So I'm up to my ebay shopping habit again, and have purchased the nail colour for spring 2008: beautiful BLUE. And I'm so into yoga, really I am. I'm also thinking about picking up the OPI Russian Navy, after all what's a girl to do with only one shade of blue?
Because Chanel Blue Satin, the one that started it all on the spring runways, is sold out everywhere, and at up to $60 a bottle on eBay, I'm not going there.
Not that I wear polish a lot, I have it mostly for my toesies, because I'm constantly washing my hands and polish just does not last longer than a day on my fingers.
What's with the blue? Another last bastion, of cool this time, perhaps, or just trying too hard to be 16 again.
And speaking of Blue and of being a teen, here's a flash of cool from the past (quality isn't great, but I loved this song).
I loved Blue Peter, don't know if anyone outside of Canada remembers them, and I actually saw them in concert. I remember he was wearing a similar outfit. And don't you agree with me that Paul Humphreys just rocks the 80s guy dancing (toward end of video)? I don't think I've ever seen better!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Never say never...
I didn't ever think I'd do...
1. Let my kids eat at McDonalds more than once a month. Those evil Happy Meals. Actually, the boy seems to have outgrown them, which is a good thing. He's starting to set his own limits. But the little one is entirely addicted. Me bad.
2. Let them watch television before the age of one. Baby Einstein was a big hit with the boy. The girl has skipped over that series and went straight to Spongebob. Something about having an older brother...
3. Drive a minivan. This one I do recall saying *never* to, and certainly it would never have happened if we stayed in the city. Although it wasn't our first choice, the price was right, it made sense, and I'll have to admit, after having one and filling it to the brim with kids, kids' stuff, and anything else that you could fit into it, I think it would be hard to go back to something smaller. It is still a bit of an eyesore though, and despite being a Honda, I still prefer my smaller, zippier Accord.
4. Shop at Walmart...as much as I do. I can't help it, it's a 3 minute drive away. I got sucked in by the baby section, as it came into our neighbourhood at precisely the right time. Now it just can't be beat for most things including groceries. Now if I had to go there on the weekend, forget it. But Monday mornings, no people, no line-ups.
5. And on a related note: let them wear character driven wardrobes. Little known designers Thomas the Tank, Dora the Explorer, the Backyardigans, Sponge Bob, Disney Princesses and the Simpsons have figured prominently in their list of favourites.
6. Indulge them too much. We've been trying hard to resist picking things up for them, buying the kids whatever they want, whenever they want. When we were both working, it was a lot easier for me to do that at a drop of a hat. But since staying at home, I've been trying to set limits, and teach the important lesson that life isn't all about material things, and just because their friends have something, they don't "need" it as well.
As you can tell by the recent Wii incident, I don't think I've been too successful. It's difficult because our kids are pretty well-behaved and don't actually ask for a whole heck of a lot. It's just that when they do, it can be the big stuff.
7. Be a SAHM. I always just assumed that I would hit the career path running once I finished school. I remember as a student, driving along the highway on my way downtown, fantasizing about having that great corporate job, with the gorgeous loft condo in the happening part of the city. Not even thinking about having kids; but then when they drifted into my subconscious, seeing a nanny in the picture. I've never considered myself a maternal type - AT ALL. So having this opportunity to stay home seemed more of a "break" from the grind, a chance to recharge and maybe move my career in another direction once my maternity "recess" was over.
But this has been my best gig so far, the Mom thing. Today for example, after the little girl's preschool, we went to pick up a new Dora toilet seat, some Dora socks and (Dora again) bathing suit, and then spent two hours at the library together, before heading out to pick up her brother. Quality time that you just can't put a price on.
8. Dabbling a bit in consulting work. This is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I always thought I would live under the big corporate umbrella. Being away from fulltime work to be with the kids for 3 years has been great, but it wreaks havoc on your confidence to do other things. But nothing ventured, nothing gained right?
8. Scream at my kids. I mean, literally scream. I think little G was about eight months old and while swatting her food away it went flying all over the floor, L was being trying asking me to get him this and that, and Ian had been away for a few days. So I lost it. I just stood there and screamed. How cathartic it was!!!
The kids just looked at me. I felt better, and then life went on.
9. Pressure my kid into lessons. And drag him kicking and screaming. But then again, some things are non-negotiable ...like swimming. I wonder if sometimes I'm swinging too far the opposite direction, by not keeping him busy enough. It's still a work in progress. Little G seems to love every program she's in, so as long as she's happy with it, we're happy.
10. Use convenience foods as much as we do. It's likely because we have the two kids now, but I did more "from scratch" cooking when I was working then I do now. There was so much less recycling, and I do feel bad because I don't have the best control over a lot of the ingredients. But the least I can do is read the nutritional labelling, just so I can feel a little less guilty about it all.
11. Lose a bit of focus on my marriage. Sometimes I feel like we're leading separate lives, we're so busy, just passing each other through the day while we do our routine activities with the kids. He does his part, I do mine, we say hi to each other as we go by in the hall. And then a quick good night before passing out exhausted on the pillow. I suppose recognizing this is half the battle.
12. Change my lifestyle to adapt to the kids lives, rather than adapting them to ours. Well that was an interesting albeit naive theory to think that our lives wouldn't change drastically. Not that we were hiking in the Himalayas before we had kids, but let's be real. And be fair, they are two individuals with their own ideas of what they want to do as well. That being said, they're pretty much up to most anything ... sometimes it requires a good deal of creative persuasion, but overall,they're still fairly malleable.
13. I shudder to say this but...sound like my mother. Love my mom, but don't want to be her.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Favourite Posts Meme
A newer blog pal, the multi-talented BusyDad (writer, singer, kickboxing originator of the Bloghopping Weekend phenomenon) has tagged me for this meme. And I really like this one because it doesn't require a lot of new material, and I can revisit some of the stuff I wrote way back when. A bonus for me today as I've picked up another stinking cold. Just when I thought it was safe to wheeze again...
So here's how it goes.
Rules: Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you’ve written.
Link one must be about family
Link two must be about friends
Link three must be about yourself
Link four must be about something you love
Link five can be about anything you choose
Post your five links and then tag five other people. At least two of the people you tag must be newer acquaintances so that you get to know each other better.
1. I've posted a lot about my family, and pretty much daily about my kiddos. So for this first link I'll pop back over to Chinese New Year of last year, where I waxed poetic about the fun challenges of being in the here and now, while dealing with centuries-old superstitions that just can't go away...
2. Once you become a parent, do you find you have very little time for your "own" friends? Unless they came complete as a package as parents of your kids' friends? That seems to have been the pattern since I started this blog!! Turns out all my posts about friends have been about my kids' pals! With the exception of this one, which is a happy tale of old B.K. friends of ours (i.e. B.K. = before kids ) who struggled a bit before being blessed with a very busy family of their own now. They are now parents to two beautiful baby girls.
3. Hmmm, something about myself. Maybe somewhere in these gazillion memes I've done I can find something interesting. Oh here's one, where I'm being not so nice.
4. Something I love. Well since it's a thing, I won't link about my kids, my husband; and shopping you've heard enough about. My fave class at the gym; well, if you've been following for a while you know it's my obsession. You should try it.
5. Anything I choose - this one is one of my faves because I somehow figured out how to include my own video on this blog, and my little G was just starting to tell stories.
New bloggers to tag because I am ultra nosy:
1. Kami's Khlopchyk
2. Debbie of Etc. Etc. Etc.
3. Lizzy in the Burbs
4. LunaNik
5. Beth at a Mom's Life
Apologies if you've already done this one, but if not, have fun re-living those special posts!
So here's how it goes.
Rules: Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you’ve written.
Link one must be about family
Link two must be about friends
Link three must be about yourself
Link four must be about something you love
Link five can be about anything you choose
Post your five links and then tag five other people. At least two of the people you tag must be newer acquaintances so that you get to know each other better.
1. I've posted a lot about my family, and pretty much daily about my kiddos. So for this first link I'll pop back over to Chinese New Year of last year, where I waxed poetic about the fun challenges of being in the here and now, while dealing with centuries-old superstitions that just can't go away...
2. Once you become a parent, do you find you have very little time for your "own" friends? Unless they came complete as a package as parents of your kids' friends? That seems to have been the pattern since I started this blog!! Turns out all my posts about friends have been about my kids' pals! With the exception of this one, which is a happy tale of old B.K. friends of ours (i.e. B.K. = before kids ) who struggled a bit before being blessed with a very busy family of their own now. They are now parents to two beautiful baby girls.
3. Hmmm, something about myself. Maybe somewhere in these gazillion memes I've done I can find something interesting. Oh here's one, where I'm being not so nice.
4. Something I love. Well since it's a thing, I won't link about my kids, my husband; and shopping you've heard enough about. My fave class at the gym; well, if you've been following for a while you know it's my obsession. You should try it.
5. Anything I choose - this one is one of my faves because I somehow figured out how to include my own video on this blog, and my little G was just starting to tell stories.
New bloggers to tag because I am ultra nosy:
1. Kami's Khlopchyk
2. Debbie of Etc. Etc. Etc.
3. Lizzy in the Burbs
4. LunaNik
5. Beth at a Mom's Life
Apologies if you've already done this one, but if not, have fun re-living those special posts!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Of weekends and baby fixes...
We had a wonderful weekend up north with my siblings and their babies. My parents are away on a cruise of the South Pole (yes, they are the original adventurers, even if their version includes the casino and shopping). So what are their progeny to do but plan a little trip of their own ... together.
This was the first vacation we've taken as siblings with our families. Largely because up until this past summer, yours truly was the only one of our clan to have procreated. But now that there are two new babies added to the mix, it makes it additionally fun. Exponentially.
Here is a little photojournal of our weekend...
Babies arrive and are engulfed by the love of their big cousins.
The babies playing side by side; not with each other yet, but blissfully aware of each other's presence.
On the glorious Saturday, the Lboy and his Dad went downhill skiing, my brother-in-law went cross-country skiing, and after several permutations and combinations, the rest of us went snow-shoeing and back country skiing (my sister).
Here are the three of us with our baby girls, all in a row, a little over exposed but posing nonetheless:
.JPG)
My brother with baby R all comfy-cozy and my sister pulling along the pulk with baby J.
Me struggling with Little G. My brother in law helped fashion a harness of sorts for me to pull her along on her toboggan. I borrowed his snowshoes and only fell over three times. It didn't help that little G was packing the snow into her toboggan while I huffed and puffed away.
My sister-in-law took over the reins to relieve me for a little while. Little G yelled out "Mommy, Auntie is so FAST!!!". Sure she was, I've packed on 11 years more baggage onto my mommy frame!
I just loved how the kids adore each other so. Especially impressed with my little man. He just loves those little girls; he asked for them as soon as he woke up in the morning and couldn't wait to make silly faces and play with them. He left his beloved DS at home, and although he did borrow his uncle's for a while, he set it aside whenever the babies were over.
Cutie baby R was giggling and chattering all weekend and baby J was perpetually grinning. She is so generous with her beautiful smile.
On the Sunday, my boy wanted to go snowboarding, and although we talked him into tubing, his sister wasn't quite tall enough for that activity yet. So the boys went skiing while G and I checked out downtown Barrie, by the waterfront.
Ice-sculpture/ slide:
Ice blocks and pseudo igloo:
I'm thinking that a getaway with this crew again at some point, hmmm, perhaps in Europe, a villa in the summer maybe ... that might be in order sooner rather than later...sigh. Wouldn't that be sweet!
This was the first vacation we've taken as siblings with our families. Largely because up until this past summer, yours truly was the only one of our clan to have procreated. But now that there are two new babies added to the mix, it makes it additionally fun. Exponentially.
Here is a little photojournal of our weekend...
Babies arrive and are engulfed by the love of their big cousins.
The babies playing side by side; not with each other yet, but blissfully aware of each other's presence.
On the glorious Saturday, the Lboy and his Dad went downhill skiing, my brother-in-law went cross-country skiing, and after several permutations and combinations, the rest of us went snow-shoeing and back country skiing (my sister).
Here are the three of us with our baby girls, all in a row, a little over exposed but posing nonetheless:
.JPG)
My brother with baby R all comfy-cozy and my sister pulling along the pulk with baby J.
Me struggling with Little G. My brother in law helped fashion a harness of sorts for me to pull her along on her toboggan. I borrowed his snowshoes and only fell over three times. It didn't help that little G was packing the snow into her toboggan while I huffed and puffed away.
My sister-in-law took over the reins to relieve me for a little while. Little G yelled out "Mommy, Auntie is so FAST!!!". Sure she was, I've packed on 11 years more baggage onto my mommy frame!
I just loved how the kids adore each other so. Especially impressed with my little man. He just loves those little girls; he asked for them as soon as he woke up in the morning and couldn't wait to make silly faces and play with them. He left his beloved DS at home, and although he did borrow his uncle's for a while, he set it aside whenever the babies were over.
Cutie baby R was giggling and chattering all weekend and baby J was perpetually grinning. She is so generous with her beautiful smile.
On the Sunday, my boy wanted to go snowboarding, and although we talked him into tubing, his sister wasn't quite tall enough for that activity yet. So the boys went skiing while G and I checked out downtown Barrie, by the waterfront.
Ice-sculpture/ slide:
Ice blocks and pseudo igloo:
I'm thinking that a getaway with this crew again at some point, hmmm, perhaps in Europe, a villa in the summer maybe ... that might be in order sooner rather than later...sigh. Wouldn't that be sweet!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Weekly Winners Ed #13
Ooey Gooey Slimy Fun
Fistful of Goo (but I like the spring flowers)
And stopping to smell spring...
for more weekly winners check out the Sarcastic Mom's digs.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Fashion Friday Quickie
Are you ready for spring? Because I am...
For gardening (hah!), for sloshing around the schoolyard, for schlepping with my kids and jumping into puddles, for tripping the light fantastic ...or just tripping.
And don't even think about telling me you don't like them. Because them's fighting words...
.JPG)
(that's supposed to be a tough sidekick but I can't wipe off that goofy grin whenever my kids take my photos. So this is more my ode to Tina Turner's Grammy duet finale with Beyonce, where she tried to do a kick at the end, then thought better of it before she prompted a hip replacement.)
Happy weekend all!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
It doesn't seem so long ago that you were just a baby. And now here you are, happily married and turning out to be a great father, with a beautiful little baby of your own.
Thirteen reasons I'm so happy I've got a *little* brother:
1. I got to practice mothering at the age of 11 without actually having to give birth.
2. I had a little boy to bring along to all the kids movies I wanted to watch as a teenager.
3. I always had an eager shopping companion, as long as your homework was done (yes, and I've already apologized to your wife for creating a shopping monster).
4. You were always so ready with your hugs and smiles while I was going through my teen/young adult angst - even as a little boy your were so sympathetic.
5. You took the parental pressure off of me as you got older. What a relief.
6. You gave me an excuse to borrow the car as I hustled you from lesson to lesson.
7. You thought my music was cool growing up. And now you keep me younger by keeping me in tune with some cooler music.
8. You never felt like a fifth wheel even when Ian and I took you out on some of our dates.
9. You've been a great little brother to Ian, even though unfortunately (as you put it as a 9 year old), you eventually did grow as tall (or even taller) than he is.
10. You've always made me laugh with your wonderful sense of humour.
11. You fascinate me with your fascination with kitchen gadgetry. You are an amazing cook.
12. You are a wonderful uncle to my kids. And not too bad a son to our parents ;)
13. You make me so proud. To be your sister.
Happy Birthday Baby Bro!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Interview Experiment – Part Deux, L’il Ole Moi
You've been waiting with bated breath.
This is the follow- up segment to my interview with Simon as part of Neil's Great Interview Experiment. This time I was on the hot seat, interviewed by Jostein, of Norway, creator of the blog Alunfoto. A very nice fellow, Jostein is. You need to check out Jostein's site, as his photos are out of this world. Of this world mostly (he's very much into the environment) but stunning, just stunning photography. I bow my head in shame over my lack of photographic talent, but then at least my subjects are worthy (my kids should patent their plastic grins).
Enough with the preamble. Now I will indulge you.
Or more like indulge myself... GAWD, I like to talk...
Jostein: First, since your blog is very much about being mom; what do you think your life would have been like with one more child?
Me: My blog is very much about being a mom -- it's my two kids and being at home with them that actually inspired me to put out an online journal. To capture the moments that I know are so precious, but yet so fleeting.
I think that life would certainly have been busier with one more child. To be honest, if we had started (or probably more correctly, been successful) earlier we may likely have wanted another child. With our littlest one, we were prepared (if you can ever be prepared) to deal with twins if we had to. But our journey through infertility, with its heartaches and the ultimate joy of being parents of not just one, but now two beautiful children, has really made us feel fortunate enough with what we have. I actually thought about another baby when my daughter was about 9 months old (hormonal, probably). My husband could see that look and he said to me right away, "Are you nuts? We're OLD and we're TIRED. ALL THE TIME!! Don't think so!!!"
It was a mutual decision, but once we achieved the "millionaire's family" we were set. Besides, we already feel outnumbered as it is!
Jostein: A common statement among my friends is that "one never runs out of projects as a house owner". Then we go on to shake our heads at each other's plans and ongoing projects. Do you consider your house "done" after your recent/current renovation? And in case, how long do you think it will stay that way?
Me: Renovations are addictive, for sure. Especially with homes of ours age, we notice a lot of families that are renovating just to get their homes out of the tacky 80s. We love our kitchen, but the house is far from being done. I think our next step is to finish the basement because our home is now overrun with toys and we need to get the kids their own space. But we're also suffering from severe bathroom envy, and really need to get rid of the shell-shaped sinks in our washrooms upstairs.
I suspect it will be neverending. In our last home we chose not to do much until we decided to sell, so the new owners got to enjoy the changes we made. With this place, we'd like to actually enjoy what we want ourselves.
Jostein: I enjoyed your travel reports from Iceland, and got mighty envious about the snowmobile ride. A trip to Iceland has always been pretty high on my own priority list and has climbed another couple of steps now. However, I get the impression that most of your travels go where your husband’s career takes you. If you got to choose for the next trip; with or without kids; where would you like to go, and why?
Me: Well, interesting that you make the observation, because it seems that as soon as I got pregnant with my daughter, my husband's job took him to some of the best places in the world! I kid you not, he went to Greece, Rome, Amsterdam, Prague. Monaco ... I'd better stop now. So when Iceland came up, I was quite excited to accompany him.
My job, before I decided to stay at home for a bit, was with a multi-national company based in France. So I have travelled for work myself, (Paris, New York City, Philly, Vancouver, Ottawa (not as exotic, but quite frequently). I managed to bring hubby to NYC with me before we had kids, and we had always hoped our schedules would be able to sync up so he could go to Paris with me. The only time it ever did was when I got pregnant with my son, so we ended up cancelling that trip. So that would be the next trip I would love to take the family to, is Paris. It is such a lovely city, and what struck me last time I was there was how family friendly it appeared as well. Funny how differently you view each city after you have children.
Without the kids, we've been talking about doing something special for a big anniversary this summer, but a cycling trip through Provence may not go over so well, with our 3 year old being very clingy, and her older brother not too impressed even when we have a sitter over for dinner out. We'll see.
Jostein: Pride of your Chinese heritage frequently shines through in your posts. At the same time, you're so firmly focused on your here-and-now surroundings. To me you seem to be standing with one foot planted very sturdily in each culture. Any thoughts on your situation?
Me: I grew up as *sort of* 1st generation Canadian Chinese. I say sort of because my father came over quite young so is fairly Canadian in his own right. Which makes us "in between”. Growing up when I did in Canada, it wasn't quite as multicultural yet. So I spent a lot of my adolescence not wanting to be too different. Just wanting to be like every other "anglo-Canadian". Hating Chinese school, hating Chinese homework, trying to resist the requisite piano lessons, dreaming of a truly "white wedding"... honestly, I was so sick of all those huge Chinese wedding banquets I swore that would never be me.
When I became a young adult, I realized that I should try to embrace more of my heritage... I even enrolled with my sister, in a Cantonese language course at the university, only to find out that my language skills were better than I thought. I'll be honest, it was really only after I met my now-husband, that I started to really have an appreciation for my culture. He thought everything was so fascinating, the littlest things. And now that we have another generation in our house, and our children are learning appreciate who they are and to think more globally at such a young age, I suspect this is why you see my heritage cropping up so much in my writings.
We actually had both types of receptions... my "white"wedding, but then also a fantastic Chinese banquet complete with karaoke, one day after the other. And the Chinese banquet was hands-down the better party of the two. Since then, I think I've discovered who I am, exactly as you've put it, with one foot firmly in each culture. And I'm comfortable with that, now that I'm finally starting to really grow up.
Jostein: As an accomplished wine drinker, do you have any favourite wine grape? I like Shiraz from the sheer sound of the word, but don't really have much of a clue...
Me: You know, I honestly really don't have much of a clue myself. Aside from the wine-tasting party we attended one time, we had these friends who were so very much into wine, they kept some bottles for years. They had this party with this wine-tasting game to go along with it. They would serve a dish and a different glass of wine with every dish. The object of the game was to guess which country the wine was from. Well, wouldn't you know, I think I was 5 for 5!!! Pure luck, obviously. The drunker I got, the better I got at guessing.
For dinners at home, I usually really enjoy a light Sauvignon blanc. But my preference is for reds, and I love a good Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz (some taste as awesome as it sounds). And a full bodied Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Jostein: If there is such a thing as a black belt in shopping, I'd bet you qualify for at least the Second Dan. What would be the "shopping day of your dreams", assuming unlimited supplies on your debit card?
Me: You made me laugh with this question. I wouldn't know where to put all the stuff with a limitless card! I used to be bad enough when it was just me shopping for myself, but now with a home, a boy and a sweet little girl, it is pretty bad (hubby will let me shop for him, but he's so picky)! When little G was only about 6 months old my mother (old-fashioned, bless her heart) would admonish me and ask why my daughter needed so many pairs of shoes (well slippers, really). She thought that my husband wouldn't be too impressed with that, all my shopping and all.
I'm not exactly an haute couture type of gal. I love a good bargain. So shopping day of my dreams would be a trip to the department stores of Paris, Madison Avenue and Lower East side in NYC; Magnificent Mile in Chicago; Hong Kong for electronics and knock-off bags... oh, you did just say one day, didn't you ;). Of course there'd have to be excellent munchies and champagne in between stops.
Jostein: You describe yourself as trying to stay urban. Why is that important to you?
I'm not the greatest fan of living in suburbia. It makes sense for us now, as we moved here when we started our family, primarily for childcare arrangements. We're lucky that where we are, the schools are great, we have a lot of room, the people are wonderful. The infrastructure for community programs and such seems large enough that we never have to wait or deal with programs getting full or being rejected. And we are less than a half hour drive to the heart of the city.
But everything is very spread out, you need a vehicle to get anywhere, and there really isn't a close neighbourhood feel. When we lived in the city, we would leave the cars, take transit, and walk to get our groceries and do our shopping. And when you're walking, you meet up with a lot of people, hear a lot more sounds, taste the city more, you feel more a part of something. There's so much to do and see, to experience living in the city. And no, not just the shopping! We take our kids into the city as much as we can - once or twice a month if we can swing it. And I can't deny that there is a certain "cool" factor living in the city.
I think if we were to ever consider buying another property, rather than a cottage or something of that nature, we'd be more inclined to buy a condo right downtown.
Jostein: In your galaxy of Blogspace, awards issued by fellow bloggers seem to be a hot thing. Have you designed one of your own? If not, have you contemplated doing so? What would be your awarding criteria?
Me: I wouldn't know where to begin to design an award, I have no capability in that area whatsoever. And I wouldn't know where to start with setting criteria either. This is a tough question.
I'm so flattered by the awards that have been given me - when I got my first I only had a couple of readers, and then I started getting a few more from some wonderful bloggers. Some people who weren't related to me were actually reading what I was writing!
It's truly a sense of community, or communities, rather and let's admit it, it's always nice to be recognized for whatever we do. The only thing now is I find there are so many out there. I'm terrible at giving them out because I'd love to give them to all the blogs that I read. And they do seem to go around and around in circles.
Jostein: Ok, my last question probably says more about the interviewer than the interviewee, but since I have my wife's active encouragement on this I'll blurt out anyway. Both my wife and I turn 42 in a couple of months, and my beloved wish to celebrate with a pyjamas party where everyone should be sure to bring their own towel. Did you ever contemplate along the same lines for your own birthday last autumn? This is of course the sort of thing one either think of as utterly ludicrous, or immediately understand. And it's most likely the wrong question anyway...
Me: You know, a PJ party sounds like an absolutely AMAZING idea! I love slumber parties. Can I come, I promise not to get too drunk ;).
Actually, hitting 42 was really just a blip in time for me. I'm so busy being a mom to small kids, I'm glad to ignore that I'm now firmly entrenched in my 40s...sigh. I was happy just to get a nice meal out of the deal.
Not a ludicrous idea at all. Hope you have fun!
And that was the interview. I had such a blast with this, and the best part about it was that I *met* a couple of very interesting guys from the other side of the planet, who just happen to be bloggers. What an amazing thing this internet can be.
This is the follow- up segment to my interview with Simon as part of Neil's Great Interview Experiment. This time I was on the hot seat, interviewed by Jostein, of Norway, creator of the blog Alunfoto. A very nice fellow, Jostein is. You need to check out Jostein's site, as his photos are out of this world. Of this world mostly (he's very much into the environment) but stunning, just stunning photography. I bow my head in shame over my lack of photographic talent, but then at least my subjects are worthy (my kids should patent their plastic grins).
Enough with the preamble. Now I will indulge you.
Or more like indulge myself... GAWD, I like to talk...
Jostein: First, since your blog is very much about being mom; what do you think your life would have been like with one more child?
Me: My blog is very much about being a mom -- it's my two kids and being at home with them that actually inspired me to put out an online journal. To capture the moments that I know are so precious, but yet so fleeting.
I think that life would certainly have been busier with one more child. To be honest, if we had started (or probably more correctly, been successful) earlier we may likely have wanted another child. With our littlest one, we were prepared (if you can ever be prepared) to deal with twins if we had to. But our journey through infertility, with its heartaches and the ultimate joy of being parents of not just one, but now two beautiful children, has really made us feel fortunate enough with what we have. I actually thought about another baby when my daughter was about 9 months old (hormonal, probably). My husband could see that look and he said to me right away, "Are you nuts? We're OLD and we're TIRED. ALL THE TIME!! Don't think so!!!"
It was a mutual decision, but once we achieved the "millionaire's family" we were set. Besides, we already feel outnumbered as it is!
Jostein: A common statement among my friends is that "one never runs out of projects as a house owner". Then we go on to shake our heads at each other's plans and ongoing projects. Do you consider your house "done" after your recent/current renovation? And in case, how long do you think it will stay that way?
Me: Renovations are addictive, for sure. Especially with homes of ours age, we notice a lot of families that are renovating just to get their homes out of the tacky 80s. We love our kitchen, but the house is far from being done. I think our next step is to finish the basement because our home is now overrun with toys and we need to get the kids their own space. But we're also suffering from severe bathroom envy, and really need to get rid of the shell-shaped sinks in our washrooms upstairs.
I suspect it will be neverending. In our last home we chose not to do much until we decided to sell, so the new owners got to enjoy the changes we made. With this place, we'd like to actually enjoy what we want ourselves.
Jostein: I enjoyed your travel reports from Iceland, and got mighty envious about the snowmobile ride. A trip to Iceland has always been pretty high on my own priority list and has climbed another couple of steps now. However, I get the impression that most of your travels go where your husband’s career takes you. If you got to choose for the next trip; with or without kids; where would you like to go, and why?
Me: Well, interesting that you make the observation, because it seems that as soon as I got pregnant with my daughter, my husband's job took him to some of the best places in the world! I kid you not, he went to Greece, Rome, Amsterdam, Prague. Monaco ... I'd better stop now. So when Iceland came up, I was quite excited to accompany him.
My job, before I decided to stay at home for a bit, was with a multi-national company based in France. So I have travelled for work myself, (Paris, New York City, Philly, Vancouver, Ottawa (not as exotic, but quite frequently). I managed to bring hubby to NYC with me before we had kids, and we had always hoped our schedules would be able to sync up so he could go to Paris with me. The only time it ever did was when I got pregnant with my son, so we ended up cancelling that trip. So that would be the next trip I would love to take the family to, is Paris. It is such a lovely city, and what struck me last time I was there was how family friendly it appeared as well. Funny how differently you view each city after you have children.
Without the kids, we've been talking about doing something special for a big anniversary this summer, but a cycling trip through Provence may not go over so well, with our 3 year old being very clingy, and her older brother not too impressed even when we have a sitter over for dinner out. We'll see.
Jostein: Pride of your Chinese heritage frequently shines through in your posts. At the same time, you're so firmly focused on your here-and-now surroundings. To me you seem to be standing with one foot planted very sturdily in each culture. Any thoughts on your situation?
Me: I grew up as *sort of* 1st generation Canadian Chinese. I say sort of because my father came over quite young so is fairly Canadian in his own right. Which makes us "in between”. Growing up when I did in Canada, it wasn't quite as multicultural yet. So I spent a lot of my adolescence not wanting to be too different. Just wanting to be like every other "anglo-Canadian". Hating Chinese school, hating Chinese homework, trying to resist the requisite piano lessons, dreaming of a truly "white wedding"... honestly, I was so sick of all those huge Chinese wedding banquets I swore that would never be me.
When I became a young adult, I realized that I should try to embrace more of my heritage... I even enrolled with my sister, in a Cantonese language course at the university, only to find out that my language skills were better than I thought. I'll be honest, it was really only after I met my now-husband, that I started to really have an appreciation for my culture. He thought everything was so fascinating, the littlest things. And now that we have another generation in our house, and our children are learning appreciate who they are and to think more globally at such a young age, I suspect this is why you see my heritage cropping up so much in my writings.
We actually had both types of receptions... my "white"wedding, but then also a fantastic Chinese banquet complete with karaoke, one day after the other. And the Chinese banquet was hands-down the better party of the two. Since then, I think I've discovered who I am, exactly as you've put it, with one foot firmly in each culture. And I'm comfortable with that, now that I'm finally starting to really grow up.
Jostein: As an accomplished wine drinker, do you have any favourite wine grape? I like Shiraz from the sheer sound of the word, but don't really have much of a clue...
Me: You know, I honestly really don't have much of a clue myself. Aside from the wine-tasting party we attended one time, we had these friends who were so very much into wine, they kept some bottles for years. They had this party with this wine-tasting game to go along with it. They would serve a dish and a different glass of wine with every dish. The object of the game was to guess which country the wine was from. Well, wouldn't you know, I think I was 5 for 5!!! Pure luck, obviously. The drunker I got, the better I got at guessing.
For dinners at home, I usually really enjoy a light Sauvignon blanc. But my preference is for reds, and I love a good Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz (some taste as awesome as it sounds). And a full bodied Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Jostein: If there is such a thing as a black belt in shopping, I'd bet you qualify for at least the Second Dan. What would be the "shopping day of your dreams", assuming unlimited supplies on your debit card?
Me: You made me laugh with this question. I wouldn't know where to put all the stuff with a limitless card! I used to be bad enough when it was just me shopping for myself, but now with a home, a boy and a sweet little girl, it is pretty bad (hubby will let me shop for him, but he's so picky)! When little G was only about 6 months old my mother (old-fashioned, bless her heart) would admonish me and ask why my daughter needed so many pairs of shoes (well slippers, really). She thought that my husband wouldn't be too impressed with that, all my shopping and all.
I'm not exactly an haute couture type of gal. I love a good bargain. So shopping day of my dreams would be a trip to the department stores of Paris, Madison Avenue and Lower East side in NYC; Magnificent Mile in Chicago; Hong Kong for electronics and knock-off bags... oh, you did just say one day, didn't you ;). Of course there'd have to be excellent munchies and champagne in between stops.
Jostein: You describe yourself as trying to stay urban. Why is that important to you?
I'm not the greatest fan of living in suburbia. It makes sense for us now, as we moved here when we started our family, primarily for childcare arrangements. We're lucky that where we are, the schools are great, we have a lot of room, the people are wonderful. The infrastructure for community programs and such seems large enough that we never have to wait or deal with programs getting full or being rejected. And we are less than a half hour drive to the heart of the city.
But everything is very spread out, you need a vehicle to get anywhere, and there really isn't a close neighbourhood feel. When we lived in the city, we would leave the cars, take transit, and walk to get our groceries and do our shopping. And when you're walking, you meet up with a lot of people, hear a lot more sounds, taste the city more, you feel more a part of something. There's so much to do and see, to experience living in the city. And no, not just the shopping! We take our kids into the city as much as we can - once or twice a month if we can swing it. And I can't deny that there is a certain "cool" factor living in the city.
I think if we were to ever consider buying another property, rather than a cottage or something of that nature, we'd be more inclined to buy a condo right downtown.
Jostein: In your galaxy of Blogspace, awards issued by fellow bloggers seem to be a hot thing. Have you designed one of your own? If not, have you contemplated doing so? What would be your awarding criteria?
Me: I wouldn't know where to begin to design an award, I have no capability in that area whatsoever. And I wouldn't know where to start with setting criteria either. This is a tough question.
I'm so flattered by the awards that have been given me - when I got my first I only had a couple of readers, and then I started getting a few more from some wonderful bloggers. Some people who weren't related to me were actually reading what I was writing!
It's truly a sense of community, or communities, rather and let's admit it, it's always nice to be recognized for whatever we do. The only thing now is I find there are so many out there. I'm terrible at giving them out because I'd love to give them to all the blogs that I read. And they do seem to go around and around in circles.
Jostein: Ok, my last question probably says more about the interviewer than the interviewee, but since I have my wife's active encouragement on this I'll blurt out anyway. Both my wife and I turn 42 in a couple of months, and my beloved wish to celebrate with a pyjamas party where everyone should be sure to bring their own towel. Did you ever contemplate along the same lines for your own birthday last autumn? This is of course the sort of thing one either think of as utterly ludicrous, or immediately understand. And it's most likely the wrong question anyway...
Me: You know, a PJ party sounds like an absolutely AMAZING idea! I love slumber parties. Can I come, I promise not to get too drunk ;).
Actually, hitting 42 was really just a blip in time for me. I'm so busy being a mom to small kids, I'm glad to ignore that I'm now firmly entrenched in my 40s...sigh. I was happy just to get a nice meal out of the deal.
Not a ludicrous idea at all. Hope you have fun!
*****
And that was the interview. I had such a blast with this, and the best part about it was that I *met* a couple of very interesting guys from the other side of the planet, who just happen to be bloggers. What an amazing thing this internet can be.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Monday Me Stuff
I was tagged by Lizzy for a cute 6 quirky things meme. As if you don't already know enough of my weirdnesses, let's just add a few more:
1/ I don't eat pizza crust.
2/ I devour pie crust.
3/ I take direction and instruction really well. I attribute that to all the lessons I took as a child. Only problem is, you have to stay with me.
For example, I do not golf. But if you demonstrate to me how to hold the club, steer me in the right direction, I'll hit it exactly where you want it to go. The next hole, you've got to tell me again. And curling. I've only curled once, but we were lucky to have an experienced curler on our team. During a company fun tournament, as a totally inexperienced skip, I tossed the last stone as directed, and we beat the pants off the opposing team who had Mr. Professional Skip, complete with fancy curling outfit. You should have seen his face. You should have seen my purple and blue knees for the next couple of weeks.
4/ Owls creep me out even more than clowns do.
5/ I love sausages. Especially on vacation as part of a big breakfast. That to me spells vacation.
6/ I am a clumsy walker. I will trip on the sidewalk over nothing. In flats.
I'm still bearing a scar on my knee from when I dropped little G at 4 months of age in her carrier while walking in the school parking lot to pick up her big brother. The carrier went flying, I skidded my jeaned knee raw. She didn't wake up from her nap. To this day I don't even know why I went down, I think I tripped over my own foot. Sheesh.
Now, according to Kami, I've been caught being good!! Another blingy thingy from a new blog friend. I am so honoured by this, I've been visiting her blog regularly since I "found" her and I really enjoy her often hilarious descriptions of life with her two boys. She's a gem.
Here are the rules that come with this sticker:
1. Choose 3 people you want to reward for their good bloggy behavior. (I say if you don’t have three that’s ok. Pick one person.)
2. Link them in a post along with the “Caught Being Good” sticker.
3. Let them know they’ve been “Caught Being Good” and encourage them to pay it forward (if they feel like it). That’s it!
So I'll have to pass this along to a few bloggers whose spaces I've been reading lately and who have been so fantastic at commenting back here so regularly. All amazing bloggers:
Huckdoll
Immoral Matriarch
Kat
Go spread some linky love if you want to.
Now I'm off to enjoy the rest of the new statutory holiday *Family Day* with my family. What an amazing concept!
1/ I don't eat pizza crust.
2/ I devour pie crust.
3/ I take direction and instruction really well. I attribute that to all the lessons I took as a child. Only problem is, you have to stay with me.
For example, I do not golf. But if you demonstrate to me how to hold the club, steer me in the right direction, I'll hit it exactly where you want it to go. The next hole, you've got to tell me again. And curling. I've only curled once, but we were lucky to have an experienced curler on our team. During a company fun tournament, as a totally inexperienced skip, I tossed the last stone as directed, and we beat the pants off the opposing team who had Mr. Professional Skip, complete with fancy curling outfit. You should have seen his face. You should have seen my purple and blue knees for the next couple of weeks.
4/ Owls creep me out even more than clowns do.
5/ I love sausages. Especially on vacation as part of a big breakfast. That to me spells vacation.
6/ I am a clumsy walker. I will trip on the sidewalk over nothing. In flats.
I'm still bearing a scar on my knee from when I dropped little G at 4 months of age in her carrier while walking in the school parking lot to pick up her big brother. The carrier went flying, I skidded my jeaned knee raw. She didn't wake up from her nap. To this day I don't even know why I went down, I think I tripped over my own foot. Sheesh.
Now, according to Kami, I've been caught being good!! Another blingy thingy from a new blog friend. I am so honoured by this, I've been visiting her blog regularly since I "found" her and I really enjoy her often hilarious descriptions of life with her two boys. She's a gem.
Here are the rules that come with this sticker:
1. Choose 3 people you want to reward for their good bloggy behavior. (I say if you don’t have three that’s ok. Pick one person.)
2. Link them in a post along with the “Caught Being Good” sticker.
3. Let them know they’ve been “Caught Being Good” and encourage them to pay it forward (if they feel like it). That’s it!
So I'll have to pass this along to a few bloggers whose spaces I've been reading lately and who have been so fantastic at commenting back here so regularly. All amazing bloggers:
Huckdoll
Immoral Matriarch
Kat
Go spread some linky love if you want to.
Now I'm off to enjoy the rest of the new statutory holiday *Family Day* with my family. What an amazing concept!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Weekly Winners Ed. #12
I can't believe this week's gone by so quickly, and it's that time again!
She likes to do dishes...
After the bang trim...
Still ecstatic about the Wii
I'm a cheap date...
For other Weekly Winners make sure to check out the home of Sarcastic Mom.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Scrolling Saturday - PINK UFO Redux
I just found this wonderful blog event , Scrolling Saturday, that I must participate in. Saturdays tend to be so busy so it's a great time to look back at some of my older posts.
The following took place last summer during the pre-renovation panic phase of our year.
The Time: Saturday morning, post-post- winning soccer game (7-0); post- last-minute waterfight playdate for Liam; pre-swimming date at best friend's house.
The Background : We've just come to the realization that we booked the tile-guy for a job eight weeks from now, and we have not yet chosen a tile. We need almost 900 square feet. Could be an issue. Decide to pack all the stuff needed for the afternoon, and then the kids, to check out a couple of places only open until 4 PM.
The Place: In the minivan, on 16th avenue, en route to tile place.
The Conversation: Me (as I'm checking behind my shoulder for the pink life-saving electronic device housing the Backyardigans DVD; I don't see it) : "Oh, little girl's fallen asleep already, so I guess we don't need it"
DH: "Yeah, yeah, I brought it, it's somewhere, just don't know where I put it"
Me: "Good, if we take too long we're going to need it."
Sound effects: GALLOPING ON THE ROOF AND THEN A THUD.
Me: "What was that?"
DH: "Oh shit, that was the DVD player. I must have put it on the van when I was buckling her in."
L-ster: "Yeah, I saw the flash of pink. It bounced off the road and the car behind us hit it on the side. Cool!"
Me: "Great, the DVD rental is in there."
DH: "We'd better go back to get it, don't want to cause any accidents"
The Next Steps: DH drives around the block, parks, then hops out of the van and runs around the corner to get it.
Meanwhile, back in the van...
Me in frustration (warning, don't do this, as it's not nice to call people names, and kids have great memories): "Your Dad can be such a knob. Why put it on top where you can't see it? All he had to do was buckle your sister in while I had to pack everything and act as beast of burden with 5 bags to load up the van... blah, blah..."
L-ster: "Mom, are you ever going to forgive Dad?"
Me (after a brief pause): "Yeah, I guess I'll have to."
DH gets back in the van. "Were you guys laughing at me running?"
L-ster: "No, but Mom forgives you. Besides, she's put one of my mad science projects up there once."
The Lesson: I keep forgetting my kid's memory - I guess he's taken what's left of his parents' combined.
Wear a helmet if you're walking in my neighbourhood.
The following took place last summer during the pre-renovation panic phase of our year.
The Time: Saturday morning, post-post- winning soccer game (7-0); post- last-minute waterfight playdate for Liam; pre-swimming date at best friend's house.
The Background : We've just come to the realization that we booked the tile-guy for a job eight weeks from now, and we have not yet chosen a tile. We need almost 900 square feet. Could be an issue. Decide to pack all the stuff needed for the afternoon, and then the kids, to check out a couple of places only open until 4 PM.
The Place: In the minivan, on 16th avenue, en route to tile place.
The Conversation: Me (as I'm checking behind my shoulder for the pink life-saving electronic device housing the Backyardigans DVD; I don't see it) : "Oh, little girl's fallen asleep already, so I guess we don't need it"
DH: "Yeah, yeah, I brought it, it's somewhere, just don't know where I put it"
Me: "Good, if we take too long we're going to need it."
Sound effects: GALLOPING ON THE ROOF AND THEN A THUD.
Me: "What was that?"
DH: "Oh shit, that was the DVD player. I must have put it on the van when I was buckling her in."
L-ster: "Yeah, I saw the flash of pink. It bounced off the road and the car behind us hit it on the side. Cool!"
Me: "Great, the DVD rental is in there."
DH: "We'd better go back to get it, don't want to cause any accidents"
The Next Steps: DH drives around the block, parks, then hops out of the van and runs around the corner to get it.
Meanwhile, back in the van...
Me in frustration (warning, don't do this, as it's not nice to call people names, and kids have great memories): "Your Dad can be such a knob. Why put it on top where you can't see it? All he had to do was buckle your sister in while I had to pack everything and act as beast of burden with 5 bags to load up the van... blah, blah..."
L-ster: "Mom, are you ever going to forgive Dad?"
Me (after a brief pause): "Yeah, I guess I'll have to."
DH gets back in the van. "Were you guys laughing at me running?"
L-ster: "No, but Mom forgives you. Besides, she's put one of my mad science projects up there once."
The Lesson: I keep forgetting my kid's memory - I guess he's taken what's left of his parents' combined.
Wear a helmet if you're walking in my neighbourhood.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Great Interview Experiment
You're in for a treat. This space is usually so much about ME ME ME. Today we're shaking things up a little, and I'm going to talk about (or more correctly, with) someone else. What a concept!
I stumbled upon something extraordinary on the blogosphere last week, through my blog friend Curiosity Killer and also at Whoorl. And because I am so extraordinary, I thought I would just sign right up (it's funny how easy it is to toss all artificial modesty out the window while hiding behind the safety of the computer screen.)
It was over at Citizen of the month, Neil came up with this Great Interview Experiment. Basically it gives fellow bloggers their 15 minutes; any blogger, big or small, and particularly for those who don't have a big audience, the hidden gems if you will. You should sign up, it's a great way to meet another blogger and showcase them as they so deserve. Once you comment, you get a chance to interview the person who commented ahead of you, and the person who comments just after you, does the honours for yourself. A most enjoyable chain of events.
I was fortunate enough to be hooked up with Simon, and the following is our conversation. Turns out he's as cool as his blog hints him to be. Let me introduce you to my new blog buddy at Simon Says
Me: I see that you're a fan of Radiohead. What do you think of "In Rainbows"? Should I get it? And do you think the way they "launched" it was truly revolutionary, or just a clever marketing ploy?
Simon: I read an interview where Radiohead said that, in order to be considered a "great" band, they thought they needed to make at least three "great" albums, and that "In Rainbows" was one of them, alongside "OK Computer" and "Kid A". I'd tend to agree. I'm not generally the type to obsessively listen to one album over and over again, but this one hasn't left my cd player much since I bought it at Christmas. If you like Radiohead at all, buy it. Although, interestingly, I think Thom's lyrics have got weaker over the years, while musically they're stronger, more confident, and more inventive than ever.
As for the release strategy, I think releasing it online is becoming a pretty normal thing now. The "pay what you like" aspect was a gimmick - I don't see many others following suit. Personally I prefer cds - I don't own an MP3 player - although if I had downloaded it I would have paid near-full price, because I think it's worth it.
Me: I noticed that you've blogged about Brussels feeling like home now that you've been there a number of years. And you discussed the whole concept of home, and what makes someplace 'home'. Having seen that you've moved around a fair bit before you had children, do you think you will stay in Brussels while your girls grow, or do you envision moving at some point again?
Simon: Both my wife and I are pretty settled here, both professionally and in terms of feeling generally happy about living here. It's a very comfortable place to live - multicultural, great for kids, good schools and healthcare, it's very easy to travel to other countries from here (drive for an hour in any direction and you're in France, Germany, The Netherlands...), and, of course, we have friends here.
I think the only thing that would make us consider moving somewhere else would be if we suddenly both lost our jobs, in which case we might consider other countries. We still travel a lot, so that scratches our "need for foreign and exotic experiences" itch. I wouldn't rule out retiring somewhere else, but that depends on where our children end up living. Frankly it's too far off to think about yet...
Me: There is a truly international flavour in your household. I love your daughters beautiful names, you and your wife have certainly been exposing them to a lot of Italian traditions. Particularly given that you're now based in Brussels! I find in my family our cultural activities tend to celebrate more of my Chinese background and my family are quite involved in our kids' lives. Are there any distinctly UK traditions that your family partakes in to celebrate your own background?
Simon: I'm actually struggling to think of specifically English traditions (the shame...). When we visit the UK (two to three times a year) they get immersed in it, have other people to practise their English with, eat English food, etc. I think they'll get more into that as they get older, and we rely heavily on storybooks for that kind of thing, although I also make some effort to sing them English nursery rhymes. As for events and celebrations, Christmas, for example, tends to be a mixture of Belgian (St Nicholas on 6 December) kind-of-international (Christmas day itself), and Italian (La Befana on 6 January). But if, for example, one year we're in the UK for Christmas, they'll get the British version, with Christmas crackers (do you have those over there? - K pops in with a "yes, we do"), Christmas pudding, and the Queen's speech.
I guess I could introduce them to the idea of Guy Fawkes night, but it'd feel a bit strange celebrating, on our own, a failed attempt to topple the UK government, while living in a country that currently has no government at all...
Me: Can I tell you how impressed I am that you have an imdb profile? (Entertainment Tonight was my daily addiction as a teenager and I still remember remote, trivial entertainment fact that no one really needs to retain). What's the background behind that, do tell...
Simon: Yes, I can tell. The "Wow! Simon has an imdb profile!" was audible across the Atlantic.
At university I was heavily involved in the student TV station - camerwork, editing, etc, and once I'd finished my studies I moved to London and started doing badly (or not at all-) paid work as a lighting and camera assistant. It was enormous fun, hard work, and almost impossible to make a living out of, given the parlous state of the UK film industry at the time. I worked on a few minor tv series, several unreleased low budget movies, some short films and a couple of commercials and rock videos. After four years I decided that I needed to start paying some bills, and then I met my wife and started moving around, so I left it behind. I loved the work, and I'm glad I had those experiences, although personally I find it hard to imagine how I could ever have reconciled the extremely long hours and lack of long-term stability with raising a family.
Me: You are quite a talented sketch artist, and the drawing that you've shared in no way, shape or form resembles a potato head! Do you have any other hidden talents?
Simon: Well if I told you, they wouldn't be hidden, would they?
Thank you. No, I can't think of any off the top of my head. I used to be quite a mean pool player, but it's been a while...
Me: I've noticed that you're an avid reader, although like me, as a parent to young children, making it through a book is a true rarity these days. It's taken me about six years to get through six books. Are there any short reads that you would consider must-reads?
Since moving to a new job at the start of February I now take the metro to work rather than driving, which gives me more reading time. Plus, our girls are both in bed by 8pm, so I have the rest of the evening for reading if I like.
As for short reads, well, I've never been asked to recommend a book by length before...The one I just finished, "Voice of Our Shadow", by Jonathan Carroll, was very good, and most of his are 200 pages or less. What othe slim volumes can I see on my shelf? "The Reader", by Bernhard Schlink, "Silk" by Alessandro Baricco, "By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept", by Elisabeth Smart - all good.
Maybe try short story collections? If you like spooky, Twilight Zone-style things, there's a great collection edited by Alberto Manguel called "Black Water". Some of those are only a couple of pages in length...
Me: Do you like to cook? If so, what is your specialty? If not, what's your favourite take out?
I love food, as anyone who clicks the "food" tag on my blog will see. I never cook. It makes me nervous and things get burnt.
For take-out, there's a good pizzeria two minutes walk from our house, but we also like to get Thai or Indian. But we eat out whenever possible. The food that interests us most is exactly the kind of thing that we (and when I say "we", I mean "my wife") can't make at home.
Me: As a Star Wars fanatic, do you own any light sabers (we have about a dozen in our house)? Or short of that, any memorabilia that your wife will let you display?
I don't own a lightsaber, no. As a child I had a medium-sized collection of the action figures and vehicles (my prized possession was an AT-AT). These days I have a couple of knick-knacks upstairs in the study, a collection of books (mostly behind-the-scenes, "the making of" type stuff). I'd say that I'll always love Star Wars, and I'd happily watch the movies again any day, but I've gone past the stage where I need to buy any more "stuff". After the release of "Revenge of the Sith" I felt that a chapter had closed. They'll continue to release books, tv series, toys, as long as they make money, but I'm not interested any more.
Me: Any big vacation plans this summer?
Over the summer we'll spend a couple of weeks at the beach on the Italian riviera (near, but not with, my wife's parents), which is a fairly regular thing, and probably a week back in the UK to see my parents and some friends. But our big trip this year is actually in the spring - we're going to Japan for two and a half weeks to attend a friend's wedding. Technically she already got married in America last year, but they're having a ceremony/celebration in Tokyo at the end of April, so we jumped at the chance to attend. The only thing we're not looking forward to is an eleven hour flight with two toddlers in tow, but I think they'll love Japan itself. It'll be the first time for me too, although my wife's been once before, about 12 years ago. It's also our first trip outside Europe since our first child was born in 2004.
Oh, and my wife and I are spending a weekend in New York in March, while the girls stay with their grandparents. That'll be my first time in the States.
Me: My husband will be travelling to Brussels on business in a couple of months, for about a week. Are there any must see/ must do/ must eat places that he should absolutely not miss while he's there?
Simon: Must do - meet up with me and my wife for a drink.
Must see - Grand Place. Said (by Belgians, admittedly) to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The Atomium's fun too, although it's out on the edge of town. They're the two icons of Brussels. There's also the "Mannekin Pis", just off the Grand Place, which is a must if you like statues of urinating boys...
Must eat/drink - waffles, moules (although it won't really be the season when your husband's here), Belgian speciality beers, chocolates. For an evening's traditional Belgian dining I'd recommend maybe "Aux Armes De Bruxelles", just around the corner from Grand Place.
And that's it! Wasn't that fun?
I've been interviewed by Alunfoto, and I'll post that up very soon.
Hope to catch some of you bloghoppin' later tonight!
I stumbled upon something extraordinary on the blogosphere last week, through my blog friend Curiosity Killer and also at Whoorl. And because I am so extraordinary, I thought I would just sign right up (it's funny how easy it is to toss all artificial modesty out the window while hiding behind the safety of the computer screen.)
It was over at Citizen of the month, Neil came up with this Great Interview Experiment. Basically it gives fellow bloggers their 15 minutes; any blogger, big or small, and particularly for those who don't have a big audience, the hidden gems if you will. You should sign up, it's a great way to meet another blogger and showcase them as they so deserve. Once you comment, you get a chance to interview the person who commented ahead of you, and the person who comments just after you, does the honours for yourself. A most enjoyable chain of events.
I was fortunate enough to be hooked up with Simon, and the following is our conversation. Turns out he's as cool as his blog hints him to be. Let me introduce you to my new blog buddy at Simon Says
Me: I see that you're a fan of Radiohead. What do you think of "In Rainbows"? Should I get it? And do you think the way they "launched" it was truly revolutionary, or just a clever marketing ploy?
Simon: I read an interview where Radiohead said that, in order to be considered a "great" band, they thought they needed to make at least three "great" albums, and that "In Rainbows" was one of them, alongside "OK Computer" and "Kid A". I'd tend to agree. I'm not generally the type to obsessively listen to one album over and over again, but this one hasn't left my cd player much since I bought it at Christmas. If you like Radiohead at all, buy it. Although, interestingly, I think Thom's lyrics have got weaker over the years, while musically they're stronger, more confident, and more inventive than ever.
As for the release strategy, I think releasing it online is becoming a pretty normal thing now. The "pay what you like" aspect was a gimmick - I don't see many others following suit. Personally I prefer cds - I don't own an MP3 player - although if I had downloaded it I would have paid near-full price, because I think it's worth it.
Me: I noticed that you've blogged about Brussels feeling like home now that you've been there a number of years. And you discussed the whole concept of home, and what makes someplace 'home'. Having seen that you've moved around a fair bit before you had children, do you think you will stay in Brussels while your girls grow, or do you envision moving at some point again?
Simon: Both my wife and I are pretty settled here, both professionally and in terms of feeling generally happy about living here. It's a very comfortable place to live - multicultural, great for kids, good schools and healthcare, it's very easy to travel to other countries from here (drive for an hour in any direction and you're in France, Germany, The Netherlands...), and, of course, we have friends here.
I think the only thing that would make us consider moving somewhere else would be if we suddenly both lost our jobs, in which case we might consider other countries. We still travel a lot, so that scratches our "need for foreign and exotic experiences" itch. I wouldn't rule out retiring somewhere else, but that depends on where our children end up living. Frankly it's too far off to think about yet...
Me: There is a truly international flavour in your household. I love your daughters beautiful names, you and your wife have certainly been exposing them to a lot of Italian traditions. Particularly given that you're now based in Brussels! I find in my family our cultural activities tend to celebrate more of my Chinese background and my family are quite involved in our kids' lives. Are there any distinctly UK traditions that your family partakes in to celebrate your own background?
Simon: I'm actually struggling to think of specifically English traditions (the shame...). When we visit the UK (two to three times a year) they get immersed in it, have other people to practise their English with, eat English food, etc. I think they'll get more into that as they get older, and we rely heavily on storybooks for that kind of thing, although I also make some effort to sing them English nursery rhymes. As for events and celebrations, Christmas, for example, tends to be a mixture of Belgian (St Nicholas on 6 December) kind-of-international (Christmas day itself), and Italian (La Befana on 6 January). But if, for example, one year we're in the UK for Christmas, they'll get the British version, with Christmas crackers (do you have those over there? - K pops in with a "yes, we do"), Christmas pudding, and the Queen's speech.
I guess I could introduce them to the idea of Guy Fawkes night, but it'd feel a bit strange celebrating, on our own, a failed attempt to topple the UK government, while living in a country that currently has no government at all...
Me: Can I tell you how impressed I am that you have an imdb profile? (Entertainment Tonight was my daily addiction as a teenager and I still remember remote, trivial entertainment fact that no one really needs to retain). What's the background behind that, do tell...
Simon: Yes, I can tell. The "Wow! Simon has an imdb profile!" was audible across the Atlantic.
At university I was heavily involved in the student TV station - camerwork, editing, etc, and once I'd finished my studies I moved to London and started doing badly (or not at all-) paid work as a lighting and camera assistant. It was enormous fun, hard work, and almost impossible to make a living out of, given the parlous state of the UK film industry at the time. I worked on a few minor tv series, several unreleased low budget movies, some short films and a couple of commercials and rock videos. After four years I decided that I needed to start paying some bills, and then I met my wife and started moving around, so I left it behind. I loved the work, and I'm glad I had those experiences, although personally I find it hard to imagine how I could ever have reconciled the extremely long hours and lack of long-term stability with raising a family.
Me: You are quite a talented sketch artist, and the drawing that you've shared in no way, shape or form resembles a potato head! Do you have any other hidden talents?
Simon: Well if I told you, they wouldn't be hidden, would they?
Thank you. No, I can't think of any off the top of my head. I used to be quite a mean pool player, but it's been a while...
Me: I've noticed that you're an avid reader, although like me, as a parent to young children, making it through a book is a true rarity these days. It's taken me about six years to get through six books. Are there any short reads that you would consider must-reads?
Since moving to a new job at the start of February I now take the metro to work rather than driving, which gives me more reading time. Plus, our girls are both in bed by 8pm, so I have the rest of the evening for reading if I like.
As for short reads, well, I've never been asked to recommend a book by length before...The one I just finished, "Voice of Our Shadow", by Jonathan Carroll, was very good, and most of his are 200 pages or less. What othe slim volumes can I see on my shelf? "The Reader", by Bernhard Schlink, "Silk" by Alessandro Baricco, "By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept", by Elisabeth Smart - all good.
Maybe try short story collections? If you like spooky, Twilight Zone-style things, there's a great collection edited by Alberto Manguel called "Black Water". Some of those are only a couple of pages in length...
Me: Do you like to cook? If so, what is your specialty? If not, what's your favourite take out?
I love food, as anyone who clicks the "food" tag on my blog will see. I never cook. It makes me nervous and things get burnt.
For take-out, there's a good pizzeria two minutes walk from our house, but we also like to get Thai or Indian. But we eat out whenever possible. The food that interests us most is exactly the kind of thing that we (and when I say "we", I mean "my wife") can't make at home.
Me: As a Star Wars fanatic, do you own any light sabers (we have about a dozen in our house)? Or short of that, any memorabilia that your wife will let you display?
I don't own a lightsaber, no. As a child I had a medium-sized collection of the action figures and vehicles (my prized possession was an AT-AT). These days I have a couple of knick-knacks upstairs in the study, a collection of books (mostly behind-the-scenes, "the making of" type stuff). I'd say that I'll always love Star Wars, and I'd happily watch the movies again any day, but I've gone past the stage where I need to buy any more "stuff". After the release of "Revenge of the Sith" I felt that a chapter had closed. They'll continue to release books, tv series, toys, as long as they make money, but I'm not interested any more.
Me: Any big vacation plans this summer?
Over the summer we'll spend a couple of weeks at the beach on the Italian riviera (near, but not with, my wife's parents), which is a fairly regular thing, and probably a week back in the UK to see my parents and some friends. But our big trip this year is actually in the spring - we're going to Japan for two and a half weeks to attend a friend's wedding. Technically she already got married in America last year, but they're having a ceremony/celebration in Tokyo at the end of April, so we jumped at the chance to attend. The only thing we're not looking forward to is an eleven hour flight with two toddlers in tow, but I think they'll love Japan itself. It'll be the first time for me too, although my wife's been once before, about 12 years ago. It's also our first trip outside Europe since our first child was born in 2004.
Oh, and my wife and I are spending a weekend in New York in March, while the girls stay with their grandparents. That'll be my first time in the States.
Me: My husband will be travelling to Brussels on business in a couple of months, for about a week. Are there any must see/ must do/ must eat places that he should absolutely not miss while he's there?
Simon: Must do - meet up with me and my wife for a drink.
Must see - Grand Place. Said (by Belgians, admittedly) to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The Atomium's fun too, although it's out on the edge of town. They're the two icons of Brussels. There's also the "Mannekin Pis", just off the Grand Place, which is a must if you like statues of urinating boys...
Must eat/drink - waffles, moules (although it won't really be the season when your husband's here), Belgian speciality beers, chocolates. For an evening's traditional Belgian dining I'd recommend maybe "Aux Armes De Bruxelles", just around the corner from Grand Place.
And that's it! Wasn't that fun?
I've been interviewed by Alunfoto, and I'll post that up very soon.
Hope to catch some of you bloghoppin' later tonight!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Thursday Thirteen - Kiss
It's randomness time again; or more correctly, running out of time to blog (should be working) but still gotta try to get something down that's not too banal.
So for Valentine's Day, here is my list of KISS music references:
1/ KISS - well, this is a bit obvious. But you've got to give this band credit for longevity - who would have thought they would become this huge phenomenon, with all that crazy make-up, tight outfits and platform boots. Their music actually wasn't half bad (I liked Beth in particular).
And Gene Simmons, if you've ever caught his show "Family Jewels" you'll find that he's a pretty funny, dorky Dad but you catch glimpses of someone who is quite, quite smart.
2/ Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me - album by the Cure. Well, if you've been following this blog, this inclusion is pretty obvious. "Just Like Heaven", "Why Can't I Be You', "How Beautiful You Are". What great songs.
3/ Kiss Me - by Stephen Tin Tin Duffy. I used to listen to this over and over and over when it first came out. And loved pretty much every version that was created. Here's a live version of it I found on You Tube.
4/ Kiss - by Prince. Is he still going by that moniker? Oh, I saw him at the Grammys. Guess so.
5/ Kiss Me - Sixpence None the Richer. Cute, poppy froth.
6/ Kiss from a Rose - Seal. Smooth sounds from this fellow. Reminds me, need to check out his newest release.
7/ Suck My Kiss - Red Hot Chili Peppers. Not my favourite band, nor my favourite song from them. But it makes the list.
8/ Last Kiss - Pearl Jam. Pretty song, but a bit depressing.
9/Kiss and Tell - Bryan Ferry. Sexy man, for an older guy.
10/ Kiss them for Me - Siouxie and the Banshees.
11/Blue Kiss - Jane Wiedlin, the cute pixie from the Go-Go's.
12/ Kissing Rain - Roch Voisine. Likely his biggest English record. One of the best voices I've heard live, and surprisingly he's great in concert. Not too bad in the looks department too, and I must admit, I prefer hearing him sing in French.
Hasn't been able to hit it big in the US, but we know him here in Canada, and he's got fans in Europe.
13/ Kiss is on my List - Hall & Oates. And it's on this list too, because I've run out of tunes, not necessarily because I'm a fan. But I heart 80's so you can't ignore this duo.
MMMMWAHHHH!!!
A BIG SMACK TO YOU FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
It beckoned this morning...
and I succumbed.
Oh mighty Egg McMuffin, the power you wield.
After I dropped little G off at her preschool program, I stopped at Wal Mart to pick up some groceries and Valentine paraphernalia. There's a handy, dandy McD's there.
And for that, I worked extra hard at my workout tonight.
So now I'm off to have my apple pie and ice cream.
I think I need an intervention.
Oh mighty Egg McMuffin, the power you wield.
After I dropped little G off at her preschool program, I stopped at Wal Mart to pick up some groceries and Valentine paraphernalia. There's a handy, dandy McD's there.
And for that, I worked extra hard at my workout tonight.
So now I'm off to have my apple pie and ice cream.
I think I need an intervention.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Manic Monday: Heart
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Valentine's Day highlights for me throughout the years:
See how much the actual Valentine's occasion really means to me? It's just such a commercial Hallmark occasion. I even made the mistake of starting to get the kids Valentine's Day presents the last couple of years and to what end? Just more clutter in the house. No, I don't think we'll keep that tradition up, although the timing of the Wii might certainly qualify.
Other than fulfilling the annual tradition for our kids and their classmates, we don't partake in the festivities as a couple. I'd prefer to celebrate our relationship throughout the year, when it's convenient for us and we don't have to battle the crowds at the restaurants. So sentimental, I am. Just wear my heart on my sleeve.
Random heart music references just in time for Valentine's week:
Heart - Anne and Nancy Wilson. Loved the hair, and I still think to this day, Annie has the best rock-chick voice ever. Barracuda, Dreamboat Annie, Crazy On You...now that was classic rock.
Heart-shaped box - Nirvana. Creepy video. Haunting song.
Heart of Glass - Blondie. Disco ruled.
Groove is in the Heart - Dee-Lite. Dig.
Heartbreaker - Don't you mess around with me. Toughie Pat Benatar.
Secret Heart - Feist, as written by Ron Sexsmith. Love her version. Too bad it was the year of Amy and she took all the Grammys last night. Feist will have her time.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Weekly Winners Ed. #11
Well, this was a pretty busy week. I was alone with the kids for most of it while hubs was at a meeting all week. And then when he got home he was just exhausted, and had to fly out again early the next morning; and will again tomorrow. He's pretty good about these things, especially the day trips. At least a lot better than I used to be; I would get sick a lot whenever I travelled for work. I think he's fighting something, but I think it's the virus called pure-exhaustion-plus-two clingy-kids-who've missed Dad all week.
So I am ACHING all over today. I went to the gym yesterday for my regular Bodyjam class with TJ and found out he was sick with the stomach flu. The sub for the class was Dan who led us in Bodyattack. And yes, that's exactly what it was; an all out cardio class, with some focus on upper body and abs. Just enough to kill my arms, legs and gut. Something about that pumping music gave me the energy to push myself to a place I probably shouldn't have gone. I could barely roll out of bed this morning. And not only because of the wine.
We had friends over for dinner last night, my pal Bec (little G's BFF's mom), her hubby, and the kids. It was a really great dynamic; the kids played on their own all night, only one little squabble between the girls. Boys were hooked on Wii and PS2. Sure, they did the Indy circuit around the adults in the dining room at one point, so our dinner wasn't exactly peaceful. But it was nice to chat and get to know each other better. It's amazing how parental ears can tune everything out as long as it's the sound of laughter and not crying on the horizon.
So I am ACHING all over today. I went to the gym yesterday for my regular Bodyjam class with TJ and found out he was sick with the stomach flu. The sub for the class was Dan who led us in Bodyattack. And yes, that's exactly what it was; an all out cardio class, with some focus on upper body and abs. Just enough to kill my arms, legs and gut. Something about that pumping music gave me the energy to push myself to a place I probably shouldn't have gone. I could barely roll out of bed this morning. And not only because of the wine.
We had friends over for dinner last night, my pal Bec (little G's BFF's mom), her hubby, and the kids. It was a really great dynamic; the kids played on their own all night, only one little squabble between the girls. Boys were hooked on Wii and PS2. Sure, they did the Indy circuit around the adults in the dining room at one point, so our dinner wasn't exactly peaceful. But it was nice to chat and get to know each other better. It's amazing how parental ears can tune everything out as long as it's the sound of laughter and not crying on the horizon.
So this week's winners...
Shiny, happy, richer kids...
Shiny, happy, richer kids...
Food obstacles...
Snow, anyone?
Exhausted after rejoicing around the house.
Action!!!
See what happens when you drink and type?
I saw this on my blog buddy C's post, and couldn't resist trying it out. After all (smoothing my lapels with my finger tips proudly), I did represent my highschool in the regional typing test in Grade nine. And my son aspires to be the fastest typist in the world (guffaw!), like his mother (that's what he wrote last year when asked his life ambition). But this?:
93 words
How did I do that? I thought I'd be 70 words, tops, given my advanced age.
Just another of life's great mysteries.
93 words
How did I do that? I thought I'd be 70 words, tops, given my advanced age.
Just another of life's great mysteries.
Friday, February 08, 2008
We interrupt the regularly scheduled Fashion Friday
...for the following late breaking news.
This just in...
Whoo Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!
The Dad in this household promised his little boy a Wii for Christmas. And the Mom in this household, although she saw such console at Costco's back in October, hesitated to pick it up. Because it was agreed that the Dad would take care of it. But you know how it goes, woulda, coulda, shoulda. Dad dropped the proverbial ball.
And Mom got very busy around November and December. The little boy was so understanding and patient. He could wait, he said, and was fine on Christmas morning. Even though the one thing he'd really wanted was not under the tree.
January, then February. Mom is searching high and low; phoning places, popping into various stores. Everyone shaking their head. But then there's a light! Toys R Us expected a shipment in a couple of weeks ago; but Mom was told that her best bet was to line up at midnight, because come Saturday morning, once the doors open at 9:30 am, the Wii's are sold out by 9:35.
Well, I love my boy. But if anyone was going to wait, it would be Dad, don't you think?
Another round of phone calls this week. Just missed a shipment at Costco's - they got 60 in, but they came early last week and were snapped up by two individuals. You're freakin' kidding me?!! They are RATIONING these things at the other stores such as EB Games (who only get up to 5 at a time).
This morning, while having my coffee, my mind going through my day ahead, with plans to go to the gym and then the girlie's 3 year checkup at the doc's, I was casually flipping through my Loblaws flyer. What did I see? You guessed it, the holy grail of video systems (at least in this household). Advertised at our local supermarket.
I picked up the phone, called in a frantic panic and found out there were two left. And they couldn't hold one for me.
Grabbed my girlie, threw my gym bag in the car...you gotta remember it was Chinese New Year yesterday so I was not allowed to wash my hair/ shower yesterday and I hadn't yet gotten to that before I called the store. So there was generally dishevelled-me, and not in that sexy just-rolled in the hay way. Maybe rolled in something else.
Got to the store, ran in, screaming, "Do you still have the Wii?!" and watched as the girl pointed in slow motion to the wall that said "Wii's SOLD OUT!!".
WHATTTTTTT???!!!!!
But there, below the sign, sat TWO units, one of which had my name written all over it. Or more correctly, my boy's name.
I can't wait till I pick him up from school this afternoon.
Let the games begin...
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Random Wonderful
Thirteen Random Reasons this is a wonderful Thursday:
1. It's a snow day! We got 30 cm of the white stuff last night. School buses are not running; my driveway not yet plowed, I didn't even want to attempt getting stuck. So my kids are home with me today, a comfy, cozy, stay-in day to enjoy the beauty of that white blanket hush that engulfed the street.
2. It's Chinese New Year. So I can put my feet up, enjoy the sunshine from inside the house and have a really good reason not to clean house.
3. My parents stopped by with Dim Sum - whoot!!! The snow was plowed by then. I love watching my boy eat dim sum. He went through two Siu Mai, two shrimp dumplings, two packs of sticky rice, a meatball, and his favourite sponge cake. Then he had room for more cookies and ice cream. Oh, to be 7 again!
4. I convinced my parents to stay and watch "The Painted Veil" with me. I watched it late the other night and fell soooo in love with that film. Such gorgeous cinematography, the Chinese landscape was breathtaking. I knew my parents would like the film with the beautiful backdrop and its love story. I was bawling my eyes out the other night watching it by myself. So I couldn't wait to watch it again.
It brought back memories of China for my Dad...he remembered working the rice fields as a child, and the leeches that would latch onto his legs. He left China at 10 years old; hard to imagine children that young working so hard. But that was the life.
My mother recognized the area being filmed right away because of the picturesque views. Her childhood memories included being carried around by villagers in a carriage as well, and throwing chicken feet to them to eat. They were all poor, but my mom's family had chicken feet to share with them. Yummy!
5. I did some work today, as in work-work. And it was all good. Especially as I didn't have to leave the house; didn't have to even change out of my PJ's if I didn't want to. But I did; something weird about participating in a business teleconference while wearing fuzzy slippers.
6. I'm still feeling the hugs from comments received on my cathartic post. It's amazing how long it can take those scars to heal - I don't know if they will but they've certainly made me a stronger person for it; I hadn't thought about those childhood experiences in a very long time.
I love my bloggy friends.
7. My girl gave some unsolicited hugs and kisses to her grandparents. That is a HUGE thing, from my usually stoic little miss.
8. I'm only choking every 8 hours or so now. So I suppose the inhaler is working.
Just don't tell me a joke. Ian almost made me die laughing.
9. Lipstick Jungle will premiere tonight. I don't know why I'm so excited about that. I used to abhor Brooke Shields; we're around the same age, and growing up her photos were everywhere and she was was so achingly beautiful while I was such a schmuck.
But I've garnered a lot of respect for her since she's become a mother, and been so open with her experiences with infertility and post-partum depression. And she's still achingly beautiful, showing us that sisters her age can really flaunt the hot-mamma-ness (a noun? an adjective? whatevah!)
I hope this show is all it's cracked up to be. And besides, it's a comeback of my one-time crush Andrew McCarthy. Who's not aged extremely well and seems to be a lot shorter than I remember. But he's still the sensitive guy. Not everyone can grow up to be McDreamy.
10. New Tunes. I've been at the library again. I borrowed the solo albums of Richard Ashcroft, Paul Weller, Morrissey, Jully Black, Rob Thomas. I've been playing them here and there all day. My kids are just loving the party.
11. I think I'll just eat all day. I ran into a lady at the gym on Tuesday who hadn't seen me since November. She said it looks like I lost weight. This is all the motivation I need to stuff my face again
12. I created a playlist! I'm deciding whether or not to put it on the blog, because I don't want to have music unsuspectingly blaring from my blog at you (, just in case you're surfing and stumble on here in the middle of an important meeting or while the kids are finally napping - you don't really need to have Finger Eleven snapping you out of your reverie).
13. Hubby is coming home this afternoon, after being away for work for most of the week. And that's a very good thing.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
The Power ...of one
She was all arms and knobby-kneed legs. Skinny as could be, although she could eat like there was no tomorrow. Sure she was little; but this was back in the day when they still accelerated children by advancing them a grade in school. So there was a reason that she was small, with no hint of puberty yet in sight. She was all of ten years old. But she was nervously excited, to be boarding that school bus. The bus that would take her to middle school for Grade Seven and Eight. She'd have her own locker; she would move around the school, a different class room for different subjects. She was in the big leagues now.
*****
She was voted class representive for her Grade 7 class. She didn't really want to 'run' for it, but her parents thought it would be good for her, to get her out of her shell. She was smart, she could do it. Her teacher thought she could do it. And it was easy for the kids to vote her in, nobody wanted to do it, it was such an uncool thing to be on school council, and hey, the skinny kid with the polyester outfits, that would be a great joke.
*****
Gym class was horrible. In the change rooms, she couldn't even fake that she could wear a bra. The biggest girl in the class, who was taking grade 7 over again, would call her out.
"Look at the skinny one, look at her in her undershirt!!! Who still wears undershirts? That's so GAY!!! You're so gay! "
And things got better once in the gymnasium. She got used to being the last one standing, the loser prize for whichever team had the misfortune of having to include her.
*****
There was a new girl in school. This large, blonde Texan Tara. All brash, she walked with a swagger, spoke with a drawl, and she loved to follow the skinny girl through the halls. Walking closely behind her, kicking at the heels of her class rep. Waiting for the little one to break.
The skinny one who now wore glasses and who couldn't wait to get braces to straighten out her crooked overbite. The little one who was now showing signs of puberty, but not the pretty ones. The hormones were doing a number on her nose, with little spots cropping up on the tip. She was now wearing a Mona Lisa style held back with bobby pins, to help clear her forehead from cropping up the next set of blackheads. But she didn't wear a Mona Lisa smile.
She endured the daily harassment, not saying a word. Although most times she wished she could grow a huge superhero arm and give Texan Tara a huge whollop on her head. Like she deserved.
*****
Grade 8, senior year. She had made it through that first tortuous year. And she had even done the unthinkable before the summer broke; she had turned around and demanded that Tara stop with her harassment. Surprisingly Tara did; she gave the little Chinese girl props for standing up to her... they even became friends of sorts, before Tara moved away again. Things were starting to look up.
The mid-year joint class project was to put together a book of puzzles, games, articles about the students in the class and memories of the school year. The girl was so excited about this, and she worked hard with a couple of her classmates to do her share of the project. Everyone was so proud of their accomplishments, and couldn't wait to see the final published copies as they landed on their desks.
Flipping through the pages, she could hear some quiet murmuring in the classroom, and some shocked gasps. And then she got to it. The page that was put together by three boys, jokers of the class, if you will. Only what she saw wasn't funny. The boys had compiled a list of nicknames for each member of the class. Some were very cool, clever even. And others were not.
Little Chinese skinny girl with glasses and braces, who was now suffering from severe acne around her nose. You can just call her Rudolph now.
As it was the end of the school day, she just gritted her teeth, held back her tears, and made her way quietly to where the buses were. After she boarded the bus, she sat down, leaned against the window, let it all go. Sobs wracked her frame, as the burden of not talking, not saying anything, just holding it all in, became too much to bear. She could hear the voice of one of boys in her class just behind her, apologizing for his part in that project. But the damage was done.
*****
I attended a presentation that L's school had brought in to deal with the subject of bullying. Through skits and interactive discussions, the actors demonstrated the different types of bullying, from the physical to the verbal. They wanted to drive the message home about safe schools, and that even if you're a bystander to this abuse, you are no better than the bully. The main message was to tell someone, your teacher, an adult. Someone who could empower you.
When they asked the kids at the outset to raise their hands if they'd ever experienced bullying, I saw my little boy's hand go up. And I knew what he was talking about. Because he had told me and his father, and then with our support he had told his teacher. I promised myself that I would do everything possible to try to protect my children and help them protect themselves from this type of abuse.
But my heart still ached that he had held that information inside for over a year.
And as she vowed, never again, the little skinny girl's heart cried a few more tears for her own unspoken years.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Broken Chi/Fre-nglish
In preparation for the Chinese New Year supper my parents hosted this past weekend, my folks and I planned a trip to Costco at the end of last week. They have this pre-marinated pork roast that my mom wanted to try. At this point of their lives (and ours, with all of the siblings now parents of young children), the less complicated the dinner, the better.
We thought we would go for some dim sum lunch before our trip to the warehouse. After G's preschool program in the morning, we went to a local Chinese restaurant, where my parents go at least once a week. We were greeted warmly by the manager and all the servers, as my parents are well known regulars. Of course, this was all in Cantonese.
As I'm not with them very often, my mother introduced me to everyone who came up, proudly showing off her little granddaughter. And a few of them would look at G and say "Mixed? Look at those big eyes!". My mother would respond, "Yes, but my daughter also has big eyes. Look at them." And others would be "Oh, but your daughter looks like she could be mixed too." My mother "Well, no, she's not." Dad's just sitting there, smiling, but not saying anything. And me, no I'm not saying anything either. Because I'm not that comfortable speaking Cantonese, even though I pretty much understand everything that's being said.
Which my mother apparently forgets. She continues her conversation, bragging about all of my accomplishments as if I'm not there. You know, that the eldest daughter is currently at home but started her own consulting business, oh and she did get a degree at U of T, and then got another three letters from business school, yes a very smart girl. Did you know that she also did very well at piano and she excelled in ballet (ok, last time I did any ballet was perhaps about 30 years ago!!) Eldest daughter's husband does a lot of travelling so it makes sense that she's home now with the kids... and the grandson is very smart and doing well now too.
And when people ask whether G speaks Chinese, Mom says that she doesn't. After all, her own kids don't even speak because their father has spoken to all his kids only in English while growing up. All Dad's fault.
During these episodes I've learned just to smile, and respond in English, whenever I can get a word in edgewise. I love my mother, she's one of the kindest-hearted, generous people I know. But this is one thing about her that I find annoying... she's likes to brag. About any little thing.
While this discussion is continuing about language skills, or lack thereof, my little girl decides to pipe up. She starts mumbling a little bit, and then saying quite loudly to our server ... "Bon Joo, Bon joo, BON JOO!!!".
I try to figure out what she's saying, and then it dawns on me. She's saying "Bonjour". Let's throw a little French into the conversation. I thought I was confused before, but I suppose this is what happens in Canada, where there are two official languages, and a multitude of cultures.
When Ian and I decided to have children, we had an understanding that we would expose them to as much Chinese culture as we could. We think it's important that they know their heritage.
Although my father had come over quite young, I was part of the first generation of our family actually born here. And I grew up during a time when, while not really denying my heritage, we made more effort to embrace what was more of an anglo-Canadian way of life. My father was actually very much like that himself. I think I was just more a product of what was happening in the country at the time. I was usually the only, or one of two Chinese kids in my class while living in the burbs. It wasn't until high school that more kids were coming into our schools from Hong Kong.
Nowadays, you can live, work, get a driver's license, do pretty much anything without speaking a word of English.
With the language, we did attempt to keep L in the Cantonese weekend program a couple of years ago. But it was very difficult to cultivate that, as the way of teaching is very much rote, pure memorization (there's no alphabet), old school, dry and boring. And with me not very confident with the language myself, and L just becoming progressively more stressed and miserable about classes every week, we pulled him out. We have to give him kudos for getting through at least one year, his teacher said he really tried hard, but he was certainly at a disadvantage without having stronger backup at home. Having gone through several years of Chinese instruction myself as a kid, and miserably (how much do I remember now?!) I couldn't subject my son to that.
For now we're at least trying to keep up with as many of the traditions as a family, with my parents, siblings and relatives. Chinese New Year being one of the most important of them. The kids at least are quite responsive to that.
We thought we would go for some dim sum lunch before our trip to the warehouse. After G's preschool program in the morning, we went to a local Chinese restaurant, where my parents go at least once a week. We were greeted warmly by the manager and all the servers, as my parents are well known regulars. Of course, this was all in Cantonese.
As I'm not with them very often, my mother introduced me to everyone who came up, proudly showing off her little granddaughter. And a few of them would look at G and say "Mixed? Look at those big eyes!". My mother would respond, "Yes, but my daughter also has big eyes. Look at them." And others would be "Oh, but your daughter looks like she could be mixed too." My mother "Well, no, she's not." Dad's just sitting there, smiling, but not saying anything. And me, no I'm not saying anything either. Because I'm not that comfortable speaking Cantonese, even though I pretty much understand everything that's being said.
Which my mother apparently forgets. She continues her conversation, bragging about all of my accomplishments as if I'm not there. You know, that the eldest daughter is currently at home but started her own consulting business, oh and she did get a degree at U of T, and then got another three letters from business school, yes a very smart girl. Did you know that she also did very well at piano and she excelled in ballet (ok, last time I did any ballet was perhaps about 30 years ago!!) Eldest daughter's husband does a lot of travelling so it makes sense that she's home now with the kids... and the grandson is very smart and doing well now too.
And when people ask whether G speaks Chinese, Mom says that she doesn't. After all, her own kids don't even speak because their father has spoken to all his kids only in English while growing up. All Dad's fault.
During these episodes I've learned just to smile, and respond in English, whenever I can get a word in edgewise. I love my mother, she's one of the kindest-hearted, generous people I know. But this is one thing about her that I find annoying... she's likes to brag. About any little thing.
While this discussion is continuing about language skills, or lack thereof, my little girl decides to pipe up. She starts mumbling a little bit, and then saying quite loudly to our server ... "Bon Joo, Bon joo, BON JOO!!!".
I try to figure out what she's saying, and then it dawns on me. She's saying "Bonjour". Let's throw a little French into the conversation. I thought I was confused before, but I suppose this is what happens in Canada, where there are two official languages, and a multitude of cultures.
*******
When Ian and I decided to have children, we had an understanding that we would expose them to as much Chinese culture as we could. We think it's important that they know their heritage.
Although my father had come over quite young, I was part of the first generation of our family actually born here. And I grew up during a time when, while not really denying my heritage, we made more effort to embrace what was more of an anglo-Canadian way of life. My father was actually very much like that himself. I think I was just more a product of what was happening in the country at the time. I was usually the only, or one of two Chinese kids in my class while living in the burbs. It wasn't until high school that more kids were coming into our schools from Hong Kong.
Nowadays, you can live, work, get a driver's license, do pretty much anything without speaking a word of English.
With the language, we did attempt to keep L in the Cantonese weekend program a couple of years ago. But it was very difficult to cultivate that, as the way of teaching is very much rote, pure memorization (there's no alphabet), old school, dry and boring. And with me not very confident with the language myself, and L just becoming progressively more stressed and miserable about classes every week, we pulled him out. We have to give him kudos for getting through at least one year, his teacher said he really tried hard, but he was certainly at a disadvantage without having stronger backup at home. Having gone through several years of Chinese instruction myself as a kid, and miserably (how much do I remember now?!) I couldn't subject my son to that.
For now we're at least trying to keep up with as many of the traditions as a family, with my parents, siblings and relatives. Chinese New Year being one of the most important of them. The kids at least are quite responsive to that.
*****
While we were busy getting ready to go to the grandparents' for the big feast, to spend some fun time with uncles, aunts and the babies, G was excitedly chattering about the reason for the party.
"I'm Chinese, Goh goh (ie. big brother L) is Chinese, you're Chinese, Mommy" and looking at her father she continued ..."and Daddy's just plain!"
"I'm Chinese, Goh goh (ie. big brother L) is Chinese, you're Chinese, Mommy" and looking at her father she continued ..."and Daddy's just plain!"
Well, at least she didn't call him boring!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Weekly Winners Edition #10
Slim pickin's but here are a few:
Stools are in...they go quite well with the highchair, don't you think?
Someone can't wait to see her baby cousin later this weekend:
A quick photo of the orchid ... my parents actually bought this for my hubs. He loves orchids and is great with plants. Let's hope I don't destroy it (Black thumb at your service):
Hands: *Baby* boy edition
Hands: Baby girl edition
Happy weekend to all WW!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Fashion Friday: Th' ASS better
"You did WHAT?!!!! NOOOOO WAY!"
(more on that later)
Well, my recent whine about my bad jean wear inspired me. Or more importantly, your many comments (and I loved them) decided for me that my denim wardrobe needed a little lift (pun fully intended).
After I dropped little G off to her morning program yesterday, I headed over to Hill Street Blues, a store that's schtick is buy one, get one 1/2 off. They've got a really great collection of higher end denim. I've been meaning to get there for a while now (ever since G was born and my post-baby fat was coming off and staying off). But Old Navy was always more convenient, since I'm always in there for the kids.
Momma is now officially out of the Old Navy closet.
I walked in to this oasis of blue, in every shade imaginable. A spot of grey and black popped up every so often, but it was truly a blue, blue store.
And the labels ... there was Chip & Pepper, 7 for All Mankind (and Citizens for Humanity), Rock & Republic, those are only the ones I'd heard of... I didn't know where to start.
Thankfully the sales associates were very helpful. I took about a dozen pairs into the change room with me. And I ended up walking away with three pairs. I wanted to take more, but I prudently decided to leave that treat until another paycheque.
Now because I love my blogging so much, and I love my blog friends, I thought I should really provide an update. So, the thing that prompted the hubs' reaction outlined above?
I took pictures. Of my ass. For you. And I'm posting them here. I'm not even inebriated. This blog has now reached a new
Evidence of me sharing my aberrant behaviour with an innocent mind:
Love Mavi Jeans. All three that I tried on fit like a glove, but I narrowed it down to these:
Here are the investment jeans. It was a toss up between Rock & Republic and these. But once I popped the Hudsons on, there was no going back. They're smooth like buttah. The pockets sit a little low so I'll likely be hiking the pants up a lot. Or just staying in this position all the time while I wear them.
Miss Me - a bit fuzzy but there's a little patch of bling on the pocket. Fun.
Siwy skinny (these were hiding in the closet)
.JPG)
Yes, Mommy's gone a little loco...
It's going to be a snowy, snowy day into night here, so I'll likely be blog hopping tonight. Hope to see you there!
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