Week 35

Ladies and gentlemen, my due date is approaching in five weeks! I know it sounds cliché, and surely the pregnant brain smudges all time and space, but the past 35 weeks have seriously flown by. Tomorrow is my last day at the office. Starting next week I will work for a new boss! People ask if I'm excited to be off for a year. My honest answer is, not really. Work is familiar and I know what to expect. Raising a baby on the other hand, is so uncharted that I don't even know where to buy the map to gauge if I'm lost or not. I'm excited to meet the baby but I'm not really excited to leave my cubicle. Something's wrong here... I really hope the baby won't be here too early. All we have is the car seat and that's about it. We do have lots of baby clothes but everything needs to go through the wash and 99% of the shopping list still needs to be checked off. It's not that I wasn't excited to do all that before, but I put other things in priority and I assumed that first time babies are always late. But by her super low position, I'm not so sure about that theory anymore. So here's hoping that little bean is happy in the womb and doesn't want to meet the world TOO ahead of schedule. Some random things are on my mind these days. Birth Announcements - if I'm going to send out an e-mail immediately, isn't it redundant to mail paper ones? Is it oversharing and wasteful? Oh but a properly printed design on a nice thick piece of paper, haha, I love paper yes I do! Nursing Gear - Do I HAVE to buy nursing tops? They're so crazy expensive. What about bottles? Pumps? And what if breastfeeding doesn't work for us? My mother in law is a lactation consultant, so yeah, no pressure there. Her Name Shall Be? - We haven't narrowed down the names list yet. How do people even begin to choose a name? This is not a fun exercise for people who have a hard time making decisions. The Birth - Well I guess this is not a random thought, but I definitely go through extreme thoughts of "Yeah it's going to be awesome, we'll finally meet her, I can't wait to do this!" to a complete melt down where I imagine everyone in the room snickering at my pain-pansy self and me being trapped in perpetual labour. Well, until further notice, I will continue to enjoy all of the baby's movements and our time together. I really love that she's my special buddy and I'm so privileged to carry this unique personality inside my belly.

Hello Mr. X

We met Mr. X for the first time last week. I held him for a few minutes and held back tears. He's so perfect!

Hello Friends New and Old

We were treated with out-of-town visitors early this week. Alice, her parents and sweet little Noah had dinner at our "new" house.

It dawned on me that while it seems like I've been here for a long time, this house is still new to all our friends and family back home. At the end of November we will have lived here for four months. I really have no concept of time.

On that note, I also realized that my posts are getting more and more out of order (chronologically-speaking).

THANKS FOR THE LOVELY VISIT, ALICE & CO. ^ - ^

My Cup is Half Full

I took today off, simply because I needed some rest.

As the days get shorter and sunlight becomes practically non-existent in the before work and after work moments, I was so happy to walk down the stairs to see our home flooded with light. To top it off I get to spend the whole day with Kel. We have the weekend off too, but somehow not working when everyone else is being productive just feels so special.

5 Signs that I'm Pregnant

I'm Alive!

Since the last entry (122 days ago?!), a few firsts have happened around here.

• Went to Vancouver with my parents and sister (nope, never had a week-long family vacation before)
  
• Moved into our first house
  
• My camera died (oh yes my first SLR)
  
• And we're expecting our first baby!!!
  

Instead of attempting to recap on everything I've missed since the last post, I'll just keep it simple and say that I have SO much to be thankful for. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" -James 1:17

2011 Glebe Garage Sale

Since moving to Ottawa I've always wanted to check out the Glebe Garage Sale, or as some people call it, the Great Garage Sale. 16 city blocks of sellers, street after street, house after house; it's not a garage sale for the faint of heart.

I was told that if you want to snatch up the good stuff (ie. furniture) you have to get there by 7AM. I found some "rules" online for first timers, and I followed this one loosely: wake up when you wake up...no matter when you get to the Glebe, someone will get there sooner and will get something you would have wanted. OK, if I really woke up when my body wanted to, it would've been closer to sunset. We arrived close to 9AM, stuffed our faces with fresh bagels and darted to see what the fuss was about.

The weather was super cooperative. Cool and breezy, with the slightest hint of rain. It was enjoyable to just walk and enjoy the beautiful trees and heritage homes in the area. By the time 11AM came around and we took a break to eat lunch, the streets were just way too busy and my buddies were starting to lose interest. Some sellers looked like they were just enjoying their neighbour's company, sharing food and cold drinks out on the front yard, while others were more intense with the hardline pricing. $40 for a used board game? Even if it is Axis and Allies. $1.99 for a styrofoam cup of coffee? It was clear to me that some sellers had never visited a thrift store.

I came home with four items for under $10 and spent about $35 on food. You can't win them all! My favourite item is the pin with the coolest story behind it. Read about the pin on my other blog here and here.

That One (Extremely) Sunny Day

For the entire week it was either rain or grey skies, with one exception on Saturday. We took advantage of the brief change in the weather and headed to the Carp Farmer's Market.

I was giddy thinking about all garlands of garlic and bushels of tomatoes that would go home with me, but apparently it's too early in the season. We did not come home empty handed but it was definitely not what I went there for. Haha!

It was a good day, and great weekend with friends. More pics on Flickr

Justin and Patsy

Our second too-short-but-amazing hang out with the KJ+PJ configuration. The first was June 6, 2010 in Hong Kong hehehe. More pics here
In honour of our shared love for sweet stories and all things visual, I have this tale to share:

Stuck in my Ear

I feel like as I (and my immediate circle) get older, we obsess less, MUCH less (do people in their 30s care?) about our favourite bands/singers. But I have to say that when I hear a new album or live show announcement from Mother Mother, I get super giddy and listen to the same tracks on infinite loop. I really admire their craft. They are Canadian, they are original and their music is AWESOME! I wish they were playing at Stanley Park in June instead ;-)

Check out more of Mother Mother here.

Mother Mother - The Stand from Last Gang Records on Vimeo.

The week has passed by so much faster with my headphones stuck in my ears. I am not exaggerating here; when I have a bad day at work, the more I try to not get stressed/angry/whatever other crappy emotions, the stronger that feeling gets. But when I put on music I love, I won't snap immediately into happy happy joy joy mode and forget everything, but somehow I feel encouraged and the music lifts me away for a quick moment in bliss. I walk to the beat and smile creepily to myself, happy that something so good exists. THEN I can get back to my logical self and reason my way out.

The Drama After the Rain

Sunday May 15th. It was a cold day filled with intermittent showers and overcast skies. In the evening came the real show.
Can you blame me when I say that I don't want to move?

Just another Sunday

I had enough energy today to enjoy some of that sunshine that I've been eying from my window. I invited myself and joined the lovelies at the Ottawa Farmer's Market. Lots of strollers, dogs and of course, local vendors. The market offers herb plants, ready-made hot food, snacks (e.g. organic baked goods, raw hummus), specialty meat (e.g. elk sausage), and a few arts and crafters. Not much in terms of fresh produce, so if you're looking to do a grocery run, the Byward or Parkdale market would be better options.

I wonder if I can sell curry fish balls and Hong Kong style milk tea...?

For more info on the Ottawa Farmer's Market please click here

Haha I didn't take any pictures of the market. Distracted by the petting zoo...

Spring

Have you ever heard the saying "the perfect man/woman is right in front of your eyes"? I felt like this about the green beauties in my neighbourhood. These buds and wicked trees were within a 3min walking radius from my home. Spring is gorgeous even if it is cold, damp and gloomy.

I had the mist on my face, wellies on my feet, the only thing missing is the B_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ bag. heehee ;-)

Orphans Dinner

The lovely people at Clover St. invited everyone left in town for Easter dinner. Ironically it was just us as usual. The gracious hostess cooked up her first turkey and it was a huge hit. Along with the yummy mashed potatoes (with skin, YES!), napa salad (with peas, YES!), stuffing and sauce. I was sorry I didn't show up in my stretchy pants. Oh and we had an ongoing dessert marathon. It's cliché but hey it's true(!), the best part of the evening was the conversation. So weird and wonderful.

One Fine Day

We didn't do anything special this Easter weekend. K worked the overnight shift the past few days so we spent most of our time sleeping in and being quite boring. Simply having the time to move slowly and reflect makes me deeply grateful for my joy because of Christ's sacrifice.

Today we babysat STP for the first time. Now we know how NOT to play the sleeping beauty game next time. He's easy going and fun and we love this little guy.






 Sorry iphone photo!

13 Days to May

  Nature's carpet. Doesn't it look soft and plush?

Sentimental Mondays

I don't usually miss old friends until I actually talk to them on the phone or if I get to see them in person, then I REALLY miss them! This past weekend we had visitors, and it was only when we started joking around like kids that I felt totally nostalgic and wanted more of their company.

To laugh with and at each other, to enjoy delicious meals together, and to top it off with a trek to Mer Bleue - now THAT's life's sweet pleasures.

Friendships are always tested, and perhaps ours are, by time and distance. I feel overwhelmed that we are still able to be real with each other. Before we said goodbye again, we prayed together and lifted up to God our hopes and dreams, fears and losses.

Then we set the church alarm off. Haha!

Road trip? How many pee breaks would we have to take?!


  Follow the local tour guide


  Second meal of the day. Nectar Fine Teas on 1250 Wellington St West. Try the Paris blend. Black tea with classic flavours. C'est bon.










  Checking out the girl wife

Filing Taxes

I can't explain it but my brain associates filing taxes with very negative emotions. If I manage to get the process started it's a good day. Previous years I'd end up in tears and ruining an entire day all because of my imagined anxiety. This year, K decided to step in and do them. I helped a little bit and was shocked at the end of the day. No crying, no drama, just plain old admin boredom. If I remember correctly I even heard laughter (what? FUN?!).

I am thankful for our friendship. ^_^

Beauty is Not Frivolous

I bought these because I was in a super good mood yesterday and the flowers reminded me of my sister.
Extraordinarily beautiful on their own, the ranunculus looked otherworldly when I needed a touch of beauty today.
I was thankful for the brief moments at sunset when the light kept me obsessed and distracted.

The Bizarre Weather That Is Uniquely Canadian

These two photos were taken at lunch today, at exactly 2 minutes apart. The objects are about 50 steps apart from each other. One sky, two moods. How strange and beautiful. A bit blurry because it was also freaking WIIIINDY!

Stairway to the Stars

Stanley Hudson: Yes, I have a dream... I want to own a decommissioned lighthouse. And I want to live at the top. And nobody knows I live there. And there's a button I can press and launch that lighthouse into space. Haha I don't think he's handing out I've-Moved(!) cards. I don't blame him.

Image from: memorydust

The Other Photo

Technically it is Tuesday right now...Sentimental Mondays will return ٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶

Little People

Other than their way of causing havoc on your sleep, the stinky diapers and just about turning your life inside out and upside down, what's not to love about these pint-sized people? They are easy to love, especially when I only see them for a few hours and we just play together.

To you sleep-deprived mothers and fathers, for your love and devotion to your children, for all your prayers and resources poured over these little ones, you have my deepest respect.

E and Luce, I think you guys are superheros, with none of the scary spandex.

Sentimental Mondays

Happy Birthday to me! This past weekend I turned 30 and found myself in the company of my lovely friends and of course my parents.
Life is sweet when things are simple and conversations real.
This birthday girl has a lot to learn and try.
For now I am thankful and content.

Here's a goodie from year # 3.


 From L to R:   Dad, aunt Maria, grandma, mom, yours truly, grandpa.
 My hair today looks just like my dad's, and it appears we got our curtains from the same source as The Sound of Music.

Sentimental Mondays

My memory is pretty bad. When Monday rolls around and I'm faced with the usual, "how was your weekend?", I get all anxious because I honestly can't recall the past 36-48 hours. The only time I find it fun to have such a bad memory is when I read old letters and cards. It's like reading them for the first time.

When I was cleaning out a box of old cards a few weeks ago, I found this yellowly piece of line paper. To my surprise it was from my friend from day care. The letter was dated but only with the month and date but based on the content I'm guessing this letter is around 20 years old. I'm guessing our parents kept in touch and we were pen pals after I moved to Canada. I think the last time we saw each other it would've been our kindergarten graduation (photo below) at the age of 5.

The funniest part is the content of the letter itself. First there is an apology for not keeping in touch because he is too busy with school work (?). Then the body of the letter discusses local Hong Kong news (??), followed by another apology for his bad Chinese (???). Finally greetings to my parents and sister. This is written by a grade 4 or 5 student. Wow. I'm not sure if I should be impressed or troubled.

How memory works is such a mystery. I don't remember exchanging these letters but I do remember this friend. On any given day, if you asked me to name my friends or favourite things from day care I would have no problem with that, but I'd be totally stumped if you asked me what happened last week.

I wonder, whatever happened to my friend?

Visitors

Thanks for trekking out in the middle of February. I am still amazed you came back for another winter! Thanks for bringing the sunshine and warmer than average weather with you. Come back again, we'll brainstorm for more titles for our 'rents.

Sentimental Mondays

On the left it is 1983 in Toronto. My uncle Nelson and grandma attend uncle William's graduation at Ryerson Polytechnic University.

A few years later, FatherHawk and I are in the same field. Since my program evolved from three predecessor programs, I sort of graduated from the same program as my aunt Sharon (uncle William's wife).

Today two of my younger cousins are doing the good old commute to Ryerson. Soon we'll have three generations of engineering, commerce, and social work grads.

Thanks Egerton! For a fun read on the history of Ryerson University, click here.

Guest Post:

Snow storm; settled down


Photo Credit: Kel

The Ready to Eat Collection

One down, no more energy to go.

Sentimental Mondays

If there was ever doubt about my origins, here is my grandma picking me up from the Mars exhibit.
I love how you're never allowed to touch the grass in Hong Kong.

The Dream in Reverse