Well it's finally happened. I've joined a gym. Actually I've belonged to gyms before but it's been a while and after a year of American super-sized everything, I am in need...anyway, tonight was night #2 and I am feeling it. Good though, but I'll be sore in the morning. I had a full fitness assessment and everything and I am so not writing here what percentage of my body is fat. Ick! Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to stick with it and get back to being a little less soft than I am currently. The good thing is that it's about five minutes from my apartment and is full of women who make me feel skinny. And I know it's not about the other people, but it's just like when I did aquafit with all the little old ladies - I'd rather feel like I'm in somewhat better shape than work out with a bunch of twinkies in LuLuLemon.

I have had a few comments, dare I call them complaints, that people knew more about what I was up to when I was down in DC than they do now, as these posts have been quite erratic. I feel that way myself about some people - that I saw them more when I was in the states (seriously it feels that way). Things since I got back just feel like they have been spiraling chaotically. Not entirely out of control, but in a controlled turmoil. I remember last year, in the fall, after the initial frenzy of galas and dinners had past, and I didn't have a lot of extra demands on my time, and I wasn't entirely sure what to do with myself. Well, it's like I'm living the complete opposite at the moment. There are people that I've wanted to see since I got back and I just haven't physically been able to - and I want to see them! - and I don't see things getting easier until mid October.

So anyway, that's me. Plus of course there was just a whole lot more to talk about down there. I mean I went to No Frills on the weekend, but it's not the same as Trader Joes. Though actually the No Frills near me is pretty entertaining - I mean it lives its name that's for sure. So okay, maybe there are a few more things I could mention if I was a bit more inventive about it. I have started talking some pictures around the new hood. It is entirely new to me so I figure I should. Its eclectic around here...

Tonight I was at a fundraiser that actually was way more enjoyable than it should have been. A bunch of theatre critics singing The Producers really should have been god awful. But in fact it was pretty darn good. And it's good I was there though I didn't schmooze as much as I probably should have.

Finally made it inside the renovated AGO...quite beautiful...

I am pleased to report that Canadian indie rock boys still wear plaid. Tonight I went to the SteamWhistle Brewery for their indie concert series Unsigned. The proceeds of which go to my organization (Woot! Everyone go buy Steam Whistle!! Actually, they are awesome people and if I liked their beer, I'd buy it...) I made it through 2 of the 3 bands - which is pretty good considering I'm old. And they didn't suck. And really, the Roundhouse is a great place for an event. So yay.

The evening started out with a visit to the Vegetarian Food Fair. Which was very crunchy granola but good fun. Though my friend and I were repeatedly asked if we were vegetarian, which was just weird. I mean, does it matter? Clearly we are at a vegetarian food fair so we must be at least interested...the soy milk women was very aggressive about it when I said I was she said "so you don't eat fish". And I'm thinking, seriously lady I don't need a lecture from you about the difference between vegetarian and pescitarian (not spelling that right, but you know, people who eat fish). Giving vegetarians a bad name!

Anyway, we still ate good food and I bought quinoa so all was well. Yes, I carried quinoa to the concert thus officially making me an old woman! It's true. But I needed quinoa, so this was the choice I had to make. My Loblaws doesn't seem to sell it, or at least I can't find it there and when I asked last time the 12 year old helping me had never heard of it. For this reason I miss Trader Joe's where the aisles were full of quinoa!! And tofu. And cheap wine. Sigh.

Four days off is really the most civilized way to do things. While I could happily have another day off, I do actually feel mentally prepared to return to work. I think I needed the break more than I might have thought.

The weekend started with a perfect girlie getaway mini-break, which included my first return trip to America for some cross border shopping (and a fortunately distracted Canadian Customs Officer who did not inquire very closely as to our purchases). A wee spot of gambling on our overnight in Niagara (sadly unsuccessfully on my part) and then winery visits on our way back to the city. Favourites are still Thirty Bench and Tawes - and would love to go back and buy a bottle of the Tawes Meritage when I have a more available $60 to spend. It was really, really good. Most economical buy was a lovely Pinot Gris from Henry of Pelham. They are bigger so they can afford to have wine at a better price point than the others - I actually wish I'd bought two of it.

The rest of the weekend, I finished painting the cabinet. In total it took four coats of red and two of white but finally, finally it is finished. Well almost. I have to do some touchups this week as I had some tape removal issues. Which was a tad annoying but such is life. Better that than getting paint on the new floors in the apartment. Also, putting the handles back on was a bugger! They are old and so they actually come apart in three bits, not just one which I had assumed would be the case. Anyway, it makes them fiddly and a couple are still rather lose, but I gave up to tackle them again another night.

And here it is!

Deep Fried Mac 'n Cheese!

I played hooky for the afternoon and went to the CNE with my bro. Now I only ever go to the CNE when I can go for free (thank you Ms H!!) so it tends to be years between visits.

Today was good - not very crowded and we found everything we wanted. That for me included deep fried mac and cheese. And no, I did not try the deep fried butter - I draw a line people!!

The balls of mac and cheese were...disappointing. I had mac and cheese sticks in DC and they were delish. These balls had pretty tough skins and the inside noodles were piping hot. I mean, it was a suitably CNE thing to eat but no need to rush out and try it.

We visited the animals. Sadly the cutest were the beef cows which soon enough you people are going to be eating. Then went hit the international pavilion which is always a good place to spend some cash. I mostly bought British cookies. Oh and this cute Finnish gnome. He's very cute.

Tomorrow is a day off (yay!!) and even better, a road trip with the girls to Target!!! Hopefully the rain will pass and we'll have beautiful weather for a couple of days. Road trip!!

I've having trouble at work adjusting to being the person that does everything and not having any peers to bounce ideas off. It's isolating...and frustrating. and makes me less than productive. Sigh.

You know, since basically I got exactly what I asked for, you think I'd be happy but it feels like marking time...