Away We Go!

It's my last full day here at the office. Just thought I would give you a bit of a taste of where I'm heading. We have to be at the airport mid afternoon, so I doubt that there will be time for another post. First stop is Rome then its off to Cairo for a few days, the reminder of the time we will be in Lebanon. One things for sure it's going to be a heck of alot hotter and sunnier than Montreal. We have five lovely days with DD and her husband. She has already lined up a tour to the Pyramids and has many other things planned. Then its on to Beirut, no specific plans. Not to worry even without plans there is never a dull moment. Many of our friends from around the globe are already there, pretty sure there will be lots of late nights. It's time for me to say so long for now. I will be back in blogland the last week of August. Keep well and have fun.

HELP!

Not a good day, not my stuff either. Tomorrow will be better.

Running Out Of Time

Would you believe I have yet to get out the suitcases and pack a single thing. This situation really needs to be taken care of immediately. On the plus side I'm pretty sure I'm done getting all the gifts. To tell you the truth it stresses me out, because all of a sudden everyone is interested in what you're wearing and I'm not fashionista. I like it casual, over there they like you to dress up. More often then not I think I'm dressed up and then I get the question "is that what you're wearing?" Men on the other hand have it so easy, a pair of dress pants and a Polo shirt and their done. Wish I had more of a fashion sense.

Things are still buzzing here at the office. Little time for play. Wish me luck in tackling the packing. Clocks ticking.

Fun Times

Friday evening we went into Montreal for the Comedy Festival. Our comic was very entertaining, unfortunately he had to go off to the Gala so there was no extra time provided for our show. It was a little to short and hour on the nose. We could have listened to his banter all night long.




Saturday day DH and I went to the mall, he needed some summer sandals. In the evening we went to the Brazilian BBQ and had an all you can MEAT dinner. It's really a man's place, there is no way I can eat $30.00 dollars worth of meat. It was the Birthday Boy's choice so we were only please to accommodate.



Sunday was spent at home prepping for lunch with the family. We had unexpected guests late in the evening got to bed a little behind schedule as a result. Been busy at work doing silly projects. Grrrrrrr see you tomorrow.

Another Soggy Day

(This is a picture of the highway that leads into downtown) Well we are heading back in to Montreal again tonight for our last comedy show. So I'm at my desk extra early again this fine day. Hope DH has remember the umbrella because we will need it while we wait in the line up to get in. Funny thing as I was glancing through the paper this morning I came across a story about how people were out walking in the parks etc because it was nice sunny day. Who would think that a sunny day would be a news worthy story..... but it is this summer.

I've been a bit of an insomniac this week. Looking forward to the weekend where hopefully I can catch up on some sleep. It's seven days to vacation; let the official countdown begin. This weekend I plan to organize the suitcases, only because time has run out. We have a party Saturday evening at the Brazilian BBQ place. Sunday I presume there will be some kind of lunch festivities at my place. That will pretty much take care of the weekend.

It's a bit busy here at the office. The Boss is still clearing off his desk but I have finally wrapped up the last part of the month end. I'm check check checking off my list. Hope its all fun and games for you today.

No Longer Home Alone

DH got a call yesterday to say our nephew is arriving this afternoon and will be staying with us for an unspecified amount of time. He received his immigration papers and has finally decided to make the move. DH was kind enough to offer him a place to stay while he gets himself sorted out. He's in his early 30's so its like I will have to babysit him. Still waiting to hear if DS is coming back home as well. DD and spouse are coming at the end of August and my niece will be back around that time too for the final wedding dress fitting. Here I was just getting used to being on our own and my lighter workload.

We have company coming for supper in celebration of his arrival. I'm just about ready to burst to get away and on this vacation. Just when you think you got yourself covered something pops up. My Dad also started to complain about feeling under the weather. Told him if he needed to go see the Doctor to schedule an appointment and I would take him today. Called him this morning and said he was going to suffer it out. He's not alone as my sister from Halifax is in staying with him and he also lives with another sister. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well with him so I can get a break.

Bargains Galore!

Yesterday I had to go get supper before our show. There were a few minutes to spare and I noticed that one of the shops was holding a huge discount liquidation sale. I'm not terrible fond of bathing suits but I really needed one for the trip. The deals were so good I bought two.


















In the end the two items cost me just over $11.00 instead of a whopping $218.00 with the taxes. What a mark down!































I also got a couple of tops over the weekend. All were marked down 70% to 50% averaging out to $20.00 a piece. Need to have super light weight stuff since we are going to the desert in the middle of summer.







Last night's outing was fun. We got there only 30 minutes before the show started and there was a super huge lineup. It was general admission, so its first come first serve. Thankfully we decided to head up to the second balcony and got some prime seats. All the comedians were funny except for one fellow. On the way home we stopped by DS place to check out the mold problem. He has already given his notice we just want to make sure we cover all the bases before he breaks his lease. Needless to say it made me cringe. Not sure why he picked this place to begin with, I found it to be quite a hole.

Hope you enjoy my little report on bargain hunting.

A Long Day

How do you like my vacation replacement? It's going to be a twelve hour day for me today. We have tickets for a show tonight in downtown Montreal so car pooling only made sense. Unfortunately DH likes to be at work nice and early. 7 O'clock is just too early if you ask me. Lets just call him a workaholic!

Looks like I've completed all my prevacation preparations here at the office. All that's left is the odd bill that comes in via the post. Although I know I've got everything covered there's always a worry that I've forgotten something important.

Think I'll start looking into my wardrobe tomorrow. With the strict weight restrictions on suitcases now, you can only bring what you really need. It really needs to be planned very carefully. This is the kind of trip where you can't leave the dress clothes at home. I'm starting to get anxious now when the trip comes to mind,10 days and counting.

Turns Out I'm A Liar

Fortunately for me when I make ribs there's usually alot of them. (This is a picture I found on the net that closely resembles my ribs.) I did end up hosting a Sunday luncheon with friends. Thankfully I had everything all planned out because it was a spur of the moment deal. They called and said that they were in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by to drop something off. So they ended up coming for lunch.

Saturday I had to drag DH out to the shops to get a few things. Lets just say he's not a big shopper. I'm not a fanatic but I will put in some quality time if I'm there. Got a couple of cotton tops and the remainder of our gift items. As my mission is not completed I am planning to hit the mall up later this afternoon to have a look in peace.

We met up with our friends for supper. The company was good but the food was horrible. I order a vegetable stir fry and I got mush on rice. It was quite disappointing. It is the second time we went to that area to eat and the food has been unacceptable. They take advantage because people want to sit by the water. Don't think we will be planning a return trip anytime soon.

Not much else happened. DS did mention that he is moving again because the place he rented (on the top floor)had a super huge flood from all the rain. Now it is sprouting mold. He has register a complaint with the rental board and gave his notice. There's a possiblity he might be coming back home for a few weeks. Lets hope the owner doesn't put up a fuss and he gets out of his lease.

That's all for me folks for today.

Off The Hook And Out Of The Kitchen

Woohoo I don't have to host a gathering this weekend. DH had been promising some friends that we rarely see that we would get together sometime. They wanted to do it this weekend, WORKS FOR ME! My husband is famous for always wanting to throw a big bash before we leave on vacation. That's not going to happen this time, what a relief. DS is coming on Sunday but I've got the bases covered on that one. I'll make his all time favorite BBQ ribs and he will be a happy camper. Next week is a super busy week all around. We have tickets on Tuesday and Friday for the comedy fest that is in town. Saturday evening we are invited to a Birthday party. There's a few more days off my cooking schedule. We'll have to work out the rest of the meals with what left in the fridge as I don't like leaving a pile of food to rot while we are gone.

I have quite a few things to do a work these past two days. The boss is clearing off his desk and I get to proof all that stuff. For myself there are just have a few more things to do before I can consider the month closed and the new one taken care of.


Here's a picture I took on my walk this morning. Not very promising. But since I got to the office the sun has managed to come out. Thank goodness, beggars can't be chooser's. Looks as though we just have to enjoy whatever comes our way. I'm off to the hospital to get my vaccines updated maybe I will catch a few rays along the way. Have a lovely weekend.

Just One Of Those Days

Seem to be having one of those crazy days. Hope you are having lots of fun for me.

The Wild Life

Lola and I spotted Mr Bunny here on our walk. She was ready to chase the poor little bugger from here to kingdom come. I had a good hold on her so they had a stare down instead. Most ferrel bunnies that I have seen are brown in color this is the first white one I've come across. Also pretty sure I have a regular brown kind living somewhere in my backyard because every once in a while I'll catch a glimpse one it under the trees. We have finally sprung some sunshine "hallelujah"! It's still cool and had to wear a fleece jacket, but it sunny.

The vet came by my house yesterday to give Lola the once over. Poor Lola is a bit skittish with people because she was abused, it was a chore to get her examine and shots up to date. What a lovely woman this lady is. She used to be part of a clinic, but decided to go out on her own and do house calls instead. She is the most sensible and reasonable vet I have ever met. Never tries to push things on you as a matter of fact she refuses to do things she considers unnecessary. You can even call her and ask for medical advice and if she knows a home remedy she tells you what to do. She spent over an hour with Lola and the bill came to $56.44 I was shocked as I was expected well over $100.00. Now thats a bargain!

Today I will just be finishing up some month end stuff. Waiting for the dribs and drabs to come in with the mail. But looks like I'm pretty well caught up on the office stuff. No much happening otherwise.

Week Night Guest

For the most part I usually prefer to host a dinner guest on the weekend. Yesterday DH told me to expect his cousin for supper. The cousin called when he got to town around 12 noon, DH met up with him while I held down the fort. Afterwards when I was leaving the office I asked him if his cousin was joining us for supper. He said he would let me know if he wasn't. So I went home a prep all the fixing for a fajitas, imagine my surprise when he showed up at home solo. No biggy right, then while we are dinning he says he's not that hungry since he had a second lunch with him. I would have made myself something super simple and quick if I had known I was the only going to eat. Looks like I will be eating leftovers for lunch for the next couple of days. Hopefully this was my last required hosting before the vacation. Can't think of anyone I need to return a meal to. This is also my last available weekend, the week before we go is book solid with outtings and a birthday party so I'm off the hook there. It must sound terrible that I don't want to entertain, but for some reason lately it has become more of a chore than a pleasure.

Tomorrow is mid July and I am sitting here in a thin wool sweater. I would have to say it is on the cool side of things today. Yesterday there was hail and rain galore. This morning I woke up and got dressed just in for a downpour, walk cancelled. Poor Lola was very disappointed, I could have got all geared up and walked in the rain, but I have just had it with this foul weather. Motivation is lost.

Looks like I will be sitting here at my desk drinking decaf coffee and trying to cheer up. Hope the sun is shining on you.

Another Monday!

Working at this time of year really gets to be a drag. So many people are off and I'm stuck at my desk. Should have chosen another profession, instead of one where a couple of weeks off is all you get. The closer vacation comes the lazier I get.

This Saturday was a total wipe out, it stormed all bloody day. It poured buckets and there was huge thunderstorms one right after the other. Needless to say we stayed high and dry in the house. Watched "Revolutionary Road", found it very depressing to say the least, can't say I enjoyed it. DH wanted to go to the theatre but he even gave up on that idea. It was a TV kind of day.

Sunday I had an early meet up with my lady friends. Sorry no pictures they are not fond of being photoed. Usually we don't get together on the weekends; everyone's just so busy, but with vacations and one of the gals celebrating a birthday we had to make an effort. We had a lovely breakfast and had our usual barrel of laughs. Later in the afternoon met up with DS to have a fitting for his Tux. We have a wedding in September and he's part of the wedding party along with his sister.
Since we only get to see him once a week we try and arrange to have lunch together. So after the fitting we took him out for to dine as I did not have enough time to prepare something for lunch.

Made no effort to get organized for the trip. Procrastination abounds! Breaking up with caffeine is going well, low carb not so well. No much else to report. Hope you are having a fun day out there.

Decaf Here I Come

I haven't had my usual dose so I'm not in the mood to work. Will be stopping by the grocery store and picking up some decaf coffee, tea etc on my way home. Was too lazy to do it yesterday now I'm paying the price. Thankfully the boss is gone for most of the day so I can sit here and wallow all I want.

I'm so glad it's Friday,not that I have any big plans. Just like the idea of not going to work. For the past two days we had some lovely sunshine, tomorrow its back to rain. There is still a lot of things to do for the trip and it would also be a good opportunity to have a look in the closet and see what I'm missing. Three weeks and counting as of today. Although I've been picking up a few things here and there I know DD will have me running for things at the last moment. All part of the fun of getting to see her.


With the beautiful morning Lola and I got out for a nice long walk. Here's a picture of the happy pup and me enjoying the sun. Have a wonderful weekend.

Taking Care Of Business Of A Different Kind

Although not the most pleasant way to start the day it's something that just has to be done. This is the only Doctor I have committed myself to see on a yearly basis. A about a year and a half ago I started paying for specialized testing which gets the results back within a week. Prior to that I just did the usual test, imagine my surprise 6 months after the fact when I got a call from his secretary to tell me that there was something obscure about my last test. Really ..... it to over 6 months for the hospital to process it? I didn't get the all clear till after 3 more intensive tests which I paid for. All I could think of was that they wasted 6 months of valuable time. That's when I decided to pay and get the best testing possible from now on. I used to be the shyest person but not anymore, there is absolutely no reason for embarrassment I just think happy thoughts and it's over before you know it. It's better to be safe than sorry.



Of course there's the usual breast exam. Mentioned to him that I've been having major issues with tenderness. His advice was to give up caffeine!


Oh No!!!! Coffee and tea are such good fillers when your tummy is growling. How unjust is that, just one more of life pleasures that I need to surrender. I have yet to find a decaf coffee here that is worth drinking, decaf herbal teas are passable. His suggestion for losing weight "eat right, eat less; its a lifestyle change". I told him I already do that, "well keep at it, its not easy to lose weight" was his response. Good to know!

List of don'ts keeps growing. My my this is getting complicated, before you know it I'll be left with nothing but plain old dirt on my plate.

Le Pooh

I've been tied up with work all day! Got use to having Wednesday mid-week break. Hope you are having fun cause I'm not. Gotta run.

Summer

is just not happening here. Rain rain and more rain. It was pouring so much this morning I opted not to walk the dog. Poor Lola had to make due with the backyard.

Trouble arrived for the summer. Not sure where she is staying and haven't made any inquires either. The less I know the better. When I went for my daily visit with Dad she sat there beside him reading a book. I walked in and said hello and she made a point of ignoring me the whole time. That works just fine with me. These antics make me laugh, but I'm sure she thinks she's making some kind of point. My point is I don't care and nothing she does bothers me. I'm there to fulfill my obligation to Dad that's all. It has taken some time but I'm finally getting use to an empty house. Quite frankly I do not want the added work of an extended guest.

Not much planned for today. It is getting quieter by the day. Will work on my accounts and get caught up on the blogs nothing terrible exciting or interesting. Yesterday's low carb day went well. For supper I made some grilled asparagus, cauliflower casserole and a salad. Lucky for me there were plenty of leftovers for lunch. Not sure whats on the menu for tonight.

Hope it's a sunny day wherever you are!

Lazy Lazy Lazy

that would be me. I barely moved all weekend. Saturday it rained cats and dogs plus it was cold to boot. There was absolutely no motivation to leave the house. Managed to pass the broom and pick up Lola's hair, she is shedding like a demon. Then climbed back into bed and read. DH and I watched a video in the afternoon "The Stone Of Destiny", which was interesting. Friends we coming over for supper so I had to get myself together and make a meal. It was a very simple roast chicken with oven potatoes and a Greek salad. We had planned to BBQ but the rain washed that all away.

That night we slept with the window opened and it was so cold we had to get the duvet back out. But there's nothing better then having a breeze blowing while wrapped tightly under some warm blankets. Not summer weather at all. It was a super slow start to the day. Both DH and I seemed to have lost all ability to move. In the afternoon we managed to pry ourselves out of the house and off to the stores to get gifts for our up coming trip. Our outing didn't last long though and we were back home within 90 minutes. Made some eggs for lunch as DS wasn't stopping by. Finished off my book, then took the video back to the store and stopped for coffee. Since the sun was out we got to sit on the terrace.

Quite frankly I've never been so lazy in my life! Monday doesn't find me with any more energy from all that rest either. It seems laziness begets laziness for me.

On the food front, once again trying to go low carb. I agree with Chris and Lynda that it was probably the carbs that sent my sugar high seeing as I really don't fancy sweets, now breads and starches well whats not to like.

Hopefully I can stick with it and maybe lose some weight as well. Started to get prepped for my vacation. Getting all my office stuff sorted out so I don't miss any payments or payroll stuff. Also need to get a few things for myself on the clothing front. Have to pack wisely as the airlines are very picky on the weight issue now. Wish I had more of a fashion sense it would make it so much easier. Excitement is starting to creep into my thoughts now that its not that far away.

Not So Sweet After All

Got the results of my glucose test and I am back down in the normal range. Which is excellent news. Prior to the test I limited my intake of fruits, breads and lets not forget sugar. Of course the best thing to do would be to lose these extra 20 pounds.

I seem to be flipping the same 4 pounds. Just can not seem to get any momentum. Losing weight seems like trying to squeeze blood from a stone. Spent the last 1.5 years going to the Dietitian trying this combination then that combination, but no substanial lose except for my money. Famous last words from the Doctor "just eat less".

I need to convince myself the benefits of feeling better far out weight the pleasure of eating. It is disheartening week after week not mention any progress. However I am not ready to throw in the towel because I am more afraid of what would happen if I just didn't try.

It is annoying that being overweight is constantly on my mind. Hopefully I will find some way to conquer it!

Surprise!

I must have looked like this when I received a call yesterday an noon telling me that my guests had finally decided that they were coming over. I had just over one hour to throw something together. Not sure why they waited to the very last minute to finalized their plans, I had called them the day before and they had said they would get right back to me. When they didn't I had thought that it was cancelled. In the morning I got up at 6 because DH was going to work. Thought I would tidy up a bit and spend the majority of the day relaxing. Once I started it turned into a major cleaning fest. I was nearing the end of my work when I got the call.

It was a humid and drizzly day so I opted to make salads and a fritatta. Had DH pick up a strawberry tart on the way home from work. Our guests arrived in increments. DH had initially suggested we go for a bike ride as a purpose of our gathering, and the first guest wanted to do just that. We got the bikes out of the garage and DH then tells me its too humid for him that he would wait at the house while I went with our guest. Another surprised look could be seen upon my face. Think that I managed to appease our guest with an hour ride around the man made lake near our home. We got back just before the rain started again and waited for the remainder of our company. Although I wasn't prepared for the majority of the day things turned out just fine.

Lesson learned if DH wants to do something better make sure I make all the arrangements. Thankfully the weekend is just two days away I need a break!