2010

Happy New Year everyone!

Perspective

On my way home from work tonight, as I was reading my copy of The Lovely Bones and waiting for the 504 streetcar at Dundas West Station a man with a thick accent approached me to ask for directions. He wanted to know how to get to St. Joseph's hospital.

As I told him to get on the same streetcar I was waiting for, I noticed that he was only wearing a light leather blazer as a jacket and no hat or mittens. He told me he was from Vietnam and had only been living in Canada for a month. He complained about the cold and told me that it was 38 degrees Celsius in Vietnam today, but that even though it was cold he loved Canada because it is "such a free country".

We had a very nice chat and on the streetcar I tried to give him my hat and mittens, but he kept refusing even though I told him I had plenty at home.

A little perspective after a day of work and commuting is such a wonderful thing.

Christmas Lights

Tantrum!

Every parent I talk to who has or is about to put their baby into daycare has many concerns, but one overwhelming theme is that they don't want to miss out on any firsts. I was really worried that I was going to miss Felix's first steps, especially as I had to go back to work a bit early, but luckily I got to see them.

Felix's daycare is in a warehouse/factory area of the city which is undergoing some renovations. In fact, the building next to his daycare was demolished over the summer and there are construction workers preparing for the new building. Obviously, it is all fenced off and perfectly safe...but think about it...big trucks, machinery, construction dudes...right across the fence (ok, two well spaced fences) from his daycare play yard. This is a dream come true for a little boy who looks at his truck book regularly and some of his first words were brrrrrrrm, backhoe, and bulldozer.

On Thursday, the construction workers told the daycare workers that it was completely safe in their area and if they wanted to bring the kids over to take a look at the trucks it would be ok. Apparently, Felix LOVED it. When it was time to leave, he arched his back, let out a scream, and completely lost his marbles. Yes, his first tantrum and I missed it.

I do, however, love the reason for this tantrum...and I'm completely ok with missing that particular first.

Weekend Update

What a fabulous weekend. Here's why:

- Baldy the raccoon
- Kate's new bangs
- Stephen & Usic's bro-mance
- Christmas lights
- The W-Spouse's Holiday Party
- Awesome neighbours who babysit in a pinch
- Quality time with Mr. Felix

Adventures

Nine short years ago, I was in the middle of a personal travel-adventure. I'd decided pretty much as soon as I started University that when I convocated I would spend a year backpacking. In order to fund the adventure, I took a quickie course in teaching English as a second language and found a job in Poprad, Slovakia. It was a little city in the High Tatras Mountains on the border of Poland, filled with old blocks of communist flats. The city had made bids for the Olympics on numerous occassions; the Banff of Slovakia.

After I'd had enough of the job, I ended up traveling down through Eastern Europe (mostly solo, but sometimes with travel friends met along the way) through Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and finally to Turkey. I can't even begin to recount the many amazing people I met, places I saw, daily life and culture I enjoyed, and I always say that year taught me more than any formal education. I never regret embarking on that trip on my own as I could make all of my own decisions and I developed a newfound sense of independence and a realization that I could do anything on my own.

The other night, Stephen was working late and I started reading the U of R Alumni magazine. I came across an article about a 28 year old Regina guy who quit his jobs and had started a 3.5 year cycling trip around the world. He crossed the Atlantic in a Polish freight ship, he camps for free as much as possible, and eats mainly rice. If any of this is intriguing to you his blog can be found here.

It's amazing how reading about someone like this can bring back that travel-bug and desire to hit the road in an instant.

Felix's Birthday Saskatchewan Edition

Brenda tried to organize a get-together last time we were in Regina, but our scheduling just didn't work out unfortunately. This time around, she organized a play date which turned out to be an awesome Saskatchewan bday party for Felix. Norah & Gaia are seen above enjoying topless cupcake eating time.

Felix's buddy, Mac, and his Ma, Monica.

Felix really enjoyed the food at the party, particularly stealing from other kids' plates. Reaching out to grab a delicious cupcake with Rider pride icing.

Risa looks pretty natural holding two kids.

Seriously, the funnest house ever...yes, that is a slide in the living room. The ladies were having none of the boys touching the slide and would scream whenever they came near.

Thank you Brenda for organizing! I forgot to mention that she had even made a slideshow of Felix photos from his year. What a great afternoon with fantastic friends. We miss you guys!