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.......

Halloween

** DARN, I just lost my post because Blogger frozed up!!! Ah!!**

Kay went out for Trick O Treatin with Tyler and Henry. They hooked up at Ty's house at around 6.00pm (I picked her up at 8.00pm) but only went out for about 30 minutes. They decided to cut it short because they wanted to play videogames at Ty's house. I guess she is getting a little too old to go out. But she looked so adorable in her costume...

My Halloween Costume

Left to Right: Vampire E!, Kitty Kat Val, Witch Trish, Gothic Jana

VSO

This was an awesome symphony and thanks to my friend, Erin for inviting me to see this with her and her husband. I really enjoyed the orchestra and I am thinking about purchasing a series.

Marching to Manhattan with Canadian Brass!
Sousa - Washington Post March
Handel - Music for the Royal Fireworks
Tovey - Manhattan Music for Brass Quintet & Orchestra (WP)
Britten - Young personÂ’s Guide to the Orchestra, op. 34
Bramwell Tovey - Conductor Canadian Brass - - Brass Quintet
Orpheum Theatre
Saturday October 29, 2005 8pm
*Saturday night is the first concert of the 5-concert Musically Speaking series featuring Video Screens, and informal commentary about the composers and their music by the conductor. The Canadian Brass thrills audiences worldwide with their humour and outstanding talent. They will perform the Première of VSO Music Director Bramwell Tovey’s own Manhattan Music for Brass Quintet and Orchestra, as well as a few of their signature solos. Also featured is Benjamin Britten’s landmark composition Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.

First Dance

Kay attended her first intermediate Dance last night. She was quite excited although I was a little worried because in my mind she will always be my baby girl. Kay quite enjoyed herself, she had a really great time dancing the night away. Although by the time I picked her up, her feet were killing her. I told her, she is on her way to being a little lady. This is what it's like in my "shoe world". She did insist on wearing those heeled boots and they are quite cute. Actually, these boots are for her Halloween costume. We got them at Value Village for $6.00. She is going to be a little devil. When I arrived to pick her up, of course I was right on time, standing around watching the kids come out and checking them out, I realized my baby was the smallest girl in the bunch. Gosh, I still can't believe she is growing up and will be going to DANCES.... *sigh*

Surprise! How sweet...

"It's not a special occasion But you're a special person... Always, Me "

Thank you honey! They are so beautiful and have brighten up my week! Love you *muah*

Update on 649

5 - 11 - 20 - 30 - 37 - 43 Bonus 31

One ticket out there has the 649 winning numbers. And it's not a BC ticket. Somewhere in Alberta, there is a ticket not yet claimed with the winning lottery numbers. The jackpot went up today (now at 54 million) because of the volume of sales last night..... OMG, I could use 1 million, I'm not greedy... I could live with 1 million.... sigh....

Muscle Pain

Last night, I went to see my mom's massage therapist. She was awesome. Although, she could not get the shoulder pain out, she took out all kinks in my back / legs. 60 minutes of massage therapy (some of it not too comfortable - more like jabbing at my muscles) did my sore muscles some good. I think I will make an appointment once a month. She is worth it.

The doctor also suggested that I should consider taking up yoga to stretch out my muscles/joints. I told her I started running again and she stressed the importance of my stretching, apparently 5 or 10 minutes is not good enough. I'm not in my 20s anymore so apparently my body can't take the exercise without the warm up and cool down. I will look into yoga at a community centre as I find yoga classes are soooo expensive! Maybe I will get classes for both my mom and Kay and we can do this together. My mom is thinking about taking yoga as well.... we'll see....

Advil Addict

I have taken 2 extra strength Advils to help release the back / shoulder pain I have... I cannot work like this and these DRUGS ARE NOT WORKING!!!

Life is the sh*tz when your back is out....

Kay's Updates

D Man

I got Kay to tell me the first letter of her "crush". I had to hold her down and tickel her until she screamed MERCY! hahaha... But all I could get out of her was his first initial. I will get it out of her....

First Dance

Kay's first dance is on Friday. Intermediates only. Which means grade 6 and 7s are the only ones allowed to attend these dances.... gosh.... I cannot believe that she is growing up so fast! It's crazy.... but I know she needs to go and prep herself for highschool. She needs to learn how to socialize and I guess this is eventually going to happen.... my baby isn't a baby anymore....

Allergic Reaction

The cream is working! She no longer has the Hives all over her face! Thank goodness... she's got picture day on Thursday! By that time, it should be all cleared up....