Monday, April 30, 2007
It's the time of the season for crunching
Ackk! It's the income tax deadline today. And although I've had all my receipts and forms readily available to file, I (like so many other Canadians including my beloved) have left it to pretty much the last minute. Mind you, since I need his information too, it's not entirely my fault, this procrastination. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
2006 was the year of the lovely corporate parting gift. 2007 will actually be the first year where I won't have substantial employment income. So next year I will be classified as a true dependant. Weird. According to our tax filing (at least the way I had set up our file), I'm the head of the household. Has a nice ring to it. Dependant, not so nice.
I remember the wise words of an old girlfriend of mine, a tax accountant who was one of my bridesmaids. Her one piece of advice for me was to keep all my own accounts, to be my own person at least financially. Financial independence. I've always kept that thought in my mind, and I think it's been important in keeping our marriage harmonious on the financial front.
But looking at what funds were actually left to me after Revenue Canada and the Provincial government took their share, it really made no sense whatsoever to seek outside employment. Hey, let's get a job to make more money to give to the government so I can take whatever's left and pay someone else to spend quality time with my children. Yes, but there may be some drips and drabs left to purchase the occasional fab pair of shoes or funky chain necklace, without making too subtantial a dent in my savings.
The problem is I'm enjoying my time away from a structured workplace, with my kids, meeting other parents (primarily moms) and their children. Almost too much, I'm thinking these days. Why do I feel guilty about that? Don't have enough on my plate, I guess.
Oh well, better get out that vacuum and rags for spring cleaning. After all, that's what good wives do, and that's my sole job (for now at least) isn't it?
2006 was the year of the lovely corporate parting gift. 2007 will actually be the first year where I won't have substantial employment income. So next year I will be classified as a true dependant. Weird. According to our tax filing (at least the way I had set up our file), I'm the head of the household. Has a nice ring to it. Dependant, not so nice.
I remember the wise words of an old girlfriend of mine, a tax accountant who was one of my bridesmaids. Her one piece of advice for me was to keep all my own accounts, to be my own person at least financially. Financial independence. I've always kept that thought in my mind, and I think it's been important in keeping our marriage harmonious on the financial front.
But looking at what funds were actually left to me after Revenue Canada and the Provincial government took their share, it really made no sense whatsoever to seek outside employment. Hey, let's get a job to make more money to give to the government so I can take whatever's left and pay someone else to spend quality time with my children. Yes, but there may be some drips and drabs left to purchase the occasional fab pair of shoes or funky chain necklace, without making too subtantial a dent in my savings.
The problem is I'm enjoying my time away from a structured workplace, with my kids, meeting other parents (primarily moms) and their children. Almost too much, I'm thinking these days. Why do I feel guilty about that? Don't have enough on my plate, I guess.
Oh well, better get out that vacuum and rags for spring cleaning. After all, that's what good wives do, and that's my sole job (for now at least) isn't it?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thank Goodness, my mom might be watching!
| You Are 76% Lady |
 Overall, you are a refined lady with excellent manners. But you also know when to relax and not get too serious about etiquette |
I was starting to worry as I've had to wear a muzzle driving around town amongst some really bad drivers lately - Giselle's got big ears and parroting syndrome. And I came this close to taking a class at Aradia Fitness, but then who says pole dancers can't be ladies?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Lucky 7
My boy turned 7 years old yesterday. He's officially a school-ager now. I know that by most standards, 6 is probably the milestone. But for me, since he turned 6 while he was still in kindergarten, the number 7 makes it hit home more.
I still remember the day he was born. And the first night we stayed together, at Women's College Hospital. He had the most piercing, beautiful dark eyes. Swaddled in the white blanket, he just looked at me and I could read the message coming out loud and clear. "Do you know what you're doing? You'll look after me, right?" A wave of sheer terror came over me, just an instant. But then it was followed by a beautiful sensation that I can only describe as pure love. I knew I could do it, and would try my darnedest to be the best Mom that I could. I couldn't swaddle him for the life of me, but I was sure I could handle other stuff.
Here we are years later, and I'm still learning, and still in awe that I gave birth to such a wonderful (not-so-little now) boy. He continually amazes me with his bright personality, his giving spirit, his witty humour and his love for his friends and his family.
His grandparents decided to take him on a shopping spree at Toys R Us and buy him whatever he wanted this year. Liam convinced himself a while ago that he really NEEDED a Nintendo DS. Apparently he's been asking for it for 2 years. I may have been purposefully deaf during those times, as he possesses both a Gameboy Advance and Playstation 2. When my parents came to take him to the store, here's the conversation that ensued:
Liam: "Can you come with us Mommy?"
Me: "Why, Liam? You know where it is and what you want right?"
(to be honest, I was hesitant to bring the little G along as she would surely want something too).
Liam: "Because I want to see your face."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Liam: "I want to see that look on your face when Poh Poh and Gung Gung buy me the DS.
Me: "What look?"
Liam: "The look that says - oh, here's the spoiled rotten kid again... (rolls his eyes upward, curls his lip into this snarly smirk). You always make that face when we're in Toys R Us, because you usually buy me something that you're trying not to."
I recognized that look immediately. I was staring at a mirror image of an annoyed me.
Then he gives me this huge hug. And I double over with laughter.
What a clown he is! My sweet, lovely boy!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Mammoth Meme
...tagged from the Mothership - thanks!
FOODOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Renee's Gourmet Parmesan Caesar
Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. Pizza Pizza
Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Terra without kids; Unionville Arms with kids.
Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. Usually around 15% but 20% if service is excellent, sort of proportional to the amount of wine we've had.
Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Lasagna
Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. Excel Peppermint
TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. Don't know how to paste it, but a branch with raindrops. Don't know how it got there.
Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. Four, but only three being used.
BIOLOGY
Q. What’s your best feature?
A. Probably my eyes. All four of them.
Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Other than teeth and babies, no. Oh, a couple of moles. Too much information?
Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. Smell. I won't elaborate.
Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. Probably in high school. I don't have much of a sweet tooth, so it helps.
Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?
A. Probably 28 lb Giselle. I do that about a thousand times a day.
Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. No, but passed out and ended up looking up at the plumbing under the sink in my hospital washroom just after Liam was born. Nurse didn't stay with me when she should have. Ian was unimpressed.
BULLSHITOLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. No.
Q. Is love for real?
A. Very real.
Q. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
A. You'd think I would have one picked out after growing up with a name so popular there were always at least 2 others in every class. I've always liked the name Sydney.
Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Fuschia.
Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. Probably, but I likely chose to forget it.
Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. Not yet, but I'm related to someone who has. Does that count?
Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. No.
DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
A. Possibly, but I'd have to have a few martinis just before.
Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. Yeah, with a few less martinis required.
Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. NO.
Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. That's a toughie.
Q. Would you pose nude in a magazine for $250,000?
A. Don't think so.
Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?
A. Would try, but probably wouldn't make it through.
Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. Never.
Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
A. A year might be tough. If Grey's Anatomy were cancelled, maybe.
Q. Give up MySpace forever for $30,000?
A. Yes. Never been on it.
DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A. Grocery shopping list, spare change, tissue.
Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. Loved it! Don't hold it against me.
Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Both. We're ripping out the carpet once the kids are older.
Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Still young enough to stand thank goodness.
Q: Could you live with roommates?
A. I guess I already do.
Q: How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
A. About 9 pairs; 2 really cheap ones for the gym, the rest varying degrees of dressiness (jewelled, leather etc.) Always in search of the perfect flip flop.
Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. About 10 years ago got a speeding ticket in a 40 zone going about 60 on the way to work. Note that it was a school zone, but I've never seen students there. Went to city hall to plead no contest and have fine reduced. Cop gave me instructions as I was so green.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. Do I have to grow up?
LASTOLOGY
Q: Friend you talked to?
A. Met a blog buddy for the first time today and had a blast.
Q: Last person you called?
A. My mom. Spoke to her 5 times today.
RANDOMOLOGY
Q: First place you went this morning?
A. Kitchen.
Q: What can you not wait to do?
A. Have another spa day.
Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
A. The Holiday.
Q: Are you a friendly person?
A. Yup.
I tag Dina, Chrissy and Jill. Have fun!
FOODOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Renee's Gourmet Parmesan Caesar
Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. Pizza Pizza
Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Terra without kids; Unionville Arms with kids.
Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. Usually around 15% but 20% if service is excellent, sort of proportional to the amount of wine we've had.
Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Lasagna
Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. Excel Peppermint
TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. Don't know how to paste it, but a branch with raindrops. Don't know how it got there.
Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. Four, but only three being used.
BIOLOGY
Q. What’s your best feature?
A. Probably my eyes. All four of them.
Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Other than teeth and babies, no. Oh, a couple of moles. Too much information?
Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. Smell. I won't elaborate.
Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. Probably in high school. I don't have much of a sweet tooth, so it helps.
Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?
A. Probably 28 lb Giselle. I do that about a thousand times a day.
Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. No, but passed out and ended up looking up at the plumbing under the sink in my hospital washroom just after Liam was born. Nurse didn't stay with me when she should have. Ian was unimpressed.
BULLSHITOLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. No.
Q. Is love for real?
A. Very real.
Q. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
A. You'd think I would have one picked out after growing up with a name so popular there were always at least 2 others in every class. I've always liked the name Sydney.
Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Fuschia.
Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. Probably, but I likely chose to forget it.
Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. Not yet, but I'm related to someone who has. Does that count?
Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. No.
DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
A. Possibly, but I'd have to have a few martinis just before.
Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. Yeah, with a few less martinis required.
Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. NO.
Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. That's a toughie.
Q. Would you pose nude in a magazine for $250,000?
A. Don't think so.
Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?
A. Would try, but probably wouldn't make it through.
Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. Never.
Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
A. A year might be tough. If Grey's Anatomy were cancelled, maybe.
Q. Give up MySpace forever for $30,000?
A. Yes. Never been on it.
DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A. Grocery shopping list, spare change, tissue.
Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. Loved it! Don't hold it against me.
Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Both. We're ripping out the carpet once the kids are older.
Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Still young enough to stand thank goodness.
Q: Could you live with roommates?
A. I guess I already do.
Q: How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
A. About 9 pairs; 2 really cheap ones for the gym, the rest varying degrees of dressiness (jewelled, leather etc.) Always in search of the perfect flip flop.
Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. About 10 years ago got a speeding ticket in a 40 zone going about 60 on the way to work. Note that it was a school zone, but I've never seen students there. Went to city hall to plead no contest and have fine reduced. Cop gave me instructions as I was so green.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. Do I have to grow up?
LASTOLOGY
Q: Friend you talked to?
A. Met a blog buddy for the first time today and had a blast.
Q: Last person you called?
A. My mom. Spoke to her 5 times today.
RANDOMOLOGY
Q: First place you went this morning?
A. Kitchen.
Q: What can you not wait to do?
A. Have another spa day.
Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
A. The Holiday.
Q: Are you a friendly person?
A. Yup.
I tag Dina, Chrissy and Jill. Have fun!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Get me some body paint quick
Thank goodness for the modern convenience of the clutch-sized digital camera. I was able to capture the spectacle and some great memories of a wonderful evening.
The Brazilian Carnival Ball was such an event - all glitz, glamour, booze was flowing from the martini bar made completely of ice (but I was D.D. so only sipped at the Carnival Cosmo) food was fantastic and the music was so lively. The best part of course was the parade and dancing. I don't think I've ever seen so many gorgeous people in one room. Ian couldn't get over the cars being parked at valet parking. I mean, let's get our priorities straight.
There was some serious money there - at the live auction, someone scored a bargain for a Lexus (paid $46K for the car worth $53K) but most other auctioned items went for about $30k. Imagine spending that, with the raise of a hand - yikes! We bought some raffle tickets, suckered in by a chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree at Yorkdale Mall, but to no avail. No matter, it all went to a good cause. All in all, I think about $2 million was raised for the Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Foundation.
The costumes and the lack thereof were beyond spectacular. One of my dinner mates commented that she'd never seen a butt so small on anyone before last night - one of the male performers was wearing the teeniest bikini at the bar. Tried to get my camera out in time to catch it but was just too slow. I just had to get a picture with one of the other dancers. I was so happy when Ian found one and I thought I'd scored with the above. But dear hubby had to do me one better. Look at him shortly thereafter:
No wonder he was so anxious to pull me onto the dance floor! Sneaky, sneaky !!
Friday, April 20, 2007
These shoes were made for walking
Maybe if you're on the runway. But you must admit, they are decidedly sweet.
I'm having my morning cuppa (well, 3rd cuppa) java while I take nice long breaths, in preparation for the weekend coming up. Thank goodness for the Backyardigans who are watching my daughter for me now.
I have a huge laundry list of things to do within the next 48 hours:
1/ Laundry
2/ Go the the gym to work off the pack of Lays I shared with Giselle last night
3/ Pick up some essential groceries
4/ Buy a fake diamond cuff (optional, but much desired)
5/ Finish off filling 18 loot bags
6/ Packing up all the disposable party supplies destined for landfill (only after they'll have been used and abused by 20 kids)
7/ Pack up all the fruit punch and apple juice
8/ Pack up all the chips
9/ Pick up the BD boy from school
10/ Order the party pizza
11/ Figure out dinner - leftovers will have to do
12/ Re-adjust the halter straps of my dress
13/Do it myself mani/pedi
14/Remind the beloved to pick up his tux
15/ Get the kids to bed
16/ Hit the sack
17/ Try to hit the gym next morning (may be pushing it)
18/ Get an estimate for staining the deck and fence
19/ Figure out lunch
20/ Panic - fill the van with all the party gear
21/ Pick up the Star Wars Cake
22/ Meet, greet and hand over 20 kids to the Sportball instructors
23/ Set up the party room
24/ Pray that I didn't forget anything - should staple video and digital camera to hand
25/ Sing rousing version of Happy Birthday
26/ Hand out loot bags
27/ Cram the van with prezzies - don't forget the kids
28/ Drive home to meet the grandparents
29/ Unload van
30/ Stop the kids from fighting over Liam's gifts
31/ Shower
32/ Hair
33/ Makeup
34/ Suck in gut; zip up dress; hope that the double-sided tape does do wonders
35/ Spritz the perfume, put on earrings, hopefully new cuff
36/ Strap on shoes
37/ Pack clutch with necessities
38/ Make sure Ian's socks match
39/ Double check that parents have our phone numbers
40/ Make our way downtown - maybe via limo (who am I, Paris?)
41/ Find a place to park (if limo, no worries)
42/ Remind Ian to hold my hand so I don't fall on my face
43/ Keep on sucking in the gut
44/ Smile nicely when I see Ian's colleagues (easy as I do happen to like them)
45/ Hope I don't have lipstick on my teeth
46/ Enjoy the spectacle and try not to be envious when I see bodacious Brazilian dancer bodies
47/ Enjoy the wine, but not too much
48/ Try to make it home in one piece.
Whew, did I forget anything?
Yup - I forgot to practice walking in those stilettos!
Wish me luck.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
John Mayer's got the vibe and great hair.
We saw John Mayer last night and he was fantastic! Now, you've got to remember that I don't go to concerts very often, last one back in October 2005 when we saw Feist at the Danforth Music Hall. Actually, 2005 was a banner year for us as we also saw Duran Duran at the A.C.C. that April. But I found the vibe at John Mayer to be just about right for me at this point in my life.
I was and continue to be a huge Duran Duran fan and always kicked myself for never going to one of their concerts the first time around. Lucky for me Ian has always liked them too (remember my references to him being a metrosexual?) so when I was hugely pregnant with Giselle and we found out about the reunion tour, Ian wisely bought tickets. He was so forward-thinking (esp. for a guy!) -- when April came around Giselle was 4 months old and we were more than ready for a night out on our own. It was the first time I had left her for any major amount of time (I was nursing), and I had decided to drink that evening. So for our big night out (we had dinner at Jump in the T.O.) I brought my pump so I could "pump and dump". And with good reason. We had cocktails and wine and so much fun that I couldn't remember my firstborn's middle name. That probably explains why we went absolutely bonkers at the concert later. Screaming, singing, dancing, clapping away with all the other cougars in the audience. Those boys have aged reasonably well (especially Simon LeBon - I was more of a John Taylor groupie, but he's now officially skull-ish) and their repertoire of over 20 years of hits made it an awesome evening.
Feist was also great in concert; just more than a little different. We went with my younger brother and his wife; he's the same Chinese astrological sign as me, so that gives you an idea of how much younger. The crowd was even younger than them. Danforth Music Hall was the venue. The rickety, old cinema seats, musty/dank odour etc didn't hold the same charm for me that it may have 20 years ago. There were 2 opening acts, one a girl I can't remember, the second Jason Collett who was actually pretty good, but Feist herself didn't come on until closer to 10 PM. For me, on a weeknight, with 2 kids under the age of 5, all I could think about was how late the concert was going to go. So despite the fact that she was AMAZING, we had to leave before the end. You guessed it, I felt very OLD that night.
That brings me to our evening with Johnny. Ironically, the youngest of these three artists. But the evening hit all the right targets. Well, except for the first one, which had nothing to do with him. We took the subway downtown (something I haven't done in years; I marvelled at the automated voice announcing each upcoming stop which would have been so handy when I was crammed together with scores of others during my time at U of T). In our rush to get into the train that was pulling out, Ian managed to squeeze through the doors, but my superman couldn't keep them open for his Lois Lane. Embarassingly, he signalled that he'd meet me at the next station, next train.
We thought we'd swing it for dinner. We ended up in this bar/restaurant called the Bottom Line on Front Street. It was busy, but they did have seating on the couches, so it was quite the treat for us to eat and mess up someone else's living room. We were pleasantly surprised -- beer went down well, and the food was very good. We took our time as we figured John wouldn't come on for a while.
After this easygoing dinner, we walked down to the A.C.C, along with throngs of other concertgoers. For me, one of the most interesting things about a concert is people-watching, and making note of who enjoys the same music. Age-wise, this was the broadest spectrum of people I had ever seen at a concert. Gaggles of young girls, some on their own, many with their parents. Lots of couples, young, old and older. It looked like some grandparents were even there!
When Johnny hit the stage, screams were heard all around. But really, the crowd was quite tame and we were able to actually enjoy the music, from the pop of the first two albums, to the more mature, bluesy music currently featured on Continuum. With John Mayer, it's all about the music - his voice, his guitar, his fantastic backup band. It was a phenomenal evening. And it doesn't hurt that he's got the rockstar-like waves of hair to accent the occasional back-fling of his head.
So now Ian's given me the first right of refusal to the next set of concert tickets -Rush will be coming in September. Maybe it's time for me to go to a concert where I might actually feel on the YOUNG side again ?!
I was and continue to be a huge Duran Duran fan and always kicked myself for never going to one of their concerts the first time around. Lucky for me Ian has always liked them too (remember my references to him being a metrosexual?) so when I was hugely pregnant with Giselle and we found out about the reunion tour, Ian wisely bought tickets. He was so forward-thinking (esp. for a guy!) -- when April came around Giselle was 4 months old and we were more than ready for a night out on our own. It was the first time I had left her for any major amount of time (I was nursing), and I had decided to drink that evening. So for our big night out (we had dinner at Jump in the T.O.) I brought my pump so I could "pump and dump". And with good reason. We had cocktails and wine and so much fun that I couldn't remember my firstborn's middle name. That probably explains why we went absolutely bonkers at the concert later. Screaming, singing, dancing, clapping away with all the other cougars in the audience. Those boys have aged reasonably well (especially Simon LeBon - I was more of a John Taylor groupie, but he's now officially skull-ish) and their repertoire of over 20 years of hits made it an awesome evening.
Feist was also great in concert; just more than a little different. We went with my younger brother and his wife; he's the same Chinese astrological sign as me, so that gives you an idea of how much younger. The crowd was even younger than them. Danforth Music Hall was the venue. The rickety, old cinema seats, musty/dank odour etc didn't hold the same charm for me that it may have 20 years ago. There were 2 opening acts, one a girl I can't remember, the second Jason Collett who was actually pretty good, but Feist herself didn't come on until closer to 10 PM. For me, on a weeknight, with 2 kids under the age of 5, all I could think about was how late the concert was going to go. So despite the fact that she was AMAZING, we had to leave before the end. You guessed it, I felt very OLD that night.
That brings me to our evening with Johnny. Ironically, the youngest of these three artists. But the evening hit all the right targets. Well, except for the first one, which had nothing to do with him. We took the subway downtown (something I haven't done in years; I marvelled at the automated voice announcing each upcoming stop which would have been so handy when I was crammed together with scores of others during my time at U of T). In our rush to get into the train that was pulling out, Ian managed to squeeze through the doors, but my superman couldn't keep them open for his Lois Lane. Embarassingly, he signalled that he'd meet me at the next station, next train.
We thought we'd swing it for dinner. We ended up in this bar/restaurant called the Bottom Line on Front Street. It was busy, but they did have seating on the couches, so it was quite the treat for us to eat and mess up someone else's living room. We were pleasantly surprised -- beer went down well, and the food was very good. We took our time as we figured John wouldn't come on for a while.
After this easygoing dinner, we walked down to the A.C.C, along with throngs of other concertgoers. For me, one of the most interesting things about a concert is people-watching, and making note of who enjoys the same music. Age-wise, this was the broadest spectrum of people I had ever seen at a concert. Gaggles of young girls, some on their own, many with their parents. Lots of couples, young, old and older. It looked like some grandparents were even there!
When Johnny hit the stage, screams were heard all around. But really, the crowd was quite tame and we were able to actually enjoy the music, from the pop of the first two albums, to the more mature, bluesy music currently featured on Continuum. With John Mayer, it's all about the music - his voice, his guitar, his fantastic backup band. It was a phenomenal evening. And it doesn't hurt that he's got the rockstar-like waves of hair to accent the occasional back-fling of his head.
So now Ian's given me the first right of refusal to the next set of concert tickets -Rush will be coming in September. Maybe it's time for me to go to a concert where I might actually feel on the YOUNG side again ?!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Queen of the Dollarama
Loot bags. One of the key deliverables of the week, and I don't know why, but I always get tied up in knots about these things. Gotta make sure each kid has the same or at least the equivalent of what the other has. Don't want any fights to erupt, or complaints to be heard the next day at school. Don't want to annoy the parents too much with too much junk that just litters their household. And I know that much of it will end up in a landfill somewhere, but it's hard to be green with junk. Don't want to spend a mint on the stuff either. Already paying a bit of a price for the party itself, but in my opinion, it's worth the extra dollars to keep the party, 20 kids and all the paraphernalia out of my house.
Turns out there are major controversies about loot bags, all that they represent and the message they are giving to our kids. Check out any mothering board and you'll see what I mean. I don't care, to me in essence they are a "thank you for coming to my party" gesture, and what kid wants to go to a party only to get "boo" as far as a parting gift? It gives Liam a lot of pleasure to hand them out at the end too, so he can thank each and every one of his friends for coming to celebrate with him.
I'm pleased to announce that I've had a very fruitful morning at our brand spanking new neighbourhood dollarama! I spent a whopping $82.08. Wait, how on earth did I manage to buy 72 items without even buying the main loot yet?!
I'll have to head out again tomorrow.
Turns out there are major controversies about loot bags, all that they represent and the message they are giving to our kids. Check out any mothering board and you'll see what I mean. I don't care, to me in essence they are a "thank you for coming to my party" gesture, and what kid wants to go to a party only to get "boo" as far as a parting gift? It gives Liam a lot of pleasure to hand them out at the end too, so he can thank each and every one of his friends for coming to celebrate with him.
I'm pleased to announce that I've had a very fruitful morning at our brand spanking new neighbourhood dollarama! I spent a whopping $82.08. Wait, how on earth did I manage to buy 72 items without even buying the main loot yet?!
I'll have to head out again tomorrow.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Stick to one word answers
We've been endeavouring to be a bit more fit these days. Our newest attempt is to go to the gym on Saturday mornings with the kids. The kids go to the onsite childminding, I do my Bodyjam class, and try as I might to get Ian to join my dance class, he's staying with his elliptical machine and weights. At first I thought it was not the best use of our "family" time, but our health is pretty important, and Ian has pointed out that it sets up a good example for the kids that their parents exercise. It'll probably be better once it's warmer out to do more outdoor physical activities with the kids, but for now it's better than nothing.
On the Sunday after our last workout, while I'm pouring my morning cup of coffee Ian shows me the sides of his abdomen to let me see the results of his exercising all week. He asked me if I thought it was fat or muscle. I didn't answer right away as I had to ponder - I think they're his oblique muscles.
But I'm thinking aloud, saying, "Yes, I think they are muscle, sort of like what I saw on Grey's Anatomy, you know that scene where McDreamy is feeling all guilty about choosing Meredith and he goes to Addison's hotel room, sits on the bed talking to her and in walks McSteamy wearing barely a towel... his ab muscles were showing. Those could be what you've got. Or maybe like those that Jake Gyllenhaal has, or you know, like Ryan Reynolds, Alannis Morrissette's ex, now he's cut, yeah, he's got those muscles ..., I think you used to clearly have those when you were younger..."
Ian's staring at me blankly. So I re-iterate,
"I think it's muscle". Blank stare continues.
Note to self. Stick to one word responses... in this case, "muscle" would have more than sufficed.
On the Sunday after our last workout, while I'm pouring my morning cup of coffee Ian shows me the sides of his abdomen to let me see the results of his exercising all week. He asked me if I thought it was fat or muscle. I didn't answer right away as I had to ponder - I think they're his oblique muscles.
But I'm thinking aloud, saying, "Yes, I think they are muscle, sort of like what I saw on Grey's Anatomy, you know that scene where McDreamy is feeling all guilty about choosing Meredith and he goes to Addison's hotel room, sits on the bed talking to her and in walks McSteamy wearing barely a towel... his ab muscles were showing. Those could be what you've got. Or maybe like those that Jake Gyllenhaal has, or you know, like Ryan Reynolds, Alannis Morrissette's ex, now he's cut, yeah, he's got those muscles ..., I think you used to clearly have those when you were younger..."
Ian's staring at me blankly. So I re-iterate,
"I think it's muscle". Blank stare continues.
Note to self. Stick to one word responses... in this case, "muscle" would have more than sufficed.
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Brazilian
...Ball, that is.
A couple of days before we headed out to Jamaica, Ian asked me if I wanted to attend the Brazilian ball this year. Of course, my first thought was "when is it? what do we do with the kids?". So once I had secured that, I said, sure, I've always wanted to go.
Here we are a couple of weeks later and Giselle wanted to play dress-up. I'm going through my closet and it hits me ... I don't know if I have anything to wear to the ball, which is next Saturday! I'm sure Ian would beg to differ, as I've pretty much taken over our closet. But I was pretty sure I didn't have/ or wouldn't fit any of the ball-type dresses I have. I did just spend too much on a Nicole Miller for Ian's company Christmas party - but that's exactly the problem, as we'll be with the same people at this function too. And besides, it was a cocktail number.
I googled the event, checked out pictures from last year's and confirmed it - I'm in trouble. The photos showed lovely ladies in very fancy gowns (Gucci, Chanel, Donna Karan ...) Then I got an e:mail from the hubster's crackberry - "I've got to wear a tux". Good timing. OMG, bigger trouble!
I asked Giselle if she wanted to go shopping. She said, "OK mama". Only 8 shopping days left. We headed to Vaughan Mills - I thought I'd check out Holt Renfrew's Last Call. Now I usually bypass the gowns, but that was my destination this time. And there were quite a few, not totally eye-popping prices (though I did spot an absolutely gorgeous Vera Wang which was the bargain basement price of $2,800 on sale). Tried on a couple while Giselle popped in and out of my change room on all fours. I tried on a Barbie pink gown which came complete with boobs - actually didn't look half bad. And another Nicole Miller which was quite pretty but a brown colour which was not quite chocolately enough to look "great" on me. Seeing as all items are final sale there, I thought I'd keep looking.
On to BCBG Max Azria - and struck gold! I usually stop in there whenever I'm at this mall - I've lucked out a couple of times, and have always noticed their gowns, but never have had an occasion to look at them. But the bonus with this store is that the girls who work there are so laid back and actually help you. And they're great about Giselle - she's your typical 2 year old, touchy-feely with all the dresses, shoes, etc. Running races around the store. Not that she ever has grimy hands when I'm in there with her, but I've been to a lot of shops whose sales people give me the evil eye whenever Giselle accompanies me. They are very smart girls there -- I ended up buying a fairly classic black halter (satin top) with chiffon skirt, and sparkle detail along the middle. And these stilettos that I'll have to practice walking in. All for substantially less than the Nicole Miller of Christmas vintage.
Now I'm a bit excited about the party. But I've got to finish organizing and surviving Liam's 7th birthday celebration first - it happens just hours before cocktails start at the ball. Will have to remember not to fill up on Star Wars cake and Pizza Pizza before we head downtown.
Ian's suggested that I get a Brazilian wax for the occasion. Uh, maybe, as long as he goes first. Problem solved :).
A couple of days before we headed out to Jamaica, Ian asked me if I wanted to attend the Brazilian ball this year. Of course, my first thought was "when is it? what do we do with the kids?". So once I had secured that, I said, sure, I've always wanted to go.
Here we are a couple of weeks later and Giselle wanted to play dress-up. I'm going through my closet and it hits me ... I don't know if I have anything to wear to the ball, which is next Saturday! I'm sure Ian would beg to differ, as I've pretty much taken over our closet. But I was pretty sure I didn't have/ or wouldn't fit any of the ball-type dresses I have. I did just spend too much on a Nicole Miller for Ian's company Christmas party - but that's exactly the problem, as we'll be with the same people at this function too. And besides, it was a cocktail number.
I googled the event, checked out pictures from last year's and confirmed it - I'm in trouble. The photos showed lovely ladies in very fancy gowns (Gucci, Chanel, Donna Karan ...) Then I got an e:mail from the hubster's crackberry - "I've got to wear a tux". Good timing. OMG, bigger trouble!
I asked Giselle if she wanted to go shopping. She said, "OK mama". Only 8 shopping days left. We headed to Vaughan Mills - I thought I'd check out Holt Renfrew's Last Call. Now I usually bypass the gowns, but that was my destination this time. And there were quite a few, not totally eye-popping prices (though I did spot an absolutely gorgeous Vera Wang which was the bargain basement price of $2,800 on sale). Tried on a couple while Giselle popped in and out of my change room on all fours. I tried on a Barbie pink gown which came complete with boobs - actually didn't look half bad. And another Nicole Miller which was quite pretty but a brown colour which was not quite chocolately enough to look "great" on me. Seeing as all items are final sale there, I thought I'd keep looking.
On to BCBG Max Azria - and struck gold! I usually stop in there whenever I'm at this mall - I've lucked out a couple of times, and have always noticed their gowns, but never have had an occasion to look at them. But the bonus with this store is that the girls who work there are so laid back and actually help you. And they're great about Giselle - she's your typical 2 year old, touchy-feely with all the dresses, shoes, etc. Running races around the store. Not that she ever has grimy hands when I'm in there with her, but I've been to a lot of shops whose sales people give me the evil eye whenever Giselle accompanies me. They are very smart girls there -- I ended up buying a fairly classic black halter (satin top) with chiffon skirt, and sparkle detail along the middle. And these stilettos that I'll have to practice walking in. All for substantially less than the Nicole Miller of Christmas vintage.
Now I'm a bit excited about the party. But I've got to finish organizing and surviving Liam's 7th birthday celebration first - it happens just hours before cocktails start at the ball. Will have to remember not to fill up on Star Wars cake and Pizza Pizza before we head downtown.
Ian's suggested that I get a Brazilian wax for the occasion. Uh, maybe, as long as he goes first. Problem solved :).
Sunday, April 08, 2007
The Easter Bunny has landed
The annual Easter hunt began with a whine at 7:35 AM this morning. Liam woke up and wanted to go searching for chocolate right away. Given that the Easter bunny had only managed to hide the stash a scant 7 hours earlier, the custodians of the hunt were not in a particular rush to get up and supervise.
By 8 AM, 49 eggs (what was the EB thinking ?) and 16 chocolate bunnies were located. As usual, 1 egg was unaccounted for. We'll probably find it around Christmas time.
Liam agreed to help me "hide" some for his little sister. When she came down, she managed to locate them all with the help of big brother. So they're both on a major sugar rush right now. I can't wait to experience how the rest of the day unfolds.
Happy Easter everyone!
By 8 AM, 49 eggs (what was the EB thinking ?) and 16 chocolate bunnies were located. As usual, 1 egg was unaccounted for. We'll probably find it around Christmas time.
Liam agreed to help me "hide" some for his little sister. When she came down, she managed to locate them all with the help of big brother. So they're both on a major sugar rush right now. I can't wait to experience how the rest of the day unfolds.
Happy Easter everyone!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Butt it out, please.
I was thinking about our beach vacation today as I was getting ready for the gym. Checking out my behind in the mirror as I can't believe the wonders that Lululemon pants do for your average backside. While doing this I got a wicked flashback of a couple of unwelcome scenes on the beach at Negril.
We were staying at a family resort and I suppose that the beach is technically public. One morning as I was settling with Giselle under our hut, I noticed 2 older very tanned guys strolling along the beach in our direction. By older, I mean obviously well into their 60's or 70's, both wearing G-strings that left very little to the imagination. At the time, I thought it more hilarious to watch other people's reactions to this couple. I'm not a prude, but I was glad that Liam wasn't around so I didn't have to explain why these guys would feel the need to expose themselves in that way.
A few days later I noticed another older couple walking toward us on the beach, one male and one female. This time the man was in full swim trunks, and the woman looked like she was in a normal bikini but then as she walked past I noticed it was another G-string. Now I'm all about freedom of expression and that, and her body wasn't too bad I suppose, for her age. But if you're going to wear that, then make sure your hair and upper look is from this decade! Her head didn't match --- it was like seeing one of my mom's best friends or June Cleaver wearing a G-string. It's not like she was Goldie Hawn or Cher ... that I could probably have handled.
Why did they feel the need to share? Why couldn't they have been GQ type bods - even if they'd been gay I wouldn't have minded the eye-candy. G-strings are also so uncomfortable (my only first-hand experience being for gymwear only - nasty pantylines don't cut it).
So I was chatting away to Ian about this, then I felt guilty, I mean, it is only the human body. We'll all look like that eventually (ugh). I asked him if I was evil. He agreed, saying that I'm rotten to the core.
We were staying at a family resort and I suppose that the beach is technically public. One morning as I was settling with Giselle under our hut, I noticed 2 older very tanned guys strolling along the beach in our direction. By older, I mean obviously well into their 60's or 70's, both wearing G-strings that left very little to the imagination. At the time, I thought it more hilarious to watch other people's reactions to this couple. I'm not a prude, but I was glad that Liam wasn't around so I didn't have to explain why these guys would feel the need to expose themselves in that way.
A few days later I noticed another older couple walking toward us on the beach, one male and one female. This time the man was in full swim trunks, and the woman looked like she was in a normal bikini but then as she walked past I noticed it was another G-string. Now I'm all about freedom of expression and that, and her body wasn't too bad I suppose, for her age. But if you're going to wear that, then make sure your hair and upper look is from this decade! Her head didn't match --- it was like seeing one of my mom's best friends or June Cleaver wearing a G-string. It's not like she was Goldie Hawn or Cher ... that I could probably have handled.
Why did they feel the need to share? Why couldn't they have been GQ type bods - even if they'd been gay I wouldn't have minded the eye-candy. G-strings are also so uncomfortable (my only first-hand experience being for gymwear only - nasty pantylines don't cut it).
So I was chatting away to Ian about this, then I felt guilty, I mean, it is only the human body. We'll all look like that eventually (ugh). I asked him if I was evil. He agreed, saying that I'm rotten to the core.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
stickwitu
Don't know what I ever did to deserve the amazing guy I'm married to. It's easy to forget what a great life partner he is, as I get caught up in the day-to-day realities of the kids.
Liam has this viral infection that has been keeping him up at night, he's been dizzy with fever, now with a sore throat. So he's been off sick for the last couple of days, and with Giselle home, we've all been feeling stir-crazy. Ian always calls from work, especially when the kids are sick. When he checked in yesterday, I told him our little guy was still miserable but that I had a doctor's appt scheduled. He offered to come home right away to take Liam to the doctor's. He knows how hard it is with the two of them, especially at Giselle's naptime. So he was back in about half an hour. It's this sort of thing that really makes me stop and think about what a wonderful husband I have.
I'm just so very lucky. It seems like we've been together forever, well, at least half of our lives now (scary); yet he continues to appreciate me and put up with a lot of my ... well, a lot! He's always been my biggest supporter and helps me make major life decisions about career, school, family, infertility etc. with such confidence. Even now, he thinks I'm doing the most important job being at home with our young kids. And he'll pick up dinner at the drop of a hat if it helps --- fancy that, and I'm the one at home! Our kids absolutely adore their dad too.
I've grown so much with him; I've always been fairly hesitant about change. I think that contributed to much of any hesitancy he had about marriage. But now I'll do anything or go anywhere with him. We've been talking about life plans and I'm excited if there are any opportunities for a change of scenery. That wouldn't always have been my reaction in the past. I'm really working on being as supportive of him as I can be, and I think he's realized that I'm pretty strong as well, so any doubts he had about me disappeared eons ago.
So in the so-quotable lyrics of the PCD, I'm happy to "stick wit" my man 4-ever. Yeah, that's me, the next Pussy Cat Doll. I'm still working on my bodywave -- I'll be so there for the next season's auditions :)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
I'm a little bit whiny
We just got back from a sun-filled week in Negril, Jamaica. The weather was absolutely perfect, the Sesame Street characters at the Beaches resort didn't disappoint, and yet when people ask me how my time was I say "Good". Just "good"? I was hoping my answer would have been more enthusiastic considering all the time and expense that went into the vacation. I spent a week packing for 3 (had to cover all the bases) and didn't even offer to pack for Ian. He usually lives in shorts and T's when on the beach anyway. It was high season so I don't even want to go into how much it cost.
Maybe it's because I gained 5lbs, only got into the pool twice and the ocean maybe 3 times the whole 7 days. I think I need a vacation after my vacation. I don't really feel that I got much of a break at all.
Liam was an absolute dream. Although he didn't go to the kids camp, he made friends quickly and the resort was small and safe enough that I felt comfortable with him checking in with me every hour or so, just so I knew what he was up to and who he was with. He's a great swimmer and the water in the ocean and pool were quite shallow. A good thing, because I really needed a clone of myself if I had to keep an eye on him the whole time.
Ian had a great day 1. He signed up for an intro scuba class and was scheduled to go on a couple dives. But as per usual he got sick after his class on day 2, so he was out all that evening and the entire 3rd day and evening. He still managed to go snorkelling a couple of times the remainder of the trip. I don't begrudge him his time at all - he works so hard he really needed to have some time just to chill and I'm proud of him for doing a scuba dive when he wasn't feeling 100%.
So it was me with my little Diva together alone for most of the trip. Much like we are at home, so I suppose it was a bonus that we were in an idyllic setting. But her terrible 2's behaviour came on with a vengeance, likely because the weather was so different as were the surroundings. She was so clingy, loud, having temper tantrums at most meal times. On Day 2 I put her in the Nursery for a couple of hours while Ian was at scuba. That was nice - she didn't act up until I picked her up. So the next day she kicked up a fuss but the girls were great and told me to just go. The whole time I was away (just lying on the beach) I just felt so guilty and didn't really know what to do with myself. But when I picked her up she was just fine, so I thought, hey things are looking up! Of course the next day she developed a fever. That was the last day she went to the nursery. And then probably because all she ate was sausages, fries and Fruit Loops, she developed a couple of nasty canker sores in her tiny mouth. She was super cranky because she was in super pain.
All I did all week was stay on the beach under a hut, ate a lot as the food (ie. jamaican patties, fries, pizza, jerk chicken) and drink (dirty bananas, strawberry daiquiris, Red Stripe light, G & T's) were plentiful. Didn't do one exercise class, maybe walked across the beach a couple times a day. Oh and I did the Macarena with Grover at the Character breakfast. That was the extent of my exercise. Hence the additional weight. And grumpy mood.
But overall I'm glad that the kids (in particular Liam) had an amazing time. We managed to hire a babysitter so Ian and I actually got to spend about 3 hours having dinner in a very romantic spot (The Rockhouse) which actually rented out rooms complete with open air showers and infinity pool overlooking the cliffs. At this point in our lives, it's all about the kids isn't it? And we can still dream about cycling trips through Provence and luxury villa stays without the kids. Those trips will come in time, but until then I reserve the right to be whiny in my own little online space.
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