busy is as busy does

Brother Dave is the only committed Blogger. This becomes apparent to me as I search to see what the sibs are up to. Rachel is obviously way too busy these days. Me? Just not putting the priority on it. I moved back to the city, have one of the sisters a block away, a longer commute to work and am enjoying being in my new place...not sitting at the computer in my new place.

The couch I ordered has arrived and I just need to organise delivery. Once I have that in place it is just the matter of the real bed I ordered. They said 6-8 weeks but I am thinking it will be mid-Feb before I get a call on that one and I ordered at the beginning of December.

I have started a facial routine, kept to my New Year's resolution to eat more fruits and vegetables, and I have my third visit with the financial planner at the end of the month. Really getting my house in order.

The even numbered Christmas - Part 2

Margo and I decided to take all of the hugs that would have been given to other aunts and uncles if they had been able to come to Grand Forks. Much of the visit was spent asking K and K for hugs or just randomly picking them up and taking the hugs.

FYI young Kohei is in that aggressive boy stage where he likes to fight and punch but he still offers a good hug. In the morning you don't even have to ask...just open your arms.

Kiyomi does the jump hug where she runs into your arms, gives you hugs and then does a Mary Lou Retton back flip off you. She really showcases how coordinated she is becoming in the skating video that I am attempting to post but is way too long since I was stunned watching her amazing skating and forgot to stop the camera.

Will try to edit it somehow and show a bit on the blog.


Big K is still into doing hair but as you can see, the Aunties aren't always supportive of that game.
Kohei is working on the over smile and I have Kiyomi reminding him as well. It is still so cute.

Margo is chasing Kohei on a hard icy surface. Don't worry; he puts a helmet on in a few minutes.There are some great photos of the kids sledding but they are on Mum's camera. I plan to try and get them tomorrow when I am over there for brunch.

The 2.5 days went by way too fast. It was a decadent Christmas of hugs, way too much good food (thanks to Dave and Sachon) and a lot of hanging out doing nothing, watching Harry Potter movies and enjoying the great company. We even watched Max Dugan Returns for old times sake. A great Christmas; I came home relaxed and stuffed from too much food.

The even numbered Christmas - Part 1

This picture sums up the last three days. Total excess along with a lot of laughs. The niece and nephew could not have been cuter and the hospitality by the Grand Fork Dunnets was outstanding.

Margo and I closed our eyes and crossed our fingers as we sat in the back of the Pathfinder while Mom did some heroic driving to get us out of the city. I couldn't look outside as it just stressed me out too much. Once we passed Hope (ironically) all was good. It was bit chilly; we all had blankets tucked between ourselves and the doors to try and keep the wind out, at one stop we took the ice scraper...the the inside of the windows. But we arrived in one piece and were greeted with hugs and enthusiasm about the days to come.

Big K and little K pulled out their A game to make us feel welcome and loved. Dave broke out the beers to get some Christmas cheer going and we settled into a Christmas eve of tourtiere and the third Harry Potter movie. The kids kept looking at us and whispering loudly 'Santa is coming!'

Totally brought me back to my youth. They also wanted to open a present...now.

Dave told me that in Sachon's wisdom they decided not to put the gifts out until that morning or it might drive the kids crazy. Very smart.

The adults settled in to watch Scrooged (so good!) and the kids went to bed so that Santa could arrive.

I think this was one of the first years I got to steal a lot of bacon off the turkey. This 28.5lb bird was cooked to perfection and there was more than enough to go around. With only the even numbered birth order children in attendance (plus two spouses and two kids) I had to step it up and have two plates to make a small dent in the feast. It was the traditional Dunnet Christmas dinner right down to the bread sauce and turnips. This was my first year of really enjoying the brussel sprouts.

Kiyomi doesn't have black eyes. Santa brought her eye makeup.

31 is awkward

We opened the champagne at 8:20pm and most people didn't arrive until 9:30 or so. This is my excuse for the fact that there are so few photos. The cupcakes were salvaged although the icing job was not 'our' best. R helped while I got ready for the party.

It seemed like everyone had a good time although I admit to being a little fuzzy on details after 10pm. Notice the nice photo with Renee and then me looking shiny and blotchy with the sisters about 2 hours later. I think that might have been when R started slurring.

Party wrapped at midnight (a sign we are getting old OR that people were scared of returning home in the ridiculous weather) and it was great to see a mix of family, work friends and the rowing peeps all mingling in my new place.

I have to agree with Rachel; I enjoyed turning 30 and 31 seems like and awkward and old age. Ugh.

Other than the party other highlights included; reflexology at Big Feet (first time for R and Grud), wicked lunch at Quattro and having Kohei sing happy birthday to me over the phone. Those kids are way too cute. Loving the video of Kiyomi spinning Kohei on a wakeboard on the homemade ice rink.

busy bee

I decided to take this off-line but thought I would share again since it is the holiday season. Been too busy to post since I spent the last two weeks of November packing, then I moved, then I was sick for two weeks. But I am back. And on vacation since last Thursday. Feels good. And, as you can see by the photos from my new apartment, the snow is falling like crazy here. Really adding the winter vacation feel.

R and I were going to buy snowshoes but the roads are too treacherous to go anywhere and snowshoe. And I checked Canadian Tire and the snowshoe sales is over. I am sure it will happen again soon so I will keep my eyes peeled.

Settling in to the new place and even had my first social gathering at it on Friday. I think the lack of furniture almost helped make space for dozen people to gather in my 700 sq ft apartment. Only seating for 7 people so there was a lot of standing. Really impressed that people braved the chilly conditions to come wish me a happy birthday. Felt loved.

Next up is driving to GF on Wednesday. Slightly concerned that the weather will not make for a fun road trip. I fully expect Mum to totally over pack and Margo and I be forced to sit amongst presents and sewing machines in the backseat for 8 hours. I am sure it will all be fine. Maybe a few 'road pops' to keep it relaxed. Or some Gravol.

I go back to work on January 5th so I am officially on day 3 of vacation. It is almost 3pm and I am still in my pjs and have not been to the gym which is only 11 floors away.

Been up since 7:30am just relaxing, watching movies, tidying and rearranging items in my apartment. Have a stack of DVDs borrowed from R and C and there is always pay per view if I run through them. I have figured out how to not even have to go outside to get the IGA and Homesense that are around the corner from my building. Does it get any better? The forced air heating (and air conditioning in the summer!) are keeping the place toasty but I sure could do with a rug on the hardwoods and then tiled den. Maybe in the new year.

Peace out.

Purple and gold

I am officially a member of the UW Husky Hall of Fame. Weekend went something like this:

Reception and induction ceremony. We received the purple blazers, Kim was my date and we each got 2 free drinks, dinner, and a glass of champagne. I didn't realise it was going to be a big deal until I got there. They had set up the entire floor of the basketball arena for the reception. Warren Moon was there. Other rowers had purchased an entire table so their family could be there with them. They brought their kids to be part of the moment. I was expecting more of a small dog and pony show with cheap lasagna and a cash bar. There were 2 large video screens so you could see the speakers from any seat. We were served at our tables and our water glasses refilled frequently. It was legit. We toured the hall of fame after and took photos of ourselves next to the hall of fame photos of us rowing.

The next day we went to a Turkey Fry at Kim's sister's place. There was a fried turkey and another one that was smoked. Tasty food, good company but way too many dogs. Everyone brought their dog and in total I think there was 7 at one point. Not being a big fan of them my nerves were a bit frayed at the end of the event.

From the Turkey Fry we went to the indoor tailgate party at the UW indoor arena. We had to walk through all the outdoor tailgate parties in the parking lot to get there. It was amazing. Chris said it looked like a refugee camp with beer and barbecues. Purple and gold tents everywhere. Barbecues. RVs. Beer. And it was dark out and there were ridiculous line ups for the porta potties. I managed to find some work friends in among the thousands of people. They were tailgating with some UCLA fans and I showed off my purple blazer and then bolted for the indoor tailgate. The indoor tailgate was free booze and cheap lasagna. The Husky band warmed up inside and it was loud.

Next was the game and our recognition on the field at half-time. Rachel, Denni and I boldly made a break for the Husky helmet car at the other end of the field and took photos.

Drove home after half-time and got in late. Hung my blazer up this morning. Totally going to wear it again. It was an awesome embrodered UW Hall of Fame emblem and the tag says it is from the 'Blazerdepot.com'. We were all immediately mocking them for the fact that the sleeves are super short. But 3/4 length is totally in.

watch the wasabi

Had a great evening with the Grand Forks Dunnets. I learned a few things; kids don't like wasabi and when the person at the sushi places asks if you want wasabi with your rolls they are asking if you want the wasabi in roll and not just on the side. They also don't like medium salsa or salmon or tuna rolls (although they will eat salmon at other times). They do enjoy tortilla chips even if there is no salsa with them. Pot of Gold chocolates are also a big hit (both with the kids and the host). The lovely meal of sushi, salad and tortilla chips was topped off with a wicked lemon meringue pie that Sachon brought. I can't remember the last time I had lemon meringue pie. Tasty.

K and K were great, as usual, and when they became too distracting and I wanted to talk with Dave and Sayoko all I had to do was ask Dave to put the TV on to the kids channel. Ironically they watched Dora the Explorer. Tried to send them home with the leftover, pie, chocolates and vegetables they brought but they 'claimed' that they couldn't take them because they couldn't refrigerate them and already had a ton of Halloween candy at home. I think it might just have been the Japanese hospitality that made them refuse but can't be sure.

Someone asked me today what hobbies I have and it stumped me. I realised after this evening that spending time with friends and family could be a hobby since I sure do enjoy it.

For the other Aunts; Kiyomi asked a number of times about where the rest of her aunts were and seemed a bit disappointed when she realised it was just going to be me. We told her you were; in Prince George, Montreal, Chicago and at a housewarming.

FYI Kiyomi is great at the self-portrait. I like to think she gets that from me.