Monday, April 30, 2012

In Which The Price Fits

So I guess I just upped and got myself a new car today.  Wtf?

It was inevitable that a new car would have to be purchased, so I'm not that surprised.

Late Saturday, I gave a phone call to Family Honda in Brampton.  I somehow got through to the manager.  I asked him the price for the Honda Fit, and he told me he doesn't have that much markup from cost. I told him I would think about it.  He called me back within 2 minutes and offered me a deal that was too good to pass up...essentially about only $170 above their cost price.

I guess that tip of shopping for a car at the month's end and on a Saturday really is a good one, because they want to get rid of some inventory (as confirmed from another manager I met today).

So off we went to the dealership, went for the test drive, got approval from Sharon, was offered an awesome open financing rate (2.49%!) and well...yeah, just got a new car that is an upgrade over my Vitz.  Wowza.

It must've been a sign that I had to get this car (as you know, I believe in signs and fate and all of that).  I mean, on Saturday morning I found the car online on Autotrader (after just looking at used cars and just by chance looking at the new cars for sale) and decided to give them a call on a whim.  And then to find the car that I wanted (Fit), the colour I wanted (white), the trim I wanted (LX), the transmission I wanted (manual), for it to be in stock (rare as no other nearby Honda dealerships have it or hardly any other Fit's, really), and at the price I wanted must've meant that the stars aligned up for me yet again.  Dumb luck ftw!  I'm such a lucky idiot when it comes to these things.

I'm quite excited.  Maybe not for the money I'll have to shell out every month, but then again who doesn't have bills?

On the other hand, I am sad that I'll have to sell my Vitz.  I'll never forget it (and who helped me buy it...thanks Lola), but thus is life with material things

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  bought a car!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

A Study In Failure; Or, A Failure In Study

I was supposed to study this weekend.  Ha.

I have to get serious about this.  It's going to be quite embarrassing if I don't pass

*  *  *

A visit from Dr. Christine Yeung today was fun.  She's a very nice person and I'm glad Eamon was good with her

*  *  *

NBA Playoff time.  As per usual, this means a little less sleep when watching the West Coast games

Saturday, April 28, 2012

H-Ang-Ing Yet Again

Went to Eamon's first swimming lesson on Saturday's.  Crazy busy!  But I think he's the advanced swimmer in the class (right).

We then went to the Ang's.  Good food, good convos, good times.

I then had the bright idea to contact Family Honda in Brampton to inquire about the Fit I saw on Autotrader.  I got through to one of the sales manager, and he made me an offer I actually thought was fair.  So it seems now we'll be going there on Monday to check it out and I might actually get a new car (!).

I am convinced that there were too many signs for me to pass up this car.  A manual, the colour I want, offered for a reasonable price, and in stock?  How could I resist (aside from the fact I gotta find the money somewhere...lol).

Speaking of cars, Argay got his new car today.  Of course, we have to get the same colour of car (but not the same car).  No surprise, really

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  watered the newly seeded lawn, continuing the effort to grow grass

Friday, April 27, 2012

The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side...

...unless it doesn't grow.  Or something like that.

We spent out day off weeding, laying out soil, putting on seed and fertilizer and watering the lawn thoroughly in our attempt to make our lawn not the worst looking one on the block.  It was a dang lot of work!  Not just a lot of work...a dang lot of work.  But I always enjoy this kind of work.

Let's just hope it works.

I also spent the morning playing ball (first time in a while.  Unsurprisingly?  Huffing and puffing and fatigued right away).  I also went to Ray's to get my car checked out.  It's always good knowing someone that can fix cars so that you don't feel ripped off.  Even better?  When they check out/fix up your car and they don't charge you.  Score!

I hope that Honda Fit that I've been waiting for comes soon (I'm constantly checking kijiji/autotrader for a good used one, or if a Honda sale comes up that makes it worth it for me to buy new).  I'm gonna have to sell my car while it's still worth something.  It will, of course, always be worth something to me

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  removed a tree from the lawn.  Not just any tree...a tree with honkin' big roots.  Took me almost 45 minutes!  The tree served it's purpose well and I'll miss it (I'm always reminded of the Native thing where they say thank you to all living things before/if they have to kill it), but it needed to be done

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Seriously Hate This Feeling...


...of being sick.  Everytime I get sick, I keep thinking I'll never get over it.

Then when I blow my nose so much that it the skin gets raw and actually bleeds?  Yeah.  Grumpy galore.

I'm trying this Oil of Oregano thing that someone from the course in St. Catherine's told me to try.  I think it's working, but then again this virus is also passing.  I'm all about the placebo's I guess

*  *  *

Off day tomorrow.  I'm gonna try to visit the gym and play ball.  I hope I can breathe...lol

I had all these plans of running before the 10k race next week.  Yeah.  I'll blame it on being sick.

(as if I was going to "train" anyway.  I'm not like Argay or Ian.  Yeah, that's right, I know you're training)

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  sent e-mail to payroll for top-up

Microscopic Learning

So I spent the day yesterday in St. Catherine's learning how to ID mosquito larva.  I think it was the first time in 10 years I used a microscope. I forgot that it could actually be fun!

Stayed overnight but am feeling crappy. Sucks. This post-nasal drip thing is horrible.

Anywho, back home tonight after one more day of learning and I get to be home with Bubs and bubs. Or as I told them, "I'll be back home from war". Ghey.

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  studied a bit last night

Monday, April 23, 2012

Crap. That Feeling.

Feel the sickies really coming on.

Not good.  Especially with the crappy weather making things more unbearable.

But I can't be a baby about this (can't I? lol).  Lots of studying to do and will be in St. Catherine's tomorrow for a 2-day course.  Hope Sharon and Eamon survive, as they seem to be getting sick too.

Speaking of Eamon, I'm really glad to see he's adjusting to daycare.  I find it hilarious that as soon as I see him and pick him up, he starts to wave "good bye" to everyone.  Even more unbearably cute?  The other girl there his age, Addison, waves good bye back.  It's so cute it makes me want to vomit

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  first time in a while I feel like I got a good amount of work done at work

Quick Le Trip

So that was a whirlwind weekend.  Lots of eating (of course) and good qt time for Eamon with his Aunt Debbie.

Got home in the late afternoon yesterday, went for groceries, cooked, cleaned, laundry...and now, the whole family finds themselves sick.  Crap.

Hopefully my immune system kicks it pretty fast.  I'll be in St. Catherine's tomorrow (as if I'm a businessman) and I don't want to be sick while I'm away.  I also don't want to be sick like, ever.  But such is life.

Monday...

Gogogogogogogogogo

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Been A While Since I Went Nuts On My Arteries

Or maybe it hasn't.  But it wasn't a good look.  Good thing I ran like crazy last night and went on the bike just an hour ago.  Because...here is what I ate:

-continental breakfast at the hotel which included a hardboiled egg, english muffin, banana breakfast quesadilla and oatmeal (as an aside, Sharon has been making "from scratch" oatmeal the past year.  After eating that and going back to the packets...yeah...I couldn't even eat half of it)
-a Moe Wilensky "special" (grilled bologna, salami, cheese and mustard on a bun) with an egg cream soda.  Debbie happened to live around the corner from here, I googled it, found out it was a diner made famous in "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (an Argay book report from high school.  Random.).  It was okay but nothing I don't think I would ever crave or even try again
-a Merguez hot dog with coleslaw and an Elvis Poutine (with ground beef, green peppers and mushrooms) at Cafe Banquise 24h.  It was okay but again, nothing too special.  And it was quite heavy
-a cookie from a random pastry shop
-a heavy burrito, empanada, and Sharon's guac and chips from Cafe Luco.  Again, nothing too special, but that might've had something to do with the fact that I think I was close to bursting

It's really not a good look knowing I have a race in two weeks.  Or, you know, a good look in general.

We also went to Simons and found nothing to buy there.  I was marvelling at the men who were buying underwear that was for sale.  For $20 each.  wtf?  I must've missed the boat when it comes to fancy underwear.

Anywho, it was a nice quick trip here and nice for Eamon to spend time with Debbie.  Time for the long drive home tomorrow then back to reality for Monday

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  read two chapters of the manual for the pesticide course exam I have to take in a few weeks from now

Friday, April 20, 2012

That Was One Smoking Meat

So the trip wasn't bad and the boy survived.

First stop:  the Big Apple.  He slept most of the way.

Second stop:  Kingston to visit Belinda and her girls.  He slept most of the way.

Third stop:  Brockville where I got gas and purchased a Red Bull.  He slept most of the way.

Last stop:  Montreal.  He slept most of the way.

Awesome.

We met up with Debbie at the hotel and then went to Smoke Meat Pete's, which I felt the smoked meat sandwich was just as good as Schwartz's minus the lineup.  I also didn't overeat (go figure).

I am now going to go for a stroll on the treadmill because Eamon and Mommy are sleeping, and I may still have the Red Bull in my system.  About that:  yeah, I dunno...I think I'm becoming an old man and I can't do the long car drives as much anymore.  I was afraid I would nod off while driving.  It ain't like how I was when I was younger and I had more stamina.  But, much like other things...I'll blame it on the kid

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  didn't overeat and am going to go exercise

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Sitting Down At Work

Today was quite a sitting on my butt day at work.  Course in the morning, meeting (that ran overtime, smh) in the afternoon.  Then I had to rush outta there to pick up the kid, only to find out my parents did instead (they came over to visit, as well as my bros and Marie and the boys).

Then we went to Costco with my Dad where I bought a hot dog what (one of my favouritest meals).

I'm tired, but good.  Tomorrow we will be on our way to La Belle Province (or something like that) so that Eamon can visit his Godmother/Auntie before she moves to Ottawa.  I am quite excited for smoked meat; gonna avoid the lines at Schwartz's and go for Smoke Meat Pete's instead.  I'll also visit Simon's, even though I'm in no mood to shop for clothes.

Just hope Eamon doesn't break down during the long-a** car ride

*  *  *

Just read the Soprano's-like conclusion to www.1000awesomethings.com.  Loved the guys optimism about life and the likes there of.  I'd like to adopt the same mindframe more often than not

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

My Father Is Funny (April 18, 2012 Edition)

So my Mother is on Facebook, but it's usually my Dad who updates her page (I guess it's just easier if they share one together?).  It is my cousin's 18th birthday today, and my Dad always teased her growing up.  This is what he wrote on her Facebook page with my Mom's account:

hi anngeeh happy 18th birthday welcome to adult life.what's your wish? a car? money? big party? or b.f.? if i were you i'll pick up the later (b.f.) lol happy birthday and enjoy the day (dating) tito

Yeah, that's his humour (oddly similar to mine?).  Not only that, he used "lol".  Oh man...perhaps maybe the word "lol" has jumped the shark?  lol

*  *  *

Pie Guyz.  Gotdamn this might be my new joint.  I'm glad they don't have the nutritional values on the packaging

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  was gonna go back to sleep this morning after waking up, but I forced myself to get up and go to the gym, where I played ball.  Exercise for the win!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Clean Ahhh

Went for my routine dental checkup this morning.  Got a nice cleaning (and an old filling replaced).  I like the feeling afterwards.  Too bad it doesn't stay that way, but the feeling is good while it lasts

*  *  *

Looks like Argay is going to get a Hyundai...good for him; he's getting a good deal which is awesome.  I dunno, I can't see myself driving an Accent.  I can't even picture myself driving a Civic.  Wilson at work said to me, "driving a car is like an extension of yourself; it's like your personality."  How true (conveniently...lol).  I think I'm a Fit.  It fits me (cue the jokes).

I guess that since I'm not "group buying" the car with ArJ anymore, I can possibly wait and peruse Autotrader and Kijiji for a good-priced used one or wait on the dealership for when there is a good sale.  Or I might get impatient and just get it right away...

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  7km!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Civic Minded?

So a wrench got thrown into my car-buying decision...the Civic, it would seem, is the same price (if not cheaper) than the Fit.  I'm not sure what to do, as it does seem like it would be a better buy.

But as for what car I want, I think I'm still leaning towards the Fit.  I'm reminded again of my age old struggle of "do you want it or do you want it because of the price?"

Arvin and I went for a test drive for the Fit and the only complaint I have is that it is just as noisy on the highway as my Echo is.  But really, what do I expect from an economy car?

Argay likes the Accent.  He says that it has more features for the same price and the drive feels a bit smoother.  Aw crap...wish he didn't influence me as much...lol

Anywho, Richard (my nephew) is a salesperson at Honda and at 21 years old (and no post-secondary education), I think he's doing well for himself.  I remember him when he was only 2 years old!

Time to make decisions.  The Civic looks like it would be a good deal, but the Fit is more "me" (thanks).  Also, am I able to even afford a new car?  Yikes

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  received quotes for the car I might potentially get

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Celebrating Another Culture's Easter

Hey, your God, my God, anyone's God...all the same, right?

Well whatever the case, we went to the annual Greek Easter celebration tradition at the Adamides' place (otherwise known as the biggest Greek/Asian Easter Party I've ever attended).

As always, the lamb on the spit was the biggest highlight for me, in addition to Feli's Mom's potatoes.  I ate so damn much.

But whatever, it's a celebration!  10k race be damned.  As if I'm training for it anyway.

Another great thing from today?  The continued social-butterfliednessing of Eamon continues to progress.  I'm amazed by him.  Errr...sometimes

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  gave taxes to Tito Cesar to do (I'll try to do them myself next year) and went over our expenses for the near future with Sharon, which is important as we try to set our financial goals

*  *  *

Positive vibes to you. Stay strong

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Eamon Goes To Whitecastle

So we had a nice jaunt to Ian's new house in Newcastle this afternoon for Maunley's second "baby shower".  Good food, good company.

I was particularly very proud of my boy.  I think this daycare thing is working!  He was social, didn't cry when he went with "strangers", and compared to some of the babies there was a winner (lol).  But really, I was so terribly proud of him.  I just love the fact that he is smiling a whole lot more and is not-so-much a whiney baby as much anymore.  We just have to work on the whole "don't hit other babies on the face" thing he sometimes does (although it is cute).

So these are those moments that make my life all better...

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  ran 8 km and felt really good physically and mentally (with the exception of the heartburn I was feeling afterwards)

Friday, April 13, 2012

Prepping For Sadness Over A Physical Object

I really appreciate my car.  It's done me very well over the past 8 some-odd years.  But like everything in life, things change.

I don't think I'm going to be too torn up over this when I eventually sell it, but still

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  related to above, I cleaned the inside of my car for the first time in months. Vacuumed, wiped down the surfaces and "armor-alled" it

*  *  *

Weekend already!  It's gonna be a busy one too, and then next weekend we'll be in Montreal.  I hope Eamon will be okay in the car seat for a long amount of time

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Hello? Is Anybody Out There?

Did an inspection of a pool this morning, and had to close it because the telephone was not working.  Sucks for the people using it.

Other than that, it was a great day!

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  after reading this story (http://www.moneyville.ca/article/1160077--time-to-lock-in-your-mortgage-yes-experts-say?bn=1), I feel like I made a wise move locking in the mortgage.  Especially since daycare costs are going to be big the next few years, it's a little bit of a relief knowing how much money will need to be put away to pay for the house

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

3 Games In 2 Days

Okay, so I might be overcompensating.  I played 3 separate games of basketball over the past 2 days.

My body took a pounding (hello bruises!) and my knees are wondering wtf is happening, but I'm happy.  Just wish I didn't eat all that junkfood

*  *  *

Studying at work is proving to be fruitless.  I gotta step up my studying game...I have one month to do this test

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  got a quote as to how much it would be to insure a Honda Fit.  Surprisingly, it's less than what I'm paying now for a car eight years older

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Like I'm At School Or Something

So I actually studied for a bit at work today for an exam I have to write before the summer.  It was crazy.  I really have ADHD.  Look, a butterfly!

I was also thinking that just a year ago, or even a few weeks ago, I felt differently at work than I do now.  I felt like I had to continually prove myself at work and that when I "became something" (ex. a supervisor) it validated me and made me feel like I was worth something.

Now?  Maybe not so much.  That month off with Eamon made me realize just how wrong I've been looking at it.

Don't get me wrong, feeling like I did a "good job" at work still makes me feel good, but as I sat in a meeting with my Director, Manager and Supervisors today, I felt almost like I didn't care nor wanted it anymore.  I know my capabilities and what I am able to do, and if others don't see it that way, well what can I do?

Right now my real job is to be a good father.  And I'm trying hard to be one.

Anyway, I'm babbling

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  I really felt like I needed to exercise today.  I stretched and did a mini-ab workout followed by playing an hour of ball in the morning, then I just came back from playing ball for 1.5 hrs with the new guys I play with (rented out gym at Meadowvale Village Public School).  I would say I accomplished exercising today

Monday, April 09, 2012

Accomplish One Thing A Day

I received advice from my friend Andrew a few months ago when Buh and I met him for lunch.  He said "if you set out and accomplish even just one thing a day, then consider that a success."

Often times I start thinking about how much I didn't accomplish as opposed to what I did.

So when I remember, I'll list down at least one thing I did accomplish when I post

*  *  *

Accomplishment:  booked Montreal hotel rooms for our mini-trip to visit Debbie before she leaves for Ottawa

The Return Of Monday Go Time

Haven't done this in a while...

Gogogogogogogogogogogo.

Hair freshly shaved off (Arfeli passed by yesterday) and I'm ready to go git it

Saturday, April 07, 2012

Happy International Easter

So like I've said in this space before, my parents are funny even (especially) when they try not to be.  For instance, we all went there for Easter dinner today.  On the menu?

Well:
-Korean BBQ
-Afghan rice
-Jamaican jerk chicken
-Chinese style crab
-Polish perogies
-Canadian mixed vegetables (lol...frozen veggies)
-Indian ras malai
-Italian bakery pecan pie

Everything tasted really good.  But again...really interesting selection

*  *  *

Well, looks like I'm all committed to buying a new car...not that there's anything wrong with that.  (right?)

I know I'm not supposed to have emotional attachments to objects, but this car has been with me for like 8.5 years.  It's also the car my Lola helped me purchase.  I will never forget that.

I have to do the unenviable task of figuring out how to sell my car.  I fear I will end up getting lower than what I think it's worth.  Sucks.

Anywho, I went to go "look" at a Honda Fit this morning, and within 10 minutes I was test driving one.  wtf?

I had to endure the stereotypical car salesman pitches and tactics, and get the feel of the car.  I like it.  We even went to another Stealership in the afternoon and even looked at a Hyundai Stealership at the Accent.  I think I'm set on the Fit.  And once I'm set on something...

Argay seems to be interested in the same car and I'm trying to get Ian to be interested in it too. I figure if we all get it at once, we'll get a big group discount!  LOL...if only life were that easy.

Oh yeah, and the big question:  where exactly will I get the money for this car?  It'll come from somewhere.  That's what I always believe.

Speaking of which, I really have to get on this budgeting project I've been meaning to get back on.  Figure out things before I make this commitment

Friday, April 06, 2012

Like A Crab...

...I'm shellfish.

I'm trying hard not to be, but sometimes...

Sigh.

Don't need to know where I'm going as long as I keep moving forward

What A Work Week

If only all work weeks were two days.

Played ball this morning...was fun.

Went to work and started realizing/thinking that my bff and I are going on separate paths right now.  I can't get mad, but I am saddened.  Such is life.

Went to Melodie/Pete's new place.  Some of the renovations they are doing is some of the hardest ones (stripping varnish, restaining/painting stairs).  I feel bad for them.

Rolando is coming tomorrow...can't wait

*  *  *

May you have everything you ever wished for or even what you didn't know what you wished for

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

And It Is How I Thought It Was Going To Be

Got to the office, exchanged pleasantries with everyone, told the same story ("loved the experience, I do miss is, but the boy does have some growing and maturing to do, etc."), sat at my desk and did work, went for lunch with Kats, talked some more to peeps...time went a bit slow compared to when I was at home.

But still...it was familiar but different.  Kathie described it perfectly:  "you have a different perspective on things like work after you come back from a parental leave".  I was only gone for a month; I can't even imagine what it's like for people who were away for longer.  I somewhat hope this newly acquired apathy doesn't stick around too long.  I just gotta pick and choose my spots.

Now to get to part 2 of going back to "normal": hit the gym tomorrow

*  *  *

The kiddo is adjusting okay to daycare.  We are a bit concerned that it was the second time he was outside in the backyard playground but not bundled enough properly (he was cold to the touch).  Keep in mind he's only 1 right now.  Hopefully they'll be a little more careful when Sharon says something to them

*  *  *

Oldie but goodie that had been in my head:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0syaLvBjW8

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

One Of The Best Experiences I've Ever Had In My Life

I can't be too upset/mad about going back to work.  Everything good comes to an end.

This parental leaves has been one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life.  I loved spending 1:1 time with the boy, seeing him smile and grow, living the "domesticated life".

I also know that I have to go back to reality and that reality is not always too bad.

As predicted, I didn't accomplish the one task I haphazardly thought I was going to do while on parental leave:  finish the crown mouldings.  There will always be time for that (I hope).

I really lived it up today:
-brought the boy to the Doctor for his one-year vaccinations.  Poor kid had three shots and cried like crazy.  But he stuck it out like a champ
-took him to the daycare.  Cried like crazy...lol
-I made a kick-a** chili in the crockpot
-I went to the annual Broken Broom Challenge with my "Team Irish" (Kats, Ralphy and Jenny).  It's always fun to curl, and it's a tradition Kats and I have (5 years running!)
-got home, made the boxed tricycle for Eamon.  He loves it, which make us so dang happy
-went to play ball with Ron, Don, Rye and their friends.  The extended amounts of inactivity really showed out there.  It wasn't a pretty sight.  I somehow forgot how much I enjoy exercising/sweating/running.  I get that endorphin high

Only two days left of work before the long weekend...I feel a bit recharged and ready to go (for work.  General physical state?  Maybe not that recharged...lol)

Monday, April 02, 2012

Dammit...Is It Back?

The restlessness?  The sleeping problems?

Woke up at 2:30am-ish and couldn't get back to bed.  I managed to "snooze" a little here and there, but otherwise I went on the computer as there was nothing else left to do.  Then I went back to bed and just thought about...life (what else do I do, really?).

I'm thinking I might also be a little anxious because it's a new "era" with the boy going to daycare and all and me having to go back to work and just, well, everything (drama).

I'm sure it's just a blip and I'll sleep better tonight.  Gawd I hope...I can't go back to how it was a few years ago when it was really bad.  Can I?!?

Sunday, April 01, 2012

Only One Once

Nice/good times!  And tiring.

But it was all worth it for our boy.  And I'm sure he enjoyed; well, at least his first real taste at joyous, joyous sugar from a cake.  Yikes.

Tomorrow he officially starts full-time daycare.  Man oh man...I can't believe it's over already!  I really have to accept time moving faster and life going on.  But still, it sometimes makes my heart a little pained.

Especially knowing that I will be back at work in a few days.  Maybe that's what that pain in my mid-section is all about...lol

Well Someone Is Excited For A Party

That or he just couldn't sleep.  And I'm not actually talking about me...Eamon decided to wake up at 4:30am.

I'm hoping he's not going to be a disaster at the party.  I'm sure he'll be knocked out after we go swimming

*  *  *

Spent a few hours last night looking over all of my car maintenance/repair bills and inputting them into an Excel spreadsheet.  Crazy how much owning a car cost (I even predicted way before when I first got the car that I would regret how much money I spent on the "crap" I got for my car; luckily I braced myself for it way back when so the regret is actually not too harsh.  It signified a time when I actually l had a little bit of money...lol).  I should've done this from the very beginning though, so it would be even more accurate.

Whatever next car I get (I'm wanting the Honda Fit), I'll be sure to do this properly from the get-go