Animals

They drive me crazy! Well, the cats do at least. I'm not sure how I ended up with the zoo. Rob wanted the dog to begin with, yet I have the dog. I also have his cat. It wasn't so bad when he was living here because we would share animal duties. But now that it's just me, it's a big job!!!! A really big job!!!! I now understand why people who have crazy amounts of pets let their house go and turn into shambles. It's not because they're lazy....it's not because they don't care.... it's because it would be a full-time job taking care of them!!!

I only have four pets (I say so casually as if it's normal to have four) and I'm going mad. Crazy mad. Psycho mad. Example: I cleaned my loft on Tuesday afternoon. Scrubbed it down. Washed the floors (concrete's surprisingly hard to keep clean), the bathrooms, did my laundry. My friend Jen was coming over for dinner that night so I wanted the place to be animal hair free. After I was done, the place looked great! Wonderful! I loved my home.

The next day I came home and found track marks. Fred track marks. He was out on the balcony, got wet and muddy because they pressure washed our building and haven't cleaned up the balconies yet, but Freddie managed to walk all through it then track it into the house. There is a perfect trail of him going from the balcony door all the way into the kitchen to his food bowl, and back out. He obviously did this several times. So now I have to mop again!

I then went up stairs to find that one of the cats barfed on my new clean bedding. ARGH! BASTARDS. I had to throw everything into the washer AGAIN and wait for it to be done before I could go to bed. While it was washing, I was in the bathroom flossing when I heard a strange sound down stairs. The dog barfed up what ever it was she ate at the park that I couldn't identify. So I had to stop flossing and go clean that up. When I came back upstairs, Chicken (Zhu Zhu) hacked up a hair ball on the floor and Freckles shredded the last of my toilet paper that I stupidly left on the counter (you have to put it up high as she loves to shred). I think it was at that point that I started to cry.

So you see, it's not that crazy pet people are crazy and lazy, it's just a full-time job.

Family Dinners

Last night was our family Thanksgiving Dinner. YUM! We were unable to have it on the Monday of the long weekend due to a new addition of our family being welcomed into the world. So we had it last night.

I usually jump at the chance to bring along a friend or two to our dinners as you never know what's going to happen except guaranteed laughing. Yesterday my mom told me that there was an extra spot at the table. I quickly ran through my mind who I would invite. But then I decided not too. I wanted to have dinner with my family.

It was fantastic!!! Mom had this yummy white wine that normally I wouldn't have because it was on the sweet side, but it was tasty. Not only that, they were at the vineyard on their last trip. So it was neat having something that they enjoyed on their vacation.

Next surprise, my sister April made the most yummy of all yummy turnip dish. I don't like turnips and I don't dislike turnips. I just don't think about them. But now I will, all of the time thanks to Aprils dish!!!! It was creamy and sweet and spicy. I'm hoping she passes along the recipe. That one is going into my book! Her dish went really well with the most hilarious story about her friend Jess and a swing set.

So all in all, it was a great night and Rob and I left full and happy. I love my family. I feel lucky that they're in the same city. We don't always get to see each other so it's really nice when we finally do. I think that's why I didn't want a friend to come along this time, it's been awhile since we've had family time. I wanted to be selfish!!!!

What a Tuesday!

I haven't really felt like going into the office lately. I find it depressing. Work is piled up all over, files need to be filed, deadlines looming, etc. Not much fine. Not very inspiring. So on the weekend I decided to bring home my laptop, a couple of files and some accounting. I set myself up at the dining room table and yesterday morning, started to dabble with some work. I used to work at my little home office set-up, but I stopped when my printer died. It had a piece of paper jammed in it, so I fixed it but the printer thought that there was still a jam. I did EVERYTHING to fix it. I uninstalled the printer drivers and reinstalled, I turned it off and on several times, and I even shook it violently but alas, nothing worked.

Yesterday I had a commitment letter that I had to get out. I didn't want to drive all the way to the office just to print off a stupid commitment letter. So I marched on over to London Drugs and purchased myself a new printer/copier/scanner machine. Brought it home, placed it on my shelf under the fax machine and moved my laptop from the dining room table to my desk in the corner. I did my commitment letter took the rest of the day off.

This morning I got up and came down stairs and saw my little home office. My new printer, my fax machine, my laptop... all that was missing were piles of admin work, deadlines and filing... "Interesting" I thought to myself as I had this weird happy feeling inside. I went and made me a cup of coffee, brought it to my little desk area and suddenly felt inspired. I didn't have to worry about stupid admin, or filing or anything else. Today, today I could be a broker. I could do broker things. I could actually do things that help make me money instead of doing things that don't make me money but keep the boat afloat. I made contacts with new brokers and got two lunch dates out of it. I made contact with a new realtor and made a date for coffee. I got a new deal and sent a commitment letter! I even got word on my land fill deal from a broker in Victoria, that his lender is looking at it tomorrow!!!

I got more done in the last two hours then I would have at the office. A change of scenery. That's all it took. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to get a part-time job and volunteer as a dog walker for the SPCA, but it felt good to sort of like what I do again. It also made my assumption correct, I'm done with MIC's and admin. I just want to be a broker.

Life is good.

A fabulous weekend!

I have to say, this weekend has turned out to be a pretty good weekend. On Friday night, my friend Chantal met me at Diamond, a local drinking/tapas spot in Gastown. One of our favorites because of the delicious cocktail, Isabella - Sparkling wine, basil, mango and ginger. So yummy!!!

After that we ventured over to our next favorite place, Salt Tasting Room. If you haven't been here, go!!! It's wonderful little place in Blood Alley (also in Gastown) that offers up fine cheese, meat and plenty of wine, sherry, port, etc. It's such a neat little place and always busy. WAAAY back in the day, Matthew and I went to Salt when they first opened and became addicted. Now he works there so it's even more fun to go now!!!! After I walked to Chantal to the bus and waited with her until she was safely on it (I'm a good date) I went home, walked pups and had a fantastic sleep.

Saturday morning I made two coffees to go, toasted two bagels with cream cheese, threw the dog in the car and picked up Rob for our morning date with the dog. I took Rob and the dog to MacDonald Beach in Richmond as Rob hadn't been there before. I hadn't either until last weekend. It's dog heaven. It's at the airport so it entertains me as well, watching the planes land. Fun!!!!! Then I dropped him off, cleaned my loft and got ready for my hot date that night. Rob was coming over for dinner and to watch our shows!!!!

I made a delicious red wine risotto, grilled asparagus, bbq'd some steaks that we had previously wet aged and tossed a bit of greens in a spicy strawberry dressing. YUM YUM. I also bought a lovely bottle of wine, under $20 because we're broke, that tied in the whole thing. Rob showed up promptly at 8:30, looking quite dapper, and we had the most wonderful night.

Now it's Sunday morning, the sun is out, the dog has been walked, coffee in my cup.....time to watch some football. :o)

Lunch

I'm not afraid to admit that I am a creature of habit, when it comes to lunches at work. When I had the office at home I would eat a can of tomato soup with crumbled up white aged cheddar, freshly ground pepper and some crackers crunched up. Delicious! Jeff, my ex-colleague, used to make fun of me for eating the same thing. At the time, I also ate the same breakfast, scrambled egg whites, veggies, crumbled feta, lots of garlic and hot sauce.

But it was easy having those two meals because the office was in my house. So cooking lunch was fantastic. Now, I have an office outside of the home and it's a bit different to try and eat the same thing. Well, so I thought but I've gone back to eating the same thing. This time salad. Lots and lots and lots of salads. Right now I'm on a Kale salad kick with chopped up peppers, carrots, celery, cranberries and a fantastic dressing, Renee's Gourmet Spring Herb Italian Vinaigrette. I usually make my own dressings, but I keep a bottle in the fridge at work because this dressing is delicious and not that bad, ingredient wise. No added sugar, dairy free, egg free, gluten free, etc... Even though there's a lot of "free" it's tasty.

The nice thing about my office is the fact that no matter what time of year, it's an average 24 degrees inside. I face south, no A/C or window to open. HOOOOOTTTT is an understatement. Rob, my lovely boyfriend/business partner kindly spent 30 minutes when we first moved in, tin foiling the solarium part of my window. It's a little ghetto, but I won't completely roast. The point is, because it's "summer like" in my office all of the time, I get to continue eating salads (seems wrong eating salads on cold days).

So if any of you reading this have some suggestions on your favorite salads, please post!!!! I can't keep eating Kale forever. Although I could. :)

I'm an Aunty again!!!!!

That's right people!!!! I'm an Aunty again!!! My wonderful brother Kevin and his wife welcomed their second child into the world yesterday, a beautiful baby girl!!!! He sent me pictures of him holding her this morning and no words can describe the feeling. Not one. To see your brother beaming ear to ear, and to see his daughter...so incredible.

Last night I had a wonderful conversation with my mom. Some of our conversation included the fact that we were both taken aback as to how we felt when Fenton, my brothers first child, was born. I have step-brothers & sisters that I have known practically my whole life, and when they had kids, it was "neat". Not super exciting or overwhelming, but "neat". When Kevin and Tandy had Fenton, I was expecting the "neat" feeling. I didn't have that. I had an "OMG can you believe this beautiful baby"-tear flowing-heart warmning feeling. I don't like babies, I don't hold babies, I don't go out of my way to see babies, but there was something completely and totally different with Fenton. Was it because he was family? Because he was blood? Because he was my first true nephew? Whatever the reason, I wasn't expecting the feeling I did have.

Well, I had that same feeling this morning when I downloaded the picture of Kevin and his beautiful daughter. I can't wait to meet her!!! I can't wait to hold her!!! Sucks that they live so far away!!!! And even better..... I can't wait to hang out with Fenton again. Such a smart smart smart kid, way to smart for not being three yet. And to my surprise, I can't wait to hang out with him. EEEEE!!!!!!!

Anyway, happy Thanksgiving everyone! I got the greatest gift an Aunty could get....another baby!!!

Saturday!!!!

Today turned out to be a pretty good day, and it's not even over yet! I woke up nice and early this morning (the boyfriend stayed at his own place) and threw the dog in the car and headed out to meet Christine for breatfast. I'd say brunch, but it was really early, so it's "breakfast". I like to try somewhere new every time we go. Because of doing this, we've found some hidden gems in our city that serve up the best breakfast! Twisted Fork is a must, for those of you who haven't experienced it yet.

Anyway, today we went to Gypsy Rose (no website), a small cafe on 4th that serves mostly crepes. I'm not a crepe person, it's not a food item I crave. However, I wanted to give it a whirl and we were quite delighted! On top of delicious crepes, they serve JJ Bean coffee. HELLO my favorite bean!!!! I had the crepe filled with tomato, basil, feta & spinach. Delicious!!! Cheap too. We sat outside so Sadie could sit with us instead of waiting in the car. It was quite warm out so it was nice to be outside.

After breakfast pups and I headed out to the beach. I actually remembered to wear my rubber boots in case the tide was out. No luck, the tide was completely in. But pups and I had a great hour regardless, walking up and down the little beach that was there. I then dropped her off at home and headed out again for Chapters. While roaming through the books trying to locate a book on how to run a marathon, my mom called to tell me that I'm going to be an aunty again at any moment!!! YAYAYAYA and BOOOO!!!!! at the same time. We're suppose to have a family thanksgiving dinner on Monday but now the parental figures are heading to Courtenay. Oh well.

So now it's peeing rain out and I'm in my loft with a snoring dog, the fire is on and about to make a pork tenderloin stuffed with bacon, gouda & apple. Yum! Hopefully the boyfriend will come over for dinner otherwise I'll have WAY too much pork!!!!!!

Maybe a bath before the boyfriend comes over, in case I fart in the tub again.

Thanksgiving

This is my favorite holiday. Don't get me wrong, Christmas is fun, but it can be pretty stressful. Presents, splitting time between families, traveling, etc. Yes there's food, wine and turkey, but there's all of that other stuff too at Christmas. Not with Thanksgiving!!!

It's an entire weekend of eating! If one spouse needs to see their family, you have the choice of three nights and that's totally ok to celebrate on either of those nights. Unlike Christmas where you technically have the one day. So I'm looking forward to seeing my family on Monday. Maybe Rob's on Sunday. Who knows. But that's the nice thing about thanksgiving, it just doesn't matter!!

Balance

Ahhhh..... life. Life is great. Life can be bad. It can also be challenging, rewarding and once in awhile, offers contentment. One thing that is hard to find, is balance. You can have balance for a few moments, hours, days or to some people, even weeks. But it's hard to have balance when you're bored.

I'm bored. Not in the sense of it's Tuesday night and I'm eating the same dinner that I have every Tuesday watching the same shows that I would watch every Tuesday. I'm bored with, well, life.

Work is busy, organizing my house the way I like makes me busy, preparing for my next 10k trail run is making me busy. But through all of this "being busy", I'm bored. I can do most of what I do in my day to day life with my eyes closed. And now, I'm bored.

Maybe I need a part-time job, other than the industry I'm in, to keep my mind active. Which I still may find, however I got thinking about my friends. It's really easy when you feel like your own life is lacking in something to be curious or even envious of your friends. Usually that's a bad frame of mind to be in, but I've decided to take it as a positive which leads me to this:

I LOVE MY FRIENDS. Every single friend I have, male or female, are in my life because they are awesome and offer me all sorts of positives. Laughter, support, knowledge, inspiration, blah blah blah. So I think the answer to my question of being bored and what to do, is answered with "my friends". Each one of them has something that they love to do that makes them, well, them, and seems to make them happy and offer them balance. Yoga, shopping, rock climbing, gardening, reading, cooking, snowboarding, lip gloss .... the list can go on.

So I've decided to do something that each of them do:

#1 Apply lip gloss at all times because super sexy lips no matter where you are at, are an asset. Some of you may think that this is an easy task. Well, it's not. If you're not used to wearing lip gloss all of the time, it's actually a hard habit to get into. However, every time I put it on and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror or reflection off a car window (because we all look at ourselves while walking past cars), I have to say, it makes me feel pretty.

#2 Yoga. I haven't started on this one yet, as I have to consult a friend as to which class/school would be a good place for a beginner that doesn't exactly have the body of Gumby, so stay tuned. But I have done it in the past and it did make my body feel better, especially after all of the horrible running & gym activities I put it through.

#3 Rock Climbing. Found a gym. Now I'm going to go see if I can do it. Heights scare the crap out of me, but I do have incredible body strength (yes, I'm tooting my own horn here) and I'm awesome at mapping out things in my mind, so this might actually be a good thing.

That's it for now. One step at a time. So I'm going to start here. If anything else, I'll understand & respect my friends even more (which is a win-win if you ask me) and find out more about me. This is the year of the Tiger which is me, and I did claim this to be the year of change for me, so maybe stepping out of my comfort zone even more so then I already do, is needed in addition to kicking out my boyfriend and still date him. Yay!