Ron's blog story...

I created a blog for Ron since he was at home after he broke his leg. He gave the address to all his friends and co-workers, so they would know how he was doing while he had his cast.

Ron's most recent blog (photo to your right) had a photo of the two of us. Let me just say that I did NOT like this photo (I didn't have any makeup on, and it wasn't a good hair day...you're with me on that one, right ladies?).

Anyway, apparently...one of Ron's co-workers saw the blog, and told another co-worker of Ron's, who then told Ron, who then told me (cause Ron found it oh so amusing!) what she said: "Is that Ron's girlfriend? I didn't know he was dating an OLDER woman!"

As Gerwyn would say: How DARE she! HOW DARE SHE! :P

I'm determined to have lunch with Ron the next time I have a day off so this "co-worker" of his can see the REAL me...in which I'm sure she'll be shocked at how YOUNG I really look! :)

In my defense, this photo was taken after a long 5-hour drive from Montreal...that's bound to age ANY woman! ;)

I got a SHOUT-OUT!

Too funny....I was online, and my old co-worker logged in. We started chatting...you know 'shooting the shit'. I ask him what he's up to, and he tells me he's doing his live radio show at the moment!

Of course, I'm intrigued...so eventually, he tells me that he and his friends have started up a radio show, available on some open stream in i-Tunes. He gives me the address, so I go and listen to it.

And there he is, commenting on something he read in the newspaper, and announcing what the next song he's going to play will be. So then I asked him for a 'shout-out'...just for fun! And sure enough, after the next song...he goes back on and says "I'd like to send a shout-out to Sally, an old-coworker of mine. This song's for you!" It was hilarious! I of course, didn't recognize the song (it was "Real Nigga Roll Call" - by Lil' Jon & The East Side Boyz...what's THAT about?!?). Not the kind of music I would listen to (his radio-show), but I got my SHOUT-OUT baby! :)

Harley Pasternak

At around 3pm at work today....Harley Pasternak walked into our office! For those of you that don't know who he is, he's one of the most popular trainers out there among celebrities (he's worked with Alicia Keyes, Halle Berry, Eva Mendes, Kanye West, Orlando Bloom, Mandy Moore, Rachel Weisz, Val Kilmer, Rick Fox, Nia Long, Vanessa Williams - just to name a few!)... Oh, and he writes for enRoute magazine (in the Health & Fitness section). I have his book (although I have to admit, it's still sitting by my bed waiting to be read). He was in town and wanted to stop by, I guess...and meet with my boss.

Sad to say...but that was the highlight of my day. What a life I lead here...

hangin' out with Derek...

My friend Derek was in Toronto this weekend (he lives in San Francisco), so he picked me up from the airport on Friday night!

We grabbed a quick bite to eat, and then headed over to Acrobat lounge for some salsa dancing. Derek has been taking lessons, so he wanted to show me what he's learned. Unfortunately, I was wearing my new boots that I bought in NYC, and I hadn't broken them in yet, so by the time we got to the club, my feet were killing me! I danced one dance with him, and then he was off on his own. I did, however, pick the women for him to dance with (that's just the kind of friend I am).

Saturday, I brought my car in for a check-up and then Derek came to pick me up. We went to play squash! It was fun...I always enjoy a good game of squash....and I even managed to beat him twice! (the score was was 5-2). We then grabbed a bite to eat before he dropped me off to pick up my car.

I showered, changed, and then headed off to Ron's place! We had dinner and then I ended up falling asleep. hehe

Sunday was spent with the kids...and then I left early to go back to Montreal. It's been an exhausting week, and I'm so tired! Off to bed I go! (yes, I realize it's only 9pm).

Last day in NYC!

My conference ended at about 12:30pm today...and then the rest of the day's theme was GO-GO-GO...typical New Yorker! I quickly had to go back to the hotel to check out, and then leave our bags at reception...and then we were off!

We took the subway Metro system, and headed to Soho. There we went shopping at Strawberry, and Bath & Body Works! Soho has actually gotten really commercial with their stores since I was there last.

We got back on the subway to head over to see the Statue of Liberty (Quel's never seen it in real life before since she's a "virgin" to the Big Apple city). The subway apparently has different express trains, which means it doesn't stop in all the subway stations...we, apparently, were in one of those trains. Sooo, we missed our stop, and ended up having to go back (typical Sally day).

We then headed over to the financial district to pay respect to those remembered on 9/11...including one of Karen's cousins.

Then it was back to the hotel, then to the airport, and now...back in Montreal. What a day! I'm exhausted...but at least I get a chance to rest up a bit before heading to Toronto on Friday!

oh...the life of a New Yorker!

As I walked from my hotel to the conference this morning, I realized...when those TV shows and movies portray NYC the way they do...it really IS that way! The sidewalks were full of people, the streets were full of traffic, and the conversations I heard passing by these New Yorkers were right out of a movie! Weird.

Highlights today:

• I saw a car accident (and no one seemed to care or stop, they just kept walking and went about their business like this was a normal thing for them)

• I spotted a celebrity (Carson Kressly...the fashion dude from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy)

• I spotted a half-naked man in Times Square!
  

• I had lunch at Bubba Gumps! I had no idea there was one of these here in NYC. Di and I used to go here everytime we visited San Francisco. It was one of our "crave worthy" restaurants. Don't worry Di, it wasn't the same without you...but my craving for shrimp was certainly satisfied!

• I met up with Quel and Karen after my conference (they did their own thang today), and they got tickets to the Broadway musical: Hairspray! So we went and watched that! The cast included Diana DeGarmo (from American Idol), and Tevin Campbell! (remember HIM?!?!)
  

• After the show, Karen's friend Vanessa met up with us back at our hotel...and we headed to a Japanese restaurant near Soho...the food and environment was very authentic...it almost felt like I was in Tokyo! And when they gave us the bill, it came with this pink powder in a small cup...to use for the cotton candy machine by the door before you head out.

Sex in the City, Will Smith and Avenue Q!

I only had a 1-hour conference to go to today, so after that...I met up with Quel and Karen (they were still at the hotel getting ready since THEY were able to sleep in!).

We walked outside and went to a diner for lunch (the portions were huge...no wonder Americans are obese)! After lunch, we walked over to Herald's Square, where there were a bunch of shops we stopped at: Victoria's Secret, Forever 21, and Macy's! We then grabbed a cab to take us at the corner of 5th and 58th Streets, where there was a bus waiting to take us on our Sex in the City tour! haha

It was fun! They took us to all the spots where they filmed the show: the store where Charlotte bought her pink rabbit; the Magnolia Bakery for some cupcakes; the restaurant where Carrie and Miranda bumped into both their EX's; the bar that Steve and Aidan owned where we had Cosmopolitans (called Scout in the show, but really called O'Nieal's)...AND, the actual stoop where Carrie lived! To those that know me...you know I LUV that kinda stuff!! :)

Actually, during our bus tour, we passed by a church where they were filming a movie called "Last Man Standing" starring Will Smith...and we all saw him!! whoo-hoo! :) He even waved hello to all of us! Ah, gotta love New York!

And, it didn't stop there! After our 3-1/2 hour tour bus ride, we went to the theatre district and managed to get tickets to a Broadway show: Avenue Q! It was really good...funny, and the music was great! Sally gives it a 2-thumbs UP! ;)

Royalton Hotel!

Sooky dropped me off at the train station, and I met up with Quel at Grand Central Station. We went to a small diner for a snack before checking into our hotel, the Royalton! It's fairly small, but nice! After checking in, we walked around. We went to Times Square, and Rockefeller Centre..there's so much to do and see! Quel bought a ticket to see a show (I Love You, You're Perfect...Now Change!), since I had to go meet my bosses to go to the Folio: Eddies and Ozzies Awards Show, held at Cipriani on 42nd Street (near Grand Central station)!

Our magazines actually did well! We came out with 3 Golds, 2 Silvers and a Bronze in the 6 nominations we had! Of course, after the ceremony, the bosses wanted to go out and celebrate, so after dinner filled with drinks, we went out for more drinks!

Hangin' out at YUL airport!

My flight to New York this morning was at 8:45am. Did you know that when travelling to the United States, you have to be at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight?!?!!?

I DIDN’T KNOW THAT!

I was there an hour prior, and by the time I got to a desk for someone to check me in (I was originally at the wrong desk, I had to go to another area, and then line up at THAT desk)…they said it was too late. Oh boy!

So, basically, my only option was to grab the next flight out…which wasn’t until 1:45pm! It was only 8:30am. What’s a girl to do to kill 5 hours at the airport?

1st – I called Ron. He just woke up. I had a whole itinerary planned for today, and now that was all messed up. He was able to check the internet for the train schedules at Grand Central Station, so that I would have an idea as to what time I would arrive in Stamford, CT (which is where Diana’s sister, Sooky is to pick me up). I’m staying at her place tonight.

2nd – I called Raquel. She was already on a train headed for New York. We’re meeting up tomorrow.

3rd – I called Sooky to let her know that I missed my flight, and that I would probably arrive in Connecticut at about 5-5:30pm.

Great…that killed about an hour of time. 4 hours to go.

I went through Customs, so I could go and hang out on the “American side”. They took away my big bottle of lotion (geez! How am I to moisturize now?!?) due to the new “airport rules”. I then went to Burger King for breakfast…I ordered a big breakfast since I had time: Bacon & Egg croissanwich, coffee, taters, and French Toast sticks for dessert! ☺

3-1/2 hours to go. I checked out the shops at the airport. There I found a sale on DVD’s!! Ron actually gave me the idea earlier…to watch a movie since I had a laptop with me! He’s so smart! I bought a movie called “IQ” starring Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, and Walter Matthau…it wasn’t bad! A good chick flick…just what I like. That killed about 2 hours, and then I had time to write up this blog! Check out my bum dent I left on my seat after sitting on it for 3 hours!! hehe. Ok, have just enough time to go to the bathroom, and then go in!! New York City…here I come! Oh I’m takin’ a big bite outta the big apple baby!

a little bit closer...

My HR girl came up to me today and wanted to "discuss" my request to transfer to the Toronto office. She said she spoke to the General Manager, and she said she didn't have a problem with that! YAY! There's lots of room in the new Toronto office, so it's not a big deal.

BUT (you know there had to be a BUT), she said that my 2 bosses have to OK me working from the Toronto office. Which basically means that I have to prove that I can still do my job from there. Oh boy! That might be a little bit harder...

To be continued...

Funny kid stories...

My flight wasn't until 9pm, and all the kids came over to my parents' house after school. I actually hadn't seen them all weekend, so it was good to spend some time with them! Here are some funny moments that I thought I'd share:

Justin (left photo) wanted to draw me a picture, so he asks me: "What do you like Tita?" Aleenah (right photo), who was sitting on my lap says "Diamonds!" I was quite shocked at her answer, I thought that was hilarious! I asked her why she said that, and she said "That's what I like, Tita...you should like them too!" Diamonds ARE a girl's best friend....even at 5 years old!! :)

Melia (middle photo, 3 years old) was eating those Pocky chocolate sticks, and I asked her if I could have one. She said yes, so I grab one. I finish it right away, and I grab another one from the package. Melia looks at me and says: "That's enough, ok Tita?"

Aleenah was drawing a picture beside me when all of a sudden, out of the blue, I hear her say the word "circumcise".
I asked her, "What did you say?"
She said "circumcise."
I say "Do you know what that word means?"
She sits up and says (word-for-word) "It's when you take the boy's pee pee, and take out the skin on top!" (and there were actions with that! She used her finger as her model!)

I was cracking up! Kids DO say the funniest things....ya' gotta luv em'!!

Happy Birthday Menalle!

After a night of dancing and drinking, Di woke me up to head on out to Scarborough. I was still a bit dizzy, but I had a squash game scheduled for 7am...but of course, I didn't get there til' about 8:30am. John, Steve, Jerome, and Mossimo were already there when I arrived. We played until about 11am...and then with all of us nice and sweaty, we headed out to eat! We went to the new Jesse Jr. Filipino restaurant that just opened on Brimley and Sheppard...yummy traditional filipino breakfast! :)

After going home and showering, I then headed over to Tanaz's house to visit with Zarius! Geez, this kid is getting big! He looks like such a little man, and I expect him to be walking already cause he's so big...but he's only 9 months!! He's so cute!
I then headed over to Ron's place to pick him up! He was going to grace us with his presence for Mel's birthday! I was so glad that he could join us after 2-1/2 months of being stuck at home! AND, we had his "special" parking permit, so we could park wherever we wanted...sweet! We met up with the gang at Big Daddy's on King Street to celebrate Mel's special day! Mel, Norm, Di, Gerwyn, Ev, Mae, Glenn and Jared were all there clapping their hands when Ron and I walked in! For me?!!?...oh stop! ;)

The food was good...Ron and I shared the Big Daddy's Crab Shack Boil! A pot full of king crab, snow crab, shrimp, mussels, crawfish, and sausauge in a white wine and garlic sauce! YUM! It's always so nice to get together with everyone, because there are always so many stories and jokes that go around the table! AND, Mel had a special "baon" for each of us before we left....Norm's mom's special coffee cake! It was soooo good, I kept it all for myself (sorry Ron!).

Tangerine nightclub!

Mel's sister Hannah was in town for the weekend. She lives in Vancouver, and she's getting married in November! Mel thought it would be nice for all of us to go out and celebrate (like a Stagette of some sort) Saturday night since she was in the T dot!

It was decided that we would all go to Tangerine. I had never been there before, but I was told that they played house music all night long (say what?). Di, Gerwyn, Ev, Mel, Norm, Karen and I all decided to go! Except Hannah decided she was way too tired to come out that night! hehe. That didn't stop the rest of us from going and dancing all night though! It wasn't bad...except that the DJ (Starting from Scratch), was having technical difficulties throughout the night, so we all got a free cd to make up for it! whoo-hoo!

Hotel le Germain

One of my bosses asked me to come to a meeting in Toronto at the very last minute...and I wanted my car for the weekend, so I ended up driving right after work Wednesday night to make it for a meeting on Thursday.

After work, there was a going-away party they were holding for the VP (he's being transferred to the L.A. office), so we all headed over to Doku, a restaurant/bar at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. The beef tenderloin was to die for! A co-worker and I ended up eating an entire platter of it, before anyone else at our table knew! :)

Anyway, because it was late (and I was quite intoxicated), I ended up spending a night at Hotel le Germain! What a beautiful hotel! The lobby was gorgeous, and my room had the shower right beside the bed, with a glass wall separating it! And the shower head...it was like a rainfall...(like when I was a kid in the Philippines, and showered outside in the rain! haha). I woke up the next morning watching BT while I showered, and then had their continental breakfast! What a great way to start the day!

I did IT!

Dirty birdys...I know what you were all thinking with "IT". (get your mind outta the gutter!)

Yesterday, I went to our HR person, and told her that I wanted to transfer to the Spafax Toronto office! She completely understood. As a matter of fact, she didn't know why I hadn't asked until now! Our Toronto office is actually moving locations. They're moving into a bigger office (but they haven't found a place to move into yet), and I thought now would be a good time to ask for the transfer since they could accomodate for lil' ol' me in that new office too! She's going to speak to the General Manager about it and get back to me....

And so it begins...will keep you posted!
:)

Justin Timberlake's new album!

I'm secretly inlove with Justin Timberlake....I think he's HOT! I actually went to his "Justified" concert when he came to Toronto years ago with Tanaz (she's inlove with him too!). There were a bunch of kids and teenagers with their moms around us...but we didn't care! We were yelling and cheering for him just as loud as those kids, if not louder! (sad, I know)

Ron gave me his new album over the weekend, and tonight...I listened to it! Not as good as his Justified album, but it was still OK. I think my favourite song out of the whole album is called: All Over Again.
It's a slow song...but I'm a sap like that.

Traffic SUCKS during a long weekend!

One of the things I hate the most when I do these 5-hour drives is TRAFFIC! Normally, I am actually on the opposite side of the traffic, since most people head out East on a long weekend when I'm heading West to Toronto, and vice versa on the way back.

But this weekend, I got stuck in it! Arrrrrgh! What's a girl to do while she's not moving?? I busted out the camera of course!

Oh look, here's a photo of the construction that caused the traffic.

And the fall leaves all around me during my drive.

There's the stereo of my car.

There's the key to the ignition, and my foot on the brake.

And there's my Winnie-the-Pooh hanging from my rearview mirror.

Oh, and finally, there's my gear handle. (is that what it's even called?!?!)

Anyway, these are things you're forced to do to pass the time when you're freakin' BORED out of your mind! Ok, just felt the need to vent...thanks.

Thanksgiving weekend...

I drove into Toronto Saturday afternoon, by 2pm. By the time I got there, most of the moving was done at my parents' place (just as I had planned...hehe). I only had time to help pack up the rest of the stuff that I had in my parents' home, and managed to fill my car up with it.

My cousins were all at the new house when I got there. After the moving truck was returned, and everything was at the new house...we all ate and relaxed. We ended up playing the game, Cranium after eating. It was a lot of fun, actually! We had 2 teams: me, Ryan, and Matthew vs. Sarah, Lorna and Sam...the winner/game to be continued (at Christmas time!). My sister had to go, and I had to go cause I promised to bring Ron dinner, and he was starving by 7pm! (which is what time I ended up leaving Scarbs)....oops!

Sunday afternoon, I met up with Quel. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon! We had lunch at Tako Sushi....ummmm! I think Quel and I are the only ones that get excited about this place. It's "our" place! Maybe cause we get the exact same thing every time we go, and we're never disappointed. We always share the Vancouver special, and a Spider roll! Sooooo good!

After lunch, we didn't know what to do, so we walked around downtown a bit, and decided to get manicures and pedicures! We figured, it was so nice out....why not show off those toes while we still can? Quel and I haven't had a pedicure together since I introduced her to it while we were in the Philippines! I had so much fun, and it's always great to catch up with Quel!

We went to a Starbucks after and I grabbed Ron the coffee he was craving for (tall Vanilla Latté, lactose free), and then I headed over to his place. We played the Scene-It movie game for the rest of the evening. Yes, I will admit he beat me TWICE at this game (I know, I can't believe it myself!), but I really think it all had to do with the roll of the dice...and everyone knows...that just requires LUCK! :P

Monday, I went to the Soriano household for Thanksgiving Lunch! We had turkey, pancit, vegetables, and some other filipino dishes of which I don't know the name of. I was stuffed! Everyone seemed to enjoy the apple pie I brought (from the Big Apple!) for dessert. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing video games with Ron's nephew and godson. We played the James Bond 007 shooting game, and then a game called Halo...let's just say I lost. My player ended up committing suicide (who knew it could even do that?!!?). The score was double digits for Ron, his nephew and godson....Sally had a -1. (geez!)

I then drove back to Montreal....but not before Ron's mom gave me some "baon" (translation: care package)! whoo-hoo! :)

Ron's new look!

Since Ron has had his cast, he hasn't shaved. He says it "symbolizes" how long he's been in the cast. I think it's just an excuse for him not to shave. hehe.

He's actually never had a chance to grow his facial hair before because he's always had to shave for work. But because he's been home the last 2 months, he finally got the chance! He still has the cast, and I think he's getting comfortable with this new look of his.

I personally like the "rough" look....love it in fact! But that "rough" look was more during the week 1 and 2 phase. Weeks 4-8, I can do without! :P

So I'm taking a survey out there peeps. What do YOU think of Ron's new look?

Neighbours to the rescue!

Karen came into town yesterday, and she stayed over my place cause she had a meeting today at her Montreal office. We went out for dinner yesterday at a resto near my place, called Chez Van. I always thought this was a French restaurant every time I passed by it, but when we actually stopped and checked the menu, it was a Vietnamese restaurant! AND, you can bring your own bottle of wine...sweet! So that's what we did. We came back to my place after dinner and drank some more....boy I slept well that night! :)

Karen's staying over again tonight, so after work we met up at our favourite Pho place for dinner. When we got back to my place, I put the key in the lock, turned the door knob...and nothin'. I tried again and again but the door just wouldn't open! The door knob was broken!! So Karen and I were stuck outside my apartment door!

My neighbour from upstairs came home, and said "Salut!" to us. (Quel: it's THE neighbour!). I always pass by this neighbour, but the most we've ever said to each other are Salut and Bonjour. I actually thought that he didn't speak any English! Anyway, he asked us what was wrong and we told him the situation. He tried to help...he took one of his credit cards and put it through the door...I think the card got ruined, actually...but still nothin'. Another neighbour of mine came home, and next thing I knew he left and came back with some tools to try and get my door open. They both talked to my landlord and told him the situation (all in French)...thank goodness cause I was having such a hard time explaining the situation to him!

Anyway, with all the attempts and trying to figure out what to do...I actually got to know a little bit about my neighbours! THE guy upstairs' name is Etienne. He has a room mate named Elvis. The other guy (I forgot his name), lives with his wife. Etienne told me about the rest of the neighbours in the building, and about the guy that used to live in my apartment. Apparently, it was a man that never smiled, and was very unfriendly.

Ultimately, we ended up calling a locksmith. Our landlord told us to just break the door down (and Etienne was more than willing to be the one to do it!), but I was a bit nervous about that. The neighbours offered Karen and I coffee, tea, or even to sit down and watch TV with them while we waited (which I thought was really nice of them!), but we declined and just sat on the stairwell waiting for the locksmith.

He finally came, and 5 minutes later....we were inside! whoo-hoo! It cost me $100 to get in, but I guess the one thing I learned is that I actually have some pretty good neighbours! :)

Happy Birthday to my Honda Civic!

Today's my baby's 7th Birthday! Oh, I remember the day I drove my car out of the Honda parking lot...it only had 4 km on it! And now, in it's 7th year...I've managed to put approx. 137,500 km on it!

We've been through a lot of good times, me and my car...travelling to Connecticut, Chicago, Sudbury, Stratford, Buffalo...and now, back and forth from Montreal to Toronto!
:)

Then....and NOW!

My how time flies!

This is me, Diana, and Susie! The photo on your left was taken after a Christmas Choir performance (I think in grade 3?!?!)...and the photo on your right was taken just this past weekend at Diana's brother's wedding. I've known these lovely ladies for about 24 years now...friendships really DO last forever!

If you ask me, I think we all still look the same...don't cha' think? ;)

So long, Hiscock!

My brother bought a house, and he's taking my parents with him...which means, no more Hiscock! I know...too bad, so sad! (sigh)....all the jokes and laughter we've all had about me living here...I'll never forget them! They still crack me up every time I think about it...and even when I thought I've heard it all...someone always comes up with something new!

I know I'LL miss Hiscock! (see what I mean?!!?)

Below are photos of the new house my family's moving into (next weekend, actually!). It's so weird for me, because now I feel like I don't have a home anymore...this new house will be exactly that...NEW! It just won't feel like home to me, because I haven't lived there, ya' know? But you know what they say...home is where the heart is (and where my mom's home cookin' is, so I guess it'll feel like home in no time!)
:)

Happy Birthday Tatay!

We all went out to Congee Wong for my dad's birthday! It was so hard to get a table for 13! So by the time we got seated, we were all starving! The food was actually pretty good (but maybe cause I was so hungry)! The whole table was filled with food: fried rice, beef & broccoli, deep fried squid, crispy squid, congee, roast chicken, cantonese chow mein, pork chops, shrimps, etc....I was SO full!

It was nice to all get together though. It's been a while since we all got together like that. The kids were all there, and it was fun to have them all around me!

Ron's new condo!

After having lunch with the famiy, I went to pick Ron up. Since his cast is now below his knee, he can finally get into my little car (well...sorta...right Ron?). We headed over to his new condo for my first viewing! He's had the key to this place since August, but because he couldn't really move with the full cast, I never got to see it!

It's beautiful! He's got a great view, and it's located in a great neighbourhood! There's a mall down the street from where he lives, and I saw a Winners, and a Home Sense nearby...and he's even got a T&T Supermarket (my favourite grocery store!)
:)