So 8 of us went to Rickys All Day Grill today to get some breakfast after a well enjoyed hockey day in Canada yesterday. We agreed to wait the 20 minutes to get a table together. After about that time one of the hostesses tells us that there is a round table that sits 5 and a square table that seats 4 available upstairs. We agree to take the tables... I mean a circle doesn't fit awesome next to a square but hey, it will work and we're HUNGRY!
So after about another 10 minute wait we're lead "upstairs" - which was one full STEP up from the main eating area. So that in itself was enough to have us laughing out loud, but what was even better... they didn't even put the tables together. So we were sat at two different tables. After getting over the shock - literally I think we were stunned stupid for a while - we did see some humor in the situation, but were pissed due to the fact that they sat sooo many smaller parties before us, and here we all end up sitting at two tables of four anyway. Urgh!
The food took a small forever and by the time we all got ours it was easy to see which plates were ready first and sat to wait for the rest...mine & Janelle's were stone cold except for the sausages. We scarfed them down all the same because at this point it was after 2pm, we arrived at 12:30!
After seeing the comedy in the situation and making a few calls and texts to our friends across the way at the other table we called it a day. In short, won't be going back.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Spending Rehab?
So, not that I spend oodles and oodles of money on frivolous things, but thinking about it... what could be bad about a spending rehab?
My cousin posted a link to her friends blog where two gal pals have decided to put themselves through a torturous test and not shopping for a YEAR! From their page http://www.365fashionrehab.com/ here's the details...
... Now I don't consider myself quite the shopaholic, but just thinking about what they're doing is making me think about doing some cutting back. Really... how many lipglosses does one have to have on the go at one time? I did the purse count and had, what was it 8? Embarrassing! If I just used one til it was gone I'm sure I would still have glossy lips 12 months from now if I rooted around my make up bags, maybe even longer!
And in this, "no clothing" category... I suppose this would be a good way to get myself into a big fitness push. No clothing until the stuff I own doesn't fit me anymore and its absolutely necessary? Suppose it could be an idea.
If I took the money from all those "frivolous" / unnecessary purchases and put them against student debt, I bet I would see a significant difference. Maybe...? Oh who knows. I guess like I said to begin with, I don't shop like mad to begin with. BUT... if I could cancel out trips to the dollar store for example... or Walmart, that might help. They are those places where I find myself wandering out of boredom and purchasing for gratification rather than necessity.
So, shall I try it? Only purchasing out of Necessity? Last year I hopped on the coupon train last year and am sure I saved a bunch of pocket cash taking on that initiative alone. My rules will be maybe not so sever though... Might need some time to actually come up with them though.
Ok, so that will be my next mission. Come up with guidelines and perhaps see what will be challenging enough to make me appreciate what I'm undertaking, but not so outlandish that I'm not allowed to ever leave the house again. Sounds fair.
On that note, I'm off to do some thinking.
My cousin posted a link to her friends blog where two gal pals have decided to put themselves through a torturous test and not shopping for a YEAR! From their page http://www.365fashionrehab.com/ here's the details...
Rules & Regs
... Now I don't consider myself quite the shopaholic, but just thinking about what they're doing is making me think about doing some cutting back. Really... how many lipglosses does one have to have on the go at one time? I did the purse count and had, what was it 8? Embarrassing! If I just used one til it was gone I'm sure I would still have glossy lips 12 months from now if I rooted around my make up bags, maybe even longer!
And in this, "no clothing" category... I suppose this would be a good way to get myself into a big fitness push. No clothing until the stuff I own doesn't fit me anymore and its absolutely necessary? Suppose it could be an idea.
If I took the money from all those "frivolous" / unnecessary purchases and put them against student debt, I bet I would see a significant difference. Maybe...? Oh who knows. I guess like I said to begin with, I don't shop like mad to begin with. BUT... if I could cancel out trips to the dollar store for example... or Walmart, that might help. They are those places where I find myself wandering out of boredom and purchasing for gratification rather than necessity.
So, shall I try it? Only purchasing out of Necessity? Last year I hopped on the coupon train last year and am sure I saved a bunch of pocket cash taking on that initiative alone. My rules will be maybe not so sever though... Might need some time to actually come up with them though.
Ok, so that will be my next mission. Come up with guidelines and perhaps see what will be challenging enough to make me appreciate what I'm undertaking, but not so outlandish that I'm not allowed to ever leave the house again. Sounds fair.
On that note, I'm off to do some thinking.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Choir Success!
Today my choir finally saw the light! They finally got it together, heard themselves singing in harmony and totally flipped their lids! :D
I had attempted to split my Grade 4,5,6 choir into two definite parts back in the Fall, but it just didn't pan out. I divided the kids up and tried to assign them as sopranos and altos but they revolted and pretty much all just went with the soprano line.
Today I had a BIG discussion with the kids explaining how they are really good singers and have been doing really well, but I think that they could be Great singers, and I expect them to be. After much discussion about how every one's contributions are equally important and that just because they are designated one part, it doesn't mean that they can't do the other part etc etc etc... we were finally able to get down to business.
We started with some Suzie McNeil, "Believe" and I simply had them harmonize the final note. Well, that was it! It was like the sky opened and their eyes near popped out of their heads. They were so amazed with their own sound the atmosphere was just insane! We attempted a few more harmony lines in the song, moved into Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" and they just couldn't get the excitement off their faces. It has all been worth it!! I mean, not that it wasn't before, but this is what I saw happening in the first place and finally , PRESTO!! :D
I'm really excited for next week and can't wait to hear how they will do with some of our other selections.
I had attempted to split my Grade 4,5,6 choir into two definite parts back in the Fall, but it just didn't pan out. I divided the kids up and tried to assign them as sopranos and altos but they revolted and pretty much all just went with the soprano line.
Today I had a BIG discussion with the kids explaining how they are really good singers and have been doing really well, but I think that they could be Great singers, and I expect them to be. After much discussion about how every one's contributions are equally important and that just because they are designated one part, it doesn't mean that they can't do the other part etc etc etc... we were finally able to get down to business.
We started with some Suzie McNeil, "Believe" and I simply had them harmonize the final note. Well, that was it! It was like the sky opened and their eyes near popped out of their heads. They were so amazed with their own sound the atmosphere was just insane! We attempted a few more harmony lines in the song, moved into Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" and they just couldn't get the excitement off their faces. It has all been worth it!! I mean, not that it wasn't before, but this is what I saw happening in the first place and finally , PRESTO!! :D
I'm really excited for next week and can't wait to hear how they will do with some of our other selections.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
2010!
It's hard to believe that we're 10 days into the new year already. I have been getting settled back into school routines and planning, getting the house together ... you know the usual housekeeping duties.... washing dishes, vacuuming, overflowing the washing machine, shop vac backing up and dusting the house, putting my blackberry back together after dropping it into the puddle created by the washing machine in the porch, shaking my head and succumbing to a tube of potato chips and a flop on the couch... BLAH!
So... I was eagerly tidying the place up and somehow I guess the duvet decided that it didn't want the water to stay IN the washing machine this time. I guess it could have been much worse, but all the same, yesterday gave me some additional work.
On a side note, before all that, I decided to make a big slow cooker full of home made veggie soup. It turned out pretty good, a little on the spicy side but good! I just took the 6+ gallons and split it into some individual portions that I can take for lunch this week and froze the rest. I am thinking that maybe next week I'll do some chili. We shall see I suppose. My great attempts to a) Cook for Myself and b) be Domestic lol!
The recipe changes each time I make it slightly. The recipe is pretty simple if anyone is interested:
1/2 a head of cabbage
Green Peppers ( 2 this time)
Celery ( Two small bundles this time)
1 bag sliced carrots
1 package sliced mushrooms (yes I realize that I am capable of slicing carrots & mushrooms)
1 small bunch of Green Onions
1 bottle V8 juice - 48 oz I think?
2 cups chicken stock
4 - 6 cups water
1 can crushed tomatoes ( I forgot these so added a can of tomato soup & 1/2 a bottle of salsa)
spices: Salt, Pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, Tabasco, franks, Louisiana hot sauce, salad spices, onion powder....
Anyway, if you try it, let me know how it goes!
Resolutions...
I am never very good at keeping resolutions, or making them for that matter... in any event I am going to try to do a few things this year... call them what you will.
I will stay positive
I will keep in touch with my friends, near & far
I will get serious about my fitness - food & gym
I will try new things with my classes
I will take that one 6 credit course I need
I will make budgets and stick to them
I will update my blog on a more regular basis ;)
I will have an amazing year!! :D
PS: here's my new baby! :)
So... I was eagerly tidying the place up and somehow I guess the duvet decided that it didn't want the water to stay IN the washing machine this time. I guess it could have been much worse, but all the same, yesterday gave me some additional work.
On a side note, before all that, I decided to make a big slow cooker full of home made veggie soup. It turned out pretty good, a little on the spicy side but good! I just took the 6+ gallons and split it into some individual portions that I can take for lunch this week and froze the rest. I am thinking that maybe next week I'll do some chili. We shall see I suppose. My great attempts to a) Cook for Myself and b) be Domestic lol!
The recipe changes each time I make it slightly. The recipe is pretty simple if anyone is interested:
1/2 a head of cabbage
Green Peppers ( 2 this time)
Celery ( Two small bundles this time)
1 bag sliced carrots
1 package sliced mushrooms (yes I realize that I am capable of slicing carrots & mushrooms)
1 small bunch of Green Onions
1 bottle V8 juice - 48 oz I think?
2 cups chicken stock
4 - 6 cups water
1 can crushed tomatoes ( I forgot these so added a can of tomato soup & 1/2 a bottle of salsa)
spices: Salt, Pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, Tabasco, franks, Louisiana hot sauce, salad spices, onion powder....
Anyway, if you try it, let me know how it goes!
Resolutions...
I am never very good at keeping resolutions, or making them for that matter... in any event I am going to try to do a few things this year... call them what you will.
I will stay positive
I will keep in touch with my friends, near & far
I will get serious about my fitness - food & gym
I will try new things with my classes
I will take that one 6 credit course I need
I will make budgets and stick to them
I will update my blog on a more regular basis ;)
I will have an amazing year!! :D
PS: here's my new baby! :)
Monday, January 4, 2010
Punta Cana for Christmas
So, I started writing a post about our holidays and realized it was reading like the beginning of a chapter book lol. So here is the much condensed version:
When: December 24, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Where: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Who: Janelle, Troy, Clint & I
What: An actual vacation on our time off for Christmas
How: Booked through Sell Off Vacations, Sunquest package, flights with Air Transat
Accommodations: Riu Bambu, 5 Star, All Inclusive
Ratings out of 5 *s
Flights: ***
DR Airport: * can you say GONG SHOW??
Beach:***** brown sugar sand, big waves, lots of space, lots of shade from big palm trees too
Pool: **** Nice but on the small side
Pool Area: *** Cool set up, but impossible to get a spot unless you're there before 6 am
Food: **1/2 Overall. Breakfast was best, Lunch was ok, Dinner was hit or miss. Often things were repetitive & I found myself struggling to find things I wanted some days & I'm not that fussy. Evening snacks were TERRIBLE!
Beer: * only one kind, and it was crap
Rum: ***** white was fine, dark aged Barcelo was Fabulous
White Wine: * Ugh, it bit back
Red Wine: ***** Soooo good, Wish I tried it sooner
Service: *** Meh, came and went. Surprised at how little English most of the workers knew
Room: **** Clean, mostly average... Two 3/4 beds pushed together, made up separately lol
Entertainment: **** Bands / Singers were ok - Dancers/ Evening Show were good
Night Life: * The "all inclusive Disco at our resort" was 3 resorts away
and you had to pay cover charge as well as pay for all your drinks.
Long and short, I had a great relaxing vacation. Spent lots of time snoozin' in the sun on the beach and playing in the waves. Had great company and met some wonderful people from all over the world.
Would I go back to this resort? No
Was it terrible? No
When: December 24, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Where: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Who: Janelle, Troy, Clint & I
What: An actual vacation on our time off for Christmas
How: Booked through Sell Off Vacations, Sunquest package, flights with Air Transat
Accommodations: Riu Bambu, 5 Star, All Inclusive
Ratings out of 5 *s
Flights: ***
DR Airport: * can you say GONG SHOW??
Beach:***** brown sugar sand, big waves, lots of space, lots of shade from big palm trees too
Pool: **** Nice but on the small side
Pool Area: *** Cool set up, but impossible to get a spot unless you're there before 6 am
Food: **1/2 Overall. Breakfast was best, Lunch was ok, Dinner was hit or miss. Often things were repetitive & I found myself struggling to find things I wanted some days & I'm not that fussy. Evening snacks were TERRIBLE!
Beer: * only one kind, and it was crap
Rum: ***** white was fine, dark aged Barcelo was Fabulous
White Wine: * Ugh, it bit back
Red Wine: ***** Soooo good, Wish I tried it sooner
Service: *** Meh, came and went. Surprised at how little English most of the workers knew
Room: **** Clean, mostly average... Two 3/4 beds pushed together, made up separately lol
Entertainment: **** Bands / Singers were ok - Dancers/ Evening Show were good
Night Life: * The "all inclusive Disco at our resort" was 3 resorts away
and you had to pay cover charge as well as pay for all your drinks.
Long and short, I had a great relaxing vacation. Spent lots of time snoozin' in the sun on the beach and playing in the waves. Had great company and met some wonderful people from all over the world.
Would I go back to this resort? No
Was it terrible? No
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