Another Funfastfullstomach Good Time

As with most my trips to Chicago, it was rather short but effective.  I got my Al's #1 Beef, got to hang out with the cousins, see the sights, and was left feeling polluted due to all the foods I ate.

But whateves...at least I got to bring Sharon with me this time and found a compatible traveling couple to go with.

Alas, time to get back into the reality groove

Shy Town! Shy Town!

Time for the pilgrimage to Chicago, this time with Sharon and Arvfeli.

Since I went crazy shopping last week, this trip will be all about...food.

We'll be leaving in appx. 6 hrs.  Maybe I should sleep?

That Yay It's Almost Vacation Time High

That's how I felt today.  It'll be even more so tomorrow, as I get prepared for my week off next week.  Can't wait!

Got That Bug Again...

...to finish with the bathroom.  And all it took is my wife not being in the house!

I'm chugging along and I'm back on track to finish it.  In two years.  Give or take.

*  *  *

Did my pilgrimage to Rye High today for the career fair.  This year was a bit better; in the sense I didn't do as much as last year and I walked away a lot from the stupid idiots I work with who irritate me.  Not that I'm bitter or anything.

But anyway, Ryerson is a changin'

It's Not Delivery!

It's homemade!  And it takes a hell of lot longer and I still can't get the damn pizza round.

So of course while my wife is away I go and decide to do complicated meals, like this.  I'll just call it "practice" for when I do make it for her.  Mind you, I doubt that will be soon...sorry love.

The result?  Damn bready goodness!

The Big Bang Theory

A new TV show I'm into, and dang funny.

For some reason, it reminds me of Sharon

What Sucks More Than Being The Worst Player On Your Team?

Having teammates that roll their eyes and let out hugh sighs when you inevitably screw up.

Sucks!  I'm really going to have to get better at this basketball thing, otherwise all my fantasies of being, well, "good" are not going to come to fruition

Come To The Bachelor Pad

My wife is gone till Friday cause she went to her real home (Alberta).

Ladies!  Time for you to come over and...

...watch TV with me if you'd like

Uh-Oh...I Did It Again

I'm blaming Kiran on this one. She said, "let's go to RW!" I said, "okay!"

I bought more stuff again. Plenty more.

I am not planning on going clothing shopping for a long while

This Wouldn't Happen If I Rode A Motorcycle

Well, it would, but maybe not at such a damn high price. What am I talking about? Car maintenance. I got a hefty car bill for work being done to it; all maintenance work that needs to be done. And I have an economy car!

But whateves, I need to I need to. Luckily I saved up money for days like this.

So why am I pouting about this? Well maybe, just maybe...I would've wanted to shop at RW again. Or eat. (I'm not dramatic at all)

Recession Wardrobe (& Co.)

So I found out what "R W" stands for in "R W & Co." (see post title).

I gone did it again, the thing that Arvin always makes fun of me whenever I do it:  I bought in bulk.  This is the third or fourth time I went to R-Dubb on my lunch break and ended up spending over $120.  But at the prices I got the products at, how could I not?  And they fit me!

So, seeing as how I like to do the whole "see what I saved thereby rationalizing my purchases" thing, I will put down what I spent (before taxes) and what I would've spent if I bought it at regular price (before taxes).

What I bought and how much I spent:  2 dress shirts + 2 pairs of pants + 5 sweaters = $109.55

What I bought and how much I spent if I bought everything at regular price:  2 dress shirts + 2 pairs of pants + 5 sweaters = $528.00!!!

And you wonder why 70% of my wardrobe is R-Dubb?!?  Man, when they have a sale, they have a sale!  And not only that, I had to actually stop myself from buying more!

(I guess I won't be shopping in Chicago when we go next next weekend)

Things Gone Done Change...

...in Bolton.  Haven't been there in, like, a year, and boy have things changed there.

Or have I changed?  I'm philosophical!

Maybe Next Year, Or The Year After?

Looks like (for now) our dog dreams have gone, well, to the dogs. We both realized that we are too busy (and selfish with our time) to care for a dog. We'll still dogsit where and when we can, but to have one full-time doesn't seem feasible right now.

Maybe as our priorities change, we'll be able to fit a dog in our lifestyle.

And thus, I break one of my new year's resolution already

On Second Thought...

...maybe a dog is not a good thing right now. 

Mind you this comes after running outside a good distance chasing after she got loose and then having an argument with Sharon about it.

It dawned on me after realizing how much other things still need to be done before providing the constant attention we have to give a dog.  The thought of having a dog is nice; the implementation seems to be more trouble than it's worth right now.  I think I'll just settle for dogsitting for now

So Far, So Okay

So I slept on the couch so Lily wouldn't get too lonely.  She was whimpering a lot, unless she was literally by my feet.  So I had her by my feet, and then I realized that if I fell asleep, I might kick her or suffocate her (and that's why you don't let your newborns sleep in the same bed from you.  I learn a lot from commercials).

So I put her on the floor.  And then she started whimpering.  On top of that, I think I was scared to go to bed in case she pooed.  Needless to say, I only slept like 3 hours.  And she still ended up pooing on the floor when I woke up.

Whateves...all the joys of having a dog.  I just hope Sharon realizes that

We're Getting A Dog!

Well, dogsitting Lily for the weekend, anyway.  Yay!  (I hope.  See, Janice and Ken just left, and already she's crying.  I hope it'll just take her a while.  For some reason I see her getting used to us...when they come back)

Like/Not So Much

Like:  the look of a freshly shoveled driveway, especially in contrast to neighbour's who have yet to shovel their own.

Not so much:  shoveling

*  *  *

Happy Birthday Mama!

Jolly Ho!

So we just watched Slumdog Millionaire (in true Slumdog fashion...pirated DVD!).

I thought it was good, actually.  My wife, not so much (then again, not that much of a surprise considering she likes Indians about as much as I like Filipinos).

It almost makes me want to take up Bollywood dancing (again, my wife, not so much).

*  *  *

I'm serious with this whole "don't kill myself with work" this year.  For the third consecutive Monday, I called in sick.  Mind you, taking a mental sick leave is just as justifiable as a physical sick leave, especially with all the things happening.

So how do I spend a day off?  That's right, by stressing myself out with another thing; a thing I abhor.  Drywall mudding and taping.  Argh.

Luckily it doesn't have to be absolutely perfect because I will be tiling over it.  But still.

To tell the truth, I've been quite impressed with myself with this bathroom...the pace is just bustling!  So, of course, time for the inevitable slow down

Groutrageous!

And now, I have grouted.  I can see the end stages of the bathroom!  It's just a far, far, far ways away

The Curious Case Of How Inappropriate I Would Be

So we went on a date tonight.

Nothing but the finest dining:  Mucho Burrito (damn yum)

And then on to the theatre:  Benjamin Button

The movie was alright.  I couldn't help but think, though, that if I were to grow younger, what I would do as I would have already known my exact lifespan.  Like...what could I get away with?  On the flipside, it did make me meditate on my own existence and what lies ahead in the future.  We are told to take one day at a time; that everything in life happens for a reason.  I suppose.  Were Sharon and I fated to be with each other for the rest of her life?

Tile Machine

So far, so mediocre.  I just laid down the tiles in the bathroom (finally!); I suppose it went okay for my devirginizing experience in laying down tiles.  Just have to wait a day or two before I start the grouting.  Then the shower tiles, then counter, then the wall tiles, then the mirror, then the...aight, so I prolly won't be done anytime soon.  My future dog is prolly wondering what the hell is taking me so damn long.

My knees and back hurt...and thus rules out the future prospect of me being a floor installer.  Not that I ever wanted to be one.

Man, I'm getting old

It's The Little Victories That Count

To me, at least.

I was having quite the dilemma on how to cut a cutout in my huge tile.  I was going to bring it to Richard, but he is sick and unavailable.  So I went to Rona and bought a blade for my grinder.  I was thinking that it just won't work, or even if I did cut it out, it wouldn't line up on the floor.

Lo and behold...no problem!  This stuff just doesn't happen to me all the time.

However, I am coming up to my next problem:  actually setting down the tiles.  This should be interesting... 

I Hate People!

So, what did I learn?  That people, especially and specifically people I work with who do nothing actually involved with work, are stupid, moronic and retarded.

That'll show me to be a trustful, friendly person.

Screw them all (except for, like 4 people)

Wings = Sloggy Mornings

So I went for wings last night, and I guess my body didn't get the message that deep fried foods was a comin', cause it was damn hard to wake up this morning. I noticed this: when I eat bad food, like wings, I wake up the next day feeling all sloggy (and don't get me started on how it affects my basketball game in the morning). I guess getting married to Sharon really helps...have I been eating this healthly? Really?!? I guess it also doesn't help that I went for a night cap of babbles with Argay.

It truly is a sign that we're not young anymore...he'll be a moving to the T-Dot with his "not serious" girlfriend (yes, Sharon, changing your relationship status on Facebook does indicate the truth of your relationships).

I'm kinda jealous in a way; while I love the house we're living in right now, he's doing the whole young, hip urban thing of "moving to the big city" that we completely bypassed. And it will do nothing but help both him and FeliBeli with their commute to their job and their relationship (I hope...don't say I didn't warn them about the, ummm, greatness that comes along with living with someone. Just ask Sharon!)

Although, I am pretty sure he is going to miss his Mummy and food being ready when he goes home. But whateves, I'm excited because now I have a new, very convenient excuse to go to Orginal's for wings cause he will literally live right across from it. (oh wait...isn't the whole point of the first part of this post being how wings made me not feel right? Oh to live an ironic life...)

Stress Leave?

You bet, especially with all the crap that's happening.

On a brighter note, our new front door is being installed as we speak.  On a not-so-bright note, it's friggin' freezing in my house right now.  Yay gas bills!

Who To Trust?

Apparently I trust the wrong people at work.  I now know who not to tell anything to.

I personally can't really believe this stuff at work is happening to me.  If they think they are going to fuck with me (that's right, I'm so mad I just swore), they have another thing coming.  Unfortunately, I just don't know exactly what that is yet.  I'll figure it out...

Mood:  frustrated, upset, angry, disbelief, sad.  All at once.  I'm not in a good place right now

You Don't Need To Know Where You're Going...

...you just have to keep moving forward.

Yay ER

Well Then

This is a first in my career.  I thought it was over, my Supervisor and Manager thought it was over, but of course, it's not.

I think I'm dealing with a mentally unstable person, and as a result my name is basically being dragged through the mud.

"Verbal Harassment"

Are you kidding me?!?

Seriously, this is one f-ed up situation.  Let's see what happens as a result of this...

Go To Detention!

So I had that meeting with the Principle and Vice-Principle today (aka. manager and supervisor).  And it was exactly the way I thought it would go.  In other words: it was gay. 

With one exception (pointed out to me by Kathie):  why isn't the person who made the complaint about me getting reprimanded for not doing any work for the past 6 months?  I'm sure I'll mention that sooner or later

Degrassi High!

So apparently I'm in the middle of some "high school drama" at work, and I'm being cast as the evil bully.  And as a result, I have a meeting with management tomorrow.  I can't wait!

(I hope I don't get fired)

(Actually, screw that, I shouldn't hope for that considering I should really have nothing to worry about.  It's not like I don't work or anything...errrr....)

And That's Why I Wear A Mouthguard

Not because I'm some poser, but because of incidences like yesterday. It was the start of my basketball season (we actually won...so that's what it feels like to win in basketball) and I got whacked in the mouth by another players head. I didn't end up bleeding (which I would've been if I wasn't wearing the mouthguard), but it still was quite a shot to the teef.

In fact, I went to the Dentist today to get some x-rays, and she said what I thought she would say: from this point, it's either going to heal on it's own, but if it gets infected I should call them again. In the meantime, everything I bite will hurt and on top of that, I think I burnt my tongue.

(and thus the reason I, ummm...called in sick to work today)

"I May Be The Best Man, But You Got The Best...Man"

Out of all the lines of my corny speech, I think I like that one the best...man.

Congrats goes out to Team Orleanne (or Jenando). Great time at the wedding today and good food all around. And my own wife looked stunning.

Orlando is in for a treat. I didn't know that Jeanne and Sharon were that much alike. And by treat, I mean "heckuva time" (not necessarily a bad thing)

Dawn Of A New Era

I finally cracked open the seal of the Mac, and...it's great so far.  In fact, it's, ummm...somewhat the same as a regular computer?  Not that I was expecting a night and day difference.  I do, however, feel smug now that I'm a MacMan.  Screw you PCers!

It'll just get a little getting used to.  I hope Sharon gets used to it (she won't have a choice pretty soon when we decommission the old computer)

The Mac Is...

...actually, I don't know. I still haven't gotten around to opening it. I don't know why I'm not more excited about it.

* * *

Tomorrow marks #3 as a Best Man, as I was chosen as one (probably by default). Jeanne and Orlando are getting hitched at a fancy-schmancy place (The Doctor's House), and it should be an interesting time. I should prolly start on that speech.

Oh who am I kidding, I'm just going to be cutting and pasting one they haven't heard yet...

Return Of The Mac (User)

So we bought a Mac back on Boxing Day, and I will finally open it up today. Let's see how this turns out...

I Went Craptors!

Good first game of the season to go to with Argay, Alan and Nads...they actually beat a team that is good!

The recurring theme? "Oh man, I forgot what it's like to hang out with guys".

Then we went to Mountain Equipment Co-op and I boughts myself a new bag for work. I'm still in the "deal-seeking mode" because my work gave me an allowance of $150 for a new bag every three years, and yet my bag only cost $50. I felt like I should've bought the most expensive bag I could afford. Filipino-alert! But whatever, I always enjoy getting new bags (seriously, I'm not a girl...I don't think)

Then we went to Federick's and ate all sorts of oily food. So far 2009 hasn't gotten off to a good start (health-wise). Okay, starting...now

Imagine If All Work Weeks Were Like This?

First day back at work, and now two days off.

That would be the sweetness if it were like this all the time.

Within the span of a week, Sharon and I watched Season 8 of CSI and Season 6 of CSI: Miami, albeit shortened seasons, what with the writers strike and all. But still, to go through 44 episodes over a week? That be some major couchpotatoeing!

Take 29

Okay, I exaggerate, especially since I didn't really start making new year resolutions since maybe half my life. But, I am going on my 29th year of life, and what better way to look at it than to do my annual list of highly unrealistic expectations?

And of course, we look back to last years post:

1. Be a good husband (that's a first)
2. Help clean up around the house (another first)
3. Be more healthy (not a first, but always recurring. I did lose some weight, but I'm afraid I might've gained it back already. I did join the 10km race again, so I don't have a choice. And I did join the basketball and soccer league)
4. Finish the renos!!! (Right.)
5. Be more money-wise
6. Be an adult


The results?

1. Ask Sharon. I know I am going to definitely have to work on it, more than ever. Whoever said that marriage is hard work I would like to punch in the face (only because they were telling the truth, and I can't handle the truth)
2. Again, ask Sharon. I would like to think I was a bit less messy, but by my wife's standards? Let's just say that #2 on this list is intimately linked with #1
3. I would like to think was somewhat of a success! I'm under 160, my blood tests for cholesterol came back within normal levels (at least, I think it did as that whole "no news is good news" thing is a great motto to go by) and without drugs (!...unless you count metmucil and omega-3 pills as drugs), going to the gym has become habit (albeit only for cardio), and I've signed up for my 5th 10km race. Now then, I just gotta keep at it this year, and go for my next goal...under 155
4. It's getting there. The bathroom is on its way, and then for the summer is the garden and backyard. Either than that, we just gotta save for our curb appeal (driveway and porch) and "dream kitchen"
5. Well, we're not broke which is always a good thing. We encountered a scare with Sharon almost losing her job, but we got lucky. We're not in trouble with the banks, the credit card companies, and we enjoy extravagences (ex. new garage door, vacations) in moderation with only money we actually have. So I would like to say, yes, we are becoming more money-wise. We'll see how wise we are once we get a dog
6. Ask Sharon how that is. As for what I think? I went through a lot of changes this past year that tested my adult-ness: my stubborn belief that if I continue to not swear (in fact, it gets easier everyday as it becomes second nature, and the only time I consciously swear is when I really, really want to make a point), I become more mature; I learned (sometimes through no choice of my own) to lower my expectations from people; I went through some career-soul-searching with rejections and contemplating what I really want out of my job; and, of course the hardest test, that being my mental anguish via all that daydreaming I do and trying to display some sembalance of control in my everyday actions. I have also come to believe and accept that being an adult requires the recognition and most importantly acceptance of change...it happens all the time, every day, every second, whether it be circumstances, actions or thoughts, and that unfortunately there is no controlling it. So after all that blathering, what is the conclusion? I have a long, long, long way to go

Okay, so now that has been established, what are some of my goals for next year? Here is a list I am haphazardly slapping together (after about 2 minutes of thought) and may sound eerily the same as years past, as I seem to lack ambition (?):

1. Be a better, more grateful, helpful and happier husband to Sharon

2. Be better, more grateful, helpful and happier to myself

3. Be healthier (hey, you can't ever be too healthy)

4. Work less, enjoy life more

5. Recognize my limitations, embrace my strengths

6. Get a dog and be responsible for her (somehow, adding this on a new years resolution seems awfully a lot like implying something to a certain reader of mine)

7. Be more responsible

8. Finish renos! (I think this one will be on every list from now on)

9. Curb some of that conspicuous consumerism

10. Stress less. About everything

Let's see how well this blog goes for the upcoming year. I've been posting less and less and putting less pictures. Consistency is a hard and difficult thing, and sometimes interst wanes. This is still a great experiment for me though, and I shouldn't put too much pressure on myself.

Happy New Years!

Meet The Potatoes

Haven't done that in a long while...and a partner to boot!

My wife joined me as we watched 8 episodes of CSI in a row. Before that, I was somewhat productive; I ironed all my clothes. While watching TV.

So basically, it was a TV-filled day. And like I said, I haven't done that in a long while. I don't think my body was used to it. In fact, coupled with the fact I skipped my soccer game and ate all sorts of junk food, I wouldn't be surprised if my body was going into slight-shock, but is remembering how I used to be years ago. Yikes...I better not go down that road again.

But whateves, I'm determined to veg. For the first honest time in my life, I feel like I deserve it because come the new year, I gotta get my butt back into it. Oh crap, the new year is in a few days...ummm...

The Break: Halfway

It always gets depressing knowing you're half-way to going back to work. It always takes me a while just to get out of "work mode", and now that I'm being lazy and eating too much, reality will be striking soon again.

Why must my mind have these constant perceived struggles? Yikes, I gotta let things go.

* * *

Looks like Alberta in September is a for-sure go, what with me being a groomsman to Dr. Sy and all. Actually, I'm excited!

All This Holidaying Makes Me Tired

Doesn't help when I dropped off my cousin (who, in my best adjective for her is as a "dumb blonde") at the airport last night/early this morning at 3:30am. Haven't done this "up for 23 hours straight" in a while.

I think I'm getting old

What Recession?

So Sharon and I did our part to help bolster the Canadian economy today. It was not only our right, it was our duty.

I wish.

We've been boxed. We always said, "look at those poor suckers spending their money conspicuously". And then we became poor. And a sucker.

But hey, always remember to look at how much you saved, not how much you spent.

Rationalizer in effect!

Murry Christmas!

Woah...this came up really fast.

What says Christmas more than...CSI? It's couch potato time!

Make That 5

Under the file of "just because I can, because I don't have to pay out of my pocket", I got three more pairs of glasses today*. I recommend www.clearlycontacts.ca for eyeglasses if you know your prescription.

*It's a deal! Buy in bulk!

MSN With Your Mom

It always leads to funny conversations:

(After I asked how the show "We Will Rock You" was, tickets we got them for Christmas)
Imelda says:
we're in front of the stage almost right in third row near the wall and in front of the speaker its good we brought along ear plugs other wise we're deft by now
Jason says:
oh I didn't know it wouldbe that loud
Jason says:
next time we'll get you seats that are further
Imelda says:
its pull blast

Apparently she types the way she talks?

I Be Ballin'

Looks like my basketball league I signed up for is a go. I'm hoping I enjoy it a lot more (and actually win a game!). There are only four teams, but I'm guaranteed at least 8 games.

I hope the team I'm on doesn't end up a bunch of ballhogs

"Work Should Never Stress You Out"

I always told myself that. Then why am I having these mini-anxiety attacks? I can't take it right now. I work with imbeciles.

I can't wait for this break...

My Parents Are Funny Pt. 23

(Upon discussing my Aunt, who is a widow and has a new boyfriend)

Mom: "When your Dad dies there will be no other man for me. I want God to take me right away"

Dad: "Right away? Give me a break first...wait at least ten years before He takes you"

Mom: "Ya right"

* * *

Under "Backhanded Compliment": I conducted a class today and after the class I asked the students to answer an evaluation form.

One of the questions is what they would like to see for future classes. One of the students wrote, "it wouldn't hurt to have a good looking instructor. You did a great job today Jason!" Thanks...I think?!?

DryGuyWallin'

So I finally found a day that I wasn't lazy and started putting up the drywall in the bathroom.

I feel progress. Then again, I also feel progress is less than half way there.

But really, it's been fun work today. Woah

Bathroom Travailes

I'm not sure if "travailes" is a word, but I'll use it anyway. We're finally sourcing out the tiles and other details for our bathroom...I'm excited.

Until I realize how much work is still involved actually doing it.

Time...I just need time

Fightfightfightfightfight!

So our soccer game today ended (predictably) with a loss, and (unpredictably) with a fight. I wasn't involved, nor was I willing or wanting to. I think it was partly Trent (my teammate's) fault, but the other team was playing way too aggresively for a rec league. Trent even ended up with a gash by his eyebrow.

Quite frankly, this is the reason I sometimes hate playing organized sports, especially with testosterone-filled idiots who take these games too seriously.

Besides, I'm a lover, not a fighter.

(And thank goodness I was on the bench as opposed to on the field, otherwise I may have reluctantly had to get invovled...and get beat up...lol)

The Brotherhood Of The Travelling Skirt

Okay, yes, I'm a girl. I just watched that movie with Sharon.

I think I still have a thing for Rory

Longest Week Ever

So I figured this week I worked an extra two days. Four straight days of leaving ridonkulously early just to finish a project I've been pretty much working on the past year.

Or in other words: what it feels like to work for private industry?

I'm pretty tired

My Mom Is Funny

I haven't done one of these posts in a while. So I went to my parents house for dinner, and my Mom asked me to install MSN messenger for her so she could chat with Con on the computer.

Well I installed it, but she had to go to her prayer group. So I showed my Dad how to use it to show my Mom. I then added her as a contact and then left the house.

When I got home and signed in, I messaged my Mom who was now online. Here is how the conversation went:

Jason said:
So do you know how to use this now?

Imelda says:
hi jay its working its mom testing123

For some reason it reminded me of the time we first got call waiting years ago. When my Mom came home that evening, she asked me if the call waiting worked. I said yes. She asked how did it sound. I told her it was a beep. She proceeded to ask me what kind of a beep, how long did it last, what did I say to the person I put on hold, etc.

Old people and technology make for a great combination

And Then It Hit Me

While at work today, I realized that it's gonna be a while before I get over it.

My heart is just not in it right now. To be dramatic (a la American Idol): my spirit is broken.

A trio of black leaders will help me through this:

I will overcome. Yes, I can. You go girl*.

(*oh would you look at that, someone is already joking)

Who's Next?

*coughcoughbeegayorargaycoughcough*

Congrats go out to Team Mistie. I do find it funny thought that Dr. Sy had to include in his text message, "she said yes!"

Was there any possibility she would have said "no"? It's not like he moved halfway across the country for her or anything...

Sore Loser Talk (Or Rationalizing...It's All Relative)

So I didn't get it.

And the only reason I found out was because the person who did get it told me. In other words, I haven't been officially declined yet.

Yes, I am upset and somewhat saddened by the fact I didn't get it. I would like to think I did all the necessary steps to achieve it, but I guess it wasn't meant to be (this time...or next...still stings a bit too much right now to really decide if I would ever go for it again). Doesn't help that a lot of people at work, even the person who did get it, was convinced I would get it, saying things like it was mine to lose. I felt like I was the only person who didn't think I would, despite the fact that deep down inside I thought I would get it. Sucks and still hits you hard when it actually comes true.

For the record, I am very happy for Kathie; she is one of the people at work I genuinely call a friend. There is absolutely no way I should be bitter about the fact that she got the position; she is qualified and I said time and again that if I weren't to get it she would be the only one I would want to get it. While I may have had some advantages for the position over her, she did too over me; so really, it's came down to the manager's decision. I guess this softens the blow a lot more than if anyone else were to get it.

I think, really, one of the things that have me disappointed is that for the past few weeks I have started to think of myself in that role. Now I have to revert back to the position I currently have (which I do like on occasion), but the double whammy in this is that Kathie was the best partner I had and now will lose. And plus, I wanted to buy suits!

But for some reason, I would like to think of this as a blessing in disguise. I have always said that I value time just as much as money; I think in this case, I put the latter above the former. With a dog hopefully on the way and maybe kids in the distant future, I am going to need it. And plus, the people I would have had to supervise would have been a challenge. I might not be ready for that right now.

So now what? I guess pick myself up from the sadness and put on a happy face. My life is very blessed and I still consider myself one of the luckiest guys on earth. Things happen in life for a reason; I don't know what this reason is just yet, but I'm sure it will display itself sooner or later

'Tis The Season For Consumerism

Lately I've been thinking about how I've been very much the "consumer", even in these times of economic insecurity (recession!). At the same time, I've heard that the best way to get out of the doldrums of a recession is to contribute to the economy (aka. "spending").

What's my point to all of this? I bought a bunch of stuff recently that I wonder if I really need (clothes, glasses just because it's for free through my insurance, garage door, garage door opener, soon-to-be front door). Or maybe it's because I've been scrooge-like ("frugal", "money-wise", "cheap") recently and have been wanting to save more money than I regularly do. The thing is, we do save money quite responsibility, so it's okay if I splurge here and there. Yay again for rationalization!

Spared!

Thank God, Sharon was spared from the axe this week. I think we would have been fine either way, but at least now...we can get a new front door. Consumerism rocks!*

By the way, regarding the previous post, I noticed I named the store as "R & W". Apparently I think not only can I buy clothing there, but also a Mama Burger. I'm such a FOB... "RW & Co." is what I meant to say.

*not really

Find A Deal? Buy in Bulk!

So Arvin always makes fun of me that when I find a good deal, I tend to buy in bulk (ie. in different colours where possible, or just "extras" just because I wouldn't be able to buy it again at that price). I don't blame him; I do that.

Lately I've been good, controlling myself from the conspicuous consumerisms.

But today? Damn you R & W for having a sale! I was at the mall on break with Kiri and was just going to buy a bun for lunch. A bun. Next thing I know, we went into the store on the insistence of Kiri and all of a sudden, I was able to qualify no problem for the free scarf promotion (basically if you spend $95 pre-tax, you get a free scarf).

I do have an excuse though: it's near impossible for me to find something that fits me. I have one of those retarded out-of-the-95-percentile body types, thus I don't fit into the clothing that most stores offer. The clothes at R & W fall into the 5 percentile!

I'm great at rationalizing

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

It's that time to consider if I should go back to my soccer team for the next session. Soccer is fun, it's a workout and all, but I was thinking of doing something else (like basketball).

And if I do go back, I might have to kiss salsa goodbye for now; all these activities can get pricey. Afterall, it's pretty tense times in the Lobo-Marquez residence due to this economic downturn. In fact, we should know by tomorrow or Wednesday what the deal is. I feel bad for my baby, but I am confident things will be okay.

On a brighter note, our new garage doors will finally be installed tomorrow (I hope). Who knows with this company we're going with (Dodd's Garage Doors)...we thought they were a reputable company, but as of now they seem shady. Eh, we'll see

Argh...Another Bad Eating Weekend

I've been fairly good the past few months, but this past weekend was just horrible.

Time to step it up and work-it-out.

I'm gonna die in soccer tomorrow

It's All About Timing

So Carlo and Kalina came over for dinner today, and I attempted to cook a prime rib roast with veggies, garlic mashed, fried onions, sauteed mushrooms and buffalo shrimp. You know what I found out was hard? Trying to make all of them at the same time, or at least serving them at the same time warm.

Sucks...and to top it off, I left the roast in the oven too long and it turned out medium-well (as opposed to the ever great medium-rare). Next time, I suppose

Rub Me Down

Can't wait till tomorrow when I go for my massage appointment.

I think I would be depressed if I didn't have a job that gave me all these benefits

The One That Got Away

Funny game that soccer...it screws with your emotions.

At first, I didn't want to go to this game because for one, it started at 10:40pm. But then I found out that we were going to be (majorly) short players due to injuries, so I decided to suck it up and play. When I got there, we had a bench of one. Needless to say, I was dreading the fact that we would have to run like crazy today against a team higher than us in the standings.

And then something interesting happened...I actually scored a goal. I was obviously happy because I didn't think I was going to score this season, and at that point, we were down 3-1, so I thought we would still be in it.

A few plays later, Trent passed a ball absolutely perfect to me and all I had to do was head it in; instead, it glanced off the post. I let out one of those primal screams because I don't think I would ever get an opportunity like that again.

We kept hustling and something I would've never thought happened: I actually scored again. We eventually lost 7-3 and you would think I would be happy with all the factors going against us and the fact that I scored two goals and that I didn't originally want to play.

But no...all I can think about now is the fact that I missed a header. Honestly, I think I would trade my two goals for that one goal.

Like I said...funny game

Uh-Oh, Here We Go Again

Nervous time tomorrow. But like I (try) to maintain: if it doesn't work out, I'm not going to be all that sad. Besides, I am looking at it strictly from the $ point of view.

If anything, I'm more worried about Sharon's situation. But whatever happens, I am hopeful and confident we will overcome

Happy Birthday Mon Papa

Can't believe my Dad is 61 years old today. Never thought of my parents as being over 60 (or considered senior citizens). Makes me kind of sad thinking about how life goes so fast

Dammit Tricked Me Again!

Damn Raps...lulled me into thinking it was going to be a good season. And already, the frustrations begin.

* * *

Near the snapping point at work. Not really liking the people I work with right now

Lest I Forget

Thank you

Another One Joins The Club!

So the wedding went yesterday and last night and it was quite the affair.

My speech went like much of my jokes: met with silence or the sounds of crickets...haha. Oh well, I don't care, as long as I was amused.

I am happy another couple made the plunge. As I always (semi?)-joke: misery loves company!

Let The Festivities Begin!

So today was the wedding rehearsal for Ken and Janice. It's so great to be not the one getting married and having fun as just a guest. Well, okay, I'm the Best Man and it involves a little more work, but not as much as a Groom.

Now then, I have less than two days...to write my speech. Hmmm...

* * *

Apparently I still have that reputation. Blah, whateves...it's not my business and I shouldn't be disappointed and instead happy, which I am, but still...

(Oh, I understand, it's some people that don't understand me)

4 Guys, 3 At A Time...

...equals one friggin' exhausted team that lost, yet again. We were down 3 guys today, and I was running ragged.

Yeah, this soccer season is not turning out to be as fun as the previous ones.

On the bright side, Andrew "Hollywood" de Angelis stopped by and it's always fun catching up with him. I secretly hope he writes a killer TV script and I somehow get to star (or, okay, at least guest star) in it. Yes, I'm a geek

* * *

November 17. Time to start freaking out for two weeks!

Call Me Jay The Plumber

But not a good one. So I went into my first foray into actual plumbing today as I was doing my bathroom. Aside from almost burning down the house, I became one of those DIYer's that I never wanted to be: mistake after mistake and running to Rona twice (and all for $1 worth of copper).

And the worst it after finally finishing (good thing Sharon wasn't home and no water was needed): I realized I put a pipe in the wrong place, I cut my finger and hands up, and I had anxiety the whole time (again, fear of burning down the house).

Okay, so I feel like crap, but really it was my first time doing it, and doubly good that my Dad wasn't here (double the pressure). Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh on myself. Who knows, one day (in the far, far future) I'll remember it as a "fun time"