Happy Holidays!!

As my week is finally starting to wind down, I'm lying in bed enjoying a cozy, quiet night. Christmas is always such a busy time of year, but I'm not complaining. I love how Christmas brings people together. Time spent with family and friends is the best part.

Here's a quick glance of just a few things that made my Christmas a happy one.

(1) A Country Christmas Hoe-down.

We all know I love to dress up for Halloween, so dressing up for Christmas party is that much better. I love themed parties!! Plus, Sheri and her husband posted these 'Wanted' signs all around their house of people who were at the party. Love it.

(2) Letters to Santa.

This is the letter my niece Jana wrote Santa, her 'greatest hero'.

Don't you just want to squeeze her?

(3) Personal gifts. Part of Christmas is giving and receiving. While I appreciate all gifts, every once in awhile you get a gift that makes you feel a little extra special because you know it was just for you. I received two special gifts this year.

First, this ornament from my roommate Vicki. When she first moved in she introduced me to Entourage and got me hooked. Now, it's kind of 'our thing' and I love that she bought me this tree ornament:

Secondly, this popcorn blanket my sister handmade. We, along with our friend Lisa, LOVE going to the movies. She special ordered this material and made a blanket for each of us. We often find the theatre to be chilly, whether it is a cold winter night or over air conditioned in the summer - so she made the blankets small enough to fold up and fit in a purse. Perfect!

While all the gift giving, receiving, visiting with people and eating of delicious meals is what makes the holidays what they are - my favourite part of this season actually happened at work. Our staff pooled together and bought gifts for children at our local food shelter who are much less fortunate than many of us will probably ever know. We all have what we need and I am proud to work with a team who recognizes that and comes together to help those who don't. Seeing the huge pile of gifts stacked on top one another and later seeing pictures of the children with Santa and their presents made me happy and remember what Christmas is all about.

~As we embark on a brand new year tomorrow I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year~

May 2011 be filled with laughter, smiles and sweet moments

surrounded with the people who are important in your life.

Favourite of the Day: The girls team I help coach played in the finals of the annual Christmas Classic Hockey Tournament tonight. The game came down to playing 3 on 3 in double over time. Our team scored and we won the tournament. Our girls played their little hearts out all week and I was proud of them for winning tonight. It was awesome.

Why I'm not friends with Oprah

A few years back, when I was an avid VHS recorder-of-shows, I found myself in the market to land on Oprah and become her best friend.

I used to watch the show "Nip/Tuck" (had a crush on Sean McNamara) and would frequently program my VCR to tape it. One day while reading the classified ads on our local website, I found an ad from a man who missed the most recent show and was desperately looking for someone who taped it. I taped it.

I really thought it was hilarious that someone actually posted a classified ad for this. I can appreciate someone who is that devoted to a television show. I decided to call him. I knew I could have been opening up my life to a whole world of crazy, but I decided to risk it. If only for the fact that I would hope someone would do the same for me.

I called the number. His wife answered. I asked for "Mike". He wasn't home. Clearly questioning why some random girl was calling her husband, she asked why I was calling. That's when my face turned red. He was a goof for posting the ad, but I was goofier for responding to it and I suddenly felt really ridiculous.

Me: "I am just responding to the ad he posted online"
Her: "Ad for what"
Me: "um.......a recording of last night's Nip/Tuck."

dead silence

Her: (mumbling to herself) "you've got to be kidding me" I could tell she was embarrassed by her husband. With hesitation she said "Okay, I'll pass on the message"

Soon after, he called me back. He was SO happy I called. As luck would have it - he lived very close to me. His children went to the school that is near my house. We made arrangements for me to leave the tape in my mailbox for him to pick up when he dropped his kids off at school. When I returned home later that day I found a new blank tape in my mail box and a lottery ticket attached.

Mike and I continued our 'friendship' throughout that t.v season. We never actually met. I don't know what he looks like. I don't know his last name. We continued to record shows for each other and exchanged tapes in our mailboxes. The odd time, he would leave a lottery ticket.

I fantasized that one of the tickets would bring me millions. Then I'd give him a million, of course. I knew my story of giving a million dollars to the man I'd never met would get me on a first class flight to Harpo Studios. Oprah would think I was pretty awesome and next thing you know, I'm playing Foosball with Stedman while she pours us more wine and laughs.

But (sigh) - back to reality. I did not win the lottery and have accepted it wasn't meant to be. Nip/Tuck ended and life went on.

I hope Mike has since gotten a PVR. I bet his wife hopes so too.

The Way I Am

I have recently become slightly obsessed with Ingrid Michaelson. She is awesome and totally cute. Her popularity grew after being featured on an Old Navy commercial and more than once on Grey's Anatomy.

I initially learned of her through the song "The Way I Am". I can't post the video because it's been blocked, but please click on this link if you're not familiar with her. However, do not click on this link you if are my friend and your name is Aaron OR if your name is not Aaron, but you hate clowns.

You can hear the song "Keep Breathing" in this scene between Meredith and Christina. I love the end when Meredith just holds her. She doesn't say a word and she knows she doesn't need too. How perfect is this song for this scene?

Only me....

Saturday night my friend Julie and I celebrated our birthday together. See?

Because it was our birthday, a lot of people bought us 'birthday shots'. I may have had too many. No, actually, I know I did and I can say this with confidence because I didn't recall any conversation with any cab driver on the ride home. However, yesterday I came home for lunch to find a new message on my answering machine. From a cab driver. A CAB DRIVER. I wish someone were here to witness how hard I laughed about this. It is awesome on so many different levels. Here is the message:

After hearing this, I've come to the following conclusions:

1) We had a discussion about health care in our city.

2) He has a great concern about health care in our city.

3) I shared with him I do not have a family doctor.

4) I gave him my phone number. (WHAT??)

5) Four days later, he was still thinking about this discussion.

6) He thought it was okay to call me at 8:02 am (He clearly doesn't know me).

Maybe some people think it is creepy that he called me. I think it is AWESOME. The cab company should advertise that their drivers really do care about their passengers.

Sometimes my life cracks me up.

Favourite of the Day: 1) Tomorrow I will be 31 and I am okay with it. 2) My sister sends me the funniest emails ever.

Gobble Gobble

You ever wonder who was the first person to think of making stuffing? How did they came up with a plan to shove some food up a birds ass?

I had previously said that it is on my Bucket List to make a complete turkey dinner. I've now changed my mind. I have no desire deal with a turkey, giblets or shoving anything up it's butt. (Don't get me wrong, I"ll eat it if someone else cooks it)

Seeing as it was American Thanksgiving last week, I also thought about how many people spend the day watching football.

Double whammy.

I can't think of two more terrible ways to spend a holiday.

The 6th and Final One

I made my first pot of homemade chicken noodle soup.

In related news, I made my last pot of homemade chicken noodle soup.

That's right. Never again. It tasted pretty good, but cooking that chicken was disgusting and my kitchen was turned upside down. I'll take soup from a can any day, thanks.

Here I am getting ready to touch the chicken. Ya, that's right - I wore gloves.

I don't have the receipt for the cost break down. It may have been damaged by the punk kid who tore my car apart.

I am ending the 7 day challenge now. It has taken me 15 days and I made 6 new things. I'm content with that. Does it make me a quitter? Perhaps. But I invented the challenge and I'm the only participant - so I'm cool with it.

Favourite of the Day: Road tripping with the ladies tonight! I think were nuts to tackle the Yankee's on Black Friday but I'm excited.

At the rink today....

In the dressing room before hockey, I overheard this conversation take place between the girls I coach:

"What is all that noise?"

"That's the boys next door in the shower"

"Oh man. I've heard stories about hockey boys in the shower. *pause* It isn't good, guys. I'm serious."

............AND that's my cue to intervene and quickly change the subject. I had no idea what was about to come out of her mouth but I wasn't going to get into any part of that conversation.

Horseshoe in my Arse?

Someone broke into my car last night.

I discovered this today when it appeared a tornado made its way through the inside of it. There were papers and things strewn about. The console and glove compartment were open and everything had been rifled through. My heart sunk. I had a lot of good 'loot' in there.

I had gift cards from Tim Hortons, M&M's & Cineplex in there. I left my wallet in there, which contained $35.00 cash and my credit card. My passport was in there. I had a $20.00 bill in an envelope in there. To top it all off - my extra set of car keys were in there. Doh.

You know what was stolen? Nothing. Can you believe that? I don't know if someone was watching over me, if its karma or maybe I had a horseshoe in my arse. Either way, I am thankful. Thankful to whomever may have scared them off and thankful I don't have the headache of dealing with stolen cards, passports or you know - cars. Seriously, they could have just taken the keys and driven off with the damn thing.

If you would have asked me this morning if I had locked the doors last night, I would have answered with 100% confidence that I had. I always do. Or not, so it seems.

I am well aware of what a giant meathead I am for having all that stuff in my car in the first place. Consider it a lesson learned.

By the way - if anyone reading this happens to be around my dad, lets just keep this little incident to ourselves. While my dad is well aware of the bonehead moves I make, he would not be too pleased to hear this one. Thanks.

Favourite of the Day: Well, not getting robbed. Plus, Claudia and I went to Gran Festa for lunch and I had the most amazing sandwich on the planet. It was grilled chicken, spinach, figs and brie with a roasted apple spread. Mmmmmmm.

Random Thought

Lately 'sippy cup' is the funniest, yet dumbest word in the world to me. I guess the name itself makes sense but I would bet a 4 year old invented it.

I've been hearing it quite a bit lately and it's becoming funnier and funnier.

SIPPY CUP.

HAHAHAHAH.

Challenge #5

Big news: I COOKED CHICKEN.

Pad Thai

I made pad thai for my first time. Some may consider it cheating because I used the packaged sauce, but I said from the beginning I was a little bit ghetto. Plus - I COOKED CHICKEN. I have to say - it is one of the best things I've ever made. I love it.

Cost:

Chicken Breasts $5.02

Peanuts $2.49

Rice Noodles $3.49

Pad Thai Sauce $2.69

Bean Sprouts $1.49

Limes $0.50

Sub-total: $15.68

HST: $2.04

Total: $17.72

Cast Bio's

Today I was reading the Cast Bio's from 1 Girl 5 Gays (I know, I'm cool). Anyway, this was one of the guy's responses:

Whats the one thing someone might be surprised to know about you?
"I think My So-Called Life ended exactly when it was supposed too". -Dean

That's the funniest answer to a questionnaire I've ever read. In fact, many of the responses of the whole cast had me laughing out loud. If you're fan of the show you will enjoy the link.



Favourite of the Day: It doesn't take much to make me laugh. I like that about me.

Challenge #4

Marbled Chocolate Mint Bark

This was so easy it should not even be referred to as a challenge. It looks good and tastes even better. The chocolate is costly though, for the amount you get out of it. If you are needing to make something for a large number of people - I would not choose this. However, for something small - this is ideal.

Cost:
Semi-sweet chocolate squares $3.59
White chocolate squares $4.49
Mint Candies $1.29

Sub-total $9.37
HST $1.21
Total $10.58

Challenge #3

Warm Spinach & Artichoke Cups

I have never made anything with artichokes before. I thought this was a very simple recipe and I think it tasted really good. I made a few of my own amendments though. The recipe called for garlic, but I hate garlic so I didn't put it in. It also called for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. I put 1/2 cup of cheddar and 1/2 cup of feta. I think the feta goes better with the spinach anyway.

Again, I had some of the ingredients already, so this is only the cost of things I had to buy:

Artichokes $2.49
Spinach $1.49
Won Tons $1.99
Red Pepper $1.27

Sub-total $9.73
HST $1.26
Total $10.99

I will be sure to make this again. It was good.

Challenge #2

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

Initially, I thought this turned out to be a bomb. However, the only problem was that we tried to eat it too soon. It hadn't fully cooled or set yet. After a few hours in the fridge, it was pretty delicious.

This was a very simple recipe. The hitch in this was the cost of the cream cheese. A tip for others is to never buy cream cheese in Canada. Here, one brick of cream cheese costs between $3.69-$3.99. In Michigan they are only $1.69 (at Walmart anyway). I bought them yesterday on our side because I was in a rush. But for future reference - take the time and buy cream cheese across the river. With Christmas baking season on its way, I plan to buy a few to keep in my fridge just in case.

In preparation for this recipe, I already had quite a few things on hand (sugar, oreo crumbs, butter, chocolate chips). So the breakdown of cost is only for the ingredients I had to buy:

Cost:

1 brick of cream cheese $3.69

1 brick of cream cheese $3.69

strawberries $4.99

eggs $1.69

sub total $14.06

HST $ 1.83

TOTAL $15.89

I would not normally have paid $4.99 for strawberries. I usually only buy them when they are on sale for much cheaper. Like 2/$5.00 for example. But that's what happens when you give yourself a 7 day challenge - can't control the sales. The cost of making a cheesecake is pretty high. For the record - I will probably only make this again when I have an actual reason and have a large number of people to eat it.

Challenge #1

Most people who know me are aware that I am repulsed by raw meat. The thought of touching it makes me want to throw up. While I like to eat meat - I very rarely touch it. That means it doesn't enter my kitchen very often and I generally only cook meat I don't have to touch first.

My goal for my first challenge was to make roast beef. Brian told me he loved roast beef so I invited him over for dinner. When I went to the grocery store to buy everything, I went to the meat area and picked out what I thought looked the best. It was pre-seasoned (I wouldn't have to touch it) and it looked like a nice size for the two of us.

I didn't learn until much, much later that I actually picked out a pork roast. HA. Oh well....good thing Brian is flexible with his meat.

I also decided to use this as an opportunity to try parsnips for my first time. I cooked the roast with potatoes, carrots, onions and parsnips. They were good. I will definitely eat them again.

Here is a breakdown of cost for this project:

Pork Roast $8.00

Onion $0.56

Carrots $1.47

Parsnips $2.49

Potatoes $3.19

Sub-total $15.71

HST $2.04

TOTAL $17.75

Overall, this was a success. Everything tasted good and it was very easy.

Good food, good company and good wine.

(This project made me realize I don't own place mats. Note to self: buy place mats)

7 Day Kitchen Challenge

I decided to give myself a 7 day Kitchen Challenge. As someone who is prone to a regular routine of eating habits, I wanted to learn to do some different things. I decided I have to make 7 things I have never made before. I am sort of a ghetto version of that chick from Julie & Julia (because I'm certainly not fancy enough to tackle anything that Julia Child's did).

The challenge may not necessarily happen over 7 days because I do work shift work and I'm going out of town this weekend. That probably means I should have come up with a better name for this challenge but I didn't feel like it. I'll do my best though.

So far, I have planned the first five things I am going to make. The recipes were found in two magazines so far: "What's Cooking" from Kraft and "Best Holiday Recipes" from Taste of Home. (Those are both really good websites...you should check them out)

The following posts will outline what I have made. Here we go!!

Halloween

I love Halloween. Love it. It is my favourite day of the year. I love how it's a blank slate to become anything you want to be. There are millions of possibilities. I love seeing the creativity and effort people put into their costumes. I prefer home made costumes vs. purchased - but I just like people to dress up, regardless.

One of my favourite Halloween memories is from back in 2004. My friend Mike and I drove down to Guelph to visit friends. I was an egg and he was a suitcase. A bunch of us went to this country bar and when it was time to go Mike refused to leave. He and I got in a big fight so I left him there. He didn't know where the house we were staying in was or how to get back. This was pre-cell phone days - so he was screwed. He ended up in a cab, driving aimlessly around town trying to find a house he recognized. Considering he was wearing a suitcase....he turned himself into lost luggage. Literally.

The one thing I do not like about Halloween is when people use it as an excuse to dress like wh*res. Guess what? 'Slut' isn't a costume. I have seen some pictures that are just plain ridiculous. Sometimes, the 'sexy nurse' or the 'police officer' type costumes are awesome. If you can pull it off - kudos. At least those are still costumes. But wearing a black bra and underwear doesn't make you 'tomb raider'.

I am a big fan of Twitter. @funnyordie tweeted this last week and I laughed pretty hard:

"A lot of girls are rocking the 'My Father Didn't Love Me Enough' costume this year for Halloween".

HA

2005 - Suitcase & Turkey
Mike & I

2006 - Fallopian Swim Team
Mike, Mel and I

2007 - Killer Bee & Ghostbuster
Mike and I

2008 - Taco, Cheese Whiz & Celery, Samba Dancer
Danie, Me, Jane, Travis

2010 - Deviled Egg

I am so happy and thankful to have friends who love dressing up too.

A quick note....

After I wrote the blog the other day about "Room" I emailed the author, Emma Donoghue. I have never emailed an author before but I thought I would send her a quick email to let her know I enjoyed the book. Well lo and behold, she wrote me right back.

I thought that was pretty neat.

Under: End of Story

There is longstanding debate in the toilet paper world of "Over or Under"? I am firm believer that under is the only option. I have no idea why. Under feels right and over feels wrong and I have no reason to support it.

Sort of like in skating, when you're doing circles and one way feels right and one way feels wrong? Well, toilet paper going over is the wrong way crossovers in the hockey of my life.

That's all. I wanted you all to know that.

Reading Rainbow #1

I don't know how many reading friends I have out there. But I am going to start posting really good books I find, in case you want to read them too. I will keep the posts short so they aren't all cheesy and book report-y. Just a little suggestion in case anyone has similar tastes in books and might enjoy the ones I've enjoyed.

The first one is "Room" by Emma Donoghue. I read it in two days. I couldn't put it down. It is about a boy Jack and his mother who live in a room together. The mother was kidnapped 7 years prior and neither have left the room since. The book is written from 5 year old Jack's perspective.

Favourite of the Day: I installed a new shower head today. You know the kind where you turn the head and the water sprays in all different ways? I love it. Also, I have my voice back. It may be the voice of a 12 year old boy, but at least it's a voice.

Top Ten Annoying Words

I am both fascinated and intrigued with the English language. Primarily when it is used properly and makes sense. Is that too much to ask? I may be somewhat of a word/grammar snob. I don't necessarily think that is a horrible thing to be.

Here are the top ten words that annoy me most. This list may depict me as a whiner, so I will later create a list of the top ten words I love.

Here we go:

1) Prolly. This makes me crazy. It appears to be the lazy way to type 'probably'. Not that I think that typing 2 extra letters is all that much work.

2) Kindygarten - Kindergarten? Sure. But Kindygarten? With a "y"? Maybe you should go back to Kindergarten and learn the alphabet.

3) Gongshow - WHAT IS THIS?? Is it really anything? No. When I hear adults use this phrase, I can only shake my head. Find some adjectives people.

4) "That's How I Roll" - Okay. This is a phrase, not a word. But I still hate it.

5) Seen - Used in the correct context, this can be a wonderful word. But preceded by the word "I" and I want to take my pen and stab you. I always want to correct people when it is misused but it happens so frequently I would be making a name for myself. A name that rhymes with witch.

6) Yous - Well, this isn't actually a word. Surprisingly though, I hear it more than I should. For example "I seen yous at the movies on Friday." This could only make sense if there were a pack of female sheep at the movies on Friday. But that doesn't make sense either now does it.

7) GoGurt - It is not so much the word but the actual product I find revolting. Therefore, the word makes me cringe. Yogurt you drink out of a tube? Augh. I am not sure why it bothers me so much, but it does.

8) Irregardless - I am surprised by how many people think this is a word.

9) Literally - I don't hate this word. I just hate the frequent misuse of the word. It is so overused it is in danger of losing its literal meaning. It should only be used to distinguish between a figurative and literal meaning of a phrase. However, that is not the case. There is an entire blog devoted solely to track the abuse of it. Check it out here. (It's quite funny).

10) Epic - Once upon a time this word was used to describe heroic deeds in literature or film. It was rare and held high honours. But now everything is epic which is basically saying that nothing is epic. This word has been ruined.




Favourite of the Day: Since it is early in the morning, I will refer to yesterday when I got to meet baby Nicco for the first time. I love babies and he is a cute one!

P.S. Link up your top ten list over at Oh Amanda!

This week's secret:

This was on Post Secret this week.

I'm pretending it's for me.

Favourite of the Day: Getting a sweet email from an old friend.

Lets start, like, now...

From the Academy of Linguistic Awareness:

Oh, Tom Selleck

A few weeks ago my mom and I went to an auction. We had no idea what to expect but I was excited. When we walked in we could hear the auctioneer and he sounded just like you're thinking he would. He was talking really fast and you could only make out every 5th word or so. We each got a fancy number to use for bidding. And by fancy - I mean a piece of paper with a number written on it with marker.

It took place in a huge banquet room which had all the auction items around the room with rows of chairs throughout the middle. Upon walking around the room we quickly realized it was a glorified garage sale. There was a ton of crap with the odd awesome thing mixed in. My initial thought was that people were there for the furniture and had to patiently wait for the useless junk to get auctioned off first. I should have known better and realized people will buy anything. ANYTHING. Like a basket of doilies. Or hideous hand stitched bird pictures. Not that I should talk because wait until you see what I bought.

We were sitting at the back of the room so when the guy held up the item he called "a wooden family". I was intrigued. I couldn't really see it well, but it sounded pretty cool. He started the bids at $5.00. No bites. He dropped it down to $1.00. I really wanted to experience the auction and get to use my fancy bidding number, so I bid. Someone bid $1.00 so I went for $2.00. And I won!! The immediate words out of my mother's mouth were: "What the hell are you doing?"

But then they brought me my wooden family. And I loved them.

CHECK OUT THESE MOUSTACHES!

I like imagining the history behind these little guys. Where did they come from? Who owned them? I smile just thinking about it. No, actually, I laugh because they are pretty ridiculous - in an awesome way.

I'm pretty sure I'll never go to another one of these weird auctions. I'm quite content with the experience and the new moustache friends I got out of it.

Favourite of the Day: I just had to google how to spell moustache.

Feel It

My new favourite song is Feel It, by Jakalope. While the song is new to me, it actually came out in 2004. My friend Steve told me about it. Basically he said "Listen to this song. This girl is kick-ass and you'll love it". He was right.

Random Fact: I did some reading on the band and found out they sing the theme song to Degrassi: The Next Generation. Funny eh?

Favourite of the Day: I'm still on holidays. Enjoying my last day off after a fun road trip with a great group of people. Lots of laughs.

Short & Sweet

My mom made tie plates yesterday. So the kitchen smelled like anise. I don't know what conversation took place in the kitchen. What I do know is my niece Jana walked into the dining room and said to my dad:

"You know what Papa? Auntie Amy thinks the kitchen smells like anus."

My dad said "huh" with a bewildered look on his face. And I laughed my head off.

It's past my bedtime....

Earlier tonight I cleaned out my inbox. I just signed in again and saw this message:

.....and I laughed and laughed. "Why thank you for noticing, Hotmail." *blushing*

Favourite of the Day: Shaw came today and brought me a brand new PVR. PLUS they extended my promotion package because they felt bad about the poor customer service I received. This was after I emailed them and called one of their employees a 'dick'. I feel bad about that. Sorry 'Jeff' - I hope you didn't get fired. Either way - Shaw kicks ass and takes care of their customers the way a good company should. To all you fools still with Bell - what are you thinking??????

Where were you?

Today marks the only "where were you" conversation that happens during my lifetime so far. Our parents generation have the JFK, John Lennon and Elvis conversations.

We have the 9-11 conversation.

I was lying in bed. I woke up to the sound of my dad's employees in the kitchen. What? The staff doesn't go in the kitchen? They only go in the basement - where the office is. In my pajamas, I made my way to the kitchen to check out what everyone was watching on the television. I normally would never hang out with the staff in my pajamas, but this was an exception.

I was going to LSSU then. I had class that day. But cross the international border to go the Unites States? I don't think so. Instead I stayed in front of the t.v all day. A day I'll never forget.

My stomach was sick thinking of what was going on right before my eyes. And I knew I couldn't even comprehend the magnitude of it all.

Could anyone?The hero is commonly the simplest and obscurest of men.

-Henry David Thoreau

Adcock Gardens

Remember that cartoon in the early 80's called "Fables of the Green Forest"? That cartoon comes to life at Adcock Gardens. Emmilia, Fern and I went there on Thursday. What a sweet, hidden gem that place is. I love the pond filled with lily pads, water lilies, frogs and turtles - complete with a wooden arched bridge and row boat.

I don't know the story about the family who owns the place. I wish I did. My imagination envisions it to be a husband and wife who are happily retired. Who fill their days tending to their garden and they couldn't be happier. Their children have moved out and are raising families of their own. They cherish the days their grandchildren come over and run through the garden to tend to their favourites. Whether it be getting dirty in the pond catching frogs, or picking crab apples off the trees. I picture the woman to wear a messy bun and old blue button up plaid shirts.

They drink tea in the morning, eating toast and reading the paper in silence before starting their day together. They have a crafty sign on their bedside table that reads "Always Kiss Me Goodnight".

And I bet they do.

Favourite of the Day: I just showed this to Mike at work and he said "If that really were Fables of the Green Forest, that frog would be wearing glasses".

10 Years to Celebrate

My mom & dad, with Avery
- August 25, 2000

Ten years ago, I begrudgingly put on my Blockbuster Video uniform, knowing my sister was in the early stages of labour and I couldn't bail on my shift at work. Thankfully, when all was said and done, I made it to the hospital in plenty of time.

A decade has gone by and I celebrate 10 years of a beautiful girl.

A girl:

-who is passionate and sensitive and feels with her heart.

-who's bald little head was quickly loaded with bouncing curls that make you cringe with envy.

-who cries out in a movie theatre when an animal is injured - completely unaware of anyone else in the room. Because her heart aches at the thought of someone else in pain.

-who greets fear with confidence. She conquers any roller coaster, while the rest of us chickens stand to the side with our stomach in knots.

-who challenges her mother, because she knows what she wants and fights for what she believes to be true. A characteristic that will only help her succeed in life.

-who is a waterbug, just like me. She can swim for hours on end. We made up a golfball game in the lake. I know she cheats at it. But I do too. (Don't worry, I usually let her win)

-who used to sign her name at school with the middle initial "H". And told everyone her middle name was "Horse" (her middle name does not start with H)

-who told stories that were full of adventure and imagination about her and her best friend Janie. You would have never guessed that Janie wasn't real.

-who brought a newspaper clipping of Motley Crue to kindergarten for show and tell.

-who innocently tested her match-making skills in finding me a mate.

-who has made me laugh with so many one-liners....I couldn't begin to list them all.

I can't believe how fast ten years have gone by. I miss her chubby cheeks and blowing zerberts on her soft baby belly. I miss the Boston accent she grew when she couldn't say the letter 'r'. I miss the way she would run to me and squeal with delight when I would come over to visit.

But I look at her now and I smile at the wonderful girl she has become. Happy Birthday to my sweet Avery.

Father, Mother, Brother, Sister

I took this picture on Thursday. I was excited to find this turtle family hanging out in the sun.

This prompted me to remember when I was in golfing in North Carolina three years ago and took the picture below. I called this family the Berenstein Turtles. Doesn't it look like they're posing?

This only leads me to one question:
Why do I get excited to find turtle family's?

Favourite of the Day: My major crush on Daniel Tosh from Tosh.0. (His line about double rainbows and unicorns almost shot soup out of my nose today).

Big Eyed Freaks

My niece Avery's birthday is coming up soon so I emailed my sister to see what she might like as a gift. This is her emailed response:

"She wants a big eyed freak from Zoo Zoo. She is no longer collecting Webkinz and has moved on to these. They are these Russ Stuffies with giant eyeballs. They are about $15.00. She was just there and saw them. She wants the elephant, the mouse, or she said there was a bear she liked there too.

Those are some ideas. She hasn't asked for much else. Other than them, the skateboard.

Later gater"

It seems I did not read this email in great detail. I was mainly focused on remembering "Elephant or Mouse". I decided to go to the mall and buy her birthday gift today. I walked into Zoo Zoo and wandered around looking for these toys. The owner came up to me and asked if I needed help. So, I asked him where the "Big Eyed Freaks" were. He said he didn't know. He had never heard of them. I said my niece had wanted one for her birthday. He thought maybe they were a new up and coming toy and offered to look into them for me.

I thanked him and wandered around the store a little more. I decided to call my sister to figure out where to buy these things.

Me: "Hey, where do they sell those Big Eyed Freaks?"
Her: "Zoo Zoo"
Me: "No, I'm at Zoo Zoo and they don't know what I'm talking about."
Her: "Please tell me you didn't just walk in there and ask for a Big Eyed Freak"
Me: "Um. Yes, I did."
Her: "hahahahahahahahhahhahaha"
Me: "................."
Her: "That's not what they're actually called. Avery just calls them that."

Then we were both cracking up. I had to go back and explain to the guy that there is no such thing as a Big Eyed Freak. Which may only be funny to me and my sister. But when Avery hears this, she is going to LOVE this story.

And she better like the damn elephant too.

Friday Night

Coke Machine Glow

by Gordon Downie

Here we are on the highway.

Here we are on the road.

Here we are in the parking lot's

pink Coke machine glow.

Here we are in the bedroom.

Here we are in the bed.

Here we are

beside each other

after everything

we've said.

YEAH Toast

I love the art of conversation. I love how I often find myself in very random, out of the blue discussions. Particularly when I'm talking with a bunch of women (or Brian), our conversation will take unexpected turns and go off on wild tangents. You just never know where a conversation will lead or what will come up.

I love that.

I know this generally happens to everyone, but I feel like perhaps I may be a more random person than most. Maybe not. Either way - I have interesting conversations, frequently.

The other night, in a somewhat 'normal' conversation about relationships (note that I use the term normal loosely) we suddenly started talking about bagels. Then toast. Which lead to a discussion on toasters. Which lead to us listening to this song on someones iPod. Which lead to me laughing my head off.

Favourite of the Day: This quote: "If you don't have time to love your life now - when will you?" I often spend my time worrying about the future. Plain silliness. Why worry about things I can't control, when I can listen to funny toast songs and laugh with friends? My life is good RIGHT NOW.

The tables have turned...

While I most often feel I am my mother's daughter, tonight I realized the tables are turning.

I remember as a kid, riding around in my dad's chevrolet pick-up truck while he listened to CBC radio and thinking it was the most boring thing in the world. I couldn't understand having a radio and NOT listening to music.

Well. Let me eat crow. Now I like CBC radio.

Oh, and I will pull over on the highway to nap in my car. And I keep a phone book in my car.

I am my father's daughter too.

Favourite of the Day: Great night out with some girlfriends. It's comforting to know they'll go out with me, even when I look like a bum. Quote of the night? From Jayme: "Um....Don't tell anyone I do your hair". Lots of laughs, as always. I love girlfriends.

Tomato Soup

Tomato Soup is a staple for me. It's my longstanding back-up plan and my comfort food. I always have some in my cupboard and I know it's always there for me on a day when I don't feel like cooking, or when I just want something simple and warm. I love my Tomato Soup.

How I feel about my soup is also how I feel about Oprah. Knowing we will soon embark on her final season is already making me sad. This is pathetic, I know. In 2006 she released her 20th Anniversary DVD set, which I am currently re-watching right now. It is all the highlights of the best moments on the show. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've cried over 25 times already, and I'm only on Disc 3. (pathetic count: 2)

If this is how I'm feeling now, I can only imagine how I'll be during her final show. In fact, when that day comes, I suggest everyone leave me alone - I don't think it's going to be pretty. Following that day, you'll probably be able to find me at the grocery store every day at 4pm.....buying more Tomato Soup.

P.S. NEVER GO TO the 2nd LOCATION. (only some people will get that)

Forever 12

"You drive a school bus?"

"No, no - I drive a STOOL bus"

HAHA. Toilet humour never gets old for me. I was driving down Base Line the other day and ended up following this truck. I giggled the whole way. Is that sticker necessary? Does everyone have to know the truck is full of poop? And then be cautious because of it? But then I realized - yes, it IS necessary. Truly, you ARE going to be a little more careful when driving near this truck. No one wants that poop to explode if there were an accident. Furthermore - if you DID crash into this truck - you would want a heads up before you ran over to help, no?

Thank you for the fair warning, Stool Bus. As you were.

Favourite of the Day: After a weekend dog-sitting Knox and Mimi, I was very happy to sleep in today.

When you've been bad, should I call you Thomas?

Dear Tom,

I wish we had more time to chat after our brief time together. As I'm sure you can understand, watching you drive backwards and smash my car rattled me a bit. I was nervous and did not think clearly. But if we are ever given the chance again, I would love to get to know you better. I'm confident this would be a good conversation. Perhaps I would develop an understanding of why you did what you did. Maybe I could get some of my questions answered. Questions such as these:

-Did your parents raise you to be a liar, or is this a skill you developed on your own?

-Did you think driving backwards down a busy street was a normal thing to do?

-Did you know that a rear-view mirror is used to see what is behind you?

-Even though you told the police you heard me honking my horn, you didn't think I was actually behind you? (I'm really confused by this one)

-Did you KNOW you would get away with this, or were you gambling with fate?

-Did you know right away that the $7200.00 in damages you did to my car looked exactly like I rear-ended you, or did you come up with this theory later?

-Did you know the insurance companies would say your silly stunt was 50% my fault?

-Do you feel guilty when you look in the mirror? You sleeping okay?

-If we cross paths again, will you be able to lie to my face?

So many questions Tom, so many questions. I realize you are only 19 years young. I was 19 once too. I have grown up a lot since then and clearly you've got a lot of growing up to do as well. I can promise you though, I would not have done what you did. My conscience would have eaten me alive. Maybe someday you will realize that owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions is what will make you a man. If you decide to have children I can only hope you decide to raise them with morals - better morals than you have at this point in your life. I hope you man up one of these days.

The saddest part is that this has left me jaded. You have made me question the value of honesty because in the end, your lies paid off. I don't like that Tom, not one bit.

In the end, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. You don't have much to work with, it seems. Maybe next time you decide to f&*K me, you can take me out to dinner first. Then we can have our chat.

Warmly,
Sara

Saturday's Smile

Meet Foxy the cat. If this doesn't make you smile, there might be something wrong with you.

Foxy belongs to my friend's Aaron and Kim. I think Aaron and Kim are awesome for many reasons - but this just upped the ante. Because really folks - they shaved their cat. When I first saw this picture I envisioned a battle scene taking place in a bathroom where Aaron took on a football stance, wrapped Foxy in a blindfolding towel while Kim donned the clippers and hoped for the best. However, they took the smart route and had a professional do it (which I would still like to see). I am sure most of you are wondering why one would shave a cat. It all comes down to love (cue the 'awwwww' from the audience). Foxy was Kim's cat and then she met Aaron who is allergic to her. Now they are getting married and Kim doesn't want Aaron to keel over. I'm pretty sure their future vows include "for better or for worse, in sicker and in health, hairy or shaved cat....for as long as we both shall live".

I talked to Aaron the other night about Foxy. I wanted to get more details on the scene. I asked how Foxy's demeanor changed after her transformation. I envisioned her feeling shy or naked. Possibly shimmying along the wall, paws covering her nether regions as she made her way to the litter box. It was quite the opposite I hear. Aaron advised she's loving her new self and walks with her head held high. Would it be too cliche if I said Foxy thinks she's the cats meow? Yes, yes - I think it would.



Favourite of the Day: I woke up in my old room. I used my old shower and I savoured the air conditioning. There's no place like home.

Just Breathe

The past few days of my life have been a whirlwind. Life is feeding me highs and lows all at once and it is going too fast to settle in my brain. In only five days I've gone to a great wedding reception with friends, spent a beautiful sunny day relaxing with girlfriends on my favourite lake, had the most amazing 12 hour sleep and went to the best concert I've ever been too. I've also heard great news from a friend that warmed my heart.

However, in these same five days I got in a car accident (minor - don't worry), missed a wedding ceremony, lost complete faith in our police system, fought with insurance agents, stalked a stranger in hopes of helping my case, been angry, frustrated, sad, disappointed and oh, hung over. I've also heard sad news from not one, but two friends that broke my heart.

FIVE DAYS. AAAAAAhhhhhhhhhh

The pictures below are from Saturday and where I need to be in my mind;

Laying in the sunshine beside a lake with the company of friends.

Simplicity. Perfection. Necessary.

McCarrolls Lake

Flashback

In case you forgot about this little gem:



“I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some people out there in our nation don't have maps and uh, I believe that our, I, education like such as, uh, South Africa, and uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should, uh, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, should help South Africa, it should help the Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future, for our children.”

Oh, you poor girl, Miss Teen South Carolina, you poor girl. Though you redeemed yourself on The Today Show the following day, you'll sadly be known for this and this only. And it's jerks like me that keep it fresh.




Favourite of the Day: My roommate bought toilet paper. Blew my stinkin' mind.

Top Ten Things To Do Before I Die

Top 10 Things To Do Before I Die

(1) Go on a road trip destined for nowhere. Just get in the car and go. An adventure with endless possibilities.

(2) Learn to juggle.

(3) Send a secret to Post-Secret. Maybe it will get published. Maybe Not. I don't care.

(4) Cook a turkey dinner. A turkey and all the fixins'.

(5) Drive to the East Coast. See Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & Newfoundland.

(6) Kiss someone at the top of a Ferris Wheel. Ideally, someone I like.

(7) Watch the Olympics live.

(8) Pick-Up a Hitchhiker. Not a crazy person - but a person on an adventure to see the world. I want to help them make it happen.

(9) Go streaking. For real. Because if I ever do go streaking, it means I've gotten the wicked body that makes me think I could actually go streaking. Plus, how freeing would it be to run somewhere naked? So fun.

(10) Learn to drive standard. Or drive a motorcycle. I can't decide. How about both?

And the winner is....

I played in a golf tournament this past weekend. My team won the Ladies Division. No thanks to me, trust me. (Though I did get better as time went on - courtesy of Smirnoff Ice). Anyway we had a good time. After we finished golfing there was a dinner where they handed out prizes to the winning teams in each division.

Now before I tell you what we won, let me just say the tournament was put on by a bunch of guys. So at some point they must have gotten together to discuss what the prizes would be right? I'm trying to imagine how this conversation went. Perhaps it went a little something like this:

Guy#1: "Hey man, what should we give the girls for winning?"

Guy#2: "I don't know. What do girls like?

Guy#1: "Hmmm. Well, Girls like purses."

Guy #2: "Ya, girls love purses. Good idea."

Guy#1: "Let's go to the mall and pick some out!"

Yes. THEY GAVE US PURSES.

I think this is the funniest thing in the world. I know one of the guy's who put on the tournament and he was quite proud of himself. He thought they were pretty awesome. Based on how funny I think this is, you may have figured out they were anything but.

In the end though, I'm glad they did this. Because c'mon....PURSES!??!

Favourite of the Day: Season Premiere of "Obsessed" tonight on A&E. 10:00pm (EST).

Top Ten Tuesdays

I am starting a new thing. It's called Top Ten Tuesdays. I learned about this through Yankee Wife, who referred me to Oh Amanda. I think it's pretty self explanatory, so we'll leave it at that. Here's the first one!

Top 10 Things I'd Spoil Myself With If

I Had Too Much Money

(1) A camera. A really awesome, always takes amazing pictures, camera. Like these, for example.

(2) A Hot Tub.

(3) A new, much bigger deck to put my Hot Tub on.

(4) A fence in my yard. For two reasons, first for privacy from certain people. Secondly:

(5) For my new dog. It would be a big dog. Maybe a Golden Retriever or a Saint Bernard. It would be a boy and he'd have a name like Thomas. Maybe. Actually yes, I like Thomas.

(6) A truck. I don't know where this came from but I'm on this thing where I want a truck. It would have an extended cab. I just don't know what you do when the back fills up with snow. I suppose you have to shovel it. That's annoying. Anyway, my truck would have snow tires, four wheel drive and a built in GPS.

(7) A big comfy couch. A big sectional that is soft, squishy and deep. It would have a matching oversized chair that you could curl up in.

(8) All new sports equipment. I would replace all my hockey equipment since some of it is over 20 years old. I would also buy a new ball glove, new cleats and my very own, first ever baseball bat.

(9) One of those blankets that are wool/flannel on one side and lambish on the other side. I know lambish isn't a word, but I don't know what the material is. My parents have one and these blankets are amazing. Call me cheap but I refuse to spend $100 on a blanket.

(10) A flat screen HD television, which would be wall mounted above my new fireplace.

Favourite of the Day: Brian came over tonight to start my BBQ because I was too scared to do it myself. Thanks Bri!!

Crossed Off My List

One of the very first things I thought when I bought my house was that I wanted to take down the wall-paper in the kitchen. Well, 6.5 years later it still wasn't done. I have no excuse. It just didn't happen.

Until now.

The wall-paper is gone, the walls are newly painted and I am happy.

BEFORE

Confession: The only reason this job is finished is because I didn't do it.

This guy did. I don't care. It's done.

AFTER

These are the new pictures I put on my

freshly painted, wall-paper-less kitchen wall.

I like them.

Favourite of the Day: Entourage. Specifically Turtle. My new roommate has five seasons on DVD and it's secretly taking over my life.