Tour Toronto

If you look up "busy week" in the dictionary, you will be automatically redirected to my life for the past week. It is so difficult for me to juggle traveling for work and blogging. I like to think I survive on somewhat of a steady routine during the week, so when I get thrown off that routine, my blog takes the brunt of the hit. I have a post in the works, that is as much for me as for anything, on tips for juggling traveling, a full time job and blogging. I'm hoping those tips will help keep me focused going forward! 
This past week, I was in Toronto for a work trip, which was sandwiched between Dallas Stars games the Tuesday right before I left and the Tuesday that I returned. Needless to say, if I am not in bed this evening by 9pm, someone is going to have to pay. 
Right before my trip (see also: before I had packed for an international flight the next morning) we had 8 free lower level tickets to the Dallas Stars game. How could you possibly turn that down? There was a blimp at the game dropping free Choctaw Casino coupons. I may or may not have grabbed one out of the air that was coming straight for the hands of a girl four seats over. What can I say, I'm very competitive. I felt really bad for like 8-9 minutes though, for the record.

  Fueled by a cheap beer buzz, CB and I decided to grab a little snack and a nightcap at a bar downtown after the game ended. We got off the train at a stop we had never exited on before, and roamed through downtown looking for a place still serving food. We manage to stumble upon some really cool places that I had never seen before! I think the key to a happy life is turning everything, even an ordinary walk to a bar, into an adventure! 

  The next morning, it was time for me to fly off to Canada! I actually really enjoy this particular work trip. Although it is long hours and hard work, I really dig Toronto. It's like a slightly smaller New York or Chicago. I snapped this picture in the cab on the way to the hotel. That's the CN Tower pictured below, but more on that in a minute! 

  The hotel hooked me up with a corner room on the 10th floor, so my views from the room were the bomb! I slept with all the windows open each night, the glow from the city (while in a temperature controlled room) was so beautiful that I slept like a baby each night!

  I could see this ice skating rink from my room, and I was amazed at not only how late people would stay out skating, but also how many people there were that would brave that blistering cold! I wanted to go skate so badly, but convincing a bunch of guys to go ice skating is a tall order! I figured standing on the ice and asking for a picture would suffice. 

  I also had some delicious concoctions while I was there! Bloody Marys are one of my favorite drinks, but in Canada it is called a Caesar and is totally acceptable at any hour of the day, not just a weekend brunch. This one below had bourbon instead of vodka and it was deeeeee-licious.  

And then there was the best dirty gin martini I've had in a long time, from an upscale sports bar called Earls.  Oh, and truffle fries. All of the truffle fries. I wish I could say that my recipe was better, but sadly, it was not.

  On the last full day I was working the boat show, the Cowboys played and I hid my cowboys shirt under my "business casual" outfit. Moving right along because I am angry and sad and irritated. Not a football move, huh? Ok NFL, what kind of move was it exactly then? This picture above was clearly taken before the game started. I didn't REALLY GENUINELY smile for the rest of the day after that loss.... meh. 
On Sunday night, we went to dinner at the CN Tower that I showed you earlier. 
What. A. Dinner.
Incredible food and scenery from the tower's spinning 360 degree restaurant. It is actually the tallest tower in the world! There are just a few taller buildings, but according to the man in the elevator, this still stands as the current tallest tower. 

  mmmm... steak.

  mmmm.... chocolate.

  After dinner, we went to the observation deck located on the floor below. It was very red.

  There was also a glass floor where you could see straight down. You know, so you could visualize your impending death should you fall through. That was a chilling feeling, and not just because it was 3 degrees outside. 

  You could also do an "edge walk" if you're absolutely bat shit crazy.
.....Oh haaaaaail no..... 

  We rode the elevator 115 stories down, where I made some new friends in low(er) places.

  And this concludes the VTIM tour of Toronto. Please exit carefully, watch your step and be sure to grab some coffee on your way out. Lots of coffee. And bring me some while you're up. Oh and be sure to jump over and wish Helene a very happy birthday today too!