Not too much to report
August seems to be much kinder than July temperature-wise. The nights are cooler and I'm loving it up.
I am on a quest to buy a sewing machine. I saw one made by Kobe at a little sewing machine store two subway stops away. When I went back for it, all sweaty from walking, with baby and husband in tow, it was gone. Today I went to Wal-Mart to see what they had and there is one possible one. I still need to check out Sears. I know they have Kenmore and it's supposed to be second best. I don't need hundreds of stitches or anything, but I do need it to sew through denim and have some basic stitches, wind the bobbin automatically, etc. And I'd like it to last me a few years. I got all jealous of Glacia making her own dress.
My friend Emma came on Sunday, with her son Simon. Simon is almost four and very lively. We took the kids to a park. This was a major production as we had two kids, a kite, a stroller, snacks, a backpack and two purses. Alex rode in the stroller, though he was not happy about it. He fussed all the way there. Simon needed to be carried some of the way, especially up a hill. After a few years of wandering, we got to the park, where there was swinging, flying of kites, making bubbles and major fussing from Alex because I would not let him go into freezing cold wading pool water. We went back the same way we came, part pushing, part carrying, laughing ironically at what is called maternal bliss. It was good to see her though. Simon is big. He's going to school next month. It feels like yesterday he was a baby. It feels like yesterday Alex was a year old. And now look at them both... sniff. I'm so proud.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Lest you thought I was bluffing...
About the knitting, that is. Here is what I have been working on for the last few months. It's a throw for the grandma of a co-worker of mine. I pledged my knitting services for the United Way and this is what she chose. The pattern is my own invention. Feast your eyes.
I am about 2/3 done. Now, Jen's grandma is coming the third week of this month and I would dearly like to be finished, but I don't have a lot of hope. Because it's a 100cm across, it takes time to do one row.
In other news, we saw a meteorite Sunday night. OK, I still call them falling stars, but only to myself, to avoid a roll of the eyes from my lord and master. I think they are falling stars though and I think it's a good sign, even if it did happen so fast that one did not have a chance to make a wish.
About the knitting, that is. Here is what I have been working on for the last few months. It's a throw for the grandma of a co-worker of mine. I pledged my knitting services for the United Way and this is what she chose. The pattern is my own invention. Feast your eyes.
I am about 2/3 done. Now, Jen's grandma is coming the third week of this month and I would dearly like to be finished, but I don't have a lot of hope. Because it's a 100cm across, it takes time to do one row.
In other news, we saw a meteorite Sunday night. OK, I still call them falling stars, but only to myself, to avoid a roll of the eyes from my lord and master. I think they are falling stars though and I think it's a good sign, even if it did happen so fast that one did not have a chance to make a wish.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Feeling hot, hot, hot!
Yes, my friends, it is a record breaker in Toronto. 36 degrees Celsius, with the Humidex in the high 40s. I thank God for a/c and hope there is not another blackout. It's bloody hot. I got no sleep last night because on top of the heat, I caught my baby's cold and was sniffling all night. Finally Arthur took pity on me, took the little one into the living room so I could get a few hours' sleep.
Today my brain is just melting. Alex had a 3 hour nap and is still fussy and crying. I understand. Weather like this should be against the law.
They were crying on the news this morning that they have cooling centers open all night and nobody is using them and that it costs $ 30 000 to do that. Well, one needs to GET to the cooling center, does one not? And how to do that with half the buses and all streetcars with no air conditioning? They would be better off handing water out to the homeless and ensuring all seniors are in a cool, airy place.
In other news, Castro has TEMPORARILY relinquished power to his brother Raul. People in Miami are celebrating. Hold on there, people, this is a temporary measure. This man is made of titanium and will even rule from the grave.
Yes, my friends, it is a record breaker in Toronto. 36 degrees Celsius, with the Humidex in the high 40s. I thank God for a/c and hope there is not another blackout. It's bloody hot. I got no sleep last night because on top of the heat, I caught my baby's cold and was sniffling all night. Finally Arthur took pity on me, took the little one into the living room so I could get a few hours' sleep.
Today my brain is just melting. Alex had a 3 hour nap and is still fussy and crying. I understand. Weather like this should be against the law.
They were crying on the news this morning that they have cooling centers open all night and nobody is using them and that it costs $ 30 000 to do that. Well, one needs to GET to the cooling center, does one not? And how to do that with half the buses and all streetcars with no air conditioning? They would be better off handing water out to the homeless and ensuring all seniors are in a cool, airy place.
In other news, Castro has TEMPORARILY relinquished power to his brother Raul. People in Miami are celebrating. Hold on there, people, this is a temporary measure. This man is made of titanium and will even rule from the grave.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Dog Days
Quite pissed at work now. Was supposed to get raise. Raise will not happen. I got an "let's see in three months, shall we?" No, let's not! Also have two people I have to work with who know absolutely everything about everything. I suppose it must be quite comforting to them to know so much and have nothing to learn. It drives me up the wall. One of them reminds me of my sister, which is annoying enough. If she has my sister's characteristics too, things will be quite difficult. I suppose it's looking like it's becoming time for pengirl to sharpen her resume and hit the boulevard. Motivation to do stuff at work - ZERO!
Things seem to happen in bunches in my life lately. I've been thinking about my friendships and how they've changed over time. I worry that one especially may have and it makes me sad.
But really, my brain is melting from all this heat. Toronto is sweltering. My poor husband and baby are at home in our hot appartment. Hopefully they have turned the a/c on.
GRRRR to it all!
Quite pissed at work now. Was supposed to get raise. Raise will not happen. I got an "let's see in three months, shall we?" No, let's not! Also have two people I have to work with who know absolutely everything about everything. I suppose it must be quite comforting to them to know so much and have nothing to learn. It drives me up the wall. One of them reminds me of my sister, which is annoying enough. If she has my sister's characteristics too, things will be quite difficult. I suppose it's looking like it's becoming time for pengirl to sharpen her resume and hit the boulevard. Motivation to do stuff at work - ZERO!
Things seem to happen in bunches in my life lately. I've been thinking about my friendships and how they've changed over time. I worry that one especially may have and it makes me sad.
But really, my brain is melting from all this heat. Toronto is sweltering. My poor husband and baby are at home in our hot appartment. Hopefully they have turned the a/c on.
GRRRR to it all!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Rainy afternoons
There have been changes at work. These changes were not good for 12 people who got to leave. I am in a new department. Feeling quite insecure. I have not felt like this since I left Evil Corporation. I suppose it will all fall into place eventually.
Had lunch with Charlotte. What a lovely, sweet person she is. We found 40 bucks on the street in the rain. Well, she spotted it, so I should say she found it. We split it. I felt like we should have looked for the person who lost it, but it was on the pavement, not even on the sidewalk, and there was nobody around in the pouring rain. We could hardly ask everyone at the restaurant if it was theirs, besides which everyone would have said "yes." I can't say it's not a God send. I need to buy diapers like today and had very little cash. Thank God for Charlotte as well. If I were not meeting her, I would not be on that street in the rain. And I would have just kept on walking and not looking at the ground either and not seen the money.
This is a bit of a trend. We won a portable radio in the Sick Kids Lottery. I wish it were a car, but I'm glad we won something and besides, the main thing is that the money will go to research and hopefully make a difference in treating diseases in children.
It's Wednesday, the middle of the week and a rainy one. My mood is rainy too.
There have been changes at work. These changes were not good for 12 people who got to leave. I am in a new department. Feeling quite insecure. I have not felt like this since I left Evil Corporation. I suppose it will all fall into place eventually.
Had lunch with Charlotte. What a lovely, sweet person she is. We found 40 bucks on the street in the rain. Well, she spotted it, so I should say she found it. We split it. I felt like we should have looked for the person who lost it, but it was on the pavement, not even on the sidewalk, and there was nobody around in the pouring rain. We could hardly ask everyone at the restaurant if it was theirs, besides which everyone would have said "yes." I can't say it's not a God send. I need to buy diapers like today and had very little cash. Thank God for Charlotte as well. If I were not meeting her, I would not be on that street in the rain. And I would have just kept on walking and not looking at the ground either and not seen the money.
This is a bit of a trend. We won a portable radio in the Sick Kids Lottery. I wish it were a car, but I'm glad we won something and besides, the main thing is that the money will go to research and hopefully make a difference in treating diseases in children.
It's Wednesday, the middle of the week and a rainy one. My mood is rainy too.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Ahh, Chinese buffets!
Arthur and I went to Mandarin Palace for our anniversary/father's day dinner. Oh, the food. I mean literally there are troughs of the stuff. Arthur likes the seafood and this is the only place where he can have lots of it and I can have something else. We got to sit in the room with a little pond and huge golden carp or some other fish swimming in it. It was nice. I got to piggy out on dumplings and chocolate dipped strawberries that I love so much. It was good.
I got a carved elephant that totally rocks as a present. It's been a good three years. :)
Arthur and I went to Mandarin Palace for our anniversary/father's day dinner. Oh, the food. I mean literally there are troughs of the stuff. Arthur likes the seafood and this is the only place where he can have lots of it and I can have something else. We got to sit in the room with a little pond and huge golden carp or some other fish swimming in it. It was nice. I got to piggy out on dumplings and chocolate dipped strawberries that I love so much. It was good.
I got a carved elephant that totally rocks as a present. It's been a good three years. :)
Friday, June 09, 2006
Bleah.
All is not well in pengirl's world. Fierce Project Managers are breathing down her neck and tearing at her rear end, demanding nearly impossible editing tasks. Hours long commutes in the rain, on smelly buses and subways are zapping her energy. Adorable 18 month olds who do not want to fall asleep on time are eliminating her free time. Disheartened and tired husbands are moody and silent. OK, I exaggerate slightly, but only slightly. Not enough hours in a day? TELL me about it!
All is not well in pengirl's world. Fierce Project Managers are breathing down her neck and tearing at her rear end, demanding nearly impossible editing tasks. Hours long commutes in the rain, on smelly buses and subways are zapping her energy. Adorable 18 month olds who do not want to fall asleep on time are eliminating her free time. Disheartened and tired husbands are moody and silent. OK, I exaggerate slightly, but only slightly. Not enough hours in a day? TELL me about it!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Frann's earrings
These are the Cinnabar earrings I made for Frann.
I really need to get an actual website for these.
In other news, we went to the doc for Alex's 18 month appointment. The doc was disappointed that Alex does not point at things. Well, he does not point beacuse we do not point. And that he does not say he wants something. He does not say it because if he wants it, he goes and gets it. This conversation ensued after we left the doctor's office and were commiserating at Mickey D's.
Arthur: I would like to know if there will be one time we go there when he does not say I'd like to see him do this or that.
Me: He doesn't point because we don't point.
Arthur: By the time he learns to point, we'll have to un-teach it.
Me: Next time we go there, the doctor will be asking why Alex is still not doing compound fractions.
OK, this child follows directions. He comes when called, looks for lost balls and brings toys. I think he's developing quite well. I think pointing is rude.
These are the Cinnabar earrings I made for Frann.
I really need to get an actual website for these.
In other news, we went to the doc for Alex's 18 month appointment. The doc was disappointed that Alex does not point at things. Well, he does not point beacuse we do not point. And that he does not say he wants something. He does not say it because if he wants it, he goes and gets it. This conversation ensued after we left the doctor's office and were commiserating at Mickey D's.
Arthur: I would like to know if there will be one time we go there when he does not say I'd like to see him do this or that.
Me: He doesn't point because we don't point.
Arthur: By the time he learns to point, we'll have to un-teach it.
Me: Next time we go there, the doctor will be asking why Alex is still not doing compound fractions.
OK, this child follows directions. He comes when called, looks for lost balls and brings toys. I think he's developing quite well. I think pointing is rude.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Fun Times!
Pengirl and Charlotte's excellent adventure is on tomorrow. We were going to go to Niagara Falls and area, but it's supposed to pour (of course!), so it may have to be the ROM and then on to lunch at Hazelton Lanes. Oh, yes dahling, the high life. Either way, I am hoping to relax a bit and not think about author or his work. I have had a constant tummy ache for the last week. I so want to make the Friday deadline. I think I may have to burn some midnight oil. Sigh.
I made Charlotte a necklace and would have included a picture, but the camera ran out of juice and I don't know where Arthur has spare batteries. Anyway, it's pretty nice, with pink quartz and aventurine. What am I saying? It's so gorgeous that you'd want to tear your eyes out! There, that's better.
Pengirl and Charlotte's excellent adventure is on tomorrow. We were going to go to Niagara Falls and area, but it's supposed to pour (of course!), so it may have to be the ROM and then on to lunch at Hazelton Lanes. Oh, yes dahling, the high life. Either way, I am hoping to relax a bit and not think about author or his work. I have had a constant tummy ache for the last week. I so want to make the Friday deadline. I think I may have to burn some midnight oil. Sigh.
I made Charlotte a necklace and would have included a picture, but the camera ran out of juice and I don't know where Arthur has spare batteries. Anyway, it's pretty nice, with pink quartz and aventurine. What am I saying? It's so gorgeous that you'd want to tear your eyes out! There, that's better.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Sunny days
Had a bit of a heart to heart about work with Fran on the way home last night. She gave me a lift to the subway. Seems all is not wine and roses in her department. I am so lucky to be in mine. Wendy is really a good boss.
Been reading Oscar Wilde's short stories. I guess fables would be a more accurate way of describing them. They're quite spiritual and full of descriptions of physical beauty and jewelled interiors and whatnot. Makes me nostalgic for the fairy tales I used to read as a child.
Had a bit of a heart to heart about work with Fran on the way home last night. She gave me a lift to the subway. Seems all is not wine and roses in her department. I am so lucky to be in mine. Wendy is really a good boss.
Been reading Oscar Wilde's short stories. I guess fables would be a more accurate way of describing them. They're quite spiritual and full of descriptions of physical beauty and jewelled interiors and whatnot. Makes me nostalgic for the fairy tales I used to read as a child.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Diet is blown
Unless of course, someone calls it a chocolate diet, then it's very much on. Cannot stay away from the stuff. I better get back to taking my thyroid herbs. I stopped for a bit to see what would happen, if I would see a difference of any kind. Well, yes, I eat more choccy. On the plus side, I had a chicken salad for lunch, with a small amount of dressing. If I get desperate enough, I might pull Dr. Phil's book out again. At least he says things like "losing weight is not about self-dscipline." Good. Clearly I have none.
In other news, my mom is back from Poland. She came back yesterday afternoon, but I won't see her until the weekend. She told me to bring a big bag to their place so we can take all the stuff that's for us. She's so sweet.
OK, time to blow this joint soon and go home. Must still pick up choccy bunny for husband and baby, though baby will not get to eat it. I don't want him eating chocolate until he's at least two. Oh, yes, a sugared up two-year-old is much better than a sugared up one and a half year old. :)
Unless of course, someone calls it a chocolate diet, then it's very much on. Cannot stay away from the stuff. I better get back to taking my thyroid herbs. I stopped for a bit to see what would happen, if I would see a difference of any kind. Well, yes, I eat more choccy. On the plus side, I had a chicken salad for lunch, with a small amount of dressing. If I get desperate enough, I might pull Dr. Phil's book out again. At least he says things like "losing weight is not about self-dscipline." Good. Clearly I have none.
In other news, my mom is back from Poland. She came back yesterday afternoon, but I won't see her until the weekend. She told me to bring a big bag to their place so we can take all the stuff that's for us. She's so sweet.
OK, time to blow this joint soon and go home. Must still pick up choccy bunny for husband and baby, though baby will not get to eat it. I don't want him eating chocolate until he's at least two. Oh, yes, a sugared up two-year-old is much better than a sugared up one and a half year old. :)
Monday, April 10, 2006
It's a secret!
I have begun a secret diet. That is I am on a diet, but am not telling anyone about it. Well, except for you, of course, gentle reader. That way there are no expectations and if I slip up and have a piece of cake, like this afternoon, nobody will raise any eyebrows. My diet consists of trying to cut down on my sugar. It really should not be that hard because there is lots of sugar in all kinds of foods, but yet, it is hard. Sugar is such a comfort.
I have begun a secret diet. That is I am on a diet, but am not telling anyone about it. Well, except for you, of course, gentle reader. That way there are no expectations and if I slip up and have a piece of cake, like this afternoon, nobody will raise any eyebrows. My diet consists of trying to cut down on my sugar. It really should not be that hard because there is lots of sugar in all kinds of foods, but yet, it is hard. Sugar is such a comfort.
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