Simple and nice

I just want to thank our host, Ed Neil. One of the best Christmas parties we've been to this year. Food was superb, the company was good and the overall feeling was great.

Looking forward to next time.

And let's keep it simple and nice.

To call our own

We bought our very own domain name in a twisted way since we can't buy one under our own name which costs premium at $900 not including the annual fee. And we don't want the .net because we don't want to look like we can't afford the proper internet .com domain LOL.

Alas https://www.bannanabumblebree.com/ was born.

I had a hard time trying to type in the internet address and in all honesty, it definitely is really confusing.

Another thing is, I don't want any of those flash media advertisements on the side which makes the pages load really slow, especially when I'm on my mobile phone, in the middle of some interstate freeway and there's only either wheat fields or endless sand dunes everywhere you look. Clicking on that "Free tutorial on how to do tiling in 5 easy steps" would not be as interesting if I was a stranger reading this blog.

(Unless, 50 readers demands me to put any tutorial videos, then that would be a different story)

Bats vs Sabers

We're not as creative when it comes to costumes. Our idea for a Halloween outfit normally comes from a mall or Amazon. Convenient, easy and 0% creativity. Don't get me wrong. When it comes to the art department, I would consider Anna as top of the class. It's me that always convinces her that the store would be the wisest decision.

Goku costume at SDCC
Considering we love to go to Comic-con, which is the biggest venue in North America when it comes to cosplay/costume. I would at least be inspired to create the perfect costume for our kids. But as a good parent, I do let my kids explore their minds and have a hand on the aesthetics of their wardrobe. And it usually does not end well.



So this year. I had to go with the plan that works. The store came to the rescue. But at the last minute, Anna came up with a great idea for Adi. With only 3 days left, we had to come up with certain items. Walking dead is the platform, and Adi would be as Neegan. It was perfect! And I thought that Adi would be able to go to next years Comic-con wearing the same outfit. But getting the tickets would be first priority and that's a whole different story.

Happy came as Rey (Star Wars) and that was a last minute change. Luckily, that character was an easy find. We're surprised not a lot of kids were in any Walking Dead costumes. Maybe because of the violence associated with the series. And again having Adi as your kid would make Neegan seem like a puppy.

Old meets new

First day back to work. It was a day of endless "Welcome back" and stories of how it was.
The common theme we kept mentioning was our stay in one of our hotels, the Hotel Manoir Victoria in Quebec City. This place greatly exceeded our expectations and encompasses how a hotel should be.

When I was planning our trip, I stumbled upon it and was a bit worried how it would fare compared to our previous stays in other cities. It was not your typical Hyatt nor Sheraton that would throw you  an idea of what kind of accommodations to expect. It's rated high with photos to boot. But of course it was all about selling point.



I even had to ask Anna if she would gander the risk of staying in that hotel since Fairmont was relatively expensive. She hinted at me an "I trust you" stare so I paid for a night's stay with a wish that everything would turn out ok.
 
Our plane landed on a raining morning. A quick Uber ride from the airport to the hotel was a mere 20-minute travel. The facade was not as impressive. It dwells in an old building smacked right beside the cobblestone road. No fancy driveway nor huge, impressive heavy doors.




But the moment the doors opened, the smell of fresh pastries greeted us. There was a little access to the tiny bakery next door. And the place we soon found out was heaven with quiche slices that we just love. A huge stairway heading to the lobby greeted us made it challenging to lug our heavy suitcases.



I was surprised that the other guests (tourist) checking in were a tad rude but on the upside, hotel staffs were impressively nice and pleasant. The lobby was also simple and on-point that it somehow made me worry how our room would turnout.



Entering our room was a surprising experience.  It started with a welcoming fresh scent coming from the inside that will make you forget everything old at the entrance below. The space size was just perfect and every detail was well thought-off. Anna kept complementing how great the bathroom was. We had no view of the street nor the city but that was no biggie as the complimentary Wi-Fi access offset for the lack of it.  We wouldn't have to worry about parking as it is complimentary had we decided to roam the city with a rental upon arrival.  Not having a car within the city was definitely a good call on savings since we were situated near shops, restaurants and tourist spots all within the walking perimeter.  Suffice to say we were tempted to add another night only to find that the hotel is solidly booked.  It made me think locking in a stay was pure luck on our side.  I mean, how do you sold out on a weekday, one week post-Canadian holiday?

Coming back is instantly in the near horizon, no doubt.

Took another bite... again

The Apple watch Nike+ came out today. Anna really wanted the Series 3 edition.  Unfortunately, T-Mobile won't be getting their stash until November.

I wanted to get it from our mobile carrier since I don't want to fork out the money. Being the good husband that I am, I picked up Anna after work and headed towards the Apple store without any intentions of buying............ I'M THERE TO JUST LOOK AT IT. Right?

WRONG.  Marcus, the Apple guy was very helpful in assisting and answering questions that I threw at him. Strategically gave me the I-should-get-the-wife-her-watch look.



Hell, I'm not gonna fall for this.  But then the liar in me insisted I should get two. But my better judgment was able to resist buying both. So Marc's strategy worked well.  Saved some cash on-hand and still ended with a happy wife-happy life.



Maybe that's why the Apple symbol has a bite on it. It's the forbidden fruit. You just can't resist the allure and always fall for it. 

Not a perfect smile anymore

She's been waiting for that tooth to come off. Trying to figure out how. Adi then did her a favor by being himself, knocking it off in a swift. They were playing and of course, Adi all rowdy and all over the place throwing stuff. Apparently, a stuffed animal hit her right over the loose tooth, causing her to bleed, panic and cry.  I thought something really bad happened.




A few days after, whenever we'd look and tease her about it she would laugh and give the cutest imperfect smile.  See for yourself!