I am not gonna call it a new year resolution. But rather, a new year wish list:
Lose 20 lbs,
Be more decisive,
Learn to make better decision.
In general:
Stay healthy,
World peace...
And this is my ultimate dream:
Win lotto jackpot! haha :D
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy Holidays!
Las Vegas Trip
Dec 23-27
After getting a promotion, my workload is doubled if not tripled! So we decided to go for a short vacation during the x'mas holiday. We have thought about LA, New York etc...But end up going to Las Vegas because of the price. Where else we can stay in a 6 star hotel with a decent price?
In order to further save $, we have decided to fly from Seattle. We first drove to the Seatac Airport and park at the nearby parking lot: Seatac Parking. Reasonably price (half price compare to park at the airport). There is frequent (and free) shuttle bus to take you to/from the airport. The parking lot itself is fenced and seems quite secure. By flying from Seattle instead of Vancouver we have saved $200/person! Definitely worth to do it again (and of course, my husband doesn't mind driving). Anyway, we arrived at Vegas around 9pm. We walked around the hotel (Mandalay Bay) to get us more familiar with this place and had a quick dinner in the hotel cafe.
X'mas Eve
Today we are going to have lunch with my ex-coworker couple in Paris Hotel. There is free tram that takes us from Mandalay Bay to Excarlibur, which is just right across New York New York. Still, it takes around another half an hour walk to Paris. I am definitely not aware of the cold. I still remembered few years ago when I was in Vegas in December, it's around 10C. Cold but not freezing. This time, it definitely feels colder than Vancouver. Finally we got to Paris Buffet entrance. Oh my...the lineup is way beyond the 90 minute mark! We end up waiting 2.5 hours for the buffet and start our lunch (supposely brunch) at 2pm! And of course, feeling so exhausted, I just keep eating. My eyes roll bigger with the varieties of food and crepe station...And right after I had my last dessert...I started to feel stuffed, overly stuffed. On the way to Wynn, I do bump into my ex-coworker again. AMAZING! I thought walking around would help digesting but even I walk back to the hotel (another 1 hour) I am still feeling stuffed, so stuffed that I can't even sleep well. In the end, I need to throw up a little bit to get rid of the indigestive food. By the time I manage to sleep, it's already around 6am. Henry is not any better, he also feels stuffed but at the same time, he got a little bit fever! We both took some tylenol and rest...
X'mas Day
X'mas day just flies during our sleep. By the time I got up it's already 5pm. "Luckily" there is a Chinese noodle house inside the hotel, I just bought a bowl of congee (it's $11US!!!) and a plate of vegetable (choy sum for $12.95!!). Henry had a little bit share of congee and we still have no energy to go out and explore.
Being stuck at the hotel room for so long, I finally can't resist of paying $11.95 to go online...
Boxing Day
While we started to gain energy little by little, we need to move to another hotel. Today we are leaving Manadlay Bay and stay in Wynn hotel. We took advantage of the buy 2 get 1 free night deal of Mandalay Bay so we stay there for 3 nights (avg $100US/night). The very last night we would like to try the newest 6-star hotel - Wynn. There is special rate for $159US/night. The Wynn receptionist is so nice to allow us to check in at 11am, and also upgrade us to the almost top floor a panoramic view hotel room. Things feel so different in Wynn. As long as we open the door, there is music from the TV screen-saver. Both the TV and phone menu has my name on it. Very personalized service! There are more amenities in Wynn than MB too. In Wynn's hotel room, there are bath robe and very nice quality slipper for guests. And for the first time, I found a bathroom scale inside the washroom! Although, both hotel offer TV inside the washroom.
Since we don't have any great x'mas meal, I decided to pamper myself with the in-room service. I ordered a afternoon tea set and a chicken noodle soup for Henry. Overviewing the Las Vegas Strip area on the 58th floor while having our afternoon tea is definitely breath taking.
After the meal, I have a quick walk to the shopping mall right across the hotel.
Didn't buy anything, though.
We already reserved the O show ticket @ the Ballegio. At first we plan to have dinner buffet at Bellagio then we go to watch the show. Since we are still recovering, we can't have any buffet yet so we decided to have Chinese food again. Too bad there is no Chinese noodle house in Wynn, so we went to the Venetian hotel that I remember had there is a Chinese noodle house. After a short wait in the lineup, we are having congee as our dinner again! Then we decided to take a taxi to Bellagio (although there's only 20 mins walk!). We don't want to get a cold any more! And at that moment, I saw the fine print on my printed ticket: need to get there 1 hour before the show or subject to cancel! Oh it's already 9:25 and the show is starting at 10:30!! The strip is super congested and my heart just beat faster and faster! If the tickets are cancelled that means $275 is gone!!! >_<
If the show is fabulous, the venue itself must be magnificent! The stage is once a pool, then in the next split second the dancer can walk on it. Water's all gone! Amazing! Besides the usual movement, there is also a few diving scenes, which make me think whether the team members are mainly from China? Cirque du Soeli show is never disappointing, it's even better than the first one I have seen (Mystere in Treasure Island). The live music with Er Wu accompaniment is so good too! The 2-hour show is truely great! After the show (already mid-night) we took a few picture in Bellagio and took taxi back to the hotel.
Dec 27
It's time to say goodbye. There is even lineup for checkout. But being a 6-star hotel, Wynn staff is offering free hot chocolate with whipped cream for us...yum~
On the way to airport, the taxi driver (a Black guy) keeps talking about politics which almost bores me to death. You know, I have no interest in AMERICAN politics anyway... But Henry is interested to chit chat with him. Anyway, we are still early for our flight and fortunately, there is free Wi-Fi in LV airport, unlike Seattle or Vancouver...
The flight got delayed 1.5 hour this time (our last flight is on time). It's already 7:30 when we fly back to Seattle. Waited around 20 minutes (1 bus is full) for the shuttle bus, we finally got back to our car. Another 2.5 hours drive back to Vancouver... After we come back, we have congee (again!) in Fung Ming's congee place. I should definitely lose some weight with all these congee meal!
This ends our X'mas vacation: a true relax vacation that we lie down on the hotel room bed almost every day! The hotel definitely worth the price!
Dec 23-27
After getting a promotion, my workload is doubled if not tripled! So we decided to go for a short vacation during the x'mas holiday. We have thought about LA, New York etc...But end up going to Las Vegas because of the price. Where else we can stay in a 6 star hotel with a decent price?
In order to further save $, we have decided to fly from Seattle. We first drove to the Seatac Airport and park at the nearby parking lot: Seatac Parking. Reasonably price (half price compare to park at the airport). There is frequent (and free) shuttle bus to take you to/from the airport. The parking lot itself is fenced and seems quite secure. By flying from Seattle instead of Vancouver we have saved $200/person! Definitely worth to do it again (and of course, my husband doesn't mind driving). Anyway, we arrived at Vegas around 9pm. We walked around the hotel (Mandalay Bay) to get us more familiar with this place and had a quick dinner in the hotel cafe.
X'mas Eve
Today we are going to have lunch with my ex-coworker couple in Paris Hotel. There is free tram that takes us from Mandalay Bay to Excarlibur, which is just right across New York New York. Still, it takes around another half an hour walk to Paris. I am definitely not aware of the cold. I still remembered few years ago when I was in Vegas in December, it's around 10C. Cold but not freezing. This time, it definitely feels colder than Vancouver. Finally we got to Paris Buffet entrance. Oh my...the lineup is way beyond the 90 minute mark! We end up waiting 2.5 hours for the buffet and start our lunch (supposely brunch) at 2pm! And of course, feeling so exhausted, I just keep eating. My eyes roll bigger with the varieties of food and crepe station...And right after I had my last dessert...I started to feel stuffed, overly stuffed. On the way to Wynn, I do bump into my ex-coworker again. AMAZING! I thought walking around would help digesting but even I walk back to the hotel (another 1 hour) I am still feeling stuffed, so stuffed that I can't even sleep well. In the end, I need to throw up a little bit to get rid of the indigestive food. By the time I manage to sleep, it's already around 6am. Henry is not any better, he also feels stuffed but at the same time, he got a little bit fever! We both took some tylenol and rest...
X'mas Day
X'mas day just flies during our sleep. By the time I got up it's already 5pm. "Luckily" there is a Chinese noodle house inside the hotel, I just bought a bowl of congee (it's $11US!!!) and a plate of vegetable (choy sum for $12.95!!). Henry had a little bit share of congee and we still have no energy to go out and explore.
Being stuck at the hotel room for so long, I finally can't resist of paying $11.95 to go online...
Boxing Day
While we started to gain energy little by little, we need to move to another hotel. Today we are leaving Manadlay Bay and stay in Wynn hotel. We took advantage of the buy 2 get 1 free night deal of Mandalay Bay so we stay there for 3 nights (avg $100US/night). The very last night we would like to try the newest 6-star hotel - Wynn. There is special rate for $159US/night. The Wynn receptionist is so nice to allow us to check in at 11am, and also upgrade us to the almost top floor a panoramic view hotel room. Things feel so different in Wynn. As long as we open the door, there is music from the TV screen-saver. Both the TV and phone menu has my name on it. Very personalized service! There are more amenities in Wynn than MB too. In Wynn's hotel room, there are bath robe and very nice quality slipper for guests. And for the first time, I found a bathroom scale inside the washroom! Although, both hotel offer TV inside the washroom.
Since we don't have any great x'mas meal, I decided to pamper myself with the in-room service. I ordered a afternoon tea set and a chicken noodle soup for Henry. Overviewing the Las Vegas Strip area on the 58th floor while having our afternoon tea is definitely breath taking.
After the meal, I have a quick walk to the shopping mall right across the hotel.
Didn't buy anything, though.
We already reserved the O show ticket @ the Ballegio. At first we plan to have dinner buffet at Bellagio then we go to watch the show. Since we are still recovering, we can't have any buffet yet so we decided to have Chinese food again. Too bad there is no Chinese noodle house in Wynn, so we went to the Venetian hotel that I remember had there is a Chinese noodle house. After a short wait in the lineup, we are having congee as our dinner again! Then we decided to take a taxi to Bellagio (although there's only 20 mins walk!). We don't want to get a cold any more! And at that moment, I saw the fine print on my printed ticket: need to get there 1 hour before the show or subject to cancel! Oh it's already 9:25 and the show is starting at 10:30!! The strip is super congested and my heart just beat faster and faster! If the tickets are cancelled that means $275 is gone!!! >_<
If the show is fabulous, the venue itself must be magnificent! The stage is once a pool, then in the next split second the dancer can walk on it. Water's all gone! Amazing! Besides the usual movement, there is also a few diving scenes, which make me think whether the team members are mainly from China? Cirque du Soeli show is never disappointing, it's even better than the first one I have seen (Mystere in Treasure Island). The live music with Er Wu accompaniment is so good too! The 2-hour show is truely great! After the show (already mid-night) we took a few picture in Bellagio and took taxi back to the hotel.
Dec 27
It's time to say goodbye. There is even lineup for checkout. But being a 6-star hotel, Wynn staff is offering free hot chocolate with whipped cream for us...yum~
On the way to airport, the taxi driver (a Black guy) keeps talking about politics which almost bores me to death. You know, I have no interest in AMERICAN politics anyway... But Henry is interested to chit chat with him. Anyway, we are still early for our flight and fortunately, there is free Wi-Fi in LV airport, unlike Seattle or Vancouver...
The flight got delayed 1.5 hour this time (our last flight is on time). It's already 7:30 when we fly back to Seattle. Waited around 20 minutes (1 bus is full) for the shuttle bus, we finally got back to our car. Another 2.5 hours drive back to Vancouver... After we come back, we have congee (again!) in Fung Ming's congee place. I should definitely lose some weight with all these congee meal!
This ends our X'mas vacation: a true relax vacation that we lie down on the hotel room bed almost every day! The hotel definitely worth the price!
 |
| Las Vegas X'mas |
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Time flies...
It's not my intention to not even post one single blog for 3 months.
It's either life goes too plain and not much to talk about, or too many things to talk about which I got so little time left for writing. It's the later case.
Now let's try a quick recall/recap...
Halloween
This is the first Halloween that I have ever considered dress up myself. Of course, there must be some incentive. Whoever gets the best costume within the company will get a ticket to Beckham's soccer game! Being a fan of soccer game (who grew up in HK is not interested in soccer game?) and of course, a fan of the superstar Beckham, I definitely don't want to miss the opportunity of going to the live game FREE!
On the night before, I bought a set of costume from Save On Food. It's not easy to find something that fit (you know, I don't want to dress up as a sexy French maid to work). I decided to choose a witch outfit. It includes a black dress, hat and a belt. The dress fits surpringly well (i.e. the dress that could hide my excess fat! haha)
Although, in the end, I didn't get the best costume award, nor the draw for the ticket, I still feel glad with my first attempt to dress up myself during halloween. I'm feeling more into the local culture now.
Soccer game
I have mentioned that I didn't get the draw for the ticket, nor the prize so I was thinking I won't be able to go to my first live soccer game. But every cloud has a silver lining! I finally got a ticket from a coworker. Beckham is playing in a LA team against the Vancouver team. I doubt myself should I cheer for the Vancouver team or the Beckham team? I bet the 48000 crowd in BC place mostly (if not all) come for Beckham. However, Vancouver team do get a lot of applaude when they are attacking. My seat is not particularly close so most of the time I rely on the binoculars for close shot of Beckham. He did play more than half of the game and I guess that's all mattters, not the final 0-0 score.
Level up!
Basically I do not like to introduce any big changes to my life. Whatever I am comfortable with, I'd like to stay where I am. I don't even want to upgrade my computer if I don't absolutely need to. Why do I need to get used to new interface and the new feature that I don't ask for? The newer the better? Maybe, but I hate the hassle of adjusting to new settings.
Anyway, after all these years riding on a flat roadway, I finally reach a mountain range. Due to the organizational change and resignation of my supervisor, I got promoted to the management role. If you asked me, I may prefer to stay where I am. But anyway, I guess I just need to try my best. There are already a few issues during the transition period, some misunderstanding that I found kind of upset. Just hope for the best in next year then. I need some luck. And some courage.
It's either life goes too plain and not much to talk about, or too many things to talk about which I got so little time left for writing. It's the later case.
Now let's try a quick recall/recap...
Halloween
This is the first Halloween that I have ever considered dress up myself. Of course, there must be some incentive. Whoever gets the best costume within the company will get a ticket to Beckham's soccer game! Being a fan of soccer game (who grew up in HK is not interested in soccer game?) and of course, a fan of the superstar Beckham, I definitely don't want to miss the opportunity of going to the live game FREE!
On the night before, I bought a set of costume from Save On Food. It's not easy to find something that fit (you know, I don't want to dress up as a sexy French maid to work). I decided to choose a witch outfit. It includes a black dress, hat and a belt. The dress fits surpringly well (i.e. the dress that could hide my excess fat! haha)
Although, in the end, I didn't get the best costume award, nor the draw for the ticket, I still feel glad with my first attempt to dress up myself during halloween. I'm feeling more into the local culture now.
Soccer game
I have mentioned that I didn't get the draw for the ticket, nor the prize so I was thinking I won't be able to go to my first live soccer game. But every cloud has a silver lining! I finally got a ticket from a coworker. Beckham is playing in a LA team against the Vancouver team. I doubt myself should I cheer for the Vancouver team or the Beckham team? I bet the 48000 crowd in BC place mostly (if not all) come for Beckham. However, Vancouver team do get a lot of applaude when they are attacking. My seat is not particularly close so most of the time I rely on the binoculars for close shot of Beckham. He did play more than half of the game and I guess that's all mattters, not the final 0-0 score.
Level up!
Basically I do not like to introduce any big changes to my life. Whatever I am comfortable with, I'd like to stay where I am. I don't even want to upgrade my computer if I don't absolutely need to. Why do I need to get used to new interface and the new feature that I don't ask for? The newer the better? Maybe, but I hate the hassle of adjusting to new settings.
Anyway, after all these years riding on a flat roadway, I finally reach a mountain range. Due to the organizational change and resignation of my supervisor, I got promoted to the management role. If you asked me, I may prefer to stay where I am. But anyway, I guess I just need to try my best. There are already a few issues during the transition period, some misunderstanding that I found kind of upset. Just hope for the best in next year then. I need some luck. And some courage.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
September wedding
I don't recall I have been to any wedding in September, except this year. I do think that September is not a very popular wedding month, compare with June July August.
Two wedding invitations happened to be in September this year. They have one thing in common: the wedding venue is the same as mine!
The September 16th wedding took place in the UBC Golf Club. The ceremony took place in the Westpoint ballroom. Although it's not the same ballroom as my wedding, I'm still very glad to be the guest of this small but yet intimate wedding. The groom is an old friend of my husband. He even met some of his old highschool friends from out of town, what an added bonus!
The other wedding is on Sep 29. This date is certainly very special: it's also my parent's anniversary day! The ceremony took place in a Catholic Church while the dinner banquet is also in Richmond Kirin, same restaurant as my wedding banquet. And this time, I can finally taste the dessert! I still remembered during my own wedding, I don't even have a chance to have my own wedding cake and dessert! After I changed to another dress and was about to try my wedding cake, I was told that I need to go out and say farewell to the guests. After that, the table is clean up and my wedding cake and desserts are all gone! Finally, I can try out the wedding banquet dessert this time!
Anyway, they all bring back good memories. My wedding seems just happened not long ago and yet it's already a year. How time flies!
Two wedding invitations happened to be in September this year. They have one thing in common: the wedding venue is the same as mine!
The September 16th wedding took place in the UBC Golf Club. The ceremony took place in the Westpoint ballroom. Although it's not the same ballroom as my wedding, I'm still very glad to be the guest of this small but yet intimate wedding. The groom is an old friend of my husband. He even met some of his old highschool friends from out of town, what an added bonus!
The other wedding is on Sep 29. This date is certainly very special: it's also my parent's anniversary day! The ceremony took place in a Catholic Church while the dinner banquet is also in Richmond Kirin, same restaurant as my wedding banquet. And this time, I can finally taste the dessert! I still remembered during my own wedding, I don't even have a chance to have my own wedding cake and dessert! After I changed to another dress and was about to try my wedding cake, I was told that I need to go out and say farewell to the guests. After that, the table is clean up and my wedding cake and desserts are all gone! Finally, I can try out the wedding banquet dessert this time!
Anyway, they all bring back good memories. My wedding seems just happened not long ago and yet it's already a year. How time flies!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
油漆記 Sep 15 - 23
雖然我很愛看HGTV, 但並不代表我很熱衷DIY(自己動手做)。
前文提過, 我將會跟一位朋友一起動手把自己的apartment油漆一番, 終於到了開工的日子。
工欲善其事, 必先利其器, 我們得先去購置一些工具, 沒想到所需的工具遠比我想像中的還要多。
除了油漆(那是必需的)外, 還買了不同的油漆掃、手套、膠盤、鋪地膠布、封牆邊的膠紙(還分藍綠兩種)、牆身清潔劑、磨砂海綿、磨砂機用的膠貼,「制服」一套, 因為沾上油漆後都不會再穿上吧。再加上朋友的工具, 浩浩蕩蕩出發去。
從早上十時開始, 先貼上圍着門邊和牆腳的膠紙, 房子都變成「工業重地」了。別小看這「貼膠紙」的程序,三個人一起做, 都花了三個小時。之後便到了附近一家港式西餐廳吃午飯。
午飯後,「戲玉」還未到呢, 油漆尚未開始, 先來打磨一下牆壁。我的朋友載上護目鏡和和口罩, 開動着小型打磨機, 像極 Super Handyman Challenge 裏面的師傅一樣, 而我呢? 就是師傅身邊的學徙, 挺着大塊膠布, 阻擋着籃粉(原身牆為藍色,打磨時藍粉飛揚)的去路。
打磨之後, 還得給牆身清理一番, 才正式開始油漆。
好了,「戲玉」終於到了, 我們二人各拿着油漆掃, 開始掃上白色的底油。起初底油極是難上, 老是覺得不夠均勻, 沒法蓋着原本的藍色。到後來, 手臂因不停向上提着, 酸痛不已。
直到夜幕低垂時, 室內照明不夠, 只好停工, 原來不知不覺已到八時多了。
星期天我放了自己一天假期, 在參加朋友的婚禮後都沒有「開工」。
到了星期一下班以後, 接了我的朋友, 便到那裏繼續我們的工作。大約做了三、四個小時後, 所有廚房跟大門地方都已完成第一層底油了。
星期二, 我們已完成掃上第二層底油, 徹底把原本的藍色蓋着。天啊! 房間立時變得明亮, 簡直使我想放棄再掃上顏色的油漆呢!
星期三, 原本我的朋友說下班後有事不能來, 卻是記錯了日子, 她上課的時間是在星期四。結果我們都是繼續油漆去。經過一番努力, 第一層顏色差不多全掃上。我也試用了滾筒來替大幅的牆壁上色, 才發覺大滾筒一點也不易用, 滾了幾次, 手臂更酸了。我想是我的手臂有着太多的脂肪, 太少的肌肉的關係。
星期四, 我的朋友不能來, 但眼見房間開始有着一點煥然一新的感覺, 豈能罷休, 於是便獨個兒去完成未完成的工作。
起初, 我們的目標是把原本藍色的牆壁掃上米白色, 但看着外面走廊的牆壁有着一塊一塊修補釕子的白印, 還夾雜着傢俬刮花的痕跡, 真的使我「慘不忍睹」, 迫使我下定決心, 要把外面的牆壁都來一次翻新。首先是掛電視的牆壁, 跟着是旁邊近窗的。但掃了一幅牆之後, 總得把另外一邊都上色才算對稱, 否則兩邊顏色有些微分別, 醜也醜死了。之後看到飯廳的牆壁也有點陳舊, 把心一橫, 把那幅巨形牆壁都上色了。要知道, 那些牆壁都還未貼上封邊膠紙, 還得先把膠紙貼上, 地面鋪好, 才能開始油漆。時間就在不知不覺中溜走, 直到H來電催我回家, 甚至媽媽也從HK來電, 我才依依不捨的開始清洗我的工具, 要知道清冼盤和掃都得花上半小時的工夫, 結果十二時才離開。人是有點累, 但我還是對今天的工作進展非常滿意: 我在四小時內共完成了四幅小牆(其中一幅掃了兩層)、一幅大牆, 再加上睡房門邊和櫃門邊, 對我來說簡直是壯舉!
星期五, 與H家人吃過晚飯後, 都情不自禁的繼續油漆去。儘管到達時已是十時, 逗留了個多小時, 加掃一些不太均勻的地方, 已及開始替廚房掃上第二層顏色。
星期六, 我和朋友都期望今天是last day, 其實也只剩下門口處兩幅大牆壁和厨櫃以上的地方, 應該可以在今天完成吧。
開始時, 我戰戰驚驚地問:「這幅牆我油得還可以吧?」
「不錯呢。」她回答。
儘管她有可能是不想我失望而沒有狠下心腸說出「實話」, 但這個「鼓勵」卻真的使我樂上了一陣子, 倒覺得這幾天的精神沒有白費了。儘管, 以朋友一絲不苟的工作態度, 以她完美的標準, 我的油漆水平大概只有合格吧。尤其是每當我拿起漆掃想替她完成未完成的部份而換來一種「不要碰我」的臉孔時, 心下總來得一點沮喪。也許朋友都是那種有始有終的人, 就如開始了一件藝術雕塑後, 又怎能假手於人呢。
可能是我的藉口吧, 我並不要求這次的工作滿分, 因為怎樣漂亮, 最終欣賞的都是不知名的租客, 那怕他一不喜歡這顏色, 便來一個大翻新, 把我們辛苦數天的成果一一抹去, 我倒寧願可以完成多些牆壁。所以午飯後, 我們竟然以兩個小時的速度, 把那幅大而陳舊的牆壁都掃上了一層顏色。送了我朋友回家後, 我便趕快回去再掃上第二層油漆, 之後再以白色底油修補天花校上掃過了界的顏色。轉眼間, 黑夜便降臨了, 我終於可以為我第一次的油漆工作劃上一個句號。
油漆是完成了, 但並不代表所有的工作都已完成。
一件事情的終結總是帶來另一件事的開始, 那便是清理工作。
首先是把所有牆邊門框的膠紙撕開, 同時又要小心翼翼地不能把油漆都一拼撕掉, 那並不是很容易的工作。之後便得把厨櫃地板都清潔一番, 再以從save-on food 租來的洗地毯機把客廳的地毯都清洗一次。直到這時, 我才放心脫了鞋子把雙腳放在這有着一灘二灘污洂的地毯上。直到夕陽西下, 我們這個油漆工作終於完滿結束了。儘管我沒有把所有牆壁都翻新(除了壁爐上和飯廳旁的大牆), 驟眼望去, 整個單位都有一種煥然一新的感覺,像是年輕了十歲呢。
在此, 我很感謝我的朋友, 犧牲了一些新婚燕爾與先生相聚的寶貴時間, 同時亦教曉我油漆的方法與心得, 使我對DIY 的興趣濃厚了不少呢。
前文提過, 我將會跟一位朋友一起動手把自己的apartment油漆一番, 終於到了開工的日子。
工欲善其事, 必先利其器, 我們得先去購置一些工具, 沒想到所需的工具遠比我想像中的還要多。
除了油漆(那是必需的)外, 還買了不同的油漆掃、手套、膠盤、鋪地膠布、封牆邊的膠紙(還分藍綠兩種)、牆身清潔劑、磨砂海綿、磨砂機用的膠貼,「制服」一套, 因為沾上油漆後都不會再穿上吧。再加上朋友的工具, 浩浩蕩蕩出發去。
從早上十時開始, 先貼上圍着門邊和牆腳的膠紙, 房子都變成「工業重地」了。別小看這「貼膠紙」的程序,三個人一起做, 都花了三個小時。之後便到了附近一家港式西餐廳吃午飯。
午飯後,「戲玉」還未到呢, 油漆尚未開始, 先來打磨一下牆壁。我的朋友載上護目鏡和和口罩, 開動着小型打磨機, 像極 Super Handyman Challenge 裏面的師傅一樣, 而我呢? 就是師傅身邊的學徙, 挺着大塊膠布, 阻擋着籃粉(原身牆為藍色,打磨時藍粉飛揚)的去路。
打磨之後, 還得給牆身清理一番, 才正式開始油漆。
好了,「戲玉」終於到了, 我們二人各拿着油漆掃, 開始掃上白色的底油。起初底油極是難上, 老是覺得不夠均勻, 沒法蓋着原本的藍色。到後來, 手臂因不停向上提着, 酸痛不已。
直到夜幕低垂時, 室內照明不夠, 只好停工, 原來不知不覺已到八時多了。
星期天我放了自己一天假期, 在參加朋友的婚禮後都沒有「開工」。
到了星期一下班以後, 接了我的朋友, 便到那裏繼續我們的工作。大約做了三、四個小時後, 所有廚房跟大門地方都已完成第一層底油了。
星期二, 我們已完成掃上第二層底油, 徹底把原本的藍色蓋着。天啊! 房間立時變得明亮, 簡直使我想放棄再掃上顏色的油漆呢!
星期三, 原本我的朋友說下班後有事不能來, 卻是記錯了日子, 她上課的時間是在星期四。結果我們都是繼續油漆去。經過一番努力, 第一層顏色差不多全掃上。我也試用了滾筒來替大幅的牆壁上色, 才發覺大滾筒一點也不易用, 滾了幾次, 手臂更酸了。我想是我的手臂有着太多的脂肪, 太少的肌肉的關係。
星期四, 我的朋友不能來, 但眼見房間開始有着一點煥然一新的感覺, 豈能罷休, 於是便獨個兒去完成未完成的工作。
起初, 我們的目標是把原本藍色的牆壁掃上米白色, 但看着外面走廊的牆壁有着一塊一塊修補釕子的白印, 還夾雜着傢俬刮花的痕跡, 真的使我「慘不忍睹」, 迫使我下定決心, 要把外面的牆壁都來一次翻新。首先是掛電視的牆壁, 跟着是旁邊近窗的。但掃了一幅牆之後, 總得把另外一邊都上色才算對稱, 否則兩邊顏色有些微分別, 醜也醜死了。之後看到飯廳的牆壁也有點陳舊, 把心一橫, 把那幅巨形牆壁都上色了。要知道, 那些牆壁都還未貼上封邊膠紙, 還得先把膠紙貼上, 地面鋪好, 才能開始油漆。時間就在不知不覺中溜走, 直到H來電催我回家, 甚至媽媽也從HK來電, 我才依依不捨的開始清洗我的工具, 要知道清冼盤和掃都得花上半小時的工夫, 結果十二時才離開。人是有點累, 但我還是對今天的工作進展非常滿意: 我在四小時內共完成了四幅小牆(其中一幅掃了兩層)、一幅大牆, 再加上睡房門邊和櫃門邊, 對我來說簡直是壯舉!
星期五, 與H家人吃過晚飯後, 都情不自禁的繼續油漆去。儘管到達時已是十時, 逗留了個多小時, 加掃一些不太均勻的地方, 已及開始替廚房掃上第二層顏色。
星期六, 我和朋友都期望今天是last day, 其實也只剩下門口處兩幅大牆壁和厨櫃以上的地方, 應該可以在今天完成吧。
開始時, 我戰戰驚驚地問:「這幅牆我油得還可以吧?」
「不錯呢。」她回答。
儘管她有可能是不想我失望而沒有狠下心腸說出「實話」, 但這個「鼓勵」卻真的使我樂上了一陣子, 倒覺得這幾天的精神沒有白費了。儘管, 以朋友一絲不苟的工作態度, 以她完美的標準, 我的油漆水平大概只有合格吧。尤其是每當我拿起漆掃想替她完成未完成的部份而換來一種「不要碰我」的臉孔時, 心下總來得一點沮喪。也許朋友都是那種有始有終的人, 就如開始了一件藝術雕塑後, 又怎能假手於人呢。
可能是我的藉口吧, 我並不要求這次的工作滿分, 因為怎樣漂亮, 最終欣賞的都是不知名的租客, 那怕他一不喜歡這顏色, 便來一個大翻新, 把我們辛苦數天的成果一一抹去, 我倒寧願可以完成多些牆壁。所以午飯後, 我們竟然以兩個小時的速度, 把那幅大而陳舊的牆壁都掃上了一層顏色。送了我朋友回家後, 我便趕快回去再掃上第二層油漆, 之後再以白色底油修補天花校上掃過了界的顏色。轉眼間, 黑夜便降臨了, 我終於可以為我第一次的油漆工作劃上一個句號。
油漆是完成了, 但並不代表所有的工作都已完成。
一件事情的終結總是帶來另一件事的開始, 那便是清理工作。
首先是把所有牆邊門框的膠紙撕開, 同時又要小心翼翼地不能把油漆都一拼撕掉, 那並不是很容易的工作。之後便得把厨櫃地板都清潔一番, 再以從save-on food 租來的洗地毯機把客廳的地毯都清洗一次。直到這時, 我才放心脫了鞋子把雙腳放在這有着一灘二灘污洂的地毯上。直到夕陽西下, 我們這個油漆工作終於完滿結束了。儘管我沒有把所有牆壁都翻新(除了壁爐上和飯廳旁的大牆), 驟眼望去, 整個單位都有一種煥然一新的感覺,像是年輕了十歲呢。
在此, 我很感謝我的朋友, 犧牲了一些新婚燕爾與先生相聚的寶貴時間, 同時亦教曉我油漆的方法與心得, 使我對DIY 的興趣濃厚了不少呢。
 |
| Painting |
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Paint Jobs
I never thought about I would be involved in painting; nor my car will get a new coat of paint without involving in a serious car accident.
I still remembered about 3 or 4 years ago I went to check out the apartment when the tenant moved out. The unit is nice and clean, the paint is not new but still fresh. Now that the tenant moved out, the unit shows signs of the age: vapourized window, moulding developed around the window corner. The entrance wall was painted neon blue and now with dirty spot, my old bedroom became a yellow room and the rest of the wall brownish cream colour. What kind of paint job is that? In the balcony, a PLANT grow from the gap of the stone brick! The only bright side is that both bathroom are super clean and tidy.
So, the unit definitely need a fresh coat of paint before it can ever rent out again with a decent price.
Seeing my friend did a very good job painting her own apartment, I deicded to call for her help. And of course, I will share the work as well.
Let me see the list of work...cleaning the wall, sanding, taping the baseboard, take out the socket covers, paint one coat of primer, and two coats of actual paint...
Now that I'm looking forward to my first paint job, my mom's car actually got a new coat of paint as well. It looks so brand new now!
What happened was, I drove this car to work occasionally during the last three months while the insurance is activated. And sometimes I park at the far end of the parking lot.
Then one day, my coworker started mentioning that his car paint got damaged (tons of tiny black spots) and no matter how he wash, wax those spots never came off. As he started to talk around his case, he found out that he's not the only victim. And we all suspected that the black spot came from the roof work of the building next to the parking lot. And guess what, he reported to ICBC. ICBC actually sent people here and took pictures. Finally, ICBC accepted the claim and he is able to get the car repaint by paying $300 deductible.
The black spots on my car are numerous but tiny. You won't be able to see from a far distance, especially I didn't wash my car for almost a month. So I'm a bit reluctant to file the claim (because I don't really want to pay the $300 deductible). My Mom is also reluctant to file the claim (she's more concerned that the paint job involved taking the body apart and if the bodyshop does not do a good job, the car will "fall apart" and never be as nice as before).
As the insurance is almost over, I finally took it to car wash and yeah..those spots became more visible now (without mixing with other dirt) and actually knowing the claim has a valid term of 2 years, I finally decided to file the claim.
The estimation is done in the North Van ICBC center. The staff there are curteous and not much questioning involved as I already linked my case to my coworker's case. As far as I know, there are already 10 people file the claim.
My estimated damage is $3xxx for the new paint job.
The next question is, should I fix it now or wait until next year when I activate the insurance again? And which bodyshop should I go?
After discuss with my Mom, I took the car to the bodyshop where we visited before. And the shop is nice enough to offer delivering the car back to my home with their own car plate/insurance when the car is ready. I don't need to worry about the expired car insurance.
Today, my car is all new and fresh and I'M LOVING IT!
Hm...how come my other car is not damaged so that it can get a new paint??? It is desperately in need of some body work...
I still remembered about 3 or 4 years ago I went to check out the apartment when the tenant moved out. The unit is nice and clean, the paint is not new but still fresh. Now that the tenant moved out, the unit shows signs of the age: vapourized window, moulding developed around the window corner. The entrance wall was painted neon blue and now with dirty spot, my old bedroom became a yellow room and the rest of the wall brownish cream colour. What kind of paint job is that? In the balcony, a PLANT grow from the gap of the stone brick! The only bright side is that both bathroom are super clean and tidy.
So, the unit definitely need a fresh coat of paint before it can ever rent out again with a decent price.
Seeing my friend did a very good job painting her own apartment, I deicded to call for her help. And of course, I will share the work as well.
Let me see the list of work...cleaning the wall, sanding, taping the baseboard, take out the socket covers, paint one coat of primer, and two coats of actual paint...
Now that I'm looking forward to my first paint job, my mom's car actually got a new coat of paint as well. It looks so brand new now!
What happened was, I drove this car to work occasionally during the last three months while the insurance is activated. And sometimes I park at the far end of the parking lot.
Then one day, my coworker started mentioning that his car paint got damaged (tons of tiny black spots) and no matter how he wash, wax those spots never came off. As he started to talk around his case, he found out that he's not the only victim. And we all suspected that the black spot came from the roof work of the building next to the parking lot. And guess what, he reported to ICBC. ICBC actually sent people here and took pictures. Finally, ICBC accepted the claim and he is able to get the car repaint by paying $300 deductible.
The black spots on my car are numerous but tiny. You won't be able to see from a far distance, especially I didn't wash my car for almost a month. So I'm a bit reluctant to file the claim (because I don't really want to pay the $300 deductible). My Mom is also reluctant to file the claim (she's more concerned that the paint job involved taking the body apart and if the bodyshop does not do a good job, the car will "fall apart" and never be as nice as before).
As the insurance is almost over, I finally took it to car wash and yeah..those spots became more visible now (without mixing with other dirt) and actually knowing the claim has a valid term of 2 years, I finally decided to file the claim.
The estimation is done in the North Van ICBC center. The staff there are curteous and not much questioning involved as I already linked my case to my coworker's case. As far as I know, there are already 10 people file the claim.
My estimated damage is $3xxx for the new paint job.
The next question is, should I fix it now or wait until next year when I activate the insurance again? And which bodyshop should I go?
After discuss with my Mom, I took the car to the bodyshop where we visited before. And the shop is nice enough to offer delivering the car back to my home with their own car plate/insurance when the car is ready. I don't need to worry about the expired car insurance.
Today, my car is all new and fresh and I'M LOVING IT!
Hm...how come my other car is not damaged so that it can get a new paint??? It is desperately in need of some body work...
Monday, August 27, 2007
Nail art is fun!
There are various reasons I want to visit the Richmond Night Market:
1. Go there for food
2. Go there for cheap CD-R/DVD-R
3. Go there for unique special items/decorations.
4. Go there as an "exercise" after dinner, when we ate too much.
5. Got nothing much to do at night.
For whatever reasons, we will go there at least once during summer.
This time we go there for dinner.
We bought various dim-sum type food including siu-mai dumpling, BBQ chicken/beef satay, rice roll, fish ball, mini Japanese pizza, dessert crepe etc.
After that we walk around other booth.
There's a booth selling nail stickers and a very trendy Japanese salesgirl (can tell by her accent) tried very hard to sell those nail sticker. She even put on various sample on my nail and they look really nice.
She's so kind putting so many sample stickers on my nail. And it's so pretty that I can't resist to buy a few to try out.
At first I only put 2 flowers on each of my thumb.
And then the temptation comes...I finally dress up all my fingernails with Spring Flowers.
I even bought a nail art magazine and of course, I bought more stickers when I re-visit the booth.
Here's what my hand looks like now:
Nail art is FUN!
1. Go there for food
2. Go there for cheap CD-R/DVD-R
3. Go there for unique special items/decorations.
4. Go there as an "exercise" after dinner, when we ate too much.
5. Got nothing much to do at night.
For whatever reasons, we will go there at least once during summer.
This time we go there for dinner.
We bought various dim-sum type food including siu-mai dumpling, BBQ chicken/beef satay, rice roll, fish ball, mini Japanese pizza, dessert crepe etc.
After that we walk around other booth.
There's a booth selling nail stickers and a very trendy Japanese salesgirl (can tell by her accent) tried very hard to sell those nail sticker. She even put on various sample on my nail and they look really nice.
She's so kind putting so many sample stickers on my nail. And it's so pretty that I can't resist to buy a few to try out.
At first I only put 2 flowers on each of my thumb.
And then the temptation comes...I finally dress up all my fingernails with Spring Flowers.
I even bought a nail art magazine and of course, I bought more stickers when I re-visit the booth.
Here's what my hand looks like now:
Nail art is FUN!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
幸福瑪利亞
好像是一首歌的名字。不過不記得內容了。
對我來說,瑪利亞是一個神聖的名字,可能是我自小在天主教學校唸書的關係。
我認識的瑪利亞,活脫是聖潔純真的小天使;也是虔誠的天主教徙。
嬌小的個子,甜美的笑容,長髮飄逸的她,性格卻不盡然是嬌艷羞澀,正如她自取的別號一樣,是充滿活力的快樂小兔。
跟她一起游泳,才見識到什麼叫做「雙腿好似摩打」。
跟她一起跑步,我用盡了吃奶的氣力都跟不上。
使我更佩服的是,一但她決定要做好的事情,必定會愒盡全力,力求完美,有着無比的幹勁與毅力。看她自己動手油漆的家居便知道,比起我付了幾千塊的「專業」裝修人員更專業:所有的牆壁都先給打磨,才掃上油漆。遇到不平滑的地方便加以打磨,再重新補上油漆。在工作上我也同樣看到這種認真的工作態度,真的使我自愧不如。
在感情路上,我很慶幸她找了屬於自己的幸福。在她身上我看到了無私的愛情,在這功利的俗世裏,連我也差不多相信再沒有這種愛情存在。
謹以此文,祝福我的好友瑪利亞,婚姻美滿,永遠幸福快樂。
對我來說,瑪利亞是一個神聖的名字,可能是我自小在天主教學校唸書的關係。
我認識的瑪利亞,活脫是聖潔純真的小天使;也是虔誠的天主教徙。
嬌小的個子,甜美的笑容,長髮飄逸的她,性格卻不盡然是嬌艷羞澀,正如她自取的別號一樣,是充滿活力的快樂小兔。
跟她一起游泳,才見識到什麼叫做「雙腿好似摩打」。
跟她一起跑步,我用盡了吃奶的氣力都跟不上。
使我更佩服的是,一但她決定要做好的事情,必定會愒盡全力,力求完美,有着無比的幹勁與毅力。看她自己動手油漆的家居便知道,比起我付了幾千塊的「專業」裝修人員更專業:所有的牆壁都先給打磨,才掃上油漆。遇到不平滑的地方便加以打磨,再重新補上油漆。在工作上我也同樣看到這種認真的工作態度,真的使我自愧不如。
在感情路上,我很慶幸她找了屬於自己的幸福。在她身上我看到了無私的愛情,在這功利的俗世裏,連我也差不多相信再沒有這種愛情存在。
謹以此文,祝福我的好友瑪利亞,婚姻美滿,永遠幸福快樂。
Friday, August 3, 2007
I've got luck?!
I was lucky enough, to be elected to be part of the jury, for a 80 days criminal case.
Well...I started to get worried...since I heard that company do not pay during those days. There is court fee but it's minimal. So that means...4 months without regular pay? I have no idea how I'm going to survive.
After a bit of asking around, I finally realized that getting the court letter doesn't mean I AM the juror right away. I still need to go through an "interview" from both side of lawyers and the judge. Perhaps I won't get picked by the judge or the lawyers. Another things is, the employee handbook does state that company will pay full during the jury period. So that's good news.
The court day is early September, we'll see.
Although, being the juror is part of the responsibility of the citizen, I seriously doubt my limited English capability will lead me to wrong judgment. I do hope I won't be that "lucky" again to be picked in that day.
* * * * *
I don't consider myself as a very lucky person. I don't win much lottery nor big prize from any draw.
But my excessive speeding charges do get dropped after two years for no reasons. I considered myself very lucky.
And since then I drive slow every day (ok, almost) and there is one day, that only 1 day that I'm kinda tired and do not pay attention to the speed too much when cruising downhill. Then there comes the police. When I see the police's laser gun pointing at me, I guess it's all OVER. Surprisingly he didn't stop me. There is already another car being pull over so I guess they are too busy to stop me. But if I drove 2 minutes later, I'm sure there is no escape.
So perhaps I do have the luck, who knows?!
When can I get the Lotto 649 or Super 7 jackpot...... :P
Well...I started to get worried...since I heard that company do not pay during those days. There is court fee but it's minimal. So that means...4 months without regular pay? I have no idea how I'm going to survive.
After a bit of asking around, I finally realized that getting the court letter doesn't mean I AM the juror right away. I still need to go through an "interview" from both side of lawyers and the judge. Perhaps I won't get picked by the judge or the lawyers. Another things is, the employee handbook does state that company will pay full during the jury period. So that's good news.
The court day is early September, we'll see.
Although, being the juror is part of the responsibility of the citizen, I seriously doubt my limited English capability will lead me to wrong judgment. I do hope I won't be that "lucky" again to be picked in that day.
* * * * *
I don't consider myself as a very lucky person. I don't win much lottery nor big prize from any draw.
But my excessive speeding charges do get dropped after two years for no reasons. I considered myself very lucky.
And since then I drive slow every day (ok, almost) and there is one day, that only 1 day that I'm kinda tired and do not pay attention to the speed too much when cruising downhill. Then there comes the police. When I see the police's laser gun pointing at me, I guess it's all OVER. Surprisingly he didn't stop me. There is already another car being pull over so I guess they are too busy to stop me. But if I drove 2 minutes later, I'm sure there is no escape.
So perhaps I do have the luck, who knows?!
When can I get the Lotto 649 or Super 7 jackpot...... :P
Monday, July 23, 2007
Busy weekends
I always ask my Mom to give me a month notice before she comes back for a visit. Just because it could take a month for me to clean up the house! A month actually means 4 weekends not that I need the full 30 days.
But don't get the impression that my house is a TOTAL mess, it's not. The place where a guest will pass by, is usually clean and tidy.
Here's the To-do list:
Downstair den: All the bills/letters piling up since last year. Tons of plastic bags still there since my wedding last year.
Kitchen: clean up the stove.
My bathroom: clean the floor, counter top and toilet. The floor is a mess since the last repair.
Mom's bathroom: mop the floor and clean up the counter top, sink, and the shower area.
My Den: the most clustered place: all wedding materials and some of the gifts still on the floor, and you almost can't see the table top.
In general: vacuum and do the laundry.
Garden: try to remove the weed and water the plants.
And yes. with the help of my husband, I can get it done in 2 weekends. My house feels so different now.
But don't get the impression that my house is a TOTAL mess, it's not. The place where a guest will pass by, is usually clean and tidy.
Here's the To-do list:
Downstair den: All the bills/letters piling up since last year. Tons of plastic bags still there since my wedding last year.
Kitchen: clean up the stove.
My bathroom: clean the floor, counter top and toilet. The floor is a mess since the last repair.
Mom's bathroom: mop the floor and clean up the counter top, sink, and the shower area.
My Den: the most clustered place: all wedding materials and some of the gifts still on the floor, and you almost can't see the table top.
In general: vacuum and do the laundry.
Garden: try to remove the weed and water the plants.
And yes. with the help of my husband, I can get it done in 2 weekends. My house feels so different now.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Long Weekend
Beautiful Wedding
June 30
This is in fact the first outdoor wedding that I attended over the past few years.
It took place in the London Heritage Farm in Richmond.
Not many people knew this place, though. This is a nice place with an heritage house and a small garden. How do I know? I have been there for the company picnic before.
It was raining very heavily the past few days and I started to worry for the bride and groom. But luckily, the sun decided to come out on the actual wedding day.
The bride and groom are very considerate, they provide umbrella for the guests as well.
The wedding ceremony took place in front of the gazebo, there are tent set up with platters and a few picnic style table set up as well.
Outdoor wedding is indeed pretty. But with the guests, we need to put up the umbrella when the sun gets too strong. It may not look too nice in the wedding pictures then.
The buffet style wedding banquet took place in the Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club.
Lots of food! Beautiful decoration of the hall, fish bowl as center piece and it's the first wedding I attend that the couple make the donation instead of buying the wedding favour.
Oregon again
July 1-2
This is our 2nd trip to Oregon this year.
Things wroth to mention:
We stayed in Comfort Inn, instead of Holiday Inn Express this time because of its location. It's half way between downtown and the factory outlet. Holiday Inn Express is a bit far from the outlet.
However, it turns out to be a "mistake".
First of all, the hotel is a bit old and outdated.
OK...I don't mind staying in 3-star hotel. But if I have a choice, I'd prefer staying in a newer hotel.
Then after I flip over the blanket...I found BLOOD STAIN on the bedsheet.
I quickly called the front desk and got another set.
But I still feel gross and didn't sleep well. :(
The next day we went shopping in downtown Portland and the outlet.
We decided to leave Oregon after dinner and we thought that by the time we come back to Vancouver, the lineup should be all clear.
It turns out that it's a "mistake" again.
We left Oregon at 6:30 and it's around 11:15 that we are close to the border. There is the line up, THREE MILES before the border.
People started using the shoulder lane as a "passing lane".
If there is no road construction close to the Truck Crossing, I think we can get home an hour earlier. Because of the road construction, there's only 1 lane to the custom and all the trucks block that lane. After the construction area, there is actually NO ONE waiting at the custom booth. And it's 2am we passed through the border.
Got home at 3:30am.....
June 30
This is in fact the first outdoor wedding that I attended over the past few years.
It took place in the London Heritage Farm in Richmond.
Not many people knew this place, though. This is a nice place with an heritage house and a small garden. How do I know? I have been there for the company picnic before.
It was raining very heavily the past few days and I started to worry for the bride and groom. But luckily, the sun decided to come out on the actual wedding day.
The bride and groom are very considerate, they provide umbrella for the guests as well.
The wedding ceremony took place in front of the gazebo, there are tent set up with platters and a few picnic style table set up as well.
Outdoor wedding is indeed pretty. But with the guests, we need to put up the umbrella when the sun gets too strong. It may not look too nice in the wedding pictures then.
The buffet style wedding banquet took place in the Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club.
Lots of food! Beautiful decoration of the hall, fish bowl as center piece and it's the first wedding I attend that the couple make the donation instead of buying the wedding favour.
Oregon again
July 1-2
This is our 2nd trip to Oregon this year.
Things wroth to mention:
We stayed in Comfort Inn, instead of Holiday Inn Express this time because of its location. It's half way between downtown and the factory outlet. Holiday Inn Express is a bit far from the outlet.
However, it turns out to be a "mistake".
First of all, the hotel is a bit old and outdated.
OK...I don't mind staying in 3-star hotel. But if I have a choice, I'd prefer staying in a newer hotel.
Then after I flip over the blanket...I found BLOOD STAIN on the bedsheet.
I quickly called the front desk and got another set.
But I still feel gross and didn't sleep well. :(
The next day we went shopping in downtown Portland and the outlet.
We decided to leave Oregon after dinner and we thought that by the time we come back to Vancouver, the lineup should be all clear.
It turns out that it's a "mistake" again.
We left Oregon at 6:30 and it's around 11:15 that we are close to the border. There is the line up, THREE MILES before the border.
People started using the shoulder lane as a "passing lane".
If there is no road construction close to the Truck Crossing, I think we can get home an hour earlier. Because of the road construction, there's only 1 lane to the custom and all the trucks block that lane. After the construction area, there is actually NO ONE waiting at the custom booth. And it's 2am we passed through the border.
Got home at 3:30am.....
Friday, July 6, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Anniversary
It feels like yesterday; yet it's been a year already, since my wedding day.
Any significant changes or transformation? Not really.
The difference I would say....before and after, is that, I cooked dinner on a regular basis. (i.e. 99% on weekdays)
I used to cook enough for a few days. Now I would cook on a daily basis. Sometimes it's not that easy to think of new dishes, especially my choice of ingredients are rather limited. My hubby has higher level of 尿酸, together with his problematic skin, he's not supposed to have too much meat, beef, tofu, spinach, seafood..... the list go on and on...basically anything high purine is not good for him. Therefore, the main dishes are "rotated" between meat, fish and chicken.
Another difference is ...rather sad..but I have gained 10 pounds since last year. I'm sure it's very noticeable. Why? I have no idea...I'm not on any medication, perhaps I cooked too much? But my hubby on the other hand, maintain his weight pretty well. So I don't know.
Victoria Trip (June 23-June25)
Our anniversary day falls on the Monday this year so we just took that day off and enjoy the long weekend. At first we planned to go to Las Vegas but the hotel in that weekend is just ridiculously expensive due to some convention. Together with the desert heat, we finally give up this destination. In the end we went to Victoria for 2 days.
It turns out to be not a very relax trip and almost feels like joining a tour! Here's the list of places we have visited:
Butterfly Garden
A must see! What a unique experience that plenty beautiful butterfly flying around you? My favourite spot!
Royal BC Museum (Titanica exhibition and the IMAX movie)
An exhibition worth to see.
Miniature world to see miniature railway
Henry loves it since he is a fan of miniature railway.
Undersea garden
I wouldn't want to go again, nothing much to see except the giant octopus in the dive show.
Butchart garden ,
A must see for all tourists. We had high tea there (as lunch) too. $26/person, a pack of tea bags as gift. I like the food in this high tea more than the one inthe Empress Hotel. However, the tea is just so-so.
And needless to say, the garden is just spectacular. I wish I could stay longer!
Whale watching tour
It is not part of our plan to join whale watching tour. But as we pass by the booth, we were attracted by the "95% success rate" so we decided give it a try. And yeah..we saw TONS of whales, dolphin etc. OK not tons but groups. The tour is around 3 hours, including about 1 hour travel time to the whale watching spot. The ship is quite comfortable and they give out big jacket. On the way back we go back to the covered deck to enjoy our hot chocolate :P There are different companies organizing whale watching tours. Some with medium size cruise (that's what I called) and some with "boat" (like the big one you go with rafting). As I saw the other boat going up and down in the sea as it travels...I imagine I would throw up at once if I'm in that boat! At first I thought that the tour with the bigger ship cost more (the one I joined is $89/person). Surprisingly the "boat" one costs $85 too!
High tea in Empress Hotel.
It's $46/person and seriously, the food is not impressive for this price tag but the tea scores a bit. I like both tea that Henry and I chose. Of course, the $46 includes the cost of sitting in the grand dining hall of the Empress Hotel...
Dinner in the Marina restaurant by the Oakbay
How come we don't have these kind of restaurant by the marina in Vancouver? This venue made me think of the wedding of my Seattle friend, whose wedding also held in the Marina restaurant last August.
The 2nd night, we had fish and chips in Fisherman Wharf as dinner.
It's 8pm on Sunday, people just keep coming to order fish and chips. Can tell by the fresh fish, and the light and crisp batter.
Thanks to Perry's post about Victoria so we got some nice idea about where to look for nice food. And of course, we took his recommendation of staying in this hotel (we were choosing between Delta and Marriot).
Of course, we manage to rush back to the hotel for the FREE hor'devours which serves between 5pm and 7pm!
Why no pictures? My computer is down (broken CPU?) so please stay tune for the pictures.
June 25, 2005.
After coming back from Victoria, we had dinner in the UBC Golf Club. It's been one year since our last visit. I had my wedding ceremony in the ballroom there and now I had dinner in the restaurant across the ballroom. This place certainly brings back lots of good memories. It's funny that I keep checking out the time today and think about the things that I have done in the same time last year. One thing in common: on wedding day I'm tired, after the Victoria trip ....also tired!
But overall, we had a great time and happy anniversary!
Any significant changes or transformation? Not really.
The difference I would say....before and after, is that, I cooked dinner on a regular basis. (i.e. 99% on weekdays)
I used to cook enough for a few days. Now I would cook on a daily basis. Sometimes it's not that easy to think of new dishes, especially my choice of ingredients are rather limited. My hubby has higher level of 尿酸, together with his problematic skin, he's not supposed to have too much meat, beef, tofu, spinach, seafood..... the list go on and on...basically anything high purine is not good for him. Therefore, the main dishes are "rotated" between meat, fish and chicken.
Another difference is ...rather sad..but I have gained 10 pounds since last year. I'm sure it's very noticeable. Why? I have no idea...I'm not on any medication, perhaps I cooked too much? But my hubby on the other hand, maintain his weight pretty well. So I don't know.
Victoria Trip (June 23-June25)
Our anniversary day falls on the Monday this year so we just took that day off and enjoy the long weekend. At first we planned to go to Las Vegas but the hotel in that weekend is just ridiculously expensive due to some convention. Together with the desert heat, we finally give up this destination. In the end we went to Victoria for 2 days.
It turns out to be not a very relax trip and almost feels like joining a tour! Here's the list of places we have visited:
Butterfly Garden
A must see! What a unique experience that plenty beautiful butterfly flying around you? My favourite spot!
Royal BC Museum (Titanica exhibition and the IMAX movie)
An exhibition worth to see.
Miniature world to see miniature railway
Henry loves it since he is a fan of miniature railway.
Undersea garden
I wouldn't want to go again, nothing much to see except the giant octopus in the dive show.
Butchart garden ,
A must see for all tourists. We had high tea there (as lunch) too. $26/person, a pack of tea bags as gift. I like the food in this high tea more than the one inthe Empress Hotel. However, the tea is just so-so.
And needless to say, the garden is just spectacular. I wish I could stay longer!
Whale watching tour
It is not part of our plan to join whale watching tour. But as we pass by the booth, we were attracted by the "95% success rate" so we decided give it a try. And yeah..we saw TONS of whales, dolphin etc. OK not tons but groups. The tour is around 3 hours, including about 1 hour travel time to the whale watching spot. The ship is quite comfortable and they give out big jacket. On the way back we go back to the covered deck to enjoy our hot chocolate :P There are different companies organizing whale watching tours. Some with medium size cruise (that's what I called) and some with "boat" (like the big one you go with rafting). As I saw the other boat going up and down in the sea as it travels...I imagine I would throw up at once if I'm in that boat! At first I thought that the tour with the bigger ship cost more (the one I joined is $89/person). Surprisingly the "boat" one costs $85 too!
High tea in Empress Hotel.
It's $46/person and seriously, the food is not impressive for this price tag but the tea scores a bit. I like both tea that Henry and I chose. Of course, the $46 includes the cost of sitting in the grand dining hall of the Empress Hotel...
Dinner in the Marina restaurant by the Oakbay
How come we don't have these kind of restaurant by the marina in Vancouver? This venue made me think of the wedding of my Seattle friend, whose wedding also held in the Marina restaurant last August.
The 2nd night, we had fish and chips in Fisherman Wharf as dinner.
It's 8pm on Sunday, people just keep coming to order fish and chips. Can tell by the fresh fish, and the light and crisp batter.
Thanks to Perry's post about Victoria so we got some nice idea about where to look for nice food. And of course, we took his recommendation of staying in this hotel (we were choosing between Delta and Marriot).
Of course, we manage to rush back to the hotel for the FREE hor'devours which serves between 5pm and 7pm!
Why no pictures? My computer is down (broken CPU?) so please stay tune for the pictures.
June 25, 2005.
After coming back from Victoria, we had dinner in the UBC Golf Club. It's been one year since our last visit. I had my wedding ceremony in the ballroom there and now I had dinner in the restaurant across the ballroom. This place certainly brings back lots of good memories. It's funny that I keep checking out the time today and think about the things that I have done in the same time last year. One thing in common: on wedding day I'm tired, after the Victoria trip ....also tired!
But overall, we had a great time and happy anniversary!
巧合
上月的某星期三是本市某家高檔百貨公司開幕的日子。一向愛shopping(或是window shopping)旳我,當然不能錯過,非要「到此一遊」不可。只可惜連續兩個週末都未能抽出時間,直到本週末有幾小時的空檔,便驅車前往這個給消費者建立的新天地。
百貨公司本身很有香港連卡佛的味道,對象同樣是中產或以上的高消費者。場內遊人絡繹不絕,人人拿着大包小包的戰利品。在興奮獲得心頭好之餘,有否留意到美倫美煥的裝修,竟與富時代感的Cyber feel 並重;華麗昂貴的貨品滿目皆是,使我不得不承認,本市已從十多年前的農村小鎮,走向大城市的奢侈繁華。
閒逛之餘,目光正好被角落的一個手袋吸引,當我正擠身於角落處拿着手袋細看,身旁突然聽到別人呼喚我的名字,轉身一看,天啊!再一次碰到了我的一位舊同事。在幾萬平方呎的商場內,剛好就在那一分、那一秒,走到那個角落,再一次遇上。我說的是「再一次」,其實簡直是一次又一次,每次都在一些很出奇不意的地方遇上。如移民十多年都從未到過Coquitnam的Superstore,第一次去便碰到。另一次我們於中午出席朋友的婚禮,距離晚宴尚有幾小時的空檔,便到某大型手工藝品連鎖店逛逛消磨時間,竟又撞上,至於相遇在Parker Place, Abetdeen Center, Canadian Tire 這些華人常出沒的地方,已不值一提了。
幸好我不是浪漫派的小說家,對於這種偶遇不會說成是有緣千里能相會,只會說是巧合的奇遇,猜想下一次,我們會在哪地方遇上?
百貨公司本身很有香港連卡佛的味道,對象同樣是中產或以上的高消費者。場內遊人絡繹不絕,人人拿着大包小包的戰利品。在興奮獲得心頭好之餘,有否留意到美倫美煥的裝修,竟與富時代感的Cyber feel 並重;華麗昂貴的貨品滿目皆是,使我不得不承認,本市已從十多年前的農村小鎮,走向大城市的奢侈繁華。
閒逛之餘,目光正好被角落的一個手袋吸引,當我正擠身於角落處拿着手袋細看,身旁突然聽到別人呼喚我的名字,轉身一看,天啊!再一次碰到了我的一位舊同事。在幾萬平方呎的商場內,剛好就在那一分、那一秒,走到那個角落,再一次遇上。我說的是「再一次」,其實簡直是一次又一次,每次都在一些很出奇不意的地方遇上。如移民十多年都從未到過Coquitnam的Superstore,第一次去便碰到。另一次我們於中午出席朋友的婚禮,距離晚宴尚有幾小時的空檔,便到某大型手工藝品連鎖店逛逛消磨時間,竟又撞上,至於相遇在Parker Place, Abetdeen Center, Canadian Tire 這些華人常出沒的地方,已不值一提了。
幸好我不是浪漫派的小說家,對於這種偶遇不會說成是有緣千里能相會,只會說是巧合的奇遇,猜想下一次,我們會在哪地方遇上?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Eat Eat Eat!
Supersize Oyster (Friday)
Got a call from a friend on Thursday night that we are invited for another "私房菜" dinner on the following day. I almost started drooling ... are we going to have a lobster feast since lobster is in season now?
Finally...to my surprise, we got a SUPERSIZE OYSTER as "appetizer".
The oyster is longer than the normal size china spoon! And it's baked with cheese and bacon. I didn't eat oyster before but this one...the nice smell or cheese and bacon...I just can't resist! (actually...I didn't eat oyster not because I don't like the taste of oyster, just because of the black stuff inside that make me "feel" gross). This oyster...just tastes SO GOOD!
Sai Z restaurant (Saturday)
Seeing an ad from Mingpao that there's a tasting menu on special ($40/person) so we give it a try tonight...
The environment is nice...nice ambience and they have live piano playing too.
The menu comes with two choices per dish. (5 dishes menu). Since we have two people we can try all different things.
First comes two spoonful of sphegetti "on the house".
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Then the prosciuto roll with the melon inside. Tastes good!
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The soft shell roll is not too special though.
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I have the lobster bisque with mussels. It has the lobster bisque taste and some miso soup taste as well. Very speical. The mussle is quite large.
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The seafood clear soup has a big shrimp and it looks like those live shrimp (look very fresh), but unfortunately, the shrimp meat taste a bit "mui" so kinda disappointed. The mussel and clam are quite large.
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Then comes my tuna tataki and the tuna mango crepe. Both taste very fresh and good.
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The main dish is the halibut and angus beef steak.
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Although I order "medium well" for the steak, the beef is still tender. And the server gives us a large cup of the green tea icecream parfait ON THE HOUSE too! At least 2 scoop of green tea icecream inside! It filled up at least 40% of our stomach!
Originally I order cheesecake as my dessert but the server later comes to me and say "the cheesecake is in bad condition tonight". So I change to the cream burlee combo as well.
It has orange, green tea cream burlee and another small cup of mango ice-cream.
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Overall, I give 4.5/5 for food. (-0.5 for the "mui" shrimp)
Server is very polite, most servers looked like Japanese.
However, one thing that I think they can "improve" is that...food often comes a touch before I finish the previous dish. And I wait for 30 minutes for the first dish to come. The roll came first before of the soup (although the server do appologize).
If they can "improve" a bit on the timing of the dish, I'll give higher rating for the dining experience.
The dish portion is not too big so in case you have big stomach, u can plan for "siu yeah". But since they give us a free parfait, then we are stuff! Without the parfait, we probably are not too full.
Overall, I give 4.5/5 for the dining experience. I will go back again to try out other dishes.
I like the dish presentation, and also the environment there.
OK...time to exercise more...
Got a call from a friend on Thursday night that we are invited for another "私房菜" dinner on the following day. I almost started drooling ... are we going to have a lobster feast since lobster is in season now?
Finally...to my surprise, we got a SUPERSIZE OYSTER as "appetizer".
The oyster is longer than the normal size china spoon! And it's baked with cheese and bacon. I didn't eat oyster before but this one...the nice smell or cheese and bacon...I just can't resist! (actually...I didn't eat oyster not because I don't like the taste of oyster, just because of the black stuff inside that make me "feel" gross). This oyster...just tastes SO GOOD!
Sai Z restaurant (Saturday)
Seeing an ad from Mingpao that there's a tasting menu on special ($40/person) so we give it a try tonight...
The environment is nice...nice ambience and they have live piano playing too.
The menu comes with two choices per dish. (5 dishes menu). Since we have two people we can try all different things.
First comes two spoonful of sphegetti "on the house".
.jpg)
Then the prosciuto roll with the melon inside. Tastes good!
.jpg)
The soft shell roll is not too special though.
.jpg)
I have the lobster bisque with mussels. It has the lobster bisque taste and some miso soup taste as well. Very speical. The mussle is quite large.
.jpg)
The seafood clear soup has a big shrimp and it looks like those live shrimp (look very fresh), but unfortunately, the shrimp meat taste a bit "mui" so kinda disappointed. The mussel and clam are quite large.
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Then comes my tuna tataki and the tuna mango crepe. Both taste very fresh and good.
.jpg)
.jpg)
The main dish is the halibut and angus beef steak.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Although I order "medium well" for the steak, the beef is still tender. And the server gives us a large cup of the green tea icecream parfait ON THE HOUSE too! At least 2 scoop of green tea icecream inside! It filled up at least 40% of our stomach!
Originally I order cheesecake as my dessert but the server later comes to me and say "the cheesecake is in bad condition tonight". So I change to the cream burlee combo as well.
It has orange, green tea cream burlee and another small cup of mango ice-cream.
.jpg)
Overall, I give 4.5/5 for food. (-0.5 for the "mui" shrimp)
Server is very polite, most servers looked like Japanese.
However, one thing that I think they can "improve" is that...food often comes a touch before I finish the previous dish. And I wait for 30 minutes for the first dish to come. The roll came first before of the soup (although the server do appologize).
If they can "improve" a bit on the timing of the dish, I'll give higher rating for the dining experience.
The dish portion is not too big so in case you have big stomach, u can plan for "siu yeah". But since they give us a free parfait, then we are stuff! Without the parfait, we probably are not too full.
Overall, I give 4.5/5 for the dining experience. I will go back again to try out other dishes.
I like the dish presentation, and also the environment there.
OK...time to exercise more...
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
A Miracle
It all happened two years ago.
I got a speeding ticket.
I paid for it right away as I *think* I deserve paying if I really speed right...
Then a letter comes saying my license needs to be suspended for 3 months because of the above.
HUH??
I do think it's a bit harsh on me as this is the first ticket over 9 years, and speeding on highway with no car around me (versus speeding on city and doing car racing).
OK...this time I don't think I deserve the license suspension so I applied for dispute.
Usually the dispute should happen before you pay the ticket. In my case it's a bit different since I've already paid.
Anyway, I applied for dispute. The court letter came two weeks later that they accept the dispute.
So...all I can do is to wait for the letter of hearing.
Wait...wait...wait...
And two years passed.
Finally, I got a cheque from ICBC, with the amount of the ticket, with a note of "violation withdraw".
I am still puzzling in my head. Am I free of any charges? Do I still have good driving record?
All I know is, I got some cash in my bank...
But lesson learned...I am driving speed limit in ALL cases...rush or not...
Cars still passed by...some with a furious look. But I have to drive in a cool state of zen. You never know when the bad driving record comes back and haunts me.
I got a speeding ticket.
I paid for it right away as I *think* I deserve paying if I really speed right...
Then a letter comes saying my license needs to be suspended for 3 months because of the above.
HUH??
I do think it's a bit harsh on me as this is the first ticket over 9 years, and speeding on highway with no car around me (versus speeding on city and doing car racing).
OK...this time I don't think I deserve the license suspension so I applied for dispute.
Usually the dispute should happen before you pay the ticket. In my case it's a bit different since I've already paid.
Anyway, I applied for dispute. The court letter came two weeks later that they accept the dispute.
So...all I can do is to wait for the letter of hearing.
Wait...wait...wait...
And two years passed.
Finally, I got a cheque from ICBC, with the amount of the ticket, with a note of "violation withdraw".
I am still puzzling in my head. Am I free of any charges? Do I still have good driving record?
All I know is, I got some cash in my bank...
But lesson learned...I am driving speed limit in ALL cases...rush or not...
Cars still passed by...some with a furious look. But I have to drive in a cool state of zen. You never know when the bad driving record comes back and haunts me.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
The Feel of Spring
I still remembered the first few years we lived in Vancouver. We were thrilled for Spring time and one of the signature spring activities is the tulip field tour.
We have indeed joined those tours a few times. Still remebered there's one time I went with my mom and my high school buddy. My Mom and she both ate over a dozen raw oysters which just dig from the ocean and get opened up right away (yeah the tour includes visiting oyster farm and factory outlet in additional of the tulip field). I guess the water back in those days are still safe...at least they don't feel sick after this "meal".
Anyway, there wasn't any plan for going to the tulip fields this year. On the very last week of the tulip festival (which the tulip field opens to public), I read from a local forum that there's indeed a tulip field within BC. Yeah...that's a bit of discovery since we only went to the tulip field in the States. Seeing the weather being quite nice and with the "hope" to find cheaper gas price, we are on to the BC tulip field.
The field isn't too large and the tuplip are fading. But since there are not as many people, it's better for taking pictures. Although, it would be better if the sun is not hiding...
.JPG)
We have indeed joined those tours a few times. Still remebered there's one time I went with my mom and my high school buddy. My Mom and she both ate over a dozen raw oysters which just dig from the ocean and get opened up right away (yeah the tour includes visiting oyster farm and factory outlet in additional of the tulip field). I guess the water back in those days are still safe...at least they don't feel sick after this "meal".
Anyway, there wasn't any plan for going to the tulip fields this year. On the very last week of the tulip festival (which the tulip field opens to public), I read from a local forum that there's indeed a tulip field within BC. Yeah...that's a bit of discovery since we only went to the tulip field in the States. Seeing the weather being quite nice and with the "hope" to find cheaper gas price, we are on to the BC tulip field.
The field isn't too large and the tuplip are fading. But since there are not as many people, it's better for taking pictures. Although, it would be better if the sun is not hiding...
.JPG)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Sun Run 2007
April 15
It's the day! My first 10K race!
Can I make it to the end?
Especially I have hurt my left ankle two weeks ago during practice and I haven't run at all two weeks before the race?
I truely don't know.
I have thought about given up. But I still decided to go at the end, as I got some prescription from doctor and my foot seems better.
Worst come to worst, I will just walk the 10K or mix with walk and run.
My start time is stated 9:30-9:45 (since I'm in the slower gruop). I was there around 9:15, afraid of the busy traffic. It's a sunny day with some morning cool breeze. Lucky that there are so many people on the street to "keep warm". Otherwise it's quite cold just waiting in the open air for half an hour.
Some how I sqeeze to the front row when our group start.
My goal is to just able to complete the run, either walk or run. So I'm not stressed at all. I just try to enjoy the scenry and relax. I even stopped a while and took some pictures with my cell phone. And of course I stopped at each water station (which I believe it slows me down as well)
Finally, I arrived at the finish line.
My watch says 75 minutes (but I know it should be less since I took picture of the finish line but forgot to turn off the stop watch).
71"27 is my official time on the Vancouver Sun.
OA M/F Div Bib Group Time Pace
22794 10069 1408 41284 F3034 1:11:27 7:08:50/km 11:30:00/mi
Overall, I'm pleased with the result. Hopefully I'll do better next time. :)
.jpg)
The start line
.jpg)
The finish line
Party at BC Place
Free fruit
It's the day! My first 10K race!
Can I make it to the end?
Especially I have hurt my left ankle two weeks ago during practice and I haven't run at all two weeks before the race?
I truely don't know.
I have thought about given up. But I still decided to go at the end, as I got some prescription from doctor and my foot seems better.
Worst come to worst, I will just walk the 10K or mix with walk and run.
My start time is stated 9:30-9:45 (since I'm in the slower gruop). I was there around 9:15, afraid of the busy traffic. It's a sunny day with some morning cool breeze. Lucky that there are so many people on the street to "keep warm". Otherwise it's quite cold just waiting in the open air for half an hour.
Some how I sqeeze to the front row when our group start.
My goal is to just able to complete the run, either walk or run. So I'm not stressed at all. I just try to enjoy the scenry and relax. I even stopped a while and took some pictures with my cell phone. And of course I stopped at each water station (which I believe it slows me down as well)
Finally, I arrived at the finish line.
My watch says 75 minutes (but I know it should be less since I took picture of the finish line but forgot to turn off the stop watch).
71"27 is my official time on the Vancouver Sun.
OA M/F Div Bib Group Time Pace
22794 10069 1408 41284 F3034 1:11:27 7:08:50/km 11:30:00/mi
Overall, I'm pleased with the result. Hopefully I'll do better next time. :)
.jpg)
The start line.jpg)
The finish line
Party at BC Place
Free fruit
Easter Holiday
Oregon Advanture
Yeah I know I just had vacation back in February but I am so long for another one. Partly because the last trip to Hong Kong isn't a relex holiday but rather, a tight-scheduled trip filled with non-stop hopping from one place to another.
Finally, holiday is around the corner!
April 5
We both took half day off Thursday and start taking off at 2:30pm, with a bit worried about the wait at the border. Surprisingly, there's almost NO line up that we didn't even need to go through Duty-free shore to get ahead in the lineup!
With a few washroom stops, we arrived at our hotel in Oregon at 8:30pm, shortly after the sunset.
The room is cozy and large, with a small kitchen corner with microwave and sink. There's a sitting area with sofa as well.
We then started looking for our dining place. Since we haven't done too much research about restaurants in Oregon, we decided to go to the chain restaurants that we know, and we like: the Cheesecake Factory.
Luckily, my hubby got the laptop (with the free internet in the hotel room), we found out the address online. Punch in the GPS navigation system, and, there we go! Although...I am a bit concerned driving in some unknown vicinity in the dark without a map but only the GPS navigation...
OK...the navi system tells us to turn left and we arrive at a shopping mall seems bigger than metrotown. But where is the restaurant?
We then drove around the parking lot and almost lost the sense of direction. At this time, navi system is no use since it doesn't help much in the parking lot.
It's 9:30 already and we are hungry...
Finally, we deicided to enter the shopping mall (luckily the entrance is not locked yet) and looked for the shopping directory.
And Bingo! We found it!
Then we drove again and park closer to the restaurant.
The server seems see "through" our hungry face that she right away brought bread to us!
With cheesecake factory, portion is always big (or anywaywhere in US, food portion is big). Eventhough I am hungry but still can't finish half of my dishes. (but yeah..I save some room for the cheesecake dessert).
With the filled stomach and my craving for cheesecake satisfied, we drove another 20 minutes back to the hotel.
April 6
My hubby got up early at 6, to get ready for the track day event. In fact, that's the main purpose of this trip. Together with Nic and a few others, he's going to spend the day on the track.
Before he took off, he let me know that the "wives" are getting together and go shopping in the downtown Oregon. And of coures I"m more than happy to join. :)
After getting up at 8:30 and had breakfast...I'm at the lobby and start waiting for someone I have never met before.
In the lobby, I saw a Chinese lady chatting with an Indian lady. But I'm afraid to say hi since I assume all of us in the shopping group are Chinese.
Finally, the "leader" in our group showed up. And yeah, we are all part of the "group" (4 ladies and 1 guy) and yeah...I gotta speak English...
We walk to the nearby plaza, took the bus, then transfer to the "tram" that take us to downtown.
We arrived at the Pioneer Square...And right away, we went up the top floor.
Our first stop: Forver 21.
In total, we spent 1.5 hour in the same clothing store that is about half the size of Zara. Can you imagine??
Everyone of us went back and forth the changing room.
One of us got 10 items, but only for $200!
I got 3, around $75.
Finally, it's lunch time. It's a nice Japanese buffet restaurant and price is not bad either. Quite a lot of food selections.
After lunch, we shop for another 1.5 hour and took the tram to the race track.
But too bad we missed a tram and wait for extra 10 minutes. By the time we got there they are all done and we missed their final lap, oh well.
Me and my hubby then started go shopping in BB and Costco on our own.
Dinner in Red Lobster.
Seriously, I would say I enjoy the cheese scones more than the entree. The lobster is not "fresh" and doesn't taste too well.
April 7
Although we don't have lots of time, we still manage to go to the factory outlet that took us 40 mins drive. We can only shop for an hour (but we spent quite a lot though). I guess we got too excited in shopping just because everything is TAX FREE!
It's amazing that it's sunny and warm (like August) yesterday but so rainny and cold today. I felt so blessed that we had such a nice day yesterday that both of us enjoy our activities.
On the way back, I visited my UBC classmates who lived in Seattle. The 4 hour drive to Seattle seems so long as it's such a rainny and we are a bit exhaused (not enough sleep).
They took us to Microsoft campus and we took a few pictures.
After dinner, we drove back to Vancouver.
Since the tax free allowence has increased from $250 to $400 recently, we decieded that we can declare everything we bought as there should be no where close to $800 for both of us...and yet... after counting the receipts...we did spend $660US and that is almost $720Cdn... Those are just the goods we brought back..not counting hotel, gas, meal...
Happiness comes with a price...
By the time we got home, it's already 12am.
That concluded the Oregon trip...
Yeah I know I just had vacation back in February but I am so long for another one. Partly because the last trip to Hong Kong isn't a relex holiday but rather, a tight-scheduled trip filled with non-stop hopping from one place to another.
Finally, holiday is around the corner!
April 5
We both took half day off Thursday and start taking off at 2:30pm, with a bit worried about the wait at the border. Surprisingly, there's almost NO line up that we didn't even need to go through Duty-free shore to get ahead in the lineup!
With a few washroom stops, we arrived at our hotel in Oregon at 8:30pm, shortly after the sunset.
The room is cozy and large, with a small kitchen corner with microwave and sink. There's a sitting area with sofa as well.
We then started looking for our dining place. Since we haven't done too much research about restaurants in Oregon, we decided to go to the chain restaurants that we know, and we like: the Cheesecake Factory.
Luckily, my hubby got the laptop (with the free internet in the hotel room), we found out the address online. Punch in the GPS navigation system, and, there we go! Although...I am a bit concerned driving in some unknown vicinity in the dark without a map but only the GPS navigation...
OK...the navi system tells us to turn left and we arrive at a shopping mall seems bigger than metrotown. But where is the restaurant?
We then drove around the parking lot and almost lost the sense of direction. At this time, navi system is no use since it doesn't help much in the parking lot.
It's 9:30 already and we are hungry...
Finally, we deicided to enter the shopping mall (luckily the entrance is not locked yet) and looked for the shopping directory.
And Bingo! We found it!
Then we drove again and park closer to the restaurant.
The server seems see "through" our hungry face that she right away brought bread to us!
With cheesecake factory, portion is always big (or anywaywhere in US, food portion is big). Eventhough I am hungry but still can't finish half of my dishes. (but yeah..I save some room for the cheesecake dessert).
With the filled stomach and my craving for cheesecake satisfied, we drove another 20 minutes back to the hotel.
April 6
My hubby got up early at 6, to get ready for the track day event. In fact, that's the main purpose of this trip. Together with Nic and a few others, he's going to spend the day on the track.
Before he took off, he let me know that the "wives" are getting together and go shopping in the downtown Oregon. And of coures I"m more than happy to join. :)
After getting up at 8:30 and had breakfast...I'm at the lobby and start waiting for someone I have never met before.
In the lobby, I saw a Chinese lady chatting with an Indian lady. But I'm afraid to say hi since I assume all of us in the shopping group are Chinese.
Finally, the "leader" in our group showed up. And yeah, we are all part of the "group" (4 ladies and 1 guy) and yeah...I gotta speak English...
We walk to the nearby plaza, took the bus, then transfer to the "tram" that take us to downtown.
We arrived at the Pioneer Square...And right away, we went up the top floor.
Our first stop: Forver 21.
In total, we spent 1.5 hour in the same clothing store that is about half the size of Zara. Can you imagine??
Everyone of us went back and forth the changing room.
One of us got 10 items, but only for $200!
I got 3, around $75.
Finally, it's lunch time. It's a nice Japanese buffet restaurant and price is not bad either. Quite a lot of food selections.
After lunch, we shop for another 1.5 hour and took the tram to the race track.
But too bad we missed a tram and wait for extra 10 minutes. By the time we got there they are all done and we missed their final lap, oh well.
Me and my hubby then started go shopping in BB and Costco on our own.
Dinner in Red Lobster.
Seriously, I would say I enjoy the cheese scones more than the entree. The lobster is not "fresh" and doesn't taste too well.
April 7
Although we don't have lots of time, we still manage to go to the factory outlet that took us 40 mins drive. We can only shop for an hour (but we spent quite a lot though). I guess we got too excited in shopping just because everything is TAX FREE!
It's amazing that it's sunny and warm (like August) yesterday but so rainny and cold today. I felt so blessed that we had such a nice day yesterday that both of us enjoy our activities.
On the way back, I visited my UBC classmates who lived in Seattle. The 4 hour drive to Seattle seems so long as it's such a rainny and we are a bit exhaused (not enough sleep).
They took us to Microsoft campus and we took a few pictures.
After dinner, we drove back to Vancouver.
Since the tax free allowence has increased from $250 to $400 recently, we decieded that we can declare everything we bought as there should be no where close to $800 for both of us...and yet... after counting the receipts...we did spend $660US and that is almost $720Cdn... Those are just the goods we brought back..not counting hotel, gas, meal...
Happiness comes with a price...
By the time we got home, it's already 12am.
That concluded the Oregon trip...
 |
| Oregon Trip |
Monday, March 26, 2007
My first 10K run
I have never thought about running 10K before.
Those who appears on TV, to run the 10K or any Marathon seem to live in an entirely different world.
They are so slim, in such a good shape and simply, fit.
And I have none of the above. In a way, I'm exactly the opposite. I'm chubby, fat, and have been gaining quite a few weights recently. (the most depressing part is that, my coworker even think I'm pregnant...see...I'm SO fat now...)
Despite the above, I still sign up Sun Run 2007.
To challenge myself? To set up a goal? To keep fit? Or just to prove that I can run 10k since 5k is not as tough as I thought?
After my HK trip, sun run is already around the corner.
Only two weeks away from the day, I gotta start my 10k training.
After so many days of rain, it's finally a nice day today, nice enough to run.
So I decided to run 10km for the first time.
The first 7k is not difficult, since I have almost run that distance during the weekly run clinic.
However, the last 2k, if I wasn't stay together with my other running buddy/coworker, I think I'll just walk on my own. My knees definitely feel the pressure and foot is ached.
Final result: 1 hour 15 minutes (first 5k for 37minutes and same as the 2nd 5k).
I was a bit surprised...I think I will slow down in the 2nd half.
Anyway, it's not a fast run but sure it's a great start for me.
Looking forward for more 10k run and some uphill run.
And definitely looking forward for the big day.
Those who appears on TV, to run the 10K or any Marathon seem to live in an entirely different world.
They are so slim, in such a good shape and simply, fit.
And I have none of the above. In a way, I'm exactly the opposite. I'm chubby, fat, and have been gaining quite a few weights recently. (the most depressing part is that, my coworker even think I'm pregnant...see...I'm SO fat now...)
Despite the above, I still sign up Sun Run 2007.
To challenge myself? To set up a goal? To keep fit? Or just to prove that I can run 10k since 5k is not as tough as I thought?
After my HK trip, sun run is already around the corner.
Only two weeks away from the day, I gotta start my 10k training.
After so many days of rain, it's finally a nice day today, nice enough to run.
So I decided to run 10km for the first time.
The first 7k is not difficult, since I have almost run that distance during the weekly run clinic.
However, the last 2k, if I wasn't stay together with my other running buddy/coworker, I think I'll just walk on my own. My knees definitely feel the pressure and foot is ached.
Final result: 1 hour 15 minutes (first 5k for 37minutes and same as the 2nd 5k).
I was a bit surprised...I think I will slow down in the 2nd half.
Anyway, it's not a fast run but sure it's a great start for me.
Looking forward for more 10k run and some uphill run.
And definitely looking forward for the big day.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Engagement Party
Over the past few years, my friends are getting married one after another. Nonetheless, I haven't been to any engagement myself (either they don't have one or I was not invited). And I don't have one for myself either.
So this time I'm excited to go to one of my best friend's engagement party.
It's a luncheon event in the Samba Brazilian Steakhouse (http://www.thaihouse.com/samba/)
I haven't been to this restaurant myself. It's all-u-can-eat type, but instead of getting all the food outside, the server comes to you with a long pole of meat, and slice it for you if you want one. There is a salad bar (with a lamb stew and rice) outside though.
I wasn't a "lamb lover". So this is actually my first time try the lamb stew since it's heavily spiced and it doesn't taste like lamb to me. And it certainly tastes good.
The day is filled with laugh and joy. There's a toss, photo taking and gift session, which almost like a preview of the actual wedding?
Pictures here:
Welcome to the great event planning stage!
So this time I'm excited to go to one of my best friend's engagement party.
It's a luncheon event in the Samba Brazilian Steakhouse (http://www.thaihouse.com/samba/)
I haven't been to this restaurant myself. It's all-u-can-eat type, but instead of getting all the food outside, the server comes to you with a long pole of meat, and slice it for you if you want one. There is a salad bar (with a lamb stew and rice) outside though.
I wasn't a "lamb lover". So this is actually my first time try the lamb stew since it's heavily spiced and it doesn't taste like lamb to me. And it certainly tastes good.
The day is filled with laugh and joy. There's a toss, photo taking and gift session, which almost like a preview of the actual wedding?
Pictures here:
 |
| Jeanne & Humphrey's Engagement Party |
Welcome to the great event planning stage!
私房菜 @ the Lo's Kitchen
It's a pleasure to have a friend who is a good chef. He enjoyed cooking a lot and most important of all, he cooked very well.
We have dined in his house a few times but none of them is as formal as this time.
It's to celebrate my husband and another friend's birthday, both of them were born in the same day!
In the email exchange, the hostess offers a MENU to us and a few choices of the appetizer and main course.
First Course
Russian Cabbage Soup
Second Course
Prosciutto Wrapped Tiger Prawn in Balsamic Sauce
Or
Shrimp Cocktail
Or
Prosciutto with Apple Salad
Entrée
Duck Breast Roast Pine Nut with Sweet Plum Sauce
Or
Roasted Rack of Lamb with Peppercorn Shiraz Sauce
Or
Sauteed Yellow Fin Tuna Filet with Shiraz Sauce
Dessert
Traditional Italian Tiramisu
Pictures here:
Thanks to our chef and hostess who offer us this "fine dining" experience, also the time and patience to accomdate the bday boy's "special menu".
(OK...time to run extra 10km...)
We have dined in his house a few times but none of them is as formal as this time.
It's to celebrate my husband and another friend's birthday, both of them were born in the same day!
In the email exchange, the hostess offers a MENU to us and a few choices of the appetizer and main course.
First Course
Russian Cabbage Soup
Second Course
Prosciutto Wrapped Tiger Prawn in Balsamic Sauce
Or
Shrimp Cocktail
Or
Prosciutto with Apple Salad
Entrée
Duck Breast Roast Pine Nut with Sweet Plum Sauce
Or
Roasted Rack of Lamb with Peppercorn Shiraz Sauce
Or
Sauteed Yellow Fin Tuna Filet with Shiraz Sauce
Dessert
Traditional Italian Tiramisu
Pictures here:
 |
| 私房菜 @ the Lo's kitchen |
Thanks to our chef and hostess who offer us this "fine dining" experience, also the time and patience to accomdate the bday boy's "special menu".
(OK...time to run extra 10km...)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Trip to Hong Kong
It has become my yearly routine, that I went back to Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year period.
Since my parents stayed in HK most of the time, I'd like to spend the Chinese New Year time with them.
Another reason is, the weather is enjoyable at this time of the year, not too hot nor "too cold" (ok..it depends...it "could" be cold but rarely).
In addition, there are lots of sales going on near the holiday and season end, it's a great time for shopping! :P
Well, this year I go back with my newly wedded husband.
This 10-day trip, supposed to be a vacation but turns out to be more busy than going to work!
We tried to cooperate sight seeing, family visiting (for both my family and his family), get together with friends, and of course, shopping!
Sight-seeing
We managed to go to try out the Sky rail (on ping 360), and go to the Peak, including the wax museum. Too bad we weren't able to go to the Ocean Park to visit the jelly fish and the penda. We also went to Macau for 2 days. I felt that I'm extremely lucky to get the hotel lucky draw of $1000! ($500HK cash and $500 chip). The $500 chip we play Baccarat and 2 games of Blackjack. In the end we got $980 back. This is the biggest prize I've ever get in my life!
Family visiting
I'm glad to meet Henry's uncle and aunts, speically thanks to both of his uncles who gave us a ride.
Friends
It's always nice to get together with some old friends. And of course, I'm more than happy to be able to keep our friendship over the years.
Shopping
Actually I don't feel like I have bought many clothings...since I have gained a bit of weight and I simply don't think I will fit in even size L. However, I did spent quite a lot here and there.
Now it's the time to come back to my routine life.
Since my parents stayed in HK most of the time, I'd like to spend the Chinese New Year time with them.
Another reason is, the weather is enjoyable at this time of the year, not too hot nor "too cold" (ok..it depends...it "could" be cold but rarely).
In addition, there are lots of sales going on near the holiday and season end, it's a great time for shopping! :P
Well, this year I go back with my newly wedded husband.
This 10-day trip, supposed to be a vacation but turns out to be more busy than going to work!
We tried to cooperate sight seeing, family visiting (for both my family and his family), get together with friends, and of course, shopping!
Sight-seeing
We managed to go to try out the Sky rail (on ping 360), and go to the Peak, including the wax museum. Too bad we weren't able to go to the Ocean Park to visit the jelly fish and the penda. We also went to Macau for 2 days. I felt that I'm extremely lucky to get the hotel lucky draw of $1000! ($500HK cash and $500 chip). The $500 chip we play Baccarat and 2 games of Blackjack. In the end we got $980 back. This is the biggest prize I've ever get in my life!
Family visiting
I'm glad to meet Henry's uncle and aunts, speically thanks to both of his uncles who gave us a ride.
Friends
It's always nice to get together with some old friends. And of course, I'm more than happy to be able to keep our friendship over the years.
Shopping
Actually I don't feel like I have bought many clothings...since I have gained a bit of weight and I simply don't think I will fit in even size L. However, I did spent quite a lot here and there.
 |
| Hong Kong Trip 2007 |
Now it's the time to come back to my routine life.
Dine out Vancouver (Part 2)
I almost thought that the Dine Out Vancouver Part 2 blog is not going to happen, simply because the time and work involved in posting pictures here. In addition, it's been a while and I have almost forgot all the "comments" about the restaurants/dishes.
However, I do not want to see another "mission uncomplished".
I'm trying my best here.
First comes the pictures: (click on the picture below to go to the album)
And sorry, no pictures for Smoking Dog Bistro and Horizon.
Joe Fortes
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed with Joe Fortes. Service is so so...so as the food.
The Westwood Bar and Grill at the University Golf Club
To me, the University Golf Club is a very special place, as I got married there. Although my wedding did not take place in the restaurant (but the ballroom across the restaurant), the club house itself did bring back the sweet memory. Still, I'm very fond of the price and the food. I may definitely go back another time, not to mention that the server is nice (always with smile) and attentive as well.
Williams Tell
I like to go there because of the atmosphere, and the nice dining culinery.
They are very detail oriented - the way food is served and presented.
The lobster bisque is first presented with the just the lobster oil and "meat", then with the poured-in soup. The dessert is simple, but nicely done.
Smoking Dog Bistro
Go with my friend P and her brother. We both enjoyed the food and I'd love to go back again. Although, I got a bit upset as they say to have jazz on Wednesday on the website but didn't.
Horizon
Go with Henry's family as my mom in law love the view from the Burnaby mountain. We got the nice window seat.
However, I do not want to see another "mission uncomplished".
I'm trying my best here.
First comes the pictures: (click on the picture below to go to the album)
 |
| Dine out vancouver |
And sorry, no pictures for Smoking Dog Bistro and Horizon.
Joe Fortes
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed with Joe Fortes. Service is so so...so as the food.
The Westwood Bar and Grill at the University Golf Club
To me, the University Golf Club is a very special place, as I got married there. Although my wedding did not take place in the restaurant (but the ballroom across the restaurant), the club house itself did bring back the sweet memory. Still, I'm very fond of the price and the food. I may definitely go back another time, not to mention that the server is nice (always with smile) and attentive as well.
Williams Tell
I like to go there because of the atmosphere, and the nice dining culinery.
They are very detail oriented - the way food is served and presented.
The lobster bisque is first presented with the just the lobster oil and "meat", then with the poured-in soup. The dessert is simple, but nicely done.
Smoking Dog Bistro
Go with my friend P and her brother. We both enjoyed the food and I'd love to go back again. Although, I got a bit upset as they say to have jazz on Wednesday on the website but didn't.
Horizon
Go with Henry's family as my mom in law love the view from the Burnaby mountain. We got the nice window seat.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Dine Out Vancouver (Part 1)
For those who are not aware of what this is about, more info here: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/dineout.php
Basically, many restaurants in the Vancouver area offer $15, $15, or $35 menu for 3 courses dinner. Many of the participating restaurants are high-end so it's just a very good chance for us to try out these restaurants in a much better price. It usually is held in the end of January for 2 weeks, although some restaurant may extend the time a bit.
OK...enough of the intro.
Here's what I had:
Jan 19 -- Macoronni Grill
Appetizer:
Zuppa Di Portobello - Rich and hearty soup with Portobello, Porcini and button mushrooms, topped with a pesto crostini
Pizza Margherita - Tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh tomato and herbs
Comments: The soup is very tasty! And the pizza is those thin crust pizza of decent size. I'm almost half full just with the appetizer and the bread.
Entree:
Pasta Milano - Bowtie pasta, grilled chicken, sundried tomatoes & mushrooms in a roasted garlic cream sauce
Shrimp Portofino - Shrimp, mushrooms, pine nuts, spinach & lemon butter served with pasta
Comments: To me, both of the pasta taste really good however, they are a bit too oily to my taste. Maybe it's typical Italian dishes that it's cooked with lots of olive oil?
Dessert:
Chocolate Cake - With rich chocolate sauce
Tiramisu
Comments: Although Tiramisu is one of my favourite dessert I have to say this one is disappointing. The sponge cake inside the tiramisu is just too "dry". I almost had a feeling that since they are too busy, they just forgot to dip the sponge cake for enough time!
The chocolate cake is too sweet to my taste. Not impressed as well.
Overall, I still think it worth my $25/meal.
More about this restaurant: http://www.macgrillbc.com/vancouver/index.html
Jan 24 - The C Restaurant
I wasn't intend to go to C restaurant this year, since we have been there not long ago and we are both not too excited with the food for this price.
However, a friend of mine asked if I"m interested to go, as her fiancee can't make it that day.
How can I miss the chance of dine-out in a relatively good restaurant for a lower price right? So I still decided to go.
They offer the standard $35 menu and the $45 lobster menu.
I had the $35 menu with addition of fresh black truffle on my entree.
Appetizer:
Shaved Wild Skeena River Smoked Sockeye Salmoncrème fraiche, fennel and crab salad, maple, herbed breadcrumbs.
Thanks Bunny for letting me share the pictures.
Comments: Oh..the smoke salmon seems to have a glaze of maple sugar and it just tastes heavenly good.
Entree:
Seared Wild Skeena River Sockeye Salmon fingerling potatoes, organic leeks, black truffle syrup
Comments: the taste of truffle and salmon just blend in so well. The salmon is cooked just right, very smooth texture.
Dessert:
I got a fruit tart with passion fruit sauce.
It's one of the best desserts I've ever had!
My friend got this one:
Chocolate and carmael macaroons. It's basically meringue sandwiches. She said it's extremely sweet, but the dish is nicely presented.
Overall, I just want to give 10/10 and I feel extremely good about my $55 dinner (with tax, tip and the extra cost of black truffle).
I even want to go back to try another entree, the shrimp risotto.
More info of this restaurant:
http://www.crestaurant.com.
It certainly takes longer than I expected to write my dine out review. Uploading pictures is simply pain.
More to come: Joe Forte, Westwood Bar and Grill at the University Golf Club, the Smooking dog bistro, William Tell and Horizon.
Basically, many restaurants in the Vancouver area offer $15, $15, or $35 menu for 3 courses dinner. Many of the participating restaurants are high-end so it's just a very good chance for us to try out these restaurants in a much better price. It usually is held in the end of January for 2 weeks, although some restaurant may extend the time a bit.
OK...enough of the intro.
Here's what I had:
Jan 19 -- Macoronni Grill
Appetizer:
Zuppa Di Portobello - Rich and hearty soup with Portobello, Porcini and button mushrooms, topped with a pesto crostini
Pizza Margherita - Tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh tomato and herbs
Comments: The soup is very tasty! And the pizza is those thin crust pizza of decent size. I'm almost half full just with the appetizer and the bread.
Entree:
Pasta Milano - Bowtie pasta, grilled chicken, sundried tomatoes & mushrooms in a roasted garlic cream sauce
Shrimp Portofino - Shrimp, mushrooms, pine nuts, spinach & lemon butter served with pasta
Comments: To me, both of the pasta taste really good however, they are a bit too oily to my taste. Maybe it's typical Italian dishes that it's cooked with lots of olive oil?
Dessert:
Chocolate Cake - With rich chocolate sauce
Tiramisu
Comments: Although Tiramisu is one of my favourite dessert I have to say this one is disappointing. The sponge cake inside the tiramisu is just too "dry". I almost had a feeling that since they are too busy, they just forgot to dip the sponge cake for enough time!
The chocolate cake is too sweet to my taste. Not impressed as well.
Overall, I still think it worth my $25/meal.
More about this restaurant: http://www.macgrillbc.com/vancouver/index.html
Jan 24 - The C Restaurant
I wasn't intend to go to C restaurant this year, since we have been there not long ago and we are both not too excited with the food for this price.
However, a friend of mine asked if I"m interested to go, as her fiancee can't make it that day.
How can I miss the chance of dine-out in a relatively good restaurant for a lower price right? So I still decided to go.
They offer the standard $35 menu and the $45 lobster menu.
I had the $35 menu with addition of fresh black truffle on my entree.
Appetizer:
Shaved Wild Skeena River Smoked Sockeye Salmoncrème fraiche, fennel and crab salad, maple, herbed breadcrumbs.
Thanks Bunny for letting me share the pictures.
Comments: Oh..the smoke salmon seems to have a glaze of maple sugar and it just tastes heavenly good.
Entree:
Seared Wild Skeena River Sockeye Salmon fingerling potatoes, organic leeks, black truffle syrup
Comments: the taste of truffle and salmon just blend in so well. The salmon is cooked just right, very smooth texture.
Dessert:
I got a fruit tart with passion fruit sauce.
It's one of the best desserts I've ever had!
My friend got this one:
Chocolate and carmael macaroons. It's basically meringue sandwiches. She said it's extremely sweet, but the dish is nicely presented.
Overall, I just want to give 10/10 and I feel extremely good about my $55 dinner (with tax, tip and the extra cost of black truffle).
I even want to go back to try another entree, the shrimp risotto.
More info of this restaurant:
http://www.crestaurant.com.
It certainly takes longer than I expected to write my dine out review. Uploading pictures is simply pain.
More to come: Joe Forte, Westwood Bar and Grill at the University Golf Club, the Smooking dog bistro, William Tell and Horizon.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Wii Obsession (Part 2)
It wasn't my intend to update my blog only once a week.
Just that my mind/time were pretty much occupied, still.
It all began with the plan of a so called "Wii Kick-off party" for this weekend.
In the email exchanges, people started to post their Wii numbers.
The idea is that once the Wii numbers from both parties are registered, the personalized Mii characters can travel to each other's console and can be seen during some games.
Since I don't have a wireless router to allow my Wii console to go online, I wasn't able to exchange Wii numbers.
I feel the peer pressure that I just NEED a wireless router, to share the FUN of seeing others Mii characters.
On the 6th day, I guess I can't hold anymore.
Finally I bought my wireless router in BB, got the price match discount. It ends up the same price as the boxing day sales. I'm happy.
Although I'm not too happy that I am spending $53, just for the Wii to go online.
In order to get prepared for this "Wii Party", I'm trying to pass through all the stages for the Raving Rabbids game. That way I can unlock all the games for the crowd to play during the party.
This is not an easy task, perhaps not complicated but just time consuming. There is one game in particular, I have spent hours on it but still can't pass. Even Henry got frustrated but he still managed to get a pass in about 20 minutes.
Therefore, for almost part of the whole week, I slept 4 or 5 hours everyday.
Finally on Thursday, we are able to play till the end.
I really look forward to the party day!
During the party day, we play a few different games.
Had so much fun.
For those games that we played, I am so glad that, I don't feel obsessed about them.
So I guess my Wii Obsession can die for a little while now.
Just that my mind/time were pretty much occupied, still.
It all began with the plan of a so called "Wii Kick-off party" for this weekend.
In the email exchanges, people started to post their Wii numbers.
The idea is that once the Wii numbers from both parties are registered, the personalized Mii characters can travel to each other's console and can be seen during some games.
Since I don't have a wireless router to allow my Wii console to go online, I wasn't able to exchange Wii numbers.
I feel the peer pressure that I just NEED a wireless router, to share the FUN of seeing others Mii characters.
On the 6th day, I guess I can't hold anymore.
Finally I bought my wireless router in BB, got the price match discount. It ends up the same price as the boxing day sales. I'm happy.
Although I'm not too happy that I am spending $53, just for the Wii to go online.
In order to get prepared for this "Wii Party", I'm trying to pass through all the stages for the Raving Rabbids game. That way I can unlock all the games for the crowd to play during the party.
This is not an easy task, perhaps not complicated but just time consuming. There is one game in particular, I have spent hours on it but still can't pass. Even Henry got frustrated but he still managed to get a pass in about 20 minutes.
Therefore, for almost part of the whole week, I slept 4 or 5 hours everyday.
Finally on Thursday, we are able to play till the end.
I really look forward to the party day!
During the party day, we play a few different games.
Had so much fun.
For those games that we played, I am so glad that, I don't feel obsessed about them.
So I guess my Wii Obsession can die for a little while now.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Wii obsession
Ever since Wii has come to my life, it has occupied a significant part of my leisure time. I still can't believe that I would spend that much of time on playing games.
Rayman Raving Rabbids
This is the game I spend most of my time playing. The game itself contains lots of mini-games and can basically divided into 3 catagories: dancing, shooting, and others.
I love the dancing part the most. There is no complicated instructions: player simply needs to shake the nunchuk and/or the remote according to the direction where the rabbid comes to the stage, which correspond to the rhythm of the tune. I often even shake my body or jump along with the song. I just can't stop myself playing this game over and over again, in order to get the perfect timing and hence, the higher score.
People usually associate shooting game with bloody scenes. However, with the Raving Rabbids, you don't shoot bullets but instead, toilet plungers! This itself is hilarious and entertaining. But of course, i don't do a very good job yet.
There are other variety of games as well. Some of them require very good timing and precision.
And I know...I'm not doing a very good job describing how fun this game is, but one thing for sure. IT IS JUST SO MUCH FUN!
Wii Sport
The Wii sport game that comes with the console, is good to play in large party. So that's why, I invited few of my friends to come to play and we spend a good few hours on it. Each of us did a "fitness test" and surprisingly, I'm the "youngest", which is, age 42!!! Out of all sport games (bowling, golfing, baseball, tennis, boxing), my favourite game is bowling. Boxing is not bad either, after the first "tournament" with the computer, my arms are completely sore! Maybe I can lose a few pounds? (I wish...)
Rayman Raving Rabbids
This is the game I spend most of my time playing. The game itself contains lots of mini-games and can basically divided into 3 catagories: dancing, shooting, and others.
I love the dancing part the most. There is no complicated instructions: player simply needs to shake the nunchuk and/or the remote according to the direction where the rabbid comes to the stage, which correspond to the rhythm of the tune. I often even shake my body or jump along with the song. I just can't stop myself playing this game over and over again, in order to get the perfect timing and hence, the higher score.
People usually associate shooting game with bloody scenes. However, with the Raving Rabbids, you don't shoot bullets but instead, toilet plungers! This itself is hilarious and entertaining. But of course, i don't do a very good job yet.
There are other variety of games as well. Some of them require very good timing and precision.
And I know...I'm not doing a very good job describing how fun this game is, but one thing for sure. IT IS JUST SO MUCH FUN!
Wii Sport
The Wii sport game that comes with the console, is good to play in large party. So that's why, I invited few of my friends to come to play and we spend a good few hours on it. Each of us did a "fitness test" and surprisingly, I'm the "youngest", which is, age 42!!! Out of all sport games (bowling, golfing, baseball, tennis, boxing), my favourite game is bowling. Boxing is not bad either, after the first "tournament" with the computer, my arms are completely sore! Maybe I can lose a few pounds? (I wish...)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Fun weekend, Wii weekend
Dine-out
Nothing really special. The portion is big, Henry got nice mini-pizza as appeitizer. My soup is a bit spicy (too much pepper?)
The main course is big and filling.
For dessert, Henry got chocolate cake and I got the tiramisu.
The tiramisu's sponge cake does not soak enough coffee / coffee wine. It tastes a bit dry.
Henry thought the chocolate cake is too sweet so I traded with him.
I ordered a small jar of white wine sangria. It's mostly white wine + orange + lemon juice.
Taste good though.
But after 3 glasses of sangria, I feel a bit "hot". Guess I haven't drank that much so my drinking "capacity" has gone down.
Overall, I thought it worths my $25/meal.
Wii
Finally I decided to line up for the Wii in the early morning.
My coworker and I planned to get to the Vancouver store at 7pm.
Just about to leave the house, he called me and said that there are around 50 people. Although each store should have at least 20 units, there are still great chance that I can't get one by the time I arrive at the store. So I deicded to check out the Richmond store first.
Surprisingly, there are only 20 people. So I line up in the Richmond store instead.
I feel bad that I didn't stay accompany with my coworker, he was there alone.
After half an hour lining up in the cold, the mall security guy let us in (the store is inside a shopping mall).
There were already a group of seniors doing exercises there in the mall.
People seems well prepared for this "line-up". Many of them brought folding chair, iPod, Ninendo DS with them.
At 8:30, the staff announced that there will be 52 units. He started giving out numbers and drop down our names as well.
9:30 store opened.
I successfully bought a Wii.
Still searching for Wii-remote though.
Also went to Walmart, future shop and best buy. I'm so glad that the game I'm interested in is on sale. $10 off the original price. Got that price-match by Best buy. (future shop is all sold out).
Henry got a game cube controller $7 cheaper in Walmart. So much difference!
Invited Henry's bro & sis to try out the Wii. So ... no more piano less for her.
Snowboarding
I almost think that I haven't go snowboard for more than a year. Until I take out my jacket again, the last ski-pass is dated Jan 28, 06. So actually I have been there once last year.
Drove to my friend's house at 8:15 to carpool to the mountain.
It started snowing as we approach the parking lot.
Great snow, but we stay in the bunny hill most of the time. Try to pick up my skill again.
I still suck at my left turn.
But I'm afraid to pracitse in the crowd. There are lots of people on the bunny hill.
Finally we decided to end our first ski/snowboard of the year around noon.
Sore legs/knee...
My friend ski so her hands are sore too... (take her lots of energy to walk up the slope with the pole...)
I guess, we all have fun though.
Nothing really special. The portion is big, Henry got nice mini-pizza as appeitizer. My soup is a bit spicy (too much pepper?)
The main course is big and filling.
For dessert, Henry got chocolate cake and I got the tiramisu.
The tiramisu's sponge cake does not soak enough coffee / coffee wine. It tastes a bit dry.
Henry thought the chocolate cake is too sweet so I traded with him.
I ordered a small jar of white wine sangria. It's mostly white wine + orange + lemon juice.
Taste good though.
But after 3 glasses of sangria, I feel a bit "hot". Guess I haven't drank that much so my drinking "capacity" has gone down.
Overall, I thought it worths my $25/meal.
Wii
Finally I decided to line up for the Wii in the early morning.
My coworker and I planned to get to the Vancouver store at 7pm.
Just about to leave the house, he called me and said that there are around 50 people. Although each store should have at least 20 units, there are still great chance that I can't get one by the time I arrive at the store. So I deicded to check out the Richmond store first.
Surprisingly, there are only 20 people. So I line up in the Richmond store instead.
I feel bad that I didn't stay accompany with my coworker, he was there alone.
After half an hour lining up in the cold, the mall security guy let us in (the store is inside a shopping mall).
There were already a group of seniors doing exercises there in the mall.
People seems well prepared for this "line-up". Many of them brought folding chair, iPod, Ninendo DS with them.
At 8:30, the staff announced that there will be 52 units. He started giving out numbers and drop down our names as well.
9:30 store opened.
I successfully bought a Wii.
Still searching for Wii-remote though.
Also went to Walmart, future shop and best buy. I'm so glad that the game I'm interested in is on sale. $10 off the original price. Got that price-match by Best buy. (future shop is all sold out).
Henry got a game cube controller $7 cheaper in Walmart. So much difference!
Invited Henry's bro & sis to try out the Wii. So ... no more piano less for her.
Snowboarding
I almost think that I haven't go snowboard for more than a year. Until I take out my jacket again, the last ski-pass is dated Jan 28, 06. So actually I have been there once last year.
Drove to my friend's house at 8:15 to carpool to the mountain.
It started snowing as we approach the parking lot.
Great snow, but we stay in the bunny hill most of the time. Try to pick up my skill again.
I still suck at my left turn.
But I'm afraid to pracitse in the crowd. There are lots of people on the bunny hill.
Finally we decided to end our first ski/snowboard of the year around noon.
Sore legs/knee...
My friend ski so her hands are sore too... (take her lots of energy to walk up the slope with the pole...)
I guess, we all have fun though.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Gloomy Friday
It's a gloomy Friday.
Working enthusiasm is significantly lowered...
Seeing the holes on the ceiling, and the messy stuff around my bathroom, certainly makes my day more depressed.
On Wednesday, I was so depressed to cook dinner as the plumber guy cut up the ceiling to find the leak in my house, and suspected that the floor heating system has gone wrong.
Spending $400 and get nothing fixed yet, is upsetting.
On Thursday I'm still depressed so I ate more than I should for lunch: fish burger w/o sauce, 6 pieces of chicken nuggets, starbucks vanilla green tea latte.
To walk to the Ironwood plaza on a slushy gound, with 2 bags of discounted canned food in 1 degree, my hands almost get frozen. I thought the hot greentea latte could warm my hands up but I had a hard time carrying all these bags, umbrella and drink.
And after almost 1 week of carpooling, I am back on my car again. Thanks to the RAIN which wash away the snow on the ground.
Snow should only belong to the mountain or any ski resort, not on the city ground.
Weekend preview:
Tonight: Dine-out in Macoronni Grill.
Saturday: Line up for Wii? I'm still struggling to do so. It sounds so crazy silly to line up for a game console so late after the release. And I just never ever think of lining up for a game console, as I am never into video games. But the Wii seems just so much fun. Oh well.
Do some shopping for parents, preparing my trip to HK.
Work?
Piano lesson.
Sunday: Snowboarding? (it would be my first time since more than a year ago)
Hopefully it would be a fun weekend.
Working enthusiasm is significantly lowered...
Seeing the holes on the ceiling, and the messy stuff around my bathroom, certainly makes my day more depressed.
On Wednesday, I was so depressed to cook dinner as the plumber guy cut up the ceiling to find the leak in my house, and suspected that the floor heating system has gone wrong.
Spending $400 and get nothing fixed yet, is upsetting.
On Thursday I'm still depressed so I ate more than I should for lunch: fish burger w/o sauce, 6 pieces of chicken nuggets, starbucks vanilla green tea latte.
To walk to the Ironwood plaza on a slushy gound, with 2 bags of discounted canned food in 1 degree, my hands almost get frozen. I thought the hot greentea latte could warm my hands up but I had a hard time carrying all these bags, umbrella and drink.
And after almost 1 week of carpooling, I am back on my car again. Thanks to the RAIN which wash away the snow on the ground.
Snow should only belong to the mountain or any ski resort, not on the city ground.
Weekend preview:
Tonight: Dine-out in Macoronni Grill.
Saturday: Line up for Wii? I'm still struggling to do so. It sounds so crazy silly to line up for a game console so late after the release. And I just never ever think of lining up for a game console, as I am never into video games. But the Wii seems just so much fun. Oh well.
Do some shopping for parents, preparing my trip to HK.
Work?
Piano lesson.
Sunday: Snowboarding? (it would be my first time since more than a year ago)
Hopefully it would be a fun weekend.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Diary, Blog
I used to keep a diary, on a pretty book, many years ago.
At that time, I jot down any special things and feelings in my life.
And sometimes I wrote short stories.
Some of them unfinished though.
Until my Mom found my diary book and read it.
Until my Mom made some nasty comments on some of my writings.
Then I quit keeping the diary.
What's the point, if I want to tell her I'd already told her.
Years later, there's something called BLOG.
Although I didn't have one (for a long time), I do interested in reading someone else's blog.
Perhaps I am a curious person in nature.
Reading more and more blogs, make me think of starting my own "diary"/blog again.
So here I am.
At that time, I jot down any special things and feelings in my life.
And sometimes I wrote short stories.
Some of them unfinished though.
Until my Mom found my diary book and read it.
Until my Mom made some nasty comments on some of my writings.
Then I quit keeping the diary.
What's the point, if I want to tell her I'd already told her.
Years later, there's something called BLOG.
Although I didn't have one (for a long time), I do interested in reading someone else's blog.
Perhaps I am a curious person in nature.
Reading more and more blogs, make me think of starting my own "diary"/blog again.
So here I am.
Story 1
"Do you love me?" A question from M.
The word "Yes" almost comes out of F's mouth, but she stopped it.
"It's something hard to explain", says F. "Logic can be explained, not feeling."
F should not love M.
Why love a person who does not even see each other often, or even communicate often. Why being nice to a person who was harsh to F before. F wants to know too.
F is always lonely.
Being the only child and parents always away for business, F thinks that she is already used to the loneness.
But she's wrong.
F longs for friendship, as being part of a big group of friends.
F tries to be a nice girl, tries really hard to be a good friend.
F believes if she treats people nice, people treat her nice as well.
However, at the end, F gets hurt.
Perhaps, F cares too much about how other people think about her.
F does not give up though. F still believes that if she continues to be nice, one day, people will change their mind.
F finally realized.
She is nice to others, just because she loves to be recognized as a good/nice person/friend.
So, F loves herself more, not M.
The word "Yes" almost comes out of F's mouth, but she stopped it.
"It's something hard to explain", says F. "Logic can be explained, not feeling."
F should not love M.
Why love a person who does not even see each other often, or even communicate often. Why being nice to a person who was harsh to F before. F wants to know too.
F is always lonely.
Being the only child and parents always away for business, F thinks that she is already used to the loneness.
But she's wrong.
F longs for friendship, as being part of a big group of friends.
F tries to be a nice girl, tries really hard to be a good friend.
F believes if she treats people nice, people treat her nice as well.
However, at the end, F gets hurt.
Perhaps, F cares too much about how other people think about her.
F does not give up though. F still believes that if she continues to be nice, one day, people will change their mind.
F finally realized.
She is nice to others, just because she loves to be recognized as a good/nice person/friend.
So, F loves herself more, not M.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Leaking ceiling
It's Sunday morning.
I was half-awake.
I had my breakfast on my hands.
Going towards my dining table in the kitchen.
I saw a pond of water on the table.
Anyone spill the water last night????
I somehow decided to look up the ceiling.
I saw circular water mark around the ceiling light.
It was raining...INDOOR..
Seems that it came from my bathroom upstairs.
The good thing is...it stopped; bad thing is, I spent 1.5 hour to clean up the bathroom in basement before I took a shower.
The next thing, to get it FIX...
I was half-awake.
I had my breakfast on my hands.
Going towards my dining table in the kitchen.
I saw a pond of water on the table.
Anyone spill the water last night????
I somehow decided to look up the ceiling.
I saw circular water mark around the ceiling light.
It was raining...INDOOR..
Seems that it came from my bathroom upstairs.
The good thing is...it stopped; bad thing is, I spent 1.5 hour to clean up the bathroom in basement before I took a shower.
The next thing, to get it FIX...
Friday, January 12, 2007
Farewell
I had two farewell lunch this week, for 3 different people.
One on Wednesday, one today.
They left the company for different reasons: either voluntary, involuntary, or go back to his home country.
They reminded me the first few months since I start working in this company, I have attended farewell lunch almost every week.
Those are the good days, the IT blooming days.
At that time, I was a bit admire of those people, hearing stories that they got decent raise when they switch jobs.
Now when I attend farewell lunch, seeing them coming by to bid farewell to me, I no longer admire them, but I do miss them, especially one of them used to be my supervisor's supervisor, and I worked with him more before he changed his "title".
I wasn't particularly fond at him in the beginning, but as time goes by, I guess I found him ok. Wish he get some better opportunities elsewhere. I'm sure he will.
The other guy decided to move back to his own country. He's a very humourous/funny guy. The way he talks is just fun, and he's also very knowledgeable in his field.
The 3rd person left as he found a better opportunity elsewhere.
I will remember them, so as others who I have encountered during my course of life.
Best of wishes.
One on Wednesday, one today.
They left the company for different reasons: either voluntary, involuntary, or go back to his home country.
They reminded me the first few months since I start working in this company, I have attended farewell lunch almost every week.
Those are the good days, the IT blooming days.
At that time, I was a bit admire of those people, hearing stories that they got decent raise when they switch jobs.
Now when I attend farewell lunch, seeing them coming by to bid farewell to me, I no longer admire them, but I do miss them, especially one of them used to be my supervisor's supervisor, and I worked with him more before he changed his "title".
I wasn't particularly fond at him in the beginning, but as time goes by, I guess I found him ok. Wish he get some better opportunities elsewhere. I'm sure he will.
The other guy decided to move back to his own country. He's a very humourous/funny guy. The way he talks is just fun, and he's also very knowledgeable in his field.
The 3rd person left as he found a better opportunity elsewhere.
I will remember them, so as others who I have encountered during my course of life.
Best of wishes.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Snow
Because of the snow, I catch a ride with my friend to work.
Now, here I am, at work, at 8am.
Not many people are here yet.
I'm still tired.
The good thing is, I can get off at 5pm :)
Now, here I am, at work, at 8am.
Not many people are here yet.
I'm still tired.
The good thing is, I can get off at 5pm :)
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Sick
I was planning to update my blog more often. However, the next day I post my first blog, I was SICK.
It started with sneezing, which is not that unusual, as I had allegy.
Until I had sore throat in the middle of the night, it's more "certified" that I had a cold/flu.
Anyway, I took Jan 3 off work. A full day of rest.
I feel bad that I need to use up my sick day so soon in the beginning of the year.
But that's life.
Now I'm (almost) get over with the flu/cold.
New Year Wish...stay healthy....
It started with sneezing, which is not that unusual, as I had allegy.
Until I had sore throat in the middle of the night, it's more "certified" that I had a cold/flu.
Anyway, I took Jan 3 off work. A full day of rest.
I feel bad that I need to use up my sick day so soon in the beginning of the year.
But that's life.
Now I'm (almost) get over with the flu/cold.
New Year Wish...stay healthy....
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
New Year, New Blog
I finally decided to start writing a blog, on the new year day of 2007.
It will be a record of my state of mind.
It should be full of my like, my dislike, my love, my hate and my fun days.
It will be a record of my state of mind.
It should be full of my like, my dislike, my love, my hate and my fun days.
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