gracecheung604 | write on time: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Work buddy Wednesday

Woke up this morning and ended up injuring my hand! I was trying to slide/flip my mattress and ended up with it crashing HARD down on my right hand. There is a company-sponsored social event tonight, and it's bowling at the Commodore and dinner. I guess some people will do anything out of putting on those funky bowling shoes. I showed the organizer and we decided that I would better serve the teams as the cheerleader! Had a lively debate over whether heat or ice should be applied over my bruise too. Decided to just ignore it and rub in a circular motion while wincing.
Dinner was at the Earl's downtown...it's really nice. For our group of 7, we ordered the two appies I loved, one Salmon and Tuna Roll and Dry Ribs! We ended up with more wings too, because it's Wing Wednesday.
After dinner, I drove my work-bff home as well as the IT manager...have to be nice to Help Desk aka sometimes Not-so-Helpful Desk.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Tuesday Already?

Long boring day at work, productive, but something's missing. I do like my job, but I wish I was more challenged. Oh, well, to make the day go by faster, I was looking forward to drinks with a friend @ Joey's...a nice Joie Rose...sounds much better with the proper accent...
Decided to head home to get caught up on all things 416/905...and at that time of night, would you believe I made it home from downtown in 11 minutes! But sure glad I did. Life is hard...and full of surprises...
Thinking I am going to make my soy sauce chicken, some wings, some hearts...with rice...Yeah, that will be good. Slept late tonight, hoping I can sleep through the night that way. We'll see!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Monday Blues

Had another portion of Shephard's Pie and CSI...hey, that RHYMES! And it's a good thing. I was having some blackberry wine I bought over the Labour Day weekend...and proceeded to spill it all and break the glass too. SIGH! I cannot wait for the day my lights are installed. It's pretty hard to clean red wine of black hardwood floors in the dark! That'll help you sober up quick!
I decided to take a Neo Citran and a NyTol...and slept from 11-3. Not exactly the peace I was looking for, but you take what you can get, right?

Saturday, September 26, 2009

TV Sunday

How much TV can a person watch? LOTS!! Saw Flash Forward today, and I 'heart' it! Reminds me of Lost but in a good way!! I enjoy my peace, but sometimes, I enjoy NOT being alone too. Maybe it's time to get a "woof woof"! :)

dimSumming Saturday

Yay, it's Saturday! Went to a cheap and cheerful dim sum place by my mom's place and the two of us had a great meal for $15! With leftovers!! What an awesome deal!
Also went to Michaels to check out foam boards for my headboard. I have much measuring to do...sigh.
Went home after to enjoy some wine and watched Russell Brand at NYC. He's hilarious!
Making steamed chicken and mushroom with rice. And maybe some quail too...hehe.

Friday, September 25, 2009

TGIF

Have a new friend at work...and we went for lunch at Joey's. We had a great time chatting...it was really fun. The chicken souvlaki wrap is really good, and their fries are even better!
Met up with co-workers for drinks at the Keg and had a great time. It is cool to make new friends.
Met up with another friend for dinner at Earl's and ordered their Spicy Pizza, and also took some of his Penne Alfredo...yum yum...
A good Friday. Slept early, want an early morning tomorrow.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Family time Thursday

Went for another stroll today during lunch and walked almost all the way to Hapa...nice to get out of the office during the day.Got home after work and changed to head out to dinner with the parents. Drove over and parked the car, and then we all headed to Les Faux Bourgeois for a yummy dinner! The food was fabulous, the wine was delicious, and the price...very reasonable. Dinner for 3 here was actually cheaper than dinner for the 3 of us last week at Cactus Club! We will definitely be back!
Went home to get my care package of dried chinese shitakes, cried scallops, cans of tuna, and tons of yam noodles. I *heart* my mom. Care packages are so sweet! Can't wait to make something yummy this weekend.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wings and Hockey Wednesday

Went for a walk with a girl at work today, and had a nice time. We walked to an optical store where she was going to buy her coloured contacts. We had a good chat.
After work, I went to shop for sunglasses after work, but decided that it’s really hard to spend your last $300 credit from your benefits…not to be renewed until March 2011…on sunglasses…when it’s September, and you live in Vancouver, where it won’t be sunny until March 2010!
So, despite getting a really good deal on a pair of Gucci’s, it was decided that if I didn’t LOVE it, then I shouldn’t get it. I could always pray for Santa to bring it for me.
Headed to Earl’s to watch the preseason game…ordered wings (because it’s Wings Wednesday!) and calamari as appetizers, then a full back of hickory ribs to share. Unfortunately, our not-so-pretty-to-be-that-dumb waitress skipped our appetizer order completely. We polished off the ribs and then had the wings for dessert instead. Good thing in a way, since we decided to skip the calamari altogether, only so many fried things at one sitting please.
Watched up to the 10-minute mark of the third period and decided to head home. Just didn’t think the Canucks could pull out of it.
Well, wouldn’t you know…in the 5 minutes it takes to drive home, the Canucks made it 3-2…we did catch the game-tying goal and the OT along with the shootout…so I guess it was alright. Should have known better to leave in the middle of the game…but we were out of vino…

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Tuesdays with Lime

Went to Lime on Commercial Drive after work and had a fabulous time! Food is great, atmosphere was cool, and they had a magician making the rounds! How cool is THAT? Oh, and Jack with Triple Sec...not bad at all! Just don't shake it :)

Monday, September 21, 2009

Mundane Monday

Decided that I would make something hot and spicy for dinner! So had to go and get fixings for my Pad Thai. Found my old recipe from an old cookbook and proceeded to chop away.
Oh, and taped so many shows I don't think my PVR can hold it all! House! Heroes! Leno! At least I'll have something to watch over the weekend. Oh, and remember...Flash Forward is the new Fringe, though there's nothing wrong with the old Fringe!
Chatted on the phone again and all caught up on doggie news...like how the dogs have trained the master to walk.
Pad Thai was a success and it's nice to cook something that takes longer to make than eat!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Studying Sunday

Headed to the Burnaby Public Library to get myself a new library card so I could borrow some books on home decor...got lots of good ideas! Aso headed to Save-On foods and bought myself a steak...sort of regretted only having chicken at home yesterday. Grabbed some smoked proscuitto, bean sprouts and yellow peppers for my salad tonight. It's going to be good. Dressing is actually from a Rachel Ray recipe book...mostly garlic, oil and a bit of mustard, easy and GOOD! THe smoked proscuiotto is a nice change of pace from what I normally get...a little drier.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Shopping Saturday

Had decided early last night that I needed to satisfy my BBQ Duck craving...headed to Congee Noodle House, and satisfied it! YUMMY!! Also went to T&T and bought myself enough meat to last a month...chicken wings, chicken thighs, chicken gizzards, chicken hearts, (and before you think I have some misguided grudge against chickens), pork short ribs, and quails. Now that I am home, I realized I should have bought some Shitake mushrooms and even some ground beef. Oh well...I will remember when I am back there, I'm sure.
Stayed home again and made my Soy Sauce Chicken with hearts, gizzards and wings, Super Yummy!
Fell asleep watching TNG...bliss...except bad kink in neck now!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Fun @ Home Friday

Had no dinner plans and just went home nice and early, with a plan to chill. Thought about going to a movie, but there's really nothing I wanted to watch...other than The Informant, and I refuse to go to movies on opening nights, unless I've won tickets, of course.
Stayed in and watched my MTV awards and other crappy TV. Oh well, not every weekend is going to be a great weekend. Enjoy the silence.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Tired Thursday

Barely slept last night, so called in sick this morning. I need to get better before I get back to work. I realize that I need to take my Symbicort more regularly...
Lunched at White Spot today because I really don't think I'm well enough to cook...yummy Chicken Caesar Wrap.
Had to blow off drinks with a friend tonight, since I never made it all the way downtown.
Ended the day with a drink at the Cactus close to home...
Made dinner at home and then realized that the solution to tiredness is an early sleep.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Waiting Wednesday

Talked to my stepdad today and decided on all the lights that I want to order! Can't wait for them to arrive.
Had dinner with a friend tonight at The Keg, and felt like the total pig...we both had the French Onion Soup, but I devoured my stead whereas he barely poked at his. Oh well, I guess I AM an oinker.
Feeling very asthmatic today...may call in sick tomorrow as I can barely breath when lying down. I don't think I have much due tomorrow so I think it might be the wiser choice.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Terrific Tuesday

Had a super busy but awesome day at work...feeling very productive there. Came home and didn't have to cook as I am heading out with my parents for dinner tonight!
They are coming over to review my lighting options (hilarious when you think that it's only a small box, less than 700 square feet), but it is what it is. Looks like all the lights, track, and dimmers that I want to get will be about $700...if I spend a bit more, maybe I could even qualify for the Homeowners' rebate...There's a thought.
Dinner at Cactus was fantastic...except we were served by the over-made-up girl from when I went last Wednesday, seriously scared that the mascara is going to flake off in my food! Made them order mini-burgers (perfect for three people), a salad and dry ribs. Still not enough, so we topped it all off with a spinach dip...yummy.
Came home and made it an early night...

Monday, September 14, 2009

Moody Monday

Was planning on grocery shopping after work, but the elation of losing weight has reinforced my resolve to diet. I think I do need a shopping trip to T&T to get some yam noodles though. Just need to remind myself not to buy BBQ Duck when I'm there! :)
So decided to head straight home to do some straightening...parents coming over tomorrow...Also chatted on the phone and got caught up on all things 416/905.
Watched mindless TV for hours (MTV Awards and new Jay Leno) and finally hit the sack around midnight.
Weaksauce

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sunny Sunday

Woke up to a message that my mom was standing me up! Instead of coming over to review lighting options for my place followed by dinner, she was heading into Point Roberts where we have a cabin. Sigh...decided to force myself to go to Ikea (yes, on an SUNDAY) and return the light that I didn't like. Waiting there seems like hell sometimes...just sitting there watching the number creep closer towards the ticket in your hand. Ended up buying some cushions, plates and candles, plus a vase for my kitchen utensils. Was looking for their wooden adjustable cutlery tray, but couldn't find it. I guess I'll have to keep looking elsewhere.
Went by Burnaby Mountain again, but it was so packed - not a single parking spot in sight! Grrr...headed back down the mountain and homeward bound. Sat on the common area outside my building, yes, I was determined to soak up the sun. Unfortunately, the shining star made playing on the DSi a little hard, sigh!
Stayed home for dinner and made myself some Shrimp Angel hair pasta, but instead of all pasta, I mixed some bean sprouts into it to hike up the veggie content and lower the calorie content.
Couldn't sleep so decided to build the candle holder I bought on clearance a few weeks ago...too late to return now.
Can't believe I've lost 4 pounds already this week...so Happy!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Shopping Saturday

Woke up this morning and decided to go shopping with my mom as planned! With my stepdad in tow, we hit a lighting store that had everything I wanted! I have enough ideas to spruce up my place now! I cannot wait for the light to be shone in my apartment. Strange though, because I want most of those lights to be on dimmers...hehe...
Spent the afternoon at Burnaby Mountain...bikini and sun...how quickly two hours can go by! Being alone is a little scary...can't fall asleep without keeping a hand on my purse.
Stayed home and had a dinner of bread with oil and vinegar...and a small smattering of dry ribs. Considering it's a weekend, and I'm still only eating ONE meal...I am feeling pretty good. Hoping I can keep this up for tomorrow.
No plans for lunch tomorrow, and maybe dinner with the parents...but if not, then I might just make my shrimp pasta...stayed tuned!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

NEVER FORGET / French Friday

Had a long day at work but the monotony was broken up by a lunch at Cactus Club. We both had Diet Cokes and the Rocket Salad...it's like we were twins...except I didn't finish mine, but he did.
Back to work and then chatted with the receptionist about getting eyelash extensions from Wink...sounded like a fun thing to do...but $65!?
Anyways, got home after work and napped a bit before getting ready for dinner. Friend came to pick me up in his "old man car" some Mercedes with a push button start and hard top...it's a nice car, but just not for someone in my age group!
Dinner was at Bistro Pastis...we got foie gras (guilty pleasure) and two tenderloins, pork for him, and beef for me. YUMMY.
Headed to Earl's for a drink and then home to bed. During drinks, he revealed that he didn't really forgot his smokes or wallet on Tuesday...he purposely came by to check on me, after my rather eventful weekend. I was so touched...so so so much so.
I am a lucky girl.

Thirsty Thursday?

Meeting an old friend for a drink at the new Coast. Considering it's so close to where I park, I'm actually shocked that I haven't been there more often. Just lunch once, dinner once, and now drinks once. Maybe they should open for breakfast!
Had a two-drink two-hour chillout with friend, and got stopped no less than FOUR times by someone saying HI...sigh...hate being the loser of the bunch. No one even messaged me! But got the best compliment..."you know your restaurant-biz, my dear", spoken by a resto owner no less. Damn straight I do!
Had an invitation to a Mexican art gallery opening at Emily Carr...but a girl can not just head out with less than 24 hours notice, so at home now and chilling with my French Rabbit. Dinner is the last of my leftovers, of which is the Blue Water tower and a bit of Shanghai Wonderful...either to eat or regrettably toss.

Funny Fursday

A Woman was out golfing one day when she hit the ball into the woods.
She went into the woods to look for it and found a frog in a trap.
The frog said to her, "If you release me from this trap, I will grant you three wishes." The woman freed the frog, and the frog said, Thank you, but I failed to mention that there was a condition to your wishes. Whatever you wish for, your husband will get times ten!"
The woman said, "That's okay." For her first wish, she wanted to be the most beautiful woman in the world. The frog warned her, "You do realize that this wish will also make your husband the most handsome man in the world, an Adonis whom women will flock to". The woman replied, "That's okay, because I will be the most beautiful Woman and he will have eyes only for me.." So, KAZAM - she's the most beautiful Woman in the world!
For her second wish, she wanted to be the richest woman in the world. The frog said, "That will make your husband the richest man in the world. And he will be ten times richer than you. " The woman said, "That's okay, because what's mine is his and what's his is mine." So, KAZAM - she's the richest woman in the world!
The frog then inquired about her third wish, and she answered, "I'd like a mild heart attack."
Moral of the story: Women are clever. Don't mess with them.
Female readers: This is the end of the joke for you. Stop here and continue feeling good.
Male readers: Please scroll down. The man had a heart attack ten times milder than his wife!!!
Moral of the story: Women are really dumb but think they're really smart. Let them continue to think that way and just enjoy the show.
PS: If you are a woman and are still reading this; it only goes to show that women never listen!!!

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Practice makes Perfect...

Miscellaneous Ramblings from one who knows:
  • If you put your mind to it, you've won half the battle.
  • No matter how hard you thought something was going to be, being committed to it makes it doable.
  • Dogs are a man's best friend. Unconditional love and all that...
  • Putting pictures on your cabinets may seem silly...but if it makes you happy...why not!?
  • Only if you love being alone can you give love in a relationship.
  • If you want to have the perfect relationship, stop looking for the perfect person, BECOME the perfect partner.
  • Laugh out loud, even if you are alone.

Wet Wednesday

Was all set to sleep at a decent hour when a friend with no smokes, no lighter and no wallet, messaged me to come down for a smoke. Being a good friend and a little curious how someone can forget so many things at once, I obliged. Turns out he left the smokes in one car and his wallet in another. Geez, tough life switching between 3 cars...decided to spare him a smoke anyways, but no more sympathy from me!
More to come...
Back home after work, and it's a perfect day for sleeping early...very dreary...
Since I've been home, I've been listening to soundtracks...Bridget Jones now, and maybe Princess Bride later. Or maybe more Cafe del Mar...
Having Oak Bay Marina's Lamb boiger for dinner...but probably not ALL the leftover fries.
Enjoying the silence.
QOTD: you are not a human being, you are being human for the time being.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Monday Blues on a Tuesday

Back to work and back to the grind. Left home a little early today due to the horror of kids going back to school. Not much to tie up in terms of loose ends at work from last week, but all new projects starting this week...onwards and upwards!
Didn't have time for lunch today, but realized that I had a wealth of leftovers. As I left the office, I bumped into two different friends that I didn't expect to see...both brought smiles to my face. On my drive home, I received a windshield freebie from a good Samaritan that felt so sorry for the crap on my windshield...all warm and fuzzy now.
Enjoying the peace and comfort of a life without drama. Had a great talk with my mommy, who managed to knock some sense to me, after a 70 minute conversation.
Going to finally tackle some of those leftovers...thinking a prawn from Blue Water (along with their yummy cocktail sauce) and a fried steamed bun (it's a chinese thing...we double process), a sticky rice roll, and some chicken steeped in wine from Shanghai Wonderful. Trying out the steamer/rice cooker now...wish me luck!

Monday, September 07, 2009

Happy Labour Day

After a whirlwind 110 hours, I am sitting in my own apartment again. But before amnesia reigns...let me blurt it all out now!
Places I've Been
  • Burnaby - Cactus Club
  • Granville Island - wuffles and meows
  • West Vancouver - Fraiche & Dundarave Pier
  • Downtown - Market @ Shangri-la
  • Robson - Guu
  • Victoria/Malahat - Aerie
  • Cowichan and Duncan Wineries
  • Victoria, Oak Bay - Marina Restaurant
  • Yaletown - Cioppino's & Goldfish
  • Richmond - Shanghai Wonderful
  • Gastown
  • Olympic Clock
  • Yaletown - again - Blue Water, R.tl...whew...

Things I have learnt...
  • Any YVR store will have dog stuff: food bowls, toys, etc.
  • Nuts live at the beach - like the one scrubbing his feet at the pier.
  • Izakaya crawls requires tremendous restraint at the first stop.
  • I drive in 40 mins what Google said takes 60 - but only at 6am!
  • Wine tours are best done when someone else is driving...
  • Breaking bread with a winemaker is a pretty cool experience.
  • Swartz Bay is far from Victoria.
  • I have to take ALL three skytrains to get to Yaletown,
  • I can get downtown via cab for $25, and no walking in the rain.
  • Cioppino is in his restaurant even on a weekend!
  • A seafood tower contains more food than expected: 10 oysters
  • Shanghainese Food is best in Richmond...even my mom agreed (when the dumpling burst in her mouth)!
  • Gastown really is a tourist trap...but strewn with furniture stores with pieces too big for tourist to lug home.!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Tapped Tuesday

I was backing into my usual spot at work and not paying attention...there was no one next to me either! There was a cement pole, and I only chipped some paint off, I hope. It didn't seem dented this morning, so maybe I will just go get a cut polish on that panel and buff it out. Sigh, gotta find my friend that knew someone, except he's in Toronto now. Thank goodness for email!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...