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This Week Will Fly By

My weekend trip to Hamilton extended itself when friends needed someone to stay with their kids while they went out for their 20th anniversary dinner... It wasn't exactly babysitting, as the oldest three are 16, 14, and 11 (ish?). But the youngest is 4, and the most energetic child I may have ever met. The boys from my nannying days have nothing on this delightful daughter.

I love the mispronounced words and poor grammar and quickness to laugh that characterizes small children. And I'm glad I stuck around for a few extra hours with a pre-schooler on-the-go and three fun teenagers.

On the train back to Toronto, I discovered that my ticket was not adequate for the distance I was traveling. This set me into the sweats, but after listening to a strict lecture on the difference between TTC and GO transit systems (which I know well), I was let off with a warning instead of the $100 fine. He must have been able to tell I was on the verge of tears and that it was an honest mistake.

This is apparently what happens when you start to gloat that you are getting free trips to friends, courtesy of a partially-used multi-ticket given to you by an ex. You don't verify the details, and it turns out you were misinformed, and it almost costs you a lot of money you don't have... But then you remember that once upon a time, it was a gift given in kindness, and you didn't pay for this delightful visit with friends, and the transit cop was gracious and next time, you'll buy a $4 add-on ticket, like he told you to.

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Today I cleaned and shopped and baked cupcakes for a celebratory dinner tomorrow night. My upstairs neighbour had excess icing that she was going to throw out, but knowing my penchant for eating spoonfuls of the stuff, offered it to me instead. Now I have sweets all ready for the week. I used this cupcake recipe, and tomorrow's guests can choose between strawberry cream cheese and mocha buttercream icing.

(this little guy fell apart in one corner, so I had to eat him. #TakeOneForTheTeam)

I am going to opt for spoonfuls and spoonfuls of both on top of mini cupcakes. Mmmmm. If I fatten myself up this week, I can get traveller's diarrhea next week, and end up at a normal weight when I get home.

Kidding.

Seriously though, pumped for my trip. I just booked my hotel near Heathrow (with an 18hr layover, I am going to get a normal night's sleep!), and as I carefully verified all the shuttle & transit details, it occurred to me: If I am confused, I can just ask. Because we speak the same language! It's been a few years since I've traveled internationally through/to an English-speaking country, and let me tell you - I am looking forward to it. Our Spanish phrasebook was a lifesaver last summer. This summer, it will be SO refreshing to speak freely and fluently.
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Comments

  1. crouton49:34 PM

    My kids tell me that you played a very fun game and we are SO grateful for your willingness to stay. I cannot believe the GO drama....
    BTW, you can tell Grampie that except for the money, my opinion is that Bieber wouldn't be much of a catch!

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  2. Jackie1:41 AM

    I feel ya.

    One time I was on the skytrain and the cops came on and did a ticket check. I always have my ticket (at least for the train, maybe not always for the 99) so I continued chatting with my friend until the cops made their way over to my section. When they did, I had trouble digging out my ticket from my bag, and within seconds I was in sweat. We had to step out at one of the stations. I was beet red.

    I eventually found my ticket inside the inner pocket of my wallet. Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  3. V4:33 AM

    Hahaha...your comment about traveler's diarrhea made me laugh.
    Also I'm glad I'm not the only one who could (and does) eat spoonfuls of icing. Yum.
    Oh! What should I make you while you're here?!?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beth9:16 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beth9:18 AM

    Steve - also glad it all worked out so well. And I'm 90% sure Grampie was kidding...but I may never know for sure.

    Jackie - the WORST. So stressful and embarrassing.

    Van - ALL ICING ALL THE TIME. Jokes. Um, pretty sure I'll like all your foods :)

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