I Do Believe

that I said a couple of weeks ago that I have everything under control, well apparently not. Things always have a way of coming back and biting you in the ass. Not only are things crazy at work, home has gone to hell in a hand basket. BTW one of my visitors is a Dr who happens to specialize in pain. His words of wisdom, I have an inflammation in a certain area between one of the vertebrae, the best resolution to the pain is to RELAX. Oh so simple..........yet almost impossible. Got to run there is not time for relaxing here today.

Wrote this on Friday and it never got posted.

It Just Seems To Be Slipping Away!

Its just past the lunch hour here and I have yet to accomplish anything significant today. Not exactly sure how I managed to waste away the morning but it has gone. Our guests arrived safe and sound last night, they will be with us till Saturday. How I wish they had a valid international drivers' permit. They would love to go to Niagara Falls but it is some 8 hours away. We looked into getting there and a last minute reservation is somewhere in the range of $700.00 per person that does not included hotel etc. It is a bit pricey for them. Getting around Canada is costly that is certainly a draw back about here. It is difficult to entertain people when one has to work. Hopefully they will find somethings they can get to and do by themselves.

Chris I never shop for clothes while away. You can't beat the prices for clothing etc here, in that way we are spoiled. Everyday things are much more reasonably priced, always am shocked at the prices when I am in Europe or the Middle East. Will have to find some time somewhere and get myself to the mall this week.

I just-just got a call from the Church, the Priest wants to stop by on Sunday and bless the house. Ok fine....."plus he wants to have supper with you". OMG another feastival has to be planned and more people invited, cause you just can not have the Priest! In fact I was actually hoping to get my house in order on Sunday, I have to set up for another group of guests who will be arriving while we are away. In the famous words of the stupid commercial "Calgon take me away".

Weigh-in Tuesday

Today was my routine meet up with the dietitian. For the past 24 hours I have been stewing about having to weigh-in. I had been journaling up until Friday night when the routine left the building. As far as exercise I had managed to get my workouts in without fail. I was trying to convince myself to pass up on the weigh-in cause I'm feeling ungodly pudgy and I could not face another gain. Well I went through with the visit just to face the music and I find myself down 2 pounds. Woohoo it is a miracle. Glad I went through with it as it will force me to be good on my travels.

I am going to try my best to be extra good over the next 8 days, so this pudgy sensation will be gone before I leave. Hopefully I will be able to resist temptation while away and have a good weigh in upon my return. My next schedule weigh in is the day after I get back, so in actual fact I have to be good, no ifs ands or buts about it.

Starting to get a bit anxious about the trip. I just need to get a few spring/summer tops other than that I am good to go. Don't want to pack a big bag cause we will be traveling around on trains and I have to carry my own bag. With my bad back it's all about minimal. Really have to find the time to go to the mall, however I seem to have an appointment scheduled everyday this week. Also just got a call from our weekend guests to say they will be back today, they were supposed to be gone till the end of the week. My schedule looks to be filling up..........

Is It Really Monday!

Another super busy weekend. Theres a photo of a little Robin who decided to build her next right outside my front door on top of the alarm. Hope she doesn't mind use coming and going. Spent the weekend bopping around Montreal. We did all the touristy things, Old Montreal, The Old Port, The Mountain, The Oratory, Downtown Saint Catherine, Prince Arthur, Chinatown etc..... It was superb on Friday and Saturday it somehow went from 4 Celsius to a whopping 27 Celsius in one day. Everyone got a little bit of sun. The city was just crawling with people everywhere, it was extremely difficult to find a place to park, or seat in a restaurant.

Sunday was a bit cooler back into the teens, cloudy and sprinkling of rain here and there. Had family and cousins over for a meal and a get together. Then later on in early evening friends called and stopped by for coffee and cake. After they left more people called saying they would stop by. We had a parade of people to say the least.

Finally got to sit down near 9:30 last night. Today I am feeling like the dog's dinner. Didn't make it on the treadmill, but did walk Lola. Also cleaned and vacuumed DS car, which I have to drop off at the dealer's later on this afternoon for it's Spring tune up. Thankfully I'm caught up here at the office and the day is looking to be somewhat quiet. Just what I need, in fact. Hope you weekend was fun.

Made It!

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Friday

I would have to say this week has been on the bizarre side of things. Not exactly sure what is up for the weekend. I will be heading to the airport in a couple of hours to pick up our visitors from France. It looks like they picked the perfect weekend to come, apparently it will be sunny and the temperature will be soaring close to the high 20's. Excuse me it was only 4C this morning when I went for my walk. Is the weatherman dreaming in technicolor?

There will probably be some major site seeing taking place. Also heard whispers of a gathering at my place Sunday afternoon. Hope your weekend is filled to the brim with a ton of fun.

I Love Her But She's Killing Me!

When the day starts off in a purple haze, it just never seems to get back on track. Ms Lola has herself a bad case of the gassy assy. When I get up to exercise she trots right along behind me, then plops herself down in the corner to keep an eye on me just to certain I don't forget to walk her. It is a small windowless room, just enough space for the treadmill and a weight machine. So I'm clipping along on the mill and all of a sudden my there is this most horrific smell. Just as one cleared up another was produced.

I seem to be bogged down in crap today. It is closing in on 1:30 and I have yet to finish my travel cup of coffee, which has proabaly gone stone cold. The gods were fore warning me to go back to bed; as this day was going to be a real stinker. Hope your day has been a little rosier than mine. Sorry got to get back to my shovel.

Whats In Your Lunchbox?

Since you enjoyed the food porn so much, I'll let you take a peek in my lunch bag. First of all you will find my thermos travel mug of coffee. I usually pack my breakfast and eat it at my desk, the reason behind this is to make sure that I won't be starving by the time lunch rolls around. Todays menu includes 1/2 cup of Old Fashioned slow cooked rolled oats, a teaspoon of wheat germ, 1-1/2 tablespoons of applesauce and 3 halves of walnuts. Lunch is a bit of a mish mosh, the rest of the grilled veggies, with oven roasted cauliflower, and tabhouli salad, 1/8 of an avacado, 1 hot pepper and the pink/red thing is a turnip pickle. Packed a small banana along for snack. Thats whats on my plate so far today.

Feeling about the same as yesterday, slightly headachy a little low and definitely babysitting a coldsore. However I did workout and I took Lola for her walk. So I'm keeping up with stuff, just not feeling 100%. Got work under control so should have a calm day there. There are a few things I really need to do a around the house, but I'm stuck at my desk. Not enough hours in a day it seems. Might as well go grab another coffee and try to relax and get through the day.

Rainy Day Tuesday

Here's what you would have gotten for supper last night if you happened to stop by. Spinach Salad, Turkey Meatloaf, Grilled Veggie.







This would be me at the end of the day.






Tuesday finds me with a bit more energy. Amazing how gloomy weather really drags a person down. Almost did not get up and workout but guilt got the better of me. Went to bed with a slight headache, still have it going on today. I feel a coldsore coming on. Can you say STRESS! Hope you are having a better day than I.

Is It Really Monday Already?

I will be requiring mega dose of caffeine to make it through the day. There was not one spare moment to be found all weekend long and today I'm just dragging myself about. Friday we went from work into the city to see a comedy show. That meant I got to work extra extra early and got home really late. The show was a little to low brow for me. I do believe it was directed to a younger crowd. Since we paid for the tickets we stuck it out till the end.

Saturday there was much to be accomplished and we set off from the house nice and early. We are still working out the kinks for all the stuff needed for the kitchen renovation. DH actually needed to go to the mall to get some shoes. It has to be the worst place on earth during the weekends and I try to avoid at all cost. BTW you would never know there was a recession is going on as the parking lot was full and we ended up parking in never never land. Afterwards and in between we were looking for new tires for my car. When we finally decided on the tires and went back to buy them they said they could install right away, so we had to head on back to the house to get my car. By the time all was said and done the day was gone.

In the evening we had dinner plans with a group of friends back in the city. Our second trip into Montreal in less than 24 hours. It was quite fun getting caught up with everyone. One funny thing happened though. One of the ladies starts by telling me that they have just booked a trip for the end of May. She proceeds to tell my how her guy is trying to make her feel miserable about it. Told her I'm having the exact same experience, then another lady says her husband is exactly the same. Out of the four couples, three of us had guys that were abject misery when it came to getting away on travel or vacation. Here I was thinking that my DH was the special one.

Sunday up bright and early again to bring DH car to the tire shop. He surprised me with breakfast at the deli right next door. Afterwards came home and tried to get caught up on the house work, before we had to head off for Easter Dinner. Had a lovely gathering and DD inlaws. Guess we are all trying to fill the void of having them away.

So far things still feel as though I am moving in slow motion. No amount of caffiene has been able to remedy my situation. It also looks like the busy streak will continue, with guests are arriving from France. I really need to find my second wind before then. Hope you all had a blast since we last chatted.

A Little Lost For Words!

How do you handle compliments? I'm always taken aback. It just seems so unnatural that it makes me want to run and hide. There always seems to be this awkward silence, and right away my mind starts to turn to come up with something nice to say in return. I seem to always want to deflect it right back off me as quickly as possible.

By my reaction they might have well said "wow you look like crap". What is it they see that I don't? How is it that some people just love themselves so unconditionally, while I'm constantly looking for a reason to ridicule. How is it that success so hard to absorb, and on the other hand a failure gives reason wallow? How many times have I said "it is not about perfection", yet obviously my mind and my mouth are at odds with each other. It leads me to wonder, will I ever really accept and rejoice in myself.

How would you react to "You look great, no you look amazing. I don't know what you've done but you really look marvelous!"?

Hopefully one day I can look them straight in the eye and say "Well thanks very much I appreciate it."

The Art Of Fine Dinning

I have a bit of a confession, I would love to become a vegetarian. Only thing stopping me is the effort to develop enough of a repertoire as to not become bored. Last nights supper consisted of a spicy zucchini and black bean medley with some sauteed broccoli and mushrooms on the side.

It was a suggestion by DH to have a meat free meal and I was only happy to accommodate the request. BTW I have made this meal a few times to much rave reviews, but last night Mr arrived home in a pissy mood and decided to become a food critic. It was like he had never seen it before and he needed a detailed explanation on what it was, "excuse me you've eaten this several times". Plus he started to critique its flavoring. It just about took all my will not to slap him up the side of his head. Let me tell you if someone took the time to prepare me a meal I would most graciously sit and it eat the damn thing. Like he could do better!

I don't know whats up with him, but it never fails that every single time we have a trip coming up or work going on at the house he becomes insufferable. These are the times I really wish we didn't work together. There is no escaping his foul mood. Only three long weeks left before our trip hopefully I will keep my cool. On the other hand I am not sure if I will survive the home renovations!

Excuse me .......... SERENITY NOW!

Its A Perfect Day

for daydreaming. We are on a bit of a sunny streak this week. Although the it is still cool and in the single digits on the Celsius scale. No complaints here.

Can you believe we are already at the midway point of April? I'm amazed and not exactly sure where the time has gone. DD is heading away her Honeymoon today. They are off to Cambodia and Thailand. A few months back they decided to skip the second wedding because it was getting too out of hand. It was turning into something they did not want. I'm just as happy with that as I really liked the mini wedding. We kept telling them that they better have a small celebration because they might change their minds once they got into the nitty gritty of planning a formal wedding. To me if they are happy, I am happy.

I'm feeling all loopy today, must be the rush of vitamin D from all that sun. I can hardly wait to get out of here and get some fresh air. For now my office window will have to do. Not sure if I will get to post tomorrow, I have an appointment in the morning. Depends how crazy things are here. Hope you are having a great day.

Whoops! Up 1 Pound.

Here's the dessert selection for Sundays Easter Lunch. Lemon loaf, traditional middle eastern mamoul cookies, custard slices. I made a roaster rabbit for DS and a roast pork for the other man in my life. Served with a huge variety of roasted veggies and some tea biscuits for good measure. There was also some drinking of wine. Oh yes and just a little bit of chocolate. Todays weigh in found that I had gained a pound. Well no big surprise there was a little too much celebratory eating obviously. Sworn off my evils ways and have climbed back on the wagon. Hopefully Easter #2 next Sunday will not be as tempting.

It doesn't matter how long the weekend is it still leaves me wanting more. Saturday we spent most of the day trying to sort out some kitchen issues. In the evening we met up with friends for Thai food and then we all went to visit another group of friends for coffee and dessert. Sunday was the Easter feastival, some invitees called and cancelled at the last minute. It turned out to be a rather small gathering in the end. Monday spent the better part of the day cleaning the castle and waiting on someone to come quote on the kitchen. Late in the afternoon DH and I took Missy out for a walk. I was totally fooled by sunshine, and found out pretty quickly that I was slightly under dressed, there was a cold wind was blowing.

After the walk we watched "Doubt", I found it to be very interesting. There is much to be taken away from this movie, leaves you wondering. However it's not light hearted entertainment by any means. That sums of the total of my long weekend. Reveting stuff!

Looks Like The Long Weekend Is Almost Here!

Hope everyone has a most enjoyable weekend. I'm sitting here at my desk twiddling my thumbs today. Had to come in otherwise it would look bad to the rest of the employees. However I am hoping to sneak away a little earlier than usual. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes to plan.

Grocery shopping is going to be a huge hassle with many people already on holiday. People love to flock to the stores here. Going to have to bring an extra dose of patience with me. Did not have time to do it yesterday as I had to go to the Chiropractor, and visit my father.

Wishing you all a fun filled long weekend. Don't let all that chocolate get the better of you.

Almost There.....The Weekend That Is

This is how it looked here yesterday morning. Quite a disappointing Spring morning to say the least. It has been dull rainy and cold here for what seems like forever, but today has started off a little better. The sun is shining for now although there is a chance of rain later on this afternoon. Long weekend looks to be sunny but cool only in the single digits for temperatures. Sun seems to make everything all better.

Had a lovely walk this morning with Lola. Ran into a whole bunch of people I haven't seen in months. Everyone was rather chatty, I wish I had more time to get caught up but I had to hurry back home and get ready for work. It certainly was a much nicer way to start the day.

It is kind of quiet here and around work. Might have something to do with Passover starting last night and Good Friday tomorrow. Alot of people are already off and have added a few extra days to the weekend. I am working tomorrow and have Monday off. There is no longer a hard and fast rule here as to which day is the holiday. The church use to insist that everything be closed here on Friday and Sunday, but that has all changed with the times.

Looks like I will have plenty of time to catch up today. Wishing you all a great day.

Feeling Out Of Sorts

Last night I called DS to check up on the kid and to tell him to go by the post office near our place to pick up his new passport. I have to go to the same place and pick mine up, but I am not allowed to get his for safety reasons. After this brief update and exchange of pleasantries I reminded him that it is Easter weekend. Much to his surprise it seems. It is the end of term and he has alot going on, but should be done with his projects by the weekend. Exams start on the next Tuesday. Yada Yada Yada. So I tell him well let me know if you are coming by this weekend asap, and if not we will celebrate the follow weekend on Orthodox Easter. (I'm Roman Catholic and the kids are Greek Orthodox).

All the while DH is listening. Once I hang up he starts giving me the third degree about whether or not DS is coming for lunch on Sunday. Told him that it was still up in the air. To which DH replied "well your invitations really suck, and you make it sound as though you do not want him to come, because you do not want to cook". As far as I am concerned if the boy is too busy with his studies and does not have the time I am willing to postpone it till when he is available.

When I extend and invitation it is just that, it is not a demand. His comment really got my ire up. As a matter of fact, DH has said the exact same thing when I have invited some friends over for a supper. When it comes to Holidays and Special Events 90% of the time it is me who ends up hosting. If you recall it has been barely 3 weeks since my last grand event. Which took me a total of 18 hours and since then I have been struggling alot with pain issues.

Quite frankly I am not over the moon about hosting another dinner party so soon. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook and host, families need traditions. But this is our first holiday break since December. I would like to experience a bit of that long weekend outside the kitchen.

Needless to say I've had a pickle up my arse since last night. I'm sure the mood will have passed by the time the weekend comes round, and I will want to be joyful and celebratory. However I want to "choose to do something" not "be made" to do it.


Sorry for the venting!

This Was Yesterday

Spent the greater part of yesterday with someone looking over my shoulder, therefore there was no time to post or catch up on everyones weekend adventures.

Other than being super busy here at work it was a normal Monday. As for Friday fortunately we caught the water tank problem early and there was only minimal leakage. It was dealing with all the repairmen that was most problematic. Since this is an older building and most probably the tank was original, the new model did not run on the same current and required an electrician to upgrade the circuit. It just went from one thing to another. Some days are just like that.

The weekend prove a little more calm. Saturday went and had my color done. I could only get an appointment in the middle of the afternoon, so we didn't end up doing anything during the day. As our social life still seems in a bit of a dry spell we found ourselves back at the movies. This time we saw "Knowing", which I found to be a huge a downer. Sunday we heading off to the hardware store to order parts for the kitchen renovations. It took forever just to order and pick out three pieces. Although we had lots more to do we opted to go home have lunch and relax.

That was all the fun I managed to get through in one weekend.

Holy Crap!!!!

The water tank at work broke and all hell has broken loose. There have been plumbers and electricians running around here for the past 4 hours. Can hardly wait to get the bill. OMG!!! Serentity now!

April Springs Forth!

This is the beautiful sunrise from my walk with Lola this morning. The grass is showing and there's plenty of mud all around. As a matter of fact Lola keeps tracking mud in from our backyard. It is in bad shape right now, because we have a couple of huge maple trees that have killed the grass in a portion of the yard. We do wipe her paws down but that doesn't work 100%. I really hate the feel of grit on the floors. Hopefully we can find a solution and get the grass growing again.

Did some research on travelling to Toronto. DH is too busy to drive up so I would have to find some other way to get there. Do not think it is the safest thing to drive all that way and back by myself. Bus would take 12 hours going and 10 coming back at near $400.00, train is $450.00 and cheapest flight I could find is $500.00. Add to this a rental car and two nights in hotel and we are talking alot of money. Spoke to my girlfriend again this morning and we both decided that it would be much better to meet at a later date where we can really benefit from the time together.
Thanks for all your suggestions.

I'm having a terrible time sitting at my desk today. It looks so inviting out there that I just want to run away. Looks like a serious case of Spring Fever.

New Month

My day started with a call from my best friend of 35 years to tell me her Mom died suddenly last night. Although she was in her 80's it still came as a bit of a shock when it is out of the blue like that. Not sure if I will make the trip to Toronto to attend the funeral. Its about a 6-7 hour car drive one way. Not to mention that they have a big family of eleven siblings all arriving from out of town. Add to that all the grandchildren and you got quite a crowd to handle and get setup. It certainly would be difficult for my friend and I to get some time together with all this going on. I haven't quite made up my mind, but the more I think about it, the more chaotic it becomes. What would you do?

Jodi I'm sure someone else might have a comment along the same line, and when my mom passed she did not attend and I was ok with that. But it was Christmas and I did not except people to leave their families during the holidays. It is certainly is going to be a difficult choice.


So here we are in April, unbelievable! This year is just clicking along. The snow hasn't completely gone, but maybe the rain will help rememdy that. Last couple of days I've put my boots away and its on with the shoes. However I am still waiting for that one final snowstorm.


Hope your first day in April went smoothly and you did not get caught by any silly prankster.