Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween For The Beggar Kids

As per usual, there are always the "too cool for a costume" kids that ring the doorbell.  Mind you, I'm hoping it's not because they are the same "too poor for a costume" kids.  That would suck.

Then there are the "if I put random make-up smears on my face people will think it's a costume" kids.

Oh, and don't forget the "way too old to be trick or treating" kids.

Sharon asked me when I became a crotchety, hating 60-year old man.

So naturally, I played a trick on her.  I became the "put a baby's booster seat in front of my face, ring the doorbell and make her think I'm a trick or treater" person.  Oh, and it worked alright, because the confused look on her face followed by the "oh crap" look on her face followed by the "try to shut the door on me" move made my night, really.

(I love Halloween because it makes Sharon very happy.  I swear it's the one time of the year that makes her happy, despite the fact that she doesn't dress-up herself.  I'm positive it ranks higher than Christmas for her, as well as much, much higher than our anniversary)

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Most Likely Blah Tomorrow

Work after four days off is always hard.  Especially when I was supposed to be working on my other projects (fireplace), but unsurprisingly failed to finish it up to the point I wanted it finished up

Luckily it's a short work week for me (I have Friday off), but Thursday evening I start 2 weeks of on-call.  Gawdalmighty I hope it won't be hell.

Gotta pump myself up like I'm a Reebok shoe

*  *  *

Back pains today was ridic.  Hopefully tomorrow it won't be as bad

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Walk, Roll, Run, Heave...Whatever

So it actually didn't go too bad this morning.  By that I mean I finished without passing out (not that that has ever happened to me before or anything).

I really like the 5km run.  Did you know it's only half of a 10km run?  lol

And yet, I still struggled.  I mean, I finished in under 26 minutes.  That's a slower pace for when I do a 10km!  Dangit.

I'm gonna go ahead and blame it on the chicken wings from last night.

Well whateves.  Next year I plan on taking Eamon with a jogging stroller

*  *  *

Went to our annual St. Jacob's field trip, but this time with JuDexDang.  Fun times!  Always like going there.

Except this year was a little different.  They opened up a Walmart right across the street.  Nothing says Mennonite Country like a Walmart

Housewarming At The Nikonor's

Ironic name for the party though because when we got there, the house was anything but warm (the windows were opened).

But the house was nice and it was nice hanging out with the friends.

I also might have eaten too much.  Couple that with the fact that I have a 5km race in a few hours...yeah...yeah...

*  *  *

Fireplace is coming along!  Drywall up...a million other things left to do (including, you know, figuring out exactly how to finish the dang thing :S)

Friday, October 28, 2011

That Brief Moment I Feel Like I've Had A Career Change

So I took yesterday off and worked on the fireplace.  There is some progress made, tanksgawd, but of course, not as much as I would've liked.

I went to Rona in the morning, and when I went to the desk to cash out, the cashier asked me, "is this going on your Contractor's account?"

Crazy.  I don't know what it is, but I love the thought of being known as a "contractor" (ghey, I know).

Let's hope today there is even more progress...

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

It's Friday!

It is on a Wednesday when you have Thursday and Friday off, what!

I'm hoping to make strides on this fireplace project.  Just really hoping this feeling of me getting sicks doesn't take root.  I'm going to have to blame Eamon on this one

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

I Swear It Wasn't A Dream

You ever have a dream that is so clear that you swear it wasn't a dream, and then when you wake up you are kind of disappointed?

I dreamt I won the Cash for Life Lottery.

Dang

Monday, October 24, 2011

Now Comes The "Real Test"

So our baby boy is sick for the first time in his life.  Went to his room this morning and there he was, coughing (I found it really cute) and all boogery (I found that really cute too).

He's a little trooper.  I feel bad for him, but also...good?  I mean, the boy does need some germs in his body.

But now is the time I always thought was the true test of a parent:  when your child is sick, you feel helpless and just hope for the best.  And that is what I'm hoping...for the best for my baby

*  *  *

Oh Lone Star Texas Grill, how I adore you and your endless bowl of chips and fresh tortillas.  I just don't adore you when...you let me eat too much.

Regardless, we went there for Con's Birfday.  I feel like I'm going to explode right about now

Lovah's Rock

Been listening to Reggae Lover's Rock covers lately.  Like these:


Listening to them makes me feel like I'm shopping for a patty and chubby in Nicey's

*  *  *

Happy Birthday to my bro Con...can't believe he's already 28

*  *  *

Monday!

Gogogogogogogogogogo

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Good Times With Dang, Jang And Dexang

Funny people, and glad to have a new "couple with child" friends

*  *  *

Work tomorrow...blah.  Gonna try to take a few days off to work on the fireplace

Saturday, October 22, 2011

It's That Point!

Danny finally came over and hooked up the gas fireplace.  Yee-uh!

I love it when I get to the "halfway point" in a renovation.  I know what left I have to do.  I mean, sure, it's a crazy amount still and I'm going to have to take some days off of work, but at least the part where I'm dependent on another person (save for the Cambria person at the end) is over with.

I just hope the "smell" goes away when the fireplace is actually on.  I'm going to believe that because it's a new unit, the adhesives/paint needs time to get accustomed to the heat it generates.

Watching/helping Danny install the fireplace also made me think about how I'd love to be able to work with my hands for a living (if only I was able to keep the same hours/benefits/lifestyle of the work life I have right now)

Oh Right...I Almost Forgot I Hated This Part Of Renovating

So lawdhavmercy our gas guy is coming tomorrow to hook up the fireplace.  I hope.  I really, really hope.

This means I had to finish building the wall that will be behind the fireplace.

Drywalling.  Drywalling.

Definitely not my favourite part of any renovation.  But whateves...needed to be done.  I still have a long way to go though...

Thursday, October 20, 2011

May I Take This Moment To Brag?

I ain't got a lot going (in terms of "for the win"), but I had one of those surreal moments playing basketball at the Police Station today:  we play 4 on 4 with games up to 9 points.  The traditional three pointer counts as 2 points, and the rest are 1 points.

In one of the games we played, I made an unthinkable 7 points out of our team's 9 points.  Crazy!

Let's keep a few things in mind here:  I haven't played as much ball as I wanted to lately and I'm horribly muffin-topping.  So I'm going to take this one little small victory.

And now I will let it go, because my team won that game...after losing the first four games.  But, you know, whatever

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Oldies Are Retiring

Just got word that a veteran PHI will be retiring next month.  Man...I sound dramatic, but it starts to make me think about my own "working life" and when I will retire/change careers.  It also makes me start to think how long I've been at the Health Department and that other veterans are sure to follow.

This particular PHI was a very good one and I will miss her.  Life goes on, and I wish her all the best

Hump Day What

I like these short work weeks.

Gogogogogogogogo

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Crunches, Crampches, Tomato, Tomato

So I did abs this morning for the first time in a long while.

And did it show?  Oh, it showed already.  I got these muscle cramps like I've never had before.  Usually a cramp would come and go.  This one was quite sustained.  I had to walk it off with my arms held up high.  I (think I) was able to go unnoticed by the crowd at the gym lest I embarrass myself.

But then afterwards, I thought what was more embarrassing:  having people see me cramp up, or having people see me hyperventilate (which I tend to do when I freak out, as such the case here)?  Luckily it sort of went away.

I think I've let myself go a little too much and I've been using the convenient excuse of "being a father".

Unacceptable.  Must...try...harder...

*  *  *

Worked on the fireplace this past evening.  Really wish there were more hours in the day.  It's going really slow (and I really hope I'm not screwing up anything here.  Or at the very least, I hope I'm not going to burn my house down)

Monday, October 17, 2011

Somewhat Productive But Not Productive Enough

Had a day off today (what).

So I decided to clean and work on the fireplace.  You can only guess how that went.

I mean, I did get some stuff done, but not enough as I want to (as per usual).  I can't wait until I get the opportunity to get this fireplace done already...starting to feel the pressure, whether it be imagined or not.

I'm going to go ahead and blame Eamon on this one (for no reason other than the fact he's my latest fall-back excuse)

*  *  *

Gonna have to hustle hard at work for the next little while...already feeling behind.  Just gotta ignore the stupidness

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Return Of The Mac(sen)

So Mistie was in town and baby Macsen celebrated his 1st birthday at Axia Restaurant.  They had a Korean tradition where they place 5 items, each representing a different "future path", that Macsen was to pick.

Some of the items included money (representing a future with money), rice (representing the fact that he will never go hungry), and a pencil (representing him being a scholar).  The guests were supposed to guess which one he was going to pick, and of course most everyone picked the pencil (considering his lineage).

But I, of course, went against the grain.  Or in this case, I went with the grain...the rice grain, that is (oh so clever).  Out of the 50 or so guests, I was one of three people that chose the rice.

And of course, my man Macsen chose the rice.  So then he had to pick one of the three names out of a box and he picked my name, what!

Boom!  $25 Tim Horton's giftcard.

I picked up Macsen and got a picture with him...crying.  But whatever, I know he was just looking out for his uncle.

What was my secret to picking the correct item?  Well...he's Asian.  They like rice.  My logic is astounding, I know

Eng-yay-gement Party

Good times to be had at Arfeli's engagement party.  If there is one thing that Arvin said that is true, it is this:  wow...this wedding is coming in so fast.  Very true

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Delightful Noodles

Though the name may have changed to Noodle Wok, it will always be Noodles Delight to me.  The same chef from when I was 8 years old is still there!  And the delicious, unhealthy food is still awesome.  Yumyum

*  *  *

Oldies but goodies:


Friday, October 14, 2011

Friday Is The Best Day...

...especially when you have Monday off.

Had lunch with JulesBuh at a South Indian buffet.  Wasn't too bad.  A bonus, but not really?  Smelling like the place for the rest of the afternoon.

My boy is getting more interactive.  He's awesome.

Tomorrow is Arfeli's engagement party.  Dang...next thing you know it's gonna be their wedding.  Time is going so fast

*  *  *

Inevitable.  Smile!  It's the way it's supposed to be

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Four

Has it been that long already?  Crazy.  (Mind you people who have been married for over 5 years would scoff and laugh at me).

This past year has been especially...eventful.

Just gotta keep supporting each other.  Through ups and downs, we just gotta keep being there for each other.

Thank you Bubs.  I love you.

Happy Anniversary...mumumu

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Weather Is Such A Biter

Blah days like the one outside tends to match my mood.  Just feeling so blah at work today.  I'm in this mindset where I feel so...discouraged?  Sad?  Bitter?...because of whom I have to work with.

I should check myself.  I've always said I'm no better than the next person.  Unfortunately, I'm starting to believe it.

When my manager today tells me, "good job...our numbers have been low in enforcement for food safety, and you're bringing it up", I do tend to believe stuff like that.  Doesn't mean I feel good about it, but at least my manager acknowledges it (as opposed to my dumbf*ck supervisor).

Again, I think these are signs...

(Bonus part of today?  Sharon brought my baby to work for a visit.  Always a pick-me-up to see my Sir Chunksalot)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Sang It, Monica


Felt like it at work today.  One of the badder days in a while.

It's hard to have enthusiasm and motivation to work when you work with an imbecile.  Seriously, I never had such little confidence in the management team as I do right now.  I don't think, unfortunately, that I'll ever be happy about this situation unless the management team changes (ie. some of them are let go/retire).  But obviously nothing like that will happen.

Might as well be complaining to the wind.

I also had to assist a student PHI at the end of the day where I closed down a restaurant.  Finished the day past 6:00pm.  Why should I care so much?  Seriously, what am I trying to prove?  Doesn't do well for the psyche sometimes.

BUT, good thing when I did get home:  got to see my chubbalubbs boy and Mistiesen passed by as well for dinner.

Take it day by day...

Monday, October 10, 2011

Heavy Turkey

I didn't have turkey this Thanksgiving, but I carried one around.

Eamon, that is.

He's getting quite plumper (16 lbs. now).  That in itself doesn't seem so heavy, but carrying him around in a baby carrier is starting to put a number on me.  I haven't stopped sweating and it's been an hour since I carried him last!

I don't want to work tomorrow.  I think I need another few days (if only)

My Wife Is Funny (Thanksgiving Edition)

Our conversation, more or less:

Sharon:  "When I gave birth, my belly button expanded.  It gave me an opportunity to clean out the belly button lint.  My belly button is still clean."

Me:  "Okay."

Sharon:  "It's too bad Eamon can't get pregnant."

Me (in my wtf? face, of course):  "Why would you say that?"

Sharon:  "Because his belly button is so dirty."

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Fore! Years Later...

...I play golf.  And I didn't only play golf, I played 27 holes of golf.  Needless to say, I'm feeling quite drained, especially since it was an unseasonably warm (felt like heat stroke) day.  It was one of the best showers I've had in a while...lol.

Regardless, good times with Ron, Mel and Henry at the all-you-can-play Oakville Executive Golf Club.  And I only lost 6 balls!  I mean, I sucked out there and it's true that it's not like riding a bike -- you can't just pick up where you left off.  Apparently you do lose skills (not that I had any to begin with).

I think the next time I play might have to be four years from now again.  Good thing I don't have my own set of clubs or shoes (borrowed from Gil).  The cost for golf is very prohibitive, especially since I have other dreams of what to spend money on.  Plus, I can't imagine Sharon being happy with me leaving for a whole day to play.

After golf, I went to my parents for Thanksgiving.  Eamon was actually not too moody today.  It's crazy to think how big Xavier has gotten, and how small Antonio is.  It was like seeing a spectrum when all three of them were there (with the exception that Eamon is most likely going to be much fatter than his cousins were/will be)

*  *  *

Spent all day yesterday outside as well, enjoying this warm weather.  Did yard work, cleaned the car, organized the garage.

Danny also finally came by, and with some luck, the fireplace will finally be installed in the next few weeks.  Jeez, I really hope.  I mean, Sharon really hopes, so I really, really hope so

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Ramen = Sodium Goodness

So after a hectic day at work, I was looking forward to the craving I've been having recently:  authentic Ramen.

So I went with Rowie to Kenzo Ramen this evening and...damn that's good. This is one of the drawbacks of living in Mississauga - not enough good restaurants.

The ramen was really good, but damn it was salty.  I've been drinking water ever since.

I then went to Arfeli's place.  Looks like their wedding shower is going to be busy

*  *  *

I think my blood is bipolar.  Two bloodtests ago, my cholesterol levels were perhaps the highest it's ever been.  One bloodtest ago, it's getting way better.  At least so my Doctor says.

Metamucil and oatmeal for the win?

Doesn't matter now considering the ramen I just ate

Thursday, October 06, 2011

I Hope I Never Have To Do This To Eamon

So we took a child CPR course.  Good refresher.

We even met our old high school guidance councillor there...crazy.  It's been well over 12 years since I last saw her and she still somewhat remembered us.

My parents took care of the boy.  My Mother is convinced that Eamon is not a Mama's Boy (he is), but rather a Lola's Boy.  I just think Eamon thinks she's the woman that is always in his face

*  *  *

Vote!

I've been reading the Toronto Sun a lot lately (why?!?  I don't know.  smh) and it's made me really bitter towards the PC.  Here's hoping they don't win...

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

"Stay Foolish, Stay Hungry"

I was never a "disciple" of Apple (aka. Apple Fanboy), but with Steve Jobs passing today a lot of stories and quotes are coming out.  The title of this post is one that I particularly like, and one I have to remind myself every so often

*  *  *

Gawd I hope the gas guy comes this weekend.  I need to finish this fireplace already

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

What A Biter

My progeny takes forever to get to sleep.  I think he copies his mother, the biter.

We put him down, then we watch the video monitor.  Tosses, turns, makes out with his stuffed animal, does a few rotations in the crib, slams his feet against the side of the crib, moans, groans...the good thing though is that at least he doesn't scream and cry.  Not that there is anything wrong with being unable to sleep right away though

*  *  *

Life just seems to be going so fast

Monday, October 03, 2011

And Then There Were Three

Antonio Joseph Marquez, welcome to the world!

He looks exactly like how Xavier did when he was first born.  Held the guy in my arms and I totally forgot that Eamon was that small and light.  I just have a chunker now.

Also met the boys' cousin Aiden, the half Italian/Indian child of Joleen's.  He's damn cute too...and such a happy child.  You know, just the complete opposite of ours...lol

I called it with another boy!  Poor Lola...haha

Can't wait till they're a little older.  Imagine the chaos...the chaos!!!

My Poor Mother

Marie gave birth to a 6 lbs. 9 ozs. baby boy just a few hours ago!  I called it with there being yet another boy.  There is no fear in this family that the Marquez name won't be continuing...lol.

My poor mother -- she has yet another grandson.  Not that this is a sad thing, but it's been well documented that she would really like a granddaughter.  I'm sorry, but apparently the genetics in this family means boys-ahoys.

And this also means that Eamon will have a cousin his age growing up.  I hope they get along and become friends.  It is my fear that they won't, simply because Eamon is already quite the emotional child/mama's boy.  Wow, not that I'm paranoid or anything.

Anywho, no name yet, but can't wait to meet the guy.  I'm positive Xavier is going to be the leader of this gang

Sunday, October 02, 2011

Ramen I Really Want Some

Just watched the movie "The Ramen Girl" starring Brittney Murphy.  I was even more attracted to her co-star:  the bowl of soupy heaven.  It was a cute movie and is now on my list of one of my favourites.  Mind you, it might have just been because I was hungry while watching it.

Ramen might be one of my most favourite foods ever.  Mind you I'm used to the pre-packaged, MSG crap, but still.

Can't wait until Friday when I'm going to go for a bowl with Row

My Mom Is Funny (October 2 Edition)

Her song to Eamon:  "Rain, rain, go away, come again another day...Eamon wants to...go outside"

Saturday, October 01, 2011

My Boy Is A Man...Well, Not Quite

When did my baby start to grow so old?  He's past 6 months now.  And this means...solid foods!

First try today:  baby mum-mums.  And it was a...fail.

Second try at dinner:  chicken, sweet potato fries, broccoli.  And it was a...fail.

Dang!  Being the excuse giving parents that we are, it was because he had a hectic day and he was tired (right).  I mean, he had swimming this morning, then he had his Optometrist appointment with Christine (his eyesight is not that good, but it's okay because it's normal for babies not to have good eyesight.  Or something like that.  I don't think I was paying attention enough because the poor kid was traumatized what with getting the dilating tear drops and his Father forcing his eyes open so the Doctor could see in them).  Then of course he didn't nap all that much, so by the time he "ate", he was overtired.

Plus, he's a boob man and quite the mama's boy already.  Seriously, this is a High Needs Baby (or as we call him:  HNB).  I'm hoping he grows out of it?  Apparently I forget who the father is.  It's not like he ever grew out of being High Needs.  Yikes.

Let's see what happens tomorrow

*  *  *

I'm hoping this did the trick for the case of the oh-so-frustrating leaking fridge/freezer.  The damn appliance is less than 3 years old!!!

I took apart pretty much every panel for the freezer, and found the problem (at least what I think the problem is):  an iced-over, blocked drain hole for the evaporated water.  I knew we were overloading the freezer.  Good thing I got the chest freezer.

Anywho, out came the hair dryer and towels and I'm hoping this will stop the water from leaking (and the sounds from the fridge that sounds like it is going to die...or, you know, explode).

Let's see what happens in the next few weeks