Wednesday, March 31, 2004

5:47pm  Tea for Two

The girly girl side of my brain (oh wait...maybe that's the frivolous side) has always fancied the notion of having a tea party.  I semi-planned one for earlier today.  I invited two of my SAHM friends (for the acronym challenged that stands for stay-at-home mom) who live in the complex; Yuki, a transplant from Japan, and Jessica, who relocated here from the SF Bay Area, both because of their husband's jobs.  Unfortunately, Yuki had to cancel at the last minute because her daughter was sick. 

So it ended up being tea for two...or rather coffee for two.  I don't really do tea unless I'm sick.  It wasn't exactly fancy tea with crumpets, scones and strawberry preserves on fine china in the English countryside at high noon.  It was more along the lines of home-brewed Starbucks House Blend, store-bought muffins, cheese and crackers, and fresh fruit on Pottery Barn square plates just off Route 22 at 11:45am.

But hey there's nothing wrong with one's own interpretation of a game all girls have played at one point in their life or another.  With a little stretch of the imagination this was my own version. 

Update:  Apparently a Canadian MP has sea, sand and surf in mind in his proposal to turn the Turks and Caicos Islands into the 11th province.  Wouldn't you just be delighted to receive a letter from me with a return address of Turks and Caicos Islands, CANADA!  I am definitely feelin' that!  *smile* 

Tuesday, March 30, 2004

9:41am  Jersey Girl

I talk about Jane and my friendship with her often in this blog.  I first met Jane 3 years ago at the pool when we lived in Dublin, California.   Jane's not much of a sun worshipper so I'm convinced that we met because of our daughters who begged to go swimming on a daily basis. 

When she told me that she was originally from Jersey I told her that I spent my childhood summers in New York City with my aunt and that she always took me shopping at Willowbrook.  That was it - at the mere mention of Willowbrook we knew we were on the same wavelength:   IT husbands, stay-at-home motherhood, families who lived on the opposite coast,  strong opinions on the Bay Area rental market, a penchant for coffee, Willowbrook!   Living proof that a great friendship can be partially based on a shopping mall.  Hee!

Jane's something of an inspiration to me.  She's been a stay-at-home mom longer than I've been a mom.  She's my idol and a wonderful friend!  I could go on, but that story is bigger than this domain has disk space.  *wink*

She's currently bi-coastal, but a Jersey girl at heart.  Happy Birthday to my dear friend Jane! 

Monday, March 29, 2004

11:15am   Diva in a Five-Year Old Body

It's confirmed!  Jessica is going on vacation with her grandparents - my Mom and Dad (stay with the family tree here).  JFK to ONT from April 6-27.  That lucky little munchkin.  I must say that Jessica is quite the jet-setter.  I swear she racks up frequent flier miles like she collects Hello Kitty. 

It'll be fun in the sun at Auntie Cindy and Uncle Norman's house in California - her most favorite people in the world.  And she's going to call Uncle Edward on that promise of a trip to Disneyland - one that was made three years ago.  Ahem just so that you know, Jessica has the memory of an elephant.   So be forewarned. 

Its exciting to think that  Jay and I will be able to do things that we haven't been able to do since February 13, 1999.  Literally!  Like take in a movie or two...with a rating anything not General Audience.  Or perhaps make reservations at a restaurant that doesn't have chicken nuggets on its menu.  But I'm also thinking that I'll miss my little boo.  How much fun would it be to eat SpongeBob crackers and fruit roll-ups by myself!  The coolness factor would be lacking some. 

I take consolation in the fact that she's promised to call me everyday on Auntie Cindy's cellphone to give me every sordid detail of her west coast jaunts.   Shoot I may just break down and book a ticket for myself!  Hee!

Friday, March 26, 2004

10:43pm  Gonna Soak up the Sun! 

Finally we've been getting a sampling of the warm weather that lurks around the corner.  Spring has been here for the last 7 days.  I'm not even sure if I should say that out loud for fear of jinxing it.  For awhile there I was beginning to think that somehow spring decided to bypass the northeast.  It feels great to open the windows to let in the fresh clean air. 

Spring also heralds the beginning of peak wedding season.  We recently received our invitation to the first of two weddings on the Gamez side of the family this year; Gail and Mon in May, Jon and Christine in August.  I love how weddings bring family and friends together under the same roof for a day.   It's also a good excuse to spend lots of dollars to get dolled up. 

So Jessica has taken to using her flutter board at bath time.   Tonight I found her "riding the waves" in surfboard fashion.  There were some serious whitecaps - um, actually Finding Nemo bubblebath.  You can take the girl out of California, but you can't take California out of the girl. 

Update:  Auntie Glo and Lizelle flew to Cebu late Thursday evening to be with Uncle Michael.  To date he's stable and resting in the hospital.  The doctors are recommending further testing to determine the extent of the damage on his heart.  They suspect that this wasn't the first heart attack he's had and that cardiac rehab will be needed.  Love and prayers! 

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

9:05am  Zoom Focus

I got a call the other night informing me that my uncle had a heart attack.  An angioplasty was done and a 95% blockage was discovered.  Miraculously enough he's fine right now.  Unfortunately, he's in Cebu where he's been spending time on the family hotel business. 

The reality of the frailty of life comes into zoom focus once again.  It slaps you in the face when you're least expecting it.  My prayers are with Uncle Michael and the Lim family as they await further news from the doctors. 

On a lighter note while we're on the topic of calls, its been said that Norm got a few random ones himself yesterday.  *grin*

Monday, March 22, 2004

10:47am  United Skates

The Adventurer Club had an afternoon of ice-skating yesterday at United Skates in Woodbridge.  Haha get it?  United Skates!  I thought that was a pretty clever name...in a cornball kinda way.  Apparently this medium regular Dunkin' Donuts coffee that I'm sipping on right now has way  too much sugar in it. 

Where was I?  Oh yes, the skating.  It was Jessica's first time on the ice and she did pretty good considering.  It was my first time in years.  In fact, I think the last time I put on my skates (which by the way are still brand new)  was shortly after Jay and I got married. 

I spent some time going around the rink holding onto Jessica's hand.  But we quickly figured out that she did better when I wasn't holding onto her so I let her skate solo for the remainder of the afternoon.  And that's when the other girls took full advantage - "Auntie Judy can you hold my hand!"   There was just no escaping! 

The kids had a great time and I got in some great cardio!  You try pulling a 7 year old around the rink half a dozen times!  Hee! 

After 3 hours on the ice, we were starving and visions of a nice juicy In-n-Out burger bounced around in my head.  Since the northeast hasn't discovered that establishment yet, we settled on popping into Applebee's for some grease. 

Then we drove into the city to meet our friend Fatima from London who is in town for a long weekend visit.  We met at Auntie Charee's place for dinner and a relaxing evening.  Thanks for the Barry M product!  Hope to see you jet-setters again in April. 

Friday, March 19, 2004

10:52pm  The Mommy Myth

The “new momism” is a term named for a trend in America that places guilt on mothers — as to whether they’re making the right choices for their children. It’s also the subject of debate in a new book titled, “The Mommy Myth: The Idealization of Motherhood and How It Has Undermined Women,” by authors Susan Douglas and Meredith Michaels. Read an excerpt here:

It’s 5:22 P.M. You’re in the grocery checkout line. Your three-year-old is writhing on the floor, screaming, because you have refused to buy her a Teletubby pinwheel. Your six-year-old is whining, repeatedly, in a voice that could saw through cement, “But mommy, puleeze, puleeze” because you have not bought him the latest “Lunchables,” which features, as the four food groups, Cheetos, a Snickers, Cheez Whiz, and Twizzlers. Your teenager, who has not spoken a single word in the past four days except, “You’ve ruined my life,” followed by “Everyone else has one,” is out in the car, sulking, with the new rap-metal band Piss on the Parentals blasting through the headphones of a Discman.

To distract yourself, and to avoid the glares of other shoppers who have already deemed you the worst mother in America, you leaf through People magazine. Inside, Uma Thurman gushes “Motherhood Is Sexy.” Moving on to Good Housekeeping, Vanna White says of her child, “When I hear his cry at six-thirty in the morning, I have a smile on my face, and I’m not an early riser.” Another unexpected source of earth-mother wisdom, the newly maternal Pamela Lee, also confides to People, “I just love getting up with him in the middle of the night to feed him or soothe him.” Brought back to reality by stereophonic whining, you indeed feel as sexy as Rush Limbaugh in a thong.

You drag your sorry ass home. Now, if you were a “good” mom, you’d joyfully empty the shopping bags and transform the process of putting the groceries away into a fun game your kids love to play (upbeat Raffi songs would provide a lilting soundtrack). Then, while you steamed the broccoli and poached the chicken breasts in Vouvray and Evian water, you and the kids would also be doing jigsaw puzzles in the shape of the United Arab Emirates so they learned some geography. Your cheerful teenager would say, “Gee, Mom, you gave me the best advice on that last homework assignment.” When your husband arrives, he is so overcome with admiration for how well you do it all that he looks lovingly into your eyes, kisses you, and presents you with a diamond anniversary bracelet. He then announces that he has gone on flex time for the next two years so that he can split childcare duties with you fifty-fifty. The children, chattering away happily, help set the table, and then eat their broccoli. After dinner, you all go out and stencil the driveway with autumn leaves.

But maybe this sounds slightly more familiar. “I won’t unpack the groceries! You can’t make me,” bellows your child as he runs to his room, knocking down a lamp on the way. “Eewee — gross out!” he yells and you discover that the cat has barfed on his bed. You have fifteen minutes to make dinner because there’s a school play in half an hour. While the children fight over whether to watch Hot Couples or people eating larvae on Fear Factor, you zap some Prego spaghetti sauce in the microwave and boil some pasta. You set the table. “Mommy, Mommy, Sam losted my hamster,” your daughter wails. Your ex-husband calls to say he won’t be taking the kids this weekend after all because his new wife, Buffy, twenty-three, has to go on a modeling shoot in Virgin Gorda for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and “she really needs me with her.” You go to the TV room to discover the kids watching transvestites punching each other out on Jerry Springer. The pasta boils over and scalds the hamster, now lying prostrate on the floor with its legs twitching in the air. “Get your butts in here this instant or I’ll murder you immediately,” you shriek, by way of inviting your children to dinner. “I hate this pasta — I only like the kind shaped like wagon wheels!” “Mommy, you killded my hamster!”

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

8:30pm  Extended Warranties

I have a love-hate relationship with car dealerships.  Unfortunately, owning a car is a necessary evil so having to deal with them  is almost unavoidable.  More often than not they're downright shady.  And the Silver Preferred Status!  Whatever!  Apparently means absolutely nothing!  And it certainly doesn't help things along when I find myself sitting in the Service Dept. waiting room for a better part of my morning. 

In happier news, Jessica has suddenly discovered that she knows how to tie a bow, and subsequently her own shoes.  And she's been tying bows like nobody's business ever since.  Today she noticed that Richie's shoelaces had come undone so she bent down and tied them for him.  So I guess that means I won't have to constantly glance down to the laces on her Timberland boots.  As hip as they are, those pesky laces never seem to stay in their knots.  But she'll have it covered without anyone's help from now on.   

Received a wonderful package in the mail from my sister today.  It's rather uncanny how I always seem to receive these when I'm having a particularly bad day.  I love the new ponchos - not one, but three. They've suddenly become my latest fixation.    Just waiting for the weather to warm up some [and I do mean a whole lot of some] so they can actually come out of the closet.   If only Cindy could figure out how to package up some of that California heatwave that Jane has been grumbling about!  That would be something to blog about!  Hee! 

Tuesday, March 16, 2004

10:31am  Pass the Salt Please!

Old Man Winter is having yet another heyday...or should I say, snow day!  I'm seeing a flurry of white outside my window as I write this journal entry.  Spring is officially just 5 days away and I guess this is the Old Man's way of going out with a bang.  I could've thought of a few better ways to liven up this post-season party.  We could have done a Pre-Launch Spring Party instead.  Pink girly drinks and cute finger sandwiches.  See!  That's what happens when you scrimp on the budget and hire the wrong people.  *frustrated sigh*

Monday, March 15, 2004

8:54am  The Passion

It wasn't a typical Sunday afternoon at the movies.  There was no popcorn.  No Twizzlers.  No gummy bears.  Not this time.  Not for this movie. 

Jay, Liz and I went to watch Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ  in the city yesterday afternoon.  My senses were on the edge of my seat for the length of the entire movie.  Yes I must agree that there was violence and gore, but I expected nothing less because that's what a crucifixion was.  A very brutal way to be put to death.  I doubt there is any way to portray that in a tender way. 

I winced and looked away when the Roman soldiers flogged Jesus' body with the whips that had hooks on the end of the leather strips.  I felt anger and horror as they laughed and disdain at the crowd that cheered it on like it was a sport.  I felt frustration at Pilates' wavering indecision. 

Tears welled up in my eyes as Mary ran to Jesus, with the instinct that only a mother has, to comfort her Child as He fell under the weight of the cross in pain and exhaustion - the same instinct she had when Jesus fell as a little boy. 

This was a powerful movie!   An intense movie!  One that humbles me to think  that I am no better than  Peter who denied Jesus three times, the Roman soldiers, the Pharisees, or the hateful crowd.  It certainly leaves plenty of room for some serious self-examination. 

Friday, March 12, 2004

5:47pm  My Home Office

This here is the reason that my home is in fact my office.  Being a mom is far more than being a job.  It's a calling.  It's a lifetime commitment.  The rewards are not measurable by the title or the compensation and benefits package.  My reward comes at the end of the day when we say good night and I get a kiss, a hug and an I love you Mom!

A friend emailed last night to share the latest update on a decision he and his wife have to make relating to career vs. family.  And although their first born child won't be here until August, I can already tell that they will be wonderful parents. 

I still yet have to find the perfect formula to parenthood.  That is assuming that it even exists.  But in the meantime, we make decisions with a prayer that we make them in the best interest of our daughter. 

Thursday, March 11, 2004

5:35pm  Oh Canada!

As I was waiting for Jessica's ballet class to finish today, I overheard some of the other mothers discussing the inappropriateness of the children's animated TV program Caillou and  how they do not allow their young children to watch it.  Out of the blue one of the mothers said "oh its because they're Canadian!"  The sarcasm in her tone was less than complimentary.

I shot her a look over the top of my magazine as I thought "umm hello, I'm Canadian!"  I was dying to say it out loud.  But I didn't!   So I sat there seething at the ignorance - it's old, very old!   I don't get offended very easily, but her comment certainly did it for me. 

The anti-Canada'ism is tired!  The proliferation of people who are under some misguided impression that Canadians live in igloos, use dogsleds for transportation and spear their dinner still astounds me.  What's up with the non-knowledge!  If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if I know their cousin in Vancouver when I tell them I'm from Toronto, I'd be rich!   Opposite coasts my friend!  Or another classic would be "Does Canada celebrate Christmas?"  The only answer that would justify that question is "Are you brain dead?"  Seriously! 

Just for kicks do a google search on Toronto and you'll discover that it is a city that is just as cosmopolitan and forward thinking as its American counterparts. 

Now that I have that off my chest! 

9:20am  Lipstick

I really must admit that I am a product junkie.  Let's just get that out there!  I have a fascination with lipstick, gloss, eye pencils, makeup organizers, brushes and slick packaging.  Perhaps it is the ghosts that remain of my past in the cosmetics industry.  Or perhaps its because I'm a girl...a girly girl at that. 

I must have thrown out product with a retail value enough to feed a small nation in a desperate attempt to pack up our condo in a few hours when we moved from Toronto to the US. 

I can wander through Sephora like Jay can wander through Bass Pro Shops.  And believe me, that can be a darn long time.  I like looking at the product lines and how they are packaging these days.  I'm always interested to see who's launching what and how. 

Lately I've been walking off the beaten path and trying out new brands.  I'm a MAC (no not as in Apple) loyalist now because of a certain soon to be my sister-in-law out there.  For the preservation of Christine's anonymity I will omit names.  Oops!  Mind you my arsenal still also contains L'Oreal product, and now DuWop Lip Venom and Benefit Bad Gal Lash!  Frederic Fekkai has also managed to get a foothold in there too. 

Vanity?  No such thing!  It's like collecting stamps, xbox games...or fishing equipment - a guy can never have too many  lures.  And in that same spirit, a gal can never have too many lipsticks...or black shoes. 

Tuesday, March 9, 2004

11:26pm  The Blur

So the blur that was our weekend in Toronto is over...for now anyway.  Got in around 12:30am after an 8 hour road trip through some snow and patches of fog in upstate New York. 

Congratulations to Rick and Arlene!  It was a beautiful wedding.  Arlene, you looked so beautiful and Rick cleaned up pretty good too!  *grin*  It was so nice to see all of Jay's old school friends again, many of whom we haven't seen since our own wedding.  Most of them are married now, own homes and have kids...or have one on the way.  Jay was really excited to see the boys in spite of the trash talk that was happening about the basketball game  scheduled for the following afternoon. 

We got up early Sunday morning (or rather were awakened by an early morning wake-up call) to meet up with Chris, Mahendra, Krystal, Ced and Sunny for brunch.  Nothing better than a bounty of good food and laughter.  Chris still can't believe that I can actually ski now. 

After brunch Jay left to play ball with the boys.  Apparently they get together every Sunday at a community center in downtown Toronto. Jay had a blast and I think that he's ready to move back to Toronto permanently, if only to play ball. 

With the husband away, I got to hang out with Chris a little more and went along for the ride to Brampton where she had an errand to run.  Then I had some errands of my own to run and finally got around to buying some computer supplies that my mom has been badly needing.  I popped into Sababa Foods on Steeles Ave. to get my falafel and some of that delicious lentil soup to go.  *thought about Em and Dan with each yummy bite*  I also scored the recipe for the lentil soup so that I can attempt  to make a batch at home - attempt is the key word. 

We met up with Jon and Christine in the west end for a late dinner at Swiss Chalet and coffee at Tim's.  We never let a trip to Toronto pass without our Swiss Chalet and Tim's fixes.  That would be a crime!  Nice catching up on all the latest wedding plans.  Thanks for the MAC goodies girl!  *wink*

Managed to get my March issue of Toronto Fashion magazine right before we hit the border since none of the gas stations had Flare. Some habits die hard!   Unfortunately due to time constraints we never get to do all the things and see all the people as we had hoped.  We'll be back in May, but if Jay has it his way we'll be home every weekend for those ball games.

Friday, March 5, 2004

2:35pm  Weekend Road Trip

It's amazing how much prep goes into a mere 3-day weekend getaway.  I've been packing and repacking all morning.  I always tend to overcompensate and pack for all kinds of weather conditions.  You just never know!  It's easier to pack for road trips in the summer months - tees, jeans, capri's and flip-flops and you're good to go! 

A weekend in Toronto is always a blur!  A busy blur, but always a fun blur.  I'm looking forward to being home home because like the old cliché goes there is no place quite like it!   Have yourself a wonderful weekend! 

Thursday, March 4, 2004

2:20pm  Beauty Rituals

I doubt very much that the practice of waxing was invented by a woman.  There is nothing beautiful about this beauty ritual.  There is nothing sexy about it.  It's just plain painful and barbaric!  So it was just an eyebrow shaping - you'd think that by the way I'm ranting and raving that it was...say a bikini wax - and that all emergency medical teams were on standby with a crash cart and several pints of blood.  You would think that I didn't survive giving birth to Jessica.  But since I'm alive to blog about it, I suppose I did...albeit barely. 

I see my sister smiling as she reads this because she knows how much of a wimp I am.  Goodness, I think I need a massage now. 

Wednesday, March 3, 2004 

8:26pm  Spring

I think Spring came around slightly ahead of schedule this year.  Not that I'm complaining!  The weather has been absolutely beautiful and its quite the novelty after a long hard winter.  This "roll your window down and feel the wind in your hair" weather has motivated me to clean my car - leather conditioner and tire cleaner too.  Talk about making all male car enthusiasts proud! 

So its time to step up the workout schedule double time now that I'll be able to shed the bulky layers.  I returned to circuit training class last night and Pilates earlier this evening.  The instructor is in her first trimester of pregnancy and can still manage to do all that jumping around.  Puts me to shame. 

I'm looking forward to our weekend trip to Toronto for a nice change of scenery.  Hopefully it'll be as warm there as it had been here for the past few days.  It'll be nice to see all our old friends at Rick and Arlene's wedding on Saturday night.  Jay is looking forward to seeing the friends that he grew up with, apparently they'll all be there.  So it'll be a reunion of sorts and a promise for good times ahead. 

Monday, March 1, 2004

11:00pm  Black Diamond

We skied in warm spring like temps yesterday at Jack Frost Ski Resort.  I was sweating under all the thermal, fleece and down layers.  It was a beautiful day, but it was so wonderfully warm that I kept feeling like I needed to have some exotic umbrella embellished drink in my hand.  

I did my first black diamond run...twice...without falling.  Oddly enough, I fell a total of three times during the course of the day - on the blue runs.  For my non-skiing readership, the blue runs are less difficult than the black diamond ones - go figure!  

I skied with the kids for awhile.  PJ, Ann-Ann and Courtney are really quite entertaining.  We were having a nice time going down one of the beginner slopes.  I was skiing behind them just to make sure I could see them in case one of them fell.  Then all of a sudden out of nowhere, I felt myself losing control and then I was down.  A kind gentleman skiing behind me came over to see if I was alright and commented "I saw what you were trying to do and it looked good!"  Thanks comedian!  Hee!

When I finally got down to the bottom of the hill, the kids were wondering where I had been.  I sheepishly admitted that I had fallen.  Then Courtney said "ohhhh I thought you were trying to do a cool spin!"  You're cute honey, but no, I was falling!  *cough*  

Just as we were about to dismount the chairlift at the top of the hill again, PJ turned to me "Auntie Judy, you might want to take this one slower this time!"  Kids!  They say the darndest things don't they!  Ya gotta just love them!  

Jessica did another ski lesson and halfway through the class the instructor decided that she and a few of the other students were more advanced than some of the other kids.  She took them to the chairlifts on the blue slopes and Jessica did great.  She was so excited that she got to go on the chairlift this time around. 

Jack Frost closed at 4:30pm so we lugged our skis over to Big Boulder and did a few hours of night skiing there.  Great fun!  I think that's it for this season.  Looking forward to more ski trips next winter.  

So we got to ring in the month of March with some warm weather.  It got up to the high 60's in these parts today.  I got to leave my coat at home today.  Put on my poncho, rolled down the windows, opened the sunroof and turned up the tunes as I drove around doing my errands today.  Yay for spring!  

Happy Birthday Uncle Abner!  Hope you had a great day celebrating you.  Did someone say party at the new Louis Vuitton NYC Flagship store?  Hee!