Settling the North

Garden update

2009-06-27T09:22:00.001-07:00

Broccoli emerging.
Hutterite soup bean
Ditto
Beets. Only 7 of them came up.
Sweet potato that started to sprout in my pantry.
Sugar snap peas...
Garden #2, new this year. Broccoli, peppers, soup beans, cabbage, tomatoes.
Garden # 1: onions, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, sweet potato, basil and parsley.

Basement Reno

2009-06-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

I found this where Pete had to pour some new cement. :D
Pete using the jigsaw to make the subfloor fit around the bathroom pipes.
Dimpleboard and subfloor.
we completely gutted the basement except for the fireplace. we had help from some friends-Reg, Dan and Kevin, but I failed to get any pictures of them.
Pete had a ball with the jackhammer.
what used to be the wall of a storage closet under the stairs.

looking through the bathroom into the kitchen.

confessions

2009-05-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

Pete and I have talked about having a baby. Of course, since we've been married almost two years and we're both in our 30's. It's the natural time to have a child, and if we want one we can't wait too long.

I just have never been one of those people who longed to have children or dreamed about what I would do with my own kids. I am more the kind of person who is happy with less responsibility and noise rather than more. I have trouble properly taking care of myself, and while I love taking care of my husband (he takes care of me too), it's about as much work as I want to handle right now.

I don't think everyone that is married should assume that they need to have kids. I don't know if I deserve to have kids, or if I will be a caring enough mother to them or provide adequate protection to them from this crazy messed up world. And I get frazzled really easily these days, mainly because I'm stressed by my implacable thankless job. But I do not handle stress well.

I don't want to yell at my kids or retreat into a room while they destroy the rest of the house simply because I can't take it. I don't want to be snappy, pouty, and barely just coping. I feel like I'm all of those things these days just from having a job, which is way easier than being a mom.

I want to be wise, composed, happy and balanced. I want to have time for my family and friends and time to get my work done and just relax and be happy. I want to cook healthy food, and pursue a few hobbies as well, like vegetable gardening and painting. I want to have time to get stuff done so I don't wake up in the middle of the night and toss for two hours because my head is spinning with stuff that needs to get done. From what I've heard from my mommy friends, that is not really an option.

As our second anniversary is getting closer, I am thinking about having kids. I expected that there would be this dawning readiness and desire to have kids that would mean it was the right time. But my desire for kids has not changed. It scares me that there are so many reasons not to have kids.

I know I want kids, and I think it would be cool to have one that looks kind of like me and a little like Pete all at the same time. Or to adopt a child that looks nothing like either one of us. That is my little rant. Can you tell I'm exhausted and fed up with my job? And scared as ever about the future. I know, I know...

2009-04-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

I went to the Toronto Blooms show.
Some whole grains I am experimenting with.
What are they looking at?
Yes, my kitties watch TV.
Rachel.
Maggie.

2009-04-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

I am reading the latest issue of Canadian House and Home. If I were to pore (pour?) over this type of magazine on a regular basis, I would be so dissatisfied with my home and my social life. Who, I repeat WHO has a house that looks like any of the houses in the magazine? Only really rich people, and the main readership for this kind of magazine is the middle class individual... it's designed to make you dissatisfied with your own home so you'll buy more stuff!

I am glad for the real-life role models in my life who are less than perfect (I know, no one is perfect but some people seem perfect to me, and they are not my role models). I sometimes have the tendency to expect myself to be perfect and that makes me very stressed and flustered when my flaws come to the surface.

Last Sunday, we had my in-laws over for lunch and I made my first ever roast beef Sunday dinner. Growing up, that was not a tradition in my family, but it was in Peter's and he and I did the work together. It turned out ok, except the potatoes and carrots were a little hard (who knew you had to boil them before baking them?) and the meat was tough. I got so flustered and mad at the carrots and potatoes. Now I'm embarrassed because I got all flustered and grouchy and it wasn't really that big of a deal. By the way, my in-laws are not "the in-laws"; they are really cool and I love them.

Update on the job/career: it's still crazy but our team managed to squeeze out some good feedback so we know that we're doing some things right. It's still really high pressure in other ways. I keep telling myself that I just need to accept it instead of fighting it every day. My attitude can go a long way in making my job more enjoyable.

As a profession, dietitians often are women with confidence issues and we can sometimes let ourselves be walked on. I am finding that as I gain experience, I am less willing to take guff and rudeness from people. It's because I know that I know the facts and don't have time to waste on those who don't appreciate it or benefit from it. I also know how to talk to people without being rude or condescending.

I will leave you with a comment I made to one of my fellow dietitians after a particularly difficult week: "It seems to be the in thing for everyone to hate dietitians these days. Well guess what everyone? I hate you too!" I have kind of a knee-jerk sense of humor sometimes.

Rambling on...

2009-03-18T19:44:00.001-07:00

I wonder if organic farmers are as frustrated as dietitians at consumer's short attention span and need for instant gratification. For instance: cheaply produced chicken flies off the shelves at cut-throat prices, while the organic chicken costs more and is less popular, albeit being better for you and almost assuredly worth the extra money. There is probably some price gouging going on but it does cost more to grow healthy chickens.

Don't ask me what kind of chicken I buy. It's about to change.

I have learned this about myself in the past few years: that if I don't believe in something 100%, I can't be passionate about it. So I'm asking myself a lot of questions such as whether what I do for a living is actually benefiting, or is the best way to help people. I'm having doubts, and therefore find myself working without passion.

I'm also a slightly jaded realist (with flashes of optimism). So I'm able to keep doing something I don't fully believe in because I need a job. I don't know if I would go for my dream if I even knew what it was. I crave the stability of a bi-weekly paycheck.

I have a strong inclination to tell everyone of my clients to quit their jobs, buy a house in the country, grow vegetables, chickens and cows, and stop stressing about stuff that's going to raise their blood pressure (or worse). But not even I have the guts to do it. I just crave a more simple life...that also includes high speed internet and cell phones and airplanes and washing machines and ... you know, simpler.

a rant from a dietitian's perspective

2009-03-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

so many people have their own theory on nutrition, just the way some people think they can make up their own religion, picking and choosing theories that sound right to them. i spend so much time being preached to about nutrition and corrected by know-it-all patients during my nutrition sessions. these people will listen for one minute only after spouting off for 10. i much prefer the patients who say, no thanks, i don't want to talk about nutrition because they don't want to waste my time or their own.

and i would quit my job if i had a dollar for everyone that's sat across from me AFTER we have finished our session and told me that "i think my diet is pretty good; i know all about good nutrition." aiieee!!!!!!!!!

in my few years of experience, i've learned a lot about being culturally sensitive, sympathetic, not sounding condescending, meanwhile making relevant recommendations that are realistic. i know not to spout off too much technical mumbo jumbo and lose someone. i know to pick my battles and not try to change someone in 25 minutes. i know that nutrition is 85% common sense, and most people have some clue about what a healthy diet looks like. but i feel like i have to be a shrink, counsellor, mentor, encyclopedia and personal chef advisor! by the time i'm done doing all that, i'm exhausted, and quite frustrated. and in the end, some of them have the gall to politely tell me they knew it all already and didn't really need me to help them.

my frustration with the field of dietetics is growing. it has to be one of the most under-appreciated allied health specialties, and my colleagues agree with me on this. part of it is that verbal counseling in a sterile office on something as emotional, complex, and tortuous as the western diet is not enough for most people to bring about change. words are too easily forgotten; people forget some crazy number like 75% of what they hear within the first 10 minutes.

the irony is that someone who sells expensive nutrition gimmicks or unhealthy diet programs sees raving popularity. people are willing to go to extremes but unwilling to make a few simple changes. we are a twisted species!

February

2009-02-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

We went to Niagara Falls with Pete's brother and his wife.

You can get a bit of perspective on how much snow we had. It snowed a few more times on top of this.
The cat climbing toy Pete and I built. They can climb up the inside of the tube because it's also carpeted. Catalina is the only one brave enough to go down head first.

This post is for Cherie and Jeremy, who remind me that the same old post is still there whenever I talk to them. I really miss you guys.
Winter anywhere north of Kentucky is brutal, and even though I lived in Chicago for 5 years, I am not used to the winter, and I don't think I ever will be no matter how long I live north of Kentucky. Come to think of it winter was brutal in Kentucky this year too. My brother and sister in law lost power for 9 days because of it. My point being, winter takes it out of you even if you don't realize it until later. We have had some really beautiful snow, lots of it! The darkness is the worst though, and the cold. We had a few warmer days last week and I couldn't believe how much more energy I had when I felt the warm breeze. So that is my excuse for not blogging. Just before I mercifully abandon weather as a topic, I would like to add that bears have the right idea.
On to more Canadian topics, I am happy to report that I have converted from Starbucks to Tim Horton's. The Canadian in me is crowing proudly. I relayed this tidbit to Pete the other day and he shrugged! I guess I was expecting him to drop what he was doing and give me a big bear hug. Hmph. I'm not addicted though. Don't worry.
The three kitties are doing well. They love going outside, but hate any kind of precipitation. They waste no time in telling us when they wish to go outside. After putting up with the whining, I open the door. They are met with a blast of cold air, and maybe some snow. They quickly retreat back into the warm house. Two minutes later they optimistically approach the door and begin to meow loudly again. They either have very short memories, they believe the weather changes at an astounding rate, or they simply lack the concept of object permanence. I know it isn't the last one because they can find the jingly fuzzy cat toy no matter where we hide it.
I'll post a few pictures from some of the goings on of the past few months:
Well it wanted to put the pictures at the top so there you go!

My trip to Chicago

2008-11-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

The city of big shiny beans.
This is a very special person. I miss Teri.
This one too (Su).
I was so thrilled to see Amy...
My little brother Dave. Over the years he has developed a keen reflex of never being in the position where I could swing around and plant a kiss on his cheek. Notice the firm grip he has on my shoulder. Believe me, I tried.
The massive Christmas tree in Daley Plaza and the crane they're using to put it together.

2008-10-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

hi again! sorry to those of you who check and have to look at the same old post over and over. really, if you want to know what i'm up to at any particular time, it looks like this: Monday- Friday:
breakfast, run to train, work workworkwork, run to train, get home, scrounge up some dinner, watch tv, go to bed, repeat. with a few variations. i know, i know, i'm the only person who is so unlucky to be overworked and not have spare time. that's why i'm writing this; i need some pity.

last weekend we added a new family member. we can't agree on a name yet, but i call her tiny. we went to a farm nearby and picked her out. don't blame me! pete wanted another cat! she adds more joy and laughter to our house.

i miss my girl friends though! some days i just feel like crying at odd times because of missing them!

2008-10-07T20:03:00.001-07:00

In the last two weeks, I have had visitors both weekends. My parents swung by on their world offspring tour (well, they only visited 3 out of 4 of us). They were here for John and Johanne's wedding shower. Here is Johanne with her parents and mine. John came by the following weekend, and we hung out Saturday. Johanne works at a nifty little place called Supperworks, which services I am sorely in need of, so we went and partook. We came away with the main entree of 14 meals for Pete and I. Now all I have to do is add side dishes and voila! All in all, great to see everyone again!

Pears in September

2008-09-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

A month now... I guess if there was one title for the past month, it would be: PEARS. We have a pear tree, and it was loaded!!! I gave away so many pears, to people who gave them to other people. I took them to church, work, neighbors and barbecues. I started getting worried that people would see me coming with more pears and hide! I made pear jam, chutney, crisp and sauce. I still have some but they're rotting. I think I have my mother's issue with throwing away food that's not rotten yet. Wait until it's rotting, I say! My compost heap is FULL of pears; our compost pickup guys got a big load of rotting pears last week.

The pears, incidentally were very delicious. It's not just because I think so; others told me so as well. I'm glad we have a pear tree. Not sure if I'm ready for it to be so industrious next year. But having to use up the pears before they rotted (some of them at least) made me get to work trying out new pear recipes.

I realized even more that I love cooking and baking, especially when it's something that comes from my own back yard. Oh to be a chef. I need a break from telling people how to eat. I would rather cook for them and make them pay me for it. People do better when you make healthy eating convenient, than when you tell them what to eat and what not to eat.

It's September... I remember the melancholy song "Wake me up when September ends." Not sure what it's about but it reminds me of Chicago in the fall. Grey Saturdays with wind blowing leaves across the sidewalks, and remembering what it's like to need a sweater after the long summer. I miss Chicago and all that that time in my life represents. Now I'm rambling because I'm tired!

My parents are coming up this weekend. We're busy cleaning; it helps knowing that by Thursday night the house has to look presentable. Daunting!!! After nearly 3 months in our home, it's still pretty messy!

Oh, and laundry NEVER ends. I was convinced that when I was single, it was all I could do to take care of myself. Now I'm married. ;P Having kids is out of the question! How do people do it?!?!?

Ah well, I hope it's not another month before I post again!

2008-08-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you met yourself as another person (ie, Jill, meet Jill.) Would you have much to talk about? Would you like that person? Would you believe what they said? Would you want to hang out? Unless I freaked out and ran away, I think I would ask her how she was feeling. Would I get the truth? Then maybe I'd stand back and ask myself if her thighs were really all that bad. Maybe I could give her some hair and clothing advice, since I could see her from the side and back. Hanging out would be interesting. We could discuss all our insecurities and not feel judged. We could compliment each other without being narcissistic. Then we could do all the things we love to do, because they would be exactly the same! Hmmm... maybe I should clone myself.

My Garden; then and now pictures

2008-08-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

My first ripe tomato. I won't pick it until it's reallllly red!!! Anyone want to come help me eat them?

Onions
Tomatoes

Carrots

2008-08-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been two months since I last posted. This house has kept us pretty busy and tired. But it's coming along! And of course we have to watch the Olympics every night! Of course...

Work has been very busy! Our company keeps growing and hiring new staff is something that lags behind a lot. No real complaints though. I take the commuter train to work now that we live 2 blocks from the station. I am blissful at how much better my commute is now than before... The commuter train is above ground and goes through a big wooded part of Toronto that I guess is protected because it's quite convincing that you've entered the wilderness. I can stare out the window, or read a book, or do my makeup if I'm running late, or take a nap with my mouth hanging open, and wake up to the passengers across from me looking slightly embarrassed.

I guess I'd better go take some pictures of the house and garden as the look now. I'll post them right away. *cough*

We bought a house!

2008-06-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

It's a semi-detached. I call it half a house.
Our lovely back yard. This was taken on our first trip to check it out.
Finally, a vegetable garden.
I think I look quite flexible here.
Garden photos, in no particular order. My sister came, we had a great weekend.
Back at the apartment I had started a few seedlings.
Random instertion- our one year anniversary, and the flowers Pete got me.

We closed and got the key on our first wedding anniversary! We'll be moving in by the end of the month, Lord willing. Right now we are waist-deep in renovations. We spend hours upon hours inside Home Depot and Rona... trying to find what we want amongst mind-boggling options. It's hard to pick up one tile and know how it would look all over a room. However, we've made many choices, and the tiles are going in. Last weekend was spent in the garden with my sis and hubby. Ahh... my glorious vegetable garden. It's tantalizing because we still live a good 30-45 min away from it (in traffic), so I only get out there on weekends. But it's not like I need to water. The weather took notice of my poor neglected garden: it's been raining every other day, practically.

we took a trip...

2008-05-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

the mewer wanted to come too.
this is the house we bought. just kidding!!!
a great tree.
an awesome big waterfall in a park in pennsylvania. and my tiny husband.
weeeeeee...
yes we were there! we kept driving around but couldn't find dunder mifflin.
paula and adam

2008-05-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am taking the Canadian RD exam tomorrow. Somehow, I am pretty apathetic about it. Lately being a dietitian has seemed very wrong and unrewarding. The nagging thought that I wasn't cut out to be one keeps persisting.

2008-04-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

just finished watching the movie Grease, which was on tv. only caught bits and pieces, but it does such a great job of getting that feeling across. the feeling of being young and hopeful for what lay ahead, mainly in the realm of boys... but you know? the excitement of falling in love and having someone who takes your breath away.

Our cats have their own way of getting along.

2008-04-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

Catalina weighs 7 lbs and Crabman weighs 12. Not really a fair fight! (Yes, we weigh our cats.)

Ramblings on Dreams and Reality

2008-03-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

I just want to express my deep admiration for those of you who are doing what it takes to fulfill a dream. It takes courage. To dream, never mind the chasing. What do you have if you don't have a dream, they say.

I don't know if I have a dream... but I have a lot. That's a whole 'nother story. Maybe a dream is something that is born inside you. I am more of a realist. I dreamed as a kid, too much probably. When the real world reared up and hit me (starting in 7th grade), I determined that I no longer wanted to be ignorant of reality, which at the timed seemed mostly ugly. Keeping up with reality... paying attention, surviving, has taking a lot of energy over the years. Maybe if I'd let myself be a little more dreamy (if that's even possible) I would have a dream.

Maybe I just like security too much. Ya, I think that's the one. Now I feel pretty secure, and I'm happy about that. I have a steady job and no debt. So does my hubby. Knocking knocking on wood. We look at houses. We talk about having kids some day. We talk about staying healthy by exercising and eating right. But following dreams, that conversation is harder.

First of all, to dream, you have to be like a sniper, shooting down all the reasons-why-not before they destroy the dream altogether. It also helps to have an attention span longer than a gnat's because dreaming takes TIME. Then you have to be willing to take risks. I don't consider myself a risk taker (I did get married though). Then you have to work like heck and not worry about regrets, something I constantly work on!

That is my tutorial on how to dream. Do not take this post to mean I am going to give birth to a grand dream. But... I hope I don't kill it if one pops up for some reason.

I'm 30!

2008-03-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

It hasn't hit me yet. I don't have time to be hit. I go to work, come home, find food, go to bed, get up and go back to work. The last two weekends Pete and I have been out of town.

On my birthday, Pete took me to a lovely restaurant called Michael's on the Thames, in London Ontario. The atmosphere was relaxed, unhurried and cozy, and I got serenaded with an accordion, no less! The food was spectacular. They make certain dishes right in front of you. Like Caesar salad, and peach flambe, complete with big flames and all. It was awesome...

Now to get myself organized again. Eating healthy is a huge challenge when working full time! I wonder why it is so hard to follow my own nutrition advice. If only my clients knew how much better than me they are eating... well some of them anyway.

I must be off to bed. I have never felt the beginnings of a sore throat whilst still recovering from a cold... winter is killing me. I need a break!

2008-02-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

I think the older I get, the more of my own flaws I become aware of... These days I have been noticing a lot of them. The problem is I tend to dwell on things a little too much. I will find myself feeling bad about something I've long since stopped thinking about and it takes me a minute to remember why I'm feeling bad. Remarkable, huh? I have to remind myself that I've been forgiven by the only person who really matters. But it doesn't stop me from wanting to be a little more perfect.

I also find myself missing small town America, not to mention just plain old country side. There is a dearth of that around here. Lots of "semi-detatched" houses, meaning sandwich houses, stretching for miles and miles into the suburbs. Or should I say kilometres. I miss just taking a weekend to drive to Lawrenceville and have a rural experience, spending every waking minute with friends and family to sooth my nerves before heading back to the big city. I miss the friendliness of mid-westerners, the camaraderie of knowing people and being part of a community. At the same time, I want to feel at home here and I want to like it here. I just think that's going to take a little while.

My job has been great. I like the fact that I work hard and come home, not trailing a ton of work and stress behind me. I like my co-workers. They hail from all over the world. So do my patients. We get regulars from England, South Africa, Bermuda and the US.

I miss speaking in Spanish. I miss horchata, salsa fresca, Lake Shore Drive... I miss my old co-workers (not my old job, mind you!) I miss just hanging out with my girlfriends in the Chicago apartment or out at a restaurant. I am sounding very pathetic. Bear with me! I am just slowly realizing the changes that have happened in the last year. Things don't hit me right away.

Maybe I should dwell on what I don't miss: my old job, seeing Pete only once a blue moon, spending lots of time alone, living on a very loud street, annoying neighbors; can't really think of anything else though!

Well that's it in a melancholy nutshell. I am feeling a little blue.

2008-02-17T14:49:00.001-08:00

My office and the views therefrom...

2008-02-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

Notice the CN Tower peeking out?

2008-01-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

Not much new here. Still like my job though! And I got a new office that's bigger, and has a view of the CN Tower peeking out from behind another building. Since we're on the 15th floor, it's pretty windy, so when it snows it looks like a regular blizzard out there. Kinda cool! The commute is getting long. I miss the Chicago trains that are mostly above ground until you get downtown. You get a good sense of the neighborhoods you are passing through. But it's probably less hassle for everyone else if the train is underground! Here the subway only peeks out twice briefly, before diving back underground. Probably a good thing cause it makes me read. People regularly eat and drink (coffee, usually) on the subway here.

AAhh who knew I would end up living in Canada? Sometimes I still find it hard to believe. Like every time I type "fiber" into my notes at work and the computer corrects me because it's really spelled "fibre". What?!?!?! And "centre" and "colour". Gah. I also really miss Reggaeton, the Puerto Rican music so popular in Chicago.

Home for New Year!

2008-01-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

Me and my man. One of the few pictures in which he is not purposely making a weird face.
Frosty Fauna, somewhere in Michigan.
Crossing the Wabash River on the Wabash Cannonball Bridge, which used to be a train bridge. You have to pay a $.50 toll if you're going from Illinois into Indiana, but on the way back it's free. No this is not the only way to my parent's house, ;P but we think it's fun.
Our family picture. We were all freeeeezing, so instead of try for a better picture, we said good enough and ran inside!
Dave.
John, holding one of the hugest, fluffiest, friendliest cats I've ever known.
Paula and Adam.

2008-01-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

I am looking for my camera. I have been wanting to post with some new pictures from Christmas and New Year but can't seem to get it together. I started my new job yesterday, and it's going pretty well. It's going to be a challenge with the long commute, but I like the job so far! I'm going to have an office with a window on the 15th floor downtown! Wow, I feel important.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

2007-12-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

I got hockey skates! I suddenly feel very Canadian.
My favorite gift this year! Pete got this little one from the vet and tied a ribbon around its neck for me this morning. I was totally surprised! He always manages to blow me away!

We had a wonderful day with family, laughing, watching, remembering and teasing. And we get to do it all again in two days with the rest of the family that couldn't be here today!!!! I am so excited! Two Christmases in one! And my cousin found out yesterday that she and her husband can buy their tickets to go pick up their newly adopted daughter! God is good.

2007-12-20T16:35:00.001-08:00

I got him a catnip toy which he LOVES... He licks it and rubs his face on it and chases it around. It's very entertaining!

2007-12-20T16:31:00.001-08:00

We got lots of snow!!! About one foot. I tried to take a walk. It was more like a snow-march/slog. I love it when it snows!

2007-12-20T16:28:00.001-08:00

The gingerbread house my nieces helped me to decorate.

2007-12-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

Crabman has discovered the cursor and is on alert as it makes its way across the screen. But a sniff test has conclusively proven that it's not a swattable prey, how boring! That can only mean one thing. Time to investigate the crevices between the couch and the cushions, scattered with intermittent episodes of bathing.

Crabman, we love you!

More about Canada

2007-12-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

I've lived here for six months now, so some of the things that were different before are starting to seem more normal. But I still notice some things:
1. No mail service on Saturdays
2. You can't buy alcohol at grocery stores. You have to go to special liquor stores (at least in Ontario) and are expected to return empty wine, beer, whatever bottles for a deposit.
3. On the same note, there are so many micro-breweries around here that they actually have so many different kinds of local beer. Really quite cool.
4. Fruits and vegetables are about the only things that are cheaper in Canada.
5. Canadians have an identity crisis. There are so many immigrants, each identifying with their originating country/culture. Those who have been here for many generations feel bitter towards the US but also know that a large part of their culture and identity come from their neighbor to the south. Other than hockey and drinking beer, I don't really know what makes Canada different. The monarchy maybe? French?
6. Clothing stores in Toronto offer more hip, European-influence clothing than in Chicago or wherever else I've gone clothes shopping in the US.
7. Everyone knows how to ski and does so year round.
That's all I can think of now...

Mis banderas; My flags; Mes drapeaux

2007-12-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

2007-12-06T06:27:00.001-08:00

My dietitian stuff finally came through! Praise the Lord, I won't have to do any extra continuing education to meet their requirements. And my former employers finally sent in the employment verification forms. So now I'm a member of Dietitians of Canada, and College of Dietitians of Ontario. !!!!!! My last obstacle is to pass the RD exam in May. And find a job.

I had a job interview on Tuesday with a health care provider downtown. It's only my second interview since moving to Canada. I think it went well, but it was only a preliminary interview, and if they are still interested, they'll call me back for another. If I get the job, I would be commuting by car and subway! ;) Once I get off the subway downtown, it's about four blocks to the building. Oh, and there's some pretty swell shopping down there too ;).

On the way home I met a girl who was a painter. She gave me a flier for an art show she had some pieces in. I love going to art shows. Let's see if I get out and see it.

Right now it's time for me to start studying. I have to re-learn all my lab values as they use SI units here vs mg/dL in the US. And I kind of have to pass the RD exam.

2007-12-04T06:46:00.001-08:00

This picture was taken way back when Pete came down to visit me the first (or second?) time. We went to Navy Pier and decided to go up in the ferris wheel even though it was really cold!!! This is taken somewhere near the top. There may have been only 4 other people on the wheel with us that day! I think I was scared that he would try to kiss me. ;P

Crabman

2007-11-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well, we have officially named our cat- Crabman. (He has a mysterious past and he's friendly). Although he's kind of strange. During the day he naps for hours at a time, and comes out to eat. He's very skittish. Even the smallest movement will send him scampering under the bed. Sometimes he gets so scared that he actually does the running-in-place-thing for a few seconds before his paws get traction on the vinyl floor. At night, he's a different creature. Just as we're trying to go to sleep, he jumps up on the bed and decides it's time to fight with anything that moves, including the covers or any exposed limbs. If we ignore him, he breaks out his repertoire of different-sounding meows. This usually gets him kicked out of the room. Oh well. We love him anyway.

We have a cat!

2007-11-24T19:30:00.001-08:00

We adopted a "stray" that was hanging around my sister-in-law's house. It is really friendly, so I wonder if it had previous owners. Anyway I'm very excited to have a new member of the family and hoping it works out ok with no major problems. This is an eerie picture of him.

2007-11-22T13:50:00.001-08:00

2007-11-22T13:45:00.001-08:00

It's snowing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful fluffy flakes of white snow floating down through the air. I have been inspired to make fruitcake for the first time in my life. It's Christmas season! Wahoo!!! I'm at home in my cozy apartment, I'm going to bake while watching the snow fall outside our windows. Light the candles! Deck the halls! Hang the mistletoe! Happy Holidays everyone!

What makes a friendship real and strong?

2007-11-22T11:35:00.001-08:00

Needing each other in some way, big or small. Sometimes caring is not enough. Marriage is stronger when the couple needs each other. But it tends to weaken other friendships. Or maybe that's just my perspective because I've also moved far away from my friends. I don't want my friendships to weaken. The friends I have had up until now are treasures that can never ever be replaced. I don't think I've lost them but it's hard to stay in touch. The friendship grows more slowly I guess. I have wonderful memories of moments spent with these friends, and we were as complete as a family. I love them and I miss them! Here's to many more precious memories in the future! Oh and Happy Thanksgiving America!

2007-11-20T19:07:00.001-08:00

Antonia is a "creative" girl. She likes to cook. Creatively. Antonia doesn't always like to follow directions. She is a culinary genius. She puts her talent to work on dinner for new husband. Husband shall be healthy and content after scrumptious healthy dinners each night of the week.
Husband sits down to supper. Gazes dolefully at plate full of creative dinner. Takes deep breath and faces the inevitable. Each forkful is a study in perseverance and silent suffering. Antonia notices long pauses between hubby's bites of food. Starts giggling. Shakes with laughter. Husband laughs, relieved, no longer having to hide his dismay. Antonia has light bulb moment. Realizes recipes books offer untapped potential in realm of creative cooking. Acknowledges the benefit of having a McDonald's across the street. Admits she is a dietitian with years of cooking experience.

(For the record, though, I thought it was pretty good and I still love to cook. It's just more fun when someone besides yourself thinks it's yummy. Less awkward, too.)

2007-11-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Pete and I were in Montreal last weekend for a Bible conference. The people that my mom grew up around and went to church with were very welcoming to me. They seemed glad that I now live in Canada, and people kept coming up and saying hello and congratulations, and "I can tell you're her daughter, you look just like her." It was a treat to see and talk to some of my cousins too, who over the years I have seen very seldom and don't know too well. I guess I have strong roots in this country, after all.

2007-11-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

We just got back from visiting my sister. Being at the beach with my two favorite people was the refreshment I needed. It was lovely!

2007-10-31T09:57:00.001-07:00

I am going out of my mind with boredom! That combined with frustration at what I posted about earlier, not good at all!

AAAAAAhhghghghgh

2007-10-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

I am unsuccessfully trying to get my former employers to cooperate with me and mail back a very simple form. I've conveniently mailed it to them along with an addressed, stamped return envelope. I need this form to be able to work in Canada. I've even coached them repeatedly by phone. But nooooooooo that's too much to ask. It's better to just blow me off because eventually I'll just go away and stop bugging them, right? WRONG!!!!!!!! Haaaaahaaaa haa!!!! I dare you to not write three words, fold a paper, lick an envelope and walk over to the mail box. If you don't I will be forced to make a trip to Chicago, and guess what? It's Halloween and I shall have to resort to the TRICK. Uh huh. I will smash your jack-o-lantern and take your candy. They're out to get me! Ahhhaa!!!

The adventures of Mr Pumpkin...

2007-10-06T22:25:00.001-07:00

2007-10-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Towering branches
Dappled leafy sunlight
Tree cathedrals.

What is up.

2007-10-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've written here... pictures are worth 1000's of words you know! I have been applying to different jobs, as I have faith that my papers are a green-light for me to start work. So far, though, I have been to one open house which turned into and interview. I learned that they don't have a job opening in my region at this time. However, getting resumes sent out is an accomplishment, for now.

The last two days have been overcast and gray, with no other hint of rain. I have been sick for the past few days, feeling very tired. I am enjoying all the lovely gifts from friends near and far that we received for our wedding. Having time to do house work, explore cooking, read books, and meander around town occasionally is such a relief. But there's this nagging thought that I need to find a job soon...

Last week a friend took me to an apple orchard, where I picked some Macintosh and Spartan apples. Then we just sat in the grass between the rows of trees and talked for a while. My soul has been longing for the country lately, it felt so good just to be surrounded by trees on rolling hills of grass. We stopped by a farm for some vegetables before heading home. I made apple sauce that day. I washed, cored and cut up the apples and boiled them with cinnamon in a small amount of water like the recipe says. Then I mashed them with a potato masher (still chunky). The skin is still in there, which Pete isn't too crazy for, but I think it's delish. In my opinion, most apples are sweet enough for applesauce without needing added sugar.

I'm planning a trip to visit my sister this month... can't wait! She is a fall girl, a gray day girl, a rock, a book and a bowl girl. A weather-beaten wood girl.

Snippets

2007-09-26T09:06:00.001-07:00

2007-09-26T09:04:00.001-07:00

I made this panini... soooo good!

Salt n peppa

2007-09-26T09:01:00.001-07:00

making dessert... what sweet talent!

2007-09-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

2007-09-20T06:26:00.001-07:00

We went down to "the Beaches" one Saturday. It's where Queen street runs east-west about 4 blocks away from the lake. Along the lake is a lovely boardwalk and beaches. The homes between the lake and Queen street are fascinating... some look like they were transplanted from the Scottish countryside (at least that's what I think). Others are very hip and modern. But all of them tantalizingly well kept, and we just walked slowly and stared at them. We ate at a restaurant called Whitlock's, in an old building that was built over 100 years ago. The floors look like they're original. When we paid, they gave us a post card with a picture of the building on it. In the picture, (taken in 1896), the building stands alone, and you can see a horse pulling a sleigh down the street beside it. Now it's located on a street without an empty lot for miles in either direction. We ate on the patio, as that was my only requirement for which restaurant we chose. Esplendido! The picture of the rocks was taken on the beach after dinner. The second picture was taken on the patio.

What I'm missing these days...

2007-09-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

2007-09-08T20:29:00.001-07:00

2007-08-23T05:45:00.001-07:00

It's raining!!! We really need it here. We have been experiencing drought here and plus there is something fun about being inside when it's pouring out there! The sky is still gray like there is more to come.

2007-08-15T08:19:00.001-07:00

happy birthday Brent!

2007-08-10T18:56:00.001-07:00

2007-08-10T18:53:00.001-07:00

one of my darling nieces.

2007-07-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

No one has asked me, but I'm going to share anyway. Here are some differences I've noticed between the US and Canada:
In the US:
1. Trident comes in big packages of like 24 sticks
2. You have to wait for your license plates to come by mail
3. When people say "thank you", the accent in the "thank".
4. IHOP, Dennys, etc...
5. Everyone goes to Walmart
6. Enlightened people recycle
7. If you use the left lane, the person behind you has a 25% chance of getting impatient for you to pull over so they can pass
8. On Friday evening, everyone and their uncles are heading into town to party...
9. When you get your hair highlighted at the salon, you get the foil put in, then sit under a hair dryer for 30 min...
10. Baseball, football, basketball...

In Canada:
1. Trident comes in little packages of like, 12 sticks.
2. You get your license plates handed to you when you register your car.
3. When people say "thank you", the accent is on the "you" (and it goes up like a question).
4. No IHOP, Dennys, etc... sniff
5. Everyone goes to Canadian Tire
6. Everyone recycles... even fast food joints have recycling bins along with the trash bins.
7. If you use the left lane, the person behind you has a 75% chance of getting impatient for you to pull over so they can pass
8. On Friday evening, everyone and their uncles are heading to cottage country for the weekend...
9. When you get your hair highlighted at the salon, they don't put you under the hair dryer at all (yaaaayyy)
10. Hockey, hockey, hockey...

2007-07-24T12:52:00.001-07:00

Toronto skyline from the west.

2007-07-23T10:23:00.001-07:00

This is Happy, and he holds our balcony door open.

2007-07-23T10:17:00.001-07:00

I love basil and mint, as do the earwigs, who have a chowfest each night at the expense of my lovely herbs. I know, it's time I learned to share...

2007-07-23T10:15:00.001-07:00

The view from our new balcony. It feels like we're in the tree tops!

2007-07-23T10:14:00.001-07:00

Pete playing on his Ultimate Frisbee team.

Pife ramblings

2007-07-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

We have moved!!! I am so happy to be in a larger and brighter apartment with a bigger balcony and a better fridge. ;P Pete managed to sweet-talk the super into getting us a new fridge even though the old one still works. Since our apartment is on the 4th floor, we have more privacy and don't need curtains, meaning we can just let the sunlight stream in!!! I love it here and I can't wait until it's presentable enough to have company. We have lots of board games, a grill, a lovely balcony, plenty of room to hang out or just play games. Oh, and did I mention our apartment has a pool? So who's planning to visit?

Even though it's a pain that my citizenship papers are so slow in coming, I am enjoying just being here, setting up house and trying out new recipes. I never really had the time or motivation to do that before.

2007-07-13T07:48:00.001-07:00

I like this picture because it shows how irresistible little kittens are, and how much little girls love little kittens.

2007-07-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

So ready to start living without 10 boxes, 1/2 desk on its side, no table space, and piles of cds on the floor, and that's just the living room! Have been living out of boxes for so long, I'm afraid I have gotten used to living with a mess. Is it possible to be a tidy person after this?

2007-07-10T16:59:00.001-07:00

Recognize this guy? Pete has me hooked... Good thing we're almost out of new episodes to watch.

New haircut

2007-07-10T16:55:00.001-07:00

No, really, I'm fine. I'm just concentrating on taking a pic without looking at the screen. What do you think?

Pictures from Canada Day weekend

2007-07-04T05:10:00.001-07:00

Going here for the weekend...

2007-06-29T20:57:00.001-07:00

July 1 is Canada Day. I was actually at the exact same place one year ago... with Petey!

2007-06-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I went with Pete and his team from work to his boss's house for a cookout lunch (in Canada, it's called a barbeque), and then to the big amusement park, Canada's Wonderland. It was hot, sunny and crowded. Even so, I was told that this is not a busy day for Wonderland, because the kids are still in school. YIKES! We got to go on a few rides, after standing in line for about 25 min each time. However, it was fun going on the water slides. I would go in front of Peter, and watch him come shooting out after me, grinning like a kid.

Life has been slow for me. Today I have to make an appointment to take my drivers test. I also want to drive to the different work sites that I will be volunteering at for Habitat for Humanity.

I went to an orientation on Tuesday night, and learned a little about the history of Habitat. It was founded by a man and his wife, (of course, I do not have their names) who were very wealthy, but it had taken a toll on their marriage. They had separated, and then decided to get back together and start from scratch, and not keep all their wealth. I find that quite inspiring. But the reason I'm volunteering is to keep myself sane, get out of the apartment and meet new people. They also are going to have me help with the landscaping on a couple of projects, which I'm excited about, because I want to learn more about that side of things.

As far as work, I can't get a job until the papers come in. Unless and employer sponsors me. I was told that since I had a specialty, the chances of being sponsored are good. But then I discovered that the chances of being certified as a dietitian without these papers are not good at all. And dietitians cannot work without certification. Considering how many varying answers we have gotten in the past, I am hoping that if I talk to the right person, he/she will tell me what I want to hear. Kind of like using a slot machine. Or the lottery. Ya right.

View of our balcony

2007-06-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

You can see my plants too. I planted them in May, some flowers and some herbs. I included my favorites: snapdragons! Pete did a great job of keeping them alive while I was away, but kept making off-handed comments about how dried-up they looked and how he kept forgetting to water them. So when we finally got home, I rushed out to the balcony, and was surprized to see they were alive and well.
Yesterday I heard a series of loud thuds and looked up to see a four car pile-up right in front of our balcony. It took about 15 minutes before the cops came, and another 20 or so before an ambulance showed up. One of the cars was driven by a young-looking girl who was being comforted by a friend. Everyone had to hang out and wait... sitting on the grass until the authorities made their appearance.
Great views of pileups aside, I love having a blacony! Pete has a grill, which we've used almost every day so far. We're moving to a larger apartment in about 3 weeks, which has a slightly larger balcony, and it's on the fourth instead of the second floor, which means much less noise and dust, and maybe more sunlight!
I can't wait to move, so I can finally unpack my boxes, and stop living out of a suitcase after close to three months! The thought of packing up all Pete's stuff is daunting. Must go through and get rid of more stuff. I'm hoping the new kitchen has more space that this one. I was spoiled by my apartment in Chicago, with so much space it took three girls to use it all, and even then we still had room to spare. The good thing is that after one meal, the kitchen is too full of dirty dishes to do anything else, so we are forced to clean up after ourselves. One thing that made me feel at home was the lovely coffee maker, given to me (Pete doesn't drink coffee) by a wonderful friend as a wedding gift. Nothing like morning coffee to get me going.

Aruba: One Happy Island (no problem!)

2007-06-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Canada O Canada

2007-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

To my loved ones, back in my beloved country, I miss you already! I came accross the border 4 days ago with my new husband, my baby (aka 99 Nissan Altima), and a whole load of stuff in the trunk and back seat. Along for the ride was a beautiful Aruban tan, and a smashed kneecap, from exploring the northern tip of the island. And some fears about what living in Canada will be like. My head, now cleared of wedding plans and honeymoon dreams, is swimming with details of living in the Great White North. Sadly, I feel no fuzzy warm feelings for Canada, so if you have any great Canada jokes, I will laugh along... I am considered a settler to Canada, which makes me want to jump into a covered wagon.

Yesterday I decided to go grocery shopping, and try out some new recipes. I received 5 recipe books as wedding gifts from various people, and I'm anxious to try them out. During the last year of my life, cooking has fallen to the wayside. Pete is glad I'm trying out new recipes, but added a disclaimer: "I might not like all of them." Did I mention he's known for his honesty?

I also found out that in order to re-take my drivers test (yes it's true), I have to get my car inspected and brought up to Canadian standards; but before I can do that I have to wait for some papers to come in the mail. I also might be able to get a job before my citizenship papers come in, which would mean I might not have to wait 9 months after all! I need to study to re-take the RD exam though, and have not yet found study material for the Canadian exam... There is so much to learn and so much paperwork ahead.

I still have thankyou cards to write, which will keep me busy today... I'm trying to stay busy in an effort to avoid the feelings of loneliness, lethargy and guilt that will come if I let myself get lazy. However, I have to space some things out so I don't run out of small tasks that make me feel like I'm not a bum when I do one or two of them (aka laundry, floors, dishes, dusting, tidying). Doing stuff on the computer or phone does not give me the same satisfaction.

As for the honeymoon, it was wonderful! The sun was shining every day, the beach could be seen out our floor-to-ceiling windows, and the water was delicious. Being newly-wed was fun. Pete and I felt comfortable together from the beginning. We learned to wind-surf, rented jet-skis, took a tour of the northern side of the island which is rugged and windy, ate out, walked on the beach, swam in the ocean, dunked each other, fed the iguanas, learned a little Papiamento (local language), did a little shopping, watched movies, talked and rested. But by the end, we were ready to come back and see what real life was going to feel like.