Surprise Engagement Party!

This weekend Gerwyn and I thought we were going home to celebrate Korean Thanksgiving (Chu-seok) but instead we were surprised with a family engagement party! We were totally surprised as it really was the last thing that I would have expected at that time but that made the surprise all the better. Carol had brought balloons, made all kinds of deeleecious desserts and even made lovely party favours for everyone to take home in a personalized bag with our engagement photo. All of her special touches didn't go unnoticed.

Meredith arranged for us to play "toilet paper bride" but since it was co-ed, the girls decided to make G a bride too. We paraded our disposable outfits for all of my aunts and uncles and then the winner was determined by their applause (even of course!) We ended the evening by opening our extravagant gift, the new Kitchen Aid anniversary edition stand mixer. Gerwyn had been eyeing this appliance as soon as Carol introduced it us to weeks ago so we were both so thrilled to receive it.

We were both so touched and felt so special to have such a great family. I know I'm guilty of taking them for granted, its times like these when I realize how lucky I am to have a family who goes to such efforts to celebrate this big milestone in my life and welcome Gerwyn into the family. Special thanks to Carol for all of her hard work and to family who couldn't be there but still managed to contribute to the evening in spirit, Mad, Cat and Sooky.

Cooking makes a comeback...

Tonight it feels like fall. There's a definite chill in the air (high of 12 degrees!) and you can just smell winter coming. I have to admit this is one of my favourite times of year. Soon you'll smell the leaves burning and then you'll know Fall has arrived. My life has been so hectic lately that my kitchen has been very empty. I've been buying groceries "on demand" (meaning I only get what I need to tide me over for that day,) and eating out most of the time. Tonight, with the smell of Fall in the air, I decided to get back into that kitchen and finally make dinner from scratch.

I made thyme and sage meatballs, navy beans stewed in onions and garlic and mashed butternut squash with green beans. The smell of the meatballs filled my condo and I experienced a feeling I thought I had forgotten. A chilly night, a warm oven and the smell of good food cooking. It reminded me of all the yummy meals I've made here, whether it be for Wednesday Night Dinner or just for myself. Memories I will cherish and hopefully create in my new home for my new family.

Eeeeek, a mouse in the house!

Engaged...

Just playing with my camera... and my ring.

Our first visit!

This afternoon we were able to schedule one of two visits to the new house. We were fortunate that some of our friends and family could come so it felt a little bit like a mini-housewarming. My brother, Nancy and Charlotte came first followed by our friends Mel and Norm and my friend Saadia. I loved being able to show everyone around.

For those of you who might not be able to see our new place for awhile, I thought I'd post some pics so you can have a look. More pics to come from our photographer Mel.

Moving on up!

"I'm moving on up, to the East side... " As the Jefferson's theme song goes, I'll be moving to the east side on November 27th. We purchased a new house at 506 Eastern Ave last Friday and last night, I officially sold my condo. It was nice to be on the other side of the bargaining table for a change. We had 3 offers and just got to sit back while each agent presented their case. In the end, we went with a newlywed couple who were first time home buyers and fell in love with my condo on first sight. I like to think it had to do with my last minute staging skills. Thanks Mel, for your tips and thank God its all over now.

Now I have 2 months to say goodbye. I've lived in this condo for over 5 years and it will definitely be sad to go. I was lucky enough to be blessed with a great condo in a great location and I've enjoyed every minute here. Time to go before I start to get all v'clempt.

"What took so long?"

Not only was Barcelona memorable for its food and architecture, but I will always remember it as the place where I started the next chapter of my life. On Friday September 18th, at 5:30 pm (Spanish time), on the roof top of a 19th century castle, Gerwyn proposed. And I said yes.

In case you're wondering, the subject line was from my mom. That was her reaction when Gerwyn asked her two weeks ago if he could ask me to marry him.

Back from Barcelona!

Home sweet home... Spain was unbelievable. Barcelona is an amazing city. Everywhere you turn a beautiful building awaits you. The food was deeleecious to say the least. THE best olives I've ever had among so many of the amazing tapas. Due to the time difference we always got up late and went to bed even later but the great thing about Barcelona, was that you could walk into a restaurant at 1:00 am and the place is still hopping and packed with diners. I will surely miss my cafe con leche every morning and my glass of cava (sparkling wine) with dinner every night.

Looong weekend!

Gotta love the long weekends. This was the first weekend in a long time where nothing was planned. Other than Ed's wedding yesterday, we had nothing to do but relax and do whatever we wanted. Yesterday we had a leisurely breakfast followed by a walk to the Distillery. There was a live band playing so we had a seat and a beer and relaxed in the sun. Later on we met my friend Susie and her friend Amanda and went for dinner at Pure Spirits and Mayan Hot Chocolate at SOMA. I had never tried the Mayan concoction before but Susie raved about it so Gerwyn and I decided to give it a try. I had mine with a shot of espresso and boy was it deeeleecious! The chocolate is melted and kept warm and mixed with chili and some other spices so it has a nice kick at the end. It warms your throat and in my case, my ears well after you've finished.

After the Distillery, we all decided to watch District 9 at the Scotiabank theatre. Susie's husband plus a couple of Gerwyn's friends also joined us and then after we went for drinks on the patio at Gabby's on King West. It was a beautiful night, the weather was perfect and we all reminisced about going to the clubs on long weekends as we watched all the young clubbers walking by.

Now we're getting ready to check out the Hot and Spicy food festival at Harbourfront with Gerwyn's friends Lawrence and his girlfriend. Gotta love the long weekends...

Ed and Aleyda's wedding

Saturday night Gerwyn and I went to his good friend Ed's wedding. Ed is half Trinidadian and half Filipino and his wife Aleyda is from El Salvador. Needless to say it was a very mixed crowd! Its just a reminder how culturally diverse Toronto is. The reception was at Rosewater Supper Club and Gerwyn was the emcee. He was nervous but of course he did a great job. Later in the evening we participated in a typical El Salvador(ian?) wedding tradition, everyone received Carnivale decorations and we all put on masks and hats and partied it up! It was just like mardi gras! Besides celebrating with Ed and Aleyda, one of the best part's of the evening was being able to WALK home. Gotta love downtown living...