“Second thing I do after I get to work, start listening to CBC radio. The morning line up is usually not so bad- but I do have my guilty pleasure…I kind of adore the gardener they have on the “Ontario Today” show every week. I’m not a gardener, but he captures my attention every time with his cray-cray knowledge of every shrub, flower and seed.”
M:
“New City and Colour album.”
Text 2 minutes later:
“Now I’m bored.”
A:
“Christian Louboutin addressing the crowd at the opening party for his exhibit! Short and sweet. Apparently the French ‘don’t make speeches’.”
Homemade everything- marmalade, mulligatawny, French lentils. Plus a lot of Dijon mustard, berries, Pelligrino, apple juice (left over from the visits from the cousins), my favourite plain yogurt and some Palm Bays (the new key lime/cherry).”
M:
“There’s some hemp protein powder, but other than that, we stick to our staples: beer and maple syrup.”
A:
“My food: ketchup, mustard (love the condiments), salad greens, milk, old grapes.”
“Quinoa! Starting to make a big quinoa salad on Sunday nights for lunches- quinoa, red pepper, red onion, celery, chickpeas, dried cranberries, chicken (for extra protein). And almonds. Sorry A.”
M:
“Chicken spinach wrap, banana and strawberries, vanilla yogurt, pb oatmeal cookies. I like to hit up all those food groups.”
A:
“Snack pak: choice of champions. Also, half a sandwich saves on bread.”
In an effort to stay connected and to remind people that we haven’t forgotten about the reason for creating this blog we’ve embarked on a 31 day challenge.
The sisters and I devised (ok, I devised) a plan- A finally got herself a phone with a decent camera, time for a blog challenge.
Everyday the three of us will take a picture of the same thing, but in our different city. With the three of us being scattered all across the province this summer it seems like the best way to stay connected. Three photos every day, with a small caption. So you can see how the three sisters are living, even if we’re far apart!
31 days, 93 pictures (that took me a second, had to break out the calculator for that one).
Let’s see if we can bang this out in 31 days, shall we?
Day One: The Shoes We Wore
J
“It’s raining and I don’t own a decent pair of rain boots. Also, my feet are far too wide for these shoes. But they were a really good price.”
M
“Eight more days of work, and then we’ll both be barefoot in the grass, all summer :).”
A
“Shoes for the day! Rainy day in the city – I really need to invest in some rubber boots!”
Time for a recap. There’s quite a few things we haven’t posted yet.
Starting with the epic-ness that was Florida. It started with two non-tattoo’d sisters and one mildly tattoo’d sister. We worked our way through Orlando while staying that the Liki Tiki Resort (LIKI TIKAY!). Our mornings were filled with sleeping in and lounging while the afternoon and evenings were filled with visiting places like this:
And we learned that if you ever have a rainy day in Orlando, go to the Magic Kingdom. It’s probably the perfect time to go. Not a lot of folks go to the Happiest Place on Earth when it’s pouring. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the house that the mouse built.
We visited our favourites and tried to stop A from losing her shit. We rode the Jungle Cruise, scene of A’s infamous freak out at three years old. We took a tour of the new Fantasy Land, including the new Ariel ride. Serious nostalgia. We followed it up with some Dole Whip, a ride of the monorail, a couple of times on Thunder Mountain and a very enjoyable at The Laugh Floor with Monsters Inc. Turns out our dad is “that guy”. It was by far the newest and coolest attraction. It’s an interactive comedy show- and it’s pretty awesome. At first I thought it was just a lame-o cartoon, but it turns out the animated characters are controlled by someone and were interacting with the very wet audience. Check it out:
But before we got to the Magic Kingdom we visited a completely new world…somewhere we’ve only dreamed of…yeah. You know it.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
This is basically A’s reaction when she saw the fake snowed rooftops of the HP wonderland:
And she hit me. The place was pretty spectacular. We even got to try some of the sickeningly sweet butterbeer with the magical foam (the stuff grew about four times its original size). We barely split one butterbeer between the five of us. We also learned that you have to get to HP World fast. I mean, right when it opens. And it just so happens that this part of Universal is at the back of the park- we were advised to run. Newsflash: I only run when being chased, and even then it’s really just a walk that is a bit more frantic. So we started to walk (with purpose) to the back…but we were still being cut in front of by rabid HP fans. And when A saw the sign…she got cray-cray.
But then as we stayed there I started to go like this with all the crowds that started to form:
There were a lot of people trying to get a peek at HP World. Why that place is not an entire amusement park on its own, I don’t know.
A couple of days later my wrist went from this:
To this masterpiece:
SISTER TATTOOS! Now I have a permanent reminder of all the crap I do for them. Like getting a tattoo in one of the most painful areas of my body. So let me do what my wrist-tattoo’d friends didn’t for others:
This is a warning. Never get a wrist tattoo unless you are prepared for the intense pain. It will hurt like a bitch. It will feel like you are being pierced by a needle over and over. Because that’s what it is. A needle, being dragged over some of your thinest skin. And if you complain about it, you will be mocked. And don’t let your dad take a video of it. You don’t want that memory.
After that trip there were a few other things that went on:
– I finished school
– A finished her course work
– A moved to downtown TORONTO
– I got a full time job
– M still lives in the boonies
Last week part of the family (parents, grandparents and me, sans A) made the epic trek North to visit with M and FFD. It was a first trip for myself, dad and the grandparents. And I don’t think we knew exactly what we were getting ourselves into.
The first leg was a night next to the Pearson Airport, getting ready for an early flight. Grams was up at 4am for our 8:30am flight.
Second leg, getting to the Thunder Bay Airport.
I was worried when I didn’t catch which baggage carousel to get our bags. But then I realized- TBay only has one carousel.
And finally our third leg of the journey was the epic FOUR HOUR drive from TBay to Fort Frances. Along the way we got to see some beautiful scenery and Grams spotted this:
A MOOSE! We turned around and stopped the car. Then I had a panic attack when my father got out of the car for a closer look.
We had one stop on the way to the lovely little town of Atikokan. It’s the one bathroom break between TBay and FF. It was a Robin’s Donuts’ which appeared to be housed in an abandoned barn of some kind. And it had a door bell. And was surrounded by dirt (no asphalt in Atikokan, apparently). I did something I haven’t done in years. I held it.
And finally we found ourselves at the Super 8 in FF, checking in our parents, and then it was off to see where M has been living for the past eleven months.
And despite it being in the middle of the Canadian Shield, it was a pretty fantastic house. Lots of room and despite me falling (pretty spectacularly) off the bed the first night, very comfy as well.
Basically I was all:
We also saw some other local wildlife:
He’s a suck who slobbers on people. He also sleeps on the humans bed. EW.
Lucky he’s so friendly. And would totally do something like this…(really the most relaxed dog ever):
While we were there I go some great sister time, and visited the local sights:
MINNESOTA!
We tried to find a patio, but it turns out Minnesotans don’t emerge until Memorial Day Weekend.
We also had quite the time at the border. I suspect they thought Grams was some sort of iron-legged Canadian spy.
I didn’t leave the US without doing some shopping though:
Moccasins!!! I found some to fit my large feet.
And finally I also caught up on the local news:
Charity BBQs and a reader’s cat. It’s a happening place.
And then we got to go to the local farmer’s market. The smallest farmer’s market ever. Complete with homemade furniture, pies, local honey, cosmetics, elk meat, wild rice and blueberry flavoured everything. Oh and these little lambs:
M and I tried to decide which of us were more like the little black sheep in our family. I think she wins.
Can you believe it? The littlest sister is officially in her mid twenties, and the day after tomorrow she will be closer to 30 than 20. *tear*
Every year I get more and more impressed with her. She is developing into not only a great sister but someone I would actually want to hang out with, even if we didn’t share DNA.
And that’s saying a lot, considering she’s a bit strange. But she’s mostly awesome.
She knows some shady professional advice when she hears it:
She is also fiercely loyal to her friends. And has the greatest zingers.
She also calls people out on their shit. And has the greatest theory of all time. I suggest you don’t ignore her texts. She’s hip to your game.
She loves crappy reality TV just as much as I do. Or if she thinks I’m crazy she’ll still be nice to me. Her love of The Bachelor makes me laugh. Especially because she watches it ironically (right?) and afterwards instead of her being lovey dovey she’s all:
She and I have been sharing a basement for almost three years. It’s crazy to think that’s coming to an end soon!
She be really beautiful inside and out. But doesn’t dwell on it.
She is also one of the best people to work with.
And she’s literally the easiest person to get along with. Except when she’s hungry. Then she’s all:
And when you eventually find a Wendy’s that open she’s all:
But if she is hungry I bet I know what she would go for first:
Oh, I also suggest you never wake her up. She’s all:
She’s also a great book club member. I may not *always* read the book but she always does, or at least makes a concerted effort. And she’s always pretty blunt about what she reads:
One of the most amazing things about her is that she has an amazing ability to preserve herself. If she doesn’t like someone she’s all:
Even if she thinks this she never says this. And her day will go by with lots of celebration but no big fanfare.
So, in summation, my final plea:
Happy birthday, sister! Can’t wait to celebrate in Florida!!!
So there has been some reading this week. Along with some good work.
But let’s be honest. There has been some slacking. Here’s what I’ve been doing:
Making these brownies:
They weren’t quite this bright. But they were pretty tasty.
I watched a documentary on YouTube, “The Most Hated Family In America” about the Westboro Baptist people. Their insanity is oddly fascinating. The film maker was interesting, and the kids break your heart. Apparently it is family belief that we are fast approaching “end times”. So, the young women and men are discouraged from thinking about love/marriage because they’re all hoping on a spaceship to their home planet (or is that another cult?). Anyways, it’s pretty sad to see the young women near tears about their inability to do what they truly want because their crackpot of a grandfather thinks the locust are coming. Makes me grateful for my grandfather. Who does things like this:
I’m so grateful for my family.
Last weekend we went to visit some very special people. More importantly we ate together. And we got to go to The Stone Road Grille. Or is it call “Rest”. Confusing. It also lives in a crappy little strip mall (next to a Subway). The food, however was amazing.
I had pate. I’m eating offal like nobody’s business these days. And it has inspired by mother to try her hand at making mustard. MUSTARD.
Little A decided not to come because of some silly class project. So I made sure to have her favourite. Steak frites.
And then…this:
I don’t generally go for dessert…but my aunt is a good influence on me. This is sticky toffee pudding. We decided it was probably just a warm muffin. BUT it came with ice cream. Maple BACON ice cream. Heaven.
After filling up we went for a drive in the big black truck to find a winery. When we got there I looked down at the directions I had been giving my father. Right next to the address it said “not open to the public”. Oops. But we did stop at an artisan cheese shop. We left quickly after the retirement facility’s big bus pulled up. They were not the nicest women to be around in the tiny shop. However, who could blame them. I’m guessing that breaking out is not something that happens a lot. Before we left the parents bought some cheese and I got a picture of a room I’m pretty sure M would like to live in:
Yes, that’s a cheese room.
I have also made a discovery- the game “Settlers of Catan”. Half Risk, half Monopoly. It’s as long as a game of Monopoly and as boring as Risk.
I was not good at playing it at all.
Finally, a feminist rant?
Can someone explain this to me?
Pads for women who are size 14+ are 12 for $7. Pads for regular sized women (size 12 and down?) are 28 for $9.
Can we do the math? It might makes some uncomfortable to read…but it must be said. My vagina is not twice as large. I should not have to spend twice the price.
Ah yes. Another reminder of where people’s value lies.
And I’m not even going to touch that we have to pay taxes on on this stuff. Or that it’s called “feminine hygiene”. STOP GENDERING MY ANATOMY. THERE IS NOTHING UNHYGIENIC ABOUT MENSTRUATION.
And finally…I’ve seen this video being posted by soooo many people. I generally don’t hop on the bandwagon. I didn’t watch it right away. And then I did check it out. And it was amazing.
I have a secret dream of becoming a slam poet. Mom- watch this! I think you should share this:
Amazing.
And now for funny pope pictures (sorry in advance Grams):
And I’m not even going to touch this Pistorius thing until I can think straight again. Effing ridiculous.
Can anyone explain to me how he believed an intruder had locked themselves in his bathroom? In his gated community? Would you not first check for your sleeping girlfriend who you think is sleeping next to you?
Part three of our weekend happened when we were done with our Saturday morning brunch and found the women folk doing my favourite thing: shopping.
Imagine going to the biggest city in the country and deciding that the first weekend of holiday shopping is a good time to go to Holt Renfrew.
Apparently there was a need for pantyhose.
Surprisingly enough, between the shoulder to shoulder, dog carrying, fancy shoppers I did get to see some stuff that looked half way interesting.
We found Jackson’s first puppy Xmas gift. We may need a larger size.
Then we checked out A’s favourite department: shoes.
$945.00 for a pair of black high heels? Seems reasonable. This is the moment where I remind people that $945 is two months worth of social assistance in our province. Yeah.
Then it was off to mom’s favourite store, William Ashley. I thought that the parents agreed that this weekend they would avoid the china store.
Mom got a killer deal (according to her) on a soup pot. That was after she took a pass on the $600 pot Gramma suggested she buy. Fancy woman!
After all of that shopping, it was clear: time to resume eating and drinking. A great meal was ended by some of this:
Eggnog cheesecake with pumpkin ice cream.
This was followed by more drinking and watching Brad Pitt’s excruciatingly bad interpretation of Achilles.
To top it all off, I then received one of the most exciting emails of my entire life. If you don’t know Ivan Coyote, shame on you. Google that shit.
Does anyone think it was a coincidence that the family arrived in Toronto the same weekend as the Vanier Cup and the Grey Cup?
A smell a conspiracy afoot.
Early on Saturday morning I woke up to find my dad and Papa had already ventured out in the downtown area and my mom to be snoozin’.
And being the creature that I am, I went off to enjoy some alone time in the nation’s biggest city.
I didn’t go far, but I did check out the city’s Nathan Phillips Square early in he morning. Despite the early hour, there were some enjoying the Grey Cup experience.
The square was done up for the festivities. I imagine it would be full during the day. Here’s a big football player.
There was no ice yet- but a gentle reminder that it was coming. After the important game was done with.
And then they had folks getting ready to feed the hungry masses with an authentic Québécois flair.
And then they had some poor Westerner in a Stampeders jacket reporting early in the morning. He was talking about the bet between Calgary and TO mayors. Little did he know…
Dad tried to talk A into taking a ride on the zip line. No dice.
It wasn’t all football in the square.
After that I followed the screams of the overly aggressive parents to the flag football that was being played on the grassy ice rink. It was damn cold.
And then I was alerted to when Mayor Ford kicked off he festivities for the Grey Cup. He got sent to football camps at Notre Dame as a child, don’t you know?
You’d think with all his football relates troubles he’d keep an arms length.
Let it never be said that (ex) Mayor Ford does things half assed. No, he definitely goes full ass.
Weyward Sisters 