Shameless mommy blogging

Warning: The following is endless blathering about how interesting my kids are lately. This verbal diarreah does not mean to assume any sort of developmental superiority of my children. It is more likely an indication of how my kids may one day end up on the wrong side of law. Also, it is an indication that I have no life.

Avery is becoming ever more verbal. He doesn't do party tricks like Bowie did (Bruce Lee and Jet Li imitations) but he's now able to say, "Moy!" (don't want it), juice, nai-nai (milk), wo-wo sit!, blast off!, and "play!" but he still can't quite say "Mommy" with any kind of clarity or consistency. If he sees any exposed thigh or belly, he runs at it to give it a big, sloppy razz (which sometimes turns into a bite). He learns words that are of personal interest quickly if not accurately (Jello is Je-no, marshmallow is ma-no-no). And the boy is learning to fight! If he has a long stick of any kind, he'll run at people yelling "Da-da!" which means "Hit-hit!" Today, he was playing with the condensation on the window and he gave my sister a questioning look. "Moisture" didn't work with him so she told him, "Sup, sup" meaning "wet" which her repeated over and over as he slapped at the window.

Bowie is up to all her old tricks and some new ones. Today, she lost sight of us for a moment at Ikea. She let out short gasp of fear and realization then walked back to where we were last but still did not see us (it was crowded). I watched as she approached a nice looking old lady and said, "Excuse me. Where is my mommy?" Good for her.

But my latest favourite is when she pulled a "sword" from her back, pointed it at him and demanded, "BOW TO ME!"

You tell him, Bowie.

Restaurant Review: The Rushton

One kid-less evening, the hubby and I knew vaguely that we wanted a very nice yet fairly casual dinner but didn't want to go to our usual spots. Driving along St.Clair West, I told him to "Stop the car!" because a pleasant looking corner restaurant with large windows immediately beckoned with the promise of good times. From the street, I noticed stacked stone walls lit with LED lights contrasted by antique light fixtures hung from the ceiling and candles at the tables. It was almost full for Monday night around 6:30 which was another indication that this was likely a good place to go. The menu had many of my favourites such as moule et frites, crab cakes, braised lamb shanks, and duck confit. It also had some impressive looking burgers. All in all, the food was mostly very good, the servers young, attractive, and pleasant, and atmosphere great. Definitely worth another visit.

I don't know about this.....

I've ranted previously about my dismay over "Phantom of the Opera: The Musical Part 2." I don't think I've ever mentioned, but "Lord of the Rings: The Musical" was a disaster. Now I hear on the radio that they have "Spiderman: The Musical," apparently the most expensive musical to be produced. I'm sure the rights weren't cheap nor was hiring Bono of U2 to do the music.

Don't get me wrong. I love both off-beat and traditional musicals. Pop culture based musicals also have their place as I've thoroughly enjoyed "Cobra: The Musical," and "Evil Dead: The Musical." (I'm hoping to see "The Toxic Avenger: The Musical.") The genre is fun and can make even the most dismal and depressing of topics fun and up beat (Urinetown).

But Spiderman? Like Lord of the Rings, I think this is just another money grab off of something that is currently hip and already has a large fan base that enjoy spending money. And of course, I'm part of that demographic. Here you go, Stan Lee.

Slip of the Tongue

I recently went to an Equity Symposium to further enlighten and reinforce the good examples and interventions we need to be and make as educators. While there, I met a high school teacher. I asked her what she taught: "Design and technology. We plan, design and build things that the students are interested like a one bedroom home, a line of designer clothing, a landscape project or a new vehicle. Then the students present them to each other and even to other schools or universities." My reply, "This week, we're learning the letter F!"

Here's a short and empowering (and entertaining) video they presented:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQZwZVBDAHI

I was there first

I guess I'm not being very anonymous by showing this article, but it annoys me to the point of writing about it. Not so much that another baby has the same name as my daughter, or that it is very unique (less so now), but oh-my-goodness not named after David Bowie, no way. Both parts of her name after musical inspirations? Oh, no. Dad happens to be a DJ but, no. It simply could not be. So to those who don't know, my daughter IS named after David Bowie, and my son IS named after Jimi Hendrix.....and possibly the stationary company.

From Wiggles to Wu Shu

It's been crazy between work, the kids, and trying to have a life (and a clean house). So in the last 3 days, I've been at the cottage, at the Wiggles concert, and at the World Wu Shu competitions.
I think I'm slowly becoming a crazy Mommy-fan as I felt quite excited to see the four fellas live in concert. Oh, and btw: Anthony Wiggle...hotness confirmed. I love a man who is confident and who obviously enjoys making a fool of himself on stage. Apparently Anthony (and other characters) have been taking yoga and gymnastics. This performance was very Cirque Du Soleil - esque. My hot blue Wiggle did the splits, hand stands, rolls and floor routines in addition to singing "Fruit Salad." What really made me smile was when he shrank into his blueberry costume and rolled away singing "Age of Aquarius" just for fun.

So from Wiggles to Wu Shu...I've just returned from the competitions. Amazing. We managed to catch the Women's sword routines, the Men's routines, and some matches. And now, I'm spent.

Restaurant Review and Hot Men: Susur Lee

Damn you, Susur Lee! You have ruined so many of my meals out because nothing compares to you.
Recently, I went with good friends to "Farmers Night" at Cowbell. It featured local lamb and wine from a local producer. Very promising especially since the lamb fed on the grapes. Really fascinating discussions on production and pairing. Unfortunately, my expectations for fine food has been warped by the culinary skills of Susur Lee. Sadly, this God of Cookery has gone to New York to find new challenges and has left me pining for someone to impress me the same way. It certainly doesn't hurt that the man is a stoic beauty. Long black hair and a chiseled face that often wears a look of stern contemplation. The way he treats his food as an art and the way he respects the kitchen makes other "leading" Toronto chefs (i.e. Mark McEwan) look like line cooks.

There is promise though still far from the ability of Susur. A dinner at the Drake Hotel produced an unbelievably delicious "Sexy Beef Brisket." Looking like steak but cuts like butter, this super tender beef was so tasty I will definitely go back for more. Hubby's halibut was less stellar but still good.