Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wall O' Coop
This is my Wall of Mr. Cooperton... The outfit Ian picked out in blue is my favorite! Got him drooling, on his tummy, with Grandma, analyzing Ian's hair and drunk in a hospital gown... How awesome is that???
Hey, look, it's me. That is all.
Hey, look, it's me. That is all.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Living Room Clean Up
Ian and I decided to clean up the living room a bit. It wasn't really that messy... just a little disorganized. Our coffee table and end table will be delivered in a few weeks. The other day we did a bad thing though. See below.
Yup, that's right... We bought an elephant ottoman. Why? Because it's awesome that's why. This leads me to the next thing we did tonight. We hung up the signed print of this comic (see fuzzy picture below). It really is our turn to decide what it means to be grown up. For us, it means having silly ottomans we call Peanut in our living room.
Yup, that's right... We bought an elephant ottoman. Why? Because it's awesome that's why. This leads me to the next thing we did tonight. We hung up the signed print of this comic (see fuzzy picture below). It really is our turn to decide what it means to be grown up. For us, it means having silly ottomans we call Peanut in our living room.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
20 Hobson Street Restaurant
Ian and I went to this for our anniversary dinner. It was deeeeeeeeeelicious. I had a filet and Ian had top sirloin... both with sauteed mushrooms (the most wonderful mushrooms ever). We had palachinky for dessert... it's a type of Crepe. Did you know that crepes originated in Brittany, France? The Wiki says so... The restaurant is in a wonderful location right by the river... We climbed a snow covered stairway to take the shot of the water. By "snow covered" I mean you couldn't see the steps and I almost bit it multiple times. Below are some fuzzy pictures I took using my iPhone.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I Take 2 Traffic Circles To Work - And Other Weird Stuff About Canada
Traffic Circles or Roundabouts - California does not have these interesting obstacle courses. I'm still not quite sure what to do when I approach one... I just learned last week that I need to yield before entering it. Before that I was just entering it at full speed and hoping for the best. =]
Milk in a bag - It's just plain odd. I don't think I will ever get used to grabbing "a bag of milk". There are no cartons, I think maybe special milk comes in cartons. I'm not too sure. The grocery store still looks like it's in a different language.
Electric Fires a.k.a Fake Fire - They seem to be everywhere. Ian got one awhile back for his room and I thought it was a little strange. After coming here I saw that they were really common. We chose a TV stand with one and I actually like it.
"Zed" or "The Incorrect Pronunciation of Z" - It might have German and French roots. Unfortunately, everyone says it. I think one of the ads for a store called Zellers (very similar to Target) states "We have everything - from A to Zed". >< Come on people... You don't go to catch some Zeds! You go to catch some Zzzzs! This leads me to my next weird thing...
Soda is NOT Pop - Ian and I were shopping at the grocery store and they had a "Pop" aisle. No no no. I refuse. Soda is soda. Pop is something you might get from an antique SODA machine and comes in a glass bottle.
Leaving the butter out - I think this one might be an east coast thing since my sister does it now. All I know is... we didn't do this when we were growing up so it's been a bit of an adjustment.
Loonies, Toonies and Monopoly Money - I'm still not used to getting change back from a purchase with $1 (loonies) and $2 coins (toonies)... (Hey Mom, that baby sock coin purse you got me is working out GREAT! It's getting a lot of use....) I still expect them to give me a paper bill. Plus their money in general looks like Monopoly money.
The addition of extra U's for no apparent reason - Yes, I know that some people who shall remain nameless... feel that the addition is the correct way of spelling some words. But no, it's really not. Canada/England/Anywhere else that missed the memo... Stop putting extra U's into words that don't need them. For example:
WRONG:
Aside from these odd things, my transition to Canada has been good. I miss California and my mom like crazy but I'm doing well up here. I'm settling into work and seeing how I fit into the team. Since I'm not backfilling anyone, I'm making a lot of decisions about what my role does and does not do.
Friday marks 2 years that Ian and I have been together. We are going to 20 Hobson Street Restaurant for dinner. We both really can't believe that it's only been 2 years... it feels like we have been together much longer than that. Friday also marks a year until our wedding. If you scroll to the bottom there is a cute little counter from The Knot. Very exciting!
Milk in a bag - It's just plain odd. I don't think I will ever get used to grabbing "a bag of milk". There are no cartons, I think maybe special milk comes in cartons. I'm not too sure. The grocery store still looks like it's in a different language.
Electric Fires a.k.a Fake Fire - They seem to be everywhere. Ian got one awhile back for his room and I thought it was a little strange. After coming here I saw that they were really common. We chose a TV stand with one and I actually like it.
"Zed" or "The Incorrect Pronunciation of Z" - It might have German and French roots. Unfortunately, everyone says it. I think one of the ads for a store called Zellers (very similar to Target) states "We have everything - from A to Zed". >< Come on people... You don't go to catch some Zeds! You go to catch some Zzzzs! This leads me to my next weird thing...
Soda is NOT Pop - Ian and I were shopping at the grocery store and they had a "Pop" aisle. No no no. I refuse. Soda is soda. Pop is something you might get from an antique SODA machine and comes in a glass bottle.
Leaving the butter out - I think this one might be an east coast thing since my sister does it now. All I know is... we didn't do this when we were growing up so it's been a bit of an adjustment.
Loonies, Toonies and Monopoly Money - I'm still not used to getting change back from a purchase with $1 (loonies) and $2 coins (toonies)... (Hey Mom, that baby sock coin purse you got me is working out GREAT! It's getting a lot of use....) I still expect them to give me a paper bill. Plus their money in general looks like Monopoly money.
The addition of extra U's for no apparent reason - Yes, I know that some people who shall remain nameless... feel that the addition is the correct way of spelling some words. But no, it's really not. Canada/England/Anywhere else that missed the memo... Stop putting extra U's into words that don't need them. For example:
WRONG:
- colour
- favour
- honour
- rumour
- color
- favor
- honor
- rumor
Aside from these odd things, my transition to Canada has been good. I miss California and my mom like crazy but I'm doing well up here. I'm settling into work and seeing how I fit into the team. Since I'm not backfilling anyone, I'm making a lot of decisions about what my role does and does not do.
Friday marks 2 years that Ian and I have been together. We are going to 20 Hobson Street Restaurant for dinner. We both really can't believe that it's only been 2 years... it feels like we have been together much longer than that. Friday also marks a year until our wedding. If you scroll to the bottom there is a cute little counter from The Knot. Very exciting!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Let's Get Ready To Rumble
This weekend Ian and I picked up Madden NFL 2009 for the PS3... let's just say...
Now... in all fairness... I'm 90% sure he is just letting me win. But then again.. it isn't my fault the Patriots don't have a running game. =P
Now... in all fairness... I'm 90% sure he is just letting me win. But then again.. it isn't my fault the Patriots don't have a running game. =P
Spiffied Up
On Saturday, I went to that hair salon I mentioned to get my hair coloured (yes, I know I added an extra U to that word... silly isn't it?) and cut. I was really nervous as I was driving because I went through a dealership area... some random houses... then into an industrial area... I was just imagining what kind of hair salon would be in the middle of an old industrial area...... But then I crossed some train tracks and saw this remodeled train depot building. It was right next to the river which is completely frozen over now.
The appointment went well... The lady colored my hair in a seperate area and then took me to her station. It was made out of the bottom of an old Singer Sewing Machine with a wood top. We discussed the possibility of her doing my hair for the wedding. We might do a trial run soon because I need to know how my hair is going to do in the winter time. While I really want to have my hair down... I just don't know if it's possible given it's current state of frizz. I might have to go with my dream hair back up of a Jackie O style bun. Anyway, here is a shot of me after my appointment... a little wind blown.
The appointment went well... The lady colored my hair in a seperate area and then took me to her station. It was made out of the bottom of an old Singer Sewing Machine with a wood top. We discussed the possibility of her doing my hair for the wedding. We might do a trial run soon because I need to know how my hair is going to do in the winter time. While I really want to have my hair down... I just don't know if it's possible given it's current state of frizz. I might have to go with my dream hair back up of a Jackie O style bun. Anyway, here is a shot of me after my appointment... a little wind blown.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Yes Mom, I'm Still Alive
Just really really cold. My car made a bad sound starting this morning. I believe it was protesting the fact that I was going to work. Thankfully it's the weekend and we don't have much to do... I'm considering going to have my hair done here. My hair has gone all kinds of frizzy and gross... I think it just needs to be cut. I will post pictures if I do. It's always scary going to some place new.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Going Crazy
I am going to go crazy from the cold. It's -22 celsius here. Let me do the math for you... IT'S -8 FARENHEIT!!!!!!!! It is cold. Like really cold. I can't describe it except to say it's pretty fracking cold. Work is getting busy. It's during times like these that I'm afraid of messing up... or falling behind. I'm so new to everything... I'm not backfilling a role so I define how this job is going to function. But at the same time, I don't know how this job should function. It's all very interesting but I'm pretty sure I'm just going to crazy in the end. The good news is I found a doctor who is actually accepting patients near our house. The bad news is I probably won't see her for another month or more. I'm on a list to get an appointment call in 6-8 weeks. Fun stuff.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Rice Incident
My sister sent us a rice cooker for Christmas so we can make the awesome sticky rice that they do. We still need to perfect the process but it was really good with teriyaki chicken and edamame. It seems like a very odd way to cook rice but it turns out so yummy.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Uhm YES, It's Cold
Arctic Air Dips Down From Canada...
On Thursday, it's going to be -17 degrees Celsius. For those of you keeping score at home, that's 6 degrees Farenheit folks! I take one of those flax seed filled neck warmers with me in the morning. It's the only thing that keeps me from going insane from the cold. I really need to figure out some thicker clothes for work. My boss keeps giving me scary things to think about. She mentioned my car might not start on the really really cold days. Scary.
"Baby Eli Doesn't Get To Go To The Superbowl" aka "We Might Need That Moron After All". It's funny how this idiot's career is hinging on the fact that the Giants sucked it up and got beat by the Eagles. Thanks, Donovan. Did anyone notice the playoffs are coming down to mostly bird-related teams? Ravens, Eagles, Cardinals and Dodos. Oops, I mean the Steelers. Anyway, just an observation.
Below is another funny comic from xkcd. A slight hint to Ian that our anniversary is coming up... =P I'm sure he knows though... Seeing as our anniversary present to each other seems to be the new dining room table and chairs we got this weekend. We kind of mixed and matched and got this table...
...with these chairs.
Yay for no longer sitting on the floor in front of the couch for dinner... whenever it arrives.
On Thursday, it's going to be -17 degrees Celsius. For those of you keeping score at home, that's 6 degrees Farenheit folks! I take one of those flax seed filled neck warmers with me in the morning. It's the only thing that keeps me from going insane from the cold. I really need to figure out some thicker clothes for work. My boss keeps giving me scary things to think about. She mentioned my car might not start on the really really cold days. Scary.
"Baby Eli Doesn't Get To Go To The Superbowl" aka "We Might Need That Moron After All". It's funny how this idiot's career is hinging on the fact that the Giants sucked it up and got beat by the Eagles. Thanks, Donovan. Did anyone notice the playoffs are coming down to mostly bird-related teams? Ravens, Eagles, Cardinals and Dodos. Oops, I mean the Steelers. Anyway, just an observation.
Below is another funny comic from xkcd. A slight hint to Ian that our anniversary is coming up... =P I'm sure he knows though... Seeing as our anniversary present to each other seems to be the new dining room table and chairs we got this weekend. We kind of mixed and matched and got this table...
...with these chairs.
Yay for no longer sitting on the floor in front of the couch for dinner... whenever it arrives.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Back To Work
I'm back to work after the first snow storm in awhile and feeling crappy. I've got this persistant dry cough... thankfully the HR guy here is working on my benefits before my Canadian benefits get in. This means I will be able to go see a doctor before I get my OHIP card.
Not much else is up here... Ian and I are frustrated with the elevators in our building. It takes WAY too long to get on it. You'll push the button and sit there 5 to 10 minutes waiting for it to come. Most likely this is because of the construction but it's ridiculous. I tried to leave to pick up Ian from work and ended up waiting 8 minutes for the elevator. And what sucks is you know they are just holding it on some floor because you don't even hear it running. I would take the stairs but frankly at 6:30 in the morning I don't want to be climbing down 6 floors in the frozen stairwell.
I better go shake off my sleepiness and get to work.
Not much else is up here... Ian and I are frustrated with the elevators in our building. It takes WAY too long to get on it. You'll push the button and sit there 5 to 10 minutes waiting for it to come. Most likely this is because of the construction but it's ridiculous. I tried to leave to pick up Ian from work and ended up waiting 8 minutes for the elevator. And what sucks is you know they are just holding it on some floor because you don't even hear it running. I would take the stairs but frankly at 6:30 in the morning I don't want to be climbing down 6 floors in the frozen stairwell.
I better go shake off my sleepiness and get to work.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Snow Day Again
This morning I got all ready to go... drove out of the building... heard the news... couldn't see in front of my car... and headed back home. I think it's a good thing... but the roads look okay right now. I'm sure the rest of the week will be better.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
My Nephew - Mr. Sillykins
He has a SERIOUS drool problem. Other than that... everything is all good in the hood with him. I must say though... he is taking on Ian in the faux hawk arena... and I do believe he is winning. Sorry Ian - you know I love you but come on... it's the COOP!
Monday, January 5, 2009
38 Minutes
That's how long it took me to get in this morning. I can live with that. I think it will probably take me less time tomorrow (weather permitting) since I didn't exactly know where I was going to reach the highway. I'm currently typing with my heated gloves Ian got me. They connect to a USB port and keep my hands toasty warm... They are the kind of mittens that you flip back so you can use your fingers... Spiffy, eh?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Apartment Walkthrough
Here is a short walkthrough of the apartment. Please excuse me at the end... I've been cleaning all day!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Moving Day!
We have moooooooooooooved. On New Years Day, we officially moved into the apartment. Note to self: Never move in the winter time! It was severely cold outside... the wind would just blow right through you. There were only a few hiccups... the apartment building itself is still very much under construction. The hallway doesn't have the carpet in... the elevators are still covered in protecting layers of plastic and wood... my parking spot underground isn't even ready yet. Our apartment is for the most part done. You can really tell though that construction crews have just been through. There are bunch of dents and scraps throughout that may need to be fixed. We had a plumbing issue in the guest bath that was fixed today... little things but tonight we are going to document it all at their request. Our heat isn't working and it should be fixed on Monday. All in all it's wonderful... doesn't feel like a home yet... Ian said it was at first a freight train (don't ask me why...) but today it's a little more like a hotel. The view is awesome too...
We have received our living room furniture - I've been dying to sit on something other than the floor or the bed. I will post pictures tomorrow of everything as it gets cleaned up. We should receive our bedroom furniture tomorrow. Oh and we got our internet in! Yay!
We have received our living room furniture - I've been dying to sit on something other than the floor or the bed. I will post pictures tomorrow of everything as it gets cleaned up. We should receive our bedroom furniture tomorrow. Oh and we got our internet in! Yay!