This Saturday my brother, nephews and niece came over for dinner and a sleepover.
It was a lot of fun, starting from the moment they all arrived. I had planned to make chicken and beef tacos and had already started cooking the chicken. As soon as my nephew walked through the door he exclaimed how wonderful it smelled in my apartment.
Later on, I offered the kids chocolate chip cookies and mentioned that we could make smoothies later. One nephew cried: "Laura! If you had kids they would be so lucky!" Gee, thanks.
My niece was sweet enough to help me with the dishes after dinner. We had a nice chat and caught up on a few things.
During (or after) one of the rented DVDs, one of my nephews commented how I lived in a really big hotel room. LOL. *sigh* Yes, they don't visit apartments much. Or, rather, at all. :)
During the evening, one nephew asked: "Laura, did you invite us over or did we invite ourselves over?" To which I replied: "It was mutual." "What's that mean?" he asked. "It means both me and your dad agreed on it. Why do you ask?"
"Well," he said, "if we invited ourselves over, then that would be rude."
:)
Lastly, I was attacked with hugs by my nephews before they department my apartment on Sunday morning. It was touching to hear all the "Thank you!" comments and "We had fun!"
I'm really happy they came and I had a great time! Hopefully they can all do it again sometime!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
10 Reasons Why the Brunnie is No Fun in Formal Wear
1) Because my feet hurt like a sonofabit** in those pointy, lethal shoes.
2) Because I look like a lunatic among all these young, college-aged drinkers in my low-cut formal black dress.
3) Because carrying a little purse AND camera on my shoulders is no fun when you're trying to dance.
4) Please see number 1.
5) Please see number 4.
6) Because people look at you like you're some sort of tourist who just arrived on earth and who doesn't know how clubbing in Toronto works.
7) Because you can't really bust a move like you normally do because you're afraid your stockings will run, you'll twist your ankle (in those god-forsaken heels), your purse will fling out and hit someone or your boob will fall out.
8) Did I just write boob?
9) (laughs like Peter Griffin)
10) Because you can't really sit down anywhere because every surface is covered in something like spooge or gunge or ick... and who wants to get that crap on their dress.
2) Because I look like a lunatic among all these young, college-aged drinkers in my low-cut formal black dress.
3) Because carrying a little purse AND camera on my shoulders is no fun when you're trying to dance.
4) Please see number 1.
5) Please see number 4.
6) Because people look at you like you're some sort of tourist who just arrived on earth and who doesn't know how clubbing in Toronto works.
7) Because you can't really bust a move like you normally do because you're afraid your stockings will run, you'll twist your ankle (in those god-forsaken heels), your purse will fling out and hit someone or your boob will fall out.
8) Did I just write boob?
9) (laughs like Peter Griffin)
10) Because you can't really sit down anywhere because every surface is covered in something like spooge or gunge or ick... and who wants to get that crap on their dress.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Prince George from the Top of a Mountain...
Last week I went to Prince George, BC. My old boss (and by old, I mean 'previous') was a gracious host and let me stay at her place. I really enjoyed my time there, it wasn't a crazy busy week, but really relaxing.
Lydia has an amazing dog named Kakadu, who became an incredible hiking buddy. And don't let me forget her cat-with-a-nub-for-a-tail, Mango.
Here are a few pics that briefly outline my trip to Prince George. These include a pic of Kakadu, Mango and the view from the top of Teapot Mountain.
Lydia has an amazing dog named Kakadu, who became an incredible hiking buddy. And don't let me forget her cat-with-a-nub-for-a-tail, Mango.
Here are a few pics that briefly outline my trip to Prince George. These include a pic of Kakadu, Mango and the view from the top of Teapot Mountain.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A funny thing happened on the way to the....
So I got on the subway at Bloor/Yonge yesterday evening. There was this studious fellow across the train from me, seated, fiddling with a Rubik's cube. It is safe to assume that he had been playing with it for several stops before I even got on the train.
However, I was really impressed that he had solved the cube in only about 5 subway stops.
If you watched him, he had his eyes cast down.... heck he could have had his eyes closed, for all I know.
It was really neat to watch, and watch I did.... or rather stare. But it felt like one of those instances where it was really worth it to stare and no one really minded (I wasn't the only one staring).
So, kudos to my Rubik's cube - solving fellow passenger...
However, I was really impressed that he had solved the cube in only about 5 subway stops.
If you watched him, he had his eyes cast down.... heck he could have had his eyes closed, for all I know.
It was really neat to watch, and watch I did.... or rather stare. But it felt like one of those instances where it was really worth it to stare and no one really minded (I wasn't the only one staring).
So, kudos to my Rubik's cube - solving fellow passenger...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Brown Sugar Baby...
So yesterday my most bestest friends and I celebrated my birthday by having dinner at Milestones. Now this involved a lot of laughs, pictures, goody bags and some loud rendition of a Sesame Street song. Don't ask. I swear, I was at the other end of the table.
The coolest/funniest thing that happened all night was thanks to a random, blond, semi-drunk lady, visiting our table. It seems she had been drinking up enough courage to come over to our table and talk to Dwight. She asked him (in kinda slurred words) how did one young fellow, like himself, end up at a table full of lovely women. At which point, Alison replied (without missing a beat) that he (Dwight) was our stripper for the night. The woman couldn't stop laughing, and neither could we.
Ah, Dwight.... you lucky bugger you. :)
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Hi-fiving is ALWAYS appropriate
I have been a bad girl. A bad, bad girl when it comes to updating my blog.
However here I am..... for all the world to see (ok, maybe 'the world' is a bit ambitious); hoping you will grant me your forgiveness.
Yesterday was my birthday. Yes, that's right, the 8th anniversary of my 21st (thanks, Ludwika). Some interesting things happened yesterday. I will try to list them in chronological order.
1) I finished getting ready for work in the morning at about 7:00 am so I had some time to spare before leaving for the subway station. So what do I do? Check Facebook of course! What I was met with was around 5 birthday messages! I was one happy banana, first thing in the morning.
2) I met Alison at the subway station and she started to quiz me on the escalator: "Guess what?", she challenges. "Oh my god, I have to go and stand over here cuz I can't do more than one thing at once, " I say. "Um, um; let me see. That guy called you?!?" Alison replied: "What guy? No!" As I increasingly got frustrated, I asked for a clue, thinking this was a very serious matter that I needed to guess. "Happy Birthday!" was the reply. Yep. Guess what? Happy Birthday! That was it. I was temporarily disappointed followed by a burst of giddiness.
3) I checked my cell phone voice mail to find a message from Ludwika. It was the most conflicting message ever. She started by giving me heck for not having my phone on when she called. Then she broke into singing "Happy Birthday". Then she rambled on some more. Then verbally accosted me again for not having my phone on in the morning, especially since it was my birthday. There was a little huffing and more birthday wishes. This 'dual-purpose' message could not have been done better by anyone else. Ludwika: I love it. You rock.
4) My mother called me at work to sing me "Happy Birthday". This also included my father singing in the background.
5) Around 1:30 pm pigs flew by my building.
6) Around 3 pm my co-workers sang me an enthusiastic, out-of-key rendition of Happy Birthday. I proceeded to dodge every possible question on my age. Are you 25? Yup. Are you 23? Yup. Wait, are you 21? Yup, that too. Cake was frozen strawberries in a white sponge cake with white icing. Mmmmm.... Thanks, Carolyn!
7) Surprise! Leslie and Carolyn announced at around 3:45 pm that they would be taking me out for a birthday drink after work. We behaved completely unusually and ordered a whiskey sour (me), a Creemore (Leslie) and a rum and coke (Carolyn). Okay. I lie. This is what we always order.
I don't know about them, but my drink tasted ESPECIALLY good because it was spent with good friends, it was my birthday...... and it was free.
8) I checked my voice mail messages to find out that Sal had left me a birthday greeting around 1:30 pm. (See number 5).
9) I went to the local public school to vote. Seeing as I was new to my riding, I needed to complete the voter registration. The woman was thorough.... okay she was slow. When she got to the part where she transcribed my birthdate from my driver's licence to the form, she had a moment of pause. She looked up at me and I just smiled. "Is it....?" she asked. "Yep, it's my birthday!" I replied. "Well happy birthday!" she said as she shook my hand. Then the rest of the poll workers at the table wished me the same. While the registration was still being completed, Alison walked in. She then yelled "Happy Birthday" again to ensure that EVERYONE in the polling station was aware of this important event. She waited for me to finish voting. Before we left, we hi-fived to congratulate ourselves for voting (which begs the question: why didn't they question our voting age?) and also hi-fived for my birthday. Lesson learned: There is ALWAYS a good reason to hi-five a friend. Maybe two.
10) I was incredibly late to yoga class. However, Shannon's friends were nice enough to reserve a mat for me. Thank to all of them, whose names I don't remember.
11) The evening wrapped up with me, in my pajamas, relaxing on the couch. A great end to a busy, happy day.
It was a great birthday! And I thank everyone that made it special.
However here I am..... for all the world to see (ok, maybe 'the world' is a bit ambitious); hoping you will grant me your forgiveness.
Yesterday was my birthday. Yes, that's right, the 8th anniversary of my 21st (thanks, Ludwika). Some interesting things happened yesterday. I will try to list them in chronological order.
1) I finished getting ready for work in the morning at about 7:00 am so I had some time to spare before leaving for the subway station. So what do I do? Check Facebook of course! What I was met with was around 5 birthday messages! I was one happy banana, first thing in the morning.
2) I met Alison at the subway station and she started to quiz me on the escalator: "Guess what?", she challenges. "Oh my god, I have to go and stand over here cuz I can't do more than one thing at once, " I say. "Um, um; let me see. That guy called you?!?" Alison replied: "What guy? No!" As I increasingly got frustrated, I asked for a clue, thinking this was a very serious matter that I needed to guess. "Happy Birthday!" was the reply. Yep. Guess what? Happy Birthday! That was it. I was temporarily disappointed followed by a burst of giddiness.
3) I checked my cell phone voice mail to find a message from Ludwika. It was the most conflicting message ever. She started by giving me heck for not having my phone on when she called. Then she broke into singing "Happy Birthday". Then she rambled on some more. Then verbally accosted me again for not having my phone on in the morning, especially since it was my birthday. There was a little huffing and more birthday wishes. This 'dual-purpose' message could not have been done better by anyone else. Ludwika: I love it. You rock.
4) My mother called me at work to sing me "Happy Birthday". This also included my father singing in the background.
5) Around 1:30 pm pigs flew by my building.
6) Around 3 pm my co-workers sang me an enthusiastic, out-of-key rendition of Happy Birthday. I proceeded to dodge every possible question on my age. Are you 25? Yup. Are you 23? Yup. Wait, are you 21? Yup, that too. Cake was frozen strawberries in a white sponge cake with white icing. Mmmmm.... Thanks, Carolyn!
7) Surprise! Leslie and Carolyn announced at around 3:45 pm that they would be taking me out for a birthday drink after work. We behaved completely unusually and ordered a whiskey sour (me), a Creemore (Leslie) and a rum and coke (Carolyn). Okay. I lie. This is what we always order.
I don't know about them, but my drink tasted ESPECIALLY good because it was spent with good friends, it was my birthday...... and it was free.
8) I checked my voice mail messages to find out that Sal had left me a birthday greeting around 1:30 pm. (See number 5).
9) I went to the local public school to vote. Seeing as I was new to my riding, I needed to complete the voter registration. The woman was thorough.... okay she was slow. When she got to the part where she transcribed my birthdate from my driver's licence to the form, she had a moment of pause. She looked up at me and I just smiled. "Is it....?" she asked. "Yep, it's my birthday!" I replied. "Well happy birthday!" she said as she shook my hand. Then the rest of the poll workers at the table wished me the same. While the registration was still being completed, Alison walked in. She then yelled "Happy Birthday" again to ensure that EVERYONE in the polling station was aware of this important event. She waited for me to finish voting. Before we left, we hi-fived to congratulate ourselves for voting (which begs the question: why didn't they question our voting age?) and also hi-fived for my birthday. Lesson learned: There is ALWAYS a good reason to hi-five a friend. Maybe two.
10) I was incredibly late to yoga class. However, Shannon's friends were nice enough to reserve a mat for me. Thank to all of them, whose names I don't remember.
11) The evening wrapped up with me, in my pajamas, relaxing on the couch. A great end to a busy, happy day.
It was a great birthday! And I thank everyone that made it special.
Monday, August 6, 2007
What I did this weekend...
First of all, I would like to appologize that I have no pictures to include in this blog.
This is the last long weekend until the Labour Day long weekend, and of course the yearly Labour Day weekend camping trip. It makes me quite sad that it will be the only time I will go camping this summer. *sigh* I didn't really feel up to asking a random bunch of friends to go camping with me, with no prior planning, on any weekend before the Labour Day long weekend. But I'm beginning to think now, that next year I may propose to all that attend the September camping weekend, that we also plan a separate camping trip some other time in the summer. It just seems such a shame that we have such a good time at our annual camping trip, but we have to wait until practically the end of summer to do so. We really should do it at least twice. I'll see what everyone says and hope for the best.
Friday night Alison and I took Lisa out for her 31st birthday. We ate dinner at Jack Astors, and it was quite good. But the restaurant was really, really loud. It was even loud in the ladies room. I suppose the loud restroom music is a good cover-up for - ahem- noisy, biological movements. It was also so loud in there, that we couldn't hear what our waitress what saying, nor could she hear us fully. Case in point: Waitress asks me "and what 2 sides would you like with your chicken teriyaki?" Me "I'd like the vegtetables and the baked potato" Waitress says "oh, so you'd like the mashed potatoes and a baked potato?"
Hmmm.... who on earth would order TWO types of potato for side dishes? See what I mean? Just too darn loud in there. But all in all, a good meal and a good night...
Saturday was a errand-running day, but it kinda happened in slow motion. Then I wrapped the day up with dinner at the top of the CN Tower, at the 360 Restaurant. Very yummy food, WAAAAAY too expensive, but a neat opportunity to be 'at the top of the world' and slowly rotating around while eating. Most people were concerned that they would feel nauseous, and would adversely react to the rotating... but really, you can't feel it that much. Then when you move from the slowly rotating perimeter of the restaurant to the stationary centre (where the washroom was), I also didn't feel a change. Well, I can say, 'been there, done that' but I can't truly see myself going there again. Chalk it up as 'a cool thing I've done'.
Then Sunday was by far the best day this weekend. Leslie and I went to Carolyn's house for a fun day in the pool! Ahhhh... it was refreshing, fun and relaxing all at once. I can't even explain what a good time I had... the weather was perfect and the company was fabulous. Carolyn's family even invited us to stay for dinner, which was delicious.
So, basically today was a complete nothing day. It is now 7:44 pm and I haven't even left the apartment. As boring as that seems, it really is a good tactic for not spending money... and I can't really afford to do that after such a 'fun-filled' weekend. Grrr... budgeting sucks.
Then it's back to work tomorrow.... but I will at least be well-rested and happy.
I am very thankful for the great friends I have around me and the wonderful summer I am having.
Ho hum... I just wish the summer didn't go by so fast....
Until next time!
This is the last long weekend until the Labour Day long weekend, and of course the yearly Labour Day weekend camping trip. It makes me quite sad that it will be the only time I will go camping this summer. *sigh* I didn't really feel up to asking a random bunch of friends to go camping with me, with no prior planning, on any weekend before the Labour Day long weekend. But I'm beginning to think now, that next year I may propose to all that attend the September camping weekend, that we also plan a separate camping trip some other time in the summer. It just seems such a shame that we have such a good time at our annual camping trip, but we have to wait until practically the end of summer to do so. We really should do it at least twice. I'll see what everyone says and hope for the best.
Friday night Alison and I took Lisa out for her 31st birthday. We ate dinner at Jack Astors, and it was quite good. But the restaurant was really, really loud. It was even loud in the ladies room. I suppose the loud restroom music is a good cover-up for - ahem- noisy, biological movements. It was also so loud in there, that we couldn't hear what our waitress what saying, nor could she hear us fully. Case in point: Waitress asks me "and what 2 sides would you like with your chicken teriyaki?" Me "I'd like the vegtetables and the baked potato" Waitress says "oh, so you'd like the mashed potatoes and a baked potato?"
Hmmm.... who on earth would order TWO types of potato for side dishes? See what I mean? Just too darn loud in there. But all in all, a good meal and a good night...
Saturday was a errand-running day, but it kinda happened in slow motion. Then I wrapped the day up with dinner at the top of the CN Tower, at the 360 Restaurant. Very yummy food, WAAAAAY too expensive, but a neat opportunity to be 'at the top of the world' and slowly rotating around while eating. Most people were concerned that they would feel nauseous, and would adversely react to the rotating... but really, you can't feel it that much. Then when you move from the slowly rotating perimeter of the restaurant to the stationary centre (where the washroom was), I also didn't feel a change. Well, I can say, 'been there, done that' but I can't truly see myself going there again. Chalk it up as 'a cool thing I've done'.
Then Sunday was by far the best day this weekend. Leslie and I went to Carolyn's house for a fun day in the pool! Ahhhh... it was refreshing, fun and relaxing all at once. I can't even explain what a good time I had... the weather was perfect and the company was fabulous. Carolyn's family even invited us to stay for dinner, which was delicious.
So, basically today was a complete nothing day. It is now 7:44 pm and I haven't even left the apartment. As boring as that seems, it really is a good tactic for not spending money... and I can't really afford to do that after such a 'fun-filled' weekend. Grrr... budgeting sucks.
Then it's back to work tomorrow.... but I will at least be well-rested and happy.
I am very thankful for the great friends I have around me and the wonderful summer I am having.
Ho hum... I just wish the summer didn't go by so fast....
Until next time!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Wow... I'm really late with this
Well for all ONE of you who commented on my last blog, here are the answers (btw: you did very well!)
1) Charlie and Suzie Q
2) Mississauga
3) York University
4) Tim Burton
5) Mexico
6) European Starling
7) Dixie!
8) 18th
9) Johnny Depp
10) Quadricep
11) GI Diet
12) Digital Camera
13) Australia
1) Charlie and Suzie Q
2) Mississauga
3) York University
4) Tim Burton
5) Mexico
6) European Starling
7) Dixie!
8) 18th
9) Johnny Depp
10) Quadricep
11) GI Diet
12) Digital Camera
13) Australia
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
How well do YOU know me?
Welcome to the unleashing of my new-but-really-just-a-continuation-of-the-old-one blog!
Following the lead of a blog entry I viewed today, here is a questionnaire to test your "Laura Trivia". Feel free to submit your answers a
s a comment to this post. The correct answers will be posted in the next posting. Good luck!
"Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy."
George Carlin(1937 - )
Following the lead of a blog entry I viewed today, here is a questionnaire to test your "Laura Trivia". Feel free to submit your answers a
s a comment to this post. The correct answers will be posted in the next posting. Good luck!- What are my cats' names?
- What city do I live in?
- Where did I complete my degree?
- What is my favourite movie director?
- Where did I travel to last year in April: Cuba, Mexico or the Arctic?
- What species of bird pooped on my head a couple months ago?
- What is the name of the Bulldog that lives in my building?
- What floor do I live on?
- Who is my favourite actor (male)?
- What muscle did I rupture in June 2002?
- What diet am I (trying to be) on right now?
- What one item is now on my wish list?
- What country do I really, really want to travel to sometime soon?
"Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy."
George Carlin(1937 - )
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