Day 2

With no power and therefore no food, the four of us (Al, Han, me and Norm) drove to Tim Horton's to try the biscuit breakfast that Hannah was bragging about. She tried to convince Norm that it was just as good if not better than the breakfast McMuffin and Allan was concerned that it wasn't big enough. Well everyone had the same idea...the line up for Tim Horton's was huge! I guess this is what happens when there's no power. It was hard to get around because the lights were all out but we had no choice but to try. We only have 2 days left. We looked everywhere for white roses and when that was hard to find we opted for anything white! Mental note, November is not a good time for flowers in general. After all the running around, our last stop was to pick up the rental SUVs for the wedding. Sweet. While Al and Norm took care of picking up Has and family at the airport, Han and I went to Michaels to buy some last minute things only to rush back home, get fitted for my dress and then head to the wedding rehearsal. There we were, waiting in front of the church only to realize the priest was a no show. Reason? The secretary failed to book him and instead he was at a conference. Let's just hope he shows up on Saturday. Upward and onward, we did what we do best. Eat! All of Han and Al's closest friends and family gathered at a local Chinese restaurant. An hour later South Carolina joined us after flying into Seattle and driving 6 hours (bad traffic) north to Canada. In the end we all gathered at the house and got cosy with each other. I was exhausted but this was just the beginning.

All I have to say is: When it rains, it pours!

Day 1

As we got off the plane we were greeted by Michael and Allan. Although we rented a car, Allan suggested it was safer for him to come home with us because parts of BC did not have power. This meant dark roads and hard to read signs. The tsunami in Japan brought heavy rain and strong winds as can be seen by the fallen trees scattered on main roads. It's true, it would have been hard to find their place in pitch darkness. Once we got home, we went straight to bed. We were freezing by the time we woke up so we rushed down to sit in front of the gas fireplace. Looks like everyone else had the same idea. Squish!

The Great Escape

We're back from Vancouver and normally we would be sad but this time we're a little relieved. Norm and I just escaped Vancouver's big snow storm. As we drove ourselves back to the airport there was already 10cm on the ground. All the signs were covered with snow so we made guesses as to which road to turn on or which ramp would lead us to the airport. We also had concerns as to whether our flight would be delayed or even cancelled. In Ontario, this snow storm would be normal but in BC it's un heard of. Despite the bad storm, our flight was smooth sailing. Gosh, I have so much to blog about. Stay tuned!

Introducing Mr & Mrs Almero

Running Around

This weekend was reserved for all the last minute things we need to do before we leave for Vancouver. It didn't take me long to find my shoes. I knew Nine West wouldn't let me down. I bought a nice pair of brown patent leather heels. The funny thing is right when I was going to buy them I noticed that on the box it actually said "dark red". That threw me off for awhile. The sales lady said it's a deep, deep red but I saw it as brown. Oh well. I bought them anyway. They look brown to me.

Off to the Bay to find Norm a shirt and tie to match his navy blue suit. I can't believe all the choices these guys get. There were rows and rows of ties and stacks of shirts to match. How much easier can it get? Well, finding a tie was pretty easy but the shirts are so confusing. There's a size for the neck and then a size for the length...kinda like pants. And if you want to try the shirt on, there are so many pins on it that you don't even want to bother. In the end, Norm went with a crisp white shirt and a brown & blue tie. He will match me perfectly.

My most favourite part of the weekend was meeting with Rennie and buying a bunch of makeup at MAC. But did you know that Chelsea has been discontinued? The nerve! So then I bought Photo. Renn says it's too dark for me but sometimes you need a lipstick that pops, especially for mornings like this when I'm tired and still fighting this stubborn cold.

Now all I need is a haircut.

The Keg

Yet another birthday celebration at the Keg with my coworkers. I think that should wrap up my birthday for 2006. After dinner we went shopping. It was awesome because usually we try to cram shopping in our 1.5 lunch hour. Yes, that's right 1.5. Our clock starts once we get into the car and considered back from lunch once we get back into the Sunnybrook parking lot (as opposed to our desk). HR...gotta love us. Anyway, back to shopping. Our main goal was to find shoes for me to wear at my sister's wedding but to no avail. Has anyone seen a pair of chocolate brown, sexy closed toed heels? I had no luck although I did find a pair of chocolate brown ballet slippers. As ya'll know, I love flats! I guess I'm just getting old but I'm all about comfort. Besides, I can probably dance to "Sexy Back" better in flats. Apparently that's the song Han has picked for me to dance to at the reception introductions. I don't know how sexy ballet flats can be...but wish me luck.

Countdown begins...

Only 9 more days until my sister's wedding!

Still sick

Yesterday I went into work but was quickly sent home. I should know better since I work in Healthcare. So today I didn't even try. I woke up and moved to the living room just in time to watch Regis and Kelly. After that I caught up with Marilyn Dennis on Cityline. Yesterday I went on MSN for the first time in a long time and chatted with my cousin Liz. I'll be seeing her next week but it was so nice to chat and see pictures of her kids. What I love most about being home is that mid day nap. I can hear the busy street downstairs and can see the people directly across my building working away but me? I'm just lounging around and dosing on and off while watching trashy TV. I can't remember the last time I've done this. Usually when I take a day off, I usually cram it in with errands, Doctors appointments, visit the Dentist, etc. I don't really know how I got sick but I think it's a sign that I need to slow down and take it easy which is sometimes hard to do. In Nanaimo, it was all we did but that's because we were alone on our island. I guess I just need to learn how to balance. Right now I have no problem balancing writing this Blog and watching the Cosby Show at the same time. Looks like I'm on the road to recovery.

Happy Birthday Auntie

Happy Birthday Auntie (Nov 3). Not a day goes by when I don't think about you. Thanks for always being near us. We can feel your presence and it's comforting to know that you're not very far. We love and miss you!

Happy Birthday Mary & Jared

This weekend was reserved for Mary's birthday and her son, Jared. On Friday we celebrated Mae's special day at Canyon Creek. It's nice that we still find time to celebrate even though she's got a lot on her plate - preparing for Jared's 2nd birthday and on top of that she's 8 months pregnant. Geez, she truly is an inspiration. We ended the night by giving her an i-pod nano from all of us. She apparently really wanted this. I assume it's so she can block out all the noise coming from Glenn, Jared and soon to be Andrew. Smart lady.

On Saturday we stayed home and entertained Rachel, Hannah, BJ, Francis, Trae, Seyla and Grandma. Rachel was determined to finish a whole chicken and eggplant sandwich from the market. She succeeded but only with a 10 minute break in between. Way to go Rach!

Sunday was Jared's 2nd birthday at Mae's house and she invited the whole world. It was a zoo full of family and friends. In my opinion, it was totally a fire hazard to have us all in there but it was fun and well worth the risk.

Today, I am home sick. I guess too much action for me this weekend.

Just wanted to say Hi to my cousin Liz. I just found out she reads my blogs. Hi Liz!