So apparently it rains pretty frequently here. How did Seattle manage to keep such a big secret? I met someone that Tiemus works with the other day. He said people in Seattle don't tan, they rust. Today Tiemus only worked like four or five hours or something so it was kinda nice to have him around. Tonight we're supposed to go bowling (like real 10 pin bowling) so that should be entertaining for everyone else.
This evening I baked some chicken breast in sweet and spicy barbecue sauce and I baked some cauliflower in garlic salt, butter, and pepper and I made pasta with baby spinach and oven roasted tomatoes and feta. It was delicious and I made enough for the five or six people around here. I was a very good lady.
Tomorrow we are going to a french bistro with Tiemus' parents to celebrate his dad's 60th birthday!
Happy early Canada day!
Love you!
Amanda
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Friday, 29 June 2012
Odds and Ends
A few boring details to keep you going .... like, did you know after having your wisdom teeth removed, little shards of your teeth will slowly work their way toward your gum and cause you icky pain until you rip them out? Lovely, isn't it?
So I am a tad cranky today, but at least I'm being somewhat productive. I woke up, got dressed, did all of last night's dishes plus the ones Mike dirtied today. I then read about Obama's health care thing more thoroughly and read the latest news on Robb Ford, the mayor everyone loves to hate (of Toronto). I played on facebook for an obscenely long time and then I got dressed and did the uphill trek to the store. I decided I was not doing laundry without dryer sheets because I do not live in a third world country and dryer sheets are not a huge expense. I cursed as I climbed the ridiculous hill (the top is marked by this children's toy plastic turtle holding an American flag -- I call him Franklin). I used muscles I forgot I had and might I remind you I was once a tap dancer. And when I got to the store I bought six bottles of beer and walked them all the way home, assuming this would be a nice additional bit of exercise. Now for those of you who aren't already aware, when I workout at home I sometimes use Julie's videos with the happy, thin women that try to push you a little further. There is one that actually quietly mocks you. She's like "work that six pack. I know you don't have one now but you will" and she's SO condescending. It makes it really easy to call her dirty names as I do the things she tells me to do. Anyway, so I am walking home, the "downhill" half is the way home, only it's just less uphill. I don't even know how they do it, make a road uphill both ways, but my god they do. And I'm telling myself just one more stupid hill and all i want is for that condescending workout woman to be there so I could yell at her for making me do this. Turns out the only person I can yell at is me.
Anyway, I am now doing laundry (I should have grabbed more quarters .. laundry machines that only take quarters, rather than loonies and quarters, suck bunches).
I plan to bake some chicken and make some salad for dinner. For all of you going out of town for the long weekend, have a good one and enjoy the Canadian beer!
Love,
Amanda
So I am a tad cranky today, but at least I'm being somewhat productive. I woke up, got dressed, did all of last night's dishes plus the ones Mike dirtied today. I then read about Obama's health care thing more thoroughly and read the latest news on Robb Ford, the mayor everyone loves to hate (of Toronto). I played on facebook for an obscenely long time and then I got dressed and did the uphill trek to the store. I decided I was not doing laundry without dryer sheets because I do not live in a third world country and dryer sheets are not a huge expense. I cursed as I climbed the ridiculous hill (the top is marked by this children's toy plastic turtle holding an American flag -- I call him Franklin). I used muscles I forgot I had and might I remind you I was once a tap dancer. And when I got to the store I bought six bottles of beer and walked them all the way home, assuming this would be a nice additional bit of exercise. Now for those of you who aren't already aware, when I workout at home I sometimes use Julie's videos with the happy, thin women that try to push you a little further. There is one that actually quietly mocks you. She's like "work that six pack. I know you don't have one now but you will" and she's SO condescending. It makes it really easy to call her dirty names as I do the things she tells me to do. Anyway, so I am walking home, the "downhill" half is the way home, only it's just less uphill. I don't even know how they do it, make a road uphill both ways, but my god they do. And I'm telling myself just one more stupid hill and all i want is for that condescending workout woman to be there so I could yell at her for making me do this. Turns out the only person I can yell at is me.
Anyway, I am now doing laundry (I should have grabbed more quarters .. laundry machines that only take quarters, rather than loonies and quarters, suck bunches).
I plan to bake some chicken and make some salad for dinner. For all of you going out of town for the long weekend, have a good one and enjoy the Canadian beer!
Love,
Amanda
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Greetings, Canada, this just in...
... Obama wants his universal healthcare plan whether it hurts him politically or not. So I read a lot of news and what I gather from his plans is that people who do not have healthcare through work or otherwise privately must get it through the government or face a fine, essentially making it illegal to be healthcare-less. I imagine the government healthcare has some sort of deductible you must pay into (though I am also sure the government will end up absorbing costs with taxpayer money since many private plans won't take people with pre-existing conditions and stuff and so its essentially funded based on taxation but I bet that's also a secret because the American public seems to react badly when it comes to increased taxation). Anyhow, this went through the supreme court and this one fundamental thing in his plan was upheld. He did this thing but it does not jive with popular opinion -- and that's your American news for the day.
Moving on, yesterday I walked to Rite Aid and the grocery store and the bank (all at the same intersection but still impressive) and I got hairspray, popsicles, and quarters for laundry. It was a very exciting outing and I didn't get lost once. I'd say it's about a twenty minute walk but its pretty rough on my calves because no matter which way you walk in Seattle, its effing uphill.
I actually left here yesterday with my iPod listening to random music on shuffle. I'd be walking down the street to some Sam Roberts and it was almost like I was at home and then the song changed to Little Pink Houses and I'm walking down the street quietly bobbing my head, almost singing "well ain't that America... something to see" when I look up at this huge house with a muscle car in driveway, a huge tree with a swing hanging from it in the front yard, and massive American flag hanging off the house and suddenly I realized I wasn't in Kansas anymore. Then I forgot again about the serious change in geography and climbed this hill that I'm sure most people from here wouldn't even think twice about but was exhausting. When I got to the top of said hill, way off in the distance was the mountain with snow patches at the top that just screamed "slap me on a postcard, dammit."
Today I went to meet Tiemus for lunch. Much less uphill walking and much harder to get lost (its a straight line from his place) and yet I managed to get a little turned around. I thought I had passed where I was going when I hadn't gone far enough but I figured it out okay. It's weird walking down Lake City Way (which is a pretty major street/'way') because there is all kinds of big business like car lots and such but there are also large patches of crazy tall trees and overgrowth and such and you know that like 50 feet away, behind the big trees, is yet another road but still its like a cross between walking down the side of a highway and walking through a provincial park. It's also freakishly clean for a city, though I realize I was in no way walking downtown. It was a pretty normal walk except when I walked passed the Discount Gun Store (the DGS to those in the know). That was very weird to say the least.
I met some of the people that Tiemus works with and it's pretty cute how excited he is to introduce me to them. We had lunch at a little pub, and it was all hormone free and organic and delicious. I love pretending my cheeseburger is good for me!
I have not cleaned at all today but I think tomorrow is laundry day simply because Tiemus is working like 11 hours or something obnoxious so it'll be good to have some busy-work. Tonights dinner, chicken and fries or chicken and fries and corn. Can one serve fries AND corn with their food. I think so! It's hard portioning out food for people who eat like twice what I eat. I guess this is how the tall people live (I promised Mike I would cook for him too so I really have to be generous with my portioning tonight).
I love and miss you all. We're going to need to start setting up skype dates sometime soon!
*waves*
Amanda
Moving on, yesterday I walked to Rite Aid and the grocery store and the bank (all at the same intersection but still impressive) and I got hairspray, popsicles, and quarters for laundry. It was a very exciting outing and I didn't get lost once. I'd say it's about a twenty minute walk but its pretty rough on my calves because no matter which way you walk in Seattle, its effing uphill.
I actually left here yesterday with my iPod listening to random music on shuffle. I'd be walking down the street to some Sam Roberts and it was almost like I was at home and then the song changed to Little Pink Houses and I'm walking down the street quietly bobbing my head, almost singing "well ain't that America... something to see" when I look up at this huge house with a muscle car in driveway, a huge tree with a swing hanging from it in the front yard, and massive American flag hanging off the house and suddenly I realized I wasn't in Kansas anymore. Then I forgot again about the serious change in geography and climbed this hill that I'm sure most people from here wouldn't even think twice about but was exhausting. When I got to the top of said hill, way off in the distance was the mountain with snow patches at the top that just screamed "slap me on a postcard, dammit."
Today I went to meet Tiemus for lunch. Much less uphill walking and much harder to get lost (its a straight line from his place) and yet I managed to get a little turned around. I thought I had passed where I was going when I hadn't gone far enough but I figured it out okay. It's weird walking down Lake City Way (which is a pretty major street/'way') because there is all kinds of big business like car lots and such but there are also large patches of crazy tall trees and overgrowth and such and you know that like 50 feet away, behind the big trees, is yet another road but still its like a cross between walking down the side of a highway and walking through a provincial park. It's also freakishly clean for a city, though I realize I was in no way walking downtown. It was a pretty normal walk except when I walked passed the Discount Gun Store (the DGS to those in the know). That was very weird to say the least.
I met some of the people that Tiemus works with and it's pretty cute how excited he is to introduce me to them. We had lunch at a little pub, and it was all hormone free and organic and delicious. I love pretending my cheeseburger is good for me!
I have not cleaned at all today but I think tomorrow is laundry day simply because Tiemus is working like 11 hours or something obnoxious so it'll be good to have some busy-work. Tonights dinner, chicken and fries or chicken and fries and corn. Can one serve fries AND corn with their food. I think so! It's hard portioning out food for people who eat like twice what I eat. I guess this is how the tall people live (I promised Mike I would cook for him too so I really have to be generous with my portioning tonight).
I love and miss you all. We're going to need to start setting up skype dates sometime soon!
*waves*
Amanda
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Brave :D
So yesterday I was going to go on my first city adventure of this visit and walk about and locate a grocery store and a pharmacy and all that jazz (I've done this in Tiemus' neighbourhood before in the past but me and directional sense aren't the best of friends). That being said it was rainy yesterday and no way I wanted to walk about in the rain. Just no desire so instead I vacuumed and dusted and did the daily dishes and made super tasty grilled cheese and salad for dinner. Then Tiemus got home and we went to Cinebarre.
I know I have gone on and on about Cinebarre before, but it's a super cool place. On Tuesday nights they have 5 dollar movies and you go and you sit at your seat (you need to show ID to get in) and you order beverages that may or may not be alcoholic and there are snacks and its crazy overpriced. We go with the intention of not spending money on alcohol when we have cheap beer in the fridge but we can't resist having a milkshake instead. Mine was the best strawberry milkshake of life. Then we watch Brave -- the best film I've seen in a long time and it was by Disney. Clearly I've been watching the wrong genres or something. Anyway, so I am sitting in this theatre, drinking my milkshake when I realize that this Disney movie is sold out to a group of people that are 21 years of age or older. It was nifty. Afterward we played some pool and hung out but by then I was exhausted.
Now I understand Tiemus has been exhausted all week. He's been waking up in the morning and going to work and demolishing stuff (they're renovating one of the hardware stores). But I have been super lazy. I go to bed when he goes to bed. I wake up eighty times when his alarm goes off. I get up and while hes in the shower I make him sandwiches. He leaves, I go back to bed. Today I got up at 12:30 just wiped and I know that I usually snap out of it for a few hours in the afternoon and 6 or 7 rolls around and I am ready for bed again!
If you walk around this apartment it is clear that the cleaning fairy has been here but it's only Wednesday so I might have to bake something or find a really awful chore like cleaning the fridge or the stove or something. Even right now I am procrastinating getting up and doing things. Why does Wednesday feel like a Monday?
Anyhow, I miss you all!
Amanda
Monday, 25 June 2012
Adventures, adventures, adventures!
Holy Man!
Last night, Tiemus, Torin and I went to pick up Mike who was downtown for pride (Torin lives in the building and is a friend, for all of you keeping track). We get about two or three blocks away when we start to hear this sound and the car is shaking. Then it is getting worse so we pull into 7 Eleven to check it out and grab some delicious slurpees. The car has a flat. Not pretty, to say the least.
So Tiemus and Torin go about doing man things. They pull out the spare tire and they have this little jack and they venture into the land of tire changers and I smile as people walk by. Well when they jack up the car it starts to roll back a bit so they unjack the car, look for something to put behind the tires, find nothing, sit me in the front seat to hold down the break pedal (see, I am useful) and rejack up the car. They get the lugnuts off. I believe that's what they are but I am no expert. they try to pull the tire off and there is a magical BMW specific lock to prevent people from running around and stealing tires. I didn't even consider that tire-stealing was a thing. Anyway, there is this magical BMW specific tool necessary for unlocking said lock and getting the tire off easily. People mill about the 7 Eleven and look at us and smile and assume we're fine and don't offer anything and then suddenly, up drives another BMW. They have their BMW specific tool (Mikes car doesn't have a bunch of things because he bought it used) but it's a newer edition and the tool doesn't fit our tire. We finally give up and call roadside assistance. So we're hanging out, waiting for this guy. He shows up in this crazy and colourful van that says all kinds of things about lock-undoing. He asks a few questions, asks what the problem is. Then he pulls out this like rubber mallet and whacks the tire a bunch of times. I have ZERO faith in this guy at this point. I'm recalling moments where landlords thought they could fix things themselves and random acquaintances tried to be handy and I am trying not to laugh as this guy is essentially beating up Mike's tire and then he pulls it off.
Now don't get me wrong, I am happy this worked. However, if the concern is that people will be smart enough to troll the neighbourhood with a jack and various other tire removing tools, why would a lock that doesn't need to be unlocked be a deterrent. Couldn't the very prepared criminal just bring a big rubber mallet too?
Either way, it was an entertaining moment worthy of story telling. Today I just did dishes and swept floors and chilled out. I also had a really nice long shower. The benefit to being around in the middle of the afternoon is the copious amounts of hot water coupled with no one needing to use the washroom. It's about 4pm here so I am going to dry my hair and figure out what to make for dinner!
More later! <3
Amanda
Last night, Tiemus, Torin and I went to pick up Mike who was downtown for pride (Torin lives in the building and is a friend, for all of you keeping track). We get about two or three blocks away when we start to hear this sound and the car is shaking. Then it is getting worse so we pull into 7 Eleven to check it out and grab some delicious slurpees. The car has a flat. Not pretty, to say the least.
So Tiemus and Torin go about doing man things. They pull out the spare tire and they have this little jack and they venture into the land of tire changers and I smile as people walk by. Well when they jack up the car it starts to roll back a bit so they unjack the car, look for something to put behind the tires, find nothing, sit me in the front seat to hold down the break pedal (see, I am useful) and rejack up the car. They get the lugnuts off. I believe that's what they are but I am no expert. they try to pull the tire off and there is a magical BMW specific lock to prevent people from running around and stealing tires. I didn't even consider that tire-stealing was a thing. Anyway, there is this magical BMW specific tool necessary for unlocking said lock and getting the tire off easily. People mill about the 7 Eleven and look at us and smile and assume we're fine and don't offer anything and then suddenly, up drives another BMW. They have their BMW specific tool (Mikes car doesn't have a bunch of things because he bought it used) but it's a newer edition and the tool doesn't fit our tire. We finally give up and call roadside assistance. So we're hanging out, waiting for this guy. He shows up in this crazy and colourful van that says all kinds of things about lock-undoing. He asks a few questions, asks what the problem is. Then he pulls out this like rubber mallet and whacks the tire a bunch of times. I have ZERO faith in this guy at this point. I'm recalling moments where landlords thought they could fix things themselves and random acquaintances tried to be handy and I am trying not to laugh as this guy is essentially beating up Mike's tire and then he pulls it off.
Now don't get me wrong, I am happy this worked. However, if the concern is that people will be smart enough to troll the neighbourhood with a jack and various other tire removing tools, why would a lock that doesn't need to be unlocked be a deterrent. Couldn't the very prepared criminal just bring a big rubber mallet too?
Either way, it was an entertaining moment worthy of story telling. Today I just did dishes and swept floors and chilled out. I also had a really nice long shower. The benefit to being around in the middle of the afternoon is the copious amounts of hot water coupled with no one needing to use the washroom. It's about 4pm here so I am going to dry my hair and figure out what to make for dinner!
More later! <3
Amanda
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Hey guys!
So I have a bit of time now so first of all I am going to tell you about the airport limo service. I called them at 4 to pick me up, assuming it would be like a cab company. I tell the woman I'd like to leave as soon as possible. She asks when my flight is and where I am going and says a cab will be there at 4:30. It was a bit condescending but 1/2 an hour isn't bad so I didn't say anything. The driver call 4:30 and mumbles something really quickly about me meeting him outside. I am already outside but he's not there. I give him 5 minutes and then call and ask the woman if he's close --she says he is 2 minutes away. He arrives at 4:50pm. My flight leaves at 7. I am not impressed. He may be the nicest guy on the planet but I still really wanted to scream at him. This is because the moment I get into the AIRPORT LIMO he asks me the best way to the AIRPORT. I mean ... are you kidding me? Luckily, there were more customs agents than international travelers so that went quickly. The customs agent's eyes almost fell out of his head when I told him I would be gone for 65 days. Oh well, that went pretty smoothly. All in all things were great!
Oh one more thing, mom and dad. It's looking like one of the wheels on my suitcase is toast. That happened when flying Porter but my suitcase is so beat up because of how rough airlines to Seattle have been in the past (Air Canada is especially bad). I am going to assess the damage and decide if I should replace it here or try to make it home with this bag.
Anyway, on to today!
Today I decide I was going to tackle a couple of the bigger projects I immediately planned to do when I walked in. Thing #1 was to clean the bathroom the way a girl cleans it. Now, to be fair, Tiemus did a fair bit of cleaning before I arrived, for which I am seriously grateful. This being said, boys tend to clean the bathroom by quickly wiping down the parts of the bathroom they have to touch. That leaves a lot of little bits of the toilet and corners on the floor and the bottom of the bathtub in need of some attention. I think I am actually getting bleach induced callouses! Thing #2 was to unpack my things and find places for them. This was a lot easier than I expected and I am using my carry-on as a little dresser for my clothes.
Everyone here is great so I will leave you with the image of me cleaning and organizing (because THAT is impressive).
I'm off for food! Love you all,
Amanda
So I have a bit of time now so first of all I am going to tell you about the airport limo service. I called them at 4 to pick me up, assuming it would be like a cab company. I tell the woman I'd like to leave as soon as possible. She asks when my flight is and where I am going and says a cab will be there at 4:30. It was a bit condescending but 1/2 an hour isn't bad so I didn't say anything. The driver call 4:30 and mumbles something really quickly about me meeting him outside. I am already outside but he's not there. I give him 5 minutes and then call and ask the woman if he's close --she says he is 2 minutes away. He arrives at 4:50pm. My flight leaves at 7. I am not impressed. He may be the nicest guy on the planet but I still really wanted to scream at him. This is because the moment I get into the AIRPORT LIMO he asks me the best way to the AIRPORT. I mean ... are you kidding me? Luckily, there were more customs agents than international travelers so that went quickly. The customs agent's eyes almost fell out of his head when I told him I would be gone for 65 days. Oh well, that went pretty smoothly. All in all things were great!
Oh one more thing, mom and dad. It's looking like one of the wheels on my suitcase is toast. That happened when flying Porter but my suitcase is so beat up because of how rough airlines to Seattle have been in the past (Air Canada is especially bad). I am going to assess the damage and decide if I should replace it here or try to make it home with this bag.
Anyway, on to today!
Today I decide I was going to tackle a couple of the bigger projects I immediately planned to do when I walked in. Thing #1 was to clean the bathroom the way a girl cleans it. Now, to be fair, Tiemus did a fair bit of cleaning before I arrived, for which I am seriously grateful. This being said, boys tend to clean the bathroom by quickly wiping down the parts of the bathroom they have to touch. That leaves a lot of little bits of the toilet and corners on the floor and the bottom of the bathtub in need of some attention. I think I am actually getting bleach induced callouses! Thing #2 was to unpack my things and find places for them. This was a lot easier than I expected and I am using my carry-on as a little dresser for my clothes.
Everyone here is great so I will leave you with the image of me cleaning and organizing (because THAT is impressive).
I'm off for food! Love you all,
Amanda
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Hey everyone!!
Toronto was the best! I had plenty of Steam Whistle and great company. I am truly thankful to have so many amazing friends, even if they talk me into Papa Ceos Pizza over Coras.
I had a really hard time with the airport limo guy (Next time, I am calling a real cab company) but I will explain all that tomorrow. Otherwise, the customs guy was abrasive but things went quick and now I am here and it's like I am continuously jumping up and down with excitement.
I will give you more later but for now, have a great night!
Xs and Os
Amanda
PS Tiemus wants me to say hi to each and every one of you!
Toronto was the best! I had plenty of Steam Whistle and great company. I am truly thankful to have so many amazing friends, even if they talk me into Papa Ceos Pizza over Coras.
I had a really hard time with the airport limo guy (Next time, I am calling a real cab company) but I will explain all that tomorrow. Otherwise, the customs guy was abrasive but things went quick and now I am here and it's like I am continuously jumping up and down with excitement.
I will give you more later but for now, have a great night!
Xs and Os
Amanda
PS Tiemus wants me to say hi to each and every one of you!
Friday, 22 June 2012
Hey everyone!
I got to Toronto almost two hours ago, took the most torture filled cab ride of my life up to Shona's and I've showered and I've done my hair AND I've discovered that my entire hairspray bottle sprayed into my bag and is completely empty now. Oh and the wheel on my big bag is now permanently on a funny angle so instead of rolling through the airport I limp along clutching things. No worries though, Louisa (from high school) helped me off the ferry boat and we had a pretty good chat!
My plans for the rest of the day -- a Steamwhistle tour and a nice bar-fare style dinner with all of my favourite Torontonians (except Opi, she's a favourite as well but she's camping!)
Anyhow, hope it's as beautiful where you are as it is here!
With Love,
Amanda
I got to Toronto almost two hours ago, took the most torture filled cab ride of my life up to Shona's and I've showered and I've done my hair AND I've discovered that my entire hairspray bottle sprayed into my bag and is completely empty now. Oh and the wheel on my big bag is now permanently on a funny angle so instead of rolling through the airport I limp along clutching things. No worries though, Louisa (from high school) helped me off the ferry boat and we had a pretty good chat!
My plans for the rest of the day -- a Steamwhistle tour and a nice bar-fare style dinner with all of my favourite Torontonians (except Opi, she's a favourite as well but she's camping!)
Anyhow, hope it's as beautiful where you are as it is here!
With Love,
Amanda
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Hey Guys!
So I know that I will send you all e-mails and arrange Skype dates and otherwise keep in touch but I wanted a place where I could tell you all about my adventures in Seattle that you could check when you miss me and I could update when I'm bursting with excitement.
Just a few Seattle Trip (Summer 2012) things you should know
So I know that I will send you all e-mails and arrange Skype dates and otherwise keep in touch but I wanted a place where I could tell you all about my adventures in Seattle that you could check when you miss me and I could update when I'm bursting with excitement.
Just a few Seattle Trip (Summer 2012) things you should know
- Seattle is 3 hours earlier than Ontario (Their timezone is PDT - Pacific Daylight Time)
- Though I leave Timmins on the 22nd of June, I won't be in Seattle until 9pm PDT on the 23rd! (that's midnight for you folks and by the time I get home, much later, but I will send out an e-mail and post you some fun here when I arrive safely!)
- I won't be returning to Canada until August 27th and have not yet booked my travel from Toronto to Timmins
- I will be putting my cell phone on airplane mode. This means I won't be able to receive your texts and stuff so please do not text me (it's expensive). I will, however, keep it with me in case I get turned around and need to text Tiemus. If I turn it off of airplane mode and receive a bunch of texts, I will have to pay for all of those texts received. Everyone who needs Tiemus' number for emergency purposes will have it!
I look forward to hearing from all of you and I promise to keep you all up-to-date!
With Love,
Amanda :D
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