April 2010 - California knows how to party (Day 1)

One of the highlights of this past spring was my visit to California. I ventured out to the desert to visit my dear, dear friends Robert and Deana.

This is the note I left on my office door as I was leaving.

This is the Smoking Lounge in the Denver Airport. I thought this was where Deana and Robert first met but apparently there is another Smoking Lounge in a different area of the airport so I think I was mistaken. I suspect they both look the same so I'm going to pretend that this was the right one.

This was taken on the drive from the airport (Ontario, CA) to Joshua Tree. Yup. It's the desert alright. On the way we saw a guy with a donkey in his jeep.

April 2010 - Mystery Bruise

No idea how I did this.

July 15, 2010: If ever you'd like to buy me a present, please consider the following:

(T-Shirt)

(Mouse pad)

All of these can be found here:

http://sleeptalkinman.blogspot.com/

Picking up the Thread.

Sigh. I did it again. I suck at blogging. I especially suck at daily blogging.

I keep meaning to catch up. The plan has been to go back and add photos for every day I missed…even though I didn’t take pictures for every day I missed. I would have had to cheat and as we know, cheaters never win. Unfortunately, I’m a little OCD when it comes to, well, most things. Unless I can do something perfectly (or at the very least adequately and completely) I tend not to do it. Ergo, I don’t play sports or operate power tools. Since I can’t time travel (yet!) I’m just going to pick up the thread and go forward. I will post some photos from the Spring (my trip to California, my handsome nephew, my mystery bruises, random pictures of my dogs) but then I will move on and document my life from this day foreward. As much as it pains me to have a big giant gap and nothing to fill it with, I’m going to press on. It’s probably a very healthy thing for me to do.

And I just realized the potential innuendo in the paragraph above. But I’m going to leave it there because this post does not have to be perfect (i.e. innuendo=free). New leaf, turned over.

Easter Weekend in Belleville continued.

Easter Sunday we stopped by at our friends' house to have a quick visit with them and their adorable children. Todd and Declan had fun with bubbles and then the wee men were suited up and driven to Easter dinner on a 4-wheeler. Todd was concerned and was making sure the vehicle met the current safety standards.

Easter Weekend 2010 (Belleville)

I made my very first trip to Belleville to spend Easter with Todd's parents and hang out with some  fine Bellevillians. This is a photo I like to call "Bromance".

This one is called "Men Holding Beer". I know. My artistic genius is blowing your minds. This was taken in Cara's studio which is like, a girl version of the man-cave. She has turned their garage into a girly little cavern where she creates beautiful jewellery and hangs glittery stars and angels from the ceiling. So divine.

This is just a lovely picture of Todd and I outside. Aw bless...

Easter Weekend - 2010 (Captain Jack's)

Easter weekend was quite an extravaganza of good times. It began with a well-spent evening at Captain Jack's with good friends and random strangers. I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned Captain Jack's in this blog but it is the BEST pub ever in terms of people watching. Todd calls it "The Reverse Cougar Bar" because many of the little hoochie barflies (think tight white pants and plastic heels) seem to be on a mission to pick up men twice their age. It also happened to be the one-year anniversary of my first date with Todd. :)

May 20th, 2010 - Let's try this again, shall we?

Hello dear friends and readers. Once again, I have started a blog only to let it drift into oblivion when I got too busy. I’m announcing today, if anyone is still reading, that I’m picking up the thread and renewing my commitment to this project!


April was a very busy month for me. I went to California, I spent the Easter in Belleville with my significant other’s parents and friends, work became quite hectic and I let it all overwhelm me. May also had an inauspicious beginning with several visits to the vet with the girls (cha-ching!) and a few other noteworthy surprises which I will divulge in due course.

I will be posting photos of some of the highlights of the past 8 weeks and I hope there are a few people still out there that might actually care. ;)


Let the games begin…again.

March 24, 2010 - She works hard for the money

I've been completely overwhelmed at work these last couple of weeks so I've been looking at the inside of my office a lot lately. Here is a little drawing that my dear friend Bhisham left for me one day. I kept it because it makes me happy.

March 23, 2010 - Snugglin' up with Tweety

Annabelle was especially snuggly tonight. She had two of her favourite boys with her on the couch - Uncle Stew and Tweety.

March 22, 2010 - Dressin' up the Dogs

Princie had a bagful of hair accessories so we did what any good dog owners would do and decked out the girls! LOL...they were good sports about it but really not that impressed. I slept with one eye open.

March 21, 2010 - Sleepy Jake

Todd and I went to my parents' house for dinner and I got to see my wee nephew again. The only issue was we were there for about 4 hours and Jake slept for 3 hours and 55 minutes! I did manage to snap a pic of him with his eyes open. It was a lucky shot.

March 20, 2010 - Airport

Today I picked up Jenn from YYZ and for the first time I used the GPS that I got for Christmas. It's a fantastic little gadget but I really need to get used to having a disembodied voice talking to me while I drive. I swear I jumped 3 feet everytime the nice British woman piped up. "800 meters, exit right".  AH!!
Glad to have Jenn back though!

March 19, 2010 - My Book is In!

My book has published! Ok, let me clarify. One of the books that I "developmentally edited" has published. How exciting! Of course I am afraid to open it lest I see errata so I'm just going to admire the front cover. :)

March 18, 2010 - Gagnez un Cafe

It's about freakin' time.

March 17th, 2010 - Clash of the Titans (old skool version)

In true St. Paddy's day fashion, Todd and I celebrated by watching the original Clash of the Titans! I know, I know, it's not very Irish of me. But hey, it's Wednesday and I'm kind of lame that way. I did wear green to work today. That's something. It was a very warm day so we decided to have the first barbecue of the year. Sadly a lack of propane thwarted our efforts. Thank goodness for George Foreman.

Also, the dogs decided they preferred the comforts of Todd's lap over mine—dirty, rotten traitors.

March 16, 2010 - Gaston

A friend of mine recently inherited a French bulldog named Gaston (her ex-husband sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago) but she is not much of a dog person. She sent me an email today asking if Annabelle and Peaches wanted another playmate. As much as I would LOVE to take him in, I think 3 dogs is just too many dogs. But it does break my heart a little. I took it upon myself to find him a good home with loving owners and I've got a solid lead! Stay tuned!

March 15, 2010 - Caricature

Twas the day after Sunday and my work day was long so I thought I would give you a glimpse into my office. This caricature was done eons ago by CJ's friend Bobby. It proudly hangs in my office to remind me of my real life. You know, the one where I get to be a rock star with adoring fans who fling roses onto the stage while I emote and have giant boobs. Oh wait, that's my fantasy life. Nevermind.

March 14, 2010 - Buddy Wakefield

Tonight Jenn and I went to the Toronto Poetry Slam Semi-Finals at The Drake. The competitors were quite good but the real reason we went was to see their very special guest, the amazing Buddy Wakefield. I urge you to check him out if you haven't already. As we were inching our way down the stairs to see the main event, I noticed this sign so I took a picture of it. That's some good advice, right there.

March 13, 2010 - CJ's Birthday Festivities

Tonight we celebrated the birth of a phenomenal woman named Christine Jennifer - known to her inner posse as C.J., Ceejinator, Ceejerino, or K.C. (if you're Paul). It was a fun (yet horrendously rainy and windy) night.We checked out some comedians at Yuk Yuks and then went to Turtle Jacks for some deep fried pickles. Mmmm...pickles.

March 12, 2010 - Guilt-free Friday!

The BEST thing happened today! It was about 1:30 pm and I was working away on something-or-other when all of a sudden the power went out! My colleagues and I gathered in the hallway between our offices (under emergency lights) to wait for the power to come back on or the evacuation order. It turns out that a transformer had blown and had knocked out power all over the neighbourhood. Not good news for Toronto Hydro but great news for a bunch of editors on a Friday afternoon! Margaritas for EVERYONE!

March 11, 2010 - New 'do!

Nothing says lovin' like getting your hair did. This is the beautiful and multi-talented Johanne. Not only is she a hair stylist extraordinaire, but she is also an extremely talented singer. Check out her awesome band Sissy.
After my hair appointment, I was lucky enough to spend some time with my dear friend Mo. As always happens, we got carried away chatting and I didn't get home until 1am. Mon Dieu!

March 10, 2010 - Good Day, Sunshine

Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun! It was a beautiful morning so I took a quick trip to the Beach to do some basking. Ahhhhhhh....

March 9, 2010 - Kryptonite Bunnies

Over the past couple of weeks I have been riding on the healthy eating train and it feels great! I’m not as tired and sluggish. I’ve been sleeping better and I just feel more energized. I haven’t really seen any results on the scale yet but I’m not concerned. It’s enough just to feel good. But now we are approaching spring and all the Easter chocolate is in the stores. The one thing I can’t resist this time of year are Cadbury Caramilk Bunnies. These are my kryptonite. If you have never tried one, do yourself a favour...DON'T! The caramel to chocolate ratio in these confections is simply perfect. Today I spotted the evil bunnies in Shoppers Drug Mart. I had no money on me so I left the store, went to my car, scrounged up some change, went BACK into Shoppers, and bought the bunnies. And I’m ok with that. I can’t deprive myself of everything, right?

Then for dinner, Jenn came over and she made this delicious taco mixture. Extra lean ground beef cooked with taco seasoning, sautéed onions and peppers, sprinkled with a bit of cheese, and served over brown rice. Mmmmmm….

March 8, 2010 - Olé!

What a wonderful Monday! Toula is back from vacation and she brought me this fantastic souvenir from Mexico! It's an ashtray in the shape of a sombrero. Seriously, does this girl know me or what? I just love tchotchkes from around the world—the cheesier the better! (Hint, hint!)

March 7, 2010 - Todd's Winning Streak is Over

Todd and I had a fairly lazy Sunday. We watched The Dog Whisperer, walked on the boardwalk, and played some Crib. He was reluctant to let me watch TDW for fear that they would show Daddy and that I would cry. Well Daddy did make a brief appearance but I was totally fine. No tears at all. YAY me!
Oh and I finally beat Todd at Crib! It wasn't even close. I didn't take a picture of the board so you'll just have to take my word for it.

But here is a picture of Jake's little foot from yesterday. I just want to bite him!

March 6, 2010 - Mister Adorable

Jake and Heather are home from the hospital now and both are doing very well! I took Aunt Lena to visit them today. I realize I'm biased, but he is such a beautiful baby! I know it's not polite to say this but some babies just aren't that cute when they first arrive. And hey, it's no big deal. They generally get cuter as time goes on. But I swear this kid could be a Gerber baby. I want to steal him.
It was really nice to spend some time with Aunt Lena too. I finally was able to give her the hat that I had bought her for Christmas and she was quite delighted.

March 5th, 2010 - Happy Birthday Stew!

Princie bought a cheesecake for Stewart's birthday. mmm....cheesecake.

March 4, 2010 - Mmmmm....boots

I think I have uncovered Annabelle's diabolical plan. If I don't have any shoes or clothes to wear, then I won't be able to leave the house. Then I'll have spend every waking moment feeding and loving her instead of going to work or anywhere else. She is going to systematically shred all of my apparel until I'm a naked hermit.

March 3, 2010 - The Evidence is Mounting

Since when do the girls destroy my clothes? ARGH! It's a good thing they're cute.

March 2, 2010 - Bulldogs of Mass Destruction

Oh sure, they look all sweet and innocent, but don't let the big doe eyes fool you. These two are ferocious little boot-eaters! In fairness, it was Annabelle who destroyed my boots. The Peach was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Exhibit A:

March 1, 2010 - The First Sign of Spring!

You know Spring has almost sprung when you see the telltale red and yellow cups!

And look, I won the opportunity to play again! Thank you Mr. Horton, I think I will réessayez.

February 28th, 2010 - Introducing Baby Jake

My nephew is here, my nephew is here! Isn't he delicious? He was actually born yesterday and weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs, 2 oz. Mother and baby are both doing well and should be home soon. I can't wait to spoil this little button. Check out the happy family:

February 27th, 2010 - While We Were Waiting

Tonight I had my first introduction to the work of the lovely and talented Kate Hilliard. Todd, Jenn, and I went to see her new show While We Were Waiting. I have never seen anything like it! Artistic expression through dance and movement is very foreign to me. Music and words are generally what inspire and motivate me. They are also the tools I use to express myself creatively. That being said, I'm so impressed and intrigued by the way others can create art and explore ideas using their bodies as their medium. This post is not at all intended to be a review. But I will say that I found the show provocative, captivating, and very moving. There were several parts of this piece that really resonated with me. A man precariously balancing on one foot until a woman comes to him and sets his other foot on the ground. A woman measuring the length of a man's arm and deciding whether her head will fit in its crook. I don't know if I got what I was supposed to get out of it, but I know I was spellbound. Congratulations Katie!