Family, Finances & Tech
Archive for November, 2009
Goodbye Grandparents. Hello Cousin.
Nov 23rd
Today was a busy one.
Since I had the day off, (I’m working the coming Saturday), and Thomas’ fever was over and done with, we decided to see Grandma and Grandpa Cryer as they left town to start their new life in Kelowna, followed by a visit with Uncle Jeremy, Aunty Scarlett and baby Xavier – our inaugural visit was cut short.
We were 1/3 the way to West Van when Grandpa called to say that they were ready to head for the Okanagan to make sure they get in with daylight ahead of them. So we re-routed to Caffè Artigiano in Burnaby for a morning drink. Perfect for us since it’s only a stone’s throw to Jeremy’s place. We spent some time chatting about this and that, and before we knew it they had to get on the road. Thomas had fun hanging with Grandpa, trying to pry his Blackberry from the holster to press them buttons!
We said our “see you soons” and were off to see Xavier. When we arrived, the little guy was sleeping, but that didn’t matter to Thomas. He quickly made himself at home, opening doors and sliding open cupboards like he owned the place. We ended up hanging out for the day. Thomas had a tough time getting down to his nap, but when he finally passed out, he was out for a good while.
Grandma and Grandpa Chen came by (they hadn’t seen their grand kids in 15 hours) with lunch. We left for home shortly after to beat the rush hour traffic. So ended another weekend.
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- Loving the attention
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- Checking email
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- Proud Aunty for the 6th time!
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- My new nephew
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- Hello baby Xavier
Xavier Clifford Chen. Son, Nephew, Cousin.
Nov 20th
Baby Xavier - aka the X-Man
We didn’t have a chance to visit Xavier on November 19th because 1) I worked until 8pm and 2) Thomas was rawking a fever from a bout of roseola. I was a bummed that I couldn’t be there that evening, but Alex and I were determined to visit the hospital Friday night since I finished up at 4pm. We were hoping Thomas’ fever would break and it did just that. I ripped out of work (later than I wanted to) loaded up the troops, and ripped it across town to Women’s Hospital in a monsoon like downpour. I can’t remember having driven in heavier rain – even for Vancouver!
When we arrived, Xavier was feeding and having a bit of a tough go. So we waited down the hall and tried to occupy Thomas. My parents kept him busy as he ran around from one person to the next, eating his snacks and drinking his bottle. His fever started to creep up a bit, so we gave him some Tylenol to keep him cool. Big mistake. He unloaded his stomach all over himself and me. Which was good time because Xavier was finished feeding. Alex and I took turns sticking our heads into the room to meet the little guy, make sure Scarlett was okay and pay our respects. We all wanted to see how Thomas would react to the new kid on the block, but we had to save that for the next visit. We took off with puke-boy in tow, back into the rain, home to PoMo. All the while enjoying the pungent odour of milk, food, and everything else he consumed that day.
It was a busy evening to say the least. But it was all worth it. Totally worth it. I got to meet my new nephew, see my parents become grandparents for the second time and see my little brother become a Dad before my eyes.
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- Thomas with Grandpa’s mug
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- Xavier Clifford Chen
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- The proud parents with baby Xavier
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- The X-Man
Thomas at the Vancouver Aquarium
Nov 14th
We decided to introduce Thomas to the Vancouver Aquarium last April. He was a little young to really appreciate it, but we kinda wanted to check it out for ourselves too. Neither Alex nor myself had visited the Aquarium since elementary school. And what can I say but: “Things done changed!”
Needless to say, Thomas loved the exhibits, until it was snack time… then he had a mini-meltdown. But a couple rice crackers and a a bottle of milk later, he was good to go. We’ll definitely be returning in the Spring to check things out again. This time Thomas can run around and go nuts.
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- The famous killer whale carving
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- Say cheese
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- Hello Jellyfish!
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- Lemme in
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- Snack time
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- Giant turtle
Debt Sucks
Nov 12th
Debt sucks
Working in banking, part of my job is to extend various credit products (i.e. loans, lines of credit, and credit cards) to my customers. I’m not against debt, but the problem I’m seeing with most people who come into my office for credit is that it’s for all the wrong reasons. These days, people have forgotten (or never learned) what it means to save for something whether it’s big or small, instead they just get a loan. The best part is that they come in fully expecting to get the loan; without a credit history, with a terrible credit history, with little, to no assets, or simply based on the fact that they’ve been a customer since they were a kid.
Remembrance Day at the Tot Lot
Nov 12th
Thomas at the Tot Lot
Today was my second day off in a mid-week, weekend — if that makes sense? Of course, that means I’m working the coming Saturday 
It’s been a rainy past few days as Vancouver’s fall weather has really set in. But, we got a sunny break in the clouds around noon so Alex and I took Thomas out on his trike to the the Tot Lot for some fresh air and a chance for him to burn off some steam before his afternoon nap.
At about 17 months, the little guy is a non-stop fountain of energy! Any outdoor time makes life a little bit easier. Thomas was wet on the knees and covered in wood bits from crawling around — shocker!
We took a short walk after playing for a while, checked out the Sev for Dr. Pepper Slurpees, but they didn’t have the flavour. They’re quite possibly the best beverage out there. Next time.
Shortly after getting home, T-Bone went down for a sold hour and a half nap.
Mission accomplished.
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