Faucet

My kitchen sink faucet went wonky. Some piece that holds it in place melted. My husband fixed it so no longer moves around. However, it's still oozing some weird black stuff. And my vegetable sprayer isn't quite working either. When you press on the sprayer, it sprays weakly and the faucet is still running. Whatever. There's water coming out, I couldn't care too much.

Of course, when something is "broken," I always go and look to see what replacements there are. I looked at IKEA taps. Potential but I'm not sure how sturdy they are. I went to some high end bathroom shop near my work area. Apparently, I have to see my car, my kidney and my soul to get one. However, I did see some Hansgrohe ones that seemed reasonable and sturdy. But at this time, it's more of a need than a want. Other things that my money needs to go to...but it doesn't mean I can't drool over the product.

Zits

My brother is a secondary school teacher. I can't say I envy him because I wouldn't want 24 teenagers, day in and day out. I think this year has been a good year so far. He says that he can usually tell if it's a crap class or not. He's pretty excited about teaching an all girls class for auto. No, he's not a pervert. But if anything, it's pretty empowering for women to know what to do with their cars, oil change, etc. I think that's awesome.

Of course, with high school comes with teenage angst, zits, drama and LOTS of drama. Then it's chat about what boy/girl likes me, my mom is such a drag, what is the best acne treatment, OMG...did you see what she did? I can't deal with that stuff. There's already enough drama at work, I don't want to welcome any more.

So, good on my brother on being able to teach and deal with that kind of stuff...because I sure can't.

Jeans

I picked up my newly torn jeans. I am so sad. They are, or should I say were my favourite pair of jeans EVER. No alterations. They actually fit properly. My ass didn't look king kong in size. I didn't have to hem them. I loved the colour. An extra reason why I loved them was because I got them on my trip to Chicago to see Oprah. Extra special memories.

Buying anything in my size and height is nearly impossible. Everything looks stupid. That's why I like schleppy clothes. Anyways, I digress.

Back to my jeans. Can you believe they ripped at work? I happened to be sitting down and I felt a draft. Didn't hear a sound or anything so it must have been earlier in the day. When I looked down, I noticed that I had a nice big tear where my crotch is. Professional eh? So, I had to spend the remainder of the day taking tiny geisha steps to get anywhere. I was hoping that if I didn't stretch out, no one would notice my underwear or my big tear. I got home ok, no one seemed to notice. Or if they did, they were nice enough not to embarass me more.

But as I look at my torn jeans, I can barely make myself throw them away. I'm not sure why. It's not like I can resucitate them back to life. But I can hope.

Driving

I'm a bit of a chicken driver sometimes. I like to go the speed limit. Sometimes I go above, but it's rare. I drive a little slower when it's raining, dark, foggy, snowy. I try to follow rules and drive sensibly. I'm also an early merger (hee, hee...Miss N., you'll SO get that reference). There are times I goof up, but I really do try to be conscious of my driving.

But when other idiots are out there and not paying attention, full on road rage by me. Too me, they're being irresponsible and putting everybody else in jeapordy in some form or another. Get my drift?

Today, I got caught driving behind a person that was driving slowly. Not 10 km below the speed limit or even 20km. In fact, this person was driving about 15 km....maybe. Ok, I'm no track athlete, but I have a feeling that I could have outrun that car today. I didn't bother honking because I was turning off very soon. But I just thought, how can you be that oblivious to all that's around you?

I'd hate to see that woman on the highway.....

Crown

Yep, I finally got one. No, not the golden ones that sit on my head, but indeed one for my tooth. And I must say, it's an experience I'd rather not have again.

Because it was my back tooth, I guess they had some weird angles to work with. My dentist is quite tiny, and I can not believe the amount of pain she inflicted on me. There was a moment where my mouth was free of hands and tools...I told my dentist that she's lucky she's nice. I didn't like her that much that day.

However, the pro of this situation is that I have a tooth that hopefully won't crack again. And it's ultra smooth!!

Book Heaven!

As mentioned, I recently won a book contest. This ended up being a great event! I went with my girlfriend...and we sat through about 3 hours worth of information in terms of books coming out in the fall and listening to authors speak. The book information were actually recommendations by the different book companies, i.e. Random House, DoubleDay, etc. The book companies basically print a gazillion books a year, but these were the ones that they felt was at the top of their list. Wow. There are a lot of great books coming out! I think my girlfriend and I were drooling at one point because we both had a ton of books we wanted to read from the list. I also got a chance to take note of some as Christmas gifts!

So, as a geek, an event like this is just awesome. But what I couldn't believe was the extras that I got! Everybody got to have breakfast there if they chose too. They had toasters set up for bagels, tons of pastries...heck, I had two. Tons of teas, coffees, etc. Nice touch.

When my girlfriend and I registered, we got prize bags with 3 different books inside. My girlfriend happened to get one book that she's been eyeing! How fun!!!

But the best part is what we walked out with at the end of the event! You see, at these "shows," the audience is actually made of people that work at bookstores, i.e. Chapters, Indigo, etc. They listen to the recommendations and from there, they determine what books to stock their shelves with. At the end of the event, these folks get to choose a couple of books to take home. We didn't get to pick books during the first and second choice times as we were contest winners and not actually staff. But when it was time for the free for all, we both scooped some books. I ended up bringing home 15 books (many hardcovers and that I'm actually excited to read). As well, I scooped up 6 signed copies of a book that's coming out for a United Way event. That should get some dollars. Yes, we were slightly miserable for 5 seconds because we didn't get some of the books we really wanted from the recommendations list. Then we told ourselves to snap out of it.

Maybe it's the Asian in me...15 books multiplied by an average of $20 per book...that's $300!!! So scored. And books...I could never get enough. Seriously. This event was Christmas for me.

Yawn.....

My kid is once again in Mandarin school, but she has a different teacher this year. She does things quite differently from the other one that my kid had. However, the kids in that class all pretty much speak Mandarin. It makes it a little harder for my kid to catch up.

So, the past week has been immersion week. I've been speaking to both of my kids in Mandarin a lot more. Whatever I can say and describe, I do. However, it's a lot for a little kid who is being immersed in a language so suddenly. I feel for her. But I also remember that the same thing happened to me and it turned out ok. I know it's been extra tough because there was 1 night that she wanted to quit. We had the little "I know it's hard, but you can't just quit" talk. And I do try to make it fun, incorporating some games, really giving her positive praise for being able to read the words, knowing her alphabet...or even just attempting the word. I want her to enjoy it. And I want her to enjoy the ability to speak to others in different languages.

She went to school this past Saturday and I guess the teacher had taught a lot. I walked in after class and she had her head on the table. At first I thought she was crying because she tends to do that position when crying. Well, I had such a good laugh because she had fallen asleep during class!! I know she had enough sleep the night before...but her little brain and body said enough is enough. Before everybody thinks I beat my kid into submission to learn a language, I don't. I think it's counter intuitive. I'd rather have her learn really slowly but actually enjoy it. And though I felt bad for her with the onslaught of this language, I know it'll pass. I've been through it, I get it.

So imagine my joy when she came out of her room this morning...and the first thing she said was "Good morning mommy, good morning daddy" all in mandarin and ever so effortlessly.

Dentist

I love my dentist. She's great! She always remembers me, always sweet and laughs at my stinking jokes. However, I didn't like her too much on Friday. I can't remember how many weeks ago, but I cracked my tooth while eating lunch. A filling was put in, but because it was so close to the nerve, the ideal fix was to actually get a crown.

Well, for those that have one already, wow...thank you for not telling me how terrible the experience is. I should say that I hated my hygenist that day too. I should have known it was going to be painful. I believe in signs. So, when the hygenist started to open my mouth and stuff some weird casting stuff in my mouth, I told her she had the wrong side. She basically didn't believe me. HELLO?!! I'm the one that broke my tooth. I have a bad memory, but I honestly do remember which side!

Anyways, I guess my dentist had to get rid of the filling and then patch the crown on top. Man, pain was the key word for the day. She was giving it. I guess I looked pretty bad...when I went to the front desk to pay for my "experience," she looked at me and said, "that bad eh?" Yep.

However, I did find it humourous when the dentist told me to use some toothpaste on the underside of my crown and then stick it back on my tooth if it ever fell out. Spackle and paste for the modern tooth.

Books

I love books. Reading is fun and it's so great to be transported someplace else. I try not to read historical or totally depressing books (i.e. Oprah's Book Club...ok, except for Eat, Pray, Love...that was worth every minute). But of course, there's limited time and energy to read. There are days when I pick up a book and can only get through 2 pages. I'm asleep by then!

I also love meeting authors of books too. So far, 2. That would be Belinda Jones (met for drinks and another lunch date) and Gabor Maté. He's a doctor that writes some pretty amazing books. And it was just neat to see him at a book reading, talk about his experiences.

So, imagine my glee when I found out I won a book contest. To non-book worms, this would be the worst event EVER. But at this event, I get to attend with book publishers to hear the newest books rolling out this fall. The authors of these books will also be there. I'm hoping that they'll discuss, read and answer questions from the crowd. If I remember correctly, they'll be a couple of authors.

I'm pretty excited. Or maybe my life is sad. Whatever side you want to pick. But I always find it so amazing how authors come up with their stories, what stage they were at in life when they created the book, and to see if they were what I imagined.

I'm dragging my girlfriend along too. She's being a great sport about it all. Or maybe, she just wants to get away from the office like me. =)

EECH.

You have a kid and you automatically start talking bodily function stories. OMG. WHY on earth do parents feel the need to describe the poo? Really. And I'm one of those that are guilty of this trait. However, I will spare you the details of poop, but I feel that I need to tell you a brief poop-like story.

I'm hanging out with my kids. I decide to take the youngest and put her on top of my shoulders. Well, soon as I plop her down, she lets out the biggest crap. Remember, her soggy ass diaper is on my neck now and it's WARM. You get the picture. The little kid started to giggle hysterically. Huh. It's like she planned it all along.....

So, imagine how scared I was to take her off and wipe my neck. I was really worried that my neck had crap on it and then my hand. Well, lucky for me, no stains, no pieces, etc. But boy, my neck smelled bad for a long time.

Mandarin

My daughter is currently taking Mandarin lessons. She's repeating last year and I'm so ok with that. First of all, she's young. Secondly, she doesn't speak Mandarin at home. It'll give her a better foundation to do better in this language. Sometimes things just work out. Just so happens that one of her bestest friends from her last daycare is in the Mandarin class too!

However, I realize I need to step it up. So, I've been speaking Mandarin at home. I've been using language games. I've been practicing the Mandarin alphabet and reading her homework with her. It's tiring for me. Must be difficult for her. But the thought of strawberry and cream jelly beans keeps her very motivated.

Most parents at the Mandarin school treat me very nicely. They know that my main Asian language is Cantonese. Though, I can read anything that is in the Mandarin alphabet and I can damn well understand what people are saying. I lack practice in speaking. So most parents take mercy on me and are patient with my Mandarin or they just practice their own English.

However, this first week of Chinese school, I was totally annoyed with this one chick. First of all, she was dressed to the 9s. I have no problem with people dressing well, but it seems so out of place when dropping your kid off at SATURDAY chinese school. However, that's judgemental on my part. But the one mother that I got to know this weekend (the mom of the same kid that is in my daughter's class) was so sweet to me, but she was also friends with the well dressed lady. So, while we're all there chatting, the lady in the 9s just chatted in Mandarin and totally would not address any comments to me. But the other mom that was sweet to me would talk to both of us.

I know the lady that was dressed well probably thinks I'm some loser banana. I know that if any parent brought their kid to a lesson that my kid was going to, I'd welcome them with open arms if they wanted to talk. We're all there for the same reason...to provide our kids with some lessons that hopefully will help them out in life. Maybe we could all learn a little something from each other.

I'll just ignore her completely next week. It'll make for a better Saturday.

Back to the Grind

Two weeks go by too fast. My "vacation" is over. I wouldn't necessarily call it a vacation because I didn't go anywhere. I would have loved the beach and some blue water, but this "vacation" was all about getting the kids integrated into their respective kindergarten/daycare. The oldest daughter has transitioned into her new daycare and kindergarten quite well. I hope she makes some great little frienships there. She's lucky that her large kindergarten class got split into a smaller one where she is one of 14 kids in the class. The one thing she loves so far is the Hip Hip Hooray cheer at the end! Gosh, how sweet that a cheer at the end of class would make her so happy. Let's try doing that at work! ROFL! I think I'd have pies thrown at me.

The youngest will actually start her daycare tomorrow. She's so ready. She was so upset today that we couldn't go. She whined through the whole shopping trip. But at least I know she won't need me much and will transition just fine too. She's been to her daycare and loves the toys. That's all it takes. =) But if anything, I got to have some special one on one time with her while her sister was in school.

Highlights of my 2 weeks off:

* Granville Island with the kids and my dad. It was actually stress free, I found free parking in a flash, and the kids were happy as can be with their little lollipops at the end of the trip.

* clearing out this one drawer that has been driving me mad.

* cleaning up a kitchen drawer that was also driving me mad.

* swimming with the kids.

* the weather was just stunning! Gave me an opportunity to just hang outside with the kids.

* blackberry picking by my house. Got about 4 lbs this week! Fresh and tasty.

* a ton of appointment out of the way.

* just hanging out.

Could I have accomplished more? For sure! But it was a good time to hang.

But I could have still used a beach, blue water and a good book.

Odd

Sometimes my kids come up to me and tell me how scared they are. Who knows...sometimes it's a loud noise, a strange shadow, or just their imagination gone wild.

So, imagine my suprise when my youngest kid told me she was scared. She loves coasters, loves opening doors while mom is driving on the highway at 110km, jumps into the pool with no thought that she could drown...she hasn't taken lessons yet except whatever I've taught her, will run into the unknown all the fricken time. If there's something that her older sister is scared of, you know the youngest one is more than happy to try it.

So, my two kids were sitting in front of their computer playing a game. And my youngest starts howling about how scared she is. I thought maybe I had gotten them on some horror site. But no, my older daughter was playing a game where Strawberry Shortcake was riding a pony. Really? That's scary? Wow. Maybe I should threaten her with having to watch that game instead of a time out if she's behaving poorly.

Friday

On Friday, I had the opportunity to have a wonderful night out with a past manager. We had dinner at the restaurant and ended up staying for 4.5 hours! That's a lot of yapping.

But the beauty of that night was to see her as a mentor. As a previous boss, I found her easy to deal with. It's not that she let me get away from anything. But she was a full supporter of me (and many other employees) but expected that all work was completed. Because work was completed, she never had an issue with me.

Being able to talk to her about life and just work experiences was amazing. She really gave me some good insight, some great advice and she was just an amazing sounding board. It's moments with her like this that I truly miss her at work. I also think that much of our department misses out on her leadership.

It's people like her that make you think that there are some great managers out there. One that can bring out the best in everybody and tries to empower them as much as possible. Pretty rare this day and age.