Recall This Toyota

It's great knowing someone who knows how to fix cars. Toyota was trying to convince me to change my rear brakes for $500, and was also trying to get me to fix whatever it was that was causing my "check engine light" to go on for about $400. I said "no thanks" and then went to Ray's.

He basically checked my brakes (said it would last another two-three years) and fixed the "check engine light" by connecting a hose that was not connected, and he didn't want to charge me (I slipped him a 20 anyway). Score!

Not maybe so much of a score? I still bought winter tires at Toyota (it was on sale!). Made a dent in my ING "car fund", but at least I'm good to go for next winter. I'm just hoping my car will survive, otherwise I'm going to have to buy a new car that will accommodate these wheels...lol

* * *

Me (18 years ago): Mom, I got an A- on my report card

Mom (18 years ago): Why only A-? Why not A+?

Me (today): Mom, I got a promotion at work

Mom (today): that's so great son!

Me (today): it's temporary for 7 months

Mom (today): why only temporary? Why not permanent?

Thanks Mother. Not that I had flashbacks or anything...

A Few Weeks Late For Sort Of Accomplishing A Goal

So I've had this secret-ish career goal for the past few years: get a promotion at work before I turn 30. I was so convinced I didn't do it, that I had that whole epiphany last week.

Much to my surprise, I was offered an acting position just today. Which, of course because I'm a complainerer, means I'm not permanently in the position I would've wanted, but it's better than nothing?

On the brightside, it does offer me a break from my current duties for a good 7 months, which I have sorely wanted. And when I get back, my new Supervisor happens to also be a good friend (not that I would take advantage or anything), so hopefully the atmosphere/environment would be much better.

Yay? Yay! Sort of? Why not?

(oh, because of the ridiculous amount of work I have ahead of me in the next coming months. I hope I don't regret this)

This Is All Your Fault!

haha...so I just woke up from a rather strange dream.

I dreamt that I was on a boat with my old boss. My entire team was on the shores and was watching and listening to what my old boss had to say, when all of a sudden a big wave came. I was holding on to my old boss' jacket, but he fell in the water. It was freezing cold, but he eventually surfaced. And he was mad at himself for coming into work.

I had to try to convince everyone that I was trying to hold him so he wouldn't fall, but I think everyone was thinking I pushed him in. And then I started doubting and thought to myself that maybe I did push him in.

Perhaps because I was mad at him? But why? I'm not really mad at him. Or am I? I could think of a couple of reasons why I would be. Well that was weird

* * *

So I almost got into a car accident yesterday. Scary stuff because it would've been with Sharon's car and with an Infiniti. What the hell happened there? Jeez. I'm still thinking about it

Such The Dumb Song...

...but I like it and it's stuck in my head: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc_bfsW_JkM

* * *

When did I change? Okay, fine, everyone changes. But did I change for the good or the bad?

Either way, I noticed I changed

6k Down, 10k Here I Go

After running about 6km this morning, I think I should be ready for the 10k race next month.

I'm not sure if I'm going to beat my time from last year, but I've been feeling okay running.

Of course I had to ruin it by eating a bacon and eggs breakfast followed by a noodles lunch.

Okay, maybe I'm not ready

Well That Ain't Right

We just went to visit with Kathie and the babies...so cute!

But if the things she told me were true regarding work? That would just suck.

It would give me a reason to be upset, but I don't want to be (more) bitter and disillusioned. I'll just have to take it as a "it wasn't meant to be" kind of things

I Raise My Middle Finger To You...

...middle finger.

For some reason, the skin on the top joint on my middle finger is horrendously dried out. As a result, the skin is cracking and the pain is something fierce.

(I do want to point out that at no time have I ever thought I was a tough warrior that could ride out pain)

Everything Including The Kitchen Sink

So we ordered our kitchen sink from Lowe's last Sunday. They said the wait for it to be delivered would be about a month or two, because it was on back-order.

Imagine my surprise when they called yesterday indicating it was in. Now we just have to wait a few months for our cabinets and countertops. But whatever...one of the good parts of this awesome kitchen sink story? The price we got it at Lowe's was roughly half of what it would cost at other stores like Peel Tile. I mean, yeah, it's still an expensive sink, but the savings of what I was expecting it to cost can now go towards Quartz countertops (because apparently we're kajillionaires)

* * *

Made one of those fruit-kabob baskets for my work BFF for her birfday. She's going through a lot right now. I hope she gets what she really wants because no doubt she deserves it

Moment Of Realization

That maybe I'm just not cut out to be what I think I could be. Well, I'd like to think that I am, but I think I'm just caught in the "numbers game" where there are just as qualified people ahead of me for various reasons.

I don't want to do the whole "why do I do this to myself?" thing, but I clearly have to reassess and contemplate what I'm going to do with my life. Maybe I am in search of something else, but I'm constantly wondering why I can't just be happy with what I have and be content.

Giving up? I would like to think I'm not. Just looking for something new in life, I suppose.

I figure I'm in the top 95 percentile of all the people in the world in terms of quality of life. It could always, always be much worse.

I think I need to revist that whole "getting a dog" thing again. Yes, yes...that's what I have to do (much to the chagrin of Sharon)

"All I Need Is Love"

True and I agree. Me too

Easter Ritual

Nothing says Easter like going to McDonald's after Mass and gorging on hot cakes with my hot cake.

And to top it off, we're going rock climbing, followed by celebrating Greek Easter with Nep-pell-lee (how my Mom says her name) and a roasting lamb.

Just like God told us to?

Tuuuuuuyu!

Every once in a while I'll have a craving for fried sardines and sininag. My Dad makes it the best.

It's very nice and convenient when I can call them up and go there on a weekend morning to get my fill.

Now I just have to get over the sluggish feeling after the fact

Bahay Tribe: The Next Generation

Just got the news that Mistie is having their first....yee-uh! Funny cause we were just talking about it with Beevy the other day.

Congrats!

Open Your Eyes

Yup.

Don't forget that.

Stop being so stupid.

You saw what you needed to see.

This is the start (I hope)

What Song Do You Like?

I like this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbDV_tW5BfM&feature=related

It's the go-to whenever I have that chance to play Rockband. Also heard it on the radio today and was driver-dancing like a retard (of course not this version, but the actual Fleetwood Mac version)

Why Can't I Be A Single Lady?

Why do I picture this happening to us if we have a boy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIQRzWANTKU&feature=player_embedded

(might have something to do with the child inheriting my sensitivity)

Uncleanliness

After a whole winter season of not cleaning my car, it sure does feel nice to clean it thoroughly both inside and out. According to Arvin, my car should run faster now.

Hope the nice weather stays and there's no more snow (the brush has made it's way back into the garage). Which reminds me, I should be getting my wheels changed right about now

Less Stress

Finally...it's out of my hands, I did as well as I could.

If I don't get it this time, I'm pretty much never going to go for it again.

Now, though, I can sleep!

Under Pressure

Dun-dun-dun-dun-dundundundunnnnnnnnnnnn.

When was the last time I felt this? Truly self-imposed. Why do I do this to myself?

Well, it's not bad every now and again I suppose.

Here's goes nothing

Rehearse Rehearse Rehearse

If only I wasn't so unmotivated and lazy

Happy (Non-)Birthday Event

So that was a Tremendous affair with some elementary/high school peeps, which all of a sudden became a quasi-Birthday party for me.

Crazy to think that entering our third decades of life, we have known each other for more than half our lives. I've known the kambals for 22 years of my life. Holy crap!

What's Wrong With Me?

Stop being so lazy, dammit!

Lobstuck!

AyA came, AyA measured, AyA left. Now we wait for...months. But whateves, I hope it looks good when it's done. Gosh knows I haven't worked this hard in a long while, so I'm hoping it's worth it.

Then I met the parents and brother at Chiuchow Man Chinese Restaurant. We ordered not only Lobster, but also Duck. It's a birthday miracle!

So I bought a Cash For Life lottery ticket. As I was scratching it, I was wondering to myself, "people usually win $4 or $6. Who ever wins those odd amounts like $16 or $12? I think it's a ruse". Speaking of birthday miracles, guess who actually won $12!

And as a final birthday miracle? My in-laws gave me $50! Wins all the way around!

But the best gift? Wifey is coming home tomorrow after 5 days away.

She actually surprised me today, which is hard for her to do. She gave me a birthday gift without actually being here. She met up with Rowena last week, and asked her to give me the gift today. And boy was I surprised...I read the card, and it said "I'm sorry I couldn't kiss you on your Birthday, but hopefully this will tide you over until I get back". What was in the bag? Dozens of Hershey Kisses...awwwwwwwwwwwwww...(I think I'm about to tear up here. There is a reason I'm the wife in this relationship)

It Ain't Pretty, But Spackle Will Cover It Up!

I'll always remember that word from Perfect Strangers..."spackle". I'm going to need a lot of it to cover up the atrocity that is my drywalling job. Okay, it's not that that bad, but it sure ain't that good either.

But whateves, for the most part I did it by myself (exception of help buying the drywall with Argay and hanging it on the ceiling with Richard) in a crazy amount of time (who needs sleep? As well, who need muscles that aren't sore?).

Oh, and I haven't done the taping yet. Yikes. Good times ahead yet again.

Oh yeah, and the mess? I hope my wife doesn't get a stroke.

The cabinets, though, are now (finally) able to be measured properly tomorrow. And then we wait until June! (sigh)

* * *

Third decade of life already? Where did the time go?

So what do I have to look forward to? Well, there is a ton of stuff I've yet to do and experience.

One thing is for sure, I'm gonna try hard not screw things up and be more smarter about things. Apparently resolutions are not limited to the new years

Efficient Drywaller I Ain't

Never before in my life would I have imagined that I would have done 15 hrs. of drywalling in a day. Oh, and not get done what I planned to get done.

Of course.

My hands are dry and cracked. My back is gonna be sore. The little cuts and nicks on my skin are accumulating. The little mistakes I'm doing are irritating. I'm eating take-out and my diet is horrendous. The amount of work still ahead of me is daunting.

Surprisingly, I'm somewhat...enjoying it. I'm somewhat focussed in what I have to do (it helps the wife is not in town this week, as I'm sure if she saw the mess happening here won't bode well for our relationship).

Oh, and I have a lot of stuff I have to do for my real job.

Wow and yikes

I Need Four Arms!

Dammit, it's dang near impossible to hang drywall on the ceiling by yourself (without renting one of those drywall holders).

Just need to drywall and I'll be done and ready for AyA to come in on Wednesday. Luckily I have Richard coming tomorrow to help me out.

I don't know if I would be able to make a living doing renos. The thought is romantic in a way, but my body doesn't really like it. I wish I wasn't so delicate

I Need A Helper

The past few days have been hectic, trying to fix one thing after another. I was supposed to be drywalling today with Arvin, but the electrical wasn't done (I can only ask my Dad to work so fast, and plus there was a lot of stuff to do).

As usual, I have underestimated. And I have to get this stuff done by Wednesday when AyA comes.

I have a day off tomorrow, but what good is that when I need someone to help me lift up the drywall? Argh...I'm hoping this frustration subsides.

In the meantime, I'm gonna be all complainy, especially since my body feels all sore and whatnot

Signed Away

Finally...we just signed the contracts for the cabinet people. Now I have a deadline before they come in: first week of June. I could get it done, right? Ulp

Mad, Foaming At The Mouth

So I'm thinking maybe it's a good thing I didn't spray foam the insulation myself. I had Foamworks (nice guys, good company, I recommend especially since they were willing to do the "cash deal") do the insulation today.

I was trying hard to suppress my laughter, because the guy spraying prolly has been doing it for too long. See, the smell of the spray foam seems pretty toxic. The guy spraying? He seemed a little...off. Didn't help he looked like a mad scientist as well.

We may have paid a few hundred dollars premium, but I think it was worth it.

So what's left?

Electricaldrywallplumbingcabinetscountertoppaintingbacksplashpayingoffthedebt.

Yikes

It's An Open And Shut Case Of Cabinet Doors

1. It's gonna take a long time to get done because the plans have to be revised again, and once it's all finalized it's going to take 8-10 weeks

2. It's gonna be esssssspensive

3. Apparently we're not going to beat the HST price, which really sucks (oh yeah, and our designer says the letter H like this: "hey-ch". Sharon is annoyed by that, which makes me laugh)

4. I still have a lot of stuffs to do before the actual cabinets come in. Luckily, the spray foam insulation guy should be coming tomorrow, thus I'm (hoping) to do some drywall by this weekend. Right. Let's see how well that goes

5. Our backs are going to continue to get sore because washing dishes at a laundry sink? Not good times

Git (Gr)Out Of Here!

So I haven't complained about the kitchen in a while. But what complaining could I possibly do? I just finished the grouting, and it doesn't look half-bad. Unfortunately, 96% or more of the work I've done is not even going to be seen because the cabinets will be over it. Ah well, at least I'll know what's under it.

Just like when the (frikin' expensive) spray foam insulation guys come here in a few days. I better take a lot of pictures

Flying Fist Of Fury To My Forearm

Damn juicehead at the gym accidently punched me on the forearm while playing ball. Oh how it smarts.

* * *

Have you ever started walking, and then realized something was in your shoe? It's annoying. So I was walking this morning and felt something uncomfortable in there. I thought my sock was all bunched up. I finally had a chance to take off my shoe, and lo and behold, it was...a quarter! I'm going to think this is good luck, and it is a sign that I will soon walk into money.

Yeah, right

Ninong's Full

So it was baby boy's Baptism today, and he looked awesome in his white linen outfit.

The party afterwards was ridicurous in the amount of food (figures, Marie is Italian afterall). In fact, it was my only meal of the day.

When we got home, I went running. With Sharon (!). We ran for 2km straight...hopefully we keep this up. It's nice to do things with your spouse every once in a while. Oh, right, and I should prolly start running more often considering I have the 10km race in about two months. Yikes

Off By Three Hours (Of Course)

So I started tiling my kitchen floor in the morning, thinking I could get it done before noon.

Fail!

BaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaM!

Ever have one of those meals that was so good, you kept saying "omg, this so good" while you're eating it, and then you feel so sad when it's done?

I just had one of those. A lamb roti from Alima's. I love lamb

Changes A Happening

Big changes at work yet again. My Supervisor, who told everyone she is not going for the Manager position, did go for it and now got it. So that now means her position is open. Uh-oh...time to think again

PeePee Monster!

So funny thing happened in the middle of last night: I went to the bathroom (well, that's not the funny part). Unbeknownst to me, Sharon got up a few seconds after I did (she didn't recognize I left the bed), and proceeded to need to use the washroom as well.

Well, I was already standing there when she opened the door and screamed "AHHHH", which of course scared the hell out of the both of us. I screamed at her, "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?" (although I really did get startled and it was just a natural instinct because she consistently screams that way to me). She replied, "I have to go pee!" I said, "well me too!"

So she used the other washroom. I'm just really glad I wasn't in mid-stream when it happened, otherwise it might've been a disaster.

Good news to this? I went back to our bed thinking, "great, now I only have a few more minutes before I have to get up" (because I usually get up to go to the washroom a few minutes before I have to wake up). My body even felt ready to go to the gym. But what time did this happen? 1:00am! I was so happy I had four more hours of sleep

Goodpella

So I'm really digging the new Vinyl 95.3FM...lots of good oldies. Here are the songs in particular I get excited about when I hear them play it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw9fsAP9GkQ (from one of my all-time favourite movies)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM5RlrvNE6o (I especially like the last part of the song where they get all girly with the "hold me in your loving arms babeeeee". Possibly because I'm a homo)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAxlmdTJ7S8 (okay, maybe I'm too '80s. Whatever, I'm a strange aminal)

Ever Have One Of Those Days?

I think I just did

Xavier's Lola Is Funny

My mother talking to Xavier, upon recognizing his baby acne: "why do you have pimples? Are you in love?"

Yuckra

Why do people eat okra? I went to the in-laws for dinner, and they were serving okra. I had some, but I was left wondering (as I always do whenever I see okra): why exactly do people eat okra?

The taste is not that pleasant, the texture is fuzzy and it's like chewing...phlegm.

And then I realized that I eat diniguan whenever I'm at a Filipino party, so maybe I shouldn't really say anything

ADH...What Now? Butterfly!!!

So for one reason or another, I took this ADHD test online today. Unsurprisingly, I scored a "high probability of having adult ADHD", whatever that means (I didn't really read too much into it. Yes, I realize how fitting that is).

One of the questions was "Do you consistently daydream?" I felt I was lying when I answered, because there was nothing higher than "all the time".

I should control that

Is It The Weekend Already?

Sweet!

So what would I be doing this weekend? Well, what you're going to hear me say for the foreseeable future: kitchen

Bamboozeled

So some peeps at work are leaving for maternity leave soon, and they decided to have a going-away lunch at Moxie's. So of course I go to Bamboo Gardens (lol).

Haven't been there for a long while. Still the cheap, filling, and maybe not-so-good-tasting food.

I wish I had more time. That's all

It's A Reunion!

So I'm gonna go walk Rozzymaboo for the first time in a while. And good timing too! I just ate wings 'n wedges 'n iced tea.

Ugh

New Convenient Excuse

I'm blaming the lack of progress on the kitchen on: work!

Man, it really cuts a lot of hours out of my day. Oh, and I also looked into how much sprayfoam insulation would cost. Holy crap!

Garbageman

So I took the day off and dumped all the crap from the kitchen reno. Took two van-loads to get it all there. My back is sort of sore as a result of it.

Looks like we've settled on AyA kitchens for the cabinets. Now then, all the other things that has to be done to get this reno going...

And Now The Hard Part...

...going to live two or more months without a kitchen sink. Wow, I can't imagine Sharon having any pleasant thoughts associated with that.

So since I should hurry up and finish this kitchen, what's the first thing I'm going to do today? Play basketball! Priorities in the hizzay!

Gassy

Three things involving gas today:

-my kitchen is now hooked up for gas

-baby boy Xavier was gassy

-had a family dinner at a cheap Chinese buffet, which in turn will surely leave me...yeah

I Will Choose To Be Happy

I will choose not to look at the sadness

It's All A Matter Of Waiting

For this kitchen to be done.

Wow, am I already saying this?

(ummm...gotta find cabinets first)

There Was A Hockey Game?

Okay, obviously I knew there was. Who in Canada didn't?

But I was watching short-track speed-skating. Canada just won the silver medal, after Korea (who thought they won gold but was disqualified after a judge reviewed the tape).

I found it funny that the Koreans were waving their flag with such pride, and then they lost. Someone should've took those flags from them, because to me, that would just lead to...awkward!

Does That Car Come In Stained Maple?

So looking around at kitchen cabinets, I liken it to buying a new-used car. Why?

You get to pick the colour.

You get to pick the style.

You get to pay almost the same damn price.

I mean, I knew it was going to be expensive, but it still doesn't make it hurt any less.

Oh, and it'll take two months for it to come in? Yikes

Cranky Old Man Alert

Did a class at a high school today. Damn whippersnappers are so disrespectful. But then I thought it was ironic because I was prolly just as bad as they were.

Gotta do another high school tomorrow morning. Hopefully I'm not as cranky

* * *

I want to visit Vancouver one more time before Beevy leaves. I need money!

Noooo...I Won't Go Back

So after a (semi-)week off, I have to go back to work tomorrow. Nooooooooooo!

It should be a relatively easy day tomorrow (teaching at a high school), but I didn't do nearly as much as I wanted to in the kitchen. Mind you, that's my own lazy-butt fault, but, it's coming along (I think).

Back at it...

Oh (No) Canada

Just had the always entertaining Sanjutha over for dinner. She proclaimed she was a vegetarian, so we had a non-meat dinner. Then she mentioned how much she missed chicken salad. Yeah, I don't see her keeping up with this. I know I sure as heck wouldn't be able to.

So anywho, we watched some olympics afterwards. Canada's "Own The Podium" program has put so much pressure on our athletes. I feel bad for the ones who didn't place on the podium (which, unfortunately, seems like the majority of them...lol). Oh well, this will all be forgotten in just a little bit more than a week

That Tiger Purred

Watching the Tiger Woods press conference, am I wrong to think that instead of him apologizing and all that regret crap, he should've just said "yup...I did that stuff. We're gonna get divorced, but I don't care cause I'm still rich. You can all hate me, but I'm still better than you at golf. So?"

I'm just sayin'

That's Gonna Be Essssspensive

Started sourcing out the "wants" for our kitchen.

Yikes

I Think I Can Get Used To This

This whole not-working thing, that is. So what did I do today?

-woke up, went to the gym to play some ball. (oh, and it's always worth playing ball when you win)

-came home and pretty much plopped myself in front of the couch, both internet-ing and tv-ing

-wasn't I supposed to be doing some renoing? Well, I sort of did. I'm now in the stage of "okay, so I just took down all the walls and am seeing what I'm working with. What the hell am I going to do now?" I better start putting ideas down on paper here

Oprahed

So we went with Arfeli to watch Otello. First time at an opera. Might be the last?

Well, it wasn't so bad. Thank goodness for the closed captioning for the hearing (and comprehending) impaired. The story was about betrayal and whatnot; man, those people were so dramatic back then. The action was a little drawn out (and at that point I realized what a fast-paced society we now live in as opposed to when these opera's were actually made).

I suppose I feel more cultured and enlighted, and yet, there are only two words that I will remember after watching this show: vile slut!

What's next for my adventure into the arts? Ballet? The AGO? Watching the symphony? Go-karting?

I Can't Stop...

...trying to find songs that are in my head. Then when I find it, I'm Trey Songz (happy): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8lcMV6_5NQ

(been looking for that one for a while)

Break! Break! Broke!

I guess this is the point of no return. Started demolishing the kitchen, and of course found all sorts of crap the previous owner had done (why in the hell would you disconnect an air register?). Looks like we'll be living with a mess for a little while.

(Cue sighing and silent outrage from Sharon)

This Is It: That Was It?

So I just watched Michael Jackson's movie. It was okay, I guess.

I do like his music for the most part, but I've always been left wondering what was up with all the crotch grabbing?

Failure To Launch

Catch the opening ceremonies last night? Fail!

* * *

Met up with Carlo and Kalina for brunch today. Fun times...I think we need more "couples friends"

Ninong J!

So I'm gonna be a Godpapa again...to my boy Xavier! Surprised and honoured I was chosen. We saw him today, and holy crap I think in 6 months he's gonna be bigger than me

* * *

Watching the Olympic Opening Ceremonies right now. I would love to be in Vancouver...seems like the place to be. Canada is entering as I speak...awesome.

(I've been walking around the house waving one of my hands in the air while carrying a digital camera in the other, pretending I'm one of those athletes)

(I'm gay)

That Feeling

I'm getting that feeling again as I start to source out everything for the big kitchen reno. You know, that "holy crap there's a lot of decisions to make and once we make those decisions exactly how are we going to pay for it" feelings. Why must we have such expensive tastes?

And this is why we're not having any kids anytime soon

Chicken Cuban Stylez

So my wife made this Cuban chicken, made with a tomato/orange/avocado salsa wrapped in an Indian roti. Holy crap it was good. She's getting way better at cooking now (since the time we moved in). Soon the student will surpass the master? Wait a minute, I was never her master...LOL

* * *

Trained some elder students at an employment action centre today (lots of middle-aged to 55+ year old people who recently lost their jobs at a factory and are looking to retrain or acquire new skills). It always saddens me to hear their stories, especially hearing (and knowing) that it's nearly impossible for them to get work. It's first hand exposure for me to see people being affected by the manufacturing downturn, and dose of reality for how lucky a position I am in in life.

I have a good life (I'd credit to my parents for making the jump to Canada when they did) and days like today make me realize how I take it for granted sometimes. Hope I remember this day/blog post when I do have those days I'm particularly complainy