Salsa

I can't believe I forgot this in my list of notable events in 2010, but I did.

In mid-August, we all piled into the van and headed out to the north Schwa, looking for a pick-your-own farm that Chrisa and Kirk had taken us too a few years ago.

We knew Maya would be into it, but the unexpected pleasure was watching Chloe, who we literally had to drag out of each field after we'd picked our fill.

We picked tomatoes, peppers (a Chloe highlight - we actually lost her in the pepper plants for a few minutes as she kept going deeper and deeper and picking more and more peppers), squash and beans.

We then came home and cooked and canned for days. In fact, when we were done, I would have been just fine with never seeing another tomato again.

However, it all came back to me just now when Gabi, not feeling well at all, asked for a salty snack, and I just happened to have some homemade salsa on hand, along with a few nachos I bought for Sunday.

After Myrtle, it was definitely one of the most fun days I had all year.

Oh, and I also forgot to mention my going to see Rain with Fay, Nadine, Vera and my parents. That was a great show - so good we bought tickets for Maya and Nonna to go see it a few days later.

Happy New Years!

2010 in Review

It seems like everywhere you turn is a year in review, and here at my blog will be no different.

Been an eventful year indeed, and here are a few reflections.

The preparations for selling the house. Oh my goodness, what a crazy few months that was. I was hellbent and determined to get the house for sale in February while the market was still hot, and that meant we had to repair all the little things that were broken around the house, clean out all the crap, and paint. We had a contractor in for a week, (who was totally awesome), his painters in for two weeks (they got the house sold, anyways - but Sass is way better, cheaper, faster, etc). I bonded with my father-in-law as we spent 3 consecutive weekends ripping out carpets and laying new tile in the laundry room. Of course, who can forget the stomach flu hitting each one of us the weekend before we were supposed to be going up for listing?

Selling the house. Well, I'm pleased to say it all paid off. We got over our asking price, thanks to a nicely maneuvered and handled little bidding war. Our agent, Sue Vine, was awesome, sending us a staging consultant, a cleaner, and just general support. I was at the zoo solo with the girls when I got the call that we had multiple bids coming in that night, and it was such a weight off my mind I can't even begin to tell you. Of course, over our asking price was exactly what I'd determined we needed to be able to pull this all off without ending up with our heads deep under water.

Crushing of the thumb. Nothing like getting a hysterical phone call at work from Gabi, en route to the hospital with Maya, who has crushed her thumb in the door of the honda. Two weeks in a cast later, and it turns out Maya was perfectly fine. Taking her to get the cast off was memorable indeed, as the guy in the bed next to her wound up collapsing in the middle of having his cast put on. Quite a scene indeed.

Scrabble. Got a little too into the game at some points this year, but hey, it got me on TV. Two of my kids went to Orlando to play in the National School Championship, and both they and I got interviewed by Rob Leth on Global News. They finished 14th, and I didn't get to go.

Myrtle Beach. My parents, Ter, Jen, the boys and my family all got together in a rented house in the Ocean Lakes campground, and had a fabulous week - quite possibly the highlight of my year. I thoroughly enjoyed everything, except perhaps the trip home. Maya and I golfed Jungle Lagoon, my favourite as a kid, we ate at J Waltons, Cresthaven, and other familiar favourites, and even did Wizard Quest, which was a little cheesy but kind of fun. Just a great trip.

10 years. Gabi and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. I know my parents had Chloe, because she drove them nuts, but I can't for the life of me remember where Maya was that night. Whoever had her, thanks! We had a great night, even if it did start off at Ikea, starting to plan our new kitchen (which will be installed in 2013 or so). We had dinner on Bayview at a pub whose owner I play squash with, then got some amazing gelato, then came home and watched, at full volume on my new home theatre, Avatar, which we hadn't seen yet. Amazing movie, and an amazing night overall. I would also like to thank my darling wife for the best ten years of my life, by far.

The move. After much anxiety about possible buyers remorse, everything closed on time. We had two homes for a week, allowing us the opportunity to get Sass in to paint quite a bit of the house, and I've started working on painting the parts he didn't get done. I also moved quite a bit of stuff myself using the new trailer, which turned out to be a good thing, because our moving truck was packed to the absolute brim. Not another thing would have gone in there. The best part of all was that our movers were fantastic. If you're moving, G&S Moving in Scarborough is absolutely the way to go. Only one thing got damaged, and all I needed to do was replace a screw in the toy chest. That's it. Every possession we had, and every single other thing was perfect, although to be honest, since we have nowhere to store it, we still haven't opened the fine china.

My kids. Maya is an awesome girl, very determined to get things right. We seldom have behaviour problems with her, which is great. We're working with her on reading, but the two of us love to play math games in the car, and I think it's fairly obvious she has a math brain. Chloe kind of has me wrapped around her little finger. I didn't let Maya get away with much, but this little cutie pie seems to be a highly manipulative piece of work. She is improving, however, but we did go through some really rough stretches with her. She is two, after all, and they don't call it the terrible two's for nothing. I honestly don't remember if Maya was ever like this...maybe we blocked it all out, or we probably wouldn't have wanted a second kid. Definitely no #3, however. At any rate, I love these two wonderful girls with all my heart, and woudn't trade a minute with them for anything.

Work. 2010 was a mixed bag at work. I had a very challenging job assignment, and two very challenging groups to work with, and I was completely and utterly consumed by my work getting the house ready, and then prepping the move. Jan-June was definitely not the defining moments of my career, but I've been completely rejuvenated by the group I'm working with now. I love every minute of it, and am looking forward to finishing up the year. This is the first group I'd seriously consider taking to Grade 8, if my new principal (start the anxiety level ratcheting back up) decides to change things up a bit.

Cora. Oh, the poor dog, what a year she's had. First a burst cyst, then an infection around each eye, followed by a complete systemic skin issue. Turned out to be demodectic mange, which took over $600 to diagnose (did I mention I love my vet's BMW?), plus a small fortune in meds. I am pleased to report, however, that she's ending the year in excellent health. I wonder how much was stress and confusion? We uprooted her multiple times, during the painting, during the selling, then moving everything to the new house, not to mention leaving her with Nonna while we were in Myrtle. No wonder the dog had some immune system issues. I'm feeling guilty now, so we're heading for a walk as soon as I post this.

The new house. Love it. Love living here, love the layout, love everything. Didn't love the appliances, and we've now replaced 60% of them, one toilet that leaked into the kitchen ceiling (trying to paint water stains is not fun) and trying to run speaker wire in the suspended ceiling is a challenge for me at best. The aforementioned kitchen could do with replacing as well, as we just don't have enough space for all our stuff. We probably need less stuff, but we got so used to boatloads of cupboards in the old place that it's something we'll likely try to replicate here, when we get to it. Love the mancave, curling up down there watching a movie is just the best. Watched Inception with the fireplace going last night - awesome evening indeed.

Vera's move. Helping Vera move was fun, but best of all I was able to help her out by giving a few treasured possessions a new home. There were many, but the two that stand out for me were her bar/globe, which I'd always admired, and my absolutely favourite, her Westminster clock. That will be a treasured possession as long as I have a mantle to put it on - just love having it keeping time in the house.

Car shopping. The Honda was getting kind of wonky, and I went into car shopping overdrive for about a month or so. Finally, to get the Honda ready for trade, we replaced the catalytic converter, and suddenly it was driving like a new car. Much better for the bottom line. I have, this year, test driven the following cars. Ford Fusion, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Cube (3 times), Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Hyundai Sonata (2007). Got serious about the Lancer, Gabi vetoed it. Could see myself in a Forte, but the truth is I really don't think I've found the perfect car yet, and when the Disney savings come off our budget next year, I'll have the cash flow freed up for something kind of nice, like a 2008 Accord, maybe even a Maxima.

Cottage. Not really a highlight, Maya and I spent a few nights up there in the spring, and then we only got back twice more over the entire summer. The new house was a bit too much like a vacation spot this year. Boys weekend was memorable, or so I've been told. I didn't have another drink until Christmas. Hopefully next year will be better up there.

Mat Latos. Really enjoyed watching this guy pitch all year, and am thrilled to have taken him with the 17th overall pick. Can't wait for my team to finally return to relevance next season after two very down (and very painful) years. Now if only Matt Wieters could really be the next Joe Mauer....

Our parents. Last in this, but certainly not least. In fact, we could never thank them enough for all the help, support and guidance they've given us over the years. Glad they're all healthy, and doing the travelling they love to do. Keep it up, guys!

22 years?????

Wow...I got an email from Geni the other day that informed me that Dave and Janice Benoit are having their 22nd anniversary later this week. Time flies indeed.

The notable thing for me personally on that trip wasn't necessarily their wedding, which was really good, but all the other parts.

Terry and I travelled to Chicago early, perhaps on Boxing Day although I can't be sure, along with Uncle Ted. A memorable trip indeed, and I thought I'd share some of the stories.

One of my key memories, being 22 years ago, was that I had my 365 (now I've gone and dated myself), and was shocked and pleased when Ted not only let me drive, but he let me drive. And drive. And drive. I was thrilled to be behind the wheel for so long, even though it was probably not legal for me to be running a car in the states. In fact, he only took back the wheel after I ran into my first midwest snowstorm and had the car sideways for a time on the interstate bridge. After we all changed underwear, he drove the rest of the way.

I remember getting to go to a Chicago Blackhawks game on that trip, and bemoaning the fact that every time I went to a hockey game, Dino Ciccarelli was playing, the bastard. Must have been the North Stars....I also remember the very next night, we went back to the Chicago Stadium and got to see Air Jordan beat the Cavs on a buzzer beater. That was tre cool.

The hotel was also another adventure. We got to our room, and it wasn't made up yet. Back down to the desk, and we got a 2nd room. This time, when Terry turned on the water to have a shower, the tap sprayed him thoroughly. While he was still clothed. Outside of the tub. Now, Unce Ted was a master at negotiations with the front desks of hotels when things didn't go well, and before we knew it we had a third room, and this time the hotel got it right.

We had a serious suite on our hands. King beds. The full living room treatment. And a glass dining room table. Worked out nicely, because I remember covering it with my PTP cards, nearly completely.

I also remember the pizza we ordered to the room - real Chicago deep dish, it took us the whole few days to eat it, even when we probably shouldn't have still been eating it. Absolutely awesome, and to this day still the best pizza I've ever had.

The rest of the family arrived later for the wedding, which like I said was great, although I got busted bringing some water during the pre-wedding party to do something to Dave's car by Dave, which I don't think he was thrilled about. To this day I still don't know exactly WHAT we were going to do....

Overall, an awesome trip. I just can't believe it was 22 years ago.

Happy Anniversary, Dave and Janice.

Thanks for a lot of great memories, Uncle Ted.

Uxbridge

So today being Christmas Day, after our family traditions of gifts, stockings, and a large cottage style breakfast, we packed up our things and headed up to Uxbridge. I think we've only missed two Christmases there, the one where we drove down to Myrtle Beach, and the one where Gabi and I flew to Vegas to spend some time with Vera and Ted.

Uxbridge has been an institution in our lives, one we definitely owe some gratitude to Kim and Karel for keeping going, and of course to Wayne who has continued to open his home in the spirit of Baba Annie.

So it was with mixed feelings today, realizing that that will probably be the last time we'll be in the house. Wayne is talking seriously about selling, since he's off work, nearing retirement, and looking to probably move back to Brantford where his parents are. Makes sense, actually. Just kind of sad, because whatever we do (if anything, who knows?) won't ever be the same.

It was nice to see a lot of family members, particularly some of the ones that I've mostly been communicating with on Facebook. I had a good laugh with Ihor's silicone glove, and my bottle of "lube", in particular. And I hope Uncle Jerry enjoys the beefcake Firemen calendar!

And of course, we left with Chloe approaching meltdown, so I hardly got to say goodbye to anyone. If you're reading this - goodbye!

Actually, I was kind of impressed with Chloe - apart from the gift exchange, she behaved herself really really well. We're starting to feel like we're turning a bit of a corner with her - she's no longer driving us up the wall at every single opportunity - it's now about every third opportunity. The last few times at stores haven't been complete torture either. Nothing like the time she didn't want to leave Walmart, and left marks on Gabi's face as a result.

So I'm busy moving my music collection over to the new laptop. Kind of pleasant, because this sucker has so much power I don't even notice it happening in the background. The old laptop? Start it and leave it - it might be done in the morning. The only real negative to this beast is the fact that I can't stand the trackpad. Luckily, Nonna gave me a Best Buy gift card, and I've already ordered my new mouse. Thanks Nonna!

Christmas morning was a success, I think, even with the outrageously expensive Zhu Zhu pet. I'm really not very fond of them, but for the record - that one I stepped on in the kitchen? Purely accidental - really, I didn't mean to do it. Not after what they cost, anyways.

Gabi and I kept it very low key for each other - this house continues to be our major present to each other. I did try again to buy her a purse. Strike Two. Unbelievable. At least this time I could pin it on Maya, as I took her with me to help me shop. This laptop is kind of my gift to myself, even if I did finance most of it by selling a lot of hockey tickets. Of course, it's not exclusively mine, although I've made it very clear to the kidlets - don't touch Daddy's laptop!!!!

It's kind of nice now that we've cleaned out the office a bit and started using it as an office rather than catchall storage. I'm bringing up my marking tomorrow, and will go at it like gangbusters so I can hand back a bunch of stuff the first day back. I swore this would be the year I'd keep up, and I think I'm farther behind than ever. This room is the key to me getting and staying on track in January.

That's gonna be my goal in 2011, anyways. At least one of them...

Merry Christmas!

Well, trying to get the little ones to sleep after our first ever Christmas Eve party here is proving difficult, to say the least. Maya is almost out, but Chloe is fighting it tooth and nail - she keeps trying to sit on the stairs to watch for Santa's arrival.

We had Ter, Jen, the boys, Bob, Olivia, Vera and Uncle Steve over for dinner tonight. I need a caveat here - Bob and Olivia, rather pleased that it wasn't at their house, brought over 95% of dinner, which was awesome. I was particularly impressed with Bob's cabbage rolls. He was taught by Auntie Iris, which was actually my idea, but I couldn't talk my principal into giving me a day off to go learn to make cabbage rolls. I guess I'd have to teach family studies for that one to work.

So now Dad has to teach me. Just thinking about them has my mouth watering - maybe I'll go down and tackle the leftover 3...yes, 3. That's all that was left out of a whole casserole dish.

I got new squash shorts (much needed - I'm sure Jeff and Eric will appreciate that I'm replacing the ones Nadine bought me all those years ago, which have been washed so many times they may be paper thin at this point), an iTunes gift card, and a GPS dash holder. Should come in handy. It was the first time we successfully pulled off trading names without a lot of cheating.

Ok, Gabi needs me to go put Chloe to bed. Later!

Growing up

Apparently, I've grown up a bit since university.

I just rented The Tom Green show, which I remember as being very very funny.

Like I said, I think I've grown up a bit. Maybe more than a bit - it was just plain stupid. The worst part is that disc 2 is probably arriving in the mail tomorrow - and I don't want it any more. Ah, well, the first disc that won't even make it home.

So I'm continuing to upgrade our struggling technology. This computer is in very good shape, but the laptop, which has served us faithfully for well over five years, possibly seven, has finally been replaced. I went whole hog on this one, wanting to buy one that is near top of the line rather than another bottom dweller that would slow down rather quickly. Our new core i7 sits upstairs. Haven't really been able to use it yet, because it won't pick up any signals from our old router, which has been giving me nothing but grief for about a year. So as soon as I finish this blog, it will be time to set up the new router, which I ordered during a Dell pre-boxing week sale last week. We're going 802.11N, baby. That should work everywhere in this house.

I'm even hopeful that our wireless printer will hold a signal from this router - hey, you never know. The inconsistent ability to print has been driving me rather nuts for quite some time - especially when I want to print something. :)

Played in the Toy Drive Squash tournament tonight. I liked my odds - for the first time, I was the weaker link on the team I was on, and since I'm not that weak, I thought we had a good shot. We dominated our first match, but then came up against Craig, the pro, in our 2nd. Not fair at all, really. Oh well, at least some kid should enjoy the Thomas set.

The kids are getting super excited for Christmas, but I for one am ready to get it over with. Not to be bah humbug, but like my friend Janis said - give me a week to get ready for Christmas, and I'll take a week. Give me two days, and I'll get it done in the same amount of time.

On the plus side - for the first time in what seems like months - everyone here is perfectly healthy - no colds, sniffles, coughs, mange, whatever. Cora has finished her meds, and seems to be in good spirits. We'll need to do one more scraping (at $50 each, this'll be the fourth and hopefully last) and then we'll see where we're at.

Vacation Bloggage

So I don't know if anyone reads this anymore, since I'm not exactly what you'd call a regular contributor. Won't stop me from showing up once in a while, however.

Went to a Guyanese Christmas party last night, which was a lot of fun. Came home to find the annual street Christmas carol sing rather obviously going on...the old owner of this house had his truck parked in front of it, and he always told us about how we'd see him there. I guess we didn't make the cut. Interesting, because based on the number of cars on the street, it looks like everybody in the world made the cut - I'm just lucky no one decided to park in our driveway. Oh well - another year, perhaps. And if not - just one fewer thing to do during this busy Christmas season.

We got a bit of a scare on Friday night - after having what we can only call the unhealthiest fall our family has ever experienced (more constant illness than serious illness, I should note), Chloe was in bed with Gabi and I watching a show relaxing, leaning up against me, when completely out of the blue, she launched a projectile vomit that had to be seen to be believed - I think it made it 3, possibly four feet in the air.

This of course led to a rather wide spray on landing, and wound up covering or partially covering me, Gabi, our pillows, our comforter, our sheet, and for good measure, some got thru to our mattress pad.

Since we replaced our bed this summer and decided to go king sized, we hadn't really thought of the consequences of having only one set of sheets. I got everything into the dryer around 1 am, but that was it for me - something I hadn't done since university, spent the night on a mattress, with nothing on it. The adventurous and mostly sleepless night led to a loss to Eric Denison, who's a good player but one I can usually beat, on Saturday morning. That's what I'm placing the blame on anyways.

So I'm getting a new principal at work - after 5.5 years of working for Ted, he's moving on. I think if he hadn't, I probably would have in June. Nothing at all against Ted - I think he's a great guy - but change is needed for me, something to light a bit of a fire under me. We'll see if this works, because I doubt I'll ever find a more convenient place to work. My current kids are helping with this too - I have a truly great class this year. My only real concern is that I'm in the midst of planning the grad trip and ski trip, and we'll have to see how that goes with the change in administration.

Haven't seen or heard from some friends for months - kind of odd. Guess the old don't call us, we won't call you seems to apply. What are you gonna do, though? Just the way the cookie crumbles, sometimes.