Last Friday was April 13...Friday the 13th. I thought nothing of it. Just not into superstitions: I love black cats, think nothing of walking on cracks on the sidewalk or spilling salt. Perhaps I should clarify, I am selectively superstitious as I purposely avoid passing anyone on a staircase, I touch wood to avoid jinxing something I've said, and opening an umbrella over one's head while indoors is something I avoid.
Last Friday was our first experience in Texas with a major storm front that produced tornadoes We've seen the tornado warnings on the local Dallas stations, but they have usually been for rural areas beyond DFW...until last Friday.
The air last Friday was thick with humidity and dreadfully still. When the air is humid and still you know a storm is on its way. I didn't really think much of the tornado warnings late that afternoon, although I did ask hubby to try and leave work a bit early to avoid the storm. When they announced that sirens had been sounded in Ft Worth I developed a sinking feeling in my stomach. (I had a dream about a tornado Wednesday night.)
When I actually heard the sirens in Dallas my pulse started racing. I tried to stay calm, but I was worried about hubby who was picking up take out at Blue Orchid on Oaklawn. He was home within minutes and we ate downstairs in the spare bedroom huddled in front of the tv watching the local weather people trying to predict where the tornadoes might touch down. Then we lost electricity, although luckily it was only for about 15-20 minutes and when it came back on the possible tornadoes had passed us by heading on an eastward path. We were lucky. What a freaky Friday the 13th.
On a side note, the movie Twister was shown on one of the movie channels the next night. After Friday night I have a new appreciation for the film. (I was surprised to see Philip Seymour Hoffman in a supporting role as a storm chaser.)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Orlando
Last Sunday hubby and I finally returned from a trip to Orlando. Hubby was there for a trade-show and I tagged along to keep him company....as well as checking out Disney World. The anticipation of the journey also helped me through the in-laws visit. Of course now that it's all over -- the in-laws visiting and the Orlando trip -- I am zonked.
We stayed at the Swan -- not an 'official' Disney hotel, but it is a Starwood Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com) and we like getting those SPG points (although we have yet to use them). The hotel has these giant swans on the roof, which helped immensely to spot it as we traversed the maze of Disney roadways that mysteriously lack street signs. Hubby was disappointed by the hotel's inability to deliver packages without signatures, as I was disappointed by the decor (the rooms need a fresh coat of paint and the bathrooms need new tiles). The benefit was its close proximity to EPCOT and Disney-MGM. Another plus was the Todd English restaurant Bluezoo (http://www.thebluezoo.com) at the neighbouring Dolphin Hotel.
Hubby and I managed to spend a few hours exploring EPCOT the Sunday before the trade show (he was quite pleased with the Guinness at the UK pub). Then I explored EPCOT the next day with my parents as they joined me for part of the day. They just happened to be in Florida (Daytona Beach) that same week. My Mum couldn't get over "how fat everyone is down here"! Of course I can't say much since my size 4 years are long gone. It was lovely to see them and spend time with them.
I visited Disney-MGM Studios on Tuesday. Fun place for adults, but I can't understand why people bring babies and young toddlers to this park. On this note, visiting Disney has been an excellent form of birth control. While I did see some well-behaved children with excellent parents, the vast majority were ill-behaved and lacking manners. It's unfortunate that "Nanny 911" can't be cloned and sent to homes on an 'as needed' basis.
Wednesday was spent purchasing Disney souvenirs and then lounging by the pool and swimming a few laps. Foolishly I forgot to put sunscreen on my legs and got a nasty burn. Sitting down was a bit uncomfortable for a few days.
Thursday evening we arrived early at the airport and eagerly awaited our flight to Dallas, which was first delayed and then finally cancelled due to inclement weather at DFW. We scrambled to find a hotel close to the airport, a Hilton Garden (I think), and then to re-book a flight. The earliest flight hubby could find was 8:50 a.m. on Sunday, three days later!!! We made the best of it and luckily Orlando is not a bad place to be stranded. A clunky air conditioning unit at the Hilton Garden made us switch hotels to the Sheraton Suites (http://www.sheratonairport.com) just up the road. The outside of this airport hotel belies the freshly refurbished interior. It was a pleasant and much 'nicer' room/suite than at the Swan (especially the bathtub/watercloset). Only bad part was the breakfast room/buffet.
Hubby rented a car Friday (fire-engine red Ford Mustang -- must be a guy thing) and we were off to visit my parents at Daytona Beach (after he finished a phone meeting). They were staying with my Mum's childhood friend (this friendship goes back more than a half-century) at her time-share. We spent the afternoon there and joined them for dinner at a buffet. My parents had gone on about the buffets earlier in the week so I really wanted to try one. Unfortunately, my tummy was upset later that evening so buffets are not for me.
Saturday was spent sleeping in as hubby was exhausted from the trade-show, and exploring Kennedy Space Center (hubby was in his glory). I made hubby take the long-way there so we could drive through Cocoa Beach. Ever since watching I Dream of Jeannie http://www.idreamofjeannie.com after school as a child I have wanted to visit Cocoa Beach, home of astronaut Tony Nelson and Jeannie. Hubby, who has never watched I Dream of Jeannie, did not share my excitement but indulged me nonetheless. He was very excited about Kennedy Space Center and it was really neat to see the Saturn rocket.
We were so happy to get back to Dallas on Sunday!!! There's no place like home.
We stayed at the Swan -- not an 'official' Disney hotel, but it is a Starwood Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com) and we like getting those SPG points (although we have yet to use them). The hotel has these giant swans on the roof, which helped immensely to spot it as we traversed the maze of Disney roadways that mysteriously lack street signs. Hubby was disappointed by the hotel's inability to deliver packages without signatures, as I was disappointed by the decor (the rooms need a fresh coat of paint and the bathrooms need new tiles). The benefit was its close proximity to EPCOT and Disney-MGM. Another plus was the Todd English restaurant Bluezoo (http://www.thebluezoo.com) at the neighbouring Dolphin Hotel.
Hubby and I managed to spend a few hours exploring EPCOT the Sunday before the trade show (he was quite pleased with the Guinness at the UK pub). Then I explored EPCOT the next day with my parents as they joined me for part of the day. They just happened to be in Florida (Daytona Beach) that same week. My Mum couldn't get over "how fat everyone is down here"! Of course I can't say much since my size 4 years are long gone. It was lovely to see them and spend time with them.
I visited Disney-MGM Studios on Tuesday. Fun place for adults, but I can't understand why people bring babies and young toddlers to this park. On this note, visiting Disney has been an excellent form of birth control. While I did see some well-behaved children with excellent parents, the vast majority were ill-behaved and lacking manners. It's unfortunate that "Nanny 911" can't be cloned and sent to homes on an 'as needed' basis.
Wednesday was spent purchasing Disney souvenirs and then lounging by the pool and swimming a few laps. Foolishly I forgot to put sunscreen on my legs and got a nasty burn. Sitting down was a bit uncomfortable for a few days.
Thursday evening we arrived early at the airport and eagerly awaited our flight to Dallas, which was first delayed and then finally cancelled due to inclement weather at DFW. We scrambled to find a hotel close to the airport, a Hilton Garden (I think), and then to re-book a flight. The earliest flight hubby could find was 8:50 a.m. on Sunday, three days later!!! We made the best of it and luckily Orlando is not a bad place to be stranded. A clunky air conditioning unit at the Hilton Garden made us switch hotels to the Sheraton Suites (http://www.sheratonairport.com) just up the road. The outside of this airport hotel belies the freshly refurbished interior. It was a pleasant and much 'nicer' room/suite than at the Swan (especially the bathtub/watercloset). Only bad part was the breakfast room/buffet.
Hubby rented a car Friday (fire-engine red Ford Mustang -- must be a guy thing) and we were off to visit my parents at Daytona Beach (after he finished a phone meeting). They were staying with my Mum's childhood friend (this friendship goes back more than a half-century) at her time-share. We spent the afternoon there and joined them for dinner at a buffet. My parents had gone on about the buffets earlier in the week so I really wanted to try one. Unfortunately, my tummy was upset later that evening so buffets are not for me.
Saturday was spent sleeping in as hubby was exhausted from the trade-show, and exploring Kennedy Space Center (hubby was in his glory). I made hubby take the long-way there so we could drive through Cocoa Beach. Ever since watching I Dream of Jeannie http://www.idreamofjeannie.com after school as a child I have wanted to visit Cocoa Beach, home of astronaut Tony Nelson and Jeannie. Hubby, who has never watched I Dream of Jeannie, did not share my excitement but indulged me nonetheless. He was very excited about Kennedy Space Center and it was really neat to see the Saturn rocket.
We were so happy to get back to Dallas on Sunday!!! There's no place like home.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sudoku Madness
The in-laws left this morning. Luckily their ten day visit went smoothly. Although there were a few tense moments on my part while trying to watch 'Lost' last week. The in-laws do not watch this show and kept asking questions every five minutes. Thank God for Tivo ("the world's greatest invention" according to hubby) as we were able to pause while I explained 'Lost' background information.
Over the course of the in-laws' visit we took them to see some of the popular DFW tourist destinations: Ft Worth stockyards, Sixth Floor Museum (& spot where JFK was shot allegedly by Lee Harvey Oswald), Dallas Arboretum, and, of course, the outlet mall in Allen and Target (a must for all visiting Canadians -- why they haven't expanded north of the border is beyond me).
When we were not doing the tourist thing I noticed that the in-laws always seemed to be working on sudoku puzzles. I was intrigued as I have always found crossword puzzles interesting and challenging as opposed to number problems, and yet the in-laws were so absorbed in these number puzzles. After five days I finally found a sudoku puzzle from Sunday's paper and attempted it to discover what the allure is. Surprisingly I couldn't put it down (even though it was a difficult one). Then my mother-in-law bought me a pocket sudoku book, and since then I have been overtaken with sudoku madness. The best time to work on a puzzle is right before I go to sleep. Poor hubby. The in-laws have left but the madness continues.
Over the course of the in-laws' visit we took them to see some of the popular DFW tourist destinations: Ft Worth stockyards, Sixth Floor Museum (& spot where JFK was shot allegedly by Lee Harvey Oswald), Dallas Arboretum, and, of course, the outlet mall in Allen and Target (a must for all visiting Canadians -- why they haven't expanded north of the border is beyond me).
When we were not doing the tourist thing I noticed that the in-laws always seemed to be working on sudoku puzzles. I was intrigued as I have always found crossword puzzles interesting and challenging as opposed to number problems, and yet the in-laws were so absorbed in these number puzzles. After five days I finally found a sudoku puzzle from Sunday's paper and attempted it to discover what the allure is. Surprisingly I couldn't put it down (even though it was a difficult one). Then my mother-in-law bought me a pocket sudoku book, and since then I have been overtaken with sudoku madness. The best time to work on a puzzle is right before I go to sleep. Poor hubby. The in-laws have left but the madness continues.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Music & Lyrics
Music and Lyrics is a sweet movie. I went to see it several days ago and cannot get that 80s Pop video out of my thoughts. Hugh Grant was perfect as the has-been 80s Brit-new-wave-rocker. It is impossible to dislike him, although his character's relationship with Drew Barrymore's character was not as easy to fall for. Despite the cuteness of their building attraction and relationship onscreen, I had difficulty buying into it considering their age difference. It would have been far more interesting if the female protagonist had been in her late-thirties and had actually been a fan. Cute movie....but, the romance and/or Drew Barrymore's character could have had more facets.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tony and Cappy R.I.P.
Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure. It takes time to 'get into the groove', like finding personal favourites of your new city, such as what radio station to wake up with. After a day or two in Dallas we found a station we both liked, Mix 1029, which has an eclectic mix of current music (and the call numbers also happen to be my birthday).
Hubby fell hard for the radio station's morning show with "Tony and Cappy". He would tell me amusing stories regarding the duo's radio escapades...although, I have a terrible habit of sleeping in, so I would usually catch the last 90 minutes of the show. I loved their banter, Tony the bachelor with the dogs and Cappy the family guy in the suburbs. My personal fave was when Cappy surprised one of his favourite grade-school teachers back home as she was teaching. You never knew what was going to be said next.
This week I noticed that instead of Cappy's voice there was a Victoria chick that usually does Hollywood gossip. I didn't pay much attention as I find her annoying, and just assumed that Cappy was on holiday. But, this morning I woke early and hubby asked me what happened to Cappy as the radio promos just said Tony and Victoria...no Cappy. I googled Cappy and found his MySpace: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32784856 . Cappy was fired!!!! Out of the blue a week ago, Clear Channel (the owners of Mix 1029) told him that they wanted to go in a new direction and he wouldn't be part of it. They should have at least said something on the air about his absence, or had a blurb on their website. Instead it is like he never existed.
Tony and Cappy, it was just too good to last. Mornings won't be the same without your banter. R.I.P.
Hubby fell hard for the radio station's morning show with "Tony and Cappy". He would tell me amusing stories regarding the duo's radio escapades...although, I have a terrible habit of sleeping in, so I would usually catch the last 90 minutes of the show. I loved their banter, Tony the bachelor with the dogs and Cappy the family guy in the suburbs. My personal fave was when Cappy surprised one of his favourite grade-school teachers back home as she was teaching. You never knew what was going to be said next.
This week I noticed that instead of Cappy's voice there was a Victoria chick that usually does Hollywood gossip. I didn't pay much attention as I find her annoying, and just assumed that Cappy was on holiday. But, this morning I woke early and hubby asked me what happened to Cappy as the radio promos just said Tony and Victoria...no Cappy. I googled Cappy and found his MySpace: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=32784856 . Cappy was fired!!!! Out of the blue a week ago, Clear Channel (the owners of Mix 1029) told him that they wanted to go in a new direction and he wouldn't be part of it. They should have at least said something on the air about his absence, or had a blurb on their website. Instead it is like he never existed.
Tony and Cappy, it was just too good to last. Mornings won't be the same without your banter. R.I.P.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Heart-Shaped Pizza
We bought into the Valentine's hype. But, can I help it if I love getting flowers and being wined and dined? I received a lovely bouquet of red roses from hubby when he arrived home from work and then we were on our way to a popular Addison steakhouse. It must be popular because there was a queue outside the door as we arrived. Not a good sign. We just thought they were overwhelmed with the arrival of all the 7pm reservations, but it took over five minutes to check in as the hostesses were too busy answering the phone and managing the reservation system. Got a sinking feeling when we were told that it would be a fifteen to twenty minute wait for a table.
After thirty minutes of standing in a crowded lobby/bar, the evening was feeling more cattle-call than romantic. It seemed like everyone was getting a table but us. We decided to ditch the restaurant, but hubby wanted to have a word with the manager while I wanted a quick escape. Only after complaining (and being halfway out the door) were we offered a table. I just wanted to leave since the manager offered no apologies and stated that "a half-hour wait was good on the busiest night of the year," and "...that some people had been caught in traffic." So, what exactly is the point of making a reservation a week ahead? The restaurant was ill-prepared and took too many reservations. With the plethora of steakhouses in the DFW area you would think that this restaurant would want to stand out by offering exceptional customer service. Wrong. Good food is only part of the equation in a fine dining experience, and this steakhouse (with the name of a British prime minister best known for his appeasement with Nazi Germany) is sorely lacking in customer service and ambience.
Seething and venting during the car ride home we vowed never to set foot in that particular steakhouse again. We did end up having a quiet romantic evening eating a heart-shaped pizza from Papa John's in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace. It was such a fine evening after all that we decided to make heart-shaped pizza an annual valentine tradition. Thanks Papa John's.
After thirty minutes of standing in a crowded lobby/bar, the evening was feeling more cattle-call than romantic. It seemed like everyone was getting a table but us. We decided to ditch the restaurant, but hubby wanted to have a word with the manager while I wanted a quick escape. Only after complaining (and being halfway out the door) were we offered a table. I just wanted to leave since the manager offered no apologies and stated that "a half-hour wait was good on the busiest night of the year," and "...that some people had been caught in traffic." So, what exactly is the point of making a reservation a week ahead? The restaurant was ill-prepared and took too many reservations. With the plethora of steakhouses in the DFW area you would think that this restaurant would want to stand out by offering exceptional customer service. Wrong. Good food is only part of the equation in a fine dining experience, and this steakhouse (with the name of a British prime minister best known for his appeasement with Nazi Germany) is sorely lacking in customer service and ambience.
Seething and venting during the car ride home we vowed never to set foot in that particular steakhouse again. We did end up having a quiet romantic evening eating a heart-shaped pizza from Papa John's in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace. It was such a fine evening after all that we decided to make heart-shaped pizza an annual valentine tradition. Thanks Papa John's.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Tragically Hip
Tragically Hip are coming to Dallas. (Although some might argue that we who ARE tragically hip live in Dallas, that is a matter of opinion.) They are scheduled to play at the Palladium Ballroom the evening of March 16, 2007.
I am very excited!! The prospect of seeing Tragically Hip perform in a club is unbelievable. I last saw them at the Corel Centre in Kanata (or whatever it is called now...originally the Palladium) with at least ten to fifteen thousand other people. The acoustics were absolutely dreadful as every sound bounced off the steel and concrete. So, the thought of seeing them in a smaller venue is enough to make me hyperventilate. But, there is a catch: my husband's parents will be visiting with us during that time...and I just can't imagine them attending a Tragically Hip concert. Timing is everything isn't it.
I am very excited!! The prospect of seeing Tragically Hip perform in a club is unbelievable. I last saw them at the Corel Centre in Kanata (or whatever it is called now...originally the Palladium) with at least ten to fifteen thousand other people. The acoustics were absolutely dreadful as every sound bounced off the steel and concrete. So, the thought of seeing them in a smaller venue is enough to make me hyperventilate. But, there is a catch: my husband's parents will be visiting with us during that time...and I just can't imagine them attending a Tragically Hip concert. Timing is everything isn't it.
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