weekend in summary

well. it was a weekend alright. a weekend of sickness, and not doing anything i had hoped or planned. but it was a needed weekend of alone time. unfortunately, friday i found out that a friend of mine who had been in a coma since a serious bicycle accident 2 weeks ago, had passed. his injuries were too much to recover from, and he left this earth with his family by his side. needless to say, all priorities flew out the window, and this weekend became one of reflection and needed solitude.

birthday party attire for fall; the kidlets eating cupcakes; the birthday girl in all her icing glory; oh hi there - would you like some cupcake with your icing?; a birthday; opening gifts with dad; the book was a success; tuckered out after a party; sick day - including soup (my students once told me that i am the only person they know who wears jeans while sick); remembering pete; dirty jokes, and bad drawings; kitten friend being spoiled rotten; an article written by jake and i in first year - found by a friend (apparently we were always shit disturbers); sick day with a kitten. 

friday: i had a meeting in brantford, so i was lucky enough to get home in time for my nieces 1st birthday party (i can't believe she's 1 already!! i remember her at not even a week). we ate spaghetti and cupcakes, sang happy birthday and opened gifts. i got to spend the night with 4 of the cutest munchkins known to man. and it was all good. left the party, and drove to ancaster to spend the rest of the evening with jeff - wine and a movie was much needed.
saturday: woke up sick, and when jeff tookoff for his day of wedding fun with friends, i went home to my parents. i spent the day watching the food network, eating soup, and calling friends to let them know of the previous days events. after a quick nap, i ventured out for some time with another human being - and i got to hang with chantel and the baby for a couple hours before heading back to my parents. i spent the rest of the evening watching movies, and looking through old photos and comics that pete had drawn... including a personalized one he had made me in first year. alone time to reflect and remember that was much needed. i then was called for my chauffer duties, and went to get jeff at the wedding.
sunday: woke up early-ish, and spent the day hanging around. still sick, i didn't want to do much of anything. so we headed out for a booster juice (about the only thing i could think of 'eating') and to see the dark knight. afterwards, we stopped for some vietnamese food (i've had enough soup this weekend to last a lifetime), and then headed back to jeff's to relax. ate, chatted, and then i napped for a couple of hours. we then sat down for dinner with his parents, and helped clean up. then, headed out to the grocery store for sick supplies, and i was in bed early. trying to sleep away the sick.

even though i didn't get to my designing, or any of the creative things i intended on doing this weekend, i'm ok with the sleeping and alone time i had. sometimes you just have to be ok with it. 

sidenote: i'm so lucky to be able to spend time with people i love constantly - i can't say that enough times. and though it's cheesy, and corny and all of those things, in light of this past week's events, i have no shame in saying it. i get to be beside my little nieces and nephew as they grow, and i get to be with my friends as they raise these little monkeys. thank you everyone - who, as part of my life, make me who i am.

and also.... a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the little monkey. it's crazy to think another year has passed, and i get yet another little munchkin who i get to call my niece. i am so so lucky.... can't wait to watch them grow even more.

little baby g at barely a week, and at a year. same beautiful face.

hope everyone had a great weekend, and enjoyed the surprisingly dry weather! i'm in bed sick today, but still not minding the weekend that was had, and the cool breeze coming in the window!

happy monday everyone - be thankful this week for what you have.

my weekend in summary

this weekend was FAR busier than i thought it would be... and i wish i slept twice as much as i did... but it was lovely, and good, and i got to see lots of people i love. so THAT is the important part.

jewelry ready to be shipped out; grates are distracting - i took more photos of it, than of the jewelry i tried to photograph on top of it; pool day at my parent's; a visit from my little piano playing genius; cooking up a storm for dinner for 5 and a half; drinks and conversations; photo tag.

friday: i gathered all my goodies i needed to send out to patient recipients, and headed to work. after a long (LONG) day, including a stop at karine's for lunch, i mailed things out (friend's and customers expecting mail - it's en route!), and then stopped off at the bead store for some last supplies for a custom wedding order i'm making. then met up with a friend for something quick to eat, some drinks, and the expendables 2 - as the only 2 females in the world (or maybe just toronto), who were counting down the days until it's release. btw - it's awesome. after the movie, we went our separate ways - she home, and i headed to mississauga to crash a house party for a birthday party. spent about an hour chatting and catching up, and then drove back to waterdown for the weekend.
saturday: woke up fairly early, and spent the morning with my mom - hanging out, catching up. then, when she ventured out for groceries, i spent the rest of the morning by the pool - reading, sleeping, all those things lazy spoiled children do (aka. things i never ever get to do). once she returned, we prepared dinner - with chantel, ryan and baby arriving for a visit. jeff stopped by after work, and the 5 (and a half - baby) of us spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out, making salads, entrees, swimming (or trying to) with the baby, and chasing her around my parents VERY not baby proofed house. had a huge sit down dinner (and my mom pulled out a high chair that she was more than eager to use), and got to spend a good chunk of time with some of my favourite 'at-home' people. then, when they left to take the babe home to bed, we cleaned up, and jeff drove me to meet jake and kim at valen's - where they were camping. since i was exhausted, i played cell phone charger delivery woman, and we coordinated to meet the next day - and left them to their own devices for the evening. jeff and i headed back into waterdown to meet my sister, and another one of their friends matt for some drinks - aka. $11.99 pitchers. the night ended early, but it was a perfect way to spend a saturday night, and still manage to be in bed before midnight - not without a late night, homemade (vegan) ice cream sandwich treat.
sunday: woke up early to meet jake and kim for brunch halfway - in a perfectly charming breakfast nook with 4 kinds of wallpaper, and bacon to spare - and then the four of us piled in jeff's car to head to mount nemo for a hike. spent midday hiking up mountains, and climbing through cave's. no one fell off of any cliff face's, so we came out alright. we drove back to the parking lot of the diner, hugged goodbye, and jake and kim headed out. jeff and i did some packing for his parent's move into their new house this week, and got to go visit, and see the progress. we then wandered around burlington completing particularly productive tasks - including a car wash that created more mess than anything, surprise bags of chips, picking up work tools, and a very trusting pita purchase for  a halfway to dinner meal (he eats a LOT). when we finally arrived back home, we had dinner with his parents, and then had a good dexter viewing to cap the sunday. early early early to bed (he's a very good influence).
hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, filled with LOTS of sun, and perhaps relaxing in prep for the long weekend coming up.

happy monday everyone!

my (Canada day long) weekend in summary

this weekend (my bonus holiday weekend, as a result of my cancelled trip to florida) was a great, busy, sun and hike filled, weekend. it started a bit early this week…. but hey, what’s the point of having a life if you aren’t going to live it, amiright?

arriving at my parents on Thursday night to find my dad and next door neighbor having a ‘meeting’ in the pool; slip and slide day with the monkeys; my four little monkeys; sharing bubbles with me; outside hanging with some music, and some sun; afternoon hike with jeff the white speck (middle left); swimming at the reservoir; the forest cover; my bike/hike partner in crime; brooklyn summer ale; our sampler pack of craft beer - I chose my 3 based on labels;  late night jenga; me pining after my board that I can’t reach in my parents garage (and my sister’s hello kitty board – clearly bought awhile ago); clothes from jamie – picking out the bright colours, and going home with black grey and dark grey; the bachelorette, 2 jamies, and snacks in bed; my michelle starbucks mail surprise! 

Wednesday: my little sister darcy was down, and so we met for lunch outside my office – we had a picnic, and ate veggie burgers and salad outside in the gardens. the weather was perfect – though it started to rain just as I went back inside – so anytime I can get outside for lunch, I’m happy. I worked the rest of my day, and then met darcy after work. we did a quick stop in at lululemon (can’t blame us), and then walked a bit before hopping on the streetcar. stopped at my place to put her stuff down, and then introduced her to Granville island beer, before heading to…. of course… pizzeria libretto (sorry not sorry). put our name on the wait list, and then went over to lakeview for some muskoka ales – then were called over to enjoy the slices of heaven at PL. Food was – as usual – incredible. we managed to sit there long enough to have couples on either side of us leave, and then reintroduce new ones. and then leave. (apparently we talk too much). then, walked home, and went to bed.

Thursday: after work, darcy met me, and we drove home through rush hour (have I mentioned how much I hate driving into or out of Toronto in rush hour traffic? It’s 98% of the reason I live downtown), to get her home for her ultimate Frisbee game. then, jeff stopped by to pick me up, and we headed to Guelph for the important task of choosing a motorcycle helmet for him. once we procured the all important helmet, we headed into downtown to have vegan dinner at the cornerstone and then headed back to our respective parents (feeling a bit like we were in high school).

Friday: blessed day off – first in so so long. So, I woke up, dilly dallied, stopped for a bit to chat with my mom and sister post pedicure, while they packed for the cottage, and then headed off to my friend’s place to hang with the ‘babies’ (which I suppose I will have to stop calling them sometime soon, as one of them is 5 now). spent the majoriy of the day just hanging with them – eating lunch (‘auntie jamie, would you like to eat lunch at OUR house?’), playing in the slip and slide, sampling vegan almond yogurt (all of our first times), and reading. I had to tear myself away at around 4…. Sigh. then, sat outside at my parent’s for a bit in the sun, while reading and listening to music (I understand this is what people call ‘relaxing’). after a quick surprise visit from a dashing man on a motorcycle, i headed over to jeff’s to pick him up, and make our way to Ellicottville. After a short wait at the border, a quick stop at wegman’s for groceries, and jeff’s cherry popping trip to chipotle (I know, I know…. I was appalled as well), we arrived late in Ellicottville, and promptly went to bed (party!).

Saturday: woke up fairly late, and made a big breakfast of scrambled tofu (me), eggs (jeff), toast, tempeh bacon (me), and inhaled it around noon. we then packed some snacks, some water, and some beer and headed out for a hike/bike – jeff on bike, me on shoe. we hike/biked up the ski hill, and then settled at the water reservoir at the top for a while, went for a swim, ate and ‘rehydrated’. headed back down the hill (and found the tiniest toad I have ever seen in my life), sweating every step of the way. when we arrived back to the chalet, we made some snacks and started watching ‘the great escape’. apparently the hike dominated us both, and we had a nap (apparently mono has not left our bodies – I was out cold for 3 hours). I woke up to dinner being prepared – and we had dinner and watched the rest of ‘thegreat escape’. played a rousing game of jenga, 

then built some forts with our jenga blocks (really mature people), and played some labyrinth game…. once finishing we both promptly said, ‘that was an awful game’. bored us both to bed.

Sunday: woke up pretty early to jeff’s parents arriving – had some breakfast while chatting with his dad as he unpacked a few things. got packed up, and an early start on the road (after stopping for our customary iced coffees) to get back home in good time. when we arrived home, hung out while he packed up again, and had some snacks before heading home. spent the rest of the day catching up on emails, planning a bit for my upcoming vancouver trip, and watching criminal minds  marathons. darcy arrived home from the cottage late, and we ensured a proper watching of empire records was in store.

Monday: woke up late ish, and watched some diners drives inand dives (I don’t have cable, so I NEVER get to watch this stuff!), and then headed out to meet my friend jamie and her fam at rib fest in waterdown. did some major people watching while her family ate sauce covered ribs (jealous), and tried to keep my clothes from becoming too soaked in sweat (I love summer). Then, we walked back to my parent’s, and laid by the pool – avoided a major floating dead mouse in the pool mishap (jamie s saves the day while jamie p maintains a distance), and listened to music, laying in the sun. then got dressed, and headed out in search of a patio that could feed us both. Had dinner at the watermark, and then went up to Jamie’s place to rifle through her donation bags of clothes (I’m not above free clothing handouts), and watch the bachelorette (only on long weekends do I watch so much crappy reality tv). drove back to my parents, and decided to stay the night after packing, and a rather precarious situation with a wind up flashlight, and a skunk scare.

Tuesday: woke up this morning to meet jeff early for a morning tea, before driving back into toronto for work (against rush hour – remind me of this, next time I think it’s a good idea to stay at my parents). Made it back home in time for a shower, change, and to receive my michelle starbuckdesigns necklace that I won in a 20 best 20 giveaway! great start to the week.  

on another note, two of my closest friends were hitched this weekend – not to one another, but to two great men. one in nipegon, and one in naples. congratulations are in order to both Emily and karli – mostly for not turning around and jetting (which is likely more my style), but also to making a commitment to another human being to be as selfish with their needs as their own. This is something that never ceases to impress me. (man – I have awesome friends who promise awesome things to awesome people. Awesome).

hope everyone had a fantastic long weekend - safe, fun, wonderful. and, on the empire records note, i'll leave you with one of my favourite scenes:

my (felt like a vacation) weekend in summary

this weekend saw a special guest in toronto - and involved not dance parties, but lots of food and bike trips.... and there was some butt shaking to (in my head) music. so that's ok.

reading in the sun after a stressful day of work; tonka in the backyard - just looking for some love; pizza - from my fave; urban picnic; the bike of champions; amazing shore line at the spit (maybe it's just the artist in me.... but look at that old wire!); chicken wing face; just laying in the sun; the shoreline, with the tower in the background; someone is a LITTLE sweaty; dinner prep; some reading time with mother and daughter; backyard fun with the babe; laughing is the best sunday activity. 

friday: headed home from a rough day at work, and had a moment of time to read, and sit outside in the last moments of direct sunshine. then, jeff arrived via GO train then bike - and pat, jeff, tonka (the dog) and i sat outside for some conversation and a drink. then denver joined us for a photo challenge slideshow (catch up from the last thanksgiving that denver joined me at). finally, we decided to take off, and walk to pizzeria libretto for some dinner. we tried their new draught beer, created by gananoque brewing company, and had their pizza special. then, walked home and to bed.
saturday: woke up late ish, and then had a good big breakfast outside. then, packed up the car, with some snacks and appropriate day trip wear. we headed over to jeff's former house, where we hung out with gillian (his roommate) for a bit while she did some construction. had a drink, and then packed up the bike for a trip down to leslie spit. grabbed a lunch at the loblaws before heading south - we hopped onto the path into the conservation area, and spent the afternoon biking. we careened down the bike path, and figured, while we were in a place that seemed like one of the carolina's, may as well explore all we could. the city was completely blocked, until we ventured out onto the old hydro posts holding up the edges of the spit. we found ourselves exploring the lesser travelled parts of the area - with crumbled concrete 'beaches' filled with seagull heaven - and then when we came to a fork in the (clearly untravelled path), we did what robert frost would have suggested (and i may have quoted the poem). through the high grass, we found a clearling with rubble, and some concrete slabs large enough to lay on... and so, in the quiet space on the edge of the spit where no one else would venture, we spent our time laying out on the rocks, and spending time in the sun. the spit was perfect - a space to feel like you weren't in the city. got nice and sweaty, and got some sun in bathing suits. then, we hiked back to the trail, and biked back out. stopped for some dinner groceries before i drove home, and jeff made the cross city trek back to my place on his bike. whipped up a bbq dinner of veggies burgers, grilled veggies, and some couscous and ate outside (there was a lot of that). then, went for a desert walk, picking up some ice cream and popsicle, and walked a few blocks to let the meal settle. and, a wild night ended with a viewing of old school on the couch... while falling asleep.
sunday: woke up fairly early, and packed up after another outdoor breakfast, to head back for the day. made a quick stop at mountain equipment co-op, and then dropped off bikes. i then headed out to see my sister from another man (i refuse to say mister), and her lovely fam - including my little niece. spent the afternoon playing catch, and reading books, and giggling lots. then, headed home for dinner with the parents. spent the rest of the evening watching tv and lounging. much deserved and needed.

hope everyone had a GREAT weekend, and enjoyed the sun, and the break. and slept
(as that seems to be my default insistence. SLEEP!)

(and to finish  with 2 photos from jeff who is a WAY better photographer than i)

happy monday!

my (easter) weekend in summary

this weekend was a bit different than easter weekends past - though last year, this time, i was still in the emergency room, in medical shock, from my car accident. as i mentioned, i made the tough choice to decline my family trip up north, due to some kidney and other health issues i've been having recently. the 16 hour drive would have been rough enough on my back, without the additional kidney issues. i needed the weekend in. the beauty part was, i had plenty of friends to spend it with, and was able to enjoy the weather, and time with friends, despite being previously a bit disappointed about the weekend.

High school friend reunion – and free wiser’s bottle service (my sister would have been so jealous); a couple of the boys; matt showing off our plunder; late night, private korean karaoke; the stunning weather we received on Saturday walking downtown; lacrosse appropriate outfit; Toronto rock game with my same name friend, jamie; an easter Sunday visit with my little niece g – reading books together; my hike through the trails in waterdown; clearly not hike appropriate footwear (and a little camera action); the waterfall; Sunday evening sons of anarchy catch up, letter writing, and jewelry making. 

thursday: since it was a long weekend (holiday friday) i rushed home, and then headed out to meet some old high school friends at the maddy... we apparently needed to revisit our youth. we spent hours sitting, and chatting, as people came and went. caught up on babies, and schooling, and house buying and upcoming wedding updates (clearly none of which were from me), and managed to somehow obtain free 'bottle service' (read: free shots/mixed drinks - twice - for our whole table). then, headed to little korea for some private karaoke (who knew!). private room, cold drinks = things i did not expect from karaoke. then, the group of us headed for food, and then more games at a friend's apartment. needless to say, it was a late night all around.
friday: woke up late, and lounged in bed for awhile. once i finally got up, i spent the day cleaning, clearing out clothes, taking down my month old fort, and doing some general cleaning up and clearing out of my apt. managed to get a quick nap, and some lounging in as well. when i woke up, i wandered to my landlord's place, to meet the new dog, and have some dinner. had a GREAT dinner of roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli, and some rice and tofu... and a little bit of wine. laughed wholeheartedly deep in inappropriate conversations about passing gas in your sleep, and equally horrible things that we all feel comfortable talking about with one another. (thank goodness for friends like that). we all settled down in front of the tv, to start watching 'hugo' but midnight hit pretty quickly, and we were all in bed before 12:00. that's what holiday weekends are for!
saturday: woke up pretty early, and took a long walk around the neighbourhood to try to walk out the pains i had been having in my back (kidney's, mostly). cleaned some more, and then headed downtown to wander in the sun, and then meet my high school friend jamie for the toronto rock game. we watched the rock beat the edmonton rush, and then met up with one of my sister's friends, and her family - her brother plays for the rush - and had a drink with them, and enjoyed the benefits of an after game reunion, like jamie and i knew quite well from our high school days. we then headed back to our parent's places - after dropping jamie off at her car, i went to my parents, and had another 12 hour sleep in my comfortable bed that my parents keep for me (i'm confident it's a guest bed, but i keep telling myself they just love me a lot).
sunday: woke up pretty early - first at 6 to various alarm clocks in my family's house, and then again at 10 - and a friend came over, bearing tea, to chat in the sun. then, i did a few hours of work, and then headed out to hamilton to visit with my friend's chantel and ryan, and see my little niece. spent a few hours there before they left for ryan's parent's place for easter dinner. i went back to my parent's, packed up, and then went straight for the hiking trails in waterdown, where i spent a couple of hours while the sun was still out, hiking beside the river, up and down the hills. it was the first time since i hurt my back that i have been able to really get out, and i was slow, but being alone down in the ravine was wonderful - and made me remember how much i missed trail running. thank goodness for spring turning to summer - MUCH more hiking to come. i then headed back to toronto, where i made some dinner, watched some sons of anarchy, and wrote letters to friends.
i hope everyone had a restful weekend, filled with friends, family and great food! and to those who celebrate it, hope you had a great Easter - remembering the reason that we celebrate this weekend. I am thankful for all that i have.