Rent-a-family

Family dynamics…diverse and evolving.

My family was like an island. No extended on this side of the ocean. I really never knew what it was to have grandparents. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. I've got, but in a distant kind of way.

Now, as five has grown to eleven in a short time, all of those roles so foreign to me are ever-present in members new and old.

My parents have revelled in fleeing the empty nest. My brothers have started their beautiful families. I'm left…looking for a family portrait to creep.

Don't feel sorry for me. Really. I like the independence. I LOVE the love I have for the babes. It's simply another reality of being the youngest by quite a few years. Too young to play. Watching and waiting. Not rushing.

Learning.
Loving.

Aphrodite cooks?

Months ago, in an effort to take the bull by the horns I suggested to E that we take a singles' cooking class. November felt so far away…and yet last Friday feels like yesterday. It was a superb experience.

We paid $100. And saw every penny in value.

The night began with white wine sangria served to us by the resident mixologist. While the chefs prepped the kitchen, we were encouraged to socialize donning aprons that frankly, made me look like a Keebler elf. So much for giving any thought as to what I was going to wear.

We were divided up into 3 teams…I lost my crutch in E. Although, I had a fun group. We were charged with the pumpkin-stuffed canneloni, braised kale and shaved brussel sprout salad. I scooped pumpkin, boiled pasta and rolled canneloni. I could have done more but the warnings of lost appendages due to sharp instruments guided me to the more blunt duties. Blunt and I…we're friends.

One chick went a little far with the whole damsel in distress routine and actually sliced off some finger. I hope it was worth it!

Prep area turned into dining room as we enjoyed a great meal prepared by our fellow singletons. We followed dinner with drinks at a local with some of the male "chefs". No sparks, but there was beer, pool and Celine Dion on the jukebox. Good times.

www.aphroditecooks.com

Baby love

I have a new nephew today.










This is the fourth baby in my life. How lucky am I? I love being AUNT. More than friend. Sister. Daughter. Co-worker. Girlfriend.

I always wondered how a parent could love the second child as much as the first…and so on with those that follow. How does that game not get old? Love.

Let me tell you that with the birth of each of these kids I could physically feel my heart grow bigger. Never choosing, simply making more room.

Thanks brothers…and sisters.

Mazel tov!

Not-so-lonely planet

We're going on a trip!

K and I have booked our tickets to an exotic locale. Much needed, but a ways away.

Just the other night I was freezing on my friend's balcony, just reflecting and feeling good, I looked up and saw a plane. I felt that thing. That thing people feel when they want to go. Go far, far away. Everything here is fine, but sometimes you need to step back to really appreciate. This step is roughly 8,600 kms away. More like a really big leap, yes?

We have 3 months to psych ourselves up, and trim ourselves down. By then, our lives will be so amazing the escape won't be necessary...just a really nice alternative to snow and minus degree wind chills.

¡Vamenos!

Supply & demands

Last night was my third attempt at buying a home. Each time, each place I have been a little more smitten than the last. This one though, was special. "Most unique find in Toronto"...thanks MLS. And to make matters worse, I was close.

I'm not sure where I stand in the spectrum of difficult buyers…I'm sure if you ask my agent she'll tell you. Seriously though I'm a girl of simple tastes. I have 2 pocket turn-offs about these new modern buildings:

1) The waterfall in the lobby - These maintenance fees are absurd and I'm paying for a waterfall…no thanks! Especially one that I'll see and cringe at everyday knowing I'm subsidizing such a ridiculous extravagance.

2) The bowl sink - You know, the bathroom sink that sits on top of the counter like a bowl? How dated is that? So what you're saying is I'm paying all this money for this uber modern unit, only to have to re-do the bathroom in five years when I want to sell? They might as well have avocado green appliances in the kitchen.

I certainly have my wish list though, and the 2 things that top it are location and balcony. Neither, am I willing to settle on. With location, I have become a little more open-minded since the hunt started, but will not veer outside my bubble. With balcony, the bigger the better. Everything else is negotiable.

It's a really competitive market right now in Toronto. Lots of buyers. Few sellers. Multiple offers.

Broken hearts.

Thanks Bob

"You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She's not perfect - you aren't either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break - her heart. So don't hurt her, don't change her, don't analyze and don't expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she's not there."

-Bob Marley

When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire

So as many of you know I've left Facebook. I've been impressed by the response. Praise. Anger. Concern.

It's a social experiment in a way. Our friendships have gotten so lazy…I don't need to interact with you, the person, anymore because I interact with you, the facebook profile, daily. I don't need to hear about your trip to New York because I already saw photos.

Soon after letting my friends know about my grand exit. Some I talk to everyday. Some I haven't spoken to in years. All I love. I received some truly warm messages, and woke some friendships that had gone into a Facebook coma.

Thanks for the concern…but I'm doing alright!

By the by, I do acknowledge the irony or possible hypocrisy of preaching the good word of one-on-one communication using a blog, but hopefully this tool serves as a stimulant for good conversation rather than a substitute for it.
________

P.S...N, you're right, you do make a good blocker.