July 31, 2015

Jamie 

Yesterday was a really tough day so I particularly love this quiet moment with Escher. (The dappling sunlight is unbelievable!) I've been working super hard to get Sparkles out there and yesterday was full on for getting it set up. Then I had my dental hygienist appointment, which is always very stressful for me, even though I absolutely adore where I go. And then the three kittens went to the vet for their shots and an exam. We did manage to get them in carriers but Scout was beyond frightened. Luckily Dr. Jen was super good with all of them and it looks like they are doing really well though the blood work results will come in today. The other big news is that the kittens are a full month older than they were originally assessed! And the good news is this morning all seems to be forgiven - at least when there's wet food involved.

 

Shannon
I finished another book for the 2015 Book to Film Challenge! The Price of Salt took a long time for me to get into it, so much so that it wasn't until the last time sitting down to read it I really felt like was invested in the characters. It was a pretty easy read though, and had great descriptors and tension but wasn't an instant win for me but had to win me over and took a long time for that to happen. I think I've realized that I am not used to fiction that isn't "genre" of some kind, and wonder if I should make sure I work in a fair amount of fantasy, scifi, paranormal, spec fiction, etc because that's really where my heart is. I definitely get a lot out of stretching my reading horizons, but I have to have some that I simply love too.

Suzie

I took three rests so I could go to D&D tonight for Reg's campaign and it was a blast! I love playing Pippi the druid gnome (I'm the one with the flaming globe who is way too big for my character) and we went up against the undead on our way to a haunted brewery.

July 30, 2015

Jamie

This is a very intense work week for me as I wrap up a bunch of things and get ready for Sparkles next week so this moment of sheer bliss and relaxation just made my day. It's so wonderful to see Shibumi feeling right at home.

Shannon
It was so nice to get a midday visit from Scout! More often than not they will swing by at night, when getting a picture of them isn't very likely. But today he posed for me quite nicely, furry ear-tips and all :)

Suzie

Today was recovery day from "Serotonin Syndrome" which happens when you have too much serotonin. I got it as a result of all the tryptophan I have been taking and had a horrible night being so sick I thought I was going to end up in the hospital. Thankfully it ended up not going that far and I just got back into bed with Reg and hoped for the best. I didn't know what was going on though but I spoke with my sleep doc. I am going to stay positive and hope now that I am off it maybe I will start feeling better. Reg took care of me too, I was in quite the rough shape today.

July 29, 2015

Shannon
I'm trying not to avoid, or avoid avoiding (lol) the last several pages in my composition book. I had some fun with crayons over this page, although I continue to be surprized that crayons aren't that easy to work with. I love the density of the colour, but I find a fair amount of pressure is needed to get that level of colour. I purposely left the opposing page blank, and I'm hoping that when I write on the next page it will go through and leave an impression of the colours. We'll see!



Since my makeup was done for stART I decided to do a quick little Kitchen Confession update about the cookbook situation. Talking to you two was definitely a highlight for me today!

July 28, 2015

Jamie

Well, the kittens continue to feel more and more at home, though I can't help but feel nervous about trying to get them into their carriers and to the vet this Thursday for their second round of shots. We have not gotten close to picking them up, though we've made progress with petting them.It was so hot that they were mostly sleepy and more receptive. I can't believe that at the end of this week it will be a month that they've been here. They have already grown so much!

Shannon
It was time to revisit a classic recipe with the mushrooms. The bacon-mushroom dinner version, not the stuffed mushrooms. I can't believe I have so many mushroom recipes in the roster than I have to say more than just mushrooms! Even though it was a hot day out, this was the dinner than had to be made. Yum!

Suzie

Last week I tried to get to the dollar store but overshot the direction and ended up in, let's say, the equivalent to Scarborough by accident. But worse. I noticed almost all the stores were shut down and it was getting rougher and rougher. Great day to wear my alien hat and Trogdoor T-shirt. Today I went back and righted that wrong. Picked up some bags, drinking glasses for Reg and little things like that. Did you know that Dollarama is one of the most successful stores in Canada right now? Considering how much money I saved going on that walk, I can totally understand why.

July 27, 2015

Jamie 

I think this table gives a good picture of just how much fun we had at Art Day yesterday! We worked on Lynn's next class for the Year of the Spark and had a blast! I thought we'd be working with kitten chaos but they were nowhere to be found. I guess they have their own version of Art Day :)

Shannon
I had a blast this week at Art Day! It took me a little while to warm up to the lesson, but once I found a way to work it that I was happy with it was smooth sailing. So much learning at every turn.

Suzie

There was a sale on games and Reg picked out Elder Scrolls (Sign), LOL. We tried playing it and we were obliterated quite quickly. We also played D&D last night. I have been having all sorts of nightmares about breaking the law and I think it's the game's influence so I created a human paladin character and did my first healing spell. I still can't sleep but at least it isn't because I did something terrible in my dreams.

July 25, 2015

Jamie 

Yesterday was a big day! I've been really enjoying sharing this Summer Seminar Series. Creative projects are my absolute favourite thing and it was a delight to share the process and possibilities with everyone. I'm so glad that you both could be there!

 

Shannon
I decided to re-read a total favourite book: Shapechangers by Jennifer Roberson. I saw it on the online library system and requested it and was totally engrossed in reading it, then my borrowing period expired! Thankfully Jamie was nice enough to lend me her copy so I could finish it. I was a little worried I wouldn't still enjoy it, but I really did. Phew!

Suzie

I could not bring myself to make jewellery today which is so weird but when my neon paints showed up, I got to painting. They're weird watercolour paints though. They do not mesh with traditional watercolour paints and are thick but when you paint, the paints splits on either side of the brush leaving the middle empty of paints. I had to do a couple of layers. There won't be a lot of variation of tone as a result but I think it works for fun foodie art but it is weird, not what I was expecting. Think it's more for kids than artists but hey, I want my foodie art to be kid-like anyway!

July 24, 2015

Jamie 

We had such a good day celebrating Shannon's birthday! Shannon and I went out for a great brunch, then headed out to the art store and also Value Village. More than a few wonderful treats were picked up! We even spent time in the afternoon colouring with our new coloured pencils. Then we ordered Hakka Chinese and watched Big Hero 6 and had cake! And yes, the cats got up in the basement ceiling around the vents but they're all safe and sound! A truly awesome day. (I have a feeling some new traditions have been found!) 

Shannon
BIRTHDAY TIME!!!! Thank you both so much for a wonderful birthday! It was full of adventure and fun and some crazy extra excitement with the cats. And of course, CAKE! Yum. :)

Suzie

Reg had an appointment so we made another day of it, shorter this time. Made sure to go to Blenz, my favourite cafe. I'm back on caffeine though. This is the last appointment for a while now. I finally have the ability to stay at home starting Friday! I can't believe it. Sadly, I could not have done it without caffeine.

July 23, 2015

Shannon
I know this picture is really dark, but I still had to share it. Right on the eve of my birthday, I had 2 lovely kitty visitors come hang out with me. It was so sweet to see them! That's Shibumi at the front and Escher in the back. Scout popped around later, when I was mostly sleeping, hehe.

Suzie

Happy Birthday Shannon!!! I hope you have an amazing day today and treat yourself to whatever you want to do that you feel like doing. I just wish I could be there to celebrate with you. Big Bday Hug!!!

July 22, 2015

Shannon
I got totally hooked on the demo for the game Cook, Serve, Delicious. I never thought I would be into simulators, especially anything customer service oriented, but this one totally zapped me in. I watched a video of Felicia Day playing it, which was really helpful because otherwise there would be too many new variables to try and manage. I'm very tempted to buy the full game on my phone, but I'm worried it will be TOO addictive. We'll see how long I hold out!

July 21, 2015

Jamie 

What? No kittens?! It's true! Justin and I actually got out of the house and started our week having an awesome time at the Pan Am Games! The day was beautiful. The environment relaxed and lovely. It was great to be down at U of T. We even walked in through UC and I showed Justin where I used to take classes. We had a great time watching Argentina and Cuba compete in women's field hockey, even though we know nothing about the sport!

Shannon
I'm hoping kittens trying to climb up on me is a sign of progress,... yes? Or simply hunger? Heheh

Suzie

It is all official. Signed up at the studio and picked the classes I am most interested in. It took more energy than I thought it would but I am thrilled. I really like the place and I got along great with the woman there which is hopeful. Classes won't start until the fall but I chose: pottery, watercolour painting and mixed media. We'll see what happens!

July 20, 2015

Jamie

It's really been so exciting to adjust to the cats having more of a run of the house. You can see from this picture that they are totally pleased to have discovered the couch!

Shannon
This weekend Marina and I recorded our 250th episode of Before the Dawn! I can't quite believe we've been podcasting over 6 years now. For the landmark episode we went back to our roots and revisiting Twilight and it was so much fun.

Suzie

Well I did get a break on Saturday by proclaiming is "Suzie Day" but Sunday started off early going to the kung fu picnic which I spent mostly resting under a tree because I could barely move. A lot of people participated in volleyball, including Reg. Then we went to D&D and had quite the epic game which was fun but I am glad that after today I have zero planned for a while.

July 18, 2015

Jamie

Well, the kittens are out of the Kitten Zone! It's a bit nerve-wracking.  We've literally seen them wrestle until one of them is doing a somersault down the stairs! Having said that, they seem happy and comfortable, as you can see by the picture, and that's a great thing. Now, if only I could relax while they're out and about!

Shannon
I've been having some fun with (another) exercise from Syllabus which is literally colouring in colouring pages in crayon. It's very low key and a lot of fun. I have to work on not being compulsive to do many in a row, but so far I've been doing well in that area - yay!

Suzie

Another psycho-long day but at least most of it was fun. Went with Reg to an eye doctor appointment and went out to lunch together and stopped by Michaels and Whole Foods. Then saw the Minions movie which was entertaining. It was nice to have a day together but I am ready for a nice long day at home.

July 17, 2015

Jamie 

I'm so glad that I got out for errands today, including up paint chips, because that led to lying on the floor in the Kitten Zone looking at them and Shibumi just walking right up onto Shannon and having a seat! What a precious moment, definitely the best of the day!

Suzie

I took this photo while waiting at the doctor's office. There's a kids dental clinic right beside it and I just thought this hanging clown was so surreal. I am so glad I admitted my truth yesterday about what I want to be doing and what I don't want to be doing. Clowns to me are all about lies. I don't want to be a clown! Thank you both for your support.

July 16, 2015

Jamie

I hope you all will continue to indulge me in all of these kitten pictures! They are my muses right now, for sure! I am amazed to see all of these orbs! First, with Shibumi and now with Scout! I won't be surprised at all to find some when I take a picture of Escher too!

Shannon
I did it!!! I wrote my final post for the Star Trek: The Next Generation Rewatch. I feel really good about it. It was an epic adventure and I'm really glad I was able to pull this last post together. Time for a break from big projects for a while.

Suzie

Wednesday was psycho. I didn't think we were going out tonight but we ended up at D&D which was fun but there are dishes in the sink, food out on the counter, wet laundry in the dryer. When will I have a day to myself???

July 14, 2015

Jamie

I am really enjoying spending early morning time with the kittens. It's wonderfully calm and quite (other than the mews). They are excited for breakfast, which has them lively and ready to come close, plus the lighting is so wonderful for photos.

Shannon
I was so happy that I finished this book! It was my May choice for the 2015 Book to Film Challenge, but I ended up putting it off for one reason or another and then when it came time to pick up the book for July I felt it was only fair to read this one first. It's odd, once I set my mind to it I finished it pretty quickly and even more oddly I'm still not quite sure how I feel about the book. It was all so....normal. I know I read a lot of "genre" stuff, but this felt so directly like it was simply life experiences and thoughts in such detail I kept wondering if it would change to have something greater. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, but I'm impressed I kept with it as it definitely was outside my regular scope of reading!

June 13, 2015

Jamie

It has honestly been all kittens all the time at our place! I've been writing a ton, mostly about the kittens, and diving into launching a live version of Sparkles to raise money for their care. I've been trying to be good about getting out for a walk or even into the backyard just to reconnect with things outside the Kitten Zone :) It was great to have Art Day this week though I'm really thankful that we decided to simply journal and collage. Sticking with dry mediums was a little easier considering our new buddies and also feeling super tired. All in all a great day :) (PS Scout let me stroke his paw today!!)

Shannon
Kitties!!! How is it possible for them to be so cute all of the time! It is mystifying, and I love it. I love when I can get a picture of all three of them, and this one was especially a treat because Shibumi just peaked her head out for a moment and then was in a moment obscured by Escher. They are such a treat to hang out with.

Suzie

What a busy weekend we had! It was Killarney Day on Saturday, which we love. It's our community centre's summer celebration day and Reg's kung fu school performed. This is just a small portion of the entire kung fu school but they did absolutely amazing. Reg did a sword solo that was out of this world too. We also went over to a friend's and played D&D. No wonder I am so tired during the week. Weekends can be crazy!

June 10, 2015

Jamie 

I can't believe it's been a week! We've certainly made a ton of progress: not hiding, coming close (real close) for feeding, the tiniest bit of petting, names and, the big news, two purrs! Both Scout and Shibumi have purred a bit. Yay!! This really is a whole-heart adventure. Suzie, I wish you could be here too!

 

Suzie

I am running out of meds so I had to go out to drop off a prescription so I picked up some goodies along the way. Air quality is now at 5 which is very bad and there are around 30 new fires every day. I'm back in my sweltering apartment with no air to breathe. My doc suggested getting a portable air conditioner but Reg said they're almost $400. If this keeps up though, I don't know how I'll get through the summer. $2 McFrappés only go so far!

July 9, 2015

Suzie

I had to go see my sleep doc to get paperwork and prescriptions taken care of and guess who is almost next door? The Vancouver Dance Store! I am never in this area so I went in and a lovely woman there helped me find shoes that would work. They are just traditional ballet slippers, turned out they were better for my arches than other shoes. I didn't get the "perfect" fitting ones because they were out which at first, really upset me. But these ones actually might work out better in some ways. I hope so. My feet have been through enough trauma. I can't wait to wear them tomorrow. I found some great ballet videos on YouTube! So weird ballet is what is calling me the most!

July 8, 2015

Suzie

Reg is now officially done school and I could officially open windows so we took on a big project I have personally been avoiding almost as long as we have lived here: hemming the curtains. First, because I couldn't get them off and on by myself. Second, I knew I would want to wash them. Third, I knew Reg would want to get out rulers and do it "right". Fourth, I knew they would get wrinkled and I wouldn't be able to force myself to keep them up there all wrinkled. But we did it and prevailed! Reg did all the nitpick-y stuff I hate and I did worked the hardware (sewing machine and iron). Yay!!! Now they look gorgeous and don't have almost two feet of fabric swishing on the floor. Sorry I couldn't get yours done too Jamie!

July 7, 2015

Jamie

Well, I think it's going to be all kittens all the time on this household channel! It's a real adventure watching this kittens, getting to know them and hoping we can love 'em up well.

Shannon
Kitchen fun times with the kittens on a Monday. :)

Suzie

Sorry I have been MIA. I'm really struggling with feeling trapped and unable to breathe in the apartment and I'm so uncomfortable, I am exhausted. The last time I felt normal was on Saturday when I went to VV with a 30% discount card and got this black gypsy skirt, Hello Kitty PJ pants and champagne faux pearls. It still surprises me that they all suit me. I also discovered I love wearing grey and peach together. Had no idea they worked for me.

July 6, 2015

Shannon
After all the kitten excitement I definitely needed to take a break. This break is brought to you by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fun movie, not brilliant and not quite what I expected, but still fun. If they cut out about 3 stupid gender crap things, it would have gone from fun to great.