danistrulytheman

I'm STILL a self confessing, self professing know-it-all, or so I think!


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My 1500th post on WordPress!!

… just thought I’d throw that milestone out there. Today’s post is really about my great day. Went early to Yorkdale – I love it now that I live minutes away. Parking lot was already packed before 10 in the morning, but this attractive older couple was leaving, and lovely lady kept pointing me towards her car. Kept smiling too … knew it was ZEN BABY, people are so positive towards it! Oh, before I continue with my shopping tales, when I left for home, I stopped at Shell for some V-Power (and 10X AirMiles). I swerved around, positioning my car in front of this absolutely gorgeous Mercedes SLS AMG (the one with the gull wing doors) …

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… yeah, I know SICK!! Anyway, I jumped out and blurted out to the owner, a good-looking guy about my age as he was getting ready to leave … “kinda liked my ride?” … meaning/referring/joking that I like my car. Without missing a beat, he assertively, along with complete honesty, snaps back offering affirmation, “I like your ride” … “better than this one”. thanks dude, ZEN BABY, lol!!

Back to shopping! I went to purchase a specific item, to kinda compensate for my Banana lacking gift. I was told, this is something good. I’ve never shopped for this before, but listen to this … as I was leaving my hairdresser’s place yesterday, he showed me this very gift that a client gave as an X-mas present, lol. Weird, I woulda said before. Not so weird anymore, I say now! Oh, I also went to buy myself a coffee maker, as I no longer have one, but due to the fact that I’m not in possession of my rewards card, I knew I’d be fucked and wouldn’t be able to access MY MONEY, I quit before I devoted fruitless time, frustrating myself. I already feel fucked as it is – $160 (half of which is mine) is being controlled/manipulated, and I don’t have easy/immediate access to it. Nice! Whatevs, after this, it’s finally fucking done!

Next up, was fragrances! Funny, when I was walking out of the store into the mall, I asked a Chanel girl in the women’s department, where the men’s department was. She said, “Chanel, or in general”? In general I answered. When I got there (ok, first of all, the fucking area is gorgeous), the gentleman who helped me, who didn’t work for any particular brand, immediately steered me towards Chanel. I was sold. Listen to this, the 50 ml costs $82.50, the 100ml $107 … BUT, if you spend over $100, you get $20 off. Duh, picked up the 100ml for $87! Oh, apparently the cologne is brand new too, and when I asked for samples of any kind for men, he didn’t think he had any. But then, he came back w/ a 10ml bottle … that ain’t no fucking sample, that’s a fucking bottle, lol! I love it!! Then, I asked for samples for women, he obliged! Oh, when home, was kicking myself for not doing this earlier … went online and ordered another pair of sale priced Chuck’s from JV … I was lucky too, international free shipping that ended yesterday, didn’t. Lucky my size was still available. ZEN BABY!!

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my black friday day bitches!

… it started early, was very cold standing 40 minutes in line waiting for the store to open. once in, got my RCA 40″ HDTV. a bit of a snag trying paying w/ points … no worries if nothing else, danistrulytheman is one persistent SOB. after 45 minutes or so, got what I wanted … half a yard, cash in hand. sweet! PLUS, still will have my original 50000 points returned back to my account,when I’m done w/ them. all’s well that ends well. next stop was Bay Bloor Radio; I knew what I wanted, new Grado cans + a new Grado extension cable (even so, I did have a hell of a fun time playing w/ their wall of headphones) … hey, I didn’t mind wasting my time on their dime – I love places that validate parking smack dab in the heart of the city! oh, I would be remiss if I didn’t include this deal too … my fave diet pepsi from Shoppers Drug Mart (ok, I know the shit is bad, but I drink one per day, max, … don’t judge, lol). all said and done, taxes included, everything you see here … I paid two bits under $400. yep, bitches … sweet!

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Ooh you made me love you. Ooh you’ve got a way.

And you’re feelin’ like a part of you is dying
And you’re looking for the answer in her eyes

You lay your bets and then you pay the price
The things we do for love, the things we do for love

Birds fly high in the summer sky
And rest on the breeze
The same wind will take care of you and
We’ll build our house in the trees

… Your heart is on my sleeve

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Happy V Day …


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new haircut, new year, and new hopes!

… same old sweater, thanks for the findsies Tiff, lol! My fave cold as fuck winter-wear!

… and selfie is COMPLETELY unedited (do I win anything?) …

… damn motherfucker! You do look good this last day of 2013! 😎

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Boxing Day Boffo!

Day started early, driving in snowy-shit conditions to Yorkdale wanting to beat the mad rush – and I did, was in and out, with deals snagged. At home later, Tiff remarked how she was somewhat disappointed that we didn’t score a Dyson DC29 that Target and Future Shop had on sale for HUGE savings. The former was available in store, limited quantities, no rain cheques, essentially a Boxing Day door crasher for $298.99, the latter a one day online offer of $298.98. As I said, the savings were incredible … $200 off. But, now it was hours since stores opened their doors, and she was sure that they were sold out … but wait, she took to her boards, her shopping deal sites, and someone posted about getting an even better deal because of a price match from Canadian Tire. Sorry, I’m gonna jump ahead here in my story … others later commented that he shouldn’t have posted – stating it’s up to the discretion of individual Canadian Tire stores regarding price matching … and perhaps he should have done the same (used discretion), since it wasn’t a guaranteed deal. Apparently some won’t do it if it’s a door crasher, they may even call the store to see if they have any in stock, and if they don’t, then they won’t price match. But when I left, I didn’t know this, I just flew out the door with my Target flyer in hand, and all the extras Tiff told me this other dude got on his deal, expecting to get the same. Oh, another thing, Canadian Tire is great for up to the minute inventory, we realized that it takes only five minutes to update its current inventory, and my store had eleven in stock, other nearby (read: far, but close, lol) stores were showing one or two, not one was showing double-digits … other than mine. Plus, my store is only two minutes away. And when in, I beelined it to the vacuum cleaners. None on the shelf, no problem – store-dude gladly phones my request to the stock-room dude, quickly running outta sight, retrieving my Dyson moments later. Sweet! I went to pay, but was referred to customer service because of the price match (which I figured was going to happen), then elderly, gruff worker lady kept barking “NO RETURNS TODAY”… I told her, “hey, I’m trying to buy the fecking thing”, lol (Tiff joked, “you shoulda said ok and left the store”, LOL)! Oh, and ANOTHER thing … the store’s return/customer service dept. is set up to be easily discernible with chrome bars, a walkway leading you in and around, indicating ‘this is where the line forms’ and where you stand awaiting your turn, till someone says, “NEXT”, or signals you … and you’d think that would suffice/eliminate any confusion and solve the problem. Nope! It’s amazing how people come from all angles, ignoring said chrome-bar-laneway and rudely encroaching on your space seeking immediate attention, as you’re trying to complete your transaction! After, she (wonderful cashier/service chickie – sorry, didn’t catch your name) disposed of a few of these interrupting ignoramuses, I mentioned to her how rude it was that people would do that. She said, you wouldn’t believe it, it’s non-stop all day. Ok, back to my Dyson deal … Canadian Tire did price match, and I guess because of a price match they give you an additional 10% in Canadian Tire money equivalent to the price of the item … which, in this case was $30 … sweet, again!! And the beauty of their money, is that it’s like money, it never expires. I also received a $15 Promo Card because I spent over $75 (valid from Jan 10 to Jan 25), so I’ll def have to keep my eye on it making sure it doesn’t expire before being used. It was a great deal for $300 … I got mine for the same price, minus $30, minus $15 = $255!! Big shout-out to guy who posted the deal in the first place … you’re my Boxing Day hero! Oh, and here’s kicker; everything – the whole thing took me under 20 minutes from when I left my house, to when I got back home … I didn’t even have to kill myself doing it either, lol!! I did say SWEET, eh, lol!!

$30 … lookie my money, lol …

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and my Promo Card …

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the receipt …

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… and my new Dyson

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on my Christmas wish list!

… I want this!! It oozes beauty and refinement with its bespoke craftsmanship … especially with the personalisation … and if you do follow the link, please be sure to click on Edit Personalisation to see how my iPhone sleeve would look!

… and if you’re in the giving spirit this holiday season, I’ll provide you with my details and shipping address. Hey, I’ve been nice, lol!

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Black Friday Score Story!

Remember my score from before? My $25 ladder from Lowe’s? That was awesome! Now I think I have a ladder fetish, lol. I’ve been wanting a good quality 4′ ladder ever since. They never go on sale, in fact stores don’t carry/stock the highest rated Grade 1 Type 1A or Type 1AA. My Home Depot did have a few Grade 1 Type 1 ladders in stock. So when I spied their Black Friday flyer offering a 5′ fiberglass ladder for $29, I was curious – in fact I was in Home Depot yesterday, and while there wanted to check it out. But, when I inquired, I was told they weren’t even putting them out till the stored closed, so they’d be ready for sale Friday morning – doors opened at 6:00 I was told. Oh, also I gleaned another tidbit – they were only allotted 37 ladders for this store. I was out running errands, so I went, but it was in the afternoon, and worker-dude told me by 10 o’clock they were all snapped up. I figured. I don’t even know if I would have bought one anyways, I really have my heart set on the 4′ model. Standing in the ladder row, admiring MY ladder, my mind’s wheels started churning. I knew it was a longshot, but I’ve got a set on me, so I proceeded to customer service. As I began talking to the lady behind the counter, I could see/feel negativity immediately as I spoke. Her facial expression/body language didn’t look promising. But, I hadn’t hit her with my well thought out line yet. “Nothing we can do”, was what she was saying since it was limited quantities, and they were sold out. Then, I said, “well, can I have a 4 footer for the same price?” Her facial expression changed, AND she began walking back, poking her head into a room to obviously speak with someone in higher authority. I knew I had her. See, it’s that mentality … 4 feet is less than 5 feet, the customer is getting less. So she thought, in fact, I kept selling it too, saying I’d settle for a smaller ladder, lol. Little did she know it was the one I coveted all along, and it’s higher rated, AND it costs $65 … well, not for me, not now, lol. She told me to go get it, and come back and see her. I did. She asked how I wanted to pay? Cash, I said. I just wanted to get the hell outta there before anybody got wise to me, lol! Yeah, bought a Lotta MAX – after today’s horseshoes, ya never know, eh?!

Black Friday flyer …

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My new 4′ $29 ladder! Sweet …

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Turkey Day Fartlek!

Thanksgiving Day today, but celebrated with family yesterday … so you know what that means … LEFTOVERS, lol! Lotsa turkey, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie. Yum!

What a beautiful Canadian autumn day today, a great day for a run, a perfect opportunity to try my hand at fartlek training. I guess you can say I’ve done it before … changing up my running. I broke it up into four separate runs. First, I ran 2K semi-fast, then 1K really fast, then another 1K even faster, and finished with a 2K that included a hill climb, and a long gradual descent. Was fun mixing it up. Even tried a new app, sorry Strava, sticking w/ RunKeeper. PLUS, it’s my nephew’s birthday today. A beautiful Canadian day indeed!

my kicks are accumulating kilometers, easily 1200K to date …

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Blueberry Lemon Streusel Pie!

… and after my run, was running again – Tiff sent me on a mission to pick-up this seasonal, special pie place offering

… old school blackboard – love it …

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… mine, boxed (almost) – lemme take a pic I plead, lol …

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My Canada Day 10K!

… been on a roll of late – 4 consecutive record runs, culminating with this PR 10K, bettering the old mark by 50 seconds. I know I (my body) still have more to give … and I will, but today … I’m Canada Day chuffed!!

forty seven minutes, twelve seconds …

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Friday BBQ!!

… Friday of a long weekend no less, Victoria Day for all ya numbskulls!! And ’cause it was a rush buying/prepping/takin’ pics/blogging … is pretty much a pic post!!

Certified Angus Beef

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Look at that marbling

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Cut into chunks, and secret-seasoned

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Into the grinder, a medium grind

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Corn; husked pull back, silk removed, water soaked, thrown on grill

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Almost done

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Sorry, no money-shot … cremini & gruyere burgers w/ a cob … did say rushed y’all, lol!!


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beautiful flowers for a beautiful mother

all wrapped up … SURPRISE

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all vased up … w/ Mother’s Day card …

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and don’t none of ya be latin’hatin’ either, been busy … better LATE than NEVER, right motherfuckers?!


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Leftovers: Indian food

… from yesterday’s Easter Feast! This is the BEST Indian food in the GTA … and loses nothing nom nom noming the next day!

Chicken Tikka, Aloo Gobi, Butter Chicken, Goat Saag, Channa Masala, Chicken Biryani, and Raita

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“because you’re such a nice guy” – Tony

LCBO employee. I do have the niceguyknackgene, and I really appreciate his kind words as he lead me into the stock room (employees only permitted area btw), and grabbed this limited edition Guinness glass, slapping ‘n sticking it to my HarpHappy St. Paddy’s Day danistrulytheman!! :mrgreen:

sorry for the blurriness, my bad …

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Irish as the day is long …

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my thick ass ossobuco

Had these sexyshanks a while back with the family … believe me, there’s enough meat here to feed the troops, and then some … finally got around to bloggin’ pics ’bout it. Real easy & simple too … key is to have a butcher who’ll go out of his way for you, willing to work with you … getting the exact piece you ask for, and cutting to your specs. Season liberally with salt and pepper, brown in olive oil … then, add the shanks to 1.5 – 2 litres of the best homemade tomato sauce/passata you have, and bake in a dutch oven at 350° for a couple of hours till falling off the bone tender, the marrow oozing/melting into the sauce. At this point, I pulled out the ossobuco and cut/broke apart into 1-2 inch portions. I also extracted any remaining marrow from the bones, adding it to the sauce, discarding any sinewy/grisly bits as well. Served up family style with my best al dente Italian linguine (sorry, no pics … was crazily rushing around …and stressing, lol)!! 🙄

yeah, thick ass is right …

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browning away #1 …

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… and #2 …

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spurred on by a silly radio bit

… with the dj wanting listeners to call in with what they’d consider the best/ultimate/quintessential St.Valentine’s Day song; sums up the broad scope criteria of the shtick. So it made me think … and pretty sure some of ya would love to Slide It In … lol. And while that’s a good’un, gonna have to romantically go with Gaye … sing it with me y’all … come on come on come on come on come on baby stop beatin’ ’round the bush … damn, am just see my title boo-boo. Yep, def should read spurs on, lol. Giddy-up!! 😈


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respite, reflections

A well deserved break, an opportunity to look back. Our Christmas tradition revolves around Christmas Eve, and includes a lot of food. Copious amounts of food, and not only this time of year. It’s in our culture to be overly generous with food. To give you an indication, Tiffany K and I haven’t left the house for groceries since … that’s almost a week. I’m finally reclaiming the fridge as my own, lol. Not to mention I froze leftovers knowing we couldn’t eat everything before spoiling. This year I even tackled baccala. Was very proud of my accomplishment, from sourcing this fish market in the city that carries the best baccala, a part of the city where parking is at a premium, never any spots available, to researching online various methods/rules of thumb preparing it. Generally soaking 1-3 days was the advice, two was better, and three if you had the time. Naturally I opted for the 72 hour soak, with 3-4 changes of water daily. I also researched baccala and potatoes in a tomato sauce recipes as I’ve had this years ago from this great little Italian bakery that used to make it (Fridays only) during the holidays. Alas, they moved, went out of business … not really sure, only know my baccala went along with them. In all my research, nobody bothered to mention the skinning of the fish and removing of the bones might prove challenging if attempting for the first time … thanks internet gurus, lol. Luckily when I bought the baccala I over bought … close to 3 lb, not the 2 lb I was planning to, so I did have some leeway with the wastage. I didn’t settle on any one particular recipe either. I read many to get ideas, that’s what I do, I know my way around a kitchen and felt comfortable enough combining/assembling the ingredients in a casserole dish and baking it without any difficulties. I eyeballed the potatoes I needed (was looking for a 50-50 ratio) and proceeded. And another thing you don’t see in these recipes is for parboiling the spuds before baking? I ALWAYS do to ensure them being cooked through … plus the oven temps they tell you to use are too low (350º – 375º) so I completely ignore that part of the recipe and crank it to 400º – 425º. One thing that did catch my eye, and I was so happy this person wrote this … not sure why others didn’t since it was so helpful? If I was making this recipe, but substituting the baccala with … let’s say tilapia, I’d be seasoning (salting) the you know what out of it. Everything. The fish, my home made tomato sauce … the potatoes … especially the potatoes. But this recipe writer … recipe advisor cautions on doing so due to the baccala’s inherent saltiness. Sure I soaked it, rehydrating it … changing water over and over, but it still retains plenty of salt to sufficiently season the whole dish. And for this tidbit you included, my baccala dish was sublime … and I thank you. It was the highlight of the dinner (but was so busy/preoccupied I didn’t snap any pics to share – sorry), and I was thrilled with my work, accomplishment … my success.

It’s funny after our Eve feast, a long time spent filling our bellies as you can imagine … a mere twelve hours later we’re back at the table for a HUGE breakfast blowout before the troops pack their booty and go on their merry (Christmas) way. Now that our dinner leftovers are done, felt like relieving that today, but on a lesser scale … and in a quieter moment. And now, found time to take a pic. 😆

sunny-side up eggs on toasted jalapeno salsa english muffins, pastizzi, potato pancakes w/ketchup

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