A brave new world

This past week was March Break so I took a MUCH needed break from work, the Internet, and pretty much all demands and enjoyed myself. With the two gifts safely tucked away with family, husband and I decided we needed a night out, our style. We checked into an elegant hotel in the entertainment district of Toronto. Large king sized bed, a view of the CN Tower, a TV big enough to make us feel like we were in a movie theatre, it had EVERYTHING.

We embarked out on an adult night, enjoying a spectacular meal that didn't not have ANYTHING in common with chocolate milk, hot dogs or apple sauce. Fine wine, wonderful food left us with full bellies and smiles on our faces as we walked across the street to Roy Thompson Hall. Husband's best friend has seasons tickets to the Symphony, the Opera and Tafflemusik. He was (fortunately for us) out of town and gave us his tickets to a Russian Symphony. I gasped when I saw the prices on the tickets. Our dinner and hotel room still wasn't as expensive as the two tickets.

It was a resplendent night, there were beautiful, well-to-do people everywhere. From ball gowns and tuxedos, to suits and lovely dresses, it was a true night on the town. We were spotting those in the spotlight of local media and the "who's who" of the affluent scene.

After the first half, I scurried off to the ladies room before the line began. Quickly taking care of business I finish up at the sink and powder my nose. Out of the corner of my eye I notice someone significantly taller than I. I am impressive enough at 6'1" (with my boots on) but this woman had to be 6'6". I quickly checked out what shoes put you at that height and noticed she was wearing kitten heels. Hmmmm, knee length skirt, polished hounds-tooth jacket, smart bob haircut, but her shoulders were slightly rounded, slouching a bit .... then I spotted the hands. Clean and neat but rather large and my eyes immediately went to her throat, the Adam's apple very apparent.

I was amazed, this brave woman, being in one of the most main stream vanilla of events and simply doing her best to fit in and enjoy herself. I can't even begin to comprehend the difficulties of being born in the wrong body and constantly dealing with the judgements and scorn of family, friends and strangers. This brave and beautiful person reminded me that really, all in all, I have it easy, there are so many others with a tougher road, and so few walk it so gracefully.

I smiled at her and she smiled back. It was one of those "moments" that you can really grow on. Not that we'll see that after-school special any time soon.

Lawless Sunday in the GTA

After ditching ... errrr, I mean leaving our sons in the care of their beloved family .... hubby and I did the 90 minute drive home. Within 15 minutes of the beginning of the drive, hubby noticed a woman (early 20's) chatting away on her cell phone (not hands free). He was surprised since the fine is $110+ and very publicized recently. I told him "I see it all the time".

About 25 minutes later, we notice someone backing up on the highway to try to avoid the collectors and get back on the express. Fortunately there was a handy OPP officer to assist. And by assist I mean hand over a $155 fine. Stupid thing is that he was bailing on the COLLECTORS to get back on the EXPRESS. It's not like he was breaking the law to not miss an exit ... bonehead.

As we pull on to yet another highway, and we're snickering about the fact lawbreaker #2 got nailed, we noticed two guys (early 30's) on the side of the highway hitchhiking! REALLY? Let's not discuss the stupidity about stopping on one of Canada's major highways to pick up two (possible) axe murderers, but I didn't realize people still hitch hiked! I'm hoping the OPP officer was following our route, perhaps he could lend those guys some assistance!

Who knew the Greater Toronto Area was becoming the Wild Wild West!

looking up to scratch a snail's belly

I promised this blog wouldn't focus on the negative, but this one is just too good not to share!

So, I've been "torn a new one" at work for not focusing on work and using my blackberry (I have an iPhone) to chat. I need to "focus" at work, they're PAYING me to be there ... blah blah blah. So it was rather ironic when my boss asked me to "borrow my sync cable" so he could charge his iPhone (remember, I'm not supposed to have this at work).

He managed to hit an all time new low today. He calls me ...

Him "Do you have your sync cable here?"

Me "Yes"

Him "Can I borrow it?"

Me "Sure"

Him "Great, bring it to my office"

I almost answered "yes master".

Not only did I have to deliver it, I had to go BACK at the end of the day to retrieve it. Hubby says he wouldn't BELIEVE these stores if he hadn't met this guy!

and my beater car is ....

I have this awesome coworker, she's a total Newfie. We love her TO BITS and wouldn't change her for the world. She taught me the word "slewber" and I taught her "vernacular" ... we're a pretty dynamic pair.

She's recently purchased a new house and she was explaining all the things she needs to buy for it. She gave away her dining room table to ensure she got a new one (like me, she only eats at the dining room table for special occasions). She needs new beds for both her kids, and said she needs a new fridge, stove and dishwasher. She says they're "white" and "old" and this "viking brand" she's never heard of. The fridge is working fine, but they're going to put it in the garage as a beer fridge.

:-O

OMG I asked her if her summer beater was a Bugatti Veyron. Seriously, a VIKING??? Now if she'd told me the stove was a Wolfe, I may have actually smacked her.