Huhboy

2012 Tool Time? 2012 Tool Time.

2012-02-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Family Day! Or more precisely, "Happy I'm Not At Work And Instead With My Family" Day!

Bought the bike trailer today. Looks good; can't wait to get Eamon a helmet and then take it for a spin. He fits in it nicely and seems to like it.

We then went to Square One. We must be gluttons for pain because it was nuts in there; like it was Boxing Day all over again. But at least this time it was bearable because Eamon seemed to have enjoyed himself people-watching.

While at Square One, it seems I have made the decision to graduate from my first compound mitre saw. Went to Sears and saw a double-bevel, sliding compound mitre saw. And of course, in my awesome rationalizing ways, it is deemed a necessary buy because it will make the crown moulding I still have to do much easier. Plus it's more than 60% off!

So unnecessarily necessary

Will it bring me better skills? What do you think? (Helllllll no)

H-Anging Out

2012-02-19T22:25:00.000-05:00

The Ang's came over last night. Good times as usual with lots of laughs. I'm glad Dexter didn't leave paralyzed with all the moments he feel on his face/head

* * *

Went swimming today and Eamon is getting a lot more vocal in the pool. Did I also mention that he's crawling forward now? My boy is getting older. Yikes

* * *

We went to the Home Hardware at Cloverdale Mall today. There was all sorts of crazy sale there! Somehow I ended up with 4 LED flashlights (regular price $8, onsale for $1).

Somehow, I also don't think this is not good for my hoarding tendencies

I'm Gonna Be One Of THOSE Parents

2012-02-18T22:40:00.000-05:00

Before I became a parent, heck even before I was married, I always imagined that I would get a bike trailer for my kid.

And thanks to the power of Craigslist, I am going to be one now! And not only that, it's an MEC brand (which I'm a big fan of). All for less than half price (the fact it's a great deal, you know, makes me extra crazy). Oh yeah boi.

I guess I should get a bike

Let's just hope Eamon actually, you know, likes to sit in it. And more importantly, I, you know, use it

The Meltdown

2012-02-18T07:29:00.000-05:00

So Eamon is teething. Eamon is also sick. Thus, Eamon is fussy.

We went for groceries and whatnot (finally got a new pair of kneepads!) yesterday as I had a day off (what). It was fine in the earlygoings, but then...yeah.

I hope he gets better soon, but then again, his immune system is starting to build

* * *

Hung out with Paresh, Sevan and Clavo last night. Weird to say the least...but it's always interesting to socialize with different people

Once Again...

2012-02-16T21:13:00.000-05:00

...this is how all work weeks should be: three days what!

* * *

New PlayBook is frustrating me again. It's loading up with a "developer's operating system". What the heck?

* * *

I miss renovating. I need more time (and money)

Worriers Report

2012-02-15T21:53:00.000-05:00

So this Drummond report came out regarding how to find "efficiencies" in the provincial government (see here: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1131861--drummond-report-hospital-amalgamations-and-more-power-for-lhins-among-recommendations)

My family is a family of (indirect) provincial government workers. There could be changes implemented that could affect us (ex. removing the 36 health units and amalgamating them into the 16 LHIN's).

Nothing to worry about, right?

This is the paranoia that I have to let go sometimes. I hope.

I really have to start looking into this "expanding my resume" thing

Osteopath? More Like Ow-Steopath

2012-02-15T05:49:00.000-05:00

So Gula did some stretches to my legs and back that was something intense. It seems to be working though. Hopefully it continues to work

* * *

Just a few more weeks left. Gotta hold on...gogogogogogo

For Valentine's Day...

2012-02-14T16:56:00.000-05:00

...Eamon gave his whole family his germs.

Blah.

Feel like craps. Amongst other reasons, too

* * *

Went to an AYCE Japanese Buffet with the co-workers for lunch today (we celebrate all celebrations apparently...next up: St. Patrick's Day...lol).

It's like I haven't been out in public before...dropped my water onto my lap and the table. Embarrassing.

Even more embarrassing?

5 minutes later dropping Ruthie's glass of water onto Wilson's lap.

Holy crap. I have no idea what the hell was happening, but it was like one of those things where I'm just watching myself from a far act a fool. Luckily I had my excuses lined up: am sick, never been out in a while, am a natural born klutz. Luckily my co-workers are understanding and understandably made fun of me (obviously I would do the same thing if it happened to them). Good times though; I appreciate the folks I work with

* * *

One of the people I appreciate every-so-often is my co-worker Laurie. She is supremely retarded, a typical psycho-Filipina girl, and someone I can't really trust but I can (makes sense to me), but she makes me laugh and I pick and choose when to listen to her.

She told me something today that made me laugh and maybe even lifted my spirits up in my own world without her actually awkwardly knowing it.

But whatever, I'll take it

The Progression (Or Regression)

2012-02-13T21:12:00.000-05:00

Went to the gym for the first time in a week this morning, played a little ball, worked out a bit. Felt great. Even got my oil changed at Toyota.

Then I started to notice it when I got home. The boy gave me what he got (or otherwise known as I got what the boy got because I kept on kissing him).

So all day I've been trying to do things as much as I could as if I were healthy so that I could enjoy it: eat junkfood; do laundry; watch TV.

But alas, here comes the sore throat and runny nose.

And on top of that, I'm going back to work tomorrow. Booooo.

On the brightside, Sharon is starting to feel better now and we have another osteopath appointment tomorrow. Here's hoping...

But He's So Cute Even When He's Sick

2012-02-12T21:44:00.000-05:00

Really, he is. I love this kid

* * *

Watched the documentary "Inside Job". I enjoyed it

* * *

Glad that Sharon is starting to feel better and able to move more freely and carry Eamon. Not glad that tomorrow is my last day off before going to work again.

But next weekend will be another four-day weekend, followed by four days of work, followed by four weeks off...what

Oh, And One More

2012-02-11T21:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slLGgch-igA

God Gawd she was awesome. Yeah

Oh Damn Whitney...I Guess This Is Your One Moment In Time

2012-02-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

Right up there on top of my all-time favourite singers.

I feel especially sad for some reason. I remember listening to her vinyl record when I was a little kid, memorizing the lyrics and just getting lost in her voice. A shame her life was lost in drugs and chaos, but I will forever remember her for the way she made/makes me feel whenever I listen to her songs (like these):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD6wcgYZdkk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fMn2HPYTE0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etxwK9XtPBI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KhhY9iwn-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84o349dxRtc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FzrfSsDqQE

...just to name a few.

I guess it also leaves me thinking about my childhood and love and the likes. I'm dramatic, I know, but she is truly one of the few singers that would honestly leave me saddened with her passing.

Time is going by fast...

From Teat To Teeth

2012-02-10T23:01:00.000-05:00

My baby boy is growing up. Yet another sign: the tooth emerges.

And now he's cranky/fussy/not sleeping/inconsolable. Hey...he IS my son!

* * *

Jeremy Lin is making it fun to watch basketball again. For now. Since most of his parts were Made in China, I expect him to break soon. Oh racist snap!

* * *

Get well soon Bubba. Please? lol

File Under "Should've Went Earlier": Osteopathy

2012-02-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

Seriously.

Went all the way to Burlington Osteopathy Clinic for Sharon's back, but also decided to get some work done on me for my pains and woes.

I was a little skeptical at first as he was a little out there, but as soon as he met Sharon and started to diagnose her, he was bang on. And on top of that, she felt better (much better) after the treatment.

Then he went to me and treated me. It was painful and hurting, but at the end it loosened me up as well.

Yes, he was one of those practitioners who slammed other types of practices, but dang, he was good. And we'll be returning again on Tuesday, hopefully to more success.

Also good news? We left Eamon at Gil and Marie's place and he did great. Encouraging news for when we leave him at day care. Mind you, it helps that knows his cousin's but still. I have to make this child more social because he seems to be a little clingy lately (not that I mind, of course)

It's Better Than Nothing...

2012-02-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

...but unfortunately, not better than $240. That's the total penalty we were assessed for canceling our plane tickets, and the rest of the amount goes towards a credit towards another flight we must take within a year.

So it's a small (big) price to pay, but that's okay...it's much better this happened before we got there as opposed to when we got there

* * *

Seriously, props to all the single-parents out there. It's a crazy amount of work! I never try to take Sharon for granted for all the work she does in the house, and even more so now.

Just gotta focus...

* * *

A win! I have a win! According to this article: http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1128144--td-bank-royal-bank-end-2-99-per-cent-mortgage-ahead-of-schedule?bn=1

I got in before the deal went out. As witnessed plenty of times before, finding a deal and saving $$$ makes me "what up now? Yee-uh!!!!"

Highs, Lows And Back Blows

2012-02-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Quite a day today. Bubs had another episode of horrible back pain and as a result, had some issues that ended with us being in the hospital.

Some lows:

-seeing my beautiful wife in pain, and feeling absolutely useless and helpless, hoping there was something I could do to help her

-hearing that she started this pain while I was in the gym and having to hear that Eamon was left alone for about 30 minutes before my in-laws came. Talk about feeling selfish, even though I knew it was a freak accident

-hearing from the Doctor that we are not to go to Las Vegas this Thursday, and ultimately disrupting plans for Beevy and Mistie, who we were really looking forward to hanging out with

Some highs:

-my baby boy being very, very well behaved at the hospital. I was so very, very proud of him

-seeing my beautiful wife sleeping on the floor of our living room as she recovers. I'm just glad and relieved she is okay. I don't care about a cancelled trip; I just care about the mother of our boy being okay

-seeing that maybe, just maybe, we might be able to at least get a credit for the monies lost for the flights. I'll have to look into it tomorrow

Life is like that sometimes; reality just comes and punches you really hard in the face when you least expect it. You just have to fight through it, keep your head up and move on. Things could always be worse.

Plus, I just downed a whole frozen pizza by myself to help wash/heart attack my miseries away

* * *

Trying to mature. Trying to not be so dramatic. Trying to change. Trying.

Hope

The Stress Before The Relaxation

2012-02-06T20:16:00.000-05:00

Or something like that. Right. As if going on a vacation with an infant is relaxing...lol.

Gotta clean, laundry, plan. Not hard, right? What's that? Only 3 more sleeps? Oh

* * *

Looks like the summer is gonna be different for me. Hope it's not a mistake (I don't think it will be). It's like 9 years ago, but not quite the same!

PlayBook? More Like StopBook

2012-02-06T00:20:00.000-05:00

Whomp-whomp...the PlayBook is a dud. Went to The Source to exchange it, was about to then...found out Argay had to be there to do so. Suckatash.

And then what do I find out? That Arfeli did the spontaneous-it's-obvious-they-don't-have-kids-yet-last-minute-trip to Jamaica (granted it's prolly their honeymoon, but still...they booked on Friday and left on Saturday). Not that I'm jealous or anything. In fact, quite the opposite; I'm very happy for them.

So looks like I'll be bringing the Mac to Beygas instead, and the StopBook will have to wait to be exchanged 2 weeks from now. It's okay though, because after reading The Wealthy Barber Returns, it helps me put things into perspective (this is a minor inconvenience, not a major tragedy). I recommend this book for anyone. Apparently I think I'm a book-reader now.

Oh, and reading that book helped invigorate my outlook on finances and saving and whatnot. Of course, going to Beygas is prolly going to counteract that...lol.

Speaking of the trip, we spoke to both Mistie and Beevy and I'm getting excited. Can't believe it's already on Thursday. I feel like I have so much stuffs to do before we go. Luckily I just spent 2 hours cleaning the bathrooms; at least I can check that off my list.

And then there's that other hassle I have to go through before going off on vaykay. Work. Damn you!

K, enough rambling...I should sleep or something

Childhood Memories, Adult Reality

2012-02-04T21:50:00.000-05:00

Went skating this morning for the first time in years with Xavier. I was quite shaky on the ice, but it was still fun. Until my feet started to hurt. Boooo.

Then went to my parents where Ate Corinne came by (visiting from Seattle). I always forget how tiny she is. She also hung out with us all afternoon, which was fun.

Next thing I know, I'm ready to go to bed.

Lots of stuffs to do though...hopefully will be more productive tomorrow

* * *

I've always loved deals. Latest deal? I purchased some shaving cream/after shave balm from Shoppers Drug Mart that was on sale plus the use of coupons. Result? 66% off! Yee-uh boi.

Mind you, I'm prolly not going to finish this supply for the next couple of years, but whatever

* * *

More boo? Looks like the PlayBook is screwing up. Gotta go to The Source tomorrow to see what can be done

Bunch Of Ones

2012-02-03T21:19:00.000-05:00

One day until Saturday.

One week until we will be in Baygas.

One month until I am off on parental leave.

Time is a blur. Lots of stuffs to do

* * *

I thought the interview went well today. Which of course means that the opposite might actually be the truth. We'll see if I'll be doing something different this summer

It's A Mini-Go Time

2012-02-02T21:11:00.000-05:00

I should've prolly studied more. But, whatever...what can you do. It's in my nature.

Just gotta keep a clear-mind and be confident. Right

* * *

This latest bought of cracking skin has been the most painful I've had for as much as I could remember. Hopefully the weather in Vegas will be better for my skin. Growing old sucks sometimes

9 Days?

2012-01-31T21:38:00.000-05:00

Yikes. But a good yikes! Vegas!

In the meantime, I gotta focus man. Accomplish the tasks at hand. And procrastination is not a task at hand. Yargh

Who's Fancy Now?

2012-01-30T22:20:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was quiet a day...

-woke up early to take the boy swimming. Was so tired

-went to My Big Fat Greek Buffet for the after-wedding party. Was so tired

-went to the midwives' party. Was so tired

-went grocery shopping. Was so tired

Basically, I was tired. And I ate so much at the buffet, it was literally my only meal of the day. But it was a good day.

Oh and did I mention I got this killer awesome gift from Arfeli? First post with my new PlayBook! Yee-uh! (just gotta get used to this one finger typing...)

And Then There Were None

2012-01-29T02:52:00.000-05:00

All the boys were successfully married off today.

The day was a long one, but of course definitely worth it. Starting off with photos in the morning and early afternoon (including a limo ride to a crowded McD's, a ceremony in the afternoon (including having my awesome, cute son in the wedding processional. Funny aside: every time the church bells rang, my son would respond with a "huh"? Of course it was dead quiet in the church and everyone could hear him), and the reception in the evening/night.

The food was great, the emcee was magnificant, my speech (despite the off-coloured, inappropriate nature to it and the constant crickets I heard, a ton of people, friends and strangers alike, told me that it was a really good speech) was decent, dancing was awesome and everything about the night sans the wretched DJ was stellar.

On top of that? Arfeli gave me a gift that was way, way too generous. It's like it was mywedding or something

* * *

Wowza, time to sleep Another hectic day ahead: swimming, buffeting, midwifi

It's A Start

2012-01-26T22:36:00.001-05:00

First run of the 2012 year. A paltry 3.7km, but better than nothing. I've been feeling like crap lately and I haven't been exercising. I gotta change this. I have a suit to fit into in two days!

(Two days? Holy crap)

Too bad I ruined the "workout" by eating red velvet cake afterwards...lol

* * *

What a day. I am glad you are okay Bubs. As much times as I should get used to this by now (ha). it still scares me a bit.

Feels like when we first came home with Eamon. Except now Eamon is here and it's twice as hard.

At least the bathtub didn't leak. Right?

This Is Happening In A Few Days, Huh?

2012-01-26T00:41:00.000-05:00

Went to the wedding rehearsal this evening. I think it's going to be a great ceremony. The priest was kind enough to explain the significance of all of the processions in the ceremony. I didn't know I had a job; I hope I don't drop those crowns!

Then we went to Argay's parents' place for the after where I promptly ate three plates of Tita Chit's awesome palabok. Yeah, I'm not really sure if I'm going to fit into this suit on Saturday.

Can't believe it's just a few days until the last of us get married. Yikes

* * *

Poor Bubba...threw out her back and then had to wait a tortuous three hours in the walk-in clinic waiting for a doctor. Doesn't help that she has to carry my chubbalubbs around all day. Hopefully she gets better soon

* * *

Well, I gone and did it. Changed the mortgage. I hope I made a good decision and don't end up paying more than is necessary. Now we just have to put our heads down for the next few years and try to kill this amortization period

2500?

2012-01-25T06:17:00.003-05:00

Crazy. With this post, I'll have done 2500 entries.

Yikes.

I babble and complain a lot.

I wonder how long this blog could keep going.

Oh right, only until December 21 of this year

Being A Wealthy Inspector

2012-01-25T06:15:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wish I was more "better" with money. I mean, I think we do well enough saving and what not, but it's that whole "making your money work for you" crap that I wish I got.

Anywho, yesterday was one of those days that made me really focus on our money and ways we could save.

I'm thinking of changing up the mortgage as it is at "unprecedented lows" (or so the banks would have you believe), and I got more than an earful from a banker. I wish there was an easy way to determine if this was the best route, but with the information at my fingertips (and the limited knowledge in my head), it looks like this is the way to go. I just hated it when the banker told me that yesterday might have been the last day I could've gotten that rate. I hope today it doesn't go up. I hate pressure situations especially when it comes to our biggest liability, but if all things go according to plan, I should be saving us lots of $$$. Then I'll feel like a winner.

(Right. Because really, it's the banks who win in the end.)

We then went to the Living Arts Centre to listen to the author of "The Wealthy Barber". I knew nothing going into the presentation, thinking I was going to be bored to death. I hadn't even read the book, because like most people I try to avoid learning more in-depth about personal finances.

Luckily, Sharon enrolled us in this free presentation, and I was more than pleasantly surprised. The speaker, David Chilton, did an awesome job. He was engaging, hilarious, and spoke at a level that wasn't intimidating. He gave a few good tips, and was really inspiring with the messages he had not related to finance (ie. life is good, stop complaining). We even got free copies of his book, saving us $20 each what.

All in all, good day for saving and learning about money. Only part about the day not good? I got in trouble with a really, really b*tchy usher at the living arts centre for not knowing that we were not allowed to eat in the auditorium. She embarrassed Sharon and I by taking away our free cookies we got with the book. I wanted to choke her. lol

Last Best Man Speech I Have To Write

2012-01-24T00:37:00.000-05:00

I should prolly make it a somewhat presentable one. With that said, however, I'm pretty confident:

a) no one will laugh at my jokes (mind you I don't care because I think it's funny to me. As is pretty much all my jokes)

b) it is going to get awkward at times

c) I'm prolly going to get emotional, but not in that crying sort of way

I was going to write it on Friday or even Saturday, but look at me trying to be responsible and starting my first draft today. I just really hope no one is expecting it to be any good or anything (especially you, Arvin...lol).

After being a best man for five weddings, I can confidently say that I'm no better man than anyone else. I am honoured that people think well enough of me to be part of their wedding let alone a best man. I'm especially blessed to be the best man for these last two weddings.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: one of the biggest regrets in life I have is not having who I should've had as my best man be my best man and who I should've had as the groomsman to be my groomsman. Writing these speeches just further accentuates that. What can I do now? Sucks. But I think, at least I hope, that those guys, my boys, know that much.

I guess I should sleep or something and stop thinking

Gogogogogogo?

2012-01-23T06:06:00.000-05:00

Gogogogogogo.

Here we go...

* * *

Transitioning the boy from two naps a day to one nap a day. If all it takes is a little rolling on the bed for him, I'm going to make sure he keeps rolling until he gets dizzy

* * *

So sometimes I take small slivers of soap and try to graft it onto the new soap. I did last night. Now my hands are ultra-dry.

(If that's not a random thought, I don't know what is. Oh wait, here's one: titty sprinkles.)

How About The Baby Just Stay Home?

2012-01-22T19:59:00.002-05:00

Had the hardest time installing a baby seat in my in-laws car. I still don't know if I installed it right.

Almost makes me want to keep Eamon at home instead of sending them out with the inlaws...lol

* * *

Bad weekend/month of eating. Better step up the working out again

Rollin' With The Bed

2012-01-21T22:20:00.000-05:00

Busy day today again.

Got the new suit fitted for adjustments, then went to Arfeli's for their Greek Pre-Wedding Traditions. Apparently one of their traditions is stuffing their faces with food. Oh wait, that's my tradition. Again!

But their traditions included sewing on crosses on a duvet, having the parents of the bride and groom carrying around stuff on their shoulders and heads, pouring rosewater on hands, smelling incense, and the best one (or most related to us): having a baby roll on the bed for "good fertility wishes" for the couple.

I was so proud of our baby for not crying while they rolled him on the bed. It was also hilarious looking at his face, which had the "okaaaaaaaaaay" and "wtf?!?" look on it. Oh, so this is what parents mean when they say that when you're proud of your kids it makes you extremely happy. Granted, yes, I really am setting the bar low here, but still...lol

We then went to a famjam as Corinna is in town from Seattle. We stayed for, oh 40 minutes. Good times.

And now we just finished watching Ip Man (Arfeli got a subscription to Netflix again, and seeing as how we're mooches, we have access to free movies again what). Good movie.

Tomorrow we gots swimming, and then next thing you know I'm going to be complaining that the weekend is over. Time, amirite?

Suit Up

2012-01-21T07:24:00.000-05:00

Last night Argay and I had to find a suit to avert the latest crisis for the wedding. It was all about finding the same (out-of-season-impossible-to-find) suit or a similar looking one. Luckily we did find one at Zara; unluckily Argay was out $$$ because we couldn't find the same suit that was on clearance, was only able to return the other one he bought at regular price at sale price, and the suit I got was on regular price. Got that? I know, all these thoughts about suits, and I literally just woke up from a dream that I was with Barney Stinson who was telling me to "suit up". Yikes.

Anywho, a week left till the wedding. Crazy

* * *

Went for some ramen (I seriously love noodles) last night with Ian, Maunley and Grayson after meeting up with them to do a suit exchange and to give Grayson his tux. Grayson is 18 months old and is running free and wild. I can't imagine when or if Eamon is going to be like that. I figure I'll just buy a leash and a muzzle for him...lol

* * *

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU0Ew-WB4Ng&feature=related

Like A New Homeowner

2012-01-20T12:19:00.000-05:00

Except I'm not. My in-laws wanted me to accompany them on their home inspection for their new home in a new development.

The house is quite nice, and I met the builder's daughter. The builder is Kaneff. So essentially, I met a KaJillionaire.

I'd like to live in a bungalow, except by the lake. Oh how I can dream

Some Decisions To Make (Wife Edition)

2012-01-18T20:16:00.000-05:00

Some big time decisions to make here.

Whatever you choose Bubba, you know I support you

* * *

Answer: I'm blaming my cheapness and the coupons provided. Plus I drank the gravy. It was so, so so good.

Question: Why exactly did you eat KFC for lunch?

* * *

Time is going by so fast. By next week Argay is going to be married. He's getting married and yet I feel so unprepared or something.

And then a few short weeks after that we'll be going to Vegas.

But before that, I have that thing I have to do.

Focus man, you gotta focus man

Jaaaaam

2012-01-17T22:26:00.002-05:00

I enjoyed this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4NCnH7RPZY

Is It Over Yet (Car Edition)?

2012-01-17T21:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the Camry seems to be fixed now. Seems to be a rash of problems with the cars lately; hope this is it.

Oh wait, I just realized that my "door ajar" light in my car is malfunctioning and staying on. Dammit!

* * *

Good luck tomorrow Bubba...go keeya it

New Way To Be An Auto Mechanic: Drive It?

2012-01-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

So the Camry is still giving all sorts of problems. The idling is too low. One of the fixes suggested on Google? Drive it for about 40 kms and the computer should reset itself.

Okay, easy enough. So I did that and...of course it didn't quite work.

So now, I have to drive it to my Dad's place tomorrow morning so that he can drive it over to his friend's to get it fixed. I will drive the van for work tomorrow.

Frustrating, both for the wallet and for the cars. Oh well, what can you do

* * *

How is it not even my wedding, but I feel like I'm getting stressed?

Feel bad/sad for Arfeli. Things will work out with the revised plan...there's no way it's not going to

When Car Battery Also Means...

2012-01-15T23:30:00.000-05:00

...battery to your patience.

Bought a new battery from Costco for Sharon's Camry. Working fine. Sharon goes to Bulk Barn. Stall. CAA luckily tows it back home. Return car battery. Buy new battery from Walmart. Realize it's essentially the same battery (in terms of power, current). Get advice from my Dad that there might be something wrong with the alternator (which I originally suspected but didn't have faith in my own judgement because of my past history of trying to be an auto mechanic). Install new battery, see that the headlights flicker. Yup, something wrong with the alternator. All in the freezing cold.

I've said it countless times, thank goodness for Google because I just learned more about batteries than I would've imagined if I was to try to figure it out 15 years ago.

Not a thank goodness? That our cars, reaching 9 and 10 years old respectively, are starting to show its age. Sucks. But it's expected; cars are esssssspensive.

Luckily my Dad is retired now and has time to come over tomorrow, test it out and maybe have it towed to the mechanic who will fix it for us

* * *

Wow, 2012 is really bringing some surprises. For instance, I read two 400 page books within the last few days.

Hey, when I do something, I do it obsessively.

They are pretty good books, these Hunger Games books. One last book to go in this trilogy, then I'll prolly be sad that it is over and I won't read again for, what, 4 years?

Overeat #2

2012-01-14T21:12:00.000-05:00

Ay.

Here I go again.

Was craving deep fried squid, Chinese style. Went to the Chinese Centre to get Eamon's suit (fail...apparently it was way too small for him. Estimating fail as well).

Oh, did I mention that it was freezing today and the Camry wouldn't start? Good thing Ian was there and gave us a boost.

Anywho, I will be better tomorrow. I hope

* * *

So I have been reading lately. Books. Reading. Wtf?

Anywho, been reading these books Sharon got called "The Hunger Games". It's a good read.

Best part of today? Reading my book beside Eamon as he flipped the pages of his book. He makes me laugh. He's getting quite interactive now. Can't wait until March!

* * *

Car...booked! Now just have to figure out what to do there

My Mother's Story To My Son

2012-01-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

My Mother, God bless her heart, loves her grandson enough to read a book to him before he goes to bed. Eamon always has "5 Little Monkeys" read to him before he goes to bed.

My Mother's version of the first verse:

"5 Little Monkey jumping on bed,

fell down and bump the head,

Mama call Doctor,

No more monkey on the bed!"

I won't recite the rest of the verses, but you can just imagine how the story might have disintegrated.

I'm almost positive Eamon is going to grow up as confused as I was without knowing it thanks to my parents. But this is not a bad thing...I'm hoping it makes him as amused as I get

Happy Retirement...Unhappy Arteries

2012-01-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I don't know why I do this sometimes.

Today was Rose's retirement party at Solstice Restaurant. The food was really good and I was hungry.

Not a good combination.

And the first overeating binge of 2012 had just occurred. Urf.

Good party though. Can't believe she was just a few months shy of being at Peel for 30 years. 30 years!!! That's crazinsane!

If I'll have been there for 30 years, then that means I'll have been working at the same place for over half my life. Yikes.

But of course that begs the question: what am I going to do with my life?

This is why I shouldn't overeat. I overthink as well

It Cost How Much?!?

2012-01-11T19:56:00.000-05:00

So sometimes I take modern technology for granted. For example, to get somewhere physically thousands of kilometres away in a matter of hours is pretty ridiculous considering just 100 years ago it was not possible. So how much would that be worth to the normal person that had nothing to do with the development of that specific technology?

What I'm getting at is damn, it is quite expensive to fly to Las Vegas at this time of year. But all things considering, it's pretty cheap. Plus, I used our Petro Points to get a substantial discount. Plus we got good flight times and it's direct flight. Can't top that. Well you can, but then I would just be getting greedy.

So the first big thing checked off the list. Now onto the others...

* * *

Speaking of expensive, I'm scared to think about how much it is going to cost me to fix the fan in my car properly. Argh

"I'll Never Feel Better"

2012-01-10T19:21:00.000-05:00

Why is it in the midst of being sick (like Eamon is and like I am), it feels like we'll never get better?

I've had this nagging cough that makes me hack until I have a headache. Eamon has pink eye that makes his eye red and pus.

I can't wait until I don't notice that we're not sick anymore

* * *

Vegas! I better get stepping on the planning...

Monday Gogogogogogo Time

2012-01-09T05:44:00.000-05:00

I have to get over this sickness. The cough and phlegm is killing me. So is the lethargy.

Time to do gogogogogogo

My Boy's A Balla

2012-01-08T14:36:00.000-05:00

So I just got unnecessarily happy I think.

I was playing with Eamon in the basement with all his toys. He has a mini-basketball set. Without prompting, he picked up the basketball and put it through the hoop.

I then became one of those embarrassing, overbearing, too-happy fathers. Yikes.

Mind you for about 10 minutes prior, he was just tipping over the basketball net to the floor. Not that he knew what he was doing. I think

I'm Not A Fan

2012-01-07T20:33:00.000-05:00

Dangit. Looks like my car's age might be starting to show.

The fan in the car isn't really working well. And I guess I might need heat during the winter.

So I took it to Haines Auto, and they worked on it and it works. Somewhat.

This car is supposed to last me at least another 5 years...kamonletsgostayalive

* * *

Family just came by for dinner. The boys are already growing up fast...yikes.

If we have another one, then it's going to be utter chaos!

Hate It When Sad Things Happen To Happy People

2012-01-06T23:50:00.000-05:00

Some sad news coming from the Ang camp. Hope things go well for them.

I'm gonna go hold my kid a little bit longer

* * *

Weird sickness I have going on. I'm coughing like crazy, and the throat is tickly, but other than that I am not feeling feverish or sick. Hope it goes away soon

You Know How Asparagus Makes Your Pee Smell?

2012-01-05T23:42:00.000-05:00

Well, if you don't pee before you play basketball and you sweat like crazy, it makes your sweat smell. Which in turns makes you smell. Bluk.

Mind you, I don't feel sorry for me necessarily; I feel more sorry for the poor schlubs I had to play with...I know the atrocities that they smell

If I Just Keep Ignoring It...

2012-01-05T06:19:00.000-05:00

...then this feeling of a cold/sickness will go away, right?

I'm not sure it works that way, but I'll try it. I feel like I'm on the brink of getting sick.

No time for that though. Gogogogogogogo

* * *

Random song recommended to me from Kiri: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjVuMX7GSSk

Trash Talking That Is More Like Garbage-Trash

2012-01-04T21:59:00.000-05:00

I enjoy playing basketball with the same guys in the morning. We occasionally partake in the time-honoured tradition of talking the trash.

Sometimes it goes awry, which makes me laugh.

To wit: I texted Kelvin to see if he was going to play tomorrow morning and evening. He said he would. I replied "is your confidence going to be okay getting beaten twice?"

He replied "With all this smack talk, ur pissing in the wind. And tomorrow is gonna be a windy day."

Yeah, what? LOL

* * *

Flashmobs are so 2009. And yet, here I am enjoying this show Mobbed. I've always wanted to be in a flashmob. I wouldn't know what to do though if a flashmob happened and it was directed towards me. Yes, I know, weird for an "attention-whore"

Random Jealous Thought

2012-01-03T05:34:00.000-05:00

I've always been jealous of people who instinctively know their lefts and rights. I always have to think about which is left and which is right. It's gotten better the past few years, but in some circumstances (like when calling picks in basketball) I have to really think about it. Embarrassing.

And how do I know which is my left and right? Make a gun with my thumb and index fingers. If it forms an "L", then it's left. If it forms a "J", then it's right. As in, "J is always right"

* * *

First day back! And funny: I haven't used my alarm clock in a long time. How do I know? Because when it was vibrating, I had no idea what the movement was.

Gogogogogogogogo

Good Bye Christmas Break 2011

2012-01-02T22:43:00.000-05:00

It was great while you were around. I didn't get as much stuff done as I wanted to, but that's okay. I also enjoyed my first Christmas with my baby boy. I especially liked watching him today "crawl" (which really is just him rolling his entire body. It's frickin' hilarious)

* * *

Time to start thinking about going on a vacation in February. Vegas? Yukon? Vancouver? Anywhere? Let's hope

* * *

Welcome back Buh! Just keep going at it. Even if it's only a few words. Even if it's only one word. I have to believe it will help, otherwise I posted 2474 or something times which was a big waste of my time (it wasn't. At least, not to me)

* * *

Arfeli is getting nuped up in less than a month. Dang...so quick. Tingly biyag yet?

* * *

Hey

Now It's Officially Done...Just A Year Late

2012-01-02T02:50:00.000-05:00

The fireplace! All caulked up! Completed to it's entirety! Finally!

Why so many "!'s"? Because it's past 2:30am and I spent almost 4 hours caulking! (I shouldn't be surprised...caulking is one of the bane of my renovation existence).

(And yes, I am somewhat happy with the end result. Maybe I'll actually post a photoalbum of it on FB. You know, before I post a photoalbum of my babyboy...lol)

Anywho, I was somewhat productive as well by patching up a hole in the ceiling in the basement. And all it took was 2 years! 2012 is looking up!

Although I do seem to already be breaking that resolution of sleeping more. But whatever...I've been taking naps in the middle of the day for the past three days. Crazy!

First Music Post Of The Year

2012-01-01T09:24:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmf0AIw7ik

I'm appreciating G98.7fm. Letting me hear some nice music

5...4...3...Zzzzz

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

As predicted, we were fast asleep during the "New Years Celebration". Party aminals what.

The Doctor's Kim-Sy did pass by last night before they head back out to Calgary today, along with Arfeli and a googs chat with Beevy. It was nice and quiet and always great to be reminded who the friends who are really family are.

Here's to 2012, hoping it's better than 2011

* * *

My parents last great moment of 2011:

Mom (talking to Sharon): "Your Tay thinks that Eamon is going to beat Bieber"

Sharon: "What?"

Mom: "He will beat Bieber. Because he sings already"

Sharon: "?"

Let's See How This Goes Version 32.0

2011-12-31T01:06:00.000-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again where I analyze my last year's resolutions and make a list that I'm surely not going to perfect when I get to this time next year (if there is a this time next year -- you know, those Mayan's and all):

1. Don't be so pessimistic; make a conscious effort to be happier

Like most everything in my life, I go through ups and downs. When I'm up, of course I feel happy that I am being, well, happy. When I'm down, it is more amplified as ever that I feel like I am being pessimistic. But for the most part, I think I have been happier about certain aspects about my life and unfortunately unhappier about other aspects. It's all part of my roller coaster I call my emotions

2. Make those around me as happy as can be and support them as much as possible. Understand that making people happy should lead me to be just as happy

I noticed that at places like at work I am consciously trying to be more optimistic; looking at the "bright side of things" so to speak. Unfortunately, I notice at other places (particularly at home), I am not as happy or as supportive as can be. Which, really, is just horrible. It should be the other way around. I would be remiss to say, though, if I haven't been trying. Maybe not every single day, but I do try the majority of the time. In lots of ways, yes, I still do believe that other people's happiness makes me just as happy (if I could just work on that whole jealousy/pettiness aspect though). And since when did I get so naive as to think that "happiness" is a static state? Like I keep saying, things always change; feelings, thoughts and actions. Dammit.

3. It's spelled "selfless", not "selfish". Especially with a baby on the way

I am still selfish. Very much so. So much that I get disappointed with myself. But, I also think I am selfless at times, especially when I need to be. Before my blessing of a baby boy came along, I always had some sort of idea of how "selfless" I had to be in order to be a parent. I would like to think I'm holding up my end of that bargain. But still, I have a lot of work left to do with this one

4. Accept the storm in my mind. Accept that my emotions are like the weather in Mississauga; it constantly fluctuates and that there is perhaps nothing wrong with that as long as it's not consistently a monsoon in there. We all can't have Long Beach, California weather in our minds or for our emotions; I have to accept that I will never be one of those people

Perhaps surprisingly? Done. I am accepting myself in that regard more and more everyday. And it's not a monsoon in there everyday, thankfully

5. Don't be so hard on yourself; accepting that making mistakes (new word for "screwing up"?) will occur, but to give an honest effort not to make the same mistake twice. Sometimes what is viewed as a mistake is not a mistake anyway in retrospect

Also surprisingly, I think that this went a lot better than I thought. Unfortunately, with all this acceptance come coupled with the feeling of being selfish. Oh what a conundrum. As before, I have a lot to work on for this, but I am not going to be so hard on myself if I don't get to where I want to be (see what I did there?)

6. Exercise. Keep at it, especially since it may be harder to come by when April rolls around

I am keeping at it, although it does admittedly get hard when I have other responsibilities preventing me from exercising as much as I want. Not to use that as an excuse, but as a fact. I am happy that I view exercising and sweating as something that makes me, well, happy. Too much slothfulness makes me angry at myself. This is good, even though it goes against #5, right?

7. Try something new. I'm thinking Yoga. I'm going to try Yoga

I didn't try Yoga. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytCEuuW2_A). I bought a book on Yoga. I read maybe about a quarter of it. Does that count? I dunno...this one resolution I had a feeling I wouldn't keep. Of course with that mindset, I didn't. I guess Yoga just never really captured my interest. Maybe one day I'll take a class

8. Dream less, live more (okay, I may be setting myself up for failure with this one...lol)

I'll never stop dreaming. This is all part of that whole "accepting myself" thing I had going on a few points above. A dreamer is who I am and who I will always be. Even though I dream of things that I know won't happen in this lifetime, I still dream about it becoming true. Dreams are what pushes me. I can't help that. What I have to work on is not being so disappointed/disheartened/disenchanted when these unreachable dreams don't happen/become reality. (As an aside, I might secretly be terrified if my dreams actually do come true. Then what will I dream of? Breaking them down? Yikes.) And honestly? I'm not sure what I meant by "live more". Maybe I meant try to be more in the reality that is my life. If that's what I meant, then I would think that I am putting in effort there.

So all-in-all, I'm neither impressed nor disappointed with my efforts throughout the year. I am hoping 2012, though, will be at least a little more on the "impressed" side.

Let's make a list:

1. Be quiet. Seriously, I think I am going to try this route, especially when I'm sad/disappointed/jealous/petty/angry. I screw up a lot when I open my mouth. This is not to say that I want to keep things bottled up, but my first reaction shouldn't always be with me opening up my mouth.

2. Be more optimistic (this is exactly like "don't be so pessimistic" I guess). Hey, I have to work on this. Those scowl marks on my face are becoming more and more permanent here.

3. Motivate. Both myself and others. People (including myself) like you better if you motivate rather than tear down

4. Be a better father, and more importantly, a better husband. Sharon does everything for our child; she's tired. I should try not to put so much unnecessary demand on her and support and appreciate her as much as I know I can. As for being a better father, well, what do I know about that? I'm new at this. I'm just going to be working on it day to day.

5. Sleep more. I've always said "I'll have enough time to sleep when I'm dead", but maybe for this year I should make a conscious effort to sleep at least a little more. Maybe not every single day, but at least try for more than what I am currently getting. I'm unfortunately not getting any younger and when my body is calling for something it needs, then hell, I should give it to him.

6. Watch less porn. (What? Men watch porn. If you're a girl and you're reading this and you think the man in your life doesn't watch porn as much as you think he does, guess what? Double that number. That's prolly the amount of porn he does watch. And if you're a man reading this, don't pretend that you don't watch that much).

7. Try not to let work get to me so much. It is just work. At the end of the day, I still go home and I have a life I have to live. It gives me a good living. Accept my place there at work (and by that I mean accept the politics going on there, the people I have to work with/work for, the job itself). I should be looking at my job as if I have something that the "1%" has and not the "other 99%". This is a great career. With that said, though...

8. Take a new class. Educate myself more. Get the cobwebby mind working. I've been static for too long. Sure I've been learning by just living life, but I have to consciously try a new subject. I have a few in mind, and I really hope that this time next year I'll be taking a class (or two) in something I'm actually passionate about. Even though it might not lead me to a new career, I can't let my mind just fester.

9. Less Mac time. This internet thing is a point of contention. Time to prioritize and organize.

10. Give one compliment a day to someone. It won't hurt. I'll start by thanking you. It's sort of weird to me that when I started this blog, I figured no one would want to read my ramblings or inner thoughts and feelings. I also thought I'd be embarrassed if anyone actually did (okay, fine, I still am embarrassed, but what am I going to do? Stop posting? I am nothing if not a creature of habit when it comes to this kind of thing). Plus, it's sort of gay. But then, hello, the internet is such a vast place that there is no such thing as privacy if I'm going through this medium. And I figure for the handful of people that I am aware that does read this thing, that you people are my friends and I don't mind you knowing what I share. So to you, I say this: you are awesome. You make me quench my thirst for my attention-whoring/look-at-me-look-at-me. Chances are, you make me laugh, you make me smile, you make me think and you make me feel. You make me embarrassed as hell if you ever mention to me in person that you read a post on my blog, but don't mind that. That's who I am. I look forward to seeing you more this coming year and into the future, and don't ever forget that to someone as lowly as me, that you are awesome. (Especially you)

So I Was Tired?

2011-12-30T16:36:00.000-05:00

Well then. What a way to end 2011...a three hour nap in the morning.

Kind of shot my day. There goes trying to be productive.

The Doctors from Calgary are in town, but unfortunately under sadder circumstances. Mike's Grandpa passed (but he was north of 90 years old I think, which means he did live a full life, so that is something nice to think about).

Gotta start thinking of "resolutions" as I always do this time of year...

The Stupidity Continues

2011-12-30T00:58:00.000-05:00

Dammit, as if my body isn't broken enough as it is. I just fell asleep on the couch with my leg extended on the ottoman. The leg that's already effed-up. It was quite difficult just walking on it afterwards.

I don't know why I do things like this to myself.

Anywho, played ball earlier today, full court for the first time in a while. Good times. I miss playing on a regular basis. I'm sure there will come a time. Maybe not soon, but there will come a time.

* * *

Met up with JulesBuh and DeAng for lunch today at Earl's. The burger I ate along with the fries must have been something crazy like 2000 calories. It tided my over so much I didn't even eat dinner.

But, good times with them as usual. They make me think and laugh (and not necessarily in that order)

* * *

Friday already? YARGH

I'm An Exercise Machine!

2011-12-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately I'm also a junkfood eating machine too. Yargh

* * *

I know it's my "vacation", but I really need to find some motivation to complete the tasks I had in mind for this week. I was supposed to do some crown molding, but of course...

* * *

Hope my furnace isn't broken. It's like a sauna in my house and the thermostat doesn't indicate otherwise

* * *

RIP to Mike and Merb's Lolo. Gonna be nice to see the Doctor's and Macsen, but of course under a crappy/sad circumstance. Mind you he was in his 90's and lived quite a full life, but it's still sad nonetheless

Snow!

2011-12-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

So it finally came. I was beginning to worry, as I'm one of the rare people that actually like snow

* * *

Trying to organize around the house. Wish I had more time...it's going by too fast

* * *

Amazing what an extra set of hands could do. Debbie has been over the past week and she's been doing great with Eamon. It's almost like we have that life that we had before our boy came along. Crazy

Boxed Out, Yet Again

2011-12-26T15:57:00.000-05:00

I swear it's like I don't learn. Why do I even bother trying to go out during Boxing Day? There are so many people, too many lineups, and a lot of people who smell in the crowded places.

Mind you I did make some purchases like a super fancy schmancy universal remote control to replace all the remotes we have in our family room, and a bath soap dispenser set. And Sharon did get a dress. And we did go to Walmart and spent a crazy amount of money on "necessities" which I guess were on sale. So it's a Christmas Miracle?

(With the amount of time we spent all day getting these purchases? That may be up for debate).

But whatever...Sharon enjoys doing these things, my parents enjoyed babysitting Eamon all day (maybe a little too much...a camcorder and camera were whipped out when he was sitting down), and I enjoy complaining so it's a standard Boxing Day afterall

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T23:33:00.000-05:00

NBA games are back on all day.

Ate too much.

Gift openings, and quite a haul for the boy.

Went to go watch Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol at AMC Theaters (free babysitting from the sister-in-law what). Great movie, by the way.

Very little hours of sleep as there is Boxing Day sales to get to tomorrow morning.

Merry Christmas!

It's Here Already

2011-12-24T23:29:00.000-05:00

In just 47 minutes. Just came back from the relatives famjam. Good times! I think I ate about 4000 calories there though :S

The day itself doesn't seem that "special" to me anymore, but there is a new special in my life. Even though he cries a lot.

It's the best Christmas gift I could ever get.

Crazy to think just last year my life was completely different...life is good.

Merry Christmas to everyone! Especially you

So Bad, It's Bad

2011-12-24T09:17:00.000-05:00

I'm watching this horrendously bad movie called "Holiday in Handcuffs".

I have no idea why. It stars AC Slater and Sabrina the Teenaged Witch.

It's so bad, it's not good.

But I have to finish it...lest I don't finish what I start. Yay holidays!

10 days!

2011-12-23T20:50:00.000-05:00

This time of year I always realize how great my life is. As much as I complain about work, what other career would give me 10 days off and still get paid?

I hope I relax and recharge for the upcoming work year. All year I've been telling myself to gogogogogogo...well, for the next 10 days? stopstopstopstopstopstop

Getting Over The Conspicuous Consumerism

2011-12-22T22:42:00.000-05:00

Weird. No real urge to buy anything save for a Universal Remote control. I mean, the Playbooks are on sale again, but after missing out on them the first time, I realized that I don't really need it. As long as we have our Mac, I seem to be good.

Speaking of Macs, the Macbook Pro is on sale...hmmm...

(well there goes my whole speech of conspicuous consumerism right out the door. Sigh)

Can't We All Just Get On The Same Page?

2011-12-21T21:03:00.000-05:00

I know I sound like quite the cheapo, but I really think life would be easier if there wasn't so much consumerism or pressure to give gifts to each other during Christmas.

Don't get me wrong, there are some instances where I think gifts should be given; specifically to kids.

But between adults? I say just pre-agree to spend $20 on each other. In other words, it cancels each other out. I say this because my parents keep asking me what we want. I keep telling them we don't need anything (we don't). But their suggestions include things like a slow cooker, juicer, magic bullet...I appreciate the thought, I really do. But I'd rather they just get stuff for Eamon.

Oh, and I also say this stuff because I spent a long amount of time at Square One, which was nuts. BUT, I finished the Christmas shopping.

Two more work days. I say this every year, but especially this year: I can't believe it's almost Christmas. Mind you, it might be because it hasn't really snowed yet this year. And as I get older, time goes faster and the sentiments I once had seem to be fading away. Such is life, I guess

Looking Around The Office...

2011-12-20T22:32:00.000-05:00

...seeing where I'm at career-wise. I don't know. I just don't anymore. Or did I ever?

* * *

Eamon is getting older now and more and more smarter. He makes me happy

* * *

Linked to this song before, but not this version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVWT0BJq0GA&feature=related

Loverly

* * *

Debbie is over until New Year's...nice for Eamon to spend quality time with his Godmother.

Who am I kidding? It's nice having a babysitter

* * *

Went to physiotherapy today for my hammie. I'm not sure if it worked. I mean, it is feeling a bit better, but so would time.

Time heals everything. Or so I hope. I really hope

Oh Pilipinos

2011-12-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

So I did an inspection of a Filipino store this morning. Everytime I do a place where there is a Filipino, it's always the standard questions: are you Filipino? Do you understand Tagalog? Where are your parents from?

I still find it amusing up to now

Is It Done?

2011-12-18T23:01:00.000-05:00

Well, 98% done anyway. Just some caulking and lawdhavmercy I will have finished the fireplace!

* * *

Last week of work before the Christmas holidays. Too bad I don't really have any work left to do. Could be worse though. I'm sure I'll find something to do

It's Getting There...

2011-12-17T23:47:00.000-05:00

...this fireplace I estimate to be done tomorrow. Finally.

And it looks, well, I'm not sure. I have to see the final-final product before I can see if it was a flop

* * *

Went to go watch Michael play hockey today. I'm quite impressed. And scared because Eamon looked like he really enjoyed watching the game. Yikes...what if he wants to actually play hockey in the future? Couldn't he take up something like running? lol

World's Worst Parent

2011-12-16T22:21:00.000-05:00

And that's how I felt when we accidentally turned off the baby monitor and woke up at 7:00am. Poor Eamon must have been crying for hours.

These are one of those times in my life where I felt so damn horrible. I was afraid he was going to be delirious or something, but he was okay after drinking some milk from his Mommy. I hope it doesn't happen again...I mean, I must've said a lot of times that I haven't slept past 6:00am for the longest time. I just didn't want it to be this way. I blame me being sick.

I love that guy...I'm glad he's a forgiving person (or doesn't know any better, whateves)

* * *

Had lunch with Kiri and Sharon and Eamon today. Oh, did I mention that we saw my ex-gf from high school there, whom I haven't seen or spoken to in many, many years?

Needless to say, Sharon had quite a bit of fun with me, as I apparently turned red and all awkward. She kept threatening me at first that she was going to go there and say hi to her. I kept insisting that she didn't (I don't know why...it's been such a long time. Oh right, because I'm me).

Until when just we were about to leave, Sharon went up to Ariane and said hi. And she came over to our table and we did the small talk thing. She was grateful to Sharon that she said hello to her.

I might have just been glad that I was able to hide behind my baby...lol.

According to Ariane, Eamon "looks exactly like me".

I was close to saying, "Eamon, this could've been your Mommy!" But, you know, I'm already awkward enough and I would've only done that to try to get back Sharon. And you know, that would've just been retarded.

Arvin said to me after I texted him: "I'm surprised you didn't freak out and try to run away." To that, I say..."yeah, I know"

Might As Well Get Royal?

2011-12-15T22:18:00.000-05:00

So crown moulding was on sale at Rona. After doing some crown moulding in the family room, my dear wife had a brilliant idea: "hey, why don't you do the dining room and the living room too while you're at it?"

Hey.

Why don't I?

(I always pretend that it's a big hassle, but of course the truth is I enjoy doing trim work. But only if it turns out good. Which reminds me, I still have to finish the "finish touches" for the fireplace. Gotta focus here...)

* * *

Oh, so you mean to say that if I took a painkiller (ex. advil), this pain in my hamstring would've been temporarily subdued?

I'm feeling sick and have a cold. I took the Buckley's complete tablet. My hamstring doesn't hurt.

I don't know why I have such an aversion to narcotics (the ones that would help the pain, that is). Man, you're getting older and your body is already polluted! Geez

Oh Crap, Not Now...

2011-12-15T05:53:00.000-05:00

...starting to feel a bit sick. Come on immune system...start to kick in already

* * *

Not normally a Drake fan, but I do like this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spRbS3f0NE4

Oh Right, Perspective

2011-12-14T20:54:00.000-05:00

So I just spent an inordinate amount of time having rage over getting the crappiest gift at work for this "secret Santa". Just had a moment of perspective (thank you).

My life is good. I don't know if that person who was giving me the gift is going through things or maybe felt forced to do this gift exchange and couldn't really afford it.

I'm like that five year old boy who didn't get what he wanted. These are one of those times in life where I have to stop being so immature and realize that in the grand scheme of things, this doesn't and shouldn't really matter.

Yikes. Obviously there is some underlying feelings/resentments/reasons (particularly at work) that is leading me to be this...psycho

Lots Of Eating, Bad Gift Giving

2011-12-13T21:43:00.000-05:00

So we had our "team meeting" today (which consisted of a short meeting, catered in lunch, then curling).

The lunch was awesome (RD's BBQ).

Then the "secret Santa that's not really a secret Santa gift exchange" (how is it a secret Santa if an e-mail went out with everyone stating what they want, at a ridiculous $30 maximum? Might as just well spend $30 on yourself because that's how much you'll get back. Or so I thought). Okay, I know that this is the season for when you get gifts, you're supposed to be grateful no matter how much it's worth.

But the "gift" I received (after my request of a Home Depot/Rona gift card) turned out to be a $20 Tim Horton's gift card. Yay. I don't even drink coffee and I hate all the food there.

Meanwhile everyone else (including the guy I got the gift for) got a minimum $30 gift. Sigh. Well, whatever...thank you person who obviously never put any thought into it and prolly got a great gift yourself.

So we also had our 3rd annual Peking Duck Extravaganza at Chung King (by Pacific Mall) today. Great company with Row, Clavo, Kathie (!), Kiri and Ruthie.

I think I may have eaten approximately 7294 calories today. Yikes

* * *

Found our daycare...yay for Eamon! (We hope)

Oh That's Why...

2011-12-13T05:55:00.000-05:00

...Eamon was inconsolable this morning. He had a poo the size of a twinkie in his diaper!

Poor kid.

I love that guy

* * *

How in the heck am I going to curl today? My hammie is still rendering me ineffective. Advils it is!

And The Nightmares Begin?

2011-12-12T22:10:00.000-05:00

So my baby boy was crying and fussing at 1am last night. Went to pick him up, he stopped crying, but was not exactly awake. He only woke up about a minute later.

Then, of course, when I tried to put him down he cried. So I picked him up again and he stopped crying.

So sensing an opportunity, I lay in the bed with him thinking that finally, he'll sleep with his dead ol' Dad (I have this thing where I want my child to sleep with me because, you know, it shows that maybe he loves me. He normally never is able to sleep with us. I know, it's not exactly something I should broadcast to those parents that find it annoying that their children are not able to sleep without them).

Fail.

But he will accept Sharon's boob in the middle of the night, then fall back asleep.

Anywho, I think he had a nightmare. Hopefully tonight he sleeps more peacefully

* * *

Leg is still aching, and now back and shoulders are aching. Dang it

* * *

Tomorrow will be another day of eating like a champ. BBQ for work party/lunch, then my workmates annual Peking Duck extravaganza in Markham. Which also means I won't see my baby tomorrow evening again. I can do this...I'm sure he won't even notice I'm gone

* * *

Wrapping up the daycare search...

No, I Will Not Spray You, Random Old Indian Man

2011-12-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

So I had been experiencing the dreaded Athlete's Foot (ironic name considering I'm really not an athlete). I bought myself some of that topical "spray powder", tough actin' Tinactin.

As it is Sunday, I took Eamon swimming this morning. Afterwards, Sharon took him to the women's change room to get ready, and I changed and got ready in the men's change room. Well there was this old Indian man in there, horking up a storm, brushing and shaving and showering.

He happened to pass by me as I was spraying the Tinactin on my foot. He stopped and said, "what is that?"

I replied, "a spray so that my feet don't get itchy".

So what does he do? He puts his foot on the bench and asks me to spray his wretched foot.

wtf?!?

I replied, "This is medicine. I don't want to give you medicine that might give you a rash. You should visit a Doctor to let you know what spray you would need."

He agreed. Then he started to ask me if I was a student, where I worked, etc. I just said I was in a hurry and had to leave.

People. Amirite?

* * *

Last two weeks of work before being off. Looking forward to the break.

Let's do this! gogogogogogogo

Sometimes It's Easier To Be A Party Goer Than A Party Hoster

2011-12-10T22:59:00.000-05:00

So the first turkey took way longer than I hoped it would. But then the second turkey took much shorter than I thought. So all-in-all, it wasn't that much a disaster. I think.

I think I also have to credit good ol' KFC for supplying the party with their delicious, addictive gravy.

(Aside: everytime I go to KFC, I feel sad for humanity. The patrons always seem way too unhealthy and sad and bitter. And yet, I'm a patron myself. Hmmm...)

It's a nice tradition meeting up with the high school friends. It does get a bit tiring, but it's worth it. And the adjusted time slot this year to lunchtime helped a bit.

Oh, and I had some of the best cupcakes I've ever had in my life. I never thought Lizanor would be the maker of it, but hey, I'll take that surprise.

I guess I really should catch up on some sleep now. And tomorrow, it's the start of the leftovers...

It's Christmas Time!

2011-12-10T00:02:00.000-05:00

Well, sort of.

Preparing for our annual high school friend's Christmas party. It's quite tiring. And I have two turkeys to cook tomorrow, so I'll be up early methinks.

This year I'm trying out a new stuffing recipe, and...fail already. Usually the recipes I get from allrecipe.com works but in this case I didn't read the reviews where everyone basically said it was too dry and needed more moisture. So near the end of the baking period, I added in a ton of chicken stock.

Now I just have to figure out if I'm going to leave the stuffing loose or actually stuff the turkeys

* * *

So I think the injury is from my glute muscles. Effing hurts still. No idea how I got it but it's annoying and I hope it goes away soon. I mean, I can't hardly even bend without having disomfort. It's like I'm 75!

Welcome To Africa

2011-12-08T23:05:00.001-05:00

So I went with some student PHI's and Row to an Ethiopian resto in Toronto this evening (what? I'm a parent with responsibilities? Pshhhh.) (Thanks Bubba).

It was...okay. Nothing that I don't think I'll crave in the future, but it was good. The company wasn't too bad (imagine "Revenge of the Nerds" in real life). We also walked towards the Honest Ed's area and went for froyo at Menchie's.

I think I ate about a bajillion calories today. And I didn't get to kiss my baby boy good night :(

Then I get home and it seems like I missed out on some NBA trades...looks like the season is gearing up again. Maybe I'm starting to get excited...

Turkeyed

2011-12-08T05:55:00.000-05:00

So I picked up two turkeys for Saturday, as they were small and we need to feed 16 people (picking up two frozen turkeys at Walmart on a Wednesday at 10pm...this is my life).

Now I just have to figure out how to cook the both of them and with what...sometimes it gets stressful hosting parties.

* * *

Going to eat some Ethiopian food tonight in Toronto with some co-workers. Looking forward to it because I've always wanted to eat Ethiopian food.

Am a bit sad though because I'm not going to see my boy to sleep tonight and will pretty much only see him this morning. I think I might be having some attachment issues. I'm also feeling bad because I'm making Sharon do all the hard work...(thanks Bubs)

* * *

Feeling this homegrown singer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aalaIK5IJQE

All (Ham)strung Out

2011-12-07T05:41:00.000-05:00

Dammit. I don't know how this happened, but I've been fighting this really, really sore left hamstring the last few days. The pain is wretched and internal. I think I'm going to have to find this physiotherapist sooner than later, cause my legs are just messed up.

Coupled with my messed up right elbow, dang. My body is just broken

* * *

Had one of those disappointing adventure last night. Went to Square One's Zara to see if they had the suit we're all buying for Arfeli's wedding. Sold out.

So in my awesome wisdom, I thought I'd go to Sherway Gardens to see if they had it there.

And I'm sure they may have had it there if, you know...there was a Zara at Sherway Gardens.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytCEuuW2_A)

* * *

5:37am and I'm watching my son through the video monitor. He's wide-awake and looks to be just lying there, contemplating life, not sleeping as much as he probably should be.

Yikes...looks like he may actually be more like his father than his father would want him to be.

Double yikes...looks like his mother might be sighing because he is more like his father than his mother would want him to be...lol.

"Why don't you just sleep?!?"

Now It's Winter

2011-12-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

Just looked outside and saw some snow. Been wondering where it's been; it's December already and the mild weather has really put the whole global warming thing in perspective.

I may have worked a little too hard these past few months because I really need to slow down now. I have about 13 calls to do between now and the next few weeks. Yikes.

Worked out this morning...hoping I could keep it up.

Saw some pics on FB that made me irrationally upset. I know nothing, but I find it sad that sometimes people don't think. But I should just stay quiet...it's not my life. Wouldn't be surprised if people say the same thing about me

How The Hell Does The Weekend Go By So Fast?

2011-12-04T22:11:00.000-05:00

Seriously. As I get older, time goes by so much faster.

Anywho, good day today. Swimming with the boy (he has no reactions whatsoever in the pool. Actually makes me laugh). Brunch with the Latin Chan's (fresh arepa's what). Productivity: clean bathroom and fold laundry.

Now I just have to get back on this exercise thing. Here's hoping for tomorrow

Living The Wild And Crazy Life

2011-12-04T06:11:00.000-05:00

Up at 5:30am, in bed by 10:00pm...doesn't get more crazier than that on the weekends.

Fun brunch with Kat, Tyler and kids yesterday. Eamon gets along well with other kids; makes me think that he won't have a hard time adjusting when he finally goes to daycare.

Now let's see how he is with animals, as we're going to meet up with Carlo, Kalina and their dog Pepper. Again -- wild and crazy life!

Oh Why Hello Again...

2011-12-03T06:26:00.000-05:00

...sleep!

Crazy. First time sleeping over 6 hours in what seems like a long while. Of course, a lot of it is my own doing and my stubbornness to not go to bed early, but still.

Can't believe it's December already. Time is just flying.

Going to Kat's for brunch today, then Carlo/Kalina's tomorrow for brunch. This weekend and the next few weekends are going to be busy. No rest for the weary (whatever that means).

And have I mentioned lately that I have not been exercising? I feel disgusting. And it really, really doesn't help that I've been eating like absolute crap these past few weeks. Gotta get my head right

5...4...Hurry Up, Time Is Running...1...

2011-12-01T20:32:00.000-05:00

So that's what it feels like to be on one of those contrived HGTV shows where the people have to finish their project before a certain time.

Was up until 2am last night trying to get everything ready for Sharon's new Mom's group get-together. It's always a great feeling to finish a project, no matter how tired I am at the end. Mind you, I'm not completely done the fireplace, and won't be done for another few weeks (as I wait for my special order to come in), but 95% of it is done.

Am I happy with the end result? So far yes. I just really hope the finishing touches turns out the way I want it to. I am saddened that it won't be done before the annual high school friends' Christmas party at our house occurs, but can't win them all.

Weird feeling not having to have to work this evening and actually being able to be in pajamas right after bathing the boy. Even weirder being able to watch TV! Oh, and I guess I should catch up on sleep tonight too. And bonus...tomorrow is Friday

Yay...Awwww...

2011-11-29T23:49:00.000-05:00

You know that moment when you think everything clicks in, and then, well...it doesn't?

I had a brief moment of that today. As I have been talking (complaining?) about this fireplace reno I've been doing, I thought I had the chance to finish before my deadline of December 10. I went to order my "accent piece" for the fireplace, and they said it would be available by next week.

Well womp womp...they called me back and told me that it wouldn't be ready for another 2 weeks. What can I do? I went to look at other places that could do the same work and...they cost roughly twice to four times the cost of the company I am going with. A few days after December 10 is a small price to pay to save that much money.

Luckily, the majority of the other stuffs is done/going to be done: installation of mantel (check), crown molding (check), first coat of paint for the crown molding (check). Then our family room finally comes back all together again (with the exception of the accent wall).

I guess it looks okay. More modern, if anything. And once I finish it, I get to make the oft-told joke of, "okay, and now we move?"

Tired And Cracking Skin

2011-11-28T23:20:00.000-05:00

Dang...it seems so close but yet so far away. The fireplace, that is.

I checked out a company that could make the last parts of the fireplace wall, and I might be just so pressed for time that I might just order it without doing my customary 4-5 company searches.

Admittedly, I am starting to get tired. It also doesn't help that the skin on my hands are starting to crack (and bleed and hurt). Plus, that damn full-time job continues to get in the way...lol

Aren't I a complainey-pants? I have to remember that I chose to do this project and that I enjoy doing renovations. Maybe I'm just upset because it didn't turn out as "professional looking" as I wanted it to turn out? But then again, I've always been my own harshest critic.

I just have to suck it up and git it

* * *

Kiri is back in my office! Nice to have the original lunch bud back...alas, some things have changed but it's nice to have my "bff" back. I also wish her the best of luck in the next few days

* * *

That hernia thing I was worried about a few days ago? Well, as I thought, it didn't turn out to be it. At least, I still don't think it is. Seems like it's just one of those weird bump/cyst-like/pimple(?) things that I get in my body occasionally. Like the time I had the same kind of bump in my arm. Weird

Here We Are Again...

2011-11-28T05:48:00.000-05:00

...Monday.

Dang, this weekend went by fast. I ate way too horribly, so I must go to the gym and at least sweat. I hate this feeling of looking up as I'm at the bottom of the (health) barrel.

It doesn't help that we found a nice suit for Arfeli's wedding from Zara yesterday, and that it's a tailored fit. So I have two months to try to get into half-decent shape and to avoid the tight-suit-debacle that occurred during Beevy's nups (as Nefeli reminded me indirectly yesterday. I still feel really bad about ruining the pics...sorry Beevy! I swear I'm usually a size "small", but J. Crew just fit differently from the clothing I usually get. And plus, as Nefeli pointed out, it is after the holiday season where the eating will happen).

Gogogogogogogo

* * *

Hate it when things, like floors and walls, are not square. Went to dry fit the quartz for the fireplace last night, and damn. A few gaps here, tight fits there...time to think of a new solution again...

* * *

Dope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EXclbNuXSc

Drunk...On Pork

2011-11-27T06:34:00.000-05:00

So that was a fun reception last night. I think (think? More like I know) I ate too much. Of course I did not drink, but damn was the food ever good. That porchetta station at the end of the night, which I was telling myself not to do because of the copious amounts of food I ate prior to that but couldn't resist, put me over the top. I now have the hungover feeling (where I feel sluggish, body feels off, and for extra-goodness, a coating of grease on my throat and mouth). I might not be regretting it right now, though...it was really, really good pig.

The party itself was good with good music (as to be expected as Mike is a talented musician and his musician friends were there too), good company (we were at a table with crazy white girls! Oh, and Argay and I intertwined our fingers as we held hands. Don't ask), good dancing (must be if my wife told me that I smelled like BO at the end of the night. Thanks, wife) and a brief reprieve from parenthood (not that I mind being a parent).

But of course, no matter how long or late we stayed up...we're still up at 5:30am because of the boy.

Today is going to be a long day too...swimming, then I'm going to Toronto to see what kind of tuxes/suits to get for Arfeli's nups, then back home to continue working on this fireplace. I believe we've entered that busy part of the season...

It's Only Been One Day?

2011-11-26T16:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was quite the busy.

Visited a day care in the morning (not that good), went to do some Christmas shopping (I absolutely hate that toy warehouse factory that Sharon likes going to), rushed to Jool's clinic for my new orthotic measurements, rushed back to another daycare appointment (we did like this place, but of course it's a bit more $$$), came home and finished hanging up the crown moulding.

This morning I went to pick up the mantel and other quartz pieces (early finish by the company ftw!), then just came back from the Nadal's nuptials. Now we're going to the reception.

Yikes...no wonder I might be feeling a bit tired. And of course tomorrow...we're still going to wake up early because of the boy. Life! Amirite?

Hernia? I Hope More Like Herni-Nahhhhh

2011-11-24T20:41:00.000-05:00

I hope that thing isn't a hernia. All these years of joking about it...so I decided to take a look online as to what a hernia looks like -- big mistake. Not for the fact that what I have looks like it (again, I really hope not), but because some of the pics are just disgusting. I honestly thought I was going to heave. Anywho, I'll just wait it out a few days

* * *

I love it when I stumble upon a deal, and that deal just so happens to also go hand-in-hand with good luck. I might even love it more than the actual product I was shopping for...lol.

So for the past week I have been looking for the materials for the fireplace as my original idea of using the same company as the kitchen counters went up in, well...went up in price as to what I originally thought I would be paying.

I searched for a comparable material that deemed most economical but still look good (Caesarstone Quartz as opposed to Cambria Quartz). Found the style we wanted, but not at the price. I got various pricepoints, and was going to go for the last quote I found when I decided to search one last time for an Asian dealer (not to get so stereotypical, but they usually give the best prices).

Found one and when I got there, it was indeed cheaper. BUT, it was dependent if they had the actual material in inventory (if they had to order a "slab" of it from the ditributor, it would have driven up the price by hundreds of dollars). Turns out the one I wanted was, of course, not in stock.

Thinking I had no other choice, I was going to just give up and get the cheapest one, but then I noticed that the place I did look at had a next door neighbour that was also a natural stone supplier/installer.

Enter Galaxy Granite & Marble, a nice Vietnamese company with equally nice salespeople who actually understood what I was looking for. I gave them all my measurements for what I wanted, and they gave me a quote I absolutely loved (not to mention they are all about the "cash deal" as well...scamming the government for the win!). I even got a lower price if I just picked up the materials myself and installed it myself (how hard could it be? I hope I didn't just jinx myself there). And just my luck, they had once piece of a slab leftover that just fit all the dimensions I gave.

So I told them I would take one last measurement to ensure that it would fit. I came back today, and yikes, I found out I'd have to order even more material as the walls weren't straight (dammit, whomever built it must've sucked! Nevermind the fact that it was me who built it). And wouldn't you know it? They originally underestimated how much material they had in stock and along with my new measurements, everything again just fit. I even inspected the slab myself. And the new price turned out to be not that much more.

Seriously, I got really lucky. I just love it when things fall into place.

Now then, I just have to not screw it up when installing it. I even bought some suction cups at the Unique World of Princess Auto to help me put it in place (and with my string of luck, it was on sale!!! Man, I hope I win the lottery soon).

This fireplace is almost done. I hope Sharon doesn't get too excited now...lol

Sorry I've Been Avoiding You, Jim

2011-11-23T19:46:00.002-05:00

I've just been so dang tired and busy and wrapped up with this fireplace reno.

I will return...my fatso body demands it

* * *

On-call schedule is set for next year from May 17-31. Surely on May 17 I will be contemplating why in the hell I took it...lol

Crown Mouldy

2011-11-22T06:48:00.000-05:00

Dang, what day is it?

As always, I never thought this fireplace reno would take this long. Actually, maybe I just never thought exactly how long it would take. But as I always think to myself: if I want something done correctly, then I shouldn't rush.

Yesterday, I (think, hope, pray) started on the home stretch of things including painting the first coat and putting up crown molding. Ah yes, the crown molding...I got a size too small (looked funny in comparison with the taller baseboards we have on the main level). So back to Rona I went, returned and got bigger sized crown moldings.

And cutting it at the proper miters was of course time consuming. I hope once I fill it all in with the wood filler, caulk the edges and paint it, it will look decent. Seriously, we better move after I'm done with this to maximize on any profits we might have (yeah, right).

Now to figure out what to do with the mantel...

Anywho, time to gogogogogogogogogo

And It Don't Stop

2011-11-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

So the evening with JuDexDang was fun, and the dinner was filling and yummy. Good times hanging out with like-minded people.

And the weekend just don't stop...swimming, Sameer's 1st Birthday Party, Xavier's 2nd Birthday Party...man, I also have to do this fireplace thing.

Not that I'm complaining or anything

A Nap? A Nap!

2011-11-19T15:56:00.001-05:00

So I guess I've been running myself tired these past few weeks, and it caught up to me this morning. Took a nice long nap in the morning. I just couldn't get up and going...but it felt nice for my body to get some rest. Thanks Bub!

We then went to my Dad's birthday lunch at Wasabi Buffet. Why must I always insist on overeating? Ridonkulous. And we'll be going to the Ang's in just a short while and will prolly eat like crazy there too.

And when was the last time I went for a jog? So sad, I tell you

* * *

Found a great, random song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wCgVu8mUf4