Thursday, December 31, 2009

Take 30

Here we go, the annual "what I would ideally like to do over the course of the next calendar year" list.

What happened from last year? Here's the list and the results:

1. Be a better, more grateful, helpful and happier husband to Sharon
(I'm not sure, you're gonna have to ask her about that)
2. Be better, more grateful, helpful and happier to myself
(still working on that)
3. Be healthier (hey, you can't ever be too healthy)
(I think it's coming along...I actually kept up with the "working out at least three times a week" aspect)
4. Work less, enjoy life more
(check)
5. Recognize my limitations, embrace my strengths
(still working on that too)
6. Get a dog and be responsible for her (somehow, adding this on a new years resolution seems awfully a lot like implying something to a certain reader of mine)
(FAIL)
7. Be more responsible
(in what way? What the heck was I thinking when I wrote that? But whateves, I'll just say, "check")
8. Finish renos! (I think this one will be on every list from now on)
(I finished the bathroom, which was a big accomplishment to me. I even installed a window in my garage)
9. Curb some of that conspicuous consumerism
(aside from the clothing I needed -- I did need to get clothes that fit me better -- I think this one, ummm...still needs to be worked on)
10. Stress less. About everything
(working on that too)

Let's see what I could muster up in the next 15 minutes (when I get to leave work):

1. Be more patient with all the people around me (especially my wife)
2. Be more patient with all aspects of life
3. Be more healthier (not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well)
4. Finish the renos! (kitchen this year)
5. Curb some of that conspicuous consumerism
6. Stress less. About everything (okay, at this point I seem to be copying the same stuff from last year)
7. Be more confident
8. Recognize the things and people that truly make me happy in life
9. Don't screw up (biggest one)

Merry New Year's! Wish me luck!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What's A Drawback...

...of working these shifts, though?
The day feels so dang slow
* * *
Can't believe that tomorrow is the last day of 2009 and it will be 2010. Where the heck did 10 years of my life go?!?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

What's It Like Working...

...when 85% of the people are not at the office?

Nice, actually. Very nice. Even nicer when you're on the phone lines and absolutely no one calls.

Oh, and I also got to the gym this morning. It's also nice to get moving again after a week of sloth and gluttony

Monday, December 28, 2009

Wanted: Fatty Food, Willing To Travel

Okay, okay, today is the last day of gluttony. I hope.

Went to lunch with Row and Clavo at Pac Mall for some delicious Peking Duck. A whole duck shared between the three of us? Errr, yeah. Of course, followed by a bubble tea.

Got home, then picked up BeeJ and went to Arv's place where I got a haircut. We ended up at Eaton Centre where I picked up more cheap stuff at Old Navy (I hope my darling RW & Co. doesn't find out I'm cheating on her...but the dress shirts were only $12! Of course I had to buy one. Or four.). We then ended up at Hwy. 61, a ribs joint. Again...yeah. But whateves, good times hanging out with the boys.

I'm really hoping I wake up tomorrow for the gym.

Oh, and something I thought was funny: you know how I know BeeJ is not from around here anymore? When a homeless person at Eaton Centre asked him for change, he responded, "sorry, I don't have any" instead of doing the Torontonian thing of just ignoring them. Seriously...tourist

Taboo Times

So had the peeps over last night. We ate, they drank, listened to some people state what they thought about marriage (hilarious), and played taboo. Good times! I'm imagining what it's going to be like when all the friends start having the kids. Next stage in life?

I realized looking at my past few posts that all I've been talking about is the overeating. It's like I'm obsessed about that or something. So it's no surprise that I'm going to complain about it one more time? Gonna go with some workmates for Peking Duck today. I'm not sure if my arteries could take it. But I will be hitting the gym tomorrow (if I don't go into cardiac arrest)

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Try As I Might...

...this time of year will always lead to overeating.

Mind you, it doesn't help that the foods I'm eating is horrible in even smaller quantities. For example, yesterday when the fam came over, I made a turkey. Covered in bacon.

And now tonight when Beevy and company pass by, I'll be making a Roast Beef. My skin feels tight

Saturday, December 26, 2009

It's A Boxing Day Miracle!

So Sharon and I just got home from (her) Boxing Day tradition of waking up early and hitting the stores. I say it's her tradition because if it were up to me, I would've just stayed home and avoided the crowds, as I do hate people. It's funny though because this tradition of hers always ends up with the same result: I find more stuff to buy and end up buying too much.

To wit:
-went to Canadian Superstore first where she wanted to buy memory cards. She found them while I went food shopping (for our get-together tonight with family). And then Sharon found something that I'll never forget we bought on this day: laundry detergent. Why? They were on sale for so cheap, we bought a dozen of them
-then went to Erin Mills. First stop was Sears, where I bought a tie and Sharon got a new set of towels. I never knew towels could be so heavy; but that's also because Sears has the worst plastic bags (crappy handles) and plus we had to lug it around the mall
-I realized that I have a Boxing Day tradition as well; for the third straight year, I bought a new basketball at Sportchek
-we then went to Old Navy. What started out with me looking for $20 jeans turned into me buying two toques, a tech-shirt, a grey pea coat, a puffy vest and a military-style jacket. And no jeans. But most of the stuff was 60% off, so my rationalization wasn't that hard

All-in-all, a good shopping day albeit I'm pretty tired and am now thinking about having to cook for the family tonight. Yikes

Friday, December 25, 2009

My Mother Is Funny (Christmas Version)

So I still had to work yesterday, which kind of sucked, but luckily it was a quiet day. Sharon dropped me off to work so she could pick me up and we would go straight to Christmas Mass in Oakville by Gil and Marie's house. Luckily Kat lives nearby and she told me to park on her driveway, which we did. When we got to the Church, Con astutely pointed out, "well, these are not the demographics we're used to". He was right. It was a White Christmas, afterall.

The Mass itself was pretty good, with them having a play done by the kids, and the choir/band being quite good. I haven't been to Church in a long while. I don't know what the new year will bring for me with that.

Anywho, we went to my parent's house for dinner. Gil, Marie and Xavier had to go to Marie's grandma's house first, so we had some time before the chaos that would ensue when he got to our house. My parents got a Wii, so Sharon and I battled it out with the games they had. Good times (perhaps because I kept winning...oh that's right Bubba)!

When they finally came, as expected, everyone was fawning over the babyboy. He's such a cute kid; perhaps I'm a bit biased, but whateves.

Random quotes by my Mother who is funny, but not trying to be funny:

-"I came home and Con ate all the first floor! I didn't know where it all went!" (trying to describe to Sharon how my brother ate pretty much all of the first tray of the Tofiffee candies")

-"Where's the Goo-Gaa-Gann? Goo-gaa-gun? Goo-goo-goon?" (actually that was both my Mom and Dad trying to ask Con to get the Guylian chocolates)

-"Who is that?" (the question my Mother asked Gil when looking at a picture Gil showed her of Xavier. Naturally, the outrage that followed was quite humourous. We're left wondering if my Mom brought him to Square One or something, would she bring home a black kid thinking it was Xavier?)

Anywho, Happy Christmas to all. Gonna go to the In-Laws for lunch and then we're gonna come home and CSI it. Then we're gonna have to prepare for the weekend when we have company over (the only thing I dislike about that? Having to actually prepare the food for it. It's a nerve-racking experience)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Two Down

That would be the holiday parties.

Good times at Paresh's place, playing some good ol' Rock Band.

Overeating? Check.

Tomorrow is last day of work before four days off, then I'm working next week (I must be a sucker), followed by Christmas Mass by Gil and Marie's house. Hectic!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Why Is It Always The Season To Overeat?

Seriously.

I really got to get ahold of myself.

Well, it's officially the start of the party circuit...tonight it's Kim's, tomorrow Paresh's, Friday at Xavier's, this weekend at my house...yowza

Monday, December 21, 2009

Because, You Know, I Needed Another Pair Of Glasses

BUT, these ones I did need: prescription safety glasses! For when, you know, I inevitably screw up the kitchen I will be renoing.

I do have a legitimate excuse though. These glasses are quite concave, so the field of vision is distorted (kind of like the 3D glasses I was having problems with yesterday). So if the walls don't look straight, it's not my fault

Sunday, December 20, 2009

3D(izzy)

Why the hell am I so delicate?

So Sharon and I went on a date this morning and watched Avatar in 3D. It was actually a not so bad movie, even bordering on good. In true James Cameron form, it was very detailed and long (my kidneys were bursting near the end), but they had some pretty good concepts in the movie (connections, respecting nature, love, blue balls, flying dragon-like creatures, etc.).

The 3D would've been nice, perhaps if I brought my contact lenses? Either way, I had to remove the 3D glasses (on top of my real glasses) occasionally just to refocus.

Anywho, we're gonna go look for appliances when Sharon gets back from Church (I hope she prays for her husband who is in the "skipping Church" phase right now). This kitchen reno has legs and it's ready to run

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Kitchen Bit'chen

So I went to a few appliance stores today to start planning the kitchen reno.

Not that I'm complaining or anything, but it's already a bit overwhelming. So many choices out there, and it's hard to decipher what is good/reliable balanced with good value.

If the bathroom took 6 months to finish, yikes, I wonder how long it's going to take the kitchen...

"What Do You Want?"

That would be my wife talking to Xavier, hoping he would answer her (?). I found it amusing.

So we went over to Gil and Marie's last night. They had to go do some errands, so they left X with us for about an hour. Practice?

According to them, lately he's been a fussy baby, and I could see why. Every few minutes he started to cry because he wanted either to: change positions, eat, be changed, be rocked, be burped, etc. But whatever, we didn't care because we love the kid.

And then inevitably, I started thinking about our future with a baby. While a little nervous, I would be excited. Sharon? No wonder she wants to wait a bit...lol

* * *

"Frigging Hell" (great statement to say)

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Orthoics Insoles 3000

So I had to get my insoles resurfaced so I went to visit the fine folks at Bioped and met up with the always hilarious Jools. She's preggers now and her and her husband will be expecting in June.

I got this brand-new space age material. It's all shiny, and carbon-fiber looking. I hope it's good when I try it out tomorrow.

Oh, and I also got Xavier his gift. Wow, going into Babies R' Us, I can see why parents go broke having kids

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Good Bye Shoes

So found out some surprising news at work today; the only Manager I've ever had (Aldo), has announced that at the end of January he will be leaving the Region. It's not a bad "break-up" or anything, but he decided to move on to the private sector.

On one hand, I am sad to hear; he's an awesome boss and we've always had a good working relationship. We even have a good friendship, I would think (we play on the same soccer team as well).

On the other, I am happy for him because after 15 years at the Region, I can see why he wants a change.

Naturally, this means changes are going to happen at work. And with Kat's mat-leave coming up, looks like I'm gonna have to do some contemplating again.

One part of me says "seriously? You're gonna go through that crap again?" But the other part of me says "seriously? You're not going to try?"

I don't know. Yuck

* * *

Hard for me to forget, hard for me to let go, wish I didn't remember so much, wish I wasn't so slow

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Good Thing It's Not Called An Overshirt

So if there's one thing I hate that happens to me occasionally when I go to the gym, it's when I forget my shorts. Since the last time that happened, I always make it a point to check my gym bag to make sure I have shorts. After all, I can't exactly play basketball in my underwear or my dress pants.

Today, I found something else I hate: when I forget a shirt to wear. Luckily, it's that time of year where I wear white undershirts. While it felt weird to wear my dress shirt directly on my skin during this time of year, thank goodness I at least had something to wear at the gym. Because if I were to workout/play ball shirtless? Yeah, that can't be good for anyone

Monday, December 14, 2009

Well That Was...Different

So I went from playing basketball with people where I'm one of the worst to playing basketball with people where I'm one of the...best?

I don't know how to feel about that. Actually, I know how to feel about that: why can't I play with people where I'm right in the middle?

I enjoyed getting out and running, but the gym was not what I expected. I'm gonna sound like a prima-donna here, but I think I could only play basketball when the floors are hardwood. The gym I played at was concrete. Hurts the joints. I think I'm just getting older. That or I'm coming up with sadder excuses

Blistering

Dammit, got a bad blister, and I'm supposed to play basketball tonight with new people (temp guy I met at the clinics I was working at happened to be a Gator but two years older and he told me to come out to play some ball).

Found my excuse not to play well!

* * *

Choices; whatever the type, I live with them

Sunday, December 13, 2009

I'm Thinking...

...Arby's! There was a red hat above my head at lunch today. Nothing like "roast beef" (is it, though?) with melted fake cheese and Arby's sauce and Horsey sauce to hit that spot.

So we went to Yorkdale today (just to try something different), and met up with Arfeli. I was looking at all the people doing all this shopping, presumably for Christmas time. It's crazy to me how our society is so hell-bent on consumerism. Mind you, I'm not all high and mighty because obviously I'm a stupid consumer as well.

But what if we had nothing? What if we were poor, didn't have the material goods we have, and didn't always want "stuff"? What would make us happy?

I would like to think "each other". I hope others think the same way

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Old Guy Playing Ball

So I played ball with Con and his friends. While I'm only three years older than them, I was still the eldest.

Now, I didn't embarrass myself playing or anything, but I got to start thinking: if I had back even the last three years of my life, I would've definitely taken better care of my body and diet. I know I'm talking crazy (considering I'm not even 30 yet), but for some reason I'm becoming more and more aware that time is going by fast.

This is not to say that I'm taking care of my body and diet now. But, I think it's all downhill from now.

I'm not dramatic at all

* * *

Taylor Lautner is on SNL right now. My wife is in love with him (statutory comes to mind, considering he's only SEVENTEEN years old). She is watching me type this right now. She doesn't care, because she has that goofy smile going on right now. It didn't help that he did this martial arts demonstration on the show.

I don't think I ever garned that smile from her before.

She's even forgoing her precious, precious sleep just to watch him.

Wow

One Man's Junk Is Another Man's Junk

So my neighbour is moving and they are having a garage sale. You know what that means; that's right, scavenging time!

Now while my wife may think I'm just buying another man's junk (not that junk; as an aside, I think the word "junk" is hilarious), really I'm buying stuff that is useful and I actually will use.

To wit:
-air compressor with all the tools (for $50? How could I not?)
-30' ladder ($20? That's way less than a dollar a foot!)
-skates ($5. No, seriously, I'm gonna go skating)
-leaf bags (you could never use enough)
-crow bar (price undetermined so far; it's on my tab. This is especially useful, as Sharon does need to use something to use against me)

Merry Christmas to me!

Friday, December 11, 2009

My Morning Jacket

Thanks to the show American Dad (one of the funniest in my opinion, btw), I found the music group "My Morning Jacket". They have a nice sound, actually, and I listen to them on Youtube during the workday.

Listen:

I may actually have to buy their albums on iTunes

* * *

Feeling kind of Scroogey at work. They had a potluck today I was trying to avoid, but considering it was being held right by my desk (and with Kathie doing the dreaded, "could you just go? Do it for me" line), I couldn't avoid it.

I hope my mood changes at work. I can't choose who my teammates are, so I better just live with it and make the best of my situation

Thursday, December 10, 2009

It's Cold!

Living here all my life, and yet I'm complaining about the cold?

Next thing you know I'm gonna start complaining about taxes

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Bubba, When Are You Coming Back?

I miss having a lunch to bring to work...lol
Admitedly, I've been quite lazy preparing my lunch for work. Usually my wife does it, but she went away for the past couple of days for training. And so, I have been horrible and eating out for lunch a lot. Luckily, she's coming home tonight. I hope. (Can't wait to see her reaction when she reads this)
Today, I figured, if I'm gonna go bad, I may as well go bad all the way. Got myself a big box meal from Taco Bell.
Yeah, I have a feeling I know how I'm going to be feeling in a few hours
* * *
So I started shovelling this morning at around 6:00am, thinking I'd be done in 15-20 mins. so that I could still go to the gym. Problem was, it was the heavy snow, and I finished in 40 minutes. So by the time I got to the gym (remember, people don't know how to drive, so the traffic goes much slower), it was already 7:20am. So basically, I just went there to take a shower. But that's okay, I went to get an oil change for my car right after. And then it took me 50 minutes to drive to work when it would normally take me only 15 minutes. Yeah

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Snow-No!

Actually, snow-yes! Supposed to be snow forecasted for tomorrow, the first one for the year. I love snow, even though I may not necessarily enjoy shoveling it (but that's debatable).

The only thing about a snowfall I don't enjoy is when people, who apparently suffer through amnesia during summer and fall, forget how to drive in snow. If the 15 cm. that is supposed to fall comes true, then I imagine I'll be aggravated come this time by tomorrow

* * *

We just know

See, This Is Why...

...I should've skipped soccer: I rolled my ankle pretty badly.
So what do I do to make it feel better? Well, I go and play basketball in the morning. Who needs ankles, really? Sure I was hobbling around, but I would like to think I am a Warrior (of retardedness).
But it was worth it: I won this morning against four other guys. I promptly had a champagne celebration in the locker room. Well, not really, but it felt like that in my head, because it feels like I win the world championships whenever I win. It especially feels good because I was like that injured player that soldiered on and ultimately won it all in the face of adversity (hmmm...I really don't have a lot in my life to make me happy, it would appear. My illusions of grandeur also involve me signing a pro-contract now...lol)

Monday, December 07, 2009

First Day Back

And this is what it felt like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urN__5-3k_U

Only in the sense that I saw the same faces that aggravate me

* * *

Have soccer in less than an hour, and I'm looking for an excuse not to go. I think I feel lazy. Or I just don't like playing anymore.

I dunno

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Grilling Season Is Over When I Say It's Over

Steak in December? Oh hell yeah.

After a day of working (I know, wtf? Working on a Sunday? Eh, easy overtime), we had steak for dinner. Yum-yum

* * *

Wish life was simpler sometimes

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Schmoozing With Old Folk

So that was...interesting. Honestly, I think I had fun going to a party where we were so out of our element and it being so random.

First of all, everyone at the party was either our parents age or our grandparents age (no joke).

Second of all, lots of them were telling stories which began, "I remember back in 1961..."

Third of all, there was a point where two guys dominated the conversation and they talked about Whiskey and Scotch and Single Malt for 15 minutes.

Again, though, this was all so very interesting. Now I know what it feels like to be old!

So at one point, Sharon told the old guy who had a handlebar mustache (which was really cool, btw. I swear he drives a classic car or something) that I was a PHI. He asked me where I worked, and which places were dirty (very, very standard questions I always get when they find out what I do). I joked with him that it's usually Chinese Restaurants.

So he said, "I have a son-in-law who is 6'5" who had to go to China..." and then proceeded to talk for about 10 minutes about China and it's population and how they eat anything that moves and in the end, I was so intrigued that it got to the point it did after he asked me about what I did.

Seriously, I think I had a good time. Sharon too. I hope this doesn't mean we're getting decrepit or anything.

Oh, and I made these short bread cookies, and the only other non-white guy there (older Chinese guy) made chocolate chip cookies, and everyone there "absolutely loved them" (that's my older white lady imitation). Now we have to e-mail our neighbour the recipes so that she could e-mail it to them. Again, all so very interesting

Not Quite Done

I still have one more shift in the office tomorrow. Wow...working on a Sunday. Awesome. Well, not really, but it's double overtime (kitchen dreams are coming closer)

* * *

Gonna hang out with older white folks tonight, as the neighbours are moving and they're having a going-away soiree. Hope it's not awkward

* * *

Better not screw up again

Friday, December 04, 2009

Answer Telephono

New song that's on par with "Evacuate The Dance Floor": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeXvJjp7Jrg&feature=related

I'm starting to think I'm not that cool with my musical selections anymore (anymore? Were you ever?)

Last Day

So I think I'm gonna miss doing this latest role. I got into a groove and started enjoying it; of course only at the end. Mind you, my role would be described as a typical useless government worker, but hey, I do what they tell me.

I also think I'm really nervous/anxious going back to the office on Monday, although I don't know why (I really do know why). Yikes

Thursday, December 03, 2009

MeTube

Can't remember what it was like before the YouTube era. Everytime I think of song from the past, I'm able to look it up and instantly hear it (without buying, a la iTunes).

Here's another classic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Tf21Uqvm6s (I always thought that Babyface sang this song)

And just to continue my gayness, here is another one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znHP1VjTx1A

Oh, and this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUbSa0XoIhk (I think the "Bahay Tribe" used to house with that one...lol)

* * *

Two more days, then back to reality this Monday. Fun while it lasted; met some nice Supervisors from the other teams. One of them is trying to convince me to join her team. I'm not sure if she's aware I'm not a nurse?

Anywho, I suppose I'll do something nice for them and bake cookies or something

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Evacuate

So I've come to terms with the fact that I like this song, no matter how dumb it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrm05oolntA

Man Cascada sucks.


I feel like I should be doing aerobics when I hear something like that.

(I really have to stop doing those classes)

Do De Donair

So since I've been working evenings, I've had time to venture out to places for lunch. Yesterday, I went to Halifax...Donairs.

Found this place: http://www.halifaxdonairandpizza.com/ randomly. Since I live somewhat close to Milton, I went for a jaunt as I love the donairs and there isn't a decent place that serves them in Mississauga. I was speaking to the owner and he claimed it was better than the ones in Halifax, as the places in Halifax tend to skip ingredients in an effort to cut costs. He also claimed he has the original recipe, as his Greek ancestors brought it with them when they settled in Halifax. (Riiiiiiight...because donairs are Greek?)

The result? Well, it was okay, but it didn't quite hit that spot. I'll prolly have to try it one more time before I settle on whether or not I like it. Or maybe I should just order more of that sweet sauce goodness

Leaves your breathe smelling tasty, and your arteries non-functional!

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

"Okay Guys! This Move Is A Little Feminine!"

Said the step class instructor.

I'm not sure if she realizes that the fact alone I was doing a step class was feminine as it is?

The League Of 1980's Humans

Been feeling the classic 1980's hits lately, like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH2X5PolerA

Or this one, one of my all time favourites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYb83KM4at4&feature=related

And just to add to the cheesiness factor, this baby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ-jQRj9EDs&feature=related

Holy crap, I think I'm channeling my inner-CHFI/EZ-Rock 97

* * *

Hate being restless, unable to sleep and tossing and turning. Sorry Bubba

* * *

Found out it's my last week of being a "Supervisor". Fun while it lasted, I guess. Back to reality next Monday. I hope I'll be somewhat refreshed by then