When I took this quiz last year, I was Marianne Dashwood, which came as a bit of a surprise. And because I'm procrastinating, I decided to take it again, just for kicks because it came up in LinkWithin. This time around, I'm Elinor:
"You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see."
Sunday, May 31, 2009
WIP: Balcony
The furniture I purchased last Friday for my balcony was delivered late this past Friday afternoon and here's what it looks like all set up:
I purposely didn't get a corner piece for the end because I wanted the side of the sectional closest to the door to be open. Also, my balcony is very wide - the sectional covers less then half of it - and I'm thinking of placing a bistro set on the other half. If my outdoor room's crowded with people, I like the option of being able to seat 4 (or 5 if super-cozy) rather than just 3 because of the arm at the end.
In an effort to finish the room, I spent this afternoon at HomeSense looking for the perfect garden drum stool. I first saw their great collection a couple weeks ago and came away with a simple one in metallic gunmetal grey to complement the metal finish of the sectional. I spied some gorgeous embellished stools in green but they didn't go with the contemporary lines of the sectional, nor the soft blue of the cushions. Oh well...
Thanks to all the nearby construction, the wind's kicked up an amazing amount of dust so I made another stop at Canadian Tire to pick up a storage bench to pack some of the cushions in when they're not in use, and a vinyl cover to protect the rest. This will save me from having to wipe things down each and every time I want to use it, which would certainly drive me nuts.
Next week, I'm thinking it's time to plant the assorted ranunculus bulbs I brought back from Amsterdam. I've been keeping my eyes open for the perfect planter box(es) but haven't quite found what it is I'm looking for. Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be successful next week!
I purposely didn't get a corner piece for the end because I wanted the side of the sectional closest to the door to be open. Also, my balcony is very wide - the sectional covers less then half of it - and I'm thinking of placing a bistro set on the other half. If my outdoor room's crowded with people, I like the option of being able to seat 4 (or 5 if super-cozy) rather than just 3 because of the arm at the end.In an effort to finish the room, I spent this afternoon at HomeSense looking for the perfect garden drum stool. I first saw their great collection a couple weeks ago and came away with a simple one in metallic gunmetal grey to complement the metal finish of the sectional. I spied some gorgeous embellished stools in green but they didn't go with the contemporary lines of the sectional, nor the soft blue of the cushions. Oh well...
Thanks to all the nearby construction, the wind's kicked up an amazing amount of dust so I made another stop at Canadian Tire to pick up a storage bench to pack some of the cushions in when they're not in use, and a vinyl cover to protect the rest. This will save me from having to wipe things down each and every time I want to use it, which would certainly drive me nuts.
Next week, I'm thinking it's time to plant the assorted ranunculus bulbs I brought back from Amsterdam. I've been keeping my eyes open for the perfect planter box(es) but haven't quite found what it is I'm looking for. Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be successful next week!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
LOVE
I came across this pendant thanks to Holly over at decor8 and think it'll be perfect hanging over my dining table. The shape and look reminds me of a dandelion, which would reference the design of the lamp in my living area. Oh when oh when will the new Ikea PS collection be available in Canada???
Friday, May 22, 2009
Lounging in Monaco
Summer hours started for me today and I spent part of my half day at Canadian Tire where I finally pulled the trigger on some outdoor furniture for my balcony. Behold, the Monaco Collection:
Never mind the numbers on the image - I couldn't find one without them - isn't it pretty? It's fairly comfortable too and this is precisely the configuration I bought except that I got 2 armless middle chairs and just one corner piece as opposed to vice versa in the photo. I didn't get the matching table - I'm thinking garden drum stools instead...and maybe a little bistro set in a similar soft blue I saw at HomeSense a couple weeks ago...assuming it's still there.
The Bay/Dundas location offers free delivery for orders over $100 so I'm just waiting now for the call to arrange a time. Maybe it'll arrive in time so that I can serve brunch for a couple of my girlfriends out there next Saturday....and ooh! sangria parties! :)
Never mind the numbers on the image - I couldn't find one without them - isn't it pretty? It's fairly comfortable too and this is precisely the configuration I bought except that I got 2 armless middle chairs and just one corner piece as opposed to vice versa in the photo. I didn't get the matching table - I'm thinking garden drum stools instead...and maybe a little bistro set in a similar soft blue I saw at HomeSense a couple weeks ago...assuming it's still there. The Bay/Dundas location offers free delivery for orders over $100 so I'm just waiting now for the call to arrange a time. Maybe it'll arrive in time so that I can serve brunch for a couple of my girlfriends out there next Saturday....and ooh! sangria parties! :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
In need of some ME time
It was a long weekend here and as it happened, it turned out to be far busier than I had planned. I kicked it off with dinner and a movie with the neighbour, let's call him P. We went to see Wolverine which was what you would expect of an action film - plus Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds were yummy.
I hosted a brunch on Saturday with a group of friends, some of whom I haven't seen in almost a year! There were 8 of us crowded around my Ikea Docksta(!), catching up over waffles with blueberry syrup and the tastiest egg strada made by G's wife, E. I had a few hours to chill before heading over to my neighbour's 3 doors down for a BBQ (incidentally, in the 9 months I've lived here, I've never met him...I think I might have bumped into him once when I took my garbage out).
P had invited me to the BBQ Wednesday night and I was a little uneasy about going, not knowing what he had said so I was non-commital. When he asked me again on our way out for dinner Friday, I joked about how I grew up in the suburbs where we don't talk to our neighbours, to which he replied that he grew up in the 'burbs too and knowing your neighbours isn't so bad. When I finally asked how the invitation played out, he said he hadn't told him anything, so I decided maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. I'm glad I went. I have some really cool neighbours - some really good looking neighbours. :) P came by to pick me up around 6 and we walked over together. The food was fantastic and the alcohol was flowing. I did not get home until 3:30 and took a drunken shower before falling into bed around 4.
I had promised to meet my mother for dim sum Sunday so got up around 9. I had stupidly not taken any preventative measures like drinking tons of water or taking a few ibuprofens before bed so had a terrible headache and still felt drunk. Dumb dumb dumb. I had to take a nap at my mom's before coming back downtown and after my bath, napped some more, before P called to confirm that I was going to our other neighbour's BBQ. I didn't stay as late this time - I was done by midnight but it was still a great time.
I will admit that I'm very glad that I've gotten to know my neighbours...but at the same time, I'm mentally exhausted. Today, I just wanted to stay home and not talk to anyone or see anyone. But I had committed to meeting R today at his place to see the walls he'd painted in the colours I had helped him pick out (they looked great!) and then to see Star Trek on IMAX. So off I went.
This weekend's flurry of social activity and my subsequent fatigue reminded me an article I'd come across awhile back called Caring for Your Introvert. Some of it is rather tongue-in-cheek but I totally identified with the idea of needing to recharge "after an hour or two of being socially "on," ...This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating." In a related aside, I re-took the MBTI here and after being resolutely ISTJ for as long as I can remember, I was surprised to discover last week that I am now an ISFJ! Granted, the F is only mildly expressed but still! How and when did that happen!? I'm going to sign off now and ponder it for a bit.
Good night!
I hosted a brunch on Saturday with a group of friends, some of whom I haven't seen in almost a year! There were 8 of us crowded around my Ikea Docksta(!), catching up over waffles with blueberry syrup and the tastiest egg strada made by G's wife, E. I had a few hours to chill before heading over to my neighbour's 3 doors down for a BBQ (incidentally, in the 9 months I've lived here, I've never met him...I think I might have bumped into him once when I took my garbage out).
P had invited me to the BBQ Wednesday night and I was a little uneasy about going, not knowing what he had said so I was non-commital. When he asked me again on our way out for dinner Friday, I joked about how I grew up in the suburbs where we don't talk to our neighbours, to which he replied that he grew up in the 'burbs too and knowing your neighbours isn't so bad. When I finally asked how the invitation played out, he said he hadn't told him anything, so I decided maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. I'm glad I went. I have some really cool neighbours - some really good looking neighbours. :) P came by to pick me up around 6 and we walked over together. The food was fantastic and the alcohol was flowing. I did not get home until 3:30 and took a drunken shower before falling into bed around 4.
I had promised to meet my mother for dim sum Sunday so got up around 9. I had stupidly not taken any preventative measures like drinking tons of water or taking a few ibuprofens before bed so had a terrible headache and still felt drunk. Dumb dumb dumb. I had to take a nap at my mom's before coming back downtown and after my bath, napped some more, before P called to confirm that I was going to our other neighbour's BBQ. I didn't stay as late this time - I was done by midnight but it was still a great time.
I will admit that I'm very glad that I've gotten to know my neighbours...but at the same time, I'm mentally exhausted. Today, I just wanted to stay home and not talk to anyone or see anyone. But I had committed to meeting R today at his place to see the walls he'd painted in the colours I had helped him pick out (they looked great!) and then to see Star Trek on IMAX. So off I went.
This weekend's flurry of social activity and my subsequent fatigue reminded me an article I'd come across awhile back called Caring for Your Introvert. Some of it is rather tongue-in-cheek but I totally identified with the idea of needing to recharge "after an hour or two of being socially "on," ...This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating." In a related aside, I re-took the MBTI here and after being resolutely ISTJ for as long as I can remember, I was surprised to discover last week that I am now an ISFJ! Granted, the F is only mildly expressed but still! How and when did that happen!? I'm going to sign off now and ponder it for a bit.
Good night!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Bold & Patterned
I stopped by the Homesense at Warden and Eglinton on my way home this afternoon just for a look-see and found some fantastic stuff for outdoors including some very affordable 3-piece bistro sets and awesome garden drum stools. I was very tempted to pick up a few of the latter for my balcony but I'm not quite sure on the height of the Ikea outdoor sectional I've been mulling over:
It won't be in this configuration - my balcony isn't this deep...but it's definitely an affordable option...
I did not leave empty-handed though! Looky here:
Can you tell that I was feeling bold patterns today? The 2 storage boxes are perfect for the Expedit in my den and I've always loved that trellis pattern. As for the giraffe print organizer? I have no explanation. I just couldn't resist.
It won't be in this configuration - my balcony isn't this deep...but it's definitely an affordable option...I did not leave empty-handed though! Looky here:
Can you tell that I was feeling bold patterns today? The 2 storage boxes are perfect for the Expedit in my den and I've always loved that trellis pattern. As for the giraffe print organizer? I have no explanation. I just couldn't resist.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Lucky Me
The weather was perfect for a 10K run, which is how I spent my morning. I didn't beat last year's time as was my original goal, which was OK by me. I ran it without stopping to walk (except for the few steps at the 4K mark for Gatorade and water) and even had enough juice at the end to pick up the speed for my finish.
After showering, I headed out for brunch on the Czehoski patio and ordered steak and eggs for the first time. I ran on an empty stomach so was famished. A few bites in, I heard a big plop! A bird had shat above and it landed smack dab onto my steak. I couldn't help but laugh at my luck. The waitress kindly took it away and the chef offered to make me something else, so I opted for the french toast. When it arrived, I ate it promptly, partly because I was so hungry, but also to avoid a redux.
My next scheduled event is the Acura Toronto 10-Miler at The Distillery on July 19. My tentative goal is to work up to the Waterfront Half at the end of September...depending on how I feel after running the 10 Miler which is the equivalent of 16K, I'll register for the half...ambitious? Perhaps. But we all need something to work towards, right?
Meanwhile, the jackpot for this Wednesday's Lotto 649 draw is a modest $9MM and I'm hoping I have the winning ticket.
After showering, I headed out for brunch on the Czehoski patio and ordered steak and eggs for the first time. I ran on an empty stomach so was famished. A few bites in, I heard a big plop! A bird had shat above and it landed smack dab onto my steak. I couldn't help but laugh at my luck. The waitress kindly took it away and the chef offered to make me something else, so I opted for the french toast. When it arrived, I ate it promptly, partly because I was so hungry, but also to avoid a redux.
My next scheduled event is the Acura Toronto 10-Miler at The Distillery on July 19. My tentative goal is to work up to the Waterfront Half at the end of September...depending on how I feel after running the 10 Miler which is the equivalent of 16K, I'll register for the half...ambitious? Perhaps. But we all need something to work towards, right?
Meanwhile, the jackpot for this Wednesday's Lotto 649 draw is a modest $9MM and I'm hoping I have the winning ticket.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
New Frames!
My key fob issue was resolved this morning. Apparently there was a typo in the system so I guess they entered in the wrong ID for my fob, which is why it wasn't registering. So I was able to meet my Mom for dim sum this morning afterall! She arrived back a couple days after me from 6 weeks in HK so we got caught up on each other's trips over shui mai and shrimp rolls.
I was looking for Koali frames after seeing R's fiance's gorgeous Trumpet Creeper style a couple months ago and found this style in one of the many optical shops at Pacific Mall:
I love the swirly details on the frame and they're actually pretty light. I balked at the original price but the shop was having a 50% off sale this weekend on everything in store so I decided to get them in the end. I just have to get my eyes examined now.
I was looking for Koali frames after seeing R's fiance's gorgeous Trumpet Creeper style a couple months ago and found this style in one of the many optical shops at Pacific Mall:
I love the swirly details on the frame and they're actually pretty light. I balked at the original price but the shop was having a 50% off sale this weekend on everything in store so I decided to get them in the end. I just have to get my eyes examined now.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Prisoner in my own home
So you know how I'd written earlier about the change in the security system in my building which would require a new key fob? Well, after submitting all my paperwork and being told that everything would be ready come the change, I was locked out yesterday and had to follow someone in. I spoke to my super who said he'd fix it right away but I wasn't convinced (he's not very competent) and checked on the way out this morning. And guess what? It didn't work. So I called again and he said he'd fix it again...but when I got home today it STILL DIDN'T WORK. So again, I had to follow someone in, who, technically, shouldn't have let me into the building. My super's conveniently off-duty this weekend so I called the after-hours answer service who told me that someone would get in touch with me. That was almost an hour ago.
I left a voicemail for my building manager (another winner), posted a message on my building's facebook page to see if anyone else had problems (though it seems not) and emailed my Board. And now I wait. I had plans to go out for a final run before the 10K on Sunday but now I can't leave. So I'm pissed. To say the least.
I left a voicemail for my building manager (another winner), posted a message on my building's facebook page to see if anyone else had problems (though it seems not) and emailed my Board. And now I wait. I had plans to go out for a final run before the 10K on Sunday but now I can't leave. So I'm pissed. To say the least.
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