Crock Pot Roast Beef

Yesterday, I made roast beef in a crockpot. Amazingly enough, it actually browned in the pot! It did not get mushy or soft as I assumed it would being in the crock pot. The beef was sitting in the pot for about 10 hours and the veggies turned out very flavourful. The "jus" was so yummy! We might turn it into gravy tonight. It seems that we have leftovers for a couple of days, I think we can even put it on bread... I bet you miss my cookin? ;-)

Dissolving the 38th Parliment

New Year - Vote 2006
I cannot believe the minority government held a no-confidence vote, bringing down the Liberals. Crap! As if there was not enough stress of the holidays, now we have to endure the political parties running their campaigns. Thank you Steve Harper, you frickin @sshole... Happy F!#$%^&* Holidays to you too........ *Venting*

R, you better consider voting while you are in Taiwan because I belive this will be a very tough race. Liberals have been losing their seats with each election that passes, the people of Canada are losing confidence with the party. With the current scandals and the Gomery Report, I am not sure how the Parliment is going to end up. It will be a difficult race, yet again....

Snow

It's snowing outside! Last night, a few co-workers were saying that it would probably snow in the evening. It def. felt cold enough to snow but I didn't see any afterwork. Apparently, the snow started falling around 10.15pm last night. I woke up this morning and thought it was raining. When I left the apartment, I realized, I better go back in and get my boots, gloves and winter hat on!

I have to remember to take the snow off my car afterwork or else it will freeze over and then it will be a real pain to scrape off ice.

UPDATE
9.28am It's like a snow blizzard out there. Snowing like Crazy! It's so beautiful, I wish I have my camera....

Mom's Place

Yesterday, Kay and I went over to my mom's to water the plants and feed the bird. Gosh, my grandma has so many plants! It's insane. It took us over 20 minutes to water all the plants in the house.... the bird looks depressed. She's not eating her food or drinking her water. I changed the sheets in the cage and I thought it might attempt to escape but she didn't budge. I sent my mom an email telling her that her bird is depressed. She didn't even call or send an email to let me know she arrived safely. I bet, she went straight to partying!!

I hope my sister and her family are doing well. I really wished I could have gone to Hong Kong this time. Maybe next year or 2007. My mom better bring back tons of pictures!

Saturday Night
MB came over, we chatted and caught up with each other's lives until midnight. And even at midnight we didn't want it to end but boy, we are not used to being up this late! Hahaha... we were looking really really tired and she had to drive back into Burnaby. I did not want her to stay any longer, the drive back is not too bad but she looked really sleepy! It was good. We will try to get together again next month. We must try to see each other once a month or so. It's been too long.

Monday.... gosh, it took me forever to get out of bed this morning. I hate MONDAYS.....

Kay got her hair cut today and OMG, it costed me $40.00!! She is such a diva! She wanted to get highlights done as well and I'm like no way! It's going to cost me over $80.00! I told her to ask her Uncle to get them done for her. We won't have to pay the salon prices if he could do it.

It's a really nice cut though. Lisa did a good job. Now, Kay wants me to purchase some leave in conditioner and some hair products. Aaah... she's becoming a little princess Diva... hehehe...



As we were already at the mall, we decided to get her a jacket. She needs a jacket as her current winter jacket is no longer warm. She's had it for a few years so I figured ok, I think we better get her a new one as it's getting really cold out there! She picked out a black puffy jacket with a fur trimmed hoodie. Very cute. Very trendy. It's her Xmas present from Grandma and Great Grandma. Before they left for HK, they had given me some cash to get Kay's gift. The jacket was $35.00 over the cash gift. I am debating if I should take it out of her account. She has no comment.


I also bought a couple of items for a couple of girlfriends. I hope they like it! One of them is celebrating her 20th birthday this weekend. Yes, 20th. I don't remember what it was like turning 20. It's been so long! She's a real sweetie. She's our receptionist and she does a lot for us. I hope she likes her gift.

I also could not help but buy this hat. I love the colour and I love that it may match my future Gucci purse! hehehe... also, I washed my last Kango hat and it shrunk :-( So I have been looking for a replacement and I found it!

M is coming over tonight to catch up. It's been months since we last saw each other! We have tons to catch up on. Must clean up and make the place a little bit comfortable....

One Month 2 Go

OMG, I can't believe there is only one month until Christmas. I have not even started my Christmas shopping or Christmas cards! Ack!

I hate shopping during these next few weeks, the mall is crazy packed and it's madness out there. I wish I could do all my shopping online and never leave my apartment.

I will get at it as soon as I am motivated to push and shove my way through the malls......

Confessions on a dance floor

Playing on my Sony....

Madonna is going back to her roots with her new cd. The music flows from one song to the next, as if it was a song that never stops. It's really awesome. Reminds me of her early days.... *dancing in my cubicle*

Stress or Weight Loss?

Lately, I've been a little stressed in my personal life and have been really busy at work. Not stressful busy but keeping me running around all over the office. I have also been watching what I eat and cutting back on the sugars, carbs and junk food. Two weeks ago, I bought a couple of pair of really nicely cut dress pants. I swear, these pants make it look like I've got an @ss and it's very flattering. The last few days, co-workers have commented on my weight, they think I have lost weight. Although, I never keep track of my weight (banned scales in the home), I am not quite sure if I have lost any weight or not. But I think it's the pants, these are magic pants and the style of these pants can flatter any body type. I fell in love with them, the second I tried them on.... And I did not have to alter them!! They were long enough with my boots on. I can never find pants that are long enough....

I love these pants.

Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury
Author: Paul-Gerard Pasols

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About this Book
From the PublisherThe first in-depth portrait of one of the world''s best-known luxury brands, this elegant volume traces the remarkable history of the House of Vuitton, which has been making practical but stylish luggage, handbags, and accessories for more than 150 years. Written with full access to the company''s archives, the book itself demonstrates Louis Vuitton''s passion for fine design in a stunning array of archival art, historical images, product designs and sketches, and cutting-edge advertising.Author Paul-Gerard Pasols, former communications director and longtime consultant to Louis Vuitton, explores the company''s tradition of quality and innovation in the context of sweeping changes in society, art, culture, fashion, and, above all, travel. Examining the life and times of the company''s first three leaders-founder Louis (who invented the modern trunk), his son Georges, and his grandson Gaston-the text focuses on the firm''s development under their guidance. It also discusses Vuitton''s explosive growth toward the end of the 20th century, including the 1987 merger with Mo褮-Hennessy that made it part of LVMH, the world''s largest luxury goods company, and spurred the expansion of its boutiques to more than 300 locations in 50 countries around the globe.

I want this book.....

GUCCI

10% OFF TODAY ONLY!!

If my Christmas present was purchased today, I would have saved over $100.00!! *sigh*

Left: I really like the look of this messenger purse. It's a classic Gucci purse and very versatile. On my lunch break, I went to take a quick look at the purse and fell in LOVE with it....

Right: This one is cute too, a little smaller but very stylish, new Fall/Winter collection.

Pay Raise

Oh My God.. those F#$% bastards....

Just reported on Global News at 11pm, the Liberal & NDP unanimously voted on a 15% pay increase. BC politicians will be getting 15 - 30 % raises, Gordan Campbell just got a 22% pay raise, he will be receiving $146,000/year in the new year, April 2006.

For sitting on his @ss.

Jarhead

Interesting movie...

Girls Night Out

K had a bunch of girls over for Girls Night Out at her place because her boyfriend was out of town for the weekend. She has a really cute little apartment by Lougheed Mall. Reasonable rent and very nice spacious apartment in a concrete high rise. She's trying to convince people to move into her building and I'm considering it! Anyways, she invited a bunch of different girls to this outing and although it was a little bit slow in the beginning, in the end we were all getting quite comfortable around each other.

I had to leave the party at 9.45pm (yes early!) because Kay could not sleep over at V's place. At the beginning, I had two glasses of red wine (I brought 2 bottles of red for the party) but right after those two glasses, I had cranberrty juice.

It was a really great time. She is like a Martha Stewart. Food and decor, music and candles. Beautiful. We should do it again soon. I really enjoyed the company and it's nice to be able to kick back and relax with the girls.....

New Loft

I just found out J has bought a new loft on Main Street! She sold her Gastown loft (which was TINY) and bought a new loft (a little bigger) near Chinatown. She made about $70k on her loft in Gastown but paid an extra $100,00 for her new place. Wow, I can't believe it, I can't wait to see it!

She had an attempted break in last week which scared the beejeebers out of her. But I did warn her that she was in a really seedy part of town. Her courtyard faced an alley where you could see drug dealers dealing, drug addicts snorting or shooting up, and everything around her seemed so surreal. I remember saying I would never go out there when it's dark. Crazy neighborhood where she was. Esp. for a single woman, I didn't think she should have bought there but she was in somewhat of a hurry and she had lived there for almost 2 years and nothing really happened until now.

Well she's moving into a nice area but not much better. At least, she's in a busier area. The one thing I don't agree with... she's moving in with a roommate because her mortgage is double her current one. She needs the help.... I don't like the person she is moving in with..... And I am not so sure it's a good idea.... TBC


descriptionLeft Bank, Large 689 sq. ft. 1 bedoom loft style apartment with 9' ceilings and acid etched concrete floors. Large kitchen with black and stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. Tons of in-suite storage, in-suite laundry, bicycle storage and secured underground parking. Close to Skytrain, Seawall, New Olympic Village and downtown.
features
Year Built: 2005
Living Area: 689

Crowne Plaza - Hotel Georgia

Tonight was a really nice evening. Our hotel rep for the Crowne Plaza threw an evening of wine & appetitzers for their corporate customers. I had 3 glasses of red wine and some delightful appys. The wine was really nice, very smooth and tasted expensive. They arranged an open bar which was nice because some of the ladies wanted martinis and drinks on the rocks. I prefer the red wine. I am so glad I went as it has been a stressful week at work and personally.

M (sales rep for the Crowne) also mentioned that we could get some really good rates for the Crowne Plaza in other cities like San Fran, LA or Vegas. That would be cool but I heard the Crowne in SF is quite expensive even if you could get a corporate rate.

I did not feel too good on the bus though. It may have been the fact that I had 3 glasses of wine. Although, I did not feel ill coming out of the hotel. I think think I had one too many glasses of red wine. But I didn't feel so bad coming out of the hotel.

Mini Break Down

Ok I am feeling much better since yesterday. I had a slight meltdown last night, poor honey, you must have been so worried. Thank you for the email this morning, I can't believe you went looking for new places for us. I have decided I am going to take Kay out of her afterschool care and that will help us out.

I have a huge pimple on my face from all the worrying and stressing and not sleeping! Tonight, I will be out at 10pm I think!

Again, thanks for your support and love... I don't know what we would do without you!

Thank you.

Trip to Granville Island

Kay and I met up with Malu, Belen and Cassie. Although, it was pouring rain, we decided to head over to Granville Island anyways. It was crazy busy, there were people walking, biking, and driving into Granville Island. I guess a little rain never hurt anybody and we Vancouverites should be used to all this rain. After lunch, we decided to cut the outing short because Cassie had her wisdom teeth pulled out on Monday and she was still in pain. Belen was getting a little tired as she was missing her afternoon nap). But we had a good time, catching up and holding little Belen.

She is so beautiful....

Busy Week

It has been a crazy and hectic work week. I have been so busy these last couple of days, I'm so happy because it's FRIDAY!

Last night, Kay and I went over to R's for dinner. We had pizza and veggies, sat on the couch watching the girls play and we caught up on stuff. Wow, lots of things are going on that we had no idea of. We live right next to each other and haven't seen each other in almost two months! Yikes! K will be "laid off" in a year and he is now looking for work while finishing up on this project he is working with (they are not giving him a severance, he's been with this company for 11 years). He is working for free practically because he is suppose to be paid out 11 months but is working instead. There is not a lot of work for software engineers in Vancouver. Esp. the expertise he is in. He works with air navigation programs and would like to stay in this field, he's got 11 years! Work like this is more available in Ottawa but R doesn't want to move, that would be a really last decision they would make. I hope he finds something.... I bet it doesn't help with our rent going up in January. I am hoping for them.....

I am thinking about moving as it's getting quite expensive to live here. Although, we are in a building that charges the best rent rates, it's still so expensive. I am thinking about moving into my mom's basement suite but only if she will lower the rent to $500, I mean really it's so tiny, I can't believe she gets people in there with her rent. We'll see... ok back to work! Make the money to pay the RENT bills....

A Million Little Pieces

I just finished this book and as I read this book, I could not put it down. The truth and reality in his words, the harshness of the story and how you feel while reading this story. It's an amazing read, I bought the book - it's a keeper. This is highly recommended and Oprah just added it to her book club. James Frey is an awesome writer.

Freakin bus driver!

The stupid bus decided not to stop at my stop today!! R was on that bus and she told me he was even more eratic than ever. Whipping corners without slowing down. I wonder if it has something to do with all the complaints he's been receiving. From this point on, I think I will take the next bus. The lady that drives that bus is not friendly either but is no grump. Can't ask for everything, I guess. At least, she drives in a safe manner and we all get to where we need to go without worrying the bus is going to flip!

That guy is such a jerk! I think tomorrow, I will finger him when he passes by.....

Translink

And yet another bad experience on the bus this morning. This bus driver on bus no. V7166 - 15 Downtown/Cambie at 8:40am is always such a jerk. I sent a complaint to customer server through an email and fax. This email explains it all:

I would like to file a formal complaint against the bus driver of this bus. This morning as I stepped on to the bus at 20th (stop no. 481), the bus driver slammed the doors on me before I was able to get completely inside. He did not even wait for me to get my footing or grab a hold or even pay my fare to move ahead before taking off, nearly knocking me to the ground. He missed two or three bus stops on the way to downtown, he is constantly driving aggressively on the road as if he was running very late and his life was at stake. He is rude and obnoxious person who enjoys taking it out on his customers. I will complain every time I get on this bus until something gets done. I ride this bus almost every morning and every morning, I feel like I'm getting on a bus from hell. He obviously does not enjoy his job and he should consider taking up another career path. This is a public sector and he has to deal with the people every day. If he is unhappy, he should get some help or take some time off and get himself sorted. This is not ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR.

Although I sincerely doubt there will be any discplinary action him as he is part of a union and they are very well protected. I hope they move him to another route or another city! As long as I don't have to deal with him ever again, that would be great.......