Go Sox!?!?!?

Today I went to the Bluejays/Sox game. Sox won 7-6. I had really good seats. It was freakin' hot out there. The dome was open and the sun was shining! It was fun but I had a hard time deciding who to root for...Chicago, my hometown or the ones who in a way pay my bills? It's a toss up. Jordan even got to come down and sit with me for a bit too which was cool. I think I got a little sunburn :( not cool. No funny tan lines for Sarah's wedding, which is coming up quickly here, June 24th. I fly in to O'hare on thursday night the 22nd. I leave @6:20 and get there @6:50 quick flight isn't it? We went out for our 1 year anniversary last night. We didn't get to go out until 10 pm, but at least we got to go out. We went to a tapas restaurant which was really yummy! Well, that's all for now...if Jordan gets home early enough we are going to go to church at 7pm. We'll see. Catch ya later!

End of an era....

It was a sad day in the Sutton and Bastian households yesterday. My dad was trying to sell Jordan's Cavalier and ended up selling my Buick instead! This is incredibly stupid and I can't believe I am admiting this to anyone but immediate family, but I am sad! I have had the car since 2000 -- almost as long has I have had Jordan. My Grandpa Hershel gave the car to me in August of my senior year and thus started the feud between Kyle and I. He said he was supposed to get the car, not me. I'm waiting for him ask for his cut.

I have a lot of funny memories of that car. I used to be "extra" cool and had KDAWG10 liscence plates on it. I would wash it every week in the summer like it was a Corvette or something. Before I was done my pops would wander down the street and take a look at it and say, "It never looked this clean even when it was new! Maybe I should take it back!" I took it to college loaded down with my gear in it. I took my new roommates to Wal-mart in it and was embarasssed when it started to shake uncontrollably ( it needed a new tranny, 1st car owner repair). It was there for me every winter...it always started. Adventures in hubcaps! It smelled like my Grandpa's pipe which is an oddly comforting smell. It didn't look so great at the end, but it was a great car underneath. I'm going to miss my first car. Sniff, sniff! Here's one last look for everyone.

Back @ it...

I was back at the gym tonight after nearly a week off due to flu like symptoms...yuck! I ran three miles so I wouldn't over do it. I will probably feel the effects of it anyway. I'm kind of bummed b/c there is this thing going on tomorrow at the CN tower. They are doing a benefit to raise money for the WWF of Canada and no it's not the World Wrestling Federation it is a group that helps fight global warning I guess....but they are doing this thing where you climb to the top of the tower. It is 1776 steps to the top. It would be cool to do but you have to raise $50 to do it and I didn't find out about it until tonight. Oh, well at least we know about it and can probably do it next year. Wish Jordan was here to do it with me. He left for NYC this morning and is probably currently waiting for players in the locker room to get quotes before he heads back upstairs to write the rest of his story. He is at Yankee Stadium for the first time today which is pretty cool. Anyhoo, Barkley and I are hanging out at home. Sent off a bunch more resumes today some at a law office and other office assistant positions.

I found out that if I want to work in a dental office in any aspect, even if I want to wash their floors I have to get a physical by an immigration doctor. So that's my next step... We'll see where this all leads me.

Tomorrow I might go explore the area around our house a little more if it is nice. That was so hard to do b4 b/c it was so cold, but now it has been warming up. I have a gift certificate for Pier One that one of my favorite sister - in - laws gave me for my birthday so I might head over there. Good luck on the triatholon training melissa! You can do it! I'm so proud of y0u!

Well, I think it's time for some on demand movies!

Paddle Ball

My mom has this crazy tradition of buying us each a paddle ball for Easter. We usually play with them for 1/2 the day until we break them or knock something over. We got them this year as well but haven't had time to play with them until today. Jordan got home from work today and started telling me about how awesome his Mom was at paddle ball. Here is Jordan 3 minutes before he broke my paddle ball loose from it's string!

Job hunt is still going on. I have located quite a few prospects so tomorrow I will be sending out my resumes. Wish me luck. Jordan leaves friday for a week long road trip. YUCK!

I just kept on running...

Well, running day 3 went well. I'm a little sore this evening. I thought I'd start it off slow and only do 3 miles. My time has gotten a little better everyday. Poor Jordan had to take the day off today b/c he was too sore. Hopefully tomorrow he will get back at it.

Blue Jays lost today, Boo!!

Busy day tomorrow! Tehe! Groceries are being delivered between 7:30-9:30 and then we will finally have TV when the guys comes to hook it up between 11-2!! Yeah on demand! I love it. I'm a movie freak so it's nice to get to pick one when you wanna watch it and not have to go to the video store. I got hooked at my parents house b/c they have it but when I was in Florida we had it in the condo.

No job yet. . . Still looking.

Opening Day!!!

Today I went to the opening day of the Toronto Blue Jays. Blue Man Group did the national anthems on pipes in the outfield which was by far the best version I have ever heard. I got stuck between two huge guys and for 1/2 an inning it felt like my plane ride back to Toronto, smooshed. Then some people were in the wrong section and after they moved we had a little breathing room. I got stuck in a rowdy section, which was a lot of fun. People got thrown out!

Jays won it 6-3. Good start!

Oh, Canada....

Yes, we are back in Canada. After struggling as always to get into Canada, we are finally here. The day I left Tampa started off with a bang. The luggage guy placed me in the wrong, long line to get my ticket at the counter and as I was almost up to the lady she shouts all international tickets must be obtained at the next counter. GRR! I moved down to another long line and struggled to keep Barkley away from everyone while we waited in line. Poor guy looked at me through the wholes in his crate with sad eyes that seemed to scream not this again.

Next came security which was about a 45 minute wait of winding through lines like at Great America except that the ride at the end of the wait wasn't nearly as fun. The first plane ride was fine, but the second one was awful. It was a small plane and the ride was very bumpy and I of course couldn't get the seat by myself. I waited for the person to show up to sit next to me and I cringed as I saw his massive body heading towards me. "Looks like this is my seat," he said as he sat down pretty much on top of me. Luckily it was only an hour flight. Once we arrived at Customs the lady seemed pretty nice, but then she sent me to immigration. They asked if I knew why I was there and I said I don't know why they sent me here. When Jordan and I were denied entrance back in June it stayed on our record and therefore everytime we enter Canada from now on we have to go to Immigration.

Poor Barkley! He was waiting for me by the baggage claim all of this time. I get to him and people are standing all around him and he's barking like craaaazy! He sees me and stops. I try to take him out of his cage and people swarm me and say you can not take that dog out here. GRR! more frustration. As I'm leaving they want to see Barkley's rabies records. He is such a little pupster but after carrying him in his crate, my suitcase, a duffle bag and my carryon I was beat. I finally make it outside to find the shuttle and the lady sells me a ticket, but when the bus arrives they won't take me b/c of Barkley. I try to get a cab and no body will take me b/c of Barkley. Finally, a cab says he'll take me for 10.00 extra for the dog. I was so beat that I said fine, I didn't care how much it cost. I just wanted to be at home.

We walked in the front door of our apt. and we crashed onto the bed for a few hours. What a fiasco. I never want to travel by plane with a dog anymore...Not fun. I have a huge bruise on my leg from his cage.

After spending two nights by myself Jordan returned. We have restarted our work out routine and have successfully completed day 2. We did 3 miles each day. We don't want to overdo it.

2 nights ago we had a visitor. Jordan's friend Kelly who is the Twinns writer and used to go to MSU with him was here and we went out to one of Jordan's favorite places in Toronto, Milestones.

Today is opening day and guess who has a ticket! yeah me. Jordan got it for me as an Anniversay present. Yes he knows our wedding anniversary isn't until may, but as of April 2 we have been together for 7 years! Nuts. I'm out in the outfield and I have never sat there before. There are supposed to be a lot of people there tonight. I am excited to see all of the rennovations to the Park. Also, Blue Man Group is doing the National Anthems which should be pretty cool! Well, that's all for now...Catch ya later!

Florida update...

Since some of you were wondering what we have been up to since we've been down here so I have finally gotten around to updating my blog.

I have spent some days by the pool entertaining Phillies and Bluejays children. One day I was in the pool and there were two kids in there with me. I moved to the hot tub and they followed me. One was a 7 year old girl and the other a 5 yr old boy. They started asking me question after question. . . why I was down here? what my name was? (they wanted to know my full name, my birthday, were I lived etc.) It was funny. So I asked them a couple and they told me their daddy played baseball and it turned out that they were John Lieber's kids. He plays for the Phillies. He used to play for the Cubs. He sat there by the pool on his cell phone while his kids followed me around. I think he thought, "cool! Someone is watching my kids!"

Another day a little girl started throwing a ball at me in the pool and we started playing catch. Good thing I like kids b/c they seem to think I am the babysitter.

Lynn came down the following monday. We went to dinner at Chili's the first night they were here b/c Jordan was with us. On Tuesday we went to Disney World. We started out at Animal Kingdom which I thought was pretty lame. We went to a Character breakfast there and that was cool. The kids were so excited to see the Disney characters. We went on a few little kids rides at animal kingdom and then we went to the Magic Kingdom. Lynn was disapointed b/c the Pirates of the Carribean ride was under construction.

The second day we went to MGM and then back to the Magic Kingdom. We went on the Buzz Lightyear ride several times that night b4 hitting the gift shop. Lynn decided to buy this huge castle which she lugged back to the ferry to the parking lot while we tried to balance caring the rest of her bags and 4 sleepy slightly crabby children. Funny thing....she checked the castle on the plane and it never made it through back claim. The 4th day they were here was kind of a waste b/c it was cold. The last day they were here it was nice and warm. That was also the day my parents go here.

My family stayed a half hour south of us in St. Pete Beach. Jordan had the day off and we started to head out to see them. Jordan backed out of his spot in the Ford Escape we have rented and he backed right into Flash Gordon's wifes Escalade. The guy who was driving was taking it to clean it and he looked really scared. He called Tom Gordon and he came down and didn't seem to worried about it. All he said was well, go see if you can buff some of it out and we'll go from there. He said I don't wanna hear her "bleeping" mouth, meaning his wifes, so I don't think they are going to pursue getting it fixed. Thank God!

We made it down to see my parents and spent the day by the pool/beach. I spent the next few days with my family relaxing by the pool and beach. We went parasailing the day before they left. When they checked out of their hotel they came and to our resort and we went kayacking. My mom and I spent most of the time on the water arguing about how you are supposed to do it. It was still fun.

I have spent some time down here with the Phillies writer's wife, Eve. We have a 2 bedroom condo and they are staying with us. She and I went kayacking yesterday and it was much easier than when my mom and I did it.

I am very impressed b/c I haven't really burned myself. I can't say the same for Jordan b/c when I got down here he looked like a tomato. Well, that's it for now. I have been having trouble posting photos so I will try again later. Adios.

At the gym...

I am at the gym since my lovely husband took my computer to Florida and left me to freeze here in Canada. I only have to survive until Friday when Kyle and possibly Stephanie get her to take me back to Chi-town. I will be there for a few weeks and then I will joining Jordan in Florida. I am using the internet at the gym until I get to my parents house.

I am about to do my run on the treadmill so hopefully there is one open. The gym has been kind of busy since it opened on Monday.

After I run I will go back to clean up the mess I started at my house. It began so innocently when I started to vacuum my floor and then the vacuum kind of blue up all over the place. I spent the remander of the afternoon tearing the thing apart, cleaning it and then waiting for the parts to dry before I put them back in the machine. Yeah, vacuuming wasn't as easy as I had bargained for.

Well, that's it for now. No more procrastinating and wasting time on my new guitly pleasure, facebook b/c it is time to go run. If you're in Chicago next week give me a call at my rents house b/c I'll be there. Catch ya later!

What next?!?

Today began quite oddly b/c when I turned on the faucet in the bathroom to brush my teeth, no water leaked out. I took Barkley downstairs to go out and I asked our doorman Paul if he knew we didn't have any water and he told me that a water main broke on Front Street. Yes it is called "Front Street" for all you south siders. We didn't have water for several hours which was really stinky and the hot water didn't return until this evening. Good thing I had a pitcher of water in the fridge for drinking.

Jordan and I had a nice Valentines day dinner, nothing big being as how I am going to Florida and that is Valentine's present enough. We decided to go to the gym but before we could leave the fire alarm started going off, again. Fire trucks showed up and everything. We have two speakers in our apartment and the security guys in our buildings started to tell us to remain calm and that it wasn't a fire. Either way it was still making Mr. Barkley quite upset.

We did make it to the gym and ran on the treadmills. It is such a nice place to work out. I can't wait to use the pool and hot tub. Well, I gotta go finish some laundry and help Jordan finish packing. I hope you had a happy valentines day. Later gators.

Trying again. . .

Well, it's winter again and Jordan and I are starting our yearly get back in shape routine. Some how I can't get it in my head that it has to be a lifestyle change and not just a I need to fit into a dress kind of thing (although I need to fit into another dress this year, not my wedding dress, but a bridesmaids dress for Sarah E's wedding in June). I hope that this new rec center is helpful for me to at least get back to where I was at my wedding or maybe a little better than that.

I am going to Florida soon and I plan on running outside again. I did 2.5 miles today at the gym and I hope to progress. I didn't want to do the whole five miles the first day or I would be toast tomorrow. I'll get there.

Capote

Jordan and I went to see Capote tonight. We went for dinner first and had a lot of time to kill before the movie. We went in Chapters, a book store near the theatre. The movie was a little over two hours long. I really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to deal with Phillip Seymour Hoffman doing the "Capote" voice for two hours, but after a few minutes I didn't seem to find it as irritating as I did in the trailer.

I was rather impressed b/c Phillip Seymour Hoffman is usually the funny side man in movies but this was his first lead role that I am aware of. The movie makes me want to read IN COLD BLOOD which the film is about. Well, that's it for now. Time to hang out with Barkley. He is super hyper from being in his cage all evening. Later gators.

Air Barkley!

Yes, that's right Barkley will be traveling yet again. He is switching countries in a few weeks. He is booked to fly American Airlines on February 28th and will return to Toronto on March 31st. He is headed to Tampa, Florida for a month of fun in the sun, laying by the pool, and swimming in the ocean. (Ok well maybe I'll be the one doing all of that, but Barkley is coming too!)

So, if anyone would like to join us down in Florida they are more than welcome. Just let me know. I know a couple of people who are already coming but the more the merrier right? It should be a good time. Well, that's all for now I have to go and help Jordan put our "den" together as he calls it. I prefer to call it the fronch room as we Chicagoans like to say. Some how the t in front room becomes a ch, strange how that happens. ok, later...

Shaping Up...

Yes, our condo is starting to look like a home. We spent most of the day pulling it all together except for when we went on an entertainment center hunt. We froze our badonkadonks off walking to the Eaton Centre which is one of the biggest malls I have ever gone to. It is similar to Water Tower in its lay out but not to many of the stores are the same. We went to Sears and found one that we really liked but they weren't going to be able to deliver it until the 20th which really stinks. It is possible that we might wait until after spring training to sort that issue out, but we're not sure. For now our tv and it's components are sitting in a heap where they will eventually go.

The living room is set up minus pictures. Our bathroom is complete. Our kitchen is set up. That took a long time to arrange. The cabinets are oddly shaped and I have quite a large amount of stuff thanks to my Pampered chef shower, thank you ladies! We have am interesting shelving unit that hangs over the sink and it was the only place that I could find large enough to store my plates.

Me in the Living Room

The side view of our kitchen

Our kitchen from above

Our den on the other hand is quite the mess. That's a project for another day. Tomorrow I will be getting to our bedroom and putting all of our clothes away. I also will be putting my precious moments away as well. I'll post more pictures of our new place and of our leaving St. Joseph later on.

We have to get some sort of curtains for our bedroom windows. In all of the excitement of looking for an entertainment center we forgot about the curtains which is suprising for me b/c I have a hard time sleeping when it's bright in a room. I think I'm just really been tired over the last few days so I have been able to fall right to sleep after I get in bed no matter how light it is. I don't know what it is but my feet have been killing me.

Tomorrow I go on a tour of the new fitness center. That should be fun. Jordan won't be there because he has to go to the State of the Franchise event for the Jays. Well, that's all for now. I'll catch ya later....

We're here!!

I just thought I'd give an update... We are in our new condo and are digging our way out. There are boxes everywhere and it is a complete mess, but we love it. It is freezing cold here and our internet guy told us it was warm last week but got cold this week, just our luck.

The process of getting over the border was much easier this time b/c we had the proper paper work. The whole thing took about 20 min. Barkley was very frightened in Immigration and Customs. We think he thought he was at the vet. Lets just say he was shaking like a maple leaf, yes I know I'm a dork.

Everything thus far has made it in one peace. We want to thank everyone who has helped us move, Ma, Dad, Kyle, Stephanie, Mike and anyone else I forgot. You were all a great help. Thanks so much. Anyhoo, if you want my address give me a call. I should be sending out an email with it in the next few days. Catch ya later...

Last day of work...:(

Today was my last day of work at Smit & Kragt Law Offices in Saint Joseph. I know when you read the title and see the sad face following the no more work you would think I should be happy. It really stinks b/c I love my job and the people I work with are really great. They have been so wonderful to me over the last few months and I have really enjoyed working with them. It's a fun atmosphere and the people I work with are awesome people.

It's been a hectic couple of days and it will only get more stressful in the next week. We are having a rough time in my family right now so if you could pray for us that would be greatly appreciated.

That's all for now. Later Gators.

You Gotta See the Baby!!!!

The baby is officially over a week old, but I finally got some pictures of him to post on my blog...and I am a little bit partial because I am the Auntie but I think he's very cute, a little red, but cute!

He was born on January 21st at 9:26 am. I was there with Lynn when she had him air-lifted out. I returned to Lynn's house while she was in recovery to save Jordan from his time alone with four children. The kids had him tied up in a recliner and were taking turns playing with matches but all in all things went well! J/k They were quietly watching a movie together when I got there, but Uncle J still looked a little frazzled.

Here is a picture of the proud big sis with her new baby brother:

Today my parents came up and helped us pack and prepare for our move. We got quite a bit done. Our apartment looks weird. Well, that's all for now. Jordan needs to get back to work. I can't wait till we have wireless internet and can both be on the 'puter at the same time.

Visitors

Today Jordan's sis and family came over to see our new apartment. We hung out here for awhile and then we went to the Curious Kids Museum in downtown Saint Joseph. We weren't sure if some of the things would be to young for Tricia and Parker but it wasn't. They had a great time, in fact I think the adults even had a better time. We got to play with dinosaurs, make huge bubbles and even play dress up. We went downstairs and they had a career day where the kids got to meet a naturalist. He had a live turte and a huge snake.

After lunch we went to the Pump House Grill which we had never been to before. It was pretty good. We took them to the little shops like the toy store, an antique shop, and Perennial Accents one of my favorite stores.

We went bowling at Kelley's bowl again. We got there just as leagues were ending. Parker and Tricia had a bumber lane and the rest of us shared another. Lets just say I am still holding my lead on Jordan 5-3...oh yeah! He can't match me! I bowled a 129 the first game and a 116 the next. It was a lot of fun.

After bowling we went to one of our favorite spots in St. Joe, Kilwins. We each had our ice cream and then sat and talked for awhile. Parker was showing us his tooth which was hanging on by a thread. I asked him if I could pull it and he said ok. So I reached in and gave it a good yank and it came out. I was suprised he let me do it. Melissa was taking a picture but holding it and not looking. She got a great shot of me pulling it. Nice face Parkey! It was a great day. We had a lot of fun with the family.

During all of these events my parents brought up a dresser and brough Jordan's car home to be fixed. Of course my dad got it started right away. He's awesome. Yes, I'm a suck up! Tomorrow they are coming back. They are bringing my curio(sp?) cabinet and Precious Moments up here. My mom offered to help me pack and I'd be a fool to say no so I didn't. We are going to our favorite Mexican Restaurant El Rodeo in Benton Harbor. Yum.

Tonight Jordan and I are going to relax and watch a movie. Catch ya later.

Rematch!!

Tomorrow we have a bowling rematch scheduled. We are going with the Black family some time tomorrow. Parker has already said he is going to kick his Uncle Jordan's butt. We are going to meet them around 10 am tomorrow and show them around St. Joe, show them our Apt. and go to the kids Museum. Somewhere in there I'm sure we'll get lunch. We went to there hotel tonight and hung out for awhile. We are headed back to Kelley's bowl so I can kick Jordan's butt! Oh, yeah, that's a promise!

P.S. Jody the phone works both ways! What are you doing? : )

I'm movin' on...

We are spending our last free weekend here in St. Joe before we pack up and leave next weekend. Tonight Jordan and I went to Roxy's a hamburger joint a block from our house and then we went to the Chocolate Cafe and had cheesecake. We are wating for his sis Melissa, her husband Keith, and niece and nephew Tricia and Parker to get here. They are spending the night and we will spend the day with them tomorrow. My mom and dad will be here on Sunday to help us pack and my dad is going to fix Jordan's Crapalier. I have 4 days left of work and then on Friday we are going home to see everyone b4 we go. My family is going to House of Kobe on Friday night to. We are going to see Lynn and crew also. Jordan will get to see baby Luke for the first time.

I will blog more on baby Luke when I have more time.