So So Close

Backsplash? Check! And it looks great and modern in my opinion.

Only painting left to go. If only we can decide on a colour...

* * *

I thoroughly enjoy not working when a lot of other people are. It's great. You know what else is great? This song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRJBPWta-CU&feature=player_embedded#!

Panzo And A Half

I normally don't like Pizza Pizza. But for two panzos and two pops for $9.99?

It's an unhealthy good time! Good lunch indeed.

Kind of made up for an otherwise craptastic day at work. I gotta get over this...

When Exactly Does It Get Easier?

You know, work. Life. Et cetera.

Mind you I may be saying this only because I left work today at around 7pm.

* * *

Yet another reason I think my Mother is funny: she's been in the Philippines the past month with my Dad. Did she call us to tell us that they were there and that everything is okay?

Of course not. So how does she communicate with us now? Well, Facebook of course. Jeez. (That is, if she actually does bother to try to FB message us).

I've always been a fan of my mother's randomness and her punctuation. Case in point, a message she sent to Con, after Con asked her to buy him some undershirts:

"will be arriving at 430 pm on thursday sept 16 be sure you're home will call on arrival what do you mean with the buttons and sando the undershirts you mean what color of long sleeves gray or white or both clean the house"

Seriously, if you were inside my head, you'd know how funny this is to me

Always Tough The First Day Back

Seriously.

But, I think I have to make it a point (yet again) that I have to stay positive about things and not always look at the doom and gloom of it all.

Starting...now

Fun Times With AMB (Sans J)

So it was a fun good ol' time with the boys this past weekend for BeeJ's Bach.

Woke up early Saturday morning after a fun wedding at Liz's, and picked them up. We proceeded to surprise BeeJ by taking him to a place that we knew would freak him the hell out: Scenic Caves in Collingwood. This involved a suspension bridge (which he was freaked out about), tree-top trekking (which he was freaked out about) and two separate zip-lining, 300 ft. and an insane 1000 ft. (which he was freaked out about). But the great thing in the end? He seemed to have enjoyed it, as did Argay and Dr. Sy.

We then had wings at B n' B Collingwood (dang good), which started our weekend of gluttony.

We then went to something that freaked out BeeJ even more: a shooting range. Why did it freak him (and admittedly all of us) out? Because the clientele there who were shooting guns legally looked like your stereotypical gang-bangers. No joke. Unfortunately/fortunately, the shooting range was completely booked, so we couldn't go. But still, it was the weekend of "things BeeJ wouldn't normally do", so I guess the effort was there.

After that, we went to his cottage by Roseneath. It was very relaxing, just watching shows and movies (watched the entire season of "Modern Family", as well as The Expendables and The Karate Kid), and eating like crazy.

All in all, it was fun and one of the rare times I think we can do something like this, especially as all of our life circumstances changes. Not to be too wistful or anything, but I think I'll always remember this past weekend. And by wistful I mean homo, apparently.

Came back today, but then immediately went to Downtown with BeeJ as Maxwell Clothier's is in town. Ordered myself some custom-made dress shirts (one for BeeJ's wedding). Then came back to Mississauga, and started the Monday basketball night's with the Chinese people that don't really know how to play but I at least get some cardio in.

So yeah, crazy weekend. And I don't want to go to work tomorrow (no surprise).

BUT, as least I have Friday off. 3-day work week what!

Lizanor's Gotten Married?

That's what kept going through my mind. Can't believe Is-A-Snore (aka. "Snake Killer") got married.

Great food, good company, nice place, good drinks (no, seriously, I drank. Girly shots, but still), good times.

Gawdamn we're getting old.

And in just a few hours? We're gonna be baching it up with BeeJ and the boys. He still doesn't know what we're doing...oh man, he's gonna hate us...lol

* * *

Tomorrow is 9/11, but I remember it for other reasons too.

I love and miss you Lola Lita. I haven't forgotten about you. I don't visit you as often as I should, but I keep you in my mind and to me, that's just as good as a physical visit.

Hope you're playing with Hobbes up there!

Sounds Like My Trumpet Playing

Came across this and just about died: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOUsbtUrXHk&feature=player_embedded

Protein Party

We are so going to be overloaded with protein this coming up weekend. Bachelor party what!

But first, some last minute preparation. And then Nikkanor's Nups...wow, that's it, we're all getting married now. Time flies.

Am I dead yet?

PandePizza

So I went with Row today after work to this new pizza joint in the Lakeshore/Southdown area called Mickey's Pizza. The reason I went was because it was offering a "Chicago Style Pizza" (just one of my most favourite foods ever).

So how was it? Well...it was a little like eating pizza that used pandesal as the bread. So it was okay, but nothing absolutely great.

Which lead to this conversation:

Me: "Doesn't this bread taste like pandesal?"

Row: "Dude, I don't know what you're talking about"

Me: "You know, pandesal, the sweet bread that they eat in the Philippines?"

Row (looking at me as I also wore my Indian Kulta, which also looks like a Filipino Barong): "Dude, why are you such a FOB today?"

Me: (well damn, I couldn't argue with her on that point, so I just pretty much didn't say anything)

Anywho, all in all, it was okay, but the PC Brand Chicago Deep Dish Pizza is arguably even better, albeit not fresh

And The Hobbling Begins

What a day of hobbling. Dang blisters. Not to mention the actual amount of work that had to be done today. Blah.

Thank goodness for short work weeks...off this Friday, then next Monday, followed by the following Friday. All work weeks should be three days

* * *

You know how gay I am? Check this out: http://www.zoomphoto.ca/eventgallerysearch/12348/10177/1/

Really?

And looking at the results, if I did this race last year, I would've been one out of two men in my age group.

Dammit...so close to a silver medal!

Blistering Pace

Or should I say blistering race? As in, by kilometre 4, my arches were getting some of the worst blisters ever. Have you ever tried to ignore blisters? Unfortunately, I'm not that strong enough to ignore it.

So I tried to distract myself:

"Hey, that's a nice house! I wonder how they...crap, this hurts"

"Look how fit that runner is. I wonder if I can catch up to...crap, this hurts"

"Hey, water stand! And they are giving away those Powerbar Gels. Goddamn this tastes nasty...and crap, this hurts"

Etc.

By kilometre 9, I was just about to give up, but I did that whole "I went this far, can't stop now" mantra crap I do sometimes. Plus I didn't want to look back in case Ian was close by.

So I ended up doing it in 51:22 and Ian came in at 52:42

I also have some of the worst blisters ever, which I'm currently icing down. I'm not too upset, really, because I think I've given up on having "good times". And plus, this is the first year I've done two 10km races in one year (what's that all about?), with a 5km race at the end of October.

This Oakville run was actually nice, not too busy like the Mississauga 10km run. How can I tell? Ian and I were actually near the front of the pack at the beginning of the race. We're not exactly elite runners, and we were actually questioning the smartness of being near the front, as everyone would be passing us. Plus, there were only 364 runners in total (placed 94/364 total, 71/164 men, and 14/23 in my age group. Meh?).

But whatever, good times and hopefully we do it next year again, much to the chagrin of Sharon. Who the hell wakes up at 6am on Labour Day?

Biiiiiiiiii-Sigh-Killll

Today's soundtrack provided to you by her Majesty, Queen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GugsCdLHm-Q

Went for a bike ride down Lakeshore and High Park with Bubs and Murse BeeJ. The last time I went for a long bike ride? Ironically, when we were in Vancouver.

The little things get me very happy. Like finding parking in High Park at the right time as all the other parking lots were full. And it was free to boot!

So after that excitement, we went along Lakeshore, stopping every so often to see the CNE Airshow. It was awesome and loud. We then went to Dairy Freeze for ice cream. My buttocks hurts (it's been a long while since I biked).

I'm all ready for the 10km race tomorrow! (yikes)

Oh yeah, went to the race expo to pick up Ian and my race kits. It was about 1/10th the size of the Mississauga Marathon's race expo. And the field will be much smaller tomorrow. Uh-oh

Lazy Faturday

Murse BeeJ is in town and came by with Ivy's Bridal Shower leftovers...score! Deep fried pork, fried rice and fried noodles. Just perfect for...Monday's race. That along with all the junk food I ate today.

Wow, I'm dead.

So what do I plan on doing? Going biking tomorrow with Bubs and Murse.

Again, I reiterate, I'm dead. But I plan to have it as a nice leisurely bike ride, if not one with some hypothermia involved (the swing in weather the past few days reminds me a lot of my moods).

Oh, we also tested out the projector with the Mac and screen and sound system, and it looks like it's going to work quite nicely. Also started gathering food for next weekend, and am making some final touches for the brotherhood of the traveling bachelor party pants (or something like that).

Wild And Crazy Night At The Crappy Tire

My life is so exciting! Just came back from Canadian Tire where they had a paper towel holder on sale.

Par-tay!

Holy Circa 2004

Argh...why do I overeat? I wasn't even that hungry! I'm gonna go ahead and blame it on the stresses at work.

Right

Yeah, Well F You Too Meloche!

So I called to cancel my insurances with MM. Needless to say (and obviously understandably) the agent wasn't that warm.

Well maybe if you didn't overcharge me 500 frikin' dollars a year?!?

Man, I have a 10km race in much less than a week. wtf was I thinking? I don't even think I'll do as good as the Mississauga 10km race. But that's okay, it's Oakville. Screw that place!

* * *

Last day of the heatwave, hopefully. Although, it isn't half bad sleeping in the basement, and it nicely coincides with Sharon being away anyway

* * *

Heppy Birthday Dr. Koh!

Insured Accomplishment

Am I retarded for thinking that I must absolutely have to have something accomplished each day, or I feel like a failure? (don't answer that)

Anywho, I'm happy I got at least something accomplished: finding a gatdam cheaper insurance provider for both our house and my car.

I hate insurance. I mean, yeah, it's good to have (even though it's mandatory as said by our government), but if in the end I don't ever have to use it (which I'm planning on never having to)...what a waste of money! Not to mention I subscribe to the theory that the insurance companies out there are trying to screw with our wallets. I mean, really, for the exact same insurance, how am I saving about $500 a year?

So in the end: screw you Meloche Monnex. Hello Desjardins! (I'm just hoping that in a few years from now, I'm not saying screw you too)

Baching Again

So my wife is gone for the next three days for meetings. Guess who's gonna be a bachelor? Yee-uh boiiii!

So what does that mean? Absolutely nothing!

In fact, one of the problems is my parents are in the Philippines, so now I'm not going to be able to go there for dinner. I'm also not feeling the greatest, and there seems to be a heatwave going on. So I guess the only thing going for me is I get to sleep in the basement? Yee-uh boiiiiiiii!!!

Wow

Carpola

Head cold getting yuckier...I think I'll sleep early tonight.

Went to Yorkdale with Bubs today...contemplating if I should get a wholely unnecessary suit

Holy Habitat For Humanity

So after 13 hours and in humid heat, Arvin, Ian, his Dad and I finally finished laying down the laminate floors and the quarter-rounds.

But I ate some good menudo and rice, and had Pizza Hut and all sorts of chocolate. I guess it was worth it? Well, yeah, it was for Ian and Maunly's new kid Grayson. I'm for the kids, I suppose. It would've been easier I think if he didn't live 113 km. away.

Now then, to get over the start of what feels like I'm getting sick...

Throaty

Dammit, my throat is starting to get sore. Where the bloodclot did I get this from? It wasn't even from somewhere fun, like making out with a sick stripper or something (wait, that's not fun).

Anywho, off to Newcastle where, for some reason, I agreed to help out Ian with his laminate floors. I must really have nothing to do today...lol

As Predicted...

...sluggish, slow, gross feelings. Crap, I am getting older. It's getting harder and harder to eat foods like wings and fries and not feel the after-effects.

Give me back my youth and the ability to eat whatever!

(/dramaqueen)

Winged Dinged

Uh-oh...looks like I took a few steps back again. In the sense that I was supposed to be watching what I ate and all that crap. For one reason or another, I ended up at Original's with Argay.

But I blame this mishap/yummy crusade on Sharon.

She wanted to go to Yorkdale, where the Grand Opening of Victoria's Secret occurred today (first sign of "probably not a good idea"). When we got there, it would've taken 45 minutes for her just to get in the bloody store.

So, being resourceful, I told her I would be back for her while I went to get my wings on.

Well whatever, everything worked in the end (including, miraculously, her not being annoyed that she was in the store for about 2 hours and ended up with only 3 items). Well except for the clogged arteries, but whatever, that's what basketball is for tomorrow.

Speaking of which, it would seem I joined another basketball league this fall/winter with Gil and his friends. I hope we win, you know, at least one game.

* * *

BeeJ, I know you're reading this. Just know that the plans for your bachelor trip? Not all my idea. I'm just sayin'

(but you'll have fun. Well, if you don't, I know we will...lol)

Punct'd

My Mother and Father is in the Philippines. Funny enough, they seem to be enjoying themselves so much that they didn't even bother calling their sons at home. Thank goodness for Facebook?

Conversation between my Mom and me on our FB walls:

Mom (after a few weeks in the Philippines):

hi jay how everything we been busy going around just looking for now no shopping coz we want to see whats in bali we are leaving today 25 aug at 6.00pm say hi to sharon

what do you like us to bring you

Me (trying to joke with her):

Hello Mother. I am very disappointed in you for not contacting us sooner. You know, we are here at home waiting for you to call, but you and Dad are just out galavanting and not thinking about us? First there was that tour bus that crashed near Baguio, then that tour bus that had Canadian citizens...please have a little more consideration for the future. Thank you.

Have fun in Bali; you do not have to get us anything, just be safe. Say hello to everyone there for us. Love you

Mom (unaware of my joking, and apparently really averse to punctuation):

so sorry son just having a very busy day everyday when we arrived home just fall asleep right away you know the day that hostage happen i was just telling your dad i want to go there that day then we heard the news dont worry we wont take bus tour we have our private drivers

your ate carol rocky paul tito manny even your tito bobot they all happy to drive us anywhere we want

My Mom is boojee as well. No tour buses for her...only private drivers!

Go Fetch...That Person

Found this story cute: http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/851540--italian-canine-lifeguards-leap-from-speeding-boats-to-save-swimmers?bn=1

One of these days (in my life) I plan on getting my own dog.

One of these days

Twitchy Monday

My right eye has been twitching all friggin' day. I wonder what that's all about.

Maybe it has something to do with my meeting tomorrow with my team? Perhaps.

* * *

Decided to do some cooking tomorrow. Not just any cooking; stuffed mushrooms, a whole chicken and potatoes. wtf?!? Apparently I think it's Thanksgiving or something. I spent 1.5 hrs. just prepping the stuff for tomorrow, which will also take a few hours.

Luckily I have a massage tomorrow right before dinner. Yee-uh!

Well Hide In A Cake, Jump Out And Yell "Surprise!"

Our day at the Ex was actually...okay (!). Expecting to be underwhelmed again, I was pleasantly surprised that I ended up just whelmed.

Here's how the day went:

-got to Port Credit GO station, and boarded literally 25 seconds before the train came. If we would've missed it, I would've been all sorts of upset

-got to the CNE just as the gates opened. Proceeded to buy a Corn Dog

-went to the shopping building; bought 3 books for $10 (Carpentry, Patio books, and a book for Xavier)

-went to the food building. Sharon got a burrito; I got seven fried perogies (yum) and a Kolbassa burger (meh)

-went to watch the President's Choice Superdogs show. Was pretty cheesy (especially the music), but it was still fun to watch. Saw a Great Dane...sigh

-went to watch "Rock on Ice". First time watching a figure skating show. Saw Jamie Sale and David Pelttier and what seemed to be people from Cirque du Soliel. You know what? It wasn't half bad

-briefly saw Tommy from "Sarah's House"

-went to the free Cheese Tasting show. Got a bunch of swag on top of the free cheese

-saw the hyped-up deep fried butter. People were saying it tasted like chicken balls without the chicken, so I passed on it. Let me tell you though, even though it turned out to be not bad, I felt like such a retard ordering bacon covered in chocolate

-went to the Canadian Armed Forces section. Tried on "soldier gear". I think I would be physically be able to handle all the weight they carry. Mentally? Prolly not so much

-went to eat dinner. Mexican Poutine and Tiny Tom Donuts. I think I gained 6 lbs. today

-hopped on the GO train and came back home

Already feels like such a long day, but it was fun having a date day with my Bubs again.

Next year though? We'll see.

(Because I'm cheap, I don't know if I'm ready to drop a bill again on a day like today. And plus, it really can't be good for my health)

Seen Knee

So we're going to the Ex today.

I hope I don't pop a blood vessel in my brain because, you know, I don't like people

Plantar F#%$#-itis

So this sucks...my heels hurt like crazy. I have self-diagnosed myself as having plantar fasciitis.

The cure? Rest. Which is not good when I'm supposed to be training for the 10km run. Yargh

You Know What Company Ended Up Being Sucky?

AyA Kitchens.

A shame too because we had such high hopes going in with them. Then the delays happened, and the (non-)customer support happened.

The installers were great and the cabinets looked nice, but sometimes the means does not justify the ends.

Oh well, what can you do? Last we'll ever use them or recommend them to anyone.

* * *

I have a race in two weeks.

For breakfast this morning, I had noodles and leftover duck. For lunch I had Burger King chicken sandwich, poutine, root beer and washed it down with a chocolate bar. For dinner I had pizza and washed it down with a DQ mini-Blizzard.

Yup, I obviously care (not only about the race, but also, you know, my life).

And it seems we're going to the Ex on Sunday (what happened to holding out? I suck). Deep fried butter? Yikes

Shed-ding Those Doubts

So the shed plans are in full-effect (in my head).

Like all renos, I just have to believe I can do this without screwing up. Right. We'll see how that goes.

But then it occurred to me today, as I spoke to the neighbour: one of my dreams is to build my own home. I don't think that will ever happen. So what's the next best thing? This! It's just like building a mini-home

* * *

It's that time of year again...the time where I say to myself, "I'm not going to go to the CNE because it sucks everytime I go". But I might have to go because Sharon wants to go.

I guess I'll just go for the corndog? Oh, and the chocolate covered bacon. Oh, and new this year? Deep fried...butter. Oh yeah, I really care about my Labour Day 10km run

Christmas? My Birthday? Wednesday?

So for one reason or another, I ended up going to Peking Duck today with Row, Clavo, Susana and her husband Chris. All very last minute, but I remembered that it was a half-price Peking Duck special at Happy Jade Seafood Restaurant.

And?

It was really good. Of course, that means I just ruined my workouts from today, but whateves. It's not like I have a 10km race to concentrate in a few weeks. Oh, right.

At least I didn't go for bubble tea afterwards. Oh, wait...

What Keeps You Up At Night?

I'm not sure what keeps me up. For some reason I couldn't sleep much and woke up super-early this morning (4:00am-ish with some dozing). I think I have too much on my mind, like the retard I am.

And it's only Hump Day. Wow.

(I have to work on a culture of not complaining so much. This can't be good for my psyche)

Running Delusionally

So apparently I think I'm a runner? This has got to be some sort of new record, running for the 3rd time in about a week.

I hope the new shoes leaves my feet feeling a lot less hurting. I really should lose some weight.

* * *

I now have shed dreams, apparently. A lot of stuffs to consider here...