I really kind of liked that idea (if it were to happen based on the other party). I have no idea. Absolutely no idea. Anxiety is treading lightly because I dislike uncertainty, but this is when one has to let go (and breathe!) and remember things will fall in place as they should, when they should. But I'm telling you, it's very hard to do that right now.
Anyways, part of the reason for mixing the two subjects in one paragraph was... among the varying reasons I want to move, Babu is one of them. This apartment now, is starting to cramp us both.
Work is going well. And when I say well, I mean conflict-free. For now. I still don't want to stay there long. You watch; I'll still be at that bloody hospital in 5 years.
Well! Isn't today's post full of skepticism! Bleh.
Okay, something positive.. something positive... the weather! Aside from being a bit dreary today, we're finally getting warmer temps.. and sun! Oh glorious sun. With warmer temps and sun and (stupid) Daylight Savings Time, comes more energy. Which.... goes away on said dreary days :/
Well, I'm going to carry on with my day, then :) I have intelligent things to write about, but apparently today isn't the day to write them.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
I'm Full of Random
Do you know how hard it is to find a journal to write in that's NOT lined? Frustratingly unceasing, goes the search...
/random
/random
Quotes
When you have enough, you have everything you need. There's nothing extra to weigh you down, distract, or distress you. Enough is a fearless place. An honest and self-observant place... to let go of clutter, then, is not deprivation; it's lightening up and opening space and time for something new and wonderful to happen.
~ Vicki Robin
I've noted as posting this before so I apologize for the repeat, but it seemed to fit :)
~ Vicki Robin
I've noted as posting this before so I apologize for the repeat, but it seemed to fit :)
Your Daily Dose of Random
*listening to myself on a recording*
.... do I really sound like that? I sound.. different. You know, than what's in my head. I mean, I really sound different than what I hear in my head. I don't mind it, it's just.. different. I sound.. ugh.. older.. lol. I don't know if that makes any sense. I almost want to say more intelligent than I do in my head, but I don't want to get cocky :P
/random
Yes, I know most of us have experienced this, I just felt compelled to voice it today. For your random enjoyment.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
This Made Me Happy
My inner OCD/Nutritionist/Food Handler enjoyed this quick little video. It's Alyssa Milano on Food Safety. I mean, it really made me happy. It's brief, concise, and fact-driven (and... it kind of makes you shudder). Anyways, check it out, it's only a minute long :)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
More Random
Reading back, I should have specified. (Re: baking) I mostly meant about the results, but I guess I also mean the process. Or I guess, the end result is a symbolic representation of what went wrong; if not what, then *something*. For instance: I can whip up a successful raspberry almond clafoutis, tarte au citron, creme anglais, but I cannot, for the life of me, bake a basic chocolate chip cookie. The lesson? Stop making simple things more complicated than they are.
Also, chipping away at the surface is irritating. You know there's a diamond IN the rock. You want to chip away at the rock to get to said diamond, but it's painstakingly slow and it involves patience. You have to have the right tools to do a successful job; you can't just *blast away* or you'll also risk breaking the inner core. Sometimes you get a tougher-than-normal spot in the rock and you're there for a very. long. time.
/cryptic
Also, chipping away at the surface is irritating. You know there's a diamond IN the rock. You want to chip away at the rock to get to said diamond, but it's painstakingly slow and it involves patience. You have to have the right tools to do a successful job; you can't just *blast away* or you'll also risk breaking the inner core. Sometimes you get a tougher-than-normal spot in the rock and you're there for a very. long. time.
/cryptic
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