USA

Today my parents and I drove back from Toronto. We got home around 3 pm and headed straight for the pool. It was 102 degrees! After dinner my brother, Stephanie and I went to Dairyville in Lansing. Now I'm just trying to dig out a place to sleep because my room is very crowded. That's it for now because I'm pretty tired. Goodnight!

Toronto Adventures

Today we began the day disappointed. It was gloomy and rainy so we called off our trip to the beach. Instead we visited Casa Loma, which was the second largest private residence until it was sold in the 1930's.

It is actually a castle that was built by Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a prominent Canadian Financier, industrialist, and military officer in 1911. It cost around $3,500,000 at the time to build over a period of 3 years. It was never completed because during World War I all of his workers had to leave to fight.

The rain let up so we could go out and see the beautiful fountain and gardens. We took the guided tour. We heard the story of how the place was built and what happened to Sir Henry that caused him to loose all of his money. There was an auction that was run by his bank when he defaulted on his loan where all of his possessions were sold off. They did a very poor job of it too. They sold his things at an open auction where there was no minimum bid. A $170,000 pipe organ was sold for $40. Yes not $40,000, but $40. Crazy!

Several movies were filmed there - X-men, Cocktail, Vin Diesel's the Pacifier, and a few others. It was cool b/c Jordan has Xmen so we went home to check out the scenes. After we visited the grounds, the rooms, the tower, and the stables we headed home to change our clothes.

My parents and I at the skywalk between Union Station and the CN Tower.

The CN Tower

Our next stop was the CN Tower where we dined at the 360 restaurant. The Restaurant spins at the top and we got to enjoy the view while we ate. The food was great. Afterwards, we went to the glass floor to look down. That was pretty sweet. Jordan thought it would be really funny to take bad pictures of me all day long. Here is one.

We're pretty tired now. We are going to try and hit the beach again tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

They're here!!

My parents got here today at 3:20 pm. Jordan was still at work so we just hung out in the apartment for awhile. They left at 5 am this morning like a couple of nut jobs. They went through the border and when the guy asked them what they had in the back seat my dad said, "An air conditioner" and my mom chimed in, "A pizza." The guy probably was confused. The pizza was an Arrenellos pizza from Glenwood, which was requested by Jordan. I bet that was the longest pizza delivery ever!

My dad started to fix our air conditioner. It is really cold now! Jordan will sleep like a baby and I will have icicles hanging from my nose and will be reaching for another blanket. My parents and I went to check them into their hotel. We stopped and had a little appetizer at a place called Rocky Mountian High while we waited for Jordan. When he finally got home we met him at our place. We hung out for awhile and then Jordan said he was starving so we went to East Side Marios. It's kind of like Olive Garden with a more gimmicky New York theme. They call it American Italian food I guess.

We also stopped at Home Depot to buy stuff to fix the air conditioner. We had to drag my dad out of there or else we would have never gotten to go home. While he fixed the air conditioner my mom and I went on a walk through the neighborhood. We only did a mile and a 1/2 b/c she didn't have very good shoes on.

Tomorrow we plan on going to The Beaches which is you guessed it a section of town with a bunch of beaches. Jordan and I went there once before. They have a boardwalk and then you can go to a bunch of shops along Queen Street. After that we'll head home, clean up and hit the subway to downtown. We will also go see the CN Tower and eat at the 360 restaurant. Busy day, but it'll be fun. Saturday we are going to go to the Island and check that out. Sun we will be heading home very early I'm sure. If anyone would like to get together while I'm home give me a call after sun b/c I'll be around aggravating my family I'm sure! See ya soon!

One more day!

My parents get here tomorrow, Yeah! There are leaving at like 4 or 5 in the morning like crazy people. Jordan will not be here when they get here. He has a 12:37 game tomorrow which is weird. This should be a great weekend and I'm really excited about it. The one thing I am not excited aboot is the 8 hr drive back. Hopefully my parents won't have as bad a time getting in as we did. Jordan came home tonight with yet another picture of the CN tower. Maybe he'll stop taking pictures of it after friday when we finally go up in it. Well, that's all for now b/c we have to get up earlier than usual.

Fantastic Four

Today Jordan and I went on our run. I was a little slower than usual which kind of annoys him. He's a motivator when he runs w/ me, but sometimes I just get mad at him. I know he's just trying to help and I'm a brat.

Tonight I went out w/ a woman from church. We had dinner at a place called Montana's which kind of reminds me of The Texas Road House minus the peanuts. We went to see Fantastic Four which turned out not to be so fantastic. Jessica Alba is a terrible actress and needs to learn how not to miss buttons on her shirt.

Tomorrow I will be cleaning my apartment and doing laundry before the folks get here on Thursday. Real exciting day. Jordan covers the Mariners tomorrow.

Higher Ground

Today after dropping Jordan at the subway station , (It was raining) I went to church. I like a dummy wore sandals and pretty much soaked my feet. I sat near the back with my shoes off during the whole service trying to dry off. This church has carpeting that feels like felt, it's weird. The pastor was talking about the story of Zacchaeus. It was really funny b\c Jordan referred to that last week when we went to the Yonge Street Festival. He was trying to see over a crowd of people and he couldn't b/c he's so short like Zacchaeus. It's funny sometimes that you can go so long without talking about something or hearing about something and then it randomly comes up more than once in a short period of time. Must mean something right?

I ran home after church to change my shoes b/c I was freezing. I can't complain b/c it was better than being in my hot apartment. I came back for what is called Higher Ground. They have a small coffee bar in the church and people get muffins and coffee and chat with one another. People meet in the gym and they have someone speak about a designated topic and then there is a discussion. Today, they ran it a little different and they played a video. Afterwards the two woman at my table and I began talking. They were really nice and we decided to get together on Tuesday.

Tonight after Jordan got home from the ballpark we watched a movie. What else would we watch, but a baseball movie of course. We watched the movie, The Rookie with Dennis Quaid. It was cute. Jordan was on the edge of his seat like a little kid. He loved it.

Jordan has the day off tomorrow. I' m not quite sure what we're up to yet, but if it's hot then we'll be headed to the beach or the pool. It rained today which made it a little cooler, 88. What a relief, J/K!

There is no can't...

Today, Jordan and I decided to head out on our run earlier than usual. We had to get out of our apartment before we suffocated from the heat. We ran our normal route, but we kicked it up a notch from what I usually run at. I have a big problem with running....yes I know, I do it all the time. So how, you might wonder, could I possibly have a problem with it? It's not that my body is not in shape -- I have lost 40 lbs. since January and I am feeling better than I have since high school. So what's the deal you ask? It's my mental attitude. I defeat myself before I even begin.

When I have someone pushing me it's much easier to keep going b/c you don't want to look bad. On the other hand when you're by yourself you're more prone to let up and take the easy way out. The only one it hurts is me. I get less out of the workout, feel guilty, and have wasted the time I set aside to exercise. It's not the time you work out, but the intensity.

Jordan pushes me hard when we run. As a former cross country runner, he knows how to push through his mental road blocks and get past the "point of no return" in order to get the most out of his run. Slowly I am learning to push past my own self doubt and can't-do-it-attitude.

As a reward for our good run and a precaution against passing out we are going to the pool at the Goulding Community Centre, which is a couple blocks away. I called there today and they said it's FREE! I am so pumped to jump in the refreshing water and we don' t have to drive all the way to the beach. Well, we're off to get pruney!

Lake Ontario

Toronto is having a heat wave. It was around 95 degrees today and it was ridiculous. We decided to go to the beach instead of cooking in our apartment. It was great. We went to a place called The Beaches. There is a boardwalk along Lake Ontario which runs about 2 miles. Jordan and I walked it and enjoyed the view. Eventually it became too hot so we decided to hit the beach and run in the water. We hit the water and froze, literally. The lake was ice cold. It was no Cancun. We had to inch into the water slowly, but it was still refreshing.

After awhile we decided we needed to have lunch. We walked to Queens street where we had lunch at Licks which is a hamburger joint. We walked down Queen looking at various shops. It was so nice to get out of the apartment. It is so hot that we may head back there tomorrow to cool off.

We used the boardwalk as our exercise for the day and believe me it was enough. I was so tired that I fell asleep on the beach. It was crazy how many people brought their dogs there. When we first arrived a man and a woman both got out of their vehicles and each had 4 or 5 dogs. The end of the boardwalk must be dog beach b/c they were everywhere. It made me miss my sam-o. I may try to kidnap him when I come back to Toronto. Although, he wouldn't want to be here b/c he's quite the pampered pooch who sits in the air-conditioning every day. Must be nice, Sam!

Jordan climbed out on these rocks to give me a heart attack. He's not very coordinated and he has a bad ankle which is a lethal combination. Luckily he made it out ok. I can't say as much for when we left the hamburger joint. He almost fell down the stairs and his shoe went tumbling down. Then he yelled at me like it was my fault!?! I was in front of him, but somehow it's still my fault.


Tonight we are watching the All-Star Game at home. Go, National League!!!!

Giraffes!!!

Last night we went to the Toronto Street Festival. We took the subway down to Lawrence Street. There wasn't much going on there except a small singing competition called Toronto Pop Idol. Yes, Jody in Canada they have Canadian Idol, but their host is no Ryan Seacrest! We had a hotdog and homemade fries because we were dissappointed that the Taste of Lawrence wasn't exactly located on Lawrence street. It was very far east and we wouldn't have had time to get there and then go see the Giraffes.

We jumped back on the subway and traveled to Dundas Street. It was a zoo. There were gobs of people everywhere. They had these two guys building sandcastles.

We had an hour to kill so we decided to see if we could find the lake. We walked to the end of Yonge street and after a little searching we located it. It wasn't very obvious to find. They had a little boardwalk, but no beach. It's no Lake Michigan for sure.

We trucked it back to the square to wait for the Les Giraffe Urban Operetta. It was rather creepy and a lot of it was in French I think which made it hard to follow. They had these huge giraffes that were red and were manned by 2 people that were sitting on a tripod inside of the giraffe.




The men had stilts on their legs and the front man controlled the head w/ 2 wires. They walked through the crowd which forced the people to move around chaoticly in order to avoid being trampled. It made me a little nervous. Once they got to center stage the ring master would put rings of fire around their necks. I saw it all ending badly in my head: the giraffes could catch on fire and the people would stampede in order to save themselves. Luckily this did not happen. After watching for some time we decided to catch the subway and go home to avoid the mob of people.


We went to church this morning at Bayview Glenn, the church we tried once before. We like it. Afterwards we decided to go for a "Sunday Drive" and ended up at a new mall we have never been to before. We also decided to see a movie. We saw Bewitched with Will Ferrel and Nicole Kidman. It was pretty funny. I'd give it about 2 stars. It's rentable. Anyway, that's about it for now. Jordan is taking a nap because we stayed up until around 4 last night. Our schedule is so off b/c of his job. He usually gets home at 1 a.m. and then we stay up for awhile. We usually sleep in late, but this morning we went to church at 9:15 so we couldn't. I'm going to make dinner now which will be pork chops. Yum....wish we had a grill to cook them on, but the stove will have to do. Adios.

Toronto Street Festival

Tomorrow Jordan and I will be going to the Toronto Street Festival. The city closes down a large section of the street we live on, Yonge, and has a curb to curb celebration. It's free to get in and there are many events going on at each intersection and all along the way. Jordan and I are excited to see Les Girafes Urban Operetta. It looks really neat. There are these huge puppet- like giraffes that are controlled by guys on the ground. The giraffes are 8 meters high they say. (Whatever that means I dont' know meters! Stupid Canadians! J/k!) They giraffes put on a show and interact with the crowd. It should be fun.

I'm also looking forward to the Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta and the Taste of Lawrence. Good thing Jordan and I are getting in our run today and walking to the festival b/c these events are supposed to be like the taste of Chicago where you can try portions of all kinds of food.

I'm pretty sure both my bros and possible Stephanie will be bringing me back on the 4th or 5th. I don't know how we're all gonna fit, but I'm sure we'll have a great time. I plan on hitting the beach at home if they are not closed due to bacteria. Anyone know how the beaches are doing in Chicago?

Jordan was on sports centre, yeah I said sports centre that's how they spell it in Canada! My bro the Inglish Teecher has been crateacking my bloog and is mad that I dont' no how to spel theengs or use corect gramer. How am I doing kev? oh, anyway jordan wasn't really on sports center. Only his hand and his digital recorder were on tv while he was interviewing a player. We were still excited.

Well, I'll let you know how the festival goes tomorrow. Jordan and I are headed for a run. We might go see a flic later, but I'm not sure. Also, I wanted to say hi to Kevin and my cousin Kristy who are hard at work at Holland Asphalt Services and are avid readers of my blog. Hi guys! See ya soon!

Running in the Rain

Yesterday I went for my usual run around the neighborhood, but there was nothing usual about it. I was probably about 1/2 way through it, which means I was at the farthest point from my home when it started to downpour. Yes, with no escape I had to run the last mile and a 1/2 or so in the rain. At first I was irritated but after a couple minutes I couldn't help but laugh at myself. I was soaked all the way through and my gym shoes are still wet this morning. There were people sitting on their porches laughing at me. Two little kids were looking out there front door and screaming whoa look how wet she is. The worst thing was, that right before it rained I was running the hardest I had so far and I was about to slow down and walk a little, but with the rain I had to run. It actually made for a good workout although it did get a bit difficult at the end w/ my shoes sloshing with every step. Oh, well at least I made people laugh yesterday.

I feel special. Both of my brothers are offering to take me back to Canada after I go home. I haven't decided which one to go with because one means I leave Canada on the 24th and return on the 31st and the other means I come back on the 5th or 6th. We'll see.

Today Jordan took our car in to be fixed. He drove there and ran back. What a trooper. It was 3.36 miles back. It turned out to be the o-ring on the thermastat, dad. They said it was the wrong size or something. They said they'd get to it today and we should have our car back this afternoon. Nothing major which is a very good thing.

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for all the comments people. I really appreciate the feedback.

Next on FOX....When Neighbors Attack!

Yes, it has happened again. My parents have had to call the cops again on our neighbor. Earlier this week I mentioned how our neighbor set fireworks off on my car, but now SHE has attempted to physically assualt my mother. My mom was mowing the grass, minding her own business, when she saw rocks wiz passed he head. She turned to see our neighbor throwing rocks and cussing at her. My mom had her cell phone in her pocket and dialed 911. The cops came, but she took off before they arrived. They said they needed to see the rocks, but my mom had no idea where they were b/c we have rocks all over our backyard. They left and when my dad came home they noticed a large rock on the back porch and a huge hole in the screen. the cops returned and video taped the damage and my car that had been damaged earlier in the week. My parents have to go to court and will be getting a restraining order against our neighbor. It's really ridiculous that you should have to do all of this because your neighbor can't control herself. Our neighbor has been out of town all weekend and b/c of this my parents have enjoyed a restful holiday weekend.

We also have enjoyed our holiday weekend. We haven't been able to do a whole lot b/c of the rain, but it's nice just to be able to spend time togther before he has a 3 game homestand. Jordan will be covering the Oakland A's.

My parents like I said will be visiting us on the 21st. They will head home on the 24th and I will be joining them. It would be nice to see some of you while I am at home. I'm not sure how long I"ll be there b/c both of my bros have offered to drive me back. Kevin said he could bring me back on the 4th or 5th and kyle also offered. I'll let you know when more details have been confirmed. If I went home I'd be there for my brothers 25th birthday on the 31st of July. Happy Birthday Kev!

My mother has my wedding proofs and as soon as I come back to Toronto Jordan and I will pick out our shots for our wedding album. If anyone would like to see the pictures in the album you can contact my mother or check the website.

Well, have a happy 4th of July. Eat some BBQ for Jordan and I and enjoy the fireworks!

WORST FIREWORKS EVER!!!

Last night we went to see the fireworks for Canada Day 2 miles south of where we live in Yonge st. Let me start off by saying that I don't think they know what the term firework is in Canada. They sent off these little beams of light directly up in the air for about 50 feet and then they drop and fade back to the earth. There were no explosions. There were no crackles. There were no children crying and covering there ears. And why? The fireworks never exploded. There was not one firework that exploded into a large circle to light up the night sky. It was a great disappointment. I am very sad to say that I will not be able to attend the show in Thornton on monday.

In Thornton, the fireworks aren't the greatest, but they look awesome compared to what we saw last night. At least in Thornton you can look over the quarry and see all of the neighboring towns displays off in the distance. It's great.

After the fireworks Jordan and I went to this little bar called Milestones. We had Jordan' s newest favorite food spinach-artichoke dip. I know you can't believe it. He's eating something green eventhough it looks and smells funny. What next? We walked home which was about 2 miles. It was a nice walk. When we got home we played our new favorite game again, Scene It. We only played it twice instead of the best of 5 series Jordan made us play the night before. It was a duel to the death, but in the end Jordan one and thank God too! I didn't want to hear the poor baby complaining all night how he's the DVD Master he should have won, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Yeah he's like a little kid when it comes to playing bored games. He has to win. Spoiled last born! Tehe.

Well that's all for now. It's time to make the DVD Master something to eat. Have a happy Saturday!

Happy Canada Day!

Yes, July 1st is called Canada Day. I think it's very arrogant to name a day after your country, but that's just me. This is Canada's birthday. So instead of seeing fireworks on the 4th of July for the Independence day of the United States of America we will see them on the 1st. There is a place about 2 miles south of where we live on Yonge where we will be seeing fireworks. We are going to walk there because a) it will be really good exercise, and b) are car is acting up.

We found a place that our landlord said is reliable when it comes to fixing cars and we plan on taking it there in a few days. There is something wrong with the radiator and it overheats very quickly. It's kind of annoying, but it is forcing us to walk and get some exercise more often. It does kind of annoy me when we have to walk from the grocery store with arms full of bags. By the time we get home are hands are so cramped up that we can't even move them.

Last night Jordan and I stayed up all night playing a game I bought while we were back in the states. We are both big movie buffs and so it's perfect for us b/c it's called Scene It. It has a dvd full of movie trivia, cards with questions, and buzz cards with consequences. It's fun because you have to be the first to shout out the answer on some of the questions and it can get pretty intense b/c we are so competitive. There is this one part where there's a fill in the blank and you have to shout out the answer as the letters appear very slowly on the screen. It was really great when the puzzle started appearing and Jordan screamed out The Pound of Munic for the answer to The Sound of Music. Yeah I gave him a hard time for that one.

The weather is still kind of warm which is kind of aggravating. I do miss having the pool at my parents house. Although I'm sure that if I were in Illinois I would be hiding in the air conditioning watching tv or something, but it's a nice thought now that I can't do it.

Earlier in the week I got a phone call from my dad. He began by telling me this story about how my mom came home and saw our neighbors were lighting off fireworks. This is never good I thought. She looked just in time to see a flaming fire ball land on the hood of my car that was parked on the side of the house. She went inside to get my dad. He came out to see a big burn mark on the hood of my car. My parents are so sick of dealing with our terrible neighbors and have decided that they aren't gonna be nice anymore and just called the cops. She of course denied it. The cops know better b/c she is notorious for causing trouble in Thornton. So my parents are going to get 2 estimates and she is gonna have to fix it.

Well, I better get going. I'm going to read my book on the balcony where it's nice and cool. I'm reading Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. It was on Oprah's book club list last summer and I'm finally getting around to reading it even though I've had it since last summer. It's like 815 pages long so I'll have plenty to do this summer. Well, that's all for now...catch ya later!
~Kelly