Unplugged for the holidays?

So, I'm thinking about unplugging for the holidays. I'm definitely not checking my work email... but also considering no facebook, blog or computer schtuff of any kind! We'll see how it goes.

On vacation starting this afternoon until Jan. 2nd - wOOt!

Have a merry-merry...play nice!!!

Office-less and encountering the homeless (!?)

As you know, my office building is being reno'd, so we're all being shipped to various places throughout, until the construction is over. Today I'm without an office (until February) and my first day in the new "pod" certainly started off with a bang.

It was about 8:45 and I was sitting in my new pod typing away on my BlackBerry (because none of my other equipment was set up yet). Then, I see a shadow and get that sense that someone is staring at me (you know that feeling?) - I turn around and there is an old woman standing there - she is dressed like a street person (no offence, street peeps), is about 100 years old and smells a wee bit rank. She says, "What a lovely building... do you know where I find reception?" So not knowing what exactly to say or do, I tell her reception is down the hall. She then yells at me and says, "I don't care where reception is!" and stomps off, screaming the whole way (thankfully away from me). The woman then proceeds to yell at several other staff (and I mean YELL) about all sorts of things. Security was called - and about 7 minutes later - she was removed from the building (7 minutes...! Yipes - good thing she wasn't packin' heat).

Keep in mind, this is a building with SUCH high security that when I forget my pass, I have to sign my life away to be allowed into my own workplace. Crazy...

No one knows who she was or how she got in. At the very least, it sure started the morning off with some excitement!

Now I'm wondering if this is what "pod" life is always like and what else may be in store for me... lol.

French update & Strep!?

Hi Kitties and Cats...

It is nearly 4am and I can't sleep, so I thought I'd do a blog entry. :)

Received my final mark in french this week... all good - I passed with flying colours... wOOt! Level 2 starts in 3 weeks. I'm going to carry on until I really start to suck at it. lol.

Guess what? This week, I was booted out of my office, because the floor I'm on is being reno'd. So I've been working from home for the back part of the week (Thursday and Friday). Good thing too... Wednesday, I started feeling pretty crappy... yesterday was a disaster - so I went to the Doc and it turns out I have strep throat! Crazy, eh? My throat/neck have never felt like this before... the only way I can describe it is that it is as if I swallowed a softball... and it really blows. Hence, I'm wide awake at 4am.

Well, gonna do some work now -- catch ya later.

Francais and Christmas

So, I don't have a whole lot to say, but I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I'd post a mini-update.

I haven't blogged because I've been busy trying to get Christmas under control - AND I've been studying for this french class I'm taking.

First -- Christmas...
It was November 25th, and I panicked when I realized there was just one month until Christmas. So, I went online and did a whack of shopping. Then, this past weekend, we decorated our house (and by decorate, I mean we put up our sad looking, decoration-lacking artificial tree) AND I wrapped all of the presents that we have thus far. 2 more gifts to go - and I'm done! I even mailed our Christmas cards this week! wOOt! This may all seem a little nuts, but really the goal is to relax once the holiday rush starts and sit back by the fire, sipping a hot chocolate, with a warm puppy on my lap -- and be happy that I've already completed all the Christmas "chores".

PS - The boyfriend made me chuckle to myself the other night... as we were at dinner with friends and he was bragging that *we* have Christmas "so under control" that even the presents are wrapped... ah, the royal we.

Second -- French...
This french class has been the cause of much stress and anxiety. I had no idea how much a once-per-week class would eat into my life. It sure rolls around quickly each week and I've barely had any time to study. Thus far, I have a 77% average (probably one of the worst grades I've ever had)... but TONIGHT, it all comes to an end... the dreaded FINAL french exam (worth 30% of the total grade). Hopefully, I will pass this sucker. I do want to take level 2, but we'll see if I pass level 1, before I go signing up for anything else. lol. Wish me luck... or bonne chance... or whatever...

Abs Class *update*

Well - I'm back and I survived. I loved it - will definitely go back. Thanks SM! :)

Abs Class

So, today - in about 1/2 an hour - I'm going to "Abs Class" for the first time, here at work. It is only 15 minutes, so hopefully I will survive. I'm oddly nervous though... no idea why... like sweaty hands nervous! lol. My friend SM is bringing me along and swears it is a good (and easy) class. I hope she is right - especially about the "easy" part. SM seems cool as a cucumber when it comes to working out. But, really, she'll be spending the whole time obsessing about Gym Guy. lol. I'll let you know how it goes.

GOSSIP: Brit-Brit is back. Her documentary is on in a couple of weeks, she'll be on Good Morning America in early December. Some clips of her doc are on Perez. Check it - if you're interested. Strangely, I am.

SHOUT OUT: Looking forward to the weekend with Sis and MERZ!

Time for Fiesta!

I can't believe what Mexico City is doing... starting Dec. 1st, they are giving out free Viagra (and Viagra like substances) to all men over the age of 70. Good lord! Apparently, they feel this will make the population happier. Shouldn't they actually spend money on a better water filtration system?! I feel for those 70-year-old-and-up wives, who now have to contend with these juiced up men... lol. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D94EDGFG1&show_article=1

Back here in Toronto, it is the Santa Claus Parade this weekend. I'm too lazy to trek down there and watch it live (not to mention, freeze), so I will be watching it on the Tube (or, shall I say, LCD) at 4pm. The boyfriend is against it and thinks it is cheesy - but I say, it will get us in the mood! (and by "mood", I mean for Christmas - not a "Mexican Man over 70" kinda mood). I love the parade - it puts me into the Christmas spirit every year. I'm also excited for the Santa Parade that takes place in my end of the city on Dec. 6th - always a good time - and not a bad little parade (and I actually watch this one live - on the street - in the cold!)

FIT UPDATE: Tracking the food, seems to be working. I'm definitely a bit guilty now when pondering a fistful of chocolate almonds (my weakness as of late) - and have been able to stop myself. I'm just hoping that all this guilt doesn't turn itself into an eating disorder - ha!

Biting the bullet...

So, I'm biting the bullet and getting healthy. Going to start keeping a food journal and tracking my terrible habits (which will hopefully stop, once I starting writing everything down)! We're even looking into some basic workout stuff for the basement... woohoo!

I need to do something... next year I'll be 30 and apparently the body is first to go... since mine went about 5 years ago - I figure I'm really in trouble now! lol.

Stay tuned... maybe 100 blog posts from now, I'll have some good news to report.

...and hey, this blog isn't very exciting, is it? :(

GOSSIP: Did you hear that Madonna sent the kiddies to stay with Guy for a bit and sent along a crazy list of demands? Crazy list included; no snacking, exercise everyday, etc... a bit like being in the Army. Oh, Madge. I still love ya.

Wicked Girlfriend

So today is the man's birthday! I'm the best girlfriend ever, as I totally upgraded his hockey equipment for his bday AND booked him a one-hour sports massage for this evening... AND he is getting dinner too! See how awesome I am? haha.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DW.

(There, you got your shout out.)

Traffic and Obama

Well, my morning started off really great - as I was still on a high from last night's U.S. election. But my happiness came crashing to a stop when I sat in traffic this morning (for TWO hours) trying to get to work. At any rate, I'm out of it now - but realize that I have a bad case of road rage - and I really need to buy a Hummer, so I can plow through all the ridiculous drivers.

ANYWHO... last night... thanks to D, L and N for a great evening! What a historic moment to witness. I've always been envious of my parents who have stories that start with, "I'll always remember where I was when..." - but I think that last night will definitely be one of the stories that I can tell to my children. A historic moment for America and the world. I hope that the momentum and promise will continue. I LOVED Obama's speech -- but I must admit, I was most excited about the prospect of a new FIRST PUPPY (hahaha!)... my money is on a Lab, Spaniel or Beagle. What do you think? :)

Well now...

Today I had lunch with some friends and we got to talking about blogs. Which then got me thinking... gee, I really should have a blog. I have no idea why, I really don't have much to say - but I'll give it a shot. On occasion, I've been known to "make a funny"... so, I'll give it a whirl. Perhaps out of my nothing, there will be something (a la Seinfeld).

I promise not to mention actual names... aka, my sister will be referred to as "my sister" and my boyfriend will be referred to "my boyfriend" -- very 007, eh?

So, thanks lunch gals - you know who you are. Hopefully you enjoy and become regular readers.

How shall I start? Hmmm... well...

My dog Magnum won a Halloween contest for best costume and his picture will appear in tomorrow's Guardian. We're all very excited. Of course, Mags has become a bit of a Diva-Dog now and is demanding more Milkbones and his own bedroom. Cripes.

Nothing more to say for now. Stay tuned. I'll try to write daily.