Monday, May 07, 2007

I wore my pedometer at work on Friday, and I took 6179 steps. It wasn't a particularly busy day for meetings, so I think I may walk more than that on average. I've only tried it on Fridays because it's casual and I can hide the pedometer under my tshirt, and carry my cell in my pant pocket. When wearing a suit, I have my cell attached to my belt, and if I add the pedometer it's too many gadgets (I'm trying to avoid IT stereotypes).

It was a perfect weekend for painting, and I managed to finish painting the posts and railing on the front porch. I stripped the centre post and primed on Saturday, and painted on Sunday. The railing took forever to prime and paint. We were worried about Leo (the neighbour's cat) coming around and taking his customary watch lying on the railing. Fortunately he had a busy schedule and didn't have time for us. He did come by for a brief visit (we let him in before he brushed up against the paint), and we let him out quickly through the back door.

So it was two years ago today that Heather and I met. It took us another month to go out on our first date. Two years ago! Who'd have thought? Apparently not Marissa... (That's the standard joke between Heather and me. When Marissa (our common friend who introduced us) first found out we were dating, she said 'Eric and Heather? Who'd have thought? But then when you think about it, it makes sense'. We've laughed about that ever since).

Anyways it was two years ago today that Heather's friends (including Marissa and Bernice) took Heather out for her birthday. Marissa, Bernice and I would go out drinking most Saturday nights. I called up Marissa that Saturday and asked her what was up for the night. Marissa told me that she was going out with some girl friends, and that I probably wouldn't be interested. (I was single and was thinking, hello!). Heather et al started drinking at Eat My Martini, and I met them at the Supermarket (where Heather and I met for the first time). Later that night we moved onto the Velvet Underground. I asked Heather out for a date (in a month, because I was going to Norway for a conference and vacation, and then Heather was on conference). Two years later here we are!

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

We had cedar-planked salmon for dinner this evening:



Loblaws was out of cedar planks (either they've stopped stocking them, or more likely they're out of stock), so I had a side trip to Home Depot. Home Depot carries a different brand, and the paper insert with the cedar had a nice picture including the onion, rosemary, lemon and tomato on the side of the cedar. So I threw some on, and it tasted pretty good. The barbecue was around 300F (normally I do salmon around 375F), and it came out a little undercooked at the thickest part of the fish. I suspect that at the lower temperature, the cedar doesn't get hot enough to cook the fish from the underneath.

Myrtle sent us proofs of the wedding invitations, and they look really good. There's a couple minor things we want to change. We'd like to sign off before we leave for vacation.

I was trying to get my Visa paid automatically from my chequing, and called CIBC. Turns out I'm supposed to call Visa. But while CIBC had me on the phone, they talked me into replacing my CIBC line of credit with a secured line of credit. I have a secured line of credit with TD Canada Trust (I used it extensively when the house was being renovated), but it will be more convenient with everything at one bank. As part of the approval, they'll get an appraisal of our house. It will be interesting to see what they think it's worth.

Last night Heather and I met up with JP at the Flatiron for dinner (and some Keiths). I haven't seen JP often because we haven't played sports together recently (he's recovering from surgery on his ACL). It was a fun night. The bar was full with Raptors fans watching the playoff game against the Nets. The Raptors won in a close finish.

My friend Chris (from work) had another heart attack over the weekend. He had one a year or so ago (caused by a virus). Heather and I went to see him at Peel Memorial on Sunday. He's doing much better, and should be sent home tomorrow.

Tomorrow there's a couple people visiting from the Winnipeg Free Press. I found it surprising when I first started at the Star that the operations groups at the various papers are very co-operative. The WFP folks are flying in just for the day, and we're starting with lunch. My favourite lunches around VPC are pizza at Fortino's (a grocery store), and a veal sandwich at California Sandwiches. Neither are very business oriented, and I don't know of any restaurants in the area. We'll probably end up at Kelsey's or East Side Mario's. When in 905 do as the 905ers...