Long weekend catching up with friends

This long weekend has been great. I met up with three different friends on three different days. I spent Labour Day at home, resting!

It was great catching up with them. I hadn't seen one of my friends for two years. It was long overdue. It was like no time had elapsed when we chatted.

Thank goodness it's a shorter workweek.

Cooking and the ex

The weekend has come and gone. Why are they so short?!

I spent my Sunday cooking and relaxing. I pan-fried pepperoni. I haven't done that before. It tastes so good. I added it to cheesy angel hair pasta that low in carbs. Yum!

The ex wrote to me. He wants to meet and grab a bite to eat. I am not feeling it.

Food perk and a mini socialization session

I picked up a food perk on Monday. It consisted of two fancy, gourmet hot dogs and a free beverage. I also managed to run into two people that I haven't seen in over a year!

It kind of felt like pre-pandemic times chatting with people at a food event. We all have had two vaccination shots. Yesterday marked two weeks since I got my second shot, so I'm officially fully vaccinated.

I have been indulging in a lot of good food before and after my birthday. I can proudly say that I exercised every day during this period, so I don't feel bad about it. I'll get back to my regular eating habits soon.

Birthday celebrations at a patio and at the beach

I had a great day celebrating our birthday with a good friend. Her birthday was last week. Mine is early by a week.

We spent time eating and drinking on a patio. We then drove down to the beach to chat and take in the relaxing vibes around us. We also exchanged gifts.

I got her half a dozen donuts from Toronto. She moved away a few years ago, so we meet midway.

It's a great start to my vacation. Happy weekend, everyone!

With a nice honour come drama

On Thursday, I got acknowledged on a platform that I am one of the top reviewers in my area. I am honoured and shared that news, which a friend had tagged me on, on Instagram.

I have another friend that I have known since we were in grade 8. She basically made a stupid, insensitive, unfounded remark in this chat exchange:

"You eat out a lot," she stated.

"Not really. I do takeout twice a week. Reviews aren't all food."

I proceeded to show the last five reviews that I had completed. Only one was a food review. I didn't have to. I did it to prove a point to her.

I was annoyed at her comment. Why can't she simply say congrats? Why make such a ridiculous, random, unfounded statement? I actually told her that it was a momentous occasion for me and to let me enjoy it.

Her statement can also be construed as targeting my weight. I feel that it's some sort of internal issue that she has. She sees a happy moment that I am soaking up and she can't stand it. She needs to ruin my day by lashing out with a false statement about me.

I do have a number of supportive friends who got me through this drama that I was not expecting. I'm so fortunate.

A different Halloween

Halloween was different this year. Our government (local and provincial) recommended not having kids trick or treat this year. It was eerie not seeing any kids out and about.

I bought Halloween candy, as I do every year. Since I didn't give any out, I have the arduous task of eating it.

It's now November 1st. It's also Daylight Saving Time. Oh, joy!

Friends

I spent Saturday afternoon with a friend, who is also a colleague. In our department, I used to be the farthest from the office. However, she moved further west this summer and now she is. 

We met at a central location and ordered Thai takeout. We then went down to the beach to eat and chat. It was a great outing and it was wonderful seeing her again.

We both talked about having friends who are battling cancer. I talked about my friend and how I don't want to bug her during her chemo, but have let her know that I'm thinking about her. Tonight, I got an e-mail from her. Her first round of chemo was promising. The second round set her back to square one. It was almost as if she had heard my conversation.

She is currently going through a trial in Houston that targets the chromosome that is causing her cancer. I hope that the trial is effective and that she continues to fight.

A break in the heatwave and a decision to not attend a work picnic

We've been in a heatwave for a while. We finally got a break on Monday.

It was nice to turn off the air conditioning, open the windows, and invite the cool breeze in. The humidity went away. It was great.

It's only for a brief period, though. It's supposed to heat up again later this week.

In Ontario, roughly 24 regions will go into phase 3 of reopening businesses during this pandemic. It means that 99% of the economy will be up and running.

Since my area went into phase 2 later than these regions, but ahead of Toronto by a week, we'll stay in this phase for a bit. I'm okay with it.

The other week, my manager wanted to have a picnic with our team We would be a group of eight people. I declined. I don't feel like driving an hour to see a few people in this group that I truly want to see. I also don't think it's exciting to get my own food, sit there, and eat it two metres away from everyone. It doesn't sound thrilling.

I am also not comfortable to congregate with a group. It's too soon. Frankly, I'd rather do it with close friends first before trying it out with colleagues.

Gourmet cookies make people happy

Friday was my student's last day at work. On Thursday, I got her a box of gourmet cookies as a thank-you gift.

She told me the most endearing story on Friday. She brought the cookies home on Thursday and asked her dad to have one after dinner. They both indulged in a cookie each. He has a sweet tooth and loved it.

They both went out after dinner, separately, to different commitments. Her mom arrived home later.

When my student came home, she let her mom know that I had bought cookies for her. Her mom said that she ate four cookies -- one of each flavour. Her mom doesn't have a sweet tooth, but found the cookies scrumptious. It speaks volumes.

I would probably get along with her mom. She loved the lemon delight ones the best. It's my favourite flavour.

I buy these cookies for special occasions and people. I'm glad that I made her day and her family's.

Road trip, work, and food

I'm in Montreal. I am here for a workshop that spans three days. I'm looking forward to it.

This weekend, I did a lot of driving. I had to rent a car and felt cramped at first. It's much better now after I moved the seat further back and am getting used to it.

I'm eating my way through the city. Hopefully, I can fit in the car when I return!

Vacation thoughts

I am hoping to see my guy on Friday. I will be heading over to our favourite shopping place where he lives. He may have a conference call that morning. I just told him to call me when he's free, as I will be spending most of the day there.

It's nice having nearly two weeks off from work. Sadly, vacation passes quickly. Still, I'm savouring every day that I am away from work.

I've accomplished most of what I had wanted to do during this break. I managed to have a relaxing time to unwind and sleep in. I cooked a ton. I got to go out and visit new places.

So far, it's been great. I wish that my vacation lasted all year!

Getting strict with being low-carb

I have been on the maintenance part of losing sixty pounds roughly seven years ago. I was on a strict low-carb diet. I have kept the weight off, which is probably one of my greatest accomplishments.

For five of those years, I changed up my salad for lunch. I find that if I lean towards carbs for lunch, I am sluggish for a couple of hours before it wears off.

I wanted to have a sandwich for lunch. I swapped my salad out for it. After nearly two years of having sandwiches for lunch, I wanted my energy back.

It helps that my guy is on a keto diet. It has inspired me to go back to eating salads for lunch and being more strict with eating low-carb foods.

I'd say that I have been pretty good at ditching processed foods. I make breakfast in the morning, and have enjoyed sautéed mushrooms, eggs, and sausage for breakfast. I even made low-carb pancakes and poured sugar-free syrup on them. They were surprisingly good.

My energy is up. Sometimes, when I work from home, I feel the need to take a brief nap after my day is over. I have been doing that less in the past couple of weeks.

It's all good. My guy has been pretty good staying on his keto diet while he is away on business.

"Remember how we used to laugh when that woman would smuggle food from the hotel lounge?" he said to me the other day.
"Yes, I remember that fondly. She put food in styrofoam cups and left," I remarked.
"I am becoming that person, except that I put cheese and eggs in plastic Ziploc bags for work," he said.

At first, I felt a bit embarrassed for him. However, considering that it's probably easier sticking to a keto or low-carb diet when you bring your own food, his method makes sense. He is also transparent (the clear see-through bag speaks volumes) about bringing his food to work.

Now that I think about it, it's not bad at all. You have lounge access because you either paid for it or have earned it. Why not take a snack with you when you leave? It's not like you are hauling the entire food spread home. I don't find that greedy by any stretch.

I go on business in three weeks. I'll see whether I will be doing the same thing as my guy.

Jetlag and travel cause my guy to save some money

My guy has made it safely to his second and final city for business. He is there this week and then comes home, which we are both looking forward to.

He texted me on Sunday afternoon. It was nice chatting with him over Skype for over an hour.

"I got to the hotel at 3 am this morning," he explained. "I slept so much that I got up at 4 pm. I then ate."
"So, you had breakfast, lunch, and dinner just now," I remarked.
"Yes. I saved many dollars having a single meal today," he pointed out.

We both laughed. He is my Cheap Bastard, after all.

Are you here? I'm on my way

My guy called me twice today. It's our second conversation that makes me smile.

"Hey, are you checked in at the hotel?" he asked.
"Yes, I am," I replied, indicating the room number.
"Can I come over in fifteen minutes?" he asked.
"Sure. I'm eating. I should be finished by then," I said.
"That's okay. You can still eat while I am there," he replied.
"Okay. Where are you?" I asked him.
"I'm in my car, driving over to see you now," he stated.

He doesn't waste time, which made me laugh. It's an endearing quality that he has when he misses me a ton.

Good friends and calligraphy

On Saturday, I spent the day with a dear friend. It was good to catch up, shop, eat, and exchange Christmas presents.

We normally get together before Christmas. It didn't happen last year, so we did it yesterday instead. She got me a calligraphy set, which was wonderful, along with an R2-D2 Christmas ornament. I love them. She is an extremely thoughtful person.

I told her the story of our grade 8 art teacher asking my class who knew how to do calligraphy. A handful of my pears said my name. I was elected to print the names of each student graduating from grade 8. I did it with my good friend at the time. We had eight graduating classes to do, so we both took on four classes each of student names.

I wrote my own name on my graduation certificate. Perhaps I shouldn't have. Part of me felt that it didn't feel official doing so. I knew that it was, though.

My friend was impressed. I don't recall doing her certificate. We first met in grade 7, so I would have remembered such an important detail.

Even though we have been friends for ages, we still learn from each other. It's never a dull friendship. It's one that I truly appreciate and she does, too.

Belated birthday gift

My guy and I talked over the phone on Sunday for about forty minutes. He was out for a walk. I was eating dinner.

"I got you your replacement gift," he said, hinting at the fact that he gave me a nice bracelet, but it was too small.
"Nice! I can't wait to see you tomorrow," I replied.
"At least I'm giving it to you in the same month, which is a good sign," he noted.
"Yes. Last year, my birthday ended up being in late August. I didn't know whether to change my birth certificate," I joked.

He is thoughtful. He didn't have to get my a replacement gift, but he's sweet that way.

Ladybug luck

I was hungry. I was caught in rush-hour traffic. I had worked up an appetite and went through a fast-through drive-in to grab a quick bite to eat.

It was strange that, after placing my order, I was asked to drive around and come back. I looked behind me and there wasn't a car. However, after doing a lap around the restaurant, there was a car in front of me. It was odd to me. If my order wasn't ready, why not have me park in front of the restaurant and have someone hand me my food?

Anyway, I got my food and parked my car. With my car windows down, I ate.

Moments later, a ladybug landed on my lap. I wish that I had taken a photo, but I didn't have a chance. It stayed on me for five seconds and then left.

They say that ladybugs bring luck to you when they come visit you. I hope that this superstition is true. The bright red visitor made my day.

Eating my way through Friday and getting soaked in a downpour

I ate my way through Friday. Needless to say, I am pretty full right now!

At work, we have a special lunch at the beginning of each month. Those who have birthdays during that month get lunch paid for by the company. I end up expensing these lunches, although I have trained another writer to help me out.

We went to an East Indian restaurant. The food was good. However, it was strange that we all had to dip into a small, communal salad. It was definitely a different experience.

What I didn't like was that the server showed me an itemized list of what we had ordered on her iPad mini, which was the list of items that I would ultimately expense. However, when she printed out this itemized list, a gratuity was added. I noticed this after I had paid for our meals and included a tip. I ended up double-tipping. Ugh! So much for disclosing this detail...

After work, I decided to take part in a local ribfest. I haven't been for several years. It has changed venues. I got a ribs and chicken combo, with cornbread and baked beans as sides.

Unfortunately, I got caught in a downpour of rain. It was to the point where I had to take shelter in a restaurant. My entire front-facing self was soaked in rain. The backside of me was completely dry!

So, I waited in the lobby of this restaurant (I don't know what the name is, but I must thank the place for housing me and others) for forty minutes. I was going to eat my dinner at home. However, all this waiting made me hungry. It was a first for me to eat food that was not offered in the restaurant in said restaurant's lobby.

The food was delicious. When I noticed that the rain was easing and the sun was starting to break out, I headed out to my car. I was parked a couple of huge blocks away. I had to walk through a flooded part of the parking lot. Oh, joy!

There is never a dull moment in my life, especially when it comes to eating yummy food.

U is for under control #AtoZchallenge

I am on the quest to lower my blood pressure, reduce my stress, and eat better. It helps that I have supportive people around me.

On Tuesday, my free blood pressure monitor arrived. It is fancy. It even detects arrhythmia. The device is recommended by Hypertension Canada.

As crazy as it may seem, I enjoy taking my blood pressure. I relax and do the reading twice. So far, my blood pressure has been under control.

Trying to reduce stress is challenging. My stress is definitely work-related. I tend to put my instant messaging program in do-not-disturb mode these days. That way, folks can only contact me through e-mail. For my manager, he knows that I am online being in this status. If I could, I would log off completely. I have found that I am happier and definitely not as stressed when I take this approach.

I find that I feel obligated to respond to folks when they send me an instant message. I also get worked up when I am focused on something and I get inundated which such messages. They are a distraction. I get annoyed when folks send me an e-mail to ask me something, I respond, and then the person has the need to talk further on our instant messaging program. Ugh!

My guy is supportive. He keeps telling me that work is not important and to take it easy. I find that cuddling with him reduces my stress. Well, being with him always does.

My manager has been equally as supportive. The other day, he sent me a green drink blender recipe. Blending a green apple, celery stalks, green pepper, spinach, and cucumber helped his brother lower his blood pressure. After work on Friday, I went to the grocery store to prepare. I will give it a whirl (literally) using my fancy blender tomorrow. Here's to healthy green drinks!

Pet fish and fish fry

My guy called me twice on Saturday. The first call was on his way to teaching his course, which was expected, except that he was half an hour early.

We talked about my recent trips to the pet store to get a new aquarium for Bubbles, one of my two betta fish. His tank is twice the size as his original one and comes with a filter, which the first one didn't have. It also has a fancy lighting system.

Somehow, we got into talking about fish and lunch. I was also driving, but was looking for a restaurant to stop by.

"I need to find a place to have lunch," I replied.
"Don't go to your fish store and have them fry some for you," he teased.
"Um, no. That would be bad if there were a fish and chips store next to it," I replied.

My guy called me after his course. I can always tell when he misses me when he needs to call me more than once in a day.

"I just came back from grocery shopping at a middle eastern store," he replied.
"That's good. I should stop by there sometime," I replied.
"You'd like shopping there. The place has fish. You can ask them to fry it for you," he stated.

My guy was being serious. What he didn't know until I told him was that I was feeding Coolio, my other betta fish, when we were talking. I had my guy on speakerphone.

It's a good thing that fish can't understand our conversation. They wouldn't have liked what we had talked about!