Hubby-isms: Third Installment

We've had a dry spell either because his English has improved or he's wise to this blog. So here's a selection from today, some oldies from years back, and a few from guest contributors.

Discussion over dinner about some idea he had.

Hubby:...and so I was thinking and suddenly a light bulb started ringing in my head.



Science and Language...not my hubby's strong points

Hubby: You can't microwave water!

Me: Why not?

Hubby: Because of the neurons in the water!

Me: Neurons?

Hubby: I mean electrodes.


The sister on her wedding dress.

Sis: So what do you think?

Me: It's beautiful. Is it too long?

Sis: Yeah, I may have to edit it.


My daughter on a walk and she suddenly hugs a steel post.

Ohhhh!!!! My favourite tree!!!

Taking care of Business

I'm back to work after a long hiatus with two kids. Though I wanted to teach kindergarten when I returned, getting what you want doesn't always work out. If a blacklight were held up to me at the end of the day, I would look like a CSI crime scene. These are some of the personalities I've been working with:

The New Arrival: Not one word of English or any language you understand. You can't pronounce their name so they don't respond. It's pointless trying to tell them they can't eat paste.

The Neglected: Parents don't read anything you send home. They hang up on you. They send a babysitter or neighbour to pick them up. They don't send proper shoes or a snack unless two stalks of green onions still covered in dirt count (I'm serious).

The Crier: Can last 5 minutes to as much as 2 weeks. Can cry for a full 2.5 hours non-stop. Will cry during any transition. Will cry when others cry. Will start crying again when they realize they are having fun.

The Screamer: Similar to the Crier except for the incredible octaves they can achieve.

The Runner: Takes every opportunity to run for the door. Any door. Runners must be stopped by tackling and using moves similar to those found in UFC.

The Siamese Twins: Won't do anything without each other and will become Criers if told otherwise.

The O.D. Kid: Will give you a hell of a time if you ask them to do ANYTHING. Will refuse to do anything you request even if its something they want to do.

The Passive Aggressive Kid: Similar to the O.D. Kid, but instead of yelling, NO! they will give you cut eyes, the evil eye, or a blank stare that can last all class.

Little Miss Bossy: Exactly that. Knows everything. Does nothing.

The Baby: Was born in the end of December so qualifies to enter Kindergarten even though they are barely 3 years old.

The Giant: Often mistaken for a 3rd Grader, the Giant was born in January and is the Baby's direct opposite (and often, best friend).

The As-Yet-Undiagnosed: You know there's something wrong. You know that Mom knows something's wrong. A mountain of paper work will need to be done upon the entry of this kid.

The Diagnosed: This fully behavioural darling comes with paperwork already done. Drawbacks are the parents want them integrated into your class of New Arrivals, Neglected, Criers, Screamers, Runners, Twins, OD, Passive-Aggressive, Bossy, Baby, and Giant kids.

Hot Men: Men with Wings

Apparently, Angels are the new Vampires. Gorgeous and duty bound, angels are getting a lot of attention as sexy and strong. Rarely are they portrayed as angelic or pious in popular media. More often they are warrior-like and yet carry a great deal of emotional burden. This juxtaposition of strength and fragility is certainly appealing to many. Check out Michael and Gabriel in the new trailer for Legion.

Restaurant Review: Panorama

Our anniversary happened right after my antibiotics were finished, and on the same day as the hubby's first day back to work from his 5 month, pat leave. Both excellent reasons to start drinking with abandon. C5 was unfortunately closed on Monday so we decided to walk about and "discover" a place to go. After a tempting presentation at Bay Bloor Radio, we ventured up to the 51st floor of the Manulife Building to Panorama. This resto-lounge had a great view and even had outdoor patios. Though full of tourists, it was still a great place with more drinks on the menu than food. However, the food was good. I recommend the $26 seafood appetizer platter full of fat shrimp, smoked salmon and mussels. Crab cakes were dissappointing (too small) but the mediterranean pizza was delicious. At first, the chicken on it came very dry and against my personal restaurant beliefs, my hubby sent it back and asked for another one. It came back prompt, clean, and improved. Our server was great. I think this would be a great place to go with friends for drinks. Not cheap, but the view is worth it.

Too bad I am so ill again. I'm sure drinking on a cold patio didn't help.

1st Birthday

Well, my little guy has turned one! The last couple of months have been fascinating as he's showing such rapid development. He's just beginning to stand for a few seconds at a time. He points and can name a few things, his favourite being "daung-daung (light)!" In total, he's got about 10 - 12 words. I'm happy to say that he's finally got "ma-ma" but not before "wo-wo" (dog), "yum" (drink), "nai-nai" (milk) and "che-che" (big sister). Also, the little dude can put up a good fight. He and his 2.5 year old sister were duking it out over a sippy cup while sitting in the basket of those Flintstones-styled bikes at Centre Island. UFC!

His birthday celebration was shared by auntie who has turned the big 3-0. Happy Birthday, Yee-Yee!

Hubby-isms (2nd installment)

Hard to believe I got 3 gems in one day. Oh, plus the extra from the sisters:


In regards to food:

Mmm. This is as tender as a banshee.


I don't even remember what he was referring to:

It's as heavy as the mother of all mongoose.


In a discussion about child safety:

The kids aren't made of glasses.


And over dinner I was talking about my purchase from Secrets from my Sister:

Me: I love this bra!

Him: You love this bar?

Me: .....????.......Are you auditorily dyslexic?

Restaurant Review: Pure Spirits Oyster House

Top: Pure Spirits back in the day when they were making pure spirits.

Bottom: This is the after picture. HGTV sent a design crew in to fix the joint up. :)

The hubby and I went to this Distillery District restaurant for his post-birthday celebration. Pure Spirits looks small in comparison to the Boiler House restaurant next door but it is still a snazzy setting. We sat in the patio and had fresh baked bread which was a god-send as I was starving. Following that, we had crab cake as an appetizer. It was tasty but I was disappointed by the size of the lone crab puck.

It went downhill from there as my muscovy duck breast was chewy and a little overdone. The hubby's Ahi Tuna was tasteless and paired with equally bland fingerling potatoes. Not terrible. Certainly not wonderful. In retrospect I should have told the owner, an elderly gentleman, who drifted to each table to ask how people were enjoying themselves.

I normally make it a rule of thumb not to complain about food unless it is blatantly horrible or dangerous (hubby had shards of glass in the bottom of his drink at Milestones). I've worked in a few kitchens in the past and I know that complaints can bring about some terrible deeds by disgruntled cooks or waitstaff. I find it best to simply avoid ordering the same dish in the future or eating elsewhere. If you choose to complain about the food DO NOT send the dish back and have it "fixed." It will get fixed alright. If it is really that horrible, ask for an entirely different dish. However, I find it is best to let the management or waiter know after your main course is done. Sometimes they will compensate with a discount on your bill or a complimentary dessert. Being courteous and discreet will work in your favour as this will be appreciated by management.