Hey folks!
I know i've been completely MIA. Not going to promise that i'll be writing here more regularly, but for anyone still following me, i've started another blog to share my experience of challenging myself to lose 30 lbs before i turn 30.
If you're wondering if i can do it, you can follow along over here: www.30beforeimthirty.blogspot.com
Ciao for now!
-Roz
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Lululemon lacks metta
Went to Lululemon today to exchange a gift, and couldn't get over the 'tude i got from the staff.
Here's what i sent to their feedback department:
Here's what i sent to their feedback department:
***
My in-store experience left much to be desired, unfortunately.
When I asked one girl (after she asked if she could help) if she had the hoodie I was holding in a different size, she said “everything we have is out”. Ok…I started to look through the piles of sweaters on my own. Then I asked her if another store might have it since I couldn’t find it on the table, she responded “I don’t know off the top of my head”. I asked her if she would be able to call and she said she could, and then walked away to ask someone else if they needed help. She seemed annoyed that I took her up on her offer to “help” me.
When I went to the cash to exchange the hoodie for one that was given to me as a gift, the girl (different from the one who “helped” me earlier) announced that I had “just made it”. Confused, I asked her what she meant and she said “you only have 2 weeks to return or exchange. You just made it”. I looked at the receipt and according to the date on the receipt I still had 5 whole days left to return or exchange the item, even though it said Holiday gifts could be returned or exchanged until January 2011.
Not sure if the staff were having an off-day, but I did not have a pleasant experience in the store, and quite honestly felt snubbed and like I didn’t belong there for some reason. As someone who practices yoga, this really bothers me because Lululemon is a yoga clothing store, and yoga is about respecting, embracing and being kind to others. Not snobby and rude.
Just thought I’d share.
***
What's been your experience at Lululemon?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Favourite go-to meal
DaniGirl has a great post and giveaway where she asks people to share a favourite meal idea to help each other alleviate the meal-planning burden.
My current favourite, quick, easy and healthy meal is bean burritos (thanks Bonnie!).
It's soooooooo easy and soooooooo quick and pretty darn healthy.
Here's how i make mine:
1 can refried beans
whole wheat tortillas
shredded low fat cheddar cheese
fat free sour cream
salsa
diced tomatoes
chopped green onion
guacamole
lettuce
whatever
Open can of refried beans, and transfer to microwaveable bowl. Heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Layer each of the above ingredients on a tortilla. Roll and eat. You're eating in 6 minutes.
Some people like to spice things up a bit by mixing dry taco seasoning in with the beans. Personally i like the taste of plain refried beans. This has become such a staple in our house, that i always make sure that we have at least one can of refried beans in the pantry.
What's your go-to quick and easy meal?
My current favourite, quick, easy and healthy meal is bean burritos (thanks Bonnie!).
It's soooooooo easy and soooooooo quick and pretty darn healthy.
Here's how i make mine:
1 can refried beans
whole wheat tortillas
shredded low fat cheddar cheese
fat free sour cream
salsa
diced tomatoes
chopped green onion
guacamole
lettuce
whatever
Open can of refried beans, and transfer to microwaveable bowl. Heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Layer each of the above ingredients on a tortilla. Roll and eat. You're eating in 6 minutes.
Some people like to spice things up a bit by mixing dry taco seasoning in with the beans. Personally i like the taste of plain refried beans. This has become such a staple in our house, that i always make sure that we have at least one can of refried beans in the pantry.
What's your go-to quick and easy meal?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
So this is Christmas
Christmas is fast approaching and i couldn't be more excited.
I've been thinking a lot lately about what i love most about Christmas (there's a LOT), and what makes Christmas special to me.
For me, and i'm sure for many others, it's all about the traditions. Something about doing the same things over again is comforting and cozying (yes, that is a word - true story!).
Here's a few of the things my family has done over the years and a few things that i've started to do on my own:
1) Getting a real Christmas tree and cutting it down ourselves.
Ever since i can remember (probably from about the time that i could walk) my family has gone out to a tree farm and cut down our own tree. The group consisted of my parents and sister, my 2 cousins and their parents. It was always so much fun and we continued this every year until i graduated university. Venturing out into a field of trees covered with snow, searching for the perfect Christmas tree and then cutting it down ourselves and dragging it back to the car was the start of the Christmas season in our house. My dad always had my sister and i cut it down ourselves and often we'd have to drag it back too. We'd always enjoy hot chocolate afterwards and then pile back in the cars covered with sap and snow for the ride back home.
I haven't gone to cut down a tree in a while (probably since moving permanently to Ottawa) but Mat and i do buy a real tree every year. The glorious smell of a beautiful, fresh pine tree in the house is more than worth the expense of buying a fresh tree every year. I hope that when Mat and i have kids that we'll pick up my family's tradition of going out and cutting down our own tree.
2) Decorating the house, inside and out.
Growing up, my mom would literally deck the halls and nearly every other room in the house for Christmas. It was beautiful and i always looked forward to when she pulled out the Christmas decorations and hung garland from the banister and mantle. My dad on the other hand always put up lights on the outside of our house and on our front trees. Not one year went by that we didn't have lights, and i remember one year it was Christmas Eve and my dad hadn't gotten around to putting up the lights. It was literally CHRISTMAS EVE around 10 pm and he said - "Roj (that's what my dad calls me) c'mon - let's go put up the lights" (no he was not intoxicated in anyway...) Of course being a teenager, i whined and told him it was too late, but he insisted and there we were until about midnight in the snow and the cold hanging lights outside our house.
Mat and i both love decorating for the holidays, and just like my parents, i tackle the inside of the house and Mat takes on the outside. Each year we buy more and more lights as our own front trees get bigger and bigger. I love the way the house looks when it's decorated for Christmas, and it's always a little hard to take them down in the new year.
3. Giving and receiving Christmas cards.
Another one of my favourite parts of Christmas is checking the mailbox for new Christmas cards throughout the month of December. Since moving to Ottawa, i have sent Christmas cards to friends and family and have been receiving them in return. I proudly hang them over the dining room doorway (just as my mom did) and they become part of the decor.
4. Food
My dad's side of the family is Polish (as is Mat's mom's side) which means that we celebrate Christmas Eve with a feast. The FOOD is what i look forward to the most - perogies, borscht, kapusta and cabbage rolls (i always pass on the fish...) are just some of the delicacies that we enjoy. Some of the food on my mom's side of the family include Christmas pudding with hard sauce and lemon brandy sauce, shortbread (oh, i eat her shortbread all day everyday that i'm "home" for Christmas - breakfast, lunch and dinner), Fruit cake with marzipan, rum balls and so much more. If i don't get at least a taste of each of these things, it just wouldn't be Christmas.
5. Potluck dinner with friends
Back when i lived in Oshawa, my group of friends would host a Christmas potluck dinner (they still do host it every year). We would pick one night before Christmas where we would gather at someone's house and each of us would bring a dish to share. I so loved those dinners, and i still try to go if i'm in town when they're being held. Even though i miss my friends at home during Christmas, i've started a "Friends Potluck" here in Ottawa. It's the same principal where i invite my co-worker friends over for a potluck and gift exchange. We all cram into our house and drink and eat and laugh. Warms my heart, and i look forward to it every year.
6. Watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
'Nuff said - wouldn't be Christmas without watching this movie.
7. Recent Christmas Traditions:
I'm always eager to add new traditions to my Christmas celebration, and a couple of ones that we've added recently include:
*Secret Santa. Both sides of my family are big (siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins), so with each of them we've started having secret santas so that we only need to buy for one person each year. I find this works really well because it relieves a lot of the financial pressures of the season, and is another tradition we've added to the mix.
*New P.J.s. This is something that my sister and i started with each other. Many families do this, but we thought it would be nice for us to have new p.j.s to wear on Christmas morning. We exchange these on Christmas Eve with each other.
*Christmas tree ornament. I've tried to acquire at least one beautiful ornament for my Christmas tree each year, and then my sister and i decided that we would start our own tradition of buying each other a new ornament each year. I think this started because we realized that as we decorated our own Christmas trees (in our separate cities) that we missed having the ones from our childhood that held so many memories. We wanted to create new memories and decided we would do this for each other. This too is one of my favourite parts of Christmas.
*Drinking champagne while decorating the tree. This isn't a tradition - yet. I heard of someone who does this, and i want to make it one of my own traditions. I love decorating the Christmas tree, and think it would be that much more special if we popped a small bottle of champagne and took our time hanging ornaments on each bough. 2010 will be the first year of many for this new tradition.
Even though my family has quite a few traditions, i'm always eager to add more to the list. What are some of the things that your family does and which are your favourite?
I've been thinking a lot lately about what i love most about Christmas (there's a LOT), and what makes Christmas special to me.
For me, and i'm sure for many others, it's all about the traditions. Something about doing the same things over again is comforting and cozying (yes, that is a word - true story!).
Here's a few of the things my family has done over the years and a few things that i've started to do on my own:
1) Getting a real Christmas tree and cutting it down ourselves.
Ever since i can remember (probably from about the time that i could walk) my family has gone out to a tree farm and cut down our own tree. The group consisted of my parents and sister, my 2 cousins and their parents. It was always so much fun and we continued this every year until i graduated university. Venturing out into a field of trees covered with snow, searching for the perfect Christmas tree and then cutting it down ourselves and dragging it back to the car was the start of the Christmas season in our house. My dad always had my sister and i cut it down ourselves and often we'd have to drag it back too. We'd always enjoy hot chocolate afterwards and then pile back in the cars covered with sap and snow for the ride back home.
I haven't gone to cut down a tree in a while (probably since moving permanently to Ottawa) but Mat and i do buy a real tree every year. The glorious smell of a beautiful, fresh pine tree in the house is more than worth the expense of buying a fresh tree every year. I hope that when Mat and i have kids that we'll pick up my family's tradition of going out and cutting down our own tree.
2) Decorating the house, inside and out.
Growing up, my mom would literally deck the halls and nearly every other room in the house for Christmas. It was beautiful and i always looked forward to when she pulled out the Christmas decorations and hung garland from the banister and mantle. My dad on the other hand always put up lights on the outside of our house and on our front trees. Not one year went by that we didn't have lights, and i remember one year it was Christmas Eve and my dad hadn't gotten around to putting up the lights. It was literally CHRISTMAS EVE around 10 pm and he said - "Roj (that's what my dad calls me) c'mon - let's go put up the lights" (no he was not intoxicated in anyway...) Of course being a teenager, i whined and told him it was too late, but he insisted and there we were until about midnight in the snow and the cold hanging lights outside our house.
Mat and i both love decorating for the holidays, and just like my parents, i tackle the inside of the house and Mat takes on the outside. Each year we buy more and more lights as our own front trees get bigger and bigger. I love the way the house looks when it's decorated for Christmas, and it's always a little hard to take them down in the new year.
3. Giving and receiving Christmas cards.
Another one of my favourite parts of Christmas is checking the mailbox for new Christmas cards throughout the month of December. Since moving to Ottawa, i have sent Christmas cards to friends and family and have been receiving them in return. I proudly hang them over the dining room doorway (just as my mom did) and they become part of the decor.
4. Food
My dad's side of the family is Polish (as is Mat's mom's side) which means that we celebrate Christmas Eve with a feast. The FOOD is what i look forward to the most - perogies, borscht, kapusta and cabbage rolls (i always pass on the fish...) are just some of the delicacies that we enjoy. Some of the food on my mom's side of the family include Christmas pudding with hard sauce and lemon brandy sauce, shortbread (oh, i eat her shortbread all day everyday that i'm "home" for Christmas - breakfast, lunch and dinner), Fruit cake with marzipan, rum balls and so much more. If i don't get at least a taste of each of these things, it just wouldn't be Christmas.
5. Potluck dinner with friends
Back when i lived in Oshawa, my group of friends would host a Christmas potluck dinner (they still do host it every year). We would pick one night before Christmas where we would gather at someone's house and each of us would bring a dish to share. I so loved those dinners, and i still try to go if i'm in town when they're being held. Even though i miss my friends at home during Christmas, i've started a "Friends Potluck" here in Ottawa. It's the same principal where i invite my co-worker friends over for a potluck and gift exchange. We all cram into our house and drink and eat and laugh. Warms my heart, and i look forward to it every year.
6. Watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
'Nuff said - wouldn't be Christmas without watching this movie.
7. Recent Christmas Traditions:
I'm always eager to add new traditions to my Christmas celebration, and a couple of ones that we've added recently include:
*Secret Santa. Both sides of my family are big (siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins), so with each of them we've started having secret santas so that we only need to buy for one person each year. I find this works really well because it relieves a lot of the financial pressures of the season, and is another tradition we've added to the mix.
*New P.J.s. This is something that my sister and i started with each other. Many families do this, but we thought it would be nice for us to have new p.j.s to wear on Christmas morning. We exchange these on Christmas Eve with each other.
*Christmas tree ornament. I've tried to acquire at least one beautiful ornament for my Christmas tree each year, and then my sister and i decided that we would start our own tradition of buying each other a new ornament each year. I think this started because we realized that as we decorated our own Christmas trees (in our separate cities) that we missed having the ones from our childhood that held so many memories. We wanted to create new memories and decided we would do this for each other. This too is one of my favourite parts of Christmas.
*Drinking champagne while decorating the tree. This isn't a tradition - yet. I heard of someone who does this, and i want to make it one of my own traditions. I love decorating the Christmas tree, and think it would be that much more special if we popped a small bottle of champagne and took our time hanging ornaments on each bough. 2010 will be the first year of many for this new tradition.
Even though my family has quite a few traditions, i'm always eager to add more to the list. What are some of the things that your family does and which are your favourite?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Housework
It’s been a long while since my last post, but I was inspired by Jennie’s post about how housework is divided in a person’s house (evenly or unevenly) and thought it would be a good topic for discussion.
My husband and I have swung from one side of the pendulum to the other and I think we have landed somewhere in the middle (although he might think differently).
When we first started living together, I did everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. I think the most he did was bring his dirty plate TO the sink. This went on for a while until I finally broke down and just started screaming and yelling about how I couldn’t do it anymore and how I wasn’t his mother. And he got it. I mean, how couldn’t you? He started doing more and more and more without ever being asked. Then I got lazy and I started slacking, and we literally came all the way over to the other side where he did EVERYTHING and I sat on my fat butt and did nothing. One day I just realized that I wasn’t being fair to him and I started to do a few things around the house. Now I think it’s mostly even, although he does more of the crummy jobs. I do all the meal planning and cooking and some of the dishes. He walks the dogs twice a day, does all the outdoor stuff (mowing the lawn, shovelling snow, taking out garbage). Saturdays are pretty much our cleaning days and once we’ve had our coffees and lazed around for a bit we both just kind of get on with the house work. I’ll tidy up, he’ll vacuum, I’ll wash the floors, he’ll start the laundry. We just keep going until it all gets done.
I have to say that Mat does do a lot more, but that’s because he WANTS to. For example, he INSISTS on doing the laundry. I don’t like how he does the laundry and he doesn’t like how I do it, and we actually fought over who got to do the laundry. He promised me he’d do it the way I like just so that he can do the laundry – go figure.
Another “chore” that Mat does that I don’t: washing the cars. I have no interest in this whatsoever, but Mat apparently enjoys it, so I’m not going to argue with that.
I’ve taken over the meal planning and cooking, because let’s face it. We’d only ever eat chicken fingers and frozen pizza if I left it up to Mat.
And the dog walking? We used to do that together, until I hit that “super lazy” phase, and now he just does it. God bless him.
How do you divide the chores in your house? Do you feel it’s “fair”? What would you change (besides hiring someone)?
My husband and I have swung from one side of the pendulum to the other and I think we have landed somewhere in the middle (although he might think differently).
When we first started living together, I did everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. I think the most he did was bring his dirty plate TO the sink. This went on for a while until I finally broke down and just started screaming and yelling about how I couldn’t do it anymore and how I wasn’t his mother. And he got it. I mean, how couldn’t you? He started doing more and more and more without ever being asked. Then I got lazy and I started slacking, and we literally came all the way over to the other side where he did EVERYTHING and I sat on my fat butt and did nothing. One day I just realized that I wasn’t being fair to him and I started to do a few things around the house. Now I think it’s mostly even, although he does more of the crummy jobs. I do all the meal planning and cooking and some of the dishes. He walks the dogs twice a day, does all the outdoor stuff (mowing the lawn, shovelling snow, taking out garbage). Saturdays are pretty much our cleaning days and once we’ve had our coffees and lazed around for a bit we both just kind of get on with the house work. I’ll tidy up, he’ll vacuum, I’ll wash the floors, he’ll start the laundry. We just keep going until it all gets done.
I have to say that Mat does do a lot more, but that’s because he WANTS to. For example, he INSISTS on doing the laundry. I don’t like how he does the laundry and he doesn’t like how I do it, and we actually fought over who got to do the laundry. He promised me he’d do it the way I like just so that he can do the laundry – go figure.
Another “chore” that Mat does that I don’t: washing the cars. I have no interest in this whatsoever, but Mat apparently enjoys it, so I’m not going to argue with that.
I’ve taken over the meal planning and cooking, because let’s face it. We’d only ever eat chicken fingers and frozen pizza if I left it up to Mat.
And the dog walking? We used to do that together, until I hit that “super lazy” phase, and now he just does it. God bless him.
How do you divide the chores in your house? Do you feel it’s “fair”? What would you change (besides hiring someone)?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Really? My clothes are still tight?
Ok, so it's been about a month give or take since i started working out every weekday.
In my last post i mentioned that my clothes feel even tighter since i've been working out, and that hasn't changed.
This, my friends is VERY FRUSTRATING.
Tell me if this makes any sense:
In my last post i mentioned that my clothes feel even tighter since i've been working out, and that hasn't changed.
This, my friends is VERY FRUSTRATING.
Tell me if this makes any sense:
- I've been working out every weekday morning and taking yoga once a week (thanks Bonnie!)
- I haven't changed my diet (neither better nor worse)
- I've lost inches off my waist and hips (not many, but still, inches)
- I've lost one or 2 pounds
HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? how can i only have lost max 2 lbs this whole month?
Also, if my measurements are smaller, WHY DO MY PANTS FEEL TIGHTER?
seriously -is there something i'm missing here?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
weight update
Since my last post on my weight, a few things have happened:
1) I had my annual physical appointment. I knew going in i had gained quite a bit of weight and told the nurse who took my measurements and vitals that i didn't want to know the number. He was kind, and didn't tell me. When my doctor came in to carry on with the rest of the appointment, we talked about a lot of things (when i might be having kids, how certain prescrptions are working for me etc. etc.).
When i thought we had finished all of our discussions, she pulled up a graph on her computer. It was a chart of my weight. The line had spiked from last year.
She turned around and said "i see you've put on some weight since your last visit".
"mmm hmmm" i answered
"are you concerend about this?" she asked.
"well.....are you?" i asked back
"well......" i could see she was searching for a way to be nice about it
"it's not a problem today, but if it continues like this, it could be a problem down the line. Weight starts to wear on your joints and other things. If it continues, you might need to worry about blood pressure and diabetes" she answered.
Then she continued "do you exercise?"
"no" i answered - i didn't even try to bluff it
Our discussion went on about why i think i've gained weight (i flat out told her that i'm lazy and i don't exercise and i eat out regularly).
She strongly encouraged me to exercise on a daily basis, which let's face it, is a polite way of saying "you're overweight"
So, of course, i know i need to lose weight. It was super hard hearing it from my doctor, but i think i needed that talk, that scare. I needed someone to look me in the eye and say "Roz. You need to lose weight. Now".
2) I've been working out every weekday. I didn't work out during my conference or the week after (i wasn't looking for excuses not to work out, but when you work 16 hour days for a week there is literally no time for a workout. The week following the conference i went to bed incredibly early every day because i could barely muster enough energy to dress myself in the morning).
It's going well. Don't get me wrong - i HATE exercising with a passion. Ho boy! i am ANGRY at the world for the first 10 minutes of my workout. You should see me (well, no you shouldn't - no one should, not even my dogs who - i'm not even kidding - i lock out of the room when i workout). My faced is scrunched, i scowl at the t.v., i yell at Jillian Michaels to SHUT UP JUST SHUT UP. But it's going well for a few reasons:
a) I WANT and i FEEL like eating healthier because i don't want to undo what i just struggled to do that morning. This, i would like to add, might be a first for me, because i am ALWAYS craving the junk food
b) i can feel myself getting stronger. I can't see a difference on my body, but i can do a whole whack of pushups (when i started i could do 2) and i can tell my shoulders are also gaining strength
Results seem to take forever to show for me (in fact it feels like some of my clothes are even tighter! ~sigh~) but everyone i've spoken to swears by the 30 day shred, so i'm sticking to it.
I was going to post my weight here as a way to keep me motivated, but i'm still not ok with that number and i think i'll save it for some "before and after" posts (let's hope there'll be some "after" posts...)
1) I had my annual physical appointment. I knew going in i had gained quite a bit of weight and told the nurse who took my measurements and vitals that i didn't want to know the number. He was kind, and didn't tell me. When my doctor came in to carry on with the rest of the appointment, we talked about a lot of things (when i might be having kids, how certain prescrptions are working for me etc. etc.).
When i thought we had finished all of our discussions, she pulled up a graph on her computer. It was a chart of my weight. The line had spiked from last year.
She turned around and said "i see you've put on some weight since your last visit".
"mmm hmmm" i answered
"are you concerend about this?" she asked.
"well.....are you?" i asked back
"well......" i could see she was searching for a way to be nice about it
"it's not a problem today, but if it continues like this, it could be a problem down the line. Weight starts to wear on your joints and other things. If it continues, you might need to worry about blood pressure and diabetes" she answered.
Then she continued "do you exercise?"
"no" i answered - i didn't even try to bluff it
Our discussion went on about why i think i've gained weight (i flat out told her that i'm lazy and i don't exercise and i eat out regularly).
She strongly encouraged me to exercise on a daily basis, which let's face it, is a polite way of saying "you're overweight"
So, of course, i know i need to lose weight. It was super hard hearing it from my doctor, but i think i needed that talk, that scare. I needed someone to look me in the eye and say "Roz. You need to lose weight. Now".
2) I've been working out every weekday. I didn't work out during my conference or the week after (i wasn't looking for excuses not to work out, but when you work 16 hour days for a week there is literally no time for a workout. The week following the conference i went to bed incredibly early every day because i could barely muster enough energy to dress myself in the morning).
It's going well. Don't get me wrong - i HATE exercising with a passion. Ho boy! i am ANGRY at the world for the first 10 minutes of my workout. You should see me (well, no you shouldn't - no one should, not even my dogs who - i'm not even kidding - i lock out of the room when i workout). My faced is scrunched, i scowl at the t.v., i yell at Jillian Michaels to SHUT UP JUST SHUT UP. But it's going well for a few reasons:
a) I WANT and i FEEL like eating healthier because i don't want to undo what i just struggled to do that morning. This, i would like to add, might be a first for me, because i am ALWAYS craving the junk food
b) i can feel myself getting stronger. I can't see a difference on my body, but i can do a whole whack of pushups (when i started i could do 2) and i can tell my shoulders are also gaining strength
Results seem to take forever to show for me (in fact it feels like some of my clothes are even tighter! ~sigh~) but everyone i've spoken to swears by the 30 day shred, so i'm sticking to it.
I was going to post my weight here as a way to keep me motivated, but i'm still not ok with that number and i think i'll save it for some "before and after" posts (let's hope there'll be some "after" posts...)
Monday, January 11, 2010
It's time
My goal for 2010 is to be proud of the way I look.
For the last year (2 years ?) I have looked at myself in the mirror and been less than thrilled with what I see.
Now I look at myself in pictures people take of me and I hate them all. It never used to be that way.
I’ve put on weight over the last few years and it’s really starting to show as “too much”.
I’m buying more and more clothes because the ones I currently have continue to look less and less attractive on me.
I’m constantly uncomfortable in jeans and always default to yoga pants if I’m at home.
I have always struggled with my weight and have tried countless diets including supervision with a registered dietician with no success.
I feel like I’m letting myself down by not enjoying who I am and how I look. I don’t want to regret my 20’s and 30’s because I’m overweight. I don’t want to ask everyone to delete the pictures they’ve taken of me.
It’s time to turn this around.
I’m lazy and I’m sure that will never change.
I haven’t decided how I’m going to take control of my weight, exactly, or when for that matter, but I am declaring to the universe that I realize it is time!
It’s definitely time.
For the last year (2 years ?) I have looked at myself in the mirror and been less than thrilled with what I see.
Now I look at myself in pictures people take of me and I hate them all. It never used to be that way.
I’ve put on weight over the last few years and it’s really starting to show as “too much”.
I’m buying more and more clothes because the ones I currently have continue to look less and less attractive on me.
I’m constantly uncomfortable in jeans and always default to yoga pants if I’m at home.
I have always struggled with my weight and have tried countless diets including supervision with a registered dietician with no success.
I feel like I’m letting myself down by not enjoying who I am and how I look. I don’t want to regret my 20’s and 30’s because I’m overweight. I don’t want to ask everyone to delete the pictures they’ve taken of me.
It’s time to turn this around.
I’m lazy and I’m sure that will never change.
I haven’t decided how I’m going to take control of my weight, exactly, or when for that matter, but I am declaring to the universe that I realize it is time!
It’s definitely time.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Hard(decision)wood flooring
Mat and I are ready to put down hardwood floors on the main level of our house, but we (I’m) having a really tough time deciding what to put down.
I love the look of dark floors, but there are a couple of reasons why we don’t want to put them down:
• Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) has said dark-stained floors are a pain in the ass to keep clean. Dust and foot prints are never-ending. Not to mention we have not one, but TWO white dogs (extra paw prints, extra dirt and EXTRA white fur)
• Scratches are easier to see especially if the scratch is deep and takes off the stain (see 2 dogs above)
• Dark wood is so popular right now and I’m worried that it will be the dated honey-coloured floors you see today…I wonder if I like it so much because it’s so trendy - ?
Of course we have a budget (not big, but comfortable) and we found a great place that carries “leftovers” if you will, which means what they have is what you get. No ordering and if you wait too long to decide, there’s a good chance it will be scooped up.
Mat and I don’t like a lot of things: We don’t like “colours” so nothing with a red tone to it, or anything too yellow. We don’t want a bowling alley either…
Again we like the look of dark, but not the high-maintenance of it. We like “different” like tiger wood ($$$, hahaha ya right) and wood with character.
Last night we found this:
Thoughts? Thoughts?? Thoughts???
I love the look of dark floors, but there are a couple of reasons why we don’t want to put them down:
• Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) has said dark-stained floors are a pain in the ass to keep clean. Dust and foot prints are never-ending. Not to mention we have not one, but TWO white dogs (extra paw prints, extra dirt and EXTRA white fur)
• Scratches are easier to see especially if the scratch is deep and takes off the stain (see 2 dogs above)
• Dark wood is so popular right now and I’m worried that it will be the dated honey-coloured floors you see today…I wonder if I like it so much because it’s so trendy - ?
Of course we have a budget (not big, but comfortable) and we found a great place that carries “leftovers” if you will, which means what they have is what you get. No ordering and if you wait too long to decide, there’s a good chance it will be scooped up.
Mat and I don’t like a lot of things: We don’t like “colours” so nothing with a red tone to it, or anything too yellow. We don’t want a bowling alley either…
Again we like the look of dark, but not the high-maintenance of it. We like “different” like tiger wood ($$$, hahaha ya right) and wood with character.
Last night we found this:
It’s hickory which is extremely durable (quite a bit harder than maple). It’s got character and I’m pretty sure that dirt, scratches etc. aren’t going to show up.
Not to mention that this particular one we found is solid (not engineered) and is 3 ¼” wide – both of which usually add a lot of cost per square foot but is within our budget because of this warehouse.
I really really like the look of this, but I’m really concerned that it will look “country”.
I’ve scoured the internet and found pics that support that it will look country, and other pics that show that it can look very – modern – if you will.
Here are the pics that confirm the flooring looks country:
And here are the pics that show it can look warm but modern:
And here are some (really) dated pics of our house, but it gives you an idea, anyway:
(this picture was from the listing when we bought the house - we now have stainless steel appliances and much nicer stainless steel light fixtures)
wall colour is now a bit lighter (still grey) tile will not change (kind of a burgundy)
Thoughts? Thoughts?? Thoughts???
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Bell's *famous* customer service
Hmm, 2 "customer service" posts in a row...
Well as everyone knows, Bell is known for their horrible customer service.
I've been a victim in the past of Bell's customer "service", but in recent years, i haven't had any issues with them. In fact, i would even go so far as defending Bell when someone else would complain about them and telling them about my great experience with Bell finding discounts for me and whatnot.
Well, today my friends, that has come to an end, and i am back on the Bell-Bad-Customer-Service Bandwagon.
Here's the story: I wanted to upgrade our TV service so that we could get HBO. I went online and found a package that allowed us to get HBO for only $5 more a month then what we are paying now. I had one question i needed clarified, so when the "online chat help" window popped up asking if i had any questions, i started to chat:
Rosalind: I was looking at the "HD Extra" package and it says you get "choice of one premium movies pack (free for 2 months)". If the package is $75/month, how much is it after the first 2 months?
Peter: Hello and welcome to Bell's chat service. How may I provide you with excellent service today?
Peter: I will be happy to assist you.
Peter: May I have please have your first and the last name?
Rosalind: (gave him my name)
Peter: May I call you by your first name?
Rosalind: yes
Peter: Thank you, Rosalind.
Peter: I wish I could help you. Since you have reached the Bell Home Phone billing department, I do not have access to Bell TV accounts.
Peter: Unfortunately, I am not able to assist you with your request. However, I will transfer you to one of our online Bell TV agents who will be happy to assist you with that.
Peter: Rosalind, please stay online.
Rosalind: k thanks
Peter: You're welcome!
Please wait. We are transferring you to the specialist best suited to help you.
Chat representative Johanne has joined the session and is ready to help. To start, please provide your name and home phone number.
Rosalind (gave my name - again - and phone number)
Rosalind: I was looking at the "HD Extra" package and it says you get "choice of one premium movies pack (free for 2 months)". If the package is $75/month, how much is it after the first 2 months?
Johanne: Hi, welcome to Bell TV Chat! It will be a pleasure to help you out with your request today concerning our programming.
Johanne: The price and package you see online is for new customers with a 2 year contract.
Rosalind: Is there anything similar you can offer for existing clients?
Johanne: First, is your 2 year contract over with us?
Rosalind: i don't know - i've had bell tv since about 3 years
Johanne: I will verify.
Johanne: I will then access your account and I will need your Pin number, please.
Rosalind: xxxxxxxxxx
Johanne: Thank you, one moment please.
Johanne: Thank you for waiting.
Rosalind: ok
Johanne: Your 2 year contract ended in July/09.
Rosalind: ok, what are my options?
Johanne: You might be eligible. We also have offers for our existing customers. You may go to: www.bell.ca/renewnow and you have to be logged in to your profile to see them.
Rosalind: it says "sorry you're not eligible for a term renewal off at this time".
Rosalind: *offer
Johanne: Then, I would wait a couple of months, and see what it says.
Rosalind: that's ridiculous - if my contract expired in july, why can't i access any offers???
**waited for about 5 minutes**
Rosalind: hello?
***waited for about another 2 minutes***
Johanne: If it not ridiculous, you just terminated your contract 3 months ago. What I was saying, is to try again, beginning of 2010. If not, call our call center and speak with our Loyalty dept., at: 1-888-759-3474.
Rosalind: do you have an employee number?
Johanne: If you want a reference, use my name: Johanne, Techical services.
Rosalind: thank you - if you could have your supervisor contact me, it would be greatly appreciated
Johanne: To speak with a supervisor, you have to call our call center.
Johanne: Is there anything for you today?
Rosalind: it doesn't seem like you're able to help me
Johanne: No, sorry you have here the Technical services. The loyalty dept. will.
Rosalind: is the loyalty dept. on chat?
Johanne: No, sorry.
-End of chat-
Wow! what a HUGE waste of my time.
Their idea of "helping" me or "servicing" me is telling me to check out their promotions on their website - gee, thanks.
Then, when i told her that the website was saying i wasn't eligible, she told me to try back in a couple of months...HELLO - i want new programming and savings NOW!!
THEN - she has the audacity to ARGUE with me "It is not ridiculous"....Ok, well i think it is and I'm the customer. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO HELP ME???!!
Then, she tells basically tells me that it's not her fault because she's "technical services" and that i need to speak with "loyalty services". Thanks - why didn't you tell me this before you wasted my time??
Gah - i'm always amazed that there is so much effort to gain new customers, but when you're an existing customer, you're worthless.
Hey BELL - now that my contract is "supposedly" over, i might just try ROGERS. Hey, if it doesn't work out with them, i can always come back as a "new" client, right??
Well as everyone knows, Bell is known for their horrible customer service.
I've been a victim in the past of Bell's customer "service", but in recent years, i haven't had any issues with them. In fact, i would even go so far as defending Bell when someone else would complain about them and telling them about my great experience with Bell finding discounts for me and whatnot.
Well, today my friends, that has come to an end, and i am back on the Bell-Bad-Customer-Service Bandwagon.
Here's the story: I wanted to upgrade our TV service so that we could get HBO. I went online and found a package that allowed us to get HBO for only $5 more a month then what we are paying now. I had one question i needed clarified, so when the "online chat help" window popped up asking if i had any questions, i started to chat:
Rosalind: I was looking at the "HD Extra" package and it says you get "choice of one premium movies pack (free for 2 months)". If the package is $75/month, how much is it after the first 2 months?
Peter: Hello and welcome to Bell's chat service. How may I provide you with excellent service today?
Peter: I will be happy to assist you.
Peter: May I have please have your first and the last name?
Rosalind: (gave him my name)
Peter: May I call you by your first name?
Rosalind: yes
Peter: Thank you, Rosalind.
Peter: I wish I could help you. Since you have reached the Bell Home Phone billing department, I do not have access to Bell TV accounts.
Peter: Unfortunately, I am not able to assist you with your request. However, I will transfer you to one of our online Bell TV agents who will be happy to assist you with that.
Peter: Rosalind, please stay online.
Rosalind: k thanks
Peter: You're welcome!
Please wait. We are transferring you to the specialist best suited to help you.
Chat representative Johanne has joined the session and is ready to help. To start, please provide your name and home phone number.
Rosalind (gave my name - again - and phone number)
Rosalind: I was looking at the "HD Extra" package and it says you get "choice of one premium movies pack (free for 2 months)". If the package is $75/month, how much is it after the first 2 months?
Johanne: Hi, welcome to Bell TV Chat! It will be a pleasure to help you out with your request today concerning our programming.
Johanne: The price and package you see online is for new customers with a 2 year contract.
Rosalind: Is there anything similar you can offer for existing clients?
Johanne: First, is your 2 year contract over with us?
Rosalind: i don't know - i've had bell tv since about 3 years
Johanne: I will verify.
Johanne: I will then access your account and I will need your Pin number, please.
Rosalind: xxxxxxxxxx
Johanne: Thank you, one moment please.
Johanne: Thank you for waiting.
Rosalind: ok
Johanne: Your 2 year contract ended in July/09.
Rosalind: ok, what are my options?
Johanne: You might be eligible. We also have offers for our existing customers. You may go to: www.bell.ca/renewnow and you have to be logged in to your profile to see them.
Rosalind: it says "sorry you're not eligible for a term renewal off at this time".
Rosalind: *offer
Johanne: Then, I would wait a couple of months, and see what it says.
Rosalind: that's ridiculous - if my contract expired in july, why can't i access any offers???
**waited for about 5 minutes**
Rosalind: hello?
***waited for about another 2 minutes***
Johanne: If it not ridiculous, you just terminated your contract 3 months ago. What I was saying, is to try again, beginning of 2010. If not, call our call center and speak with our Loyalty dept., at: 1-888-759-3474.
Rosalind: do you have an employee number?
Johanne: If you want a reference, use my name: Johanne, Techical services.
Rosalind: thank you - if you could have your supervisor contact me, it would be greatly appreciated
Johanne: To speak with a supervisor, you have to call our call center.
Johanne: Is there anything for you today?
Rosalind: it doesn't seem like you're able to help me
Johanne: No, sorry you have here the Technical services. The loyalty dept. will.
Rosalind: is the loyalty dept. on chat?
Johanne: No, sorry.
-End of chat-
Wow! what a HUGE waste of my time.
Their idea of "helping" me or "servicing" me is telling me to check out their promotions on their website - gee, thanks.
Then, when i told her that the website was saying i wasn't eligible, she told me to try back in a couple of months...HELLO - i want new programming and savings NOW!!
THEN - she has the audacity to ARGUE with me "It is not ridiculous"....Ok, well i think it is and I'm the customer. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO HELP ME???!!
Then, she tells basically tells me that it's not her fault because she's "technical services" and that i need to speak with "loyalty services". Thanks - why didn't you tell me this before you wasted my time??
Gah - i'm always amazed that there is so much effort to gain new customers, but when you're an existing customer, you're worthless.
Hey BELL - now that my contract is "supposedly" over, i might just try ROGERS. Hey, if it doesn't work out with them, i can always come back as a "new" client, right??
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
holy bad customer service!
So...i needed to get my kitchen knives sharpened and so i googled "knife sharpening ottawa".
Very few listings came up. Actually 2 listings came up. I went to both of their websites and didn't know how to "choose" a knife sharpening place so i decided to get in touch with the one with the (very slightly) nicer website.
It said to please call or email to make an appointment so i did:
Friday, Sept 11
Hi there, I have a few kitchen knifes I would like to get sharpened and I was wondering when I might be able to drop them off. Many thanks, Rosalind.
*****
Saturday, Sept 12
Hello Rosalind,
You can drop them off Monday to Saturday, between 9:30 am. and 5 pm, and available for pick up the next day.
Cheers
*****
On Monday i made a trip to drop off the knives. I didn't realize that it shared the same location as a dog groomer we used once before and received not only THE WORST doggie hair cut ever but also encountered the grouchiest woman ever (over the phone and in person). I thought it was odd, but i went in to drop off the knives anyway. I received the worst service AGAIN and so i wrote to the guy i had been dealing with to get my knives sharpened:
Hi Again,
Just wanted to let you know that I stopped by today to drop off the knives and one of the women working there told me that you wouldn't be able to sharpen them until next week or later because a) you were renovating b) the machine wasn't out and c) you were then going away to the states - ?? I have to say that I'm a bit put off because in your email you said I could drop them off and they would be ready the next day. Not to mention I had to make a special trip out there for nothing. I told the woman that I would have to take them somwhere else because I couldn't go without them for over a week and she didn't seem to care... Anyway, just wanted to let you know what happened and unfortunately I'll be going elsewhere to get the knives sharpened. Rosalind.
******
Hello Rosalind,
Sorry to hear about your troubles. But, I didn't know you were coming, as you didn't confirm. I had other work to attend too. Had I known your plans, I would of definetly made arrangements with my wife. So we went ahead with our plans and preparing for the States this weekend, packing & getting passports. Always busy.
I hope you understand, and if you give me another chance, I'll give you 40% off. Note, I won't be back until next Tuesday.
Regards
******
Are you kidding me?? He told me on SATURDAY that i could drop off the knives from Monday to Saturday, so i dropped them off on MONDAY and that was a problem because i didn't CONFIRM with him?? what the hell?
I've never encountered such a complicated system for such a simple service.
Yesterday i took my knives to the second person i found on my google search (didn't bother calling or emailing) and guess what ?? He was incredibly pleasant, and sharpened my knives WHILE I WAITED. I had 5 knives sharpened for a meesly $11.
I want to respond to the first guy, but i'm not entirely sure what to say (i want to say what i've said here, but really not in the mood for a fight). I just feel like he should know the horrible service he's offering and the great service people can find elsewhere....
If anyone wants to know where they SHOULD and shouldn't take their knives to be sharpened, just let me know.
Very few listings came up. Actually 2 listings came up. I went to both of their websites and didn't know how to "choose" a knife sharpening place so i decided to get in touch with the one with the (very slightly) nicer website.
It said to please call or email to make an appointment so i did:
Friday, Sept 11
Hi there, I have a few kitchen knifes I would like to get sharpened and I was wondering when I might be able to drop them off. Many thanks, Rosalind.
*****
Saturday, Sept 12
Hello Rosalind,
You can drop them off Monday to Saturday, between 9:30 am. and 5 pm, and available for pick up the next day.
Cheers
*****
On Monday i made a trip to drop off the knives. I didn't realize that it shared the same location as a dog groomer we used once before and received not only THE WORST doggie hair cut ever but also encountered the grouchiest woman ever (over the phone and in person). I thought it was odd, but i went in to drop off the knives anyway. I received the worst service AGAIN and so i wrote to the guy i had been dealing with to get my knives sharpened:
Hi Again,
Just wanted to let you know that I stopped by today to drop off the knives and one of the women working there told me that you wouldn't be able to sharpen them until next week or later because a) you were renovating b) the machine wasn't out and c) you were then going away to the states - ?? I have to say that I'm a bit put off because in your email you said I could drop them off and they would be ready the next day. Not to mention I had to make a special trip out there for nothing. I told the woman that I would have to take them somwhere else because I couldn't go without them for over a week and she didn't seem to care... Anyway, just wanted to let you know what happened and unfortunately I'll be going elsewhere to get the knives sharpened. Rosalind.
******
Hello Rosalind,
Sorry to hear about your troubles. But, I didn't know you were coming, as you didn't confirm. I had other work to attend too. Had I known your plans, I would of definetly made arrangements with my wife. So we went ahead with our plans and preparing for the States this weekend, packing & getting passports. Always busy.
I hope you understand, and if you give me another chance, I'll give you 40% off. Note, I won't be back until next Tuesday.
Regards
******
Are you kidding me?? He told me on SATURDAY that i could drop off the knives from Monday to Saturday, so i dropped them off on MONDAY and that was a problem because i didn't CONFIRM with him?? what the hell?
I've never encountered such a complicated system for such a simple service.
Yesterday i took my knives to the second person i found on my google search (didn't bother calling or emailing) and guess what ?? He was incredibly pleasant, and sharpened my knives WHILE I WAITED. I had 5 knives sharpened for a meesly $11.
I want to respond to the first guy, but i'm not entirely sure what to say (i want to say what i've said here, but really not in the mood for a fight). I just feel like he should know the horrible service he's offering and the great service people can find elsewhere....
If anyone wants to know where they SHOULD and shouldn't take their knives to be sharpened, just let me know.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A few words about wedding etiquette
Those of you who know me, know that i'm a bit of a wedding expert.
What exactly qualifies me as a wedding expert? Well for starters, after i completed my university degree, i went on to do a post-grad diploma in event management where i focused on weddings, and my entire professional career has been planning events.
Not enough to be an expert? Ok, well i've also planned many weddings including my own.
Still not enough to consider me as a wedding expert? Would you care to know that i own every 'Martha Stewart Weddings' magazine that was published in the last 11 years (approximately 44 issues)? I also read countless blogs dedicated to weddings and wedding planning on a daily basis. I also own Emily Post's book on etiquette and have practically memorized the section on weddings and engagements.
Yeah...i know just a thing or two about weddings...
This year is the Year of the Weddings for me. I have been invited to six (!!) weddings this year. Unfortunately, i can *only* make it to 4.
With all of these upcoming weddings, a bunch of my pet peeves have been stirred up again. I don't blame the engaged couple, as i'm sure they just didn't know (hey! that's what i'm here for! ask me - i'd be glad to impart my knowledge on you!!), but still, there are a few things which are just plain manners people.
If you've sent me a wedding invitation, and i've written about something you did, don't take it personally, because it wasn't just you - it's happened many times and is a common "mistake"
In bullet format, i give you some common wedding faux pas!
What exactly qualifies me as a wedding expert? Well for starters, after i completed my university degree, i went on to do a post-grad diploma in event management where i focused on weddings, and my entire professional career has been planning events.
Not enough to be an expert? Ok, well i've also planned many weddings including my own.
Still not enough to consider me as a wedding expert? Would you care to know that i own every 'Martha Stewart Weddings' magazine that was published in the last 11 years (approximately 44 issues)? I also read countless blogs dedicated to weddings and wedding planning on a daily basis. I also own Emily Post's book on etiquette and have practically memorized the section on weddings and engagements.
Yeah...i know just a thing or two about weddings...
This year is the Year of the Weddings for me. I have been invited to six (!!) weddings this year. Unfortunately, i can *only* make it to 4.
With all of these upcoming weddings, a bunch of my pet peeves have been stirred up again. I don't blame the engaged couple, as i'm sure they just didn't know (hey! that's what i'm here for! ask me - i'd be glad to impart my knowledge on you!!), but still, there are a few things which are just plain manners people.
If you've sent me a wedding invitation, and i've written about something you did, don't take it personally, because it wasn't just you - it's happened many times and is a common "mistake"
In bullet format, i give you some common wedding faux pas!
- DON'T put your registry information anywhere on the invitation. Don't even put it with the invitation. To be blunt, this is just plain rude. If someone wants to know if/where you're registered, they'll ask you at which point feel free to tell them all the places you've registered! The polite way to spread the word is to tell your close family members (parents, siblings) and bridal party. That way if one of your parent's friends wants to know for example, they just have to ask them. Your bridal party can even spread the news to your mutual friends and so on. I know all those places you registered for gave you a stack of cards for you to include in your invitations, but they don't care how you come across to other people - all they care about is people BUYING stuff. The same goes for shower invitations. Tell whoever is throwing you a shower not to include those awful cards. In fact, don't even GIVE them the cards.
- That second envelope that came with your invitation set? It's not for mailing the reply card. It's called an "inner envelope" and IT is what the invitation goes into. The inner envelope only has the recipients' names on it - not the address, whereas the outside envelope is for the mailing address and the stamp and keeps the inner envelope from getting dirty. Don't believe me that that's what the the "second" envelope is for? I'll prove it - it doesn't have glue on the flap, so you can't use it for mailing. It's amazing the similarity of the invitations i've received this year. 2 of them have had detachable, ready to mail reply cards with the return address already printed on it. Then there was an empty envelope also printed with the return address (and stamped). The reply card is a standard postcard size and does not require an envelope.
- DON'T use nicknames when addressing invitations - even if they're your friends. It just doesn't look nice. It can also come across as you not being sure what the person's real name is or how to spell it properly. Mat and i have received many invitations over the years where they've put "Roz" or "Mat" on the invitation (sometimes not even the person's last name!!). My name is Rosalind and Mat's name is Mathew. Most people like to get mail addressed properly to them. Again, if you aren't sure, ask someone. It's better to discreetly ask your friend how to spell her husband's name rather than guess or use his nick-name
And a couple of my personal pet peeves that aren't "rules" by any means:
- Get rid of the head table, or at least let your bridal party have their significant other sit with them. When you're the date/spouse of a bridesmaid or groomsman, and you don't know anyone other than the happy couple and your spouse, it sucks to have to sit at a table with strangers for the whole night. Don't tell me that they'll get to move around after dinner - it still sucks.
- Don't plan (or try to plan) your own shower/bachelorette. 'Nuf said
- Don't hold your wedding on a weekday or a holiday. Long weekends are ok, holiday weekends, not ok. Everyone has families and for most families, official holidays are the only times they can see each other. By having your wedding on a holiday (or holiday weekend) you are taking away an opportunity for families to see each other. Yes. I know it's cheaper if you have your wedding on a weekday or holiday (= more convenient for you), but you should really be considerate of your guests.
- DO lighten up on the matchy-matchy bridesmaids dresses. I'm still boggled that people think everyone wearing the exact same dress in the exact same colour, even the exact same length actually looks good. Everyone is a different body type and for the most part, not one dress will look good on everyone. Give your bridesmaids some freedom and let them at least choose their own style of dress. Regardless of what you might think, there's a 99% chance they aren't going to wear it again.
- Last but not least, don' t be a bridezilla
That's it for now, i'm sure as more invitations arrive, it'll stir up a few more pet peeves.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Not everything is black and white (but this time it is!)
Ok, i didn't realize it had been THAT long since the last time i wrote. *Sowwy*!
hmm, let's see...what have i been up to lately?
Well for starters, it was damn busy at work last month. Don't get me started, but i was all "HOLY HELL I CAN'T SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!".
Of course, i made it through alive, and have added a few more battle scars to my collection.
I've also been deep into the Twilight Saga (be still my heart) and i'm almost done the last book. Most of my free time has been (happily) occupied with this.
Of course i still spend a lot of time puttering around the house.
Just a few weeks ago, i decided to paint the bannisters in my house. Here's some pics of what it looked like before i started:
And then as i started to paint:
Here's an *almost* finished pic. I later painted the 2 end posts black.
So as i was finishing up the LAST COAT of black paint on the upstairs handrail, i DROPPED the can of paint.
Did you notice the colour of my carpet? It's white.
Yes, i dropped a can of BLACK PAINT down my staris.
My WHITE. CARPET. stairs.
I sat there in shock for a few minutes. Not believing what just happened and not sure what to do about it either. I finally stood up and ran to the kitchen (because of course, i too was covered in black paint) and grabbed armloads of paper towel. I tried to wipe the paint off my legs but i just pushed it around and made a bigger mess. I all but climbed into the kitchen sink to get the paint off my legs which by this time had a burning sensation - grrrreat!
I still didn't know exactly what to do, so i went outside to where Mat was vaccuming my car. I tried not to make eye contact with him as i stuttered something about him needing to go back and rent the steam cleaner again.
Pardon? Oh, did i forget to mention that Mat had just steam-cleaned the carpets the DAY BEFORE?
Well HA HA wouldn't you know it that his wife decided to spill paint on the stairs after instead of before he cleaned them.
Anyway, he asked me why and i said "there's no time to explain, just go". He didn't bite and asked "what happened?"
"i spilled paint" i replied in the smallest voice ever
"where?" Mat asked
by this point, Mat had started to walk towards the house with me walking backwards in front of him.
"on the stairs! Please don't go in there!!" i pleaded. "IT'S EVERYWHERE" i excalimed as i burst into tears.
But he wouldn't listen and opened the door to the house and saw the carnage.
"You have got to be kidding me" was all he said.
i just looked at the floor.
"well, the carpet is ruined. we'll need to replace it" he said.
Now, although i was upset about spilling paint everywhere, the thought of getting new carpets cheered me up a bit. I have wanted new carpets since we moved in, but didn't want to spend the dough. I still really didn't want to spend the money, but at least i'd have pretty new carpets!
Mat went upstairs (i thought he was mad and couldn't stand to be around me and the mess) so i started to try and mop of the mess with some more paper towels. It made things worse because apparently paper towels will absorb anything BUT PAINT. ugh.
Mat came back downstairs and like a doctor to a nurse started to make demands.
"ok, we need the shop vac, a bucket of water and some vinegar. You get the water, and i'll get the shop vac".
I stared at him blankly because i didn't know what he was thinking
"i looked it up on google and apparently this is how you get paint out of carpet" he explained.
i did as i was told and we started diluting the puddles of paint with water and vinegar and sucked it up with the shop vac. over and over and over again. We spent about an hour doing this and wouldn't you know it? the paint was GONE. i swear. you would not know that i had spilled black paint all down the stairs.
When it was all cleaned up, Mat stood up and said "please don't ever do that again".
I still can't believe that it actually happened and that it's actually gone.
So, what have you been up to lately?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Awesome Giveaway!
Don't have much time to write as i'm just waiting to catch my flight from Dublin to London....
If you're looking to enter an awesome giveaway, check out Chris' blog at Just Beachy http://chriskauffman.blogspot.com/2009/04/give-away.html
Chris' blog has been on my blogroll for a little while now and i love reading it for home design inspiration.
Cheers!
If you're looking to enter an awesome giveaway, check out Chris' blog at Just Beachy http://chriskauffman.blogspot.com/2009/04/give-away.html
Chris' blog has been on my blogroll for a little while now and i love reading it for home design inspiration.
Cheers!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
les randoms
Loves,
I'm still here, just away at a conference working my bum off for the last few weeks.
I have stuff to post, but don't have a lot of time right now.
In the mean time, here's my 25 Random things about me:
1. I was named after my mother
2. I share the same birthday as Mickey Mouse
3. I have been with my husband since I was sixteen
4. Which means that in 5 years I will have been with him for more than half my life
5. In elementary school I was called TBMU
6. Which stands for Training Bra Matching Underwear
7. I still have the same nail polish on my toes from my wedding 4 months ago
8. I used to want to be a paleontologist
9. Now I want to be a wedding planner or own a bridal gown shop
10. I used to believe my stuffed animals had feelings
11. I like chocolate and mint but not mixed together. Read: I hate mint chocolate-chip ice cream
12. I love ice cream
13. I love yogurt just as much
14. I was a brownie, a girl guide and a path finder
15. I hate running
16. But I love playing team sports
17. My biggest fear in life is that I won’t be blessed with children
18. I went on the Dr. Bernstein diet and lost 20 lbs in 7 weeks
19. I never felt hungrier in all my life
20. My grandfather was the Attorney General of Ontario
21. I have never broken any part of my body, but always wanted a cast
22. My husband makes fun of me because I’m always standing on my tip-toes
23. And because I talk and laugh in my sleep
24. I am obsessed with different coloured post-it notes
25. And making lists
This was a lot of fun - i would like to do another one soon :)
I'm still here, just away at a conference working my bum off for the last few weeks.
I have stuff to post, but don't have a lot of time right now.
In the mean time, here's my 25 Random things about me:
1. I was named after my mother
2. I share the same birthday as Mickey Mouse
3. I have been with my husband since I was sixteen
4. Which means that in 5 years I will have been with him for more than half my life
5. In elementary school I was called TBMU
6. Which stands for Training Bra Matching Underwear
7. I still have the same nail polish on my toes from my wedding 4 months ago
8. I used to want to be a paleontologist
9. Now I want to be a wedding planner or own a bridal gown shop
10. I used to believe my stuffed animals had feelings
11. I like chocolate and mint but not mixed together. Read: I hate mint chocolate-chip ice cream
12. I love ice cream
13. I love yogurt just as much
14. I was a brownie, a girl guide and a path finder
15. I hate running
16. But I love playing team sports
17. My biggest fear in life is that I won’t be blessed with children
18. I went on the Dr. Bernstein diet and lost 20 lbs in 7 weeks
19. I never felt hungrier in all my life
20. My grandfather was the Attorney General of Ontario
21. I have never broken any part of my body, but always wanted a cast
22. My husband makes fun of me because I’m always standing on my tip-toes
23. And because I talk and laugh in my sleep
24. I am obsessed with different coloured post-it notes
25. And making lists
This was a lot of fun - i would like to do another one soon :)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Why do you read blogs?
I could never fully explain to someone when they asked me WHY i read blogs.
My explanation never came out right - non-bloggers never really understood.
One of the blogs i frequent wrote this post and it makes so much sense.
What do you think?
My explanation never came out right - non-bloggers never really understood.
One of the blogs i frequent wrote this post and it makes so much sense.
What do you think?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
anonymous
I love my blog, and the people i've met along the way.
Unfortunately, i have let too many people look into my world and now i have to be careful what i write because it comes back to haunt me.
I'm not abandoning this blog, and in fact i will probably post here more often than on my other (new) blog. But i find that when something is REALLY bothering me, the one place i want to spill my guts is here, and i can't do that.
If you want to read my new blog, let me know and i'll send you the link.
But if i know you personally i probably won't want you to have access - sorry, but for the most part i want to be annonymous.
Unfortunately, i have let too many people look into my world and now i have to be careful what i write because it comes back to haunt me.
I'm not abandoning this blog, and in fact i will probably post here more often than on my other (new) blog. But i find that when something is REALLY bothering me, the one place i want to spill my guts is here, and i can't do that.
If you want to read my new blog, let me know and i'll send you the link.
But if i know you personally i probably won't want you to have access - sorry, but for the most part i want to be annonymous.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Countryside Automotive in Baden / Kitchener, Ontario - Buyer Beware
I am writing this post because i feel like my power as a consumer has been taken away from me.
A few months ago, i wrote about the problems i encountered when i bought my new-used car.
I am writing this to inform others who are trying to gather some information on this company.
Here is the complaint i have filed with the BBB in it's entirety:
Countryside Automotive
Bob's home address (found on BBB website because mail was returned as undeliverable to work address):
153 Queen St P O Box 5114
Baden, ON N0B 1G0
519-634-5581
Bob's work address:
2951 Sandhills Rd. Box 5114
Baden , ON N3A 3B7
519 497-5644
Sunday November 2, 2008
* Test drove Escape. Vehicle ran smooth - no problems and was not misfiring
* Agreed to purchase - signed agreement and paid deposit by debit
* Agreed to pick up vehicle and pay balance one week later
Sunday November 9, 2008
* Picked up Escape
* Paid balance with certified cheque from bank
* Bob mentioned that the vehicle's check engine light was on but assured me that everything was fine
* As I drove the vehicle away, it started to misfire
* Called Bob immediately and returned vehicle
* Bob took vehicle away to his garage to work on it
* Bob retuned with vehicle and promised it was a "bad tank of gas" and said he put gas line antifreeze into it to dry up water. Bob promised the problem was fixed (said over and over it was just a "bad tank of gas").
* Bob promised problem was fixed and that if I encountered any problems he would "take care of you even if you're in Ottawa"
* Arrived in Oshawa (2hr drive) and vehicle was misfiring again (always at 2000 RPM)
* Called Bob and left several messages - no answer
Monday November 10, 2008
* Left vehicle in Oshawa and returned to Ottawa by other means as the Escape manual said that if the check engine light was flashing (which it was) that it could cause further damage if driven.
* My father, who lives in Oshawa, took the vehicle to a Ford Dealership. He was told by the Ford mechanic that a coil was cracked and that it was obvious that the coils had been sprayed with a drying agent to deter water from entering and prevent misfiring.
* Had vehicle repaired. Total cost was $380.57
* Called Bob again and got a hold of him
* Told him vehicle was left in Oshawa and was repaired @ Ford Dealership
* Bob said "no problem" and he will absolutely reimburse me for repairs and to please send him the bill.
Thursday November 13, 2008
* Emailed bill to Bob
Friday November 14, 2008
* Faxed bill to Bob
Friday December 5, 2008
* Cheque had not arrived
* Called Bob and left voicemail saying I hadn't received cheque and making sure he received the bill - no response
Monday December 8, 2008
* Cheque had not arrived.
* Called Bob and spoke to him - he said his wife was writing the cheque and would be sent shortly. Got cut off from phone call. Called back and got voicemail. Left Bob a message saying that if I didn't hear from him that I would assume he has everything he needs to proceed with sending the cheque and that I would expect the cheque by end of the week. No response from Bob.
Tuesday December 16, 2008
* Cheque had not arrived.
* Called Bob - Bob said cheque went out "today" and I should have it by Friday December 19.
Monday December 29, 2008
* Cheque had not arrived.
* Called Bob and left a voicemail. Said that I would wait until Monday January 12, 2009 for cheque and that I will not be trying to contact him from this point on. I said that if I did not receive the cheque by January 12 that I would pursue other means. Followed up with an email and attached delivery a receipt which confirmed delivery of email. Email reiterated same message as voicemail.
Monday January 12, 2009
* Cheque did not arrive.
Wednesday January 21, 2009
* Cheque has still not arrived
Consumer's Desired Resolution:
To be reimbursed for the $380.57 repairs that were done on the vehicle.
BUYER BEWARE of Countryside Automotive in Baden / Kitchener, Ontario.
Although there haven't been any other problems with the car, i have found other complaints / reviews on the internet about this company and Bob (owner/seller/president...)
Save yourself the stress and buy elsewhere.
A few months ago, i wrote about the problems i encountered when i bought my new-used car.
I am writing this to inform others who are trying to gather some information on this company.
Here is the complaint i have filed with the BBB in it's entirety:
Countryside Automotive
Bob's home address (found on BBB website because mail was returned as undeliverable to work address):
153 Queen St P O Box 5114
Baden, ON N0B 1G0
519-634-5581
Bob's work address:
2951 Sandhills Rd. Box 5114
Baden , ON N3A 3B7
519 497-5644
Sunday November 2, 2008
* Test drove Escape. Vehicle ran smooth - no problems and was not misfiring
* Agreed to purchase - signed agreement and paid deposit by debit
* Agreed to pick up vehicle and pay balance one week later
Sunday November 9, 2008
* Picked up Escape
* Paid balance with certified cheque from bank
* Bob mentioned that the vehicle's check engine light was on but assured me that everything was fine
* As I drove the vehicle away, it started to misfire
* Called Bob immediately and returned vehicle
* Bob took vehicle away to his garage to work on it
* Bob retuned with vehicle and promised it was a "bad tank of gas" and said he put gas line antifreeze into it to dry up water. Bob promised the problem was fixed (said over and over it was just a "bad tank of gas").
* Bob promised problem was fixed and that if I encountered any problems he would "take care of you even if you're in Ottawa"
* Arrived in Oshawa (2hr drive) and vehicle was misfiring again (always at 2000 RPM)
* Called Bob and left several messages - no answer
Monday November 10, 2008
* Left vehicle in Oshawa and returned to Ottawa by other means as the Escape manual said that if the check engine light was flashing (which it was) that it could cause further damage if driven.
* My father, who lives in Oshawa, took the vehicle to a Ford Dealership. He was told by the Ford mechanic that a coil was cracked and that it was obvious that the coils had been sprayed with a drying agent to deter water from entering and prevent misfiring.
* Had vehicle repaired. Total cost was $380.57
* Called Bob again and got a hold of him
* Told him vehicle was left in Oshawa and was repaired @ Ford Dealership
* Bob said "no problem" and he will absolutely reimburse me for repairs and to please send him the bill.
Thursday November 13, 2008
* Emailed bill to Bob
Friday November 14, 2008
* Faxed bill to Bob
Friday December 5, 2008
* Cheque had not arrived
* Called Bob and left voicemail saying I hadn't received cheque and making sure he received the bill - no response
Monday December 8, 2008
* Cheque had not arrived.
* Called Bob and spoke to him - he said his wife was writing the cheque and would be sent shortly. Got cut off from phone call. Called back and got voicemail. Left Bob a message saying that if I didn't hear from him that I would assume he has everything he needs to proceed with sending the cheque and that I would expect the cheque by end of the week. No response from Bob.
Tuesday December 16, 2008
* Cheque had not arrived.
* Called Bob - Bob said cheque went out "today" and I should have it by Friday December 19.
Monday December 29, 2008
* Cheque had not arrived.
* Called Bob and left a voicemail. Said that I would wait until Monday January 12, 2009 for cheque and that I will not be trying to contact him from this point on. I said that if I did not receive the cheque by January 12 that I would pursue other means. Followed up with an email and attached delivery a receipt which confirmed delivery of email. Email reiterated same message as voicemail.
Monday January 12, 2009
* Cheque did not arrive.
Wednesday January 21, 2009
* Cheque has still not arrived
Consumer's Desired Resolution:
To be reimbursed for the $380.57 repairs that were done on the vehicle.
BUYER BEWARE of Countryside Automotive in Baden / Kitchener, Ontario.
Although there haven't been any other problems with the car, i have found other complaints / reviews on the internet about this company and Bob (owner/seller/president...)
Save yourself the stress and buy elsewhere.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Final Sale
Last weekend Mat and i were at the Mall. We didn't have much of a reason to be there except to return a duplicate Christmas gift i had received.
As we were walking around "window shopping" a cute outdoor mat caught my eye. It was 50% off because it was quite "seasonal" although it wasn't exactly Christmas-y. It was of a sweet little bird on a branch with a few snowflakes floating around and "welcome" written at the top.
Since it had a 50% off sticker on it, i couldn't resist buying it for only $10!
As i made my way up to the cash, the cashier asked if that would be all (yes) and proceeded to tell me my total after tax.
I gave her my debit card, paid, and as the cashier was putting the receipt in my bag and handing the bag to me she said "Here you go, just to let you know, this is a final sale".
I gave her an are you kidding me? look and said "You should tell people that BEFORE they buy it".
She looked at me with a blank stare and didnt' say anything - i'm not sure she understood what the problem was.
I probably wouldn't have returned the mat anyway, but if i DID want to, do you think i would have been able to seeing as she didn't tell me it was final sale until after i bought it? Probably not seeing as she stamped the receipt with a red "final sale" stamp.
Some people are kinda dumb, aren't they?
As we were walking around "window shopping" a cute outdoor mat caught my eye. It was 50% off because it was quite "seasonal" although it wasn't exactly Christmas-y. It was of a sweet little bird on a branch with a few snowflakes floating around and "welcome" written at the top.
Since it had a 50% off sticker on it, i couldn't resist buying it for only $10!
As i made my way up to the cash, the cashier asked if that would be all (yes) and proceeded to tell me my total after tax.
I gave her my debit card, paid, and as the cashier was putting the receipt in my bag and handing the bag to me she said "Here you go, just to let you know, this is a final sale".
I gave her an are you kidding me? look and said "You should tell people that BEFORE they buy it".
She looked at me with a blank stare and didnt' say anything - i'm not sure she understood what the problem was.
I probably wouldn't have returned the mat anyway, but if i DID want to, do you think i would have been able to seeing as she didn't tell me it was final sale until after i bought it? Probably not seeing as she stamped the receipt with a red "final sale" stamp.
Some people are kinda dumb, aren't they?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)