This morning we got to sleep in a little as we had a 10 am tour, instead of any earlier. So we get our act together, meet in the spot designated, sign off the ship (you have to sign in and out of the ship electronically so they know how many passengers are missing at the end of the day) (It happened on the first day of the trip where 2 passengers didn’t make it back to the boat on time, and had to fly to the next destination of the ship - Idiots). We make it on the bus, and the bus departs.
First off, the woman in charge of our tour, I can’t remember her name, had a horrible accident when speaking in English, as well, she mumbled. We did manage to catch her say that it was going to be a 2 1/2 hour tour, BY BUS…. no stopping. We were supposed to get off the bus for “Great Photo Opportunities” as the tour ad described (that’s why we chose to do this tour). Anyhow, it turns out, that she tells us that the Olympic Stadium, where we were supposed to go, is closed due to renovations, so we won’t even get to go see that.
J and I last about 40 minutes on this tour. When every single person on the bus convinces her to stop at the Sangria Familia Cathedral to actually get out of the bus and take pictures of something that isn’t “A GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY VIA THE BUS WINDOWS” - she gets the bus driver to stop. J & I decided to tell her that we’re not getting back on the bus after the 20 minutes that she has alloted everyone to walk around this huge cathedral and take pictures. Our anxiety levels (for the both us) dropped DRASTICALLY as soon as we set foot off that bus…. (Another thing that was bothering me was a lady sitting across the row from us, coughing and coughing the entire time. (Smoker’s cough and she STANK like she smoked 4 cigarettes just before coming on the bus). So on top of mumbling tour lady, I had a heavy cougher next to me. Imagine!
We didn’t tell the tour guide that it was also her fault we weren’t going to get back on the bus, but with her mumbling and poor english, it just wasn’t worth the 30$US per person for the tour to sit on that bus for another 2 hours. Pregnant or not pregnant… I didn’t want to suffer! Neither did J! Plus we also didn’t want to start shit with her, so we just blamed it on Princess Cruises and walked off. We probably won’t get our money back, but that’s okay, shit happens. I am going to open my mouth once we get back and see maybe I can get our money back, but for some reason, I highly doubt it.
J & I had a map… so we set on foot to see some sites and then eventually slowly head back towards the pier.
First we stayed by the The Sangrada Familia, which is the only cathedral in the world which is still under construction. It is Gaudi’s dream, to which he devoted much of his life. At the time of his death in 1926, only one of the towers had been completed. The continuation of Gaudi’s project has become an unmistakable symbol of the Barcelona, not just because of its spectacular size, but because it also reveals the spirit of a city which always been committed to building its future.
After visiting the Sangrada Familia, we sat down for a few minutes with a slushie, and I don’t think I would have ever paid 7€ for 2 slushies. (8.89US or 9.90 CAD). OUCH! But, I needed the sugar in my body… and it was, well, refreshing!
After that, with our map in hand, we made our plan and saw a lot of stuff. We saw a lot of the monuments that we wizzed by on the bus, and basically from where we were, not including all the stops we did, it was a 40 minute walk back to the pier. So we took our time.
For lunch we sat down at a restaurant called Sandwich&Friends. I really enjoyed my sandwich, for some reason I was craving Pepperoni!
We walked through the Gothic Area of Barcelona in the afternoon, and it was gorgeous. There wasn’t too much shopping to be done here at all - it was all junk pretty much. I think I did get myself a necklace though - but at a store that looked very American.
From the pier to the ship (you could probably have walked it - but not me at 6 months pregnant), was a 4.60€ ride across the pier area, over a bridge too. It may have been a 20-30 minute walk, but I was zonked by the time we decided to head back to the ship, after a lot of walking from the Sangrada back to the pier area.
My throat…. still bothering me. I hope it doesn’t really turn into anything, that would be sucky. Why me? Why do I have to get sick in the most BEAUTIFUL of weather? (We’ve had SUN and Beauty for the past week and a half. Who gets sick in the heat? I can understand not dressing properly in the rain for example, or something, but in the most beautiful European weather? ME! Just me! No one else gets sick but me! Just my luck!)
Tonight, was “Little Italy” in the dinning rooms for dinner. It was cute, and boy I won’t say no to Italian.
After dinner, we headed to the casino (of course). Tonight I started with 100$ and walked away at the end of the evening for me with 225$. I am VERY impressed with myself and with the way I am playing the game. J on the other hand… he’s a little shark (if that’s the right word). He started out this trip with 150$ and is now at over 500$ in his pockets (including his original 150$). At the end of the evening he had like 535$ in chips, so he kept the 500$ in his pocket, and went with the 35$ to the blackjack table. He played 20$ and doubled his money, so he walked away. Quit while you’re ahead. That’s my motto!
We headed up for a snack to the 24 hour buffet, and I’m going to go read a bit and head to bed. Poker was good to me today - I’m still floating around on cloud number 9 with luck!
Tomorrow we’re in Cannes, France. Oh - I can’t wait!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Day At Sea, Day 11
Today we slept in until noon, and that was much needed. We have both been zonked, that last week is kind of catching up to us. All the walking around - it’s tiring. Especially at 6 months pregnant!
My sore throat from yesterday is still bothering me. I really hope that it goes away. This afternoon I checked my emails, and then headed down to the casino where J already was. (Go figure!) I started with 102$ in chips and ended my afternoon with 160$ in chips. I am very happy about that. My best hand today - which J stayed in on (I tried to send him vibes to fold his hand - but he was being stubborn - and RAISING TOO - but we weren’t the only two in the hand… so that’s okay)… so yeah… my hand! I had pocket Cowboys (two Kings) and on the flop comes King, King, something else (the rest is irrelevant!) The turn and the river are irrevelant as well, as I had FOUR kings! J had a good hand too, but not as sweet as my nuts…. (Nuts is a good poker hand - so you can learn your lingo!) He’s still shocked about that hand - let me tell you.
Anyhow, tonight we had dinner with our new friends Dustin & Jazzy, who are really nice. They are from the Portland, Oregon area. They have been married just a few months longer than us (May 2005), and are also Texas Hold’em players. (It seems to be that the friends we made on this cruise are all hold’em players - lol).
After dinner, we all headed back down to the casino for some more poker action. I am still up, but I lost the 60$ that I made this afternoon. That’s okay though, I think I was playing a little stupid. Or, just not the right hands. That’s okay though, there is still time to make back the money! As soon as I lost the 60$, I walked away from the tables, J’s still down there playing, but I had to walk away before I played even more stupidly… you know?
Today, being a sea day, nothing else is going on. I didn’t partake in the slot tournament today, just didn’t feel lucky enough… J did try out the blackjack tournament, but didn’t make it in. I did tell off some guy this evening that was standing around the poker tables smoking. You are allowed smoking in the casino, but not at the texas hold’em tables… so I opened my mouth. If people aren’t allowed smoking at the table, then this guy shouldn’t be allowed standing over our shoulder smoking, so I opened my mouth, but I don’t think the guy spoke too much English, because I don’t think he understood me. Eventually I made a motion of smoking and waved my finger no, and I think he got the idea, cuz he finally left. It’s absolutely disgusting how many Europeans smoke. It’s like every single European and their dog smokes. That’s one thing I’ve realized in the past week. I swear! It’s like 4 out of every 3 Europeans smoke. I’m not joking. My unborn child is getting 2nd hand smoke from Europe, it’s pretty gross!
Alright, I’m going to go read. I’ve finished reading Tales from the Crib by Jennifer Coburn, and now I’m reading Marley & Me by John Grogan. I’ve been reading about one book a week now since I’ve graduated…. and I want to keep up the reading as there are so many books that I want to read before the baby is born and I have no time to read anymore!
Tomorrow we’re in Barcelona, Spain! I can’t wait!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Gibraltar (UK), Day 10
I woke up this morning with a sore throat. We were up early, because today we had a tour planned, City Under Siege (name of tour). The entire island is 2.53 square miles. Our tour guide Frankie, was a very funny guide. We had a good time and learned a lot about this British Overseas Territory (which is what Gibraltar is). People on the tour couldn’t believe that at 6 months pregnant, I was walking around on this tour, doing hills and stairs…. They were impressed. The entire island pretty much is one big hill. (Inside the hill there are tunnels that are about 30 miles long (winding)….. within the 2.53 square mile island.
Some info on Gibraltar:
Gibraltar is connected to Spain by a sandy isthmus, a ferry to Morocco and flights to London. The subject of repeated conquest and sieges, Gibraltar has been a British Territory since 1704. Ceded forever to Britain by Spain in the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), Gibraltar joined the EU in 1973, under the British Treaty of Accession. It shares a three-quarter of a mile (1.2 km) land border with Spain and has 7½ miles (12 km) of shoreline.
We lost 2 hours today, as Gibraltar is on a different time zone, and boy that was tiring.
First stop on the tour was to the cable car. That was pretty cool. When we got up there, we got to see a few tail less barbery apes. Those are quite adorable. There was a sign that if you feed the Apes, you can be fined 500£ (british pounds). Apparently they like plastic bags, so if you buy something, we’re told to put it in our backpack or purse, because the Apes think it’s food and will steal it out of your hand… which is crazy! They are very very smart animals. They are the only wild Apes in Europe. (AND VERY CUTE!)
While visiting, one ran into the gift shop, grabbed a bag of potato chips and ran out onto a higher ledge (so no one can reach him) and he ripped open the bag of chips and ate every single last one, licking his fingers afterwards…. I photographed this of course… too bad we had no video camera.
Down at the Apes’ Den I got to feed them (legally….. will not be fined 500£). We were given a seed that they are allowed to have. I had some in my hand, and had some of the apes’ eating right out of my hand. It was a pretty neat experience. One ape though, started tugging on my arm and then almost tried to bite me, I freaked out - and screamed, which scared the Ape. J took pictures of me feeding the apes, it was really cool. I can’t wait to post all my photos on FLICKR when I get back!
It was really neat hanging out with the Apes’. So far, this is one of my fave things on the trip! It was quite unique, actually.
We did a tour by bus afterwards of the ‘rest’ of Gibraltar (don’t forget the island is very small!) And we also went into the Great Siege Tunnel. It was all down hill, and I was very happy about that until I realized that you have to go all the way back up to get out….. well…. that was quite tiring, let me tell you! But, if the seniors could do it - so could I!
We stopped off at the Gibraltar Museum, and I decided just to pick up the souvenirs that I needed there, instead of us going into town afterwards. We were both really tired and didn’t want to go into the city (Main St.) after the tour ended, (which was bringing us back to the ship afterwards). We could have taken the city bus a couple of stops back into town, but boy were we zonked.
We had a nice time in the morning, so we decided to go back to the ship and have lunch. Before retiring to our room for a 3 hour nap (which was MUCH NEEDED), I was able to get the entire island of Gibraltar into ONE photograph! Can you believe it? ONE picture… it was that small.
Dinner this evening was just the two of us, and that was really nice. I had a shrimp stir fry and that was very good. J allowed me to have ONE sip of wine, to toast our 1 year wedding anniversary, and I enjoyed that one sip very much. (That is one thing I’m missing during this pregnancy… it’s wine! I love a good glass of wine!)
We had this card that we were given to bring down with us to dinner, which was to celebrate our anniversary on the ship. The only thing that it entitled us to - was the wait staff singing us “Happy Anniversary” to the tune of Happy Birthday. So…. we decided to take that back from them, and forgo the happy anniversary song! (LOL) We had also gotten one for celebrating our Honeymoon, so that one got chucked as well.
Tonight, J asked me what I wanted to do. He told me that he didn’t need to play poker (he has been playing Texas Hold’em everyday on the ship at night after we sail. Some nights I’ve been playing with him, and others, I’ve just done my own thing… (including laundry, which I did on Saturday night, as we didn’t pack enough tank tops for me and polos’ for J as we were expecting cooler weather than the heat we’ve been blessed with)). BUT… since our bad experience with the horrible comedian last week, I decided that I wanted to play texas hold’em tonight…. at my insistance. J couldn’t believe it! There wasn’t really anything else going on in the ship (in any of the lounges or in the theater) so… poker it was. We have become really friendly with the dealers in the casino, so that is fun too…. it’s funny that they now know our names!
Tonight I won 40$. I sat down originally last week with 40$ and tonight when I started playing I was at 65$. So In the end, tonight I left the casino with 102$. I am very happy about this, for sure. J on the other hand….. well, he’s up a couple of hundred - we won’t go there tonight! LOL….. I had a really fun time playing - that’s for sure.
I had brought J - 3, yes, THREE, cards that I bought him for our anniversary….. but since he decided to tell me that he didn’t bring any for me, not even one…. I decided to not give them to him until he writes me one. He said when we get back home. Ha! That will be the day (he’s Mr. Unromantic - but that’s why I married him - I hate cheesy romance shit to begin with!) Anyhow…. don’t ask why I got him three cards… one is just funny, and the other two, well, I just couldn’t decide…. you know? Maybe I’ll just keep them for next year. It’s kinda funny that he knows about them though…
I can’t believe it’s already been one year since the wedding… ONE FULL year! Where does time go? It feels like yesterday the wedding. I can remember it so clearly… it’s unreal! And who would have thought, that a year later, we’d be in a another country celebrating our one year anniversary, myself 6 months pregnant….. it’s just too amazing… !
Some info on Gibraltar:
Gibraltar is connected to Spain by a sandy isthmus, a ferry to Morocco and flights to London. The subject of repeated conquest and sieges, Gibraltar has been a British Territory since 1704. Ceded forever to Britain by Spain in the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), Gibraltar joined the EU in 1973, under the British Treaty of Accession. It shares a three-quarter of a mile (1.2 km) land border with Spain and has 7½ miles (12 km) of shoreline.
We lost 2 hours today, as Gibraltar is on a different time zone, and boy that was tiring.
First stop on the tour was to the cable car. That was pretty cool. When we got up there, we got to see a few tail less barbery apes. Those are quite adorable. There was a sign that if you feed the Apes, you can be fined 500£ (british pounds). Apparently they like plastic bags, so if you buy something, we’re told to put it in our backpack or purse, because the Apes think it’s food and will steal it out of your hand… which is crazy! They are very very smart animals. They are the only wild Apes in Europe. (AND VERY CUTE!)
While visiting, one ran into the gift shop, grabbed a bag of potato chips and ran out onto a higher ledge (so no one can reach him) and he ripped open the bag of chips and ate every single last one, licking his fingers afterwards…. I photographed this of course… too bad we had no video camera.
Down at the Apes’ Den I got to feed them (legally….. will not be fined 500£). We were given a seed that they are allowed to have. I had some in my hand, and had some of the apes’ eating right out of my hand. It was a pretty neat experience. One ape though, started tugging on my arm and then almost tried to bite me, I freaked out - and screamed, which scared the Ape. J took pictures of me feeding the apes, it was really cool. I can’t wait to post all my photos on FLICKR when I get back!
It was really neat hanging out with the Apes’. So far, this is one of my fave things on the trip! It was quite unique, actually.
We did a tour by bus afterwards of the ‘rest’ of Gibraltar (don’t forget the island is very small!) And we also went into the Great Siege Tunnel. It was all down hill, and I was very happy about that until I realized that you have to go all the way back up to get out….. well…. that was quite tiring, let me tell you! But, if the seniors could do it - so could I!
We stopped off at the Gibraltar Museum, and I decided just to pick up the souvenirs that I needed there, instead of us going into town afterwards. We were both really tired and didn’t want to go into the city (Main St.) after the tour ended, (which was bringing us back to the ship afterwards). We could have taken the city bus a couple of stops back into town, but boy were we zonked.
We had a nice time in the morning, so we decided to go back to the ship and have lunch. Before retiring to our room for a 3 hour nap (which was MUCH NEEDED), I was able to get the entire island of Gibraltar into ONE photograph! Can you believe it? ONE picture… it was that small.
Dinner this evening was just the two of us, and that was really nice. I had a shrimp stir fry and that was very good. J allowed me to have ONE sip of wine, to toast our 1 year wedding anniversary, and I enjoyed that one sip very much. (That is one thing I’m missing during this pregnancy… it’s wine! I love a good glass of wine!)
We had this card that we were given to bring down with us to dinner, which was to celebrate our anniversary on the ship. The only thing that it entitled us to - was the wait staff singing us “Happy Anniversary” to the tune of Happy Birthday. So…. we decided to take that back from them, and forgo the happy anniversary song! (LOL) We had also gotten one for celebrating our Honeymoon, so that one got chucked as well.
Tonight, J asked me what I wanted to do. He told me that he didn’t need to play poker (he has been playing Texas Hold’em everyday on the ship at night after we sail. Some nights I’ve been playing with him, and others, I’ve just done my own thing… (including laundry, which I did on Saturday night, as we didn’t pack enough tank tops for me and polos’ for J as we were expecting cooler weather than the heat we’ve been blessed with)). BUT… since our bad experience with the horrible comedian last week, I decided that I wanted to play texas hold’em tonight…. at my insistance. J couldn’t believe it! There wasn’t really anything else going on in the ship (in any of the lounges or in the theater) so… poker it was. We have become really friendly with the dealers in the casino, so that is fun too…. it’s funny that they now know our names!
Tonight I won 40$. I sat down originally last week with 40$ and tonight when I started playing I was at 65$. So In the end, tonight I left the casino with 102$. I am very happy about this, for sure. J on the other hand….. well, he’s up a couple of hundred - we won’t go there tonight! LOL….. I had a really fun time playing - that’s for sure.
I had brought J - 3, yes, THREE, cards that I bought him for our anniversary….. but since he decided to tell me that he didn’t bring any for me, not even one…. I decided to not give them to him until he writes me one. He said when we get back home. Ha! That will be the day (he’s Mr. Unromantic - but that’s why I married him - I hate cheesy romance shit to begin with!) Anyhow…. don’t ask why I got him three cards… one is just funny, and the other two, well, I just couldn’t decide…. you know? Maybe I’ll just keep them for next year. It’s kinda funny that he knows about them though…
I can’t believe it’s already been one year since the wedding… ONE FULL year! Where does time go? It feels like yesterday the wedding. I can remember it so clearly… it’s unreal! And who would have thought, that a year later, we’d be in a another country celebrating our one year anniversary, myself 6 months pregnant….. it’s just too amazing… !
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Casablanca, Morocco, Africa, Day 9
Today we slept in until 9 am, as the Princess Patter (the newsletter we receive in our mailbox each morning) says that the city (downtown) is only a 15 minute drive (2 miles approx). So we figured, since we’re docked here until 8pm (the longest docking port on the trip - due to a 4 hour drive tour (each way) to Marrakech, Morocco), that we could sleep in, and then head out. The patter also said that it was a 30US taxi ride to the city center, yet we got a ride for only 5€ (Euros). (6.39 USD or 7.15 CAD) We shared a cab ride with a couple on the cruise from Toronto (we seem to be running into a lot of Canadians on the ship!) When we got to the gate, (which was after a secure area around the ship) there was a lot of local taxi cabi’s fighting for our fare, so that was quite the aggressive start to Casablanca.
We got dropped off at the city center, and the cabi, (trying to make more money) tried to get us to take a tour of the city with him (for more money, of course). As soon as we left the pier, we could tell the poverty of this area/country. It really opened my eyes to how lucky I am to be living in North America, Canada specifically and for the simple things in life (like a roof above my head to sleep under each night).
We decided first to go into Old Medina Market, and that was quite the experience, let me tell you. First off, everyone wants your money, (to buy stuff from them) and you can tell that money is very hard to come by, so they are all harassing you to come in and look at their stuff. The passage between the shops was very tiny, with thousands of people walking around, and that’s why we only took with us what we needed (camera around my neck, passports and some money in J’s front pocket).
To be honest, our first impression of this city, was pretty bad. I was scared to be in this city, because of the type of lifestyle lived there. In the morning, I am not even sure how I made it until noon, out in that city. I didn’t feel safe at all, even with J by my side and no valuables with me, besides the camera around my neck.
At noon, we told the Toronto couple that we’d meet them back at the Hyatt Hotel, which was at United Nations Square (city center) where the local taxi cabs pick people up to drive them. We came back to the boat, had lunch (I was not going to have lunch in Casablanca, they warned us not to drink the water there, so why would I eat the food?).
After lunch, we walked back to the taxi area (which was outside of an 8-10 minute secured walking area around the boat) and this one taxi driver said that he would only charge us 20€ (25.57 USD or 28.58 CAD) for a 1 hour tour of Casablanca to see the Mosque, and all these really cool places. Well, 2 and a half hours later, we had seen a lot, and had a FANTASTIC afternoon, which doesn’t compare to the experience we had in the morning. (Not one bit!) We enjoyed visiting the Hassan II Mosque (which was BEAUTIFUL), the Corniche D’ain Diab (an upscale resort section of Casablanca), Habous Quarter (the New Medina - which is a lot better of a Market than the Old Medina which we had visited in the morning).
We went by this area where the first settlers discovered Casablanca, and live up on this little island. It’s now all gypsies that live there. Because the tide was low, we were able to walk over there, but when it’s flooded with water, the way the gypsies have to go back and forth between land and their island, is by paddling with inner tubes. It’s pretty crazy. This place, is a place where someone with bad luck can go and sacrifice a lamb, and once they do that, it should bring them good luck. Also - this place is a place that women who have not found a husband yet, can go see a fortune teller (gypsie) to find out what was going on with their love life. Pretty interesting place. I started taking pictures there freely, and then when this man who lived there started waving a finger telling me “No, No, No” I freaked out a little bit, and took photos either at waist level (zoomed out so I could get maximum view and then could crop later) or with J standing next to me, blocking their view of me taking photos. I think I got some great shots there, we’ll see what they look like on my computer when I get home (so hard to tell on my little LCD screen on my Rebel XT - even when zooming in to view. I even got a shot of the sheep that were roaming around freely, but I didn’t photograph a lamb that had been recently sacrificed, that was a little bit too much for me to handle. While on the beach walking back from the island, (my feet getting wet a little in my fake crocs (which I’ve been living in - SO much more comfortable than my nike’s!) as some areas had more water than others, I got a gypsie to give me a henna tattoo on my right hand and arm. It’s gorgeous. I hope that it doesn’t last took long, but it’s nice for now. It cost me 5€ for the tattoo.
Today I bought some local handicrafts (a wood elephant, as a collect elephants, this gorgeous mirror thing to hang on the wall in our house, as well as a Moroccan tea set) and J finally got something for himself.
We also went by the Royal Palace, but since the King was home, there was really tight security, and we weren’t allowed too close and the area that was viewable was very restricted.
The cabi stopped just before bringing us back to the ship, and ran out of his car, and picked me up a bouquet of flowers. I was really not expecting this. The cabi even got the security at the gate to allow him into the secured area, so that I wouldn’t have to walk an extra 8-10 minutes back to the ship because I am pregnant (that was quite a shocker and nice, since I was dying to pee, and didn’t want to stop in this country to use the facilities anywhere).
I still can’t believe that today, I set foot in Africa. AFRICA! Wow, I still can’t believe it. Of course one day I want to see an African Safari and visit south Africa as well, but this was really quite the experience, in a very Muslim area of Africa. I was shocked to learn that there are FOUR synagogues in Casablanca alone:
Synagogue Beth-El - 67, Verlet-Hanus
Synagogue Téhila Le David - Bd du 11 Janvier
Synagogue Benarrosh - Rue de Lusitania
Synagogue Em-Habanime - Rue de Lusitania
Between the 1940’s and the 1960’s there was over 70,000 Jews living in Casablanca and now there are fewer than 5,000, but that is still a strong amount.
Our opinion of Casablanca went from day to night. Unreal! I have such a better opinion of Casablanca now than I did this morning. It changed all because of the right cabi and an amazing taxi tour. And our tour was 100% better than any of the guided tours that you could have signed up with, with the on shore excursions with Princess Cruises. We went to places that the coach buses couldn’t go to, and also Princess didn’t want to be responsible for taking passengers to.
I probably won’t ever go back to Casablanca, but I am glad that I’ve experienced it, in different ways. J also is very happy after our afternoon tour. We just seriously, ended up with the right taxi driver.
I’m still amazed on how gorgeous the Mosque was.
I’m now a fried tomato, I hope that it settles into a tan very fast, that would be nice.
Tonight, back on board, we had dinner alone, because we were wiped (tired) so we were feeling very anti-social. J’s down at the casino (what else is new!) and I’m tired, so I’m going to go take a nice long hot shower and then read in bed. Tomorrow (ON OUR ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY) we’re in Gibraltar, can’t wait to see the tail less apes!
We got dropped off at the city center, and the cabi, (trying to make more money) tried to get us to take a tour of the city with him (for more money, of course). As soon as we left the pier, we could tell the poverty of this area/country. It really opened my eyes to how lucky I am to be living in North America, Canada specifically and for the simple things in life (like a roof above my head to sleep under each night).
We decided first to go into Old Medina Market, and that was quite the experience, let me tell you. First off, everyone wants your money, (to buy stuff from them) and you can tell that money is very hard to come by, so they are all harassing you to come in and look at their stuff. The passage between the shops was very tiny, with thousands of people walking around, and that’s why we only took with us what we needed (camera around my neck, passports and some money in J’s front pocket).
To be honest, our first impression of this city, was pretty bad. I was scared to be in this city, because of the type of lifestyle lived there. In the morning, I am not even sure how I made it until noon, out in that city. I didn’t feel safe at all, even with J by my side and no valuables with me, besides the camera around my neck.
At noon, we told the Toronto couple that we’d meet them back at the Hyatt Hotel, which was at United Nations Square (city center) where the local taxi cabs pick people up to drive them. We came back to the boat, had lunch (I was not going to have lunch in Casablanca, they warned us not to drink the water there, so why would I eat the food?).
After lunch, we walked back to the taxi area (which was outside of an 8-10 minute secured walking area around the boat) and this one taxi driver said that he would only charge us 20€ (25.57 USD or 28.58 CAD) for a 1 hour tour of Casablanca to see the Mosque, and all these really cool places. Well, 2 and a half hours later, we had seen a lot, and had a FANTASTIC afternoon, which doesn’t compare to the experience we had in the morning. (Not one bit!) We enjoyed visiting the Hassan II Mosque (which was BEAUTIFUL), the Corniche D’ain Diab (an upscale resort section of Casablanca), Habous Quarter (the New Medina - which is a lot better of a Market than the Old Medina which we had visited in the morning).
We went by this area where the first settlers discovered Casablanca, and live up on this little island. It’s now all gypsies that live there. Because the tide was low, we were able to walk over there, but when it’s flooded with water, the way the gypsies have to go back and forth between land and their island, is by paddling with inner tubes. It’s pretty crazy. This place, is a place where someone with bad luck can go and sacrifice a lamb, and once they do that, it should bring them good luck. Also - this place is a place that women who have not found a husband yet, can go see a fortune teller (gypsie) to find out what was going on with their love life. Pretty interesting place. I started taking pictures there freely, and then when this man who lived there started waving a finger telling me “No, No, No” I freaked out a little bit, and took photos either at waist level (zoomed out so I could get maximum view and then could crop later) or with J standing next to me, blocking their view of me taking photos. I think I got some great shots there, we’ll see what they look like on my computer when I get home (so hard to tell on my little LCD screen on my Rebel XT - even when zooming in to view. I even got a shot of the sheep that were roaming around freely, but I didn’t photograph a lamb that had been recently sacrificed, that was a little bit too much for me to handle. While on the beach walking back from the island, (my feet getting wet a little in my fake crocs (which I’ve been living in - SO much more comfortable than my nike’s!) as some areas had more water than others, I got a gypsie to give me a henna tattoo on my right hand and arm. It’s gorgeous. I hope that it doesn’t last took long, but it’s nice for now. It cost me 5€ for the tattoo.
Today I bought some local handicrafts (a wood elephant, as a collect elephants, this gorgeous mirror thing to hang on the wall in our house, as well as a Moroccan tea set) and J finally got something for himself.
We also went by the Royal Palace, but since the King was home, there was really tight security, and we weren’t allowed too close and the area that was viewable was very restricted.
The cabi stopped just before bringing us back to the ship, and ran out of his car, and picked me up a bouquet of flowers. I was really not expecting this. The cabi even got the security at the gate to allow him into the secured area, so that I wouldn’t have to walk an extra 8-10 minutes back to the ship because I am pregnant (that was quite a shocker and nice, since I was dying to pee, and didn’t want to stop in this country to use the facilities anywhere).
I still can’t believe that today, I set foot in Africa. AFRICA! Wow, I still can’t believe it. Of course one day I want to see an African Safari and visit south Africa as well, but this was really quite the experience, in a very Muslim area of Africa. I was shocked to learn that there are FOUR synagogues in Casablanca alone:
Synagogue Beth-El - 67, Verlet-Hanus
Synagogue Téhila Le David - Bd du 11 Janvier
Synagogue Benarrosh - Rue de Lusitania
Synagogue Em-Habanime - Rue de Lusitania
Between the 1940’s and the 1960’s there was over 70,000 Jews living in Casablanca and now there are fewer than 5,000, but that is still a strong amount.
Our opinion of Casablanca went from day to night. Unreal! I have such a better opinion of Casablanca now than I did this morning. It changed all because of the right cabi and an amazing taxi tour. And our tour was 100% better than any of the guided tours that you could have signed up with, with the on shore excursions with Princess Cruises. We went to places that the coach buses couldn’t go to, and also Princess didn’t want to be responsible for taking passengers to.
I probably won’t ever go back to Casablanca, but I am glad that I’ve experienced it, in different ways. J also is very happy after our afternoon tour. We just seriously, ended up with the right taxi driver.
I’m still amazed on how gorgeous the Mosque was.
I’m now a fried tomato, I hope that it settles into a tan very fast, that would be nice.
Tonight, back on board, we had dinner alone, because we were wiped (tired) so we were feeling very anti-social. J’s down at the casino (what else is new!) and I’m tired, so I’m going to go take a nice long hot shower and then read in bed. Tomorrow (ON OUR ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY) we’re in Gibraltar, can’t wait to see the tail less apes!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Cadiz, Spain, Day 8
We got to sleep in a little today, as we only docked at the port around 9 am. So we took our time, got up, and had a late breakfast, after some nice long hot showers, and then headed into town. We bumped into one of the guys that J has been playing poker with at night, (who actually is originally from Verdun and his wife from Longueuil but are now living in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia or something), and they told us that for 9 euros we could take a tour on a double decker bus for about an hour, with a guide (via headphones in your language), and that was well worth our money. We really enjoyed Cadiz. J and I both want to come back here one day, and spend a week. It’s just gorgeous. It’s our favourite city so far I think. What beauty here. And apparently tonight, we learned that Cadiz got one of the cleaniest cities awards in Europe this year.
Today, while in Cadiz, a lady whom was sitting at lunch next to us yesterday, whom we told her not to order Spaghetti Bolognes (due to the ketchup as sauce) ran into us (she’s on our ship) and thanked us for telling her not to eat that (she ended up ordering the swordfish, which is what J had and recommended to her). She ran into us in the streets while we were sitting down enjoying a slushie (it was SPIKE HOT today) and she was like “Hey! You’re the Spaghetti Bolognes lady” - lol…. apparently that’s my new nickname, haha!
I took a ton of pictures here, did some shopping, and just fell in love with the area and atmosphere.
This evening we had dinner with Dustin & Jazzy (nickname for Jasmine) who are from Portland Oregon (same where the couple we dined with last night). Dustin is 29 and Jazzy is 31. They are really nice. They got married last May, a few months before us, and are now taking their final vacation before having kids. It was really nice dining with them, and I hope to again before this trip is over. Looks like we’ll have some places to stay if we should ever want to go out to Oregon!
J just headed down to the casino, and I decided to come online, and check my email as well.
People on the ship know about the shooting that happened at Dawson College, as it’s on CNN in our staterooms. I have not caught any information, besides an article on CNN.com that a friend emailed me, and information from my knitting buddy Jennie - whom was in the school when it happened. I will ask her permission if I can post her story. If so, then I will.
OH! I FOUND a yarn shop here in Cadiz! I BOUGHT SOME YARN!!!!! I bought yarn in spain! HEE HEE! Some Merino, in pink. I am in love with the colour, and bought 4 balls, hopefully it will be enough for a hat and mittens. I took pictures of the yarn shop outside and inside. (I also have pictures of the other yarn shops that I’ve been into in the other countries!)
I forgot to bring any stitch markers with me, and have nothing to turn into stitch markers, and I need some for the baby sweater I’m knitting for baby S, and finally found some little elastics today, to turn into stitch markers. I couldn’t find ANYTHING at all on the ship to turn into stitch markers. Resources have been limited here for that! AND I can’t find a single lady knitting on board….! I need to know how to make button holes. I am on row 22 I think, and on rows 39 and 50 I have to make button holes. I’ve never done this before. If I find an internet cafe in a future city, I will see if I can google it and print it, otherwise, it’s too expensive while at sea on the ship. (.35 cent per minute! AND I’VE BEEN PAYING THAT - UGH!)
What else?
TOMORROW I AM IN AFRICA! AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I can’t believe it myself. Casablanca, Morocco is where I’ll be! I am sooooo excited, let me tell you!
Tonight we gain back 2 hours, but then as soon as we leave Casablanca tomorrow, we have to push forward our clocks yet again. Sucky, but what can you do?
I think that’s it for today. If I forgot anything, it can wait for tomorrow!
Today, while in Cadiz, a lady whom was sitting at lunch next to us yesterday, whom we told her not to order Spaghetti Bolognes (due to the ketchup as sauce) ran into us (she’s on our ship) and thanked us for telling her not to eat that (she ended up ordering the swordfish, which is what J had and recommended to her). She ran into us in the streets while we were sitting down enjoying a slushie (it was SPIKE HOT today) and she was like “Hey! You’re the Spaghetti Bolognes lady” - lol…. apparently that’s my new nickname, haha!
I took a ton of pictures here, did some shopping, and just fell in love with the area and atmosphere.
This evening we had dinner with Dustin & Jazzy (nickname for Jasmine) who are from Portland Oregon (same where the couple we dined with last night). Dustin is 29 and Jazzy is 31. They are really nice. They got married last May, a few months before us, and are now taking their final vacation before having kids. It was really nice dining with them, and I hope to again before this trip is over. Looks like we’ll have some places to stay if we should ever want to go out to Oregon!
J just headed down to the casino, and I decided to come online, and check my email as well.
People on the ship know about the shooting that happened at Dawson College, as it’s on CNN in our staterooms. I have not caught any information, besides an article on CNN.com that a friend emailed me, and information from my knitting buddy Jennie - whom was in the school when it happened. I will ask her permission if I can post her story. If so, then I will.
OH! I FOUND a yarn shop here in Cadiz! I BOUGHT SOME YARN!!!!! I bought yarn in spain! HEE HEE! Some Merino, in pink. I am in love with the colour, and bought 4 balls, hopefully it will be enough for a hat and mittens. I took pictures of the yarn shop outside and inside. (I also have pictures of the other yarn shops that I’ve been into in the other countries!)
I forgot to bring any stitch markers with me, and have nothing to turn into stitch markers, and I need some for the baby sweater I’m knitting for baby S, and finally found some little elastics today, to turn into stitch markers. I couldn’t find ANYTHING at all on the ship to turn into stitch markers. Resources have been limited here for that! AND I can’t find a single lady knitting on board….! I need to know how to make button holes. I am on row 22 I think, and on rows 39 and 50 I have to make button holes. I’ve never done this before. If I find an internet cafe in a future city, I will see if I can google it and print it, otherwise, it’s too expensive while at sea on the ship. (.35 cent per minute! AND I’VE BEEN PAYING THAT - UGH!)
What else?
TOMORROW I AM IN AFRICA! AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I can’t believe it myself. Casablanca, Morocco is where I’ll be! I am sooooo excited, let me tell you!
Tonight we gain back 2 hours, but then as soon as we leave Casablanca tomorrow, we have to push forward our clocks yet again. Sucky, but what can you do?
I think that’s it for today. If I forgot anything, it can wait for tomorrow!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Lisbon, Portugal, Day 7
What a beautiful day it was today in Lisbon, Portugal. Today was the complete opposite than from yesterday. J didn’t really love Vigo, Spain, but getting off in Lisbon, it was another story. It was just beautiful. We got off in town, and it was just a totally better atmosphere than yesterday. I took some beautiful photographs, and the locals were so much nicer, and actually spoke English. Also - there was a lot more shops open and things to do. I was actually able to find some souvenirs and stuff in Lisbon. Vigo - was almost anti-tourist!
The best 70 cents euro I spent today was to a boy on the streets playing an organ. He had a little dog with him, and the dog held the money bucket in his mouth. What was cute, is that the dog was howling along with the organ the boy was playing. It was very sad, but yet extremely cute at the same time. I gave him 70 cents to be able to take some pictures of it.
Today, I had a food ordering experience, yesterday, it was J who had the food ordering experience (the hamburger that he thought he was getting ended up being eggs and a sausage patty)… but today, I ordered Spaghetti Bolognes. Can’t go wrong with that, you’d think? Well, my spaghetti came, but with a pile of meat in the middle, and cut up tomatos around the plate, with KETCHUP (YES YOU READ RIGHT) sprayed wildly around the plate. It was as if someone went wild playing with ketchup. It was quite the experience.
This afternoon we stayed by the pool, I went swimming a little, and have been working on my tan. I love having a tan.
What else? I got my nails done in the salon (just a polishing). My nails (since taking off the acrylics, before the trip) have been brittle and really weak. So today I finally got fed up and had to get them polished.
Tonight we had dinner in the restaurant with a guy that J’s been playing poker with in the casino and his wife. Dave & Kathy. They are really nice. They actually got married 25 years ago on the 19th of September! (The day after our 1 year anniversary!) So we’re both celebrating our anniversaries next week! It was really nice talking to them, and Kathy and I chatted until just now while both boys played poker. They are really nice.
Hmm, what else? Not much else, I don’t think. Not besides our lovely day in Lisbon, and our lovely dinner, and my funny spaghetti story. Tomorrow we’re in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday in Casablanca, Morocco (AFRICA!) and Monday in Gibraltar (on our 1 year anniversary!) Looking forward to the next full week of fun!
The best 70 cents euro I spent today was to a boy on the streets playing an organ. He had a little dog with him, and the dog held the money bucket in his mouth. What was cute, is that the dog was howling along with the organ the boy was playing. It was very sad, but yet extremely cute at the same time. I gave him 70 cents to be able to take some pictures of it.
Today, I had a food ordering experience, yesterday, it was J who had the food ordering experience (the hamburger that he thought he was getting ended up being eggs and a sausage patty)… but today, I ordered Spaghetti Bolognes. Can’t go wrong with that, you’d think? Well, my spaghetti came, but with a pile of meat in the middle, and cut up tomatos around the plate, with KETCHUP (YES YOU READ RIGHT) sprayed wildly around the plate. It was as if someone went wild playing with ketchup. It was quite the experience.
This afternoon we stayed by the pool, I went swimming a little, and have been working on my tan. I love having a tan.
What else? I got my nails done in the salon (just a polishing). My nails (since taking off the acrylics, before the trip) have been brittle and really weak. So today I finally got fed up and had to get them polished.
Tonight we had dinner in the restaurant with a guy that J’s been playing poker with in the casino and his wife. Dave & Kathy. They are really nice. They actually got married 25 years ago on the 19th of September! (The day after our 1 year anniversary!) So we’re both celebrating our anniversaries next week! It was really nice talking to them, and Kathy and I chatted until just now while both boys played poker. They are really nice.
Hmm, what else? Not much else, I don’t think. Not besides our lovely day in Lisbon, and our lovely dinner, and my funny spaghetti story. Tomorrow we’re in Cadiz, Spain, Sunday in Casablanca, Morocco (AFRICA!) and Monday in Gibraltar (on our 1 year anniversary!) Looking forward to the next full week of fun!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Vigo, Spain, Day 6
Last night we had really huge waves, they were between 7.5 and 12 feet. J and I had to make sure that everything was not going to roll off the counters, etc. It was very interesting, but it put me to sleep, so that was a good thing. J was doing okay, even though the waves kind of made him not nauseas, but almost there… he was feeling it. But he’s doing very well. I love being at sea, so I don’t even feel the waves anymore. I guess that’s from growing up on a boat during the summers (dad owned a boat!)
Today, we got up, had breakfast and then headed by shuttle into downtown Vigo, Spain. We walked around, took some pictures, and found the Main Street, with a bit of shopping, but who needs C&A, Zara, and all those “American Shops”. They even have a Sephora opening soon. Blah… I don’t need to go to Spain for that! Ugh. What a disappointment.
Locals don’t speak very good English, and J & I had quite the experience at lunch. I ordered a mixed green salad (which I was able to tell off the menu) and a spaghetti with meat sauce. J on the other hand, ordered what he thought was a hamburger and fries plate. What he got… was definitely a good laugh between us now…. what he ordered ended up being a plate with two eggs and a sausage patty, and yes, some fries. Fritas (or whatever it was, was indeed fries)… but the rest.. OY! So… he of course lost his apetite, and couldn’t eat anymore.
We walked around more after lunch exploring, and Vigo is another town that is “been there done that, will never go back” types of towns. I hope Barcelona in a couple of days will be better. Hopefully it will be a better view of Spain.
No tourist shops at all, couldn’t even buy a postcard anywhere (I’ve been dying to mail some out). I can buy stamps on the ship for the next port, but with no postcards, I can’t really do that, now can I?
I did manage to find some really cool earrings in Spain, which I’ve picked up as gifts for a few friends & family. But there was NOTHING else in Vigo…. and so we didn’t really spend too much time or money there. Which probably isn’t a bad thing.
Tonight, we had dinner and I had a Penne dish, and it was just fabulous. I am still loving being served and not cooking or cleaning. This evening we watched the Da Vinci Code, and now J’s in the casino playing cards again. He’s having fun and it’s a friendly poker game. All the dealers know us by name now! It’s kinda funny!
Tomorrow we’re in Lisbon, Portugal.
Today, we got up, had breakfast and then headed by shuttle into downtown Vigo, Spain. We walked around, took some pictures, and found the Main Street, with a bit of shopping, but who needs C&A, Zara, and all those “American Shops”. They even have a Sephora opening soon. Blah… I don’t need to go to Spain for that! Ugh. What a disappointment.
Locals don’t speak very good English, and J & I had quite the experience at lunch. I ordered a mixed green salad (which I was able to tell off the menu) and a spaghetti with meat sauce. J on the other hand, ordered what he thought was a hamburger and fries plate. What he got… was definitely a good laugh between us now…. what he ordered ended up being a plate with two eggs and a sausage patty, and yes, some fries. Fritas (or whatever it was, was indeed fries)… but the rest.. OY! So… he of course lost his apetite, and couldn’t eat anymore.
We walked around more after lunch exploring, and Vigo is another town that is “been there done that, will never go back” types of towns. I hope Barcelona in a couple of days will be better. Hopefully it will be a better view of Spain.
No tourist shops at all, couldn’t even buy a postcard anywhere (I’ve been dying to mail some out). I can buy stamps on the ship for the next port, but with no postcards, I can’t really do that, now can I?
I did manage to find some really cool earrings in Spain, which I’ve picked up as gifts for a few friends & family. But there was NOTHING else in Vigo…. and so we didn’t really spend too much time or money there. Which probably isn’t a bad thing.
Tonight, we had dinner and I had a Penne dish, and it was just fabulous. I am still loving being served and not cooking or cleaning. This evening we watched the Da Vinci Code, and now J’s in the casino playing cards again. He’s having fun and it’s a friendly poker game. All the dealers know us by name now! It’s kinda funny!
Tomorrow we’re in Lisbon, Portugal.
Shooting at Dawson College
MONTREAL, Quebec (CNN) — A gunman was killed by police and at least 19 students were wounded after a Wednesday shooting at Dawson College in downtown Montreal, police said.
One student later died of her wounds, police spokesman Olivier Lapointe said. Radio Canada quoted Montreal Police Chief Yvan Delorme as saying the victim was a woman in her 20s.
Initial reports indicated that as many as four people, including two gunmen, had been killed, but Delorme told CNN that only the single gunman was killed. Police were looking for other possible suspects, he said.
Students said mayhem ensued after the gunman opened fire outside the college before taking his weapons into the school’s atrium, near a cafeteria where students were eating lunch. (Watch students flee the scene — 1:38)
One student told Global News in Montreal that the shooter was in his early 20s and was wearing a trench coat.
“He was saying nothing, just shooting. He told people to get away, and that was it,” the student said.
Another student, Daniel Mightley, 21, said he was outside the college, heading to lunch, when he saw a shooter to his right. The gunman, who was wearing a black trench coat and had a Mohawk, fired a shot and “everybody just ran inside,” he said.
“I saw his face and he had no emotion in his face whatsoever,” Mightley said. “He was walking very slowly toward us and just shooting.”
Delorme would not comment on a motive, but said the shootings were not hate crimes or terror-related. Asked to describe the shooter, Delorme said only that he had three weapons.
Police responding to an unrelated call saw the shooter about 12:41 p.m. outside the college and followed him inside where a shootout broke out, leaving the gunman dead, Delorme said.
Five of the wounded were critically hurt, and four more were seriously injured, hospital officials said.
Six of those needed surgery, a Montreal General Hospital spokeswoman said. All surgeries were scheduled to be complete by Wednesday evening, she said.
The spokeswoman said at least 15 victims were brought to area hospitals. Eleven patients were transported to Montreal General and four or five more were taken to two other area hospitals to ease the burden on Montreal General, she said.
Among the wounds being treated were gunshots to the head, abdomen, chest, arms and legs, she said. (Watch witnesses describe escaping through pools of blood — 3:44)
Police set up perimeter
Police cordoned off the 12-acre campus after the incident and searched a nearby shopping mall for suspects, a police spokesman said.
A Montreal police spokesman told reporters that a SWAT team searched the college door-to-door for other suspects, but there was no word on whether any were found or apprehended.
Video showed students streaming from the campus after the midday shootings.
“People were literally running for their lives,” said CTV reporter Genevieve Beauchemin, describing what students told her was a “stampede.”
Emergency personnel and police, in bulletproof vests, wheeled people on two stretchers to ambulances.
A first-year student who didn’t give her name said she saw one victim who had been shot in the leg being helped across the street, and another who had been shot in the stomach lying on the sidewalk. (Watch the scene inside the college, captured on a cell phone — :50)
“We were just sitting in class, and we were listening to the teacher and we heard guns going off,” the student said. “We looked outside and everyone was screaming and crying and there were people that got shot that were running away.
“And then our teacher left, and he came back and said the gunmen were inside and we had to leave.”
Dawson College will be closed until Monday, Radio Canada reported.
The college has 7,000 day students and 3,000 night students, according to the Dawson Web site.
In Canada, students as young as 16 attend college, which generally serves as a bridge between high schools and universities.
This is not the first shooting at a Montreal college. About 17 years ago, Marc Lepine opened fire at Ecole Polytechnique. Fourteen female students were killed in the December 1989 shooting before Lepine killed himself.
Lepine left behind a three-page letter blaming feminists for his not being able to get into the school.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Day 5: At Sea
I forgot to mention yesterday that I got two whacks from the baby in my stomach. Every day now, I feel him more and more, and yesterday, I don’t know what it was…. but he was very active and twice, I got a “whack!” It literally threw me down both times. I am glad that he is active!
What else? I tried duck tonight at lunch. J told me I’d like it… and to try something, and he wouldn’t tell me what it was… well, I liked it, and it was duck!
Today, we slept in past 11 am, and that was fantastic because we stayed up pretty late last night in the casino, J has been playing poker (texas hold’em).
I played in a slot tournament today, but didn’t win anything. It was actually the wildcard draw for one of the slots in the final game that ended up winning 500$. Oh well, maybe next time. I also played some bingo today, and that was fun. Some woman from Quebec City cleaned up pretty good, winning 2 of the prizes….. totalling also more than 500$.
Tonight was formal night on the ship, but J & I took it very semi-formal. Being almost 6 months pregnant, my wardrobe is VERY limited, and we figured we’d save my dress for the final formal night next week.
Tonight for dinner I had lobster, and boy was it FANTASTIC.
I’m enjoying not cooking and not cleaning! I love room service and being treated like the way we are.
I’ve been eating New York Cheese Cake every night for desert after dinner. Oh - so - fab!
Tonight I sat down at poker with 40$ (texas hold’em) and won two really big hands, but in the end, walked away 25$ on top of my original 40$. I like the people that are the texas hold’em players, and we see them daily.
They’re predicting really huge waves, so I think I’m going to head up to bed.
What else? I tried duck tonight at lunch. J told me I’d like it… and to try something, and he wouldn’t tell me what it was… well, I liked it, and it was duck!
Today, we slept in past 11 am, and that was fantastic because we stayed up pretty late last night in the casino, J has been playing poker (texas hold’em).
I played in a slot tournament today, but didn’t win anything. It was actually the wildcard draw for one of the slots in the final game that ended up winning 500$. Oh well, maybe next time. I also played some bingo today, and that was fun. Some woman from Quebec City cleaned up pretty good, winning 2 of the prizes….. totalling also more than 500$.
Tonight was formal night on the ship, but J & I took it very semi-formal. Being almost 6 months pregnant, my wardrobe is VERY limited, and we figured we’d save my dress for the final formal night next week.
Tonight for dinner I had lobster, and boy was it FANTASTIC.
I’m enjoying not cooking and not cleaning! I love room service and being treated like the way we are.
I’ve been eating New York Cheese Cake every night for desert after dinner. Oh - so - fab!
Tonight I sat down at poker with 40$ (texas hold’em) and won two really big hands, but in the end, walked away 25$ on top of my original 40$. I like the people that are the texas hold’em players, and we see them daily.
They’re predicting really huge waves, so I think I’m going to head up to bed.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Le Havre, France Day, 4
We’re having a great time. Loving this honeymoon!
Today we went into Le Havre, France. I bought something for baby S’ room We had baguettes in France today for lunch, it was good. There isn’t much shopping there, but we had a good time walking around and I took a lot of pictures. It’s just as dirty as I remember Paris to be. I did manage to find 2 yarn shops (I took pictures!) one was also a sewing shop, and the other strickly yarn. It was nice talking to the lady who owned the place, but I didn’t buy anything. Nothing striked my fancy.
Tonight we saw a Magic Show, and J’s now in the casino playing Texas Hold’em. I entered myself into a slot tournament tomorrow.
The food is pretty good. Better in the dining restauarants than the 24 hour buffet. I am very tired. A lot of walking and a lot of being in the sun. I have been going to bed early tho. Tomorrow we’re at sea so we will sleep in and the slot tournament is at noon-3.
There has been great weather here so far! Just our luck.
I learned that docking a big ship like the Golden Princess (which is what we’re on) costs half a million dollars for 24 hours of docking at the Rotterdam pier in the Netherlands. That’s why we only docked yesterday from 7 am - 4pm. Crazy eh??? That’s some big bucks!
I am actually getting a really nice tan! I’ve been in the pool everyday, taking advantage of that!
Next port is Vigo, Spain on Thursday! I’ve never been to Spain, and I’m damn excited!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Amsterdam, Netherlands, Day 3
I just bought a coke and got 15 free minutes on the internet at a coffee shop in Amsterdam. It’s J’s first time here, and my third. Wow, I can’t believe that I’ve been here already 3 times. Once in 1998, once in 2002 and now, again, in another 4 year increment, 2006.
We left the ship at 7:30 am this morning and got here just past 9 am. There was a lot of traffic and it was supposed to be only an hour and 15 minute ride.
I got baby S this really cute Amsterdam tshirt and some souvenirs for friends & family back home. I haven’t really bought myself anything at all yet. But that’s okay.
Tonight, we’ll hang out on the boat, we leave at 4pm from the pier. (2pm from Amsterdam to get back to Rotterdam where the pier is). We have to meet the coach bus back at the Rijksmuseum. (If I have any spelling mistakes I’ll correct them when I get back home - I apologize). (Typing fast, no time!)
Last night we went to dinner in the personal choice dining hall, I really enjoyed my meal. A really nice Chilled Papaya with Banana soup and a salad then Fettucini alfredo.
After dinner we saw a comedy show, then I lost 20$ in the casino, and J doubled his money at a Texas Hold’em table.
I’ve been relaxing and reading a lot. Loving this trip in every way.
It’s just too bad that most of the people on the ship are 50+!!!!
But that’s okay, we aren’t really interested in interacting with people anyhow, it’s our honeymoon after all!!!!
Tomorrow, we’re off to Le Havre, France. Until then, take care!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Bruges, Belgium, Day 2
So, we got no upgrades on our room, ship is booked solid.
We went into Bruges today, it was nice. We had a nice day. it’s HOT HOT HOT here. Last night was really cold though. Bruges was about a 30 minute drive from Zeebrugge, where the port is. I took lots of pictures, we took a canal boat ride, saw some sites. It was nice.
Most of the ship’s passengers are senoir citizens.
They put upon arrival yesterday JUST MARRIED balloons outside our room b/c we’re on our honeymoon. HOW FUNNY! OOps. Actually our 1 year anniversary is next Monday, so that will be nice.
I am starting to adjust to the time zone.
I saw a knitter on the streets knitting away. I think she was a shop owner (not a yarn shop - I do hope to find a yarn shop somewhere!
Tomorrow we’re docking near Rotterdam, but J & I have a ticket booked to take the 1h 15 minute drive into Amsterdam. He’s never been, and is dying to go. I’ve been twice, and love it there. (Not for those illegal reasons!)
More tomorrow. Just got out of the pool and am going to go shower and off to dinner soon. We’ll probably watch a show or something!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Safe & Sound
We’re in our room settled now it’s 830pm Sat 9th. (3:30 in Canada pm) 5 hour time diff from London, but tomorrow, Sept 10 in Belgium, it’s 6 hour time diff.
Anyhow, we’re having a good time so far. The plane ride was uncomfortable. Customs took over an hour (at heathrow, it was rush hour apparently there) and then we had to wait another 45 minutes to leave to the ship. That was another 2 hour uncomfortable ride. Then we had to wait in line another hour to board the ship (check in line). So, it has been uncomfortable and a lot of lines and waiting. We’ll be in better moods tomorrow. The ship is still as gorgeous as I remember it from 4 yrs ago. It’s chilly here at night (we walked outside after dinner).
we’re here, we’re safe and we’ll be in touch! xoxo
ps - I am checking my emails, so email me!!
pps- EVERYTHING worked out with my tenants before we left, so we’re at TOTAL peace of mind here.
ppss- Unless I find a net cafe in one of the cities we’re docking at, then I wont be able to blog photos until I get back.
Anyhow, we’re having a good time so far. The plane ride was uncomfortable. Customs took over an hour (at heathrow, it was rush hour apparently there) and then we had to wait another 45 minutes to leave to the ship. That was another 2 hour uncomfortable ride. Then we had to wait in line another hour to board the ship (check in line). So, it has been uncomfortable and a lot of lines and waiting. We’ll be in better moods tomorrow. The ship is still as gorgeous as I remember it from 4 yrs ago. It’s chilly here at night (we walked outside after dinner).
we’re here, we’re safe and we’ll be in touch! xoxo
ps - I am checking my emails, so email me!!
pps- EVERYTHING worked out with my tenants before we left, so we’re at TOTAL peace of mind here.
ppss- Unless I find a net cafe in one of the cities we’re docking at, then I wont be able to blog photos until I get back.
Friday, September 08, 2006
In The Nick of Time
After a lot of stress - and I mean a LOT of stress and worrying and aggrevation, I am about to leave for the airport to go to Europe on my belated honeymoon with my husband, and my now old tenants, whom I just kicked out of the apartment - due to the fact that she no longer wanted to pay rent - actually met up with me not even 3 hours ago - to cancel the lease we had for the apartment I rent out - and actually gave me back the keys to the place - so now - I can leave them for my new tenants and have them move in tomorrow - with my father-in-law's help. (I can't be in two countries at the same time).
I feel so much better now that it was all taken care of - and everything fell into place before we left. I think Jamie and I will both sleep a lot better on our cruise knowing that we have tenants that are moving in and rent that will be paid. That was our biggest worry actually - was the rent for our mortgage. Of course, we have family that was willing to help us out should the case have been that - but I rather it this way - with tenants and money that is not owed back to anyone, you know?
I am still in shock. In the nick of time. It just 'worked out'. Wow..... wow.... wow.... Jamie is floored as well. Unreal. Crazy. Something that was too good to be true - just worked out for us. That is usually not the case for us - usually - lately - it seems like it's been worse case scenarios, and well - just to our luck - wow!
Well, I'm sitting here - at my computer - my parents are picking up Jamie and I around 7pm. We're just about packed - I want to hop into a shower at the LAST possible moment - I want to feel as fresh as possible while at the airport - and I have packed my knitting - I decided to NOT risk taking it carry on. I emailed my cousin Jenn to see if she got through security at our airport this past week with her knitting, but she has not returned my email - no idea if she is even checking her emails. Anyhow, because we're flying into London Heathrow, and with all the security because of the liquid problem just recently, I want to play it safe, so I'm not going to bother.... Jamie and I have a dvd player - so we'll watch a movie while waiting to board, and possibly on board as well. I hate flying overnight, I just know that I won't get much sleep and then when we get there, it's going to be like 9-10 in the morning there, tomorrow morning, and we've then got another full day ahead of us - which sucks....! But - the rest of the trip will be well worth it - it does suck that traveling is the pits.
Alright, must go shut down my computer, (I don't want to leave it on for 2 weeks) and hop into a quick but nice shower, and then wait for my parents to pick us up to take us to the airport!
And with that - floating on cloud number 9 because everything in life seems to be working out lately - I wish you a good two weeks (I should be able to blog - I don't know about posting pictures - but blogging and checking email will definitely be accessible to me).... so keep in touch - and enjoy!
I feel so much better now that it was all taken care of - and everything fell into place before we left. I think Jamie and I will both sleep a lot better on our cruise knowing that we have tenants that are moving in and rent that will be paid. That was our biggest worry actually - was the rent for our mortgage. Of course, we have family that was willing to help us out should the case have been that - but I rather it this way - with tenants and money that is not owed back to anyone, you know?
I am still in shock. In the nick of time. It just 'worked out'. Wow..... wow.... wow.... Jamie is floored as well. Unreal. Crazy. Something that was too good to be true - just worked out for us. That is usually not the case for us - usually - lately - it seems like it's been worse case scenarios, and well - just to our luck - wow!
Well, I'm sitting here - at my computer - my parents are picking up Jamie and I around 7pm. We're just about packed - I want to hop into a shower at the LAST possible moment - I want to feel as fresh as possible while at the airport - and I have packed my knitting - I decided to NOT risk taking it carry on. I emailed my cousin Jenn to see if she got through security at our airport this past week with her knitting, but she has not returned my email - no idea if she is even checking her emails. Anyhow, because we're flying into London Heathrow, and with all the security because of the liquid problem just recently, I want to play it safe, so I'm not going to bother.... Jamie and I have a dvd player - so we'll watch a movie while waiting to board, and possibly on board as well. I hate flying overnight, I just know that I won't get much sleep and then when we get there, it's going to be like 9-10 in the morning there, tomorrow morning, and we've then got another full day ahead of us - which sucks....! But - the rest of the trip will be well worth it - it does suck that traveling is the pits.
Alright, must go shut down my computer, (I don't want to leave it on for 2 weeks) and hop into a quick but nice shower, and then wait for my parents to pick us up to take us to the airport!
And with that - floating on cloud number 9 because everything in life seems to be working out lately - I wish you a good two weeks (I should be able to blog - I don't know about posting pictures - but blogging and checking email will definitely be accessible to me).... so keep in touch - and enjoy!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
A Gift From Heaven?
I swear to god - I am the luckiest and the happiest person alive. I FOUND NEW TENANTS! They will move in Saturday. Wow - wow - wow - wow. Basically, here's what happened to them:
A lovely lady, my new tenant - Ms. C. with her 13 year old daughter and her 85 year old mother. Now... the fantastic thing about this is (fantastic for me that is) the fact that they moved from one end of Montreal (just off the island) to the west for September 1st. A few days later - they were flooded out of their place, and were desperate to find somewhere to live. They've been living out of boxes still in one room that didn't get bad damage - so they started looking like crazy. Anyhow, this is good for me, I need tenants bad - they need a place to live bad - and this all works out in the end for me and for them!
I met up with her this morning, and signed a lease. I couldn't get in touch with her previous landlord at the time (not the place she's been living in for a week, but the place before that) and trusted to sign the lease - (probably not a good thing on my part) but her current lease she was actually paying more than what my lease is for, so that was fantastic. At least I know she was willing to pay more for her other place that she got flooded out of.
This evening, however, I got in touch with her previous landlord, and got the a-okay that she's always paid rent on time, etc... and not a bad word out of her mouth - the small chance I took this morning with signing a lease without checking references - was a risk on my part - but it looks a-okay now, and I am sure anyone is better than the tenants I'm about to kick out (whom have never actually moved in.... and when she told me that she "started moving stuff in and decided she will keep the place - there wasn't actually anything moved in more than her matress on the floor and tv/vcr that are also on the floor that have been sitting there since she's pretty much had keys to the apartment).
So now - I have tenants - a gift from heaven I think - and my father in law is going to meet my new tenants on Saturday (we leave tomorrow night) with the keys.....
Now... about those keys.... I need to now chase down my tenants who still have the keys - get both sets of keys back from her - as well as cancel legally the current lease she has with me. Annoyance - yes - a bit much - but what can I do? I need to get this done, and it's going to be fun. I apparently can't legally change the locks on my place until the lease is cancelled - and I need my now "old" tenant to sign that the lease is cancelled - so that my new tenants can move in. I have less than 24 hours until I leave for Europe. This seems like it's going to be quite the nightmare.
A lovely lady, my new tenant - Ms. C. with her 13 year old daughter and her 85 year old mother. Now... the fantastic thing about this is (fantastic for me that is) the fact that they moved from one end of Montreal (just off the island) to the west for September 1st. A few days later - they were flooded out of their place, and were desperate to find somewhere to live. They've been living out of boxes still in one room that didn't get bad damage - so they started looking like crazy. Anyhow, this is good for me, I need tenants bad - they need a place to live bad - and this all works out in the end for me and for them!
I met up with her this morning, and signed a lease. I couldn't get in touch with her previous landlord at the time (not the place she's been living in for a week, but the place before that) and trusted to sign the lease - (probably not a good thing on my part) but her current lease she was actually paying more than what my lease is for, so that was fantastic. At least I know she was willing to pay more for her other place that she got flooded out of.
This evening, however, I got in touch with her previous landlord, and got the a-okay that she's always paid rent on time, etc... and not a bad word out of her mouth - the small chance I took this morning with signing a lease without checking references - was a risk on my part - but it looks a-okay now, and I am sure anyone is better than the tenants I'm about to kick out (whom have never actually moved in.... and when she told me that she "started moving stuff in and decided she will keep the place - there wasn't actually anything moved in more than her matress on the floor and tv/vcr that are also on the floor that have been sitting there since she's pretty much had keys to the apartment).
So now - I have tenants - a gift from heaven I think - and my father in law is going to meet my new tenants on Saturday (we leave tomorrow night) with the keys.....
Now... about those keys.... I need to now chase down my tenants who still have the keys - get both sets of keys back from her - as well as cancel legally the current lease she has with me. Annoyance - yes - a bit much - but what can I do? I need to get this done, and it's going to be fun. I apparently can't legally change the locks on my place until the lease is cancelled - and I need my now "old" tenant to sign that the lease is cancelled - so that my new tenants can move in. I have less than 24 hours until I leave for Europe. This seems like it's going to be quite the nightmare.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Can This Be My Lucky Day?
Today, may have totally turned around.
The beginning of my day started out a little under the weather (not physically, but mentally) and I got out of bed, started reading a bunch of blogs about women who have lost babies late on in their pregnancy, or given birth to stillborns and got myself all freaked out for nothing probably. I obviously want the best for the baby, and I am just a worry wart, and worry about all the little things. I am sure that everything will be fine. I sure hope so anyhow. So that got me to go back into bed, crawl under the covers and daydream about anything else.
Anyhow, I finally got my day started, and I got almost all the laundry done, and my grandmother came over for a little bit, and then I went to go meet up with Angela for the knitting meet up. But, on my way out the door, I got the most awesome phone call. A potential new tenant! There is this woman, who got flooded out of her apartment, is looking to move somewhere immediately. Oh my! Good news! This may have been my lucky day. It would be this woman, with her 13 year old daughter, as welll as her 85 year old mother. Just the three of them, and she is like “we’re very quiet people, you won’t ever hear us” and she wanted to know what she has to bring tomorrow, (we set up a 10 am apt) to speed up the process of me checking out her application.. etc. She is going to bring her current lease to show that she is paying almost as much as what I’m charging, and I will then call her current and/or last landlord(s) to check to make sure she always paid her rent on time. I also asked her to bring blank checks, incase all goes well, she can leave a deposit for first and last months’ rent. I am not taking the chance of having this problem again! I really hope that all goes well. It would be fantastic to have new tenants right away and not have to worry about anything!
For some reason, it’s too good to be true. But I’ll see, maybe it is good!
Now, my only problem is finding my “current” tenant, who is probably avoiding my calls because she thinks she still owes me rent… but all I want is the keys back, and her lease signed that it’s cancelled, and I will leave her be. I don’t want to know of her or from her anymore. (Providing that the new tenant potentials work out). But she probably thinks I’m chasing her down for rent (which was that case, but not anymore, since I hope this works out!) Ok, I’m sounding very eager, ain’t I? Please please please let something go right!
Anyhow, I am wondering if the paper that she signed on August 3rd is good enough for a cancelation of a lease? It does state: “I, Ms. W, give R (me) permission to search for new tenants. I will pay rent until new tenants are found. Once new tenants are found, I will not be responsible to pay rent after their new lease is signed.” I am wondering if this is good enough as a cancellation of the lease, or do I have to get her signature on the existing lease for it to be cancelled? I tried getting intouch with my dad’s best friend who is a lawyer, but he was working late, so I will try him tomorrow morning.
I did try calling my current tenant, Ms. W, with blocking my number, and finally, someone answered the phone… her daughter. I told her to give the message, but I don’t know why she’s avoiding me.
So… tomorrow… I will call Ms. W first thing in the morning. I hope to get intouch with her.
I have to think about some options.
If my new lease can be signed, because of the August 3rd signed document, then I will sign the new lease, and then change the looks. And then I will take the matress, small tv, and dvd player, that are currently in the apartment on the floor of one of the rooms, out, and she can pick them up at her convenience. I want this to work out for the new tenants, and if they need a place asap, I would like to give it to them asap!
And if I can’t get the keys back from her right away, I was planning on changing the locks anyhow, so I will have to call a locksmith tomorrow, and get new keys made asap. But I’m just thinking ahead.
Wish me luck for tomorrow… I hope everything goes as planned!
Tonight’s knitting meet up was a lot of fun, but I got tired really easily. So even though it’s late and I’m still up, I feel less tired in my pj’s in the comfort of my own home, than at 2nd Cup. It was good to meet some new faces and also, it was really good to see some friendly familiar faces. Kadi got baby S an irish sheep stuffed animal on her recent travels, and I will photograph it tomorrow and show you how cute it is. It’s already in baby S’s almost room (working on clearing out my office, and that is coming along great so far!)
Alright, I am too excited to sleep. Wish me luck, wish me luck!
Oh, I watched Childstar last night. It was okay. It’s a canadian film, and almost a documentary style, I guess you’d say.
The beginning of my day started out a little under the weather (not physically, but mentally) and I got out of bed, started reading a bunch of blogs about women who have lost babies late on in their pregnancy, or given birth to stillborns and got myself all freaked out for nothing probably. I obviously want the best for the baby, and I am just a worry wart, and worry about all the little things. I am sure that everything will be fine. I sure hope so anyhow. So that got me to go back into bed, crawl under the covers and daydream about anything else.
Anyhow, I finally got my day started, and I got almost all the laundry done, and my grandmother came over for a little bit, and then I went to go meet up with Angela for the knitting meet up. But, on my way out the door, I got the most awesome phone call. A potential new tenant! There is this woman, who got flooded out of her apartment, is looking to move somewhere immediately. Oh my! Good news! This may have been my lucky day. It would be this woman, with her 13 year old daughter, as welll as her 85 year old mother. Just the three of them, and she is like “we’re very quiet people, you won’t ever hear us” and she wanted to know what she has to bring tomorrow, (we set up a 10 am apt) to speed up the process of me checking out her application.. etc. She is going to bring her current lease to show that she is paying almost as much as what I’m charging, and I will then call her current and/or last landlord(s) to check to make sure she always paid her rent on time. I also asked her to bring blank checks, incase all goes well, she can leave a deposit for first and last months’ rent. I am not taking the chance of having this problem again! I really hope that all goes well. It would be fantastic to have new tenants right away and not have to worry about anything!
For some reason, it’s too good to be true. But I’ll see, maybe it is good!
Now, my only problem is finding my “current” tenant, who is probably avoiding my calls because she thinks she still owes me rent… but all I want is the keys back, and her lease signed that it’s cancelled, and I will leave her be. I don’t want to know of her or from her anymore. (Providing that the new tenant potentials work out). But she probably thinks I’m chasing her down for rent (which was that case, but not anymore, since I hope this works out!) Ok, I’m sounding very eager, ain’t I? Please please please let something go right!
Anyhow, I am wondering if the paper that she signed on August 3rd is good enough for a cancelation of a lease? It does state: “I, Ms. W, give R (me) permission to search for new tenants. I will pay rent until new tenants are found. Once new tenants are found, I will not be responsible to pay rent after their new lease is signed.” I am wondering if this is good enough as a cancellation of the lease, or do I have to get her signature on the existing lease for it to be cancelled? I tried getting intouch with my dad’s best friend who is a lawyer, but he was working late, so I will try him tomorrow morning.
I did try calling my current tenant, Ms. W, with blocking my number, and finally, someone answered the phone… her daughter. I told her to give the message, but I don’t know why she’s avoiding me.
So… tomorrow… I will call Ms. W first thing in the morning. I hope to get intouch with her.
I have to think about some options.
If my new lease can be signed, because of the August 3rd signed document, then I will sign the new lease, and then change the looks. And then I will take the matress, small tv, and dvd player, that are currently in the apartment on the floor of one of the rooms, out, and she can pick them up at her convenience. I want this to work out for the new tenants, and if they need a place asap, I would like to give it to them asap!
And if I can’t get the keys back from her right away, I was planning on changing the locks anyhow, so I will have to call a locksmith tomorrow, and get new keys made asap. But I’m just thinking ahead.
Wish me luck for tomorrow… I hope everything goes as planned!
Tonight’s knitting meet up was a lot of fun, but I got tired really easily. So even though it’s late and I’m still up, I feel less tired in my pj’s in the comfort of my own home, than at 2nd Cup. It was good to meet some new faces and also, it was really good to see some friendly familiar faces. Kadi got baby S an irish sheep stuffed animal on her recent travels, and I will photograph it tomorrow and show you how cute it is. It’s already in baby S’s almost room (working on clearing out my office, and that is coming along great so far!)
Alright, I am too excited to sleep. Wish me luck, wish me luck!
Oh, I watched Childstar last night. It was okay. It’s a canadian film, and almost a documentary style, I guess you’d say.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
I Heart Baby Boy Clothes
Today I got a LOT accomplished.
First off, I slept in, because I only went to bed at 4 am this morning. I could not sleep. I’ve been having a lot of nights like that lately… Maybe, it’s excitement for upcoming events, or what, or maybe it’s because I’ve been going to bed really late and waking up really early, so maybe I just haven’t felt like going to bed early, my hole schedule is out of whack, unfortunately.
So, I looked into it. My tenant’s check is useless, she has no money in her account. I finally got in touch with her today, and she will *try* to get me the rent for tomorrow, but she’s stuck in a really bad money situation right now and cannot guaratee me anything. I told her that I am looking for new tenants, and will try my best to get some as soon as possible. (Which I doubt will happen right away, but who knows). She said she’ll call me tomorrow. (I’ll hold my breath).
Today I got a lot accomplished. A return to Walmart, a return to Zellers, a return to the Baie, an exchange at Winners (TJ Maxx in the USA) and I got this during the exchange: (They wouldn’t give me back my money, it was over 10 days - which I was quite aware).
First off, I slept in, because I only went to bed at 4 am this morning. I could not sleep. I’ve been having a lot of nights like that lately… Maybe, it’s excitement for upcoming events, or what, or maybe it’s because I’ve been going to bed really late and waking up really early, so maybe I just haven’t felt like going to bed early, my hole schedule is out of whack, unfortunately.
So, I looked into it. My tenant’s check is useless, she has no money in her account. I finally got in touch with her today, and she will *try* to get me the rent for tomorrow, but she’s stuck in a really bad money situation right now and cannot guaratee me anything. I told her that I am looking for new tenants, and will try my best to get some as soon as possible. (Which I doubt will happen right away, but who knows). She said she’ll call me tomorrow. (I’ll hold my breath).
Today I got a lot accomplished. A return to Walmart, a return to Zellers, a return to the Baie, an exchange at Winners (TJ Maxx in the USA) and I got this during the exchange: (They wouldn’t give me back my money, it was over 10 days - which I was quite aware).
This cute little sleeper or costume says LITTLE STINKER in red over the chest. It’s a little skunk outfit. (SOOO CUTE!) It’s a 3-6 month outfit.
This is the back: (With the adorable little tail)
And the cute little feet!
I also got this really cute duck outfit, which isn’t as detailed as the skunk one:
And since there was still money on the exchange, I got this really adorable 6-9 month baby boy’s outfit:
Don’t you just love the little cute khaki pants? I just love love love it!
I am not going to buy anything else until after my two baby showers (splitting the family in half because we have so many people between my side and J’s side). I’ll see what I get at baby S’s showers, and then see what I’m missing after that. I just had to use up the money on something, and it didn’t cost me anything today (well, besides 3.40$ which was over the credit amount). Winners does not have a maternity section and I wasn’t going to hold onto the credit note until after I give birth, and I would have ended up using it on the baby anyhow!
What else is going on around here? Today I took off my acrylic nails. I decided that it was sooo much easier to take them off, than dealing with them. First off, it was hard to type. I still was able to type, but at a slower pace than I’m used to. Second, putting in and taking out my contact lenses was a real pain in the butt. Now I can do it with much more ease. I think I only wore my contacts twice in the month period I had my beautiful acrylic nails on, because of the pain they were to take out. I don’t think I’ll put them back on before the baby is born, and definitely not after.
No knitting today, but I am planning on going to the knitting meet-up tomorrow night, so I should get some knitting done. I hope to have more knitting time soon!
Hmm.. anything else going on around here? Not really. Not besides chores and errands. I am so happy that things are getting accomplished and done.
Oh! I did have my montly OBGYN apt today, and everything is looking fantastic with the baby, and he got my ultra sound results and everything looks great from that too. Glad to hear. He said my son is growing right on track, and everything is just perfect. Sounds good to me!
I’m about to start watching the movie Childstar. I’ll let you know how it is. I also plan on making a whole batch of stitch markers, now that I can bead properly without the nails!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Brunch, Knitting & Beading
This afternoon I went to my Aunt’s house for a brunch for the immediate family & out of town guests that came in for my cousin’s wedding. I took some pictures, and wanted to share:
I love this shot of my mother & I.
Took a nice one of J & I.
And, I have to show off my 22.5 week pregnant belly!
I got these three stones not too long ago, and wanted to make myself a necklace with each as the pendant. I finally got the time today to sit down and do so! Here are the finished products! I can’t wait to wear them with outfits that they match with!On the knitting front, I’ve started a new project (when I should be finishing Clapotis, and J’s sock):
I started knitting a scarf…
am using a repeat pattern, and it’s very simple. I plan to make it rusty orange, this deep cranberry red, and a chocolate brown. I think it will go very nicely with my brown jacket (with baby bump I will NOT be able to wear this winter though… so I will have to get myself a winter jacket that will suit a 8-9 month preggo!)Tonight, while beading, (necklaces & stitch markers) sewing J’s shorts & baseball pants (button fell off the shorts & the pants had a hole in the pocket) I have been watching movies:
I’ve watched:
- She’s The Man
- Yours, Mine, and Ours
- All I Wanna Do (STRIKE!)
I’ve been on a movie watching kick lately. She’s the Man was okay, but it’s a teenage chick flick. Yours, Mine and Ours was a family type movie, about a man and woman who get together and between them they have 19 kids… (uhm, ok?!) and Strike! is a movie that my sister loves and so I decided that I would give it a try. It was a little too… 1960’s for me, and that’s when the movie takes place, back in the 60’s. It was cute, but a little weird.
Today I decided that I am annoyed by my acrylic nails, so I’m taking them off tomorrow. I will go at some point and have them removed. I was going to refill them once more this Friday, but I decided against it. Just not in the mood to have them anymore, they are more of a nuissance than of anything useful. Yes, they are nice, but I just don’t like them anymore.
Today, I called up my tenant, to find out when exactly she was planning on paying me rent for the month of September (her lease is for the 1st of the month), and she decided tonight to tell me that after all, she won’t be keeping the apartment, and she will also no longer be paying me rent.
Uhm…. what!? Yes, you heard me correct.
I have a check that is dated July 3rd, (’first months’ rent) and you can cash a check up to 6 months after the date it’s written, so tomorrow I’m going to the bank to get it certified (to make sure that there is funds in the account). If not, I am debating whether to cash it anyhow. Yes, I’ll get a fee for a NSF check (Non sufficient funds) but, it’ll prove to the Regie Du Logement (french for rental board) that she is a bad tenant, and is withholding funds. I do have a paper signed that she does allow me to find new tenants, so legally that’s a good thing on my part. I’m just wondering now, if her check will be honored, and if I will be able to find some tenants immediately. My search for September is limited, but we’ll see what I can do. I have posted an ad on Craigslist again, and also on two university websites for off-campus housing. Maybe I can find 3-4 students to rent the apartment. Anything at this point, is better than the tenant I have.
And remember I mentioned that she called me on August 16th to tell me that she has decided to start moving stuff into the apartment, and has decided to keep the place? Well, I went upstairs today, to close the front porch door, (as it was raining and I don’t want water damage in the place) and she has not indeed moved anything new into the place. So, I don’t know what she is talking about. All that is in there, is a matress on the floor of one of the rooms, with a DVD player, and a tv on the floor as well. I noticed a Hydro bill (for electricity) on the counter, unopened (whch means she’s not even bothering to pay her electricity bills - as she has no idea how much it will cost her, since her bills are unopened) and is proven to NOT be a responsible person.
I’m so messed up right now, I have been angry for a couple of hours today.
I really hope I find new tenants… AND SOON. Why do I always get stuck with this kind of luck?? Things just are really crappy feeling right now. I know I will get through it, and I’m trying to not let it bother me, but it’s just so annoying… that’s all.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
I heart Weddings
Today was my cousin’s wedding. It rained all morning (rain is good luck on your wedding day! It rained on mine a year ago - but then cleared up magically!) and, you know what? It cleared up all afternoon as well, but it was still grey. That’s alright, it was called to be an indoor wedding, and everything went as planned.
My cousin looked stunning!
The ceremony was beautiful.
J & I at our table. It was a fun night, and I hope my cousin had a good time!
My cousin looked stunning!
The ceremony was beautiful.
My dress turned out in the end!
Here is the group of 5 bridesmaids. Don’t we all look stunning?
J & I at our table. It was a fun night, and I hope my cousin had a good time!
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Sewing & Other Stuff
Today, I got a lot accomplished at home during the day. It was the start of clean up day. I still have a lot to do, but I can only do so much. J even did a lot of the things I had for him on his to do list. I am very happy with the progress.
Going to go watch a movie or something in bed. Or maybe go to bed. I am kinda tired, and I do have my cousin’s wedding tomorrow. (Very very excited for that!)
Tonight, my friend Jennie came over and she helped me sew cushions to match the curtain in the baby room, for the rocking chair. I need to get a foot rest/stool and then my chair is complete. I can’t wait for the baby’s room to be complete!
Going to go watch a movie or something in bed. Or maybe go to bed. I am kinda tired, and I do have my cousin’s wedding tomorrow. (Very very excited for that!)
Friday, September 01, 2006
I Win Poker!
I have been sleeping in all week. I have decided to start not setting my alarm anymore, I just can’t do it. I have been so exhausted lately, I do not know what is wrong. (I thought 2nd trimester is supposed to be so much more energetic than 1st and 3rd trimesters?)
I took care of some chores in the morning, on my to do list (I’m a list maker, always got a list!) and then went into my dad’s office for a bit, to get a little bit of work that he wanted me to do accomplished. I will work a little from home next week, but as I see it now, it’s going to be a very busy week next week. I better relax and have fun during the weekend, so that I can be refreshed for next week! So much to do!
Tonight we went out for dinner, and celebrated our friend V’s birthday. Dinner was not bad.
Tonight, I got convinced into playing poker again, and well, I won 20$! Here’s how. I ended up tying for first/second place. It was getting late, (as it is now) and I wanted to go do my own thing. So J’s friend and I decided to split the first and second prize, which was 60$ + 20$ = 80$ divided by 2 = 40$ each. I gave J back his 20$ (He paid for my entry and his entry of 10$ each) and I walked away this evening with 20$ (Two weeks in a row!) Just my luck!
Oh, today, I watched House of Wax. It was alright. The special effects were really cool though. Tomorrow I have a huge clean up day, and my friend Jennie is coming over tomorrow night, to help me learn my sewing machine! I’m very excited!
I took care of some chores in the morning, on my to do list (I’m a list maker, always got a list!) and then went into my dad’s office for a bit, to get a little bit of work that he wanted me to do accomplished. I will work a little from home next week, but as I see it now, it’s going to be a very busy week next week. I better relax and have fun during the weekend, so that I can be refreshed for next week! So much to do!
Tonight we went out for dinner, and celebrated our friend V’s birthday. Dinner was not bad.
Tonight, I got convinced into playing poker again, and well, I won 20$! Here’s how. I ended up tying for first/second place. It was getting late, (as it is now) and I wanted to go do my own thing. So J’s friend and I decided to split the first and second prize, which was 60$ + 20$ = 80$ divided by 2 = 40$ each. I gave J back his 20$ (He paid for my entry and his entry of 10$ each) and I walked away this evening with 20$ (Two weeks in a row!) Just my luck!
Oh, today, I watched House of Wax. It was alright. The special effects were really cool though. Tomorrow I have a huge clean up day, and my friend Jennie is coming over tomorrow night, to help me learn my sewing machine! I’m very excited!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Charity Blanket
Today I finished the baby blanket for charity. I stayed in today, because I wasn’t feeling well. I got a lot accomplished in the house (chores - they never end!) and then finished seaming the baby blanket. I am really happy the way it came out. However, I think the colours are hidious! But that’s a whole other story! Anyhow, I am sure that whatever charity ends up getting these blankets that were made (I think they’re more like ‘throws’ than blankets) will like them regardless! The pattern is really cool though, and I think I will make one for baby S, but in yellows and blues! Just something to put down on the floor in the baby’s room… I think it would look nice. I’ll wait to see how things turn out and things place out in the room, but in the right colours, I think this ‘throw’ would look nice.
Last night I ended up not being able to sleep, so I watched the movie Just My Luck. My sister had loaned it to me, and well, I was in the mood for a chick flick, so why not. It was alright, a little on the cheesy side, and well, just okay...!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Little Miss Sunshine
This morning I had to sleep in. I had set my alarm, but I was just NOT getting up. I eventually got up, and had a bagel, got ready, and then headed to work for my dad. I got there just after 12, bringing a lunch for me and J. I worked until about 4:30pm, and then I met my mother at the mall across the street to see if the Baie had any sweaters. I am still on the quest for the perfect black zip down sweater. Why can’t I find a friggin’ sweater? No one seems to carry zip down sweaters these days! I am thinking about checking out Sears tomorrow, but I don’t know. I did manage to learn that the Baie has a small Maternity section, and got some stuff on sale at 50% off.
Tonight J and I had free passes to go to see Trust the Man. Unfortunately, it was sold out. (They send out more passes than the theater can hold, because usually most people don’t show up! Well, tonight, they were overbooked! And so, we had the option. Go see another Fox film that was playing, or use the pass for Trust the Man another night. We decided that we weren’t coming back, so we had the option between My Super Ex Girlfriend or Little Miss Sunshine. We chose Little Miss Sunshine. What a good decision that was. I am positive that we enjoyed Little Miss Sunshine WAY better than had we seen Trust the Man. I really recommend you going to see Little Miss Sunshine. I ended up bumping into my cousin and his wife upon exiting the building tonight. It was their first time out together in a month, since giving birth (see below for definition) to baby O. I am glad that they are coming to my cousin’s wedding this Sunday, with the baby, I’ve been dying to meet him. The baby’s bris was on the day I graduated, so I was unable to make it, and have not gotten the chance to meet him yet. They were very excited to hear that we were also having a boy, and that their son would have a cousin only 5 months younger than their boy! It’s always good to have cousins the same age!
Alright, I need to go seam the baby charity blanket - I’ve got to bring it with me tomorrow to my cousin’s house after her wedding rehearsal. I have to seam it, and then single crochet the border. I am not worried, it shall be done in time!
Noun
1. Brith - the Jewish rite of circumcision performed on a male child on the eighth day of his life
Berit, Berith, Bris, Briss circumcision - the act of circumcising performed on males eight days after birth as a Jewish and Muslim religious rite
Tonight J and I had free passes to go to see Trust the Man. Unfortunately, it was sold out. (They send out more passes than the theater can hold, because usually most people don’t show up! Well, tonight, they were overbooked! And so, we had the option. Go see another Fox film that was playing, or use the pass for Trust the Man another night. We decided that we weren’t coming back, so we had the option between My Super Ex Girlfriend or Little Miss Sunshine. We chose Little Miss Sunshine. What a good decision that was. I am positive that we enjoyed Little Miss Sunshine WAY better than had we seen Trust the Man. I really recommend you going to see Little Miss Sunshine. I ended up bumping into my cousin and his wife upon exiting the building tonight. It was their first time out together in a month, since giving birth (see below for definition) to baby O. I am glad that they are coming to my cousin’s wedding this Sunday, with the baby, I’ve been dying to meet him. The baby’s bris was on the day I graduated, so I was unable to make it, and have not gotten the chance to meet him yet. They were very excited to hear that we were also having a boy, and that their son would have a cousin only 5 months younger than their boy! It’s always good to have cousins the same age!
Alright, I need to go seam the baby charity blanket - I’ve got to bring it with me tomorrow to my cousin’s house after her wedding rehearsal. I have to seam it, and then single crochet the border. I am not worried, it shall be done in time!
Noun
1. Brith - the Jewish rite of circumcision performed on a male child on the eighth day of his life
Berit, Berith, Bris, Briss circumcision - the act of circumcising performed on males eight days after birth as a Jewish and Muslim religious rite
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Final Grades & Maternity Shopping
I finally got my final grades, and let me tell you, I am VERY happy with EVERY single one of my marks.
Imposition - 86% (Class Average 83%)
Illustration - 92% (Class Average 85%)
Estimation - 93% (Class Average 79%)
Montage - 86% (Class Average 81%)
Edition - 91% (Class Average 82%)
Photoshop - 89% (Class Average 84%)
I did not make honors (which you had to get 90% and over fore all three semesters, but I did come DAMN close with an overall average of 88%. I am very happy with my achievements, and I can’t wait to get that diploma in my hands… (I’ll laminate it and mount it in my new office once I move downstairs into my new office to make way upstairs for baby S). As you can see, I did WELL over every class average. Not once this semester did I get below the class average, not once. I worked my butt off!
Today, I searched high and low for a sweater. If I had the time I’d knit myself one, but by the time I need it, I would not be finished it. I ended up checking out this new maternity shop I’d heard about called Motherhood Maternity and ended up not finding a sweater but a pair of maternity shorts, and three tops (1 fancier than the other 2). I am very happy with my new finds! I ended up spending 59$ (OUCH) on a sweater at Thyme Maternity, because the sweater just looked THAT good on me, really! I’d never spend that kind of money on a sweater, never in a million years, otherwise! I can’t walk around naked, so I had to figure something out. My mom found 2 nice sweaters (one in white and one in black - I was originally looking for black), that I will borrow, that make me look good, and I will keep them until my belly doesn’t fit in them anymore (can’t zip up anymore)… that will be the point she will get them back!
Tonight my family got together for my grandmother’s birthday dinner, it was really nice. I don’t see my family too often all together, so I love it when we do get a chance to all go out. Lately there has been plenty of occasions to celebrate, so it’s great!
Tomorrow night I am going to see the premiere of Trust the Man, with Billy Crudup, David Duchovny, Maggie Gyllenhall, Julianne Moore and Eva Mendes. It looks cute, and you’ll never believe that my dear husband agreed to go with me to see it! (You’ll never catch him in a theater in a chick flick. Maybe it’s because I won the free passes.. who knows!) I’ll let you know how it is.
On the knitting front, I am going to finish seaming the charity blanket, and then once it’s done, I will photograph it, and then I plan on starting Baby it’s Cold Outside from the Crochet Me site. It’s a baby kimono, that I had started from the Mason Dixon book, but I find that something like this will be much easier to crochet than knit. Maybe I’ll knit one and crochet one. We’ll see. I have some nice blue yarn, so I need to get started for some articles for baby S. (My little Monkey is what I’ve been calling him, cuz he’s always moving around!) I also have J’s sock number 2 to start…
Imposition - 86% (Class Average 83%)
Illustration - 92% (Class Average 85%)
Estimation - 93% (Class Average 79%)
Montage - 86% (Class Average 81%)
Edition - 91% (Class Average 82%)
Photoshop - 89% (Class Average 84%)
I did not make honors (which you had to get 90% and over fore all three semesters, but I did come DAMN close with an overall average of 88%. I am very happy with my achievements, and I can’t wait to get that diploma in my hands… (I’ll laminate it and mount it in my new office once I move downstairs into my new office to make way upstairs for baby S). As you can see, I did WELL over every class average. Not once this semester did I get below the class average, not once. I worked my butt off!
Today, I searched high and low for a sweater. If I had the time I’d knit myself one, but by the time I need it, I would not be finished it. I ended up checking out this new maternity shop I’d heard about called Motherhood Maternity and ended up not finding a sweater but a pair of maternity shorts, and three tops (1 fancier than the other 2). I am very happy with my new finds! I ended up spending 59$ (OUCH) on a sweater at Thyme Maternity, because the sweater just looked THAT good on me, really! I’d never spend that kind of money on a sweater, never in a million years, otherwise! I can’t walk around naked, so I had to figure something out. My mom found 2 nice sweaters (one in white and one in black - I was originally looking for black), that I will borrow, that make me look good, and I will keep them until my belly doesn’t fit in them anymore (can’t zip up anymore)… that will be the point she will get them back!
Tonight my family got together for my grandmother’s birthday dinner, it was really nice. I don’t see my family too often all together, so I love it when we do get a chance to all go out. Lately there has been plenty of occasions to celebrate, so it’s great!
Tomorrow night I am going to see the premiere of Trust the Man, with Billy Crudup, David Duchovny, Maggie Gyllenhall, Julianne Moore and Eva Mendes. It looks cute, and you’ll never believe that my dear husband agreed to go with me to see it! (You’ll never catch him in a theater in a chick flick. Maybe it’s because I won the free passes.. who knows!) I’ll let you know how it is.
On the knitting front, I am going to finish seaming the charity blanket, and then once it’s done, I will photograph it, and then I plan on starting Baby it’s Cold Outside from the Crochet Me site. It’s a baby kimono, that I had started from the Mason Dixon book, but I find that something like this will be much easier to crochet than knit. Maybe I’ll knit one and crochet one. We’ll see. I have some nice blue yarn, so I need to get started for some articles for baby S. (My little Monkey is what I’ve been calling him, cuz he’s always moving around!) I also have J’s sock number 2 to start…
Monday, August 28, 2006
Pre-Natal Aqua Fit
This morning I went to the Y and signed up for Pre-natal Yoga - but then since I joined for a 3 month membership (which bring me to the end of November), I have Pre-natal Aqua for free. I am also allowed to take the deep end water class, since we won’t be without a floating noodle device. That class is on Thursdays. I can’t go this Thursday as I have my cousin’s wedding rehearsal, but I can go next week to check that one out.
Upon getting back to my house (I walked over to the Y, it takes literally 45 seconds to walk there) my mom picked me up with my grandmother who just arrived at my house, to go to my final dress fitting for my bridesmaid dress. In the end, everything worked out for this dress (Phew!) and it looks really good on me, considering that I’m now 5 months pregnant!
After the dress fitting (which we were there for over an hour), I went for lunch with my mom and grandmother and then we headed over to Walmart, to see about some zipper attachments for my mom for her new purse, and I bumped into my photography professor there. He was so happy to see me pregnant and doing well! I ended up buying a scrapbook for my Vegas pictures, I realized that I did not have one, and I want to start scrapbooking if I have time, sometime soon.
I got home, did some chores around the house, and then went off to my Pre-natal Aqua fit class. Oh, was that a workout - but I had a good time. Today, there was 7 of us in the class, one girl who is due in 3 weeks (has no idea the sex of her baby) and the other is due in a month, and she is having a boy. I am so excited for next week’s class, and it felt great to be in the pool, even if I was wearing a really cheesy bathing cap!
This evening I’m just taking it easy. I’m rather tired. I think I am going to crash early tonight. I have a lot of stuff to do tomorrow, and I want to accomplish it all, especially if I might be working Wed-Thurs-Friday for my dad. He also wants me to look over an ad for a catalogue he’s advertising in - which is right up my alley! We’ll see what happens with that.
Upon getting back to my house (I walked over to the Y, it takes literally 45 seconds to walk there) my mom picked me up with my grandmother who just arrived at my house, to go to my final dress fitting for my bridesmaid dress. In the end, everything worked out for this dress (Phew!) and it looks really good on me, considering that I’m now 5 months pregnant!
After the dress fitting (which we were there for over an hour), I went for lunch with my mom and grandmother and then we headed over to Walmart, to see about some zipper attachments for my mom for her new purse, and I bumped into my photography professor there. He was so happy to see me pregnant and doing well! I ended up buying a scrapbook for my Vegas pictures, I realized that I did not have one, and I want to start scrapbooking if I have time, sometime soon.
I got home, did some chores around the house, and then went off to my Pre-natal Aqua fit class. Oh, was that a workout - but I had a good time. Today, there was 7 of us in the class, one girl who is due in 3 weeks (has no idea the sex of her baby) and the other is due in a month, and she is having a boy. I am so excited for next week’s class, and it felt great to be in the pool, even if I was wearing a really cheesy bathing cap!
This evening I’m just taking it easy. I’m rather tired. I think I am going to crash early tonight. I have a lot of stuff to do tomorrow, and I want to accomplish it all, especially if I might be working Wed-Thurs-Friday for my dad. He also wants me to look over an ad for a catalogue he’s advertising in - which is right up my alley! We’ll see what happens with that.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Family Golf Day
I got this really cute baby hat in the mail on Friday, and forgot to write about it. It came as part of a swap, and it’s really cute. It’s perfect for my soon to be son, whom will be born in the middle of winter! It has a little pink in it, but it’s mainly blue, so I hope baby S won’t mind.
I was told it was machine washable, so I guess it’s not 100% wool. I emailed to find out what it is made of, I’m curious. Isn’t it just adorable. It’s sooo tiny too! It’s no more than 5 and half inches long, with the button curled over.
Today, J did go golfing, but in the POURING rain. I think he’s nuts, to be honest, but so are the other 14 members of J’s step-family! I got up when he left, ate breakfast, and then went onto the couch in the den to read some magazines. I didn’t last too long, I ended up napping for a few hours. J eventually got home, warmed up (he was soaking wet!) and then we headed over to his step-sister’s place for an indoor BBQ.
J ended up watching golf on TV with some of the men, and I chatted with the ladies in the family around a plate of veggies & dip (so delicious!). Put a plate of veggies & dip infront of me, the veggies will be gone in no time!
This evening we got home, watched Big Brother, and then J fell asleep. I then plopped myself back on the couch and watched the movie The United States of Leland. It was pretty good, I enjoyed it. It’s about this kid who kills a mentally challenged kid, and goes to jeuvie, and his story.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
New Hair Cut & A Huge Wedding
This morning I got my hair cut…. off! My sister tells me that I look like a soccer mom. That’s alright though, I’m cool with that. Well, I’d perfer to be a hockey or baseball mom, but I’ll deal with soccer mom, I guess!
Here is a picture of J and I at the wedding this evening. I brought J’s little toy camera, as my camera isn’t a purse camera.
The wedding was very nice, the ceremony started at 1pm, and then we came home to hang out for a bit, and then headed to the reception for about 4:30pm (so it was an all day event). The reception, had 350 people there! The receiving line, was an hour and a half about! I could NOT believe it!!! I’ve never seen a wedding like this before! By 11pm I was just tired, so we left, to come home. J’s golfing tomorrow, it’s family golf day, but I am not, because my back’s been bothering me lately. I didn’t want to risk any more harm to my body, but it’s supposed to rain, so we’ll see what actually happens.
Here is a picture of J and I at the wedding this evening. I brought J’s little toy camera, as my camera isn’t a purse camera.
The wedding was very nice, the ceremony started at 1pm, and then we came home to hang out for a bit, and then headed to the reception for about 4:30pm (so it was an all day event). The reception, had 350 people there! The receiving line, was an hour and a half about! I could NOT believe it!!! I’ve never seen a wedding like this before! By 11pm I was just tired, so we left, to come home. J’s golfing tomorrow, it’s family golf day, but I am not, because my back’s been bothering me lately. I didn’t want to risk any more harm to my body, but it’s supposed to rain, so we’ll see what actually happens.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Ferrari Knitting & Poker Winnings
Here’s a sports car you could pullover very smartly in — a Ferrari knitted from wool. (Wool generously supplied by Sirdar). Art student Lauren Porter spent ten months making the full-size replica using 12 MILES of yarn.The car, a cross between a Testarossa and a 355, is made of more than 250 squares of garter stitch, the windows are V-shaped stocking stitch, while the details are crochet, over a steel frame which Lauren welded herself and the horse badge is hand-embroidered.She gets men admiring the racing lines and old women admiring the stitches!
Today, I slept in, until about quarter to one, when I was woken by Zeus puking next to me on the bed. That is the one thing about this cat…. he pukes. He finds things on the floor to eat (I try to keep this house as tidy as possible) but he still manages to find things to eat.This afternoon I watched the rest of Oprah’s 20th Anniversary DVD set, and worked on finishing up the paid knitting project. I will hand it in first thing Monday morning and get rid of that. I need to now finish up the seaming on the blanket for charity, single crochet the border and then give it to my cousin so she can get it back to the Montreal Knitting Guild. I wonder where the blankets will get donated to. I will be missing the first meeting but perhaps I will find out at the second meeting in October. I will post pics when I am done the blanket for charity. Tonight I went to get my nails done, my nails are growing FAST because of the pregnancy. But it’s perfect timing, because, usually acrylics are done every 3 weeks, and my nails have been growing at that same rate in 2 weeks. But it’s perfect, because I have a wedding tomorrow and a wedding next weekend, and then I refill my nails again in 2 weeks before I leave, then take them off after I get back. Perfect timing. I like them, but I am rough with my hands (not that I broke a nail or anything, because I didn’t) but I don’t really need to keep them, and it’s hard to do any beading with them… knitting is okay, but beading is very difficult. I bought some beautiful stones for a necklace I want to make. And making my own stitch markers has proven to be hard too, due to my acrylic nails…. so you see, they can be a nuisance. Tonight upon getting back from being out, I played poker with Jamie, my in-laws’ and 2 of Jamie’s friends. I wasn’t expecting to win or anything, not with how my father-in-law always calls All-In and bluff’s big time, etc… but there was one hand, where I had an Ace, Two and on the flop and Ace and a Two came up, and then another Ace came up, so I had a full house (Aces over two’s). I called all-in - it was just the two of us left in the hand, and he called me on my all in- and of course, I won! I got him out of the game, and then it was just down to Jamie and I (who paid my 10$ to get in the game)..so I asked him if he wanted to split the winnings (instead of 50$ to the winner and 10$ to the 2nd place) but since he put my 10$ to start, he asked if instead of 30-30, that I’d take 20$ and he keep 40$. Deal.So I made myself 20$ tonight! (And I haven’t played poker in a while, only a little online - for fake money) so i was a bit rusty….! Just some luck! (But I broke even today, since I spent 20$ on my nails!)Alright, I’m off to go watch some TV and hang out. I have to get up super early for an early hair cut tomorrow morning, cutting my hair off! Hee hee….{Conversation with Jamie earlier}
Robyn: I’m cutting my hair tomorrow.
Jamie: No you’re not.
Robyn: Yes, I am.
Jamie: No you’re not.
Robyn: Are you carrying our child? No, I didn’t think so. I’m cutting my hair tomorrow.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Cats & Haircuts
Today, I met with my wedding photographer and went over the 75 images (from the 1300 proofs she gave me back last December), and was there a LOT longer than I wanted to be there. First off, she likes to talk, and her 17 month old son was there as well, as he had not gone into daycare yet, so she was also busy a little bit taking care of him.. Ugh, it was a long morning. But that’s alright, perhaps I will get my final album (the album I have just has my proofs in it) before my son is born, but I highly doubt it - because she could not promise it before Christmas. (But that’s alright. I’ve postponned getting it done, because of school, so I guess I can wait a little longer for it, right?)
I went for lunch with my hubby since I was in his area, and he seemed really stressed. I am glad that when he got home tonight, he chilled out, and we chilled out and hung out together. This afternoon I took care of chores (even though I really just wanted to nap), and organized my new filing cabinet, with all my files (phone bills, statements I need to keep, electricity bills, etc….)And now I don’t have to worry about all these files over taking my desk.
I’ve been finding Zeus in really funny sitting positions lately. Positions that cats should NOT be in. They are sooo funny, that I have to be documenting it…!
I went for lunch with my hubby since I was in his area, and he seemed really stressed. I am glad that when he got home tonight, he chilled out, and we chilled out and hung out together. This afternoon I took care of chores (even though I really just wanted to nap), and organized my new filing cabinet, with all my files (phone bills, statements I need to keep, electricity bills, etc….)And now I don’t have to worry about all these files over taking my desk.
I’ve been finding Zeus in really funny sitting positions lately. Positions that cats should NOT be in. They are sooo funny, that I have to be documenting it…!
This above picture is from late last night. Zeus decided to sit next to the magazines I was flipping through on my bed (looking for a haircut I may be interested in).
Then, today, he was sitting on my un-made bed. I don’t understand how he finds these positions comfortable, but that’s his decision, right?
Today, I found three images of hair styles that I am interested in cutting my hair like. I finally have a hair cut and blow dry (but at 8:30 am on Saturday morning! My sister’s friend who is a hair stylist - who did my hair for my wedding (And did my makeup too! And did a FANTASTIC FANTASTIC job)). She is soooo busy and overbooked that she had to fit me in at 8:30, which is before the salon even opens. I will make sure that I am there early - because she will be pressed for time, and I do NOT want her to goof on my hair!I am soooooooooooooooooo fed up with hair maintenance, (I think it’s a pregnancy thing), and I’m soooooooooo ready to cut it off! Right now it’s just a little past shoulder length, and I have just been wearing it in a bun or in a clip, and don’t care to straighten it or do anything with it - because it’s just simply in my way……. (And I am usually low maintenance, anyhow!). Short hair, is low maintenance! So, as of Saturday, I’ll look kind of like one of those hairstyles above. I just love the middle one the most! What do you think? Which one do you think I should shape it like? Let me know what you think!!
Alright, Jamie and I are about to watch RV - the new Robin Williams movie. I am sure that it’s garbage, but…. sometimes you just need light entertainment, and a few silly stupid laughs. I’ll let you know tomorrow, how it is!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Free Movie Passes & Walmart
I slept in today. I kind of had to. I was up really late last night, as I couldn’t sleep. I stayed up, crying, watching Oprah’s 20th Anniversary Box Set (some of the stories are sooo touching it made me cry!) I am almost done watching it, and then I have so many other things I want to catch up on before the baby is born.
I got up today, it was well into the afternoon. I can’t even tell you what time it was that I got up. I did however, get a few chores done, and was very upset/depressed (pregnancy mood swings, feeling a little down), and you know what made me feel better? WALMART. I don’t even like Walmart’s background/history (not after watching that documentary on their organization) - BUT, they have good deals on things, and I needed things. I needed maternity pantyhose, maternity panties, a new bra (dang the engorgement of those things that fill a bra, due to pregnancy!) They also had a filing cabinet on sale, and I needed one of those desperately, so I bought the cabinet, with the cabinet accessories (yeah, there are “cabinet” accessories!) I also got a few other things (J requested some goodies) and some laundry detergent and closet storage organization thingies… Ah… organization… always makes me feel so much better! Weird, eh? Cleaning always makes me feel so much better. Very odd, I know. I agree. When I’m wired, or can’t sleep, or feeling down in the middle of the night, what do I do? Clean. I start on a cleaning binge. I kid you not. That’s what I did last night. I cleaned. I threw out a lot, that I knew that I had to let go of (that’s for you Lainie!). Stuff, I do not know what I was keeping. I also made another pile, of stuff to donate. I also started packing up books that I want to keep, but have already read, so I will store them properly, and keep them. (Those are objects I cannot part with. I love books. I love to read. I’d like to keep most of my books). (One day when I have a single unit house, I want a library or a study or a den with a library, where I can display all my books… in alphabetical order, why not! The books in my office right now are mainly in alphabetical order. As are the DVD movies we have in our den, alphabetical order. (Easier to find them that way!)
Today, after Walmart, I went to find bead crimps (for a necklace that I want to make) and ended up picking up some steaks for dinner, and coming home and actually made dinner. I now havge energy back to make dinner, and do house chores (although bending over to reach things has become a little hard lately, and when I do it, I usually feel movement in my stomach, so I stop… my son is telling me not to bend over to pick up something off the floor, or whatnot.
This evening J & I watched Big Brother which we had on tape from last night, and then we watched the movie Inside Man. It was REALLY good, and J even liked it (He’s really picky about movies and it’s rare for him to really like a movie).
While watching TV and the movie, I knitted up a storm. But, I was working on the paid job, so I can’t really talk about it. It’s coming along great, and it should be done by the end of this week, and handed in, so I can move on and finish up the blanket (seaming) for charity, and then I can move onto knitting J’s sock, and finish Clapotis, finish closing the toes on the first pair of socks I ever started (forgot I never ever closed the toe!) and then work on something for baby S! I have so many things that I want to knit for him!
I got up today, it was well into the afternoon. I can’t even tell you what time it was that I got up. I did however, get a few chores done, and was very upset/depressed (pregnancy mood swings, feeling a little down), and you know what made me feel better? WALMART. I don’t even like Walmart’s background/history (not after watching that documentary on their organization) - BUT, they have good deals on things, and I needed things. I needed maternity pantyhose, maternity panties, a new bra (dang the engorgement of those things that fill a bra, due to pregnancy!) They also had a filing cabinet on sale, and I needed one of those desperately, so I bought the cabinet, with the cabinet accessories (yeah, there are “cabinet” accessories!) I also got a few other things (J requested some goodies) and some laundry detergent and closet storage organization thingies… Ah… organization… always makes me feel so much better! Weird, eh? Cleaning always makes me feel so much better. Very odd, I know. I agree. When I’m wired, or can’t sleep, or feeling down in the middle of the night, what do I do? Clean. I start on a cleaning binge. I kid you not. That’s what I did last night. I cleaned. I threw out a lot, that I knew that I had to let go of (that’s for you Lainie!). Stuff, I do not know what I was keeping. I also made another pile, of stuff to donate. I also started packing up books that I want to keep, but have already read, so I will store them properly, and keep them. (Those are objects I cannot part with. I love books. I love to read. I’d like to keep most of my books). (One day when I have a single unit house, I want a library or a study or a den with a library, where I can display all my books… in alphabetical order, why not! The books in my office right now are mainly in alphabetical order. As are the DVD movies we have in our den, alphabetical order. (Easier to find them that way!)
Today, after Walmart, I went to find bead crimps (for a necklace that I want to make) and ended up picking up some steaks for dinner, and coming home and actually made dinner. I now havge energy back to make dinner, and do house chores (although bending over to reach things has become a little hard lately, and when I do it, I usually feel movement in my stomach, so I stop… my son is telling me not to bend over to pick up something off the floor, or whatnot.
This evening J & I watched Big Brother which we had on tape from last night, and then we watched the movie Inside Man. It was REALLY good, and J even liked it (He’s really picky about movies and it’s rare for him to really like a movie).
While watching TV and the movie, I knitted up a storm. But, I was working on the paid job, so I can’t really talk about it. It’s coming along great, and it should be done by the end of this week, and handed in, so I can move on and finish up the blanket (seaming) for charity, and then I can move onto knitting J’s sock, and finish Clapotis, finish closing the toes on the first pair of socks I ever started (forgot I never ever closed the toe!) and then work on something for baby S! I have so many things that I want to knit for him!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Baby Stuff & Other Stuff
Last night on ebay I won a Maya Wrap. It's "2nd hand" to me, but the person thinks it's never been used. Anyhow, I'll wash it, and when I get it, I'll probably dye it to black: (The one I'm getting is a light blue like in the image below) (I really wanted a green one) ;
Today, my belly button is really oval rather than the circle it used to be. I’m trying to get used to it’s new shape. It feels different to me as well! I’ve been feeling more movement lately, more than just fluttering, but not yet kicking or punching (I hope I don’t get elbowed in the ribs!) I am trying to figure out what this new movement is, but it may not be anything more than him turning around. Who knows. He may still not bebig enough for me to feel a kick. Almost 21 weeks pregnant, I wonder when I’ll feel the first kick!
Lately I’ve been reading some Pregnancy Magazines that I got a while back, and also watching TLC a bit (baby story, etc) and it makes me wonder if I am going to be a good mother. I also have been watching Oprah’s 20th Anniversary DVD box set, and I wonder if I will be as horrible as some of these mothers that Oprah has interviewed, etc… I hope not! But you know, it makes me very paranoid, that I am going to be responsible for the decisions of another human being. What if I don’t raise him properly? What if we send him to the wrong school? What if because of this he makes the wrong friends? What if he rebels against everything I say or do for him? I think it’s just a phase I’m going through, with all these thoughts in my mind…. knowing that every action I take, will affect the way he is brought up, raised, etc…. It’s a scary feeling right now. I am sure it will go away. I keep telling myself “I will be a good mother, I will be a good mother” but it will take a lot of love, patience, care and understanding to be a good mother, and I hope I have it in me. I wonder if all mother’s go through the exact same feelings when pregnant with their first child.
Today I spent some time with my mother-in-law and my in-law’s friend Tammy from Vancouver. I oddly ended up for a couple of hours at Maimonidies, an old age residence. (My grandfather lived there for a few years before he passed away in 1989). (I haven’t been there since). We sat outside a bit with Tammy’s father, and it smelled like piss. Eventually we took Tammy to the mall next door (where the Roots bear above was bought). Then we came back (I was stuck with no car) and we were in the dining area of the floor her father lives on, and it smelled like feces. Gosh, I hope that I don’t end up in a place like that. I don’t want to be old and smell other people’s uncontrollable bowel movements. I don’t think I would ever be able to even work in a place like that. The smell just got to me.
My mother-in-law made me dinner last night, and it was superb. I love her cooking. On my way home, I stopped and picked up my pictures, and then headed home. I’m about to go watch more Oprah (20th Anniversary DVD box set).
Today, my belly button is really oval rather than the circle it used to be. I’m trying to get used to it’s new shape. It feels different to me as well! I’ve been feeling more movement lately, more than just fluttering, but not yet kicking or punching (I hope I don’t get elbowed in the ribs!) I am trying to figure out what this new movement is, but it may not be anything more than him turning around. Who knows. He may still not bebig enough for me to feel a kick. Almost 21 weeks pregnant, I wonder when I’ll feel the first kick!
Lately I’ve been reading some Pregnancy Magazines that I got a while back, and also watching TLC a bit (baby story, etc) and it makes me wonder if I am going to be a good mother. I also have been watching Oprah’s 20th Anniversary DVD box set, and I wonder if I will be as horrible as some of these mothers that Oprah has interviewed, etc… I hope not! But you know, it makes me very paranoid, that I am going to be responsible for the decisions of another human being. What if I don’t raise him properly? What if we send him to the wrong school? What if because of this he makes the wrong friends? What if he rebels against everything I say or do for him? I think it’s just a phase I’m going through, with all these thoughts in my mind…. knowing that every action I take, will affect the way he is brought up, raised, etc…. It’s a scary feeling right now. I am sure it will go away. I keep telling myself “I will be a good mother, I will be a good mother” but it will take a lot of love, patience, care and understanding to be a good mother, and I hope I have it in me. I wonder if all mother’s go through the exact same feelings when pregnant with their first child.
Today I spent some time with my mother-in-law and my in-law’s friend Tammy from Vancouver. I oddly ended up for a couple of hours at Maimonidies, an old age residence. (My grandfather lived there for a few years before he passed away in 1989). (I haven’t been there since). We sat outside a bit with Tammy’s father, and it smelled like piss. Eventually we took Tammy to the mall next door (where the Roots bear above was bought). Then we came back (I was stuck with no car) and we were in the dining area of the floor her father lives on, and it smelled like feces. Gosh, I hope that I don’t end up in a place like that. I don’t want to be old and smell other people’s uncontrollable bowel movements. I don’t think I would ever be able to even work in a place like that. The smell just got to me.
My mother-in-law made me dinner last night, and it was superb. I love her cooking. On my way home, I stopped and picked up my pictures, and then headed home. I’m about to go watch more Oprah (20th Anniversary DVD box set).
About Me
- Knit and Purl Mama
- I am a 30-something mom who knits, and takes pictures, a lot. I am a mother to 3 adorable boys, Sean (Dec 2006), Mackenzie (June 2008) & Quentin (Nov 2010). This is my journey through motherhood, photography, the books I read, life in general and knitting, of course. Oh, and other crafts too!
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