Death Carrots

When my parents come to visit they usually want to go out somewhere interesting for one meal so they can get a taste of something they can't get at home.

This time we decided to try Korean BBQ. We ordered the BBQ Combo for 4. The idea is that they BBQ everything right at your table. The waitress came over with the giant plate of raw meat, put it down on the opposite end of the table from the BBQ and started loading the raw meat onto the grille. The problem was she was dripping raw-meat-juices all over everything on the table including bowls of sauces and other garnishes.

Ummmm...really?

After that, it was alarming because every time she came back to the table to look after the BBQ, she would use the tongs she kept leaving submerged in the raw-meat-juices.

She also used scissors in the same way - left in the raw-meat-juices - to cut the food on the grille. Over and above how strange it was to see someone cut steak with scissors, they had a curiously juvenile pattern on the plastic handles. This added to my anxiety.

Also there were ZERO vegetables other than the super small portion of potatoes you can see in my photo.

The food was good, but we were all glad to wake up this morning feeling like we had narrowly escaped some kind of crazy food poisoning nightmare.

Oh and there were raw carrots on top of the plate of raw meat, she left them there until the very end when she threw them on the grille. There was no way I was eating one of those Death Carrots.

Slave to the Cookie Part II

The baking is done. The other two cookies went off without a hitch, which is fairly odd. And too bad, because my planned blog posts of cookie disasters didn't turn out the way I thought - it would have been good blog material.

My parents are here now, we slugged the night away tonight and tomorrow are planning to do the same. We will venture as far as the kitchen for more rum and to check on the turkey.

Have a great Christmas!

Who is this woman?!

I only worked for half a day today. I waited until there was a half hour span between emails and phone calls and took off. Woo hoo!! I'm off until the new year! I am so burnt out, I can't believe it's finally time for rum and sleeping!

So we've spent the rest of the the afternoon cleaning and baking. My parents fly in tonight.

We sat down to relax for a bit, turned on Food Network.....what the hell? Who is this woman??

What a train wreck!! She is an Italian New York guy trapped inside a freaky woman's body. I have never seen her before, but I guess she's popular enough to have her own Christmas special.

Oh - and there is our new tv! Remember the old one?

Slave to the Cookie Part I

This year my parents are coming to spend Christmas with me. This is the first time that they have spent the holidays at my house - ever. I'm stoked.

Other than the frantic scrubbing, washing and cleaning that is in my near future, the second biggest thing I want to do is make cookies.

I don't have the best track record. However, I'm blazing ahead.


So the first cookie on my list is Chocolate Shortbread. Remember the last time I made these? Well, this time I have a new problem. The recipe says to leave the dough in the fridge for an hour.

I made the dough last night and then things got busy and we had to go out! So the dough has been in the fridge over night and now it's so hard I can't do anything with it.

I took it out of the fridge 3 1/2 hours ago and it's still super hard.

I'm tempted to eat it like a giant hamburger.

I won again....

Our office Christmas party was last night. Dinner, drinks....you know the drill.

Near the end of the night they drew names for two gift baskets. I settled back in my seat because I couldn't possibly win since I just won my iPad.

I won the biggest basket!

I think I should buy a lottery ticket next.

Lunar Eclipse

The coolest app I've put on my iPad so far is called Star Walk. I didn't think I would be able to have a program like this, because you would need access to the internet to use it. I almost peed my pants when I learned this is not the case!

Remember The Perseids? That was only 3 months ago, and I was elated to have the laptop. It's such a huge leap in technology since my old star chart...the one with the Bailey's spilled all over the case....although I'm always going to take it with me for stargazing. But now I have this:A few days ago I noticed that there was going to be a lunar eclilpse this morning. We woke up at 6:00am and saw part of it. SO cool! Here is a photo from our balcony before the moon disappeared behind the clouds.

At 7:00am, Brad announces "Let's beat the crowds and get up to go Christmas shopping!" Yeah, I don't think so. We fell asleep, intending to be up in an hour.

After sleeping until 10:30, we left the house around one in the afternoon. When we got downtown, we lined up to get in the parkade. It was one car out, one car in. Wow.

But now we are done our Christmas shopping! We even got all the rum, Bailey's and other liquors we wanted. Now the trick is not to drink it all in the next two weeks.

Let's Move On

For those of my three readers that have been here since the beginning (ahem, Rawbean!) you understand what the blurb on the top of my blog meant.

Don't you think it's time I change it!? I've been living in Victoria for three years, let's accept that shall we?

I'm just really stuck on what to put there. I mean seriously, what is my blog about? What do you think when you see a new post from me? "Oh good! I needed to turn my brain off for 5 minutes!" or "Oh, GOD what now?" Why do you come here?

On this note, I have another confession.

(ahem)

I still have my Vancouver phone number on my cell phone.

Yes, you read that right.

At first I rationalized it! I thought that since I knew nobody here that whenever I went back to Vancouver (which would be every single weekend in my mind) that I could call all my Vancouver friends without charge. It made sense for the first 6 months - it did.

Now I really, really have to do something about it.

My goal is to make these MAJOR (minor) changes before Christmas.

I. Won. An. iPad.

I'm serious.

On Thursday I went to a trade show. When I walked in, they gave me a card and said that if I visited all the booths and had them sign it, I could enter for the draw.

I stayed for most of the show because there were actually a lot of booths I wanted to see. Close to the end, they announced that there was only 20 more minutes to get your card in for the draw so everyone, everyone was rushing around getting their cards signed.

Including me.

I know the guy who drew my name so he looked right at me when he called it out. My immediate reaction: took a step backwards, did a double-take and barked out "As. If."

He had to say over the microphone "No, Jen seriously it's you! Come up here!!" On my way out of the hotel people were congratulating me left right and centre. I felt truly awesome because I had actually made a huge effort at the trade show and met lots of great people.

On the drive home I was like that woman in the Ikea commercial.

This thing is amazing. The first thing I put on it was Tiny Wings. But then last night I woke up a few times thinking of ways I could use it:

On job sites - rather than struggling with a pad and paper and camera....

Paying bills - no more random bits of paper with numbers scribbled and added up then left all over the place to make Brad growl.

I know I'm just barely grazing the surface here. I'm prepared though. I bought this last night:


I still can't really believe I can utter the words "My iPad."

Shopping Diet

About a month ago, my blogger friend Christielli stated she was going on a shopping diet. I thought this was a great challenge. I'm always up for a challenge especially if it doesn't involve me giving up coffee, sugar or gluten.

So the rules were that we could only buy necessities - food, music and in my case - an iPhone*. No books, no Etsy, no new clothing or accessories.....sounded daunting.

However, I actually found this challenge surprisingly easy! There were a couple times I almost bought e-books but that was it. I also didn't include visits to pubs or restaurants as cheating since I figure that fell under the 'food' part of the diet.

Now that it's over, I bought my first item:



It's a little case for my ipod - it's getting pretty scratchy inside my bag. And it matches my red nano! Can you take it?

I figure it's good karma from the shopping diet, because immediately after I bought this, someone bought three bags at once from my shop! And anyway, I haven't bought anything off Etsy since July.

*Which I decided not to get. I know. I'm waiting for the iPhone 5.o. Yes, I'm serious.

Kurt Cobain Sweater II

Lots of progress on the sweater for my nephew...

This photo is weird - the sweater is dark brown....I should take a photography course.

Anyway, after realizing there was a slight error in the pattern and ripping out twice, now it's super smooth sailing until the end. It's so cute and will look amazing on my cute little blonde nephew.

Blocking it is my next hurdle, but how hard can that be?

It's the least I can do...

Remembrance Day means a lot to me. My Grandpa, who I was incredibly close with was a vet. Since I moved to BC in 1996, I have only missed two ceremonies.

So today we got up and went out, but this time we tried a different one. A much smaller ceremony in Esquimalt. We actually showed up super early, which is not like us. So we stood on the sidewalk with a clear view of the cenotaph.

This is not good.

See, I have been to so many of these ceremonies but I have never actually watched one of them. The ceremonies in Vancouver and Victoria draw huge crowds - there is just no way. And anyway, my usual routine with it is to simply stand in the rain and cry.

So this year we had a clear view because we were half an hour early. As I stood there and watched the veterans file in to their seats I was already a hot mess. Nothing had started yet!

Thank goodness the parade filed in and stood between us and the seating, then all the people around us moved forward. Phew - cause watching the veterans is just too much.

I hope everyone got out to participate in a ceremony or at the very least took a moment today and thought about all the people who have given their lives in war. It's so important.

Heebies Forever

Holy hell.

I just got home from seeing the scariest movie EVER.


I love scary movies - which can be confused with gory movies. I like creep, not gore. Before tonight, the scariest movies I knew were The Shining or The Changeling from the 70's. Tonight there is a new king.

Paranormal Activity 3 was so creepy, I almost hated it halfway through - it was just too much! I think I spent half the movie wide eyed with my hands over mouth.

Spoiler Alert:
I won't be able to open doors, go to sleep or walk into a kitchen the same way after tonight.

And so refreshing that none of the actors are the Julia Roberts/Brad Pitt type. Spare me. In other words - totally real people which makes the movie so much more relative and hence - more creepy.

Poor Brad, it will be a few nights of me leeching on to his arm before I shake the heebies.

I must admit this is cool...

Well, Brad has entered the 21st century.

I'm posting this from his new Android phone which sounds pretty cool but it's ridiculous because I'm sitting on the couch with the laptop right in front of me.

At least Halloween candy is still old fashioned.

Vic High

Remember this post?

That project that I was working on is finally finished. Victoria High School - it's a super old building where we did some interior renovations. We also tacked on a new extension. I was lucky enough to work on both buildings.

So remember - this project was done in Revit - not AutoCAD. This means instead of lame 2D Etch-A-Sketch lines that represent walls - the entire thing is in 3D. Here is a snap shot from the Revit 3D model.


See those ramps and stairs? I shuddered the first time I saw the floor plan. I think that shudder was my intuition letting me know that eventually that crap was coming my way.

Yup - I ended up doing all the ramps and stairs in the building. There is another nightmare ramp on the outside that you can't see here.

It was the first time I drew ramps or stairs in Revit.....and this is what I get to start with!? And because I'm working with an architect: he would tell me how he wanted it designed, I drew it up and he would change his mind.

Seriously - this was such a great experience. It's definitely my favourite project I've ever worked on, and I'm so proud to have been a part of it.

Here is another shot from the model.


And...this is super cool...check out the photograph from the building.


The "pencil columns" on the left were the best part of the project - what a mind that comes up with that design for a high school!

And how cool is this? Walking up the ramp I spent hours and hours drawing...

Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread

Today I achieved greatness.

My new favourite blog: Joy the Baker. Here is the recipe.

If you have been reading my little blog for a while, you know that I'm not the greatest baker. Remember the cookies that looked like bums? Or the other cookies that ended up with me digging through the garbage? This is not one of those memories.

So, cookies are obviously my arch nemesis but one thing I can do is make a mean loaf of bread. This recipe - so right up my alley.

The stickiness of the dough scared me at first, but after kneading in the little bit of extra flour it was a perfect consistency. It looked like a brain at one point but I was brave and went on with the recipe.

You use one cup of sugar and it totally seems like overkill but it really isn't. And the bread isn't sickly sweet either. I'm not sure where all the sugar ends up....other than on my hips...

The crust is crusty and golden - seriously. I can't take it.

I thought for sure we would polish the whole thing off but we didn't.

There are still a few hours until bed time.

What's on my iPod VI

Do you guys go through phases with music? Man, I do. Lately I've been listening to more rustic stuff and I'm digging it unlike ever before. I grew up listening to Bowie, Zepplin and the Stones so these artists are more in line with what I love the best.

I've found an interesting source for good music too. You'll never believe it - the show House.....ahem. I know.

I have this afternoon off work. It's amazing how much giddiness 4 hours of freedom brings. I'm spending the day hanging out with Ziggy, listening to music and just relaxing - what bliss.

Eric Bibb
Man, this guy is so smooth, so raw and bluesy in a soft way. I love the lyrics (ie: 'I'm gonna make you some money you can fold') and get a such a warm fuzzy feeling listening to him. I'm surprised my Mom doesn't know about him cause he is right up her alley. My favourite - Shine On. Check him out.

Keb Mo'
I love classy men, don't you? He is very similar to Eric Bibb, between the two of them I'm in heaven. I'll take all I can from these guys. He is a little more on the blues side. I love his song 'Shave Yo Legs'. I can only hope Brad feels this way about me. Ahem....

Amos Lee
This is a guy I first heard on House. Seriously? How come I've never heard him before?! He is like a more classy version of John Mayer. Colours is the best song. I'm definitely loading up on his stuff.

Adele
Definitely a much more classy and tolerable version of Amy Winehouse. Her voice is awesome and I love the song Chasing Pavements - it reminds me of Vancouver. I think she has a new album out.....I should do my research before I do these posts.

Feist
How long did we all count down until this album came out? Yeah....I've listened twice and I'm not ready to make any solid judgements quite yet. I will say that I'm not a huge fan of songs without structure....that's the only way I can put it. I'll leaving this alone for now.

I hope everyone has had a great short week. I have three more hours of freedom until the regular weekend starts. I see IT Crowd, cofee and possibly some knitting coming my way.

Ripping Out

It was going well, it really was. Although I had to ask Brad not to talk to me when I started a row. I told myself...."it's my first sweater - it's supposed to be this hard."

I didn't really think about what the stitches were and why.....I trusted the pattern. Until I got this far.

(That's the collar at the top....)

I suddenly thought - why am I increasing and decreasing stitches like mad near the edges where the button holes are? It's actually making holes in my knitting....where there shouldn't be holes.


It was then that I re-read the pattern.

I was making the WRONG sweater.

Seriously...

Well, at least when I re-do it, it will be an easier sweater to make...

(Don't you think it's cool that I'm writing this post on the ferry?)

Kurt Cobain Sweater

Remember the Jellyfish quilt I made for my nephew?

I'm starting another big project for him today - he's so cute I can't resist making him stuff. Plus it's football season again so Brad is glued to our new tv these days.

He is already laughing about how I'll be up late the night before I want to give it to him panicking and scrambling to get it done. I don't even bother to deny it anymore.

This time I'm attempting my first sweater and it's going to be off the hook cute: a little Kurt Cobain sweater!

Here's the picture from the pattern.

I went to my favourite yarn shop yesterday and had one of the ladies help me out. I couldn't even figure out which needle size to use. Turns out it's super small. I had to buy new needles - I usually knit on 4.5mm needles. These are 3.25mm. It will take forever.

I'm stoked.

Random

Wow, I've got nothin' lately.

This tells me it's time for a random post!

I have a cell phone. It's the first one I ever owned. Yes, the same one.


Brad is on his second cell phone.....yeah - it's older than mine.

We have a corporate plan at work. I can get an iPhone for free!

**If I sign up for three years. **

I'm not sure what to do. It would be nice to have an iPhone - all those times I've been lost and needed a map. Those times I need a phone number....want to check the ferry schedules. You get it.

If the plan was with Telus, it would be a no-brainer - I'd do it. But it's Rogers.

Financially? It's $50/month more than we pay now for cell phones/land lines if we both get one. I'm leaning towards it.

What do you think?


When we were in Italy I saw a bunch of girls wearing black dresses with brown belts. So cute. I bought a brown belt (and a green one) when we were there and bought this dress a few weeks ago. I wish I had bought five more belts!


I've discovered a new favourite blog. Joy the Baker.

So I find myself in a baking mood. I made this last weekend - Blackberry Peach Shortbread Bars.

We went blackerry picking with a friend last weekend. I have lots of frozen blackberries now. Don't you love how they look then they are frozen?

I'm planning to tackle something from the Joy the Baker blog this weekend. Something bread-y. Don't worry, if I screw up it'll be on here right away.

Italy Part 10 - Florence

I should get this post out of the way. This will be my last post about Italy - with a twist.

We had planned a trip into Tuscany three days before we flew home. The night before our trip, Brad picked up the camera and - I'll never forget it - fumbled with it and it ended up smashing on the tile floor.

Man, that camera was busted. Busted. When we turned it on, it made a horrible noise, flashed a weird blue screen-of-death and turned itself off with the shutter halfway open.

So we don't really have many photos of our trip into Tuscany, San Gimignano and Sienna.

The worst (best?) part of this story:

When we got home, I plugged the camera in just to get the photos off the card and...it worked like nothing had ever happened.

Seriously?

Book Review #9

It's been a nightmare week. I'm not going to get into it on this blog....so I was happy to see it's time for another book review!


Oh. My. God. This. Book.....

This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's such a horrific topic, but the way she approaches it is beyond words. There is a part in the middle of the book that kept me up and reading for hours. The best book I've read all year for sure.

After 'Room' I was lucky enough to stumble on this fantastic read. I reserved it at the library months ago and it was finally my turn. It's worth reading this book just for the character Minny, but there are so many more reasons to pick this one up. It had me laughing out loud then really angry in the next paragraph.

Kate Jacobs wrote another book called Friday Night Knitting Club - it was a nice beach read. This one seemed to start out on the same path but fizzled out halfway through. The storyline wasn't believable enough for me, and it was too predictable. Meh.

I've been reading Agony and Ecstasy forever. This is one long haul. Really interesting and engaging at first, but it loses it's momentum about halfway through. Unfortunately you will still have 400 pages to go. I dragged myself through it....and was relieved when it was over.

Another dud - which I didn't bother to finish. I was put on to this book by a blog I like to read, but I just didn't get it. And I'm no slouch when it comes to classic novels either. After I found myself thinking about all the other books I want to read while I was dragging my butt through this one....I put it down. It was free on my Kobo so at least putting it down was a no-brainer.

This is my third David Hewson book. This one was neat because it's based in a snowy Rome! The book was okay....not nearly as good as A Season for the Dead. Still, I would strongly recommend David Hewson to anyone who is looking for a 'Da Vinci Code' type read.

I was tempted to buy this on Kobo when they emailed me about a $1 promotion. It doesn't sound like a lot, but I only ended up paying $8.99 for this and it's on best seller lists.

Anyway a really good beach read, but almost too easy a read. The characters weren't very interesting or deep, but sometimes you want a break from the 'Room' and 'Agony and Ecstasy' type books right?

This has been on my shelf since a stranger at the book sale thrust it in my hands and said I MUST read it. It was actually really good - it dragged a little bit in places and has a slightly anti-climactic ending but overall I would recommend it.

I haven't been reading much in the last week so I'm starting to get jittery. Here's to a better week ahead!

Channel Surfing Online

About three weeks ago alarms went off, we got up in the morning, as usual. Started our morning routines, Brad went to turn on the tv - it's busted.

(woo! hoo!)

I came out of the bathroom wondering why it was so quiet, Brad was standing in the kitchen eating a banana. Uh...huh.

So the first thing that happens:

The next few days were interesting: coming home from work to a quiet house, no tv blaring to greet me when I open the door....just the quiet sounds of the six o'clock news from the laptop. Or better yet - Brad reading a book on the couch.

Over the next few days I worked tons of overtime and wasn't on the computer at all. On Saturday morning I picked up the laptop and was checking email when Brad walked into the living room. Cereal in hand, big goofy grin on his face....

"Oh."

He wanted to "watch something" while he ate breakfast. I reluctantly agreed. "What would you like to watch?" He thought he would check out discovery channel online. So we did, and ended up watching some crappy show about a big construction project.

The entire time he was complaining about how the show wasn't very good because they didn't give enough information. It was then that I realized that we were channel surfing on the internet.

Not good.

Sigh.....so last weekend we went shopping for a new tv.

This is what I've lived with for as long as I've ever known tv - the classic 19". Oooohhh yeah.

While I'm anxious to see the flatscreen, I'm totally reluctant about this new monster we bought. A 42" flatscreen tv?

Really?

To give you an idea of the insanity - it's 1/2" wider than this bookcase and way higher than all the stuff there now.

People are telling me not to worry - that it's not as big as I'm thinking. Uh huh....