They Do!

I went to a wedding two weeks ago.  It was a beautiful, might I say, perfect wedding.  The champagne, the hors d'oeuvres's, the meal, the decor, the music, the speeches, the dancing....everything was absolutely amazing.  The room was full of a love you could feel.  From the happy couple extending to all the guests.  I loved it.

The only thing not present at this wedding was a white dress. Some might use the word non-traditional or alternative to describe the wedding. But it was nothing of the sort. Love is a hard thing to find.  So regardless of where your jiggly parts are - when you find it - hold on tight and never let go. I couldn't be happier to live in a place that recognizes and acknowledges this.  

True north strong and free. Canada, you are a great place to call home.  

Congratulations and warm wishes to Jason and Jake!!

In the Event of a Tie

 

A few weeks ago I played in our annual local women's hockey tournament.  I've posted the tournament rules above. Note the highlighted area of the Tie-Breaking Procedures. I laughed so hard when I read that.  A dance off?  In hockey equipment?  On the ice? It would be the grandest finale of all time. 

Nothing would have made me happier than to participate in that.  However, my team lost every game of the tournament and even if there were a tie, it would never get to that point.  But a girl can dream, right? 

Kudos to the tournament organizers for being hilarious. 




Favourite of the Day:  My house is being painted today! I can't wait to get home to see the changes.  Also, dinner at Indo China Gardens last night means Indo China Gardens leftovers for lunch today.

Boobservations

I have worn this dress twice in my life.  

Note that both times I spilled my drink in the exact same spot. 

I don't know about you but I think that's pretty awesome. 

Stories From My Kitchen

Once upon a time (last night) I decided that I wanted to make pumpkin ravioli.  I found a recipe online.  It was called "Pumpkin Ravioli in Sage Butter". This is what it looked like in the picture: 

 I began my first journey in making homemade ravioli.  

(I did not make the pasta myself - I used won ton wrappers. Go ahead. Judge me.) 

This was not an enjoyable experience. It was tedious and frustrating.  I was sure it would be worthwhile in the end since I love pumpkin ravioli.  

I put them in the freezer with plans to cook them tonight. 

I came home from work and made the savoury butter and sage sauce then eagerly anticipated a delicious meal. 

Guess what?  It was a disaster.  

When they were boiling in the water they all split open and pumpkin mush oozed everywhere.  I carefully moved them to the frying pan in attempts to salvage what I could.  Then they all stuck to the pan. 

  

Here is the final result: 

Looks like barf in a bowl, right?  And did you know that sage tastes like a badger's butt hole? 

They're now in the garbage.   

Screw you pumpkin ravioli.  Screw you Sage. 

The End

Reach for the Stars!

I spent this past weekend contributing to the Michigan economy.  I found this Barbie in Kohl's.  This is too American for words.  I like the branding on the box - "Stands on Her Own.  Literally".  It literally says that.  Dream big, little girls.  You can wear stilettos, be the president AND stand on your own.  Congratulations Barbie.

I bet they found her in a binder.  

Muffins & Whores

Earlier tonight I was going through old boxes in my basement and I found something that made me shake my head and laugh.  I found these calendars I had saved from 1998 & 2000.  What a flashback.

When I was 15 I got a job at a little muffin shop in the mall.  I worked there for 5 years.  We had an all female staff and our boss was this little grumpy man named Art.  Every Christmas Art would order these weird slutty bathing suit calendars to give to certain customers.   They came in brown paper bags.  Seemingly, to conceal the fact that we were teenage girls giving out bathing suit calendars to weird men in the mall.

HOW FREAKING WEIRD IS THAT????

The more I think about this, the more my mind is blown.  Every year the same guys would come back and request them too.  Art even got our muffin logo stamped on them.   Imagine the corporate office got wind of this?  Geez.  I'm thankful I recognized that this was weird enough I needed to steal a few for keepsakes.

Rest in Peace, Art.  Thanks for the laugh tonight.

Favourite of the Day:  As I type this, I'm watching the episode of Family Guy where Brian the dog sleeps with Lauren Conrad.  It's awesome.  There is a part about Spender and Heidi that made me burst out laughing.  I love this show.

Crushes - 2012

It's time for my annual crush list.  Much to my dismay I did not meet anyone from my 2011 list like I previously thought I would. But that's okay. For 2012 I've got some good ones, obviously, since I have impeccable taste.  Here we go:

Jason Ritter: There is a sweetness about you.  You seem humbled and bashful, but also intelligent and heartfelt.  It's endearing. Your character on Parenthood has a mustache that makes you look like a dirt squirrel, but I realize you have to "act" and I know you'll want to clean up before you sweep me off my feet.  I'm ready.

P.S. Can I watch you shave?  That's so hot.  

Jeremy Sisto: It's very weird that I have a crush on you, considering I fell for you in "Six Feet Under" where your character is bat-shit crazy and you have an incestuous relationship with your sister.  I can't explain it.  But I do know there is something about your voice that drives me wild.  You seem like a man's man.  Messy and carefree, yet strong and in control.  I recently became your friend on twitter.  And by becoming your friend, I mean I follow you.  Twitter is a tricky little devil that makes me think I'm friends with famous people.  Were going to crack up at this at our wedding.  In your speech to me, you'll tell all our friends and family how you 'sealed the deal' by following me back.  They will all laugh while sipping the homemade wine my dad made.  My mom won't laugh though. She doesn't get twitter.  

Aaron Paul - The drug life isn't something I'm into.  But your character has drive and a good work ethic.  What girl doesn't look for that in a man? And what about your sense of loyalty and ability to remain calm in stressful situations?  While I realize that is just your character, I'm confident you possess those qualities in order to act them out so well.  You and those baby blues are peeking into a little window of my heart.  Climb in.   

Dax Sheppard - Oh Dax.  You are a silly and sweet man - just how I like 'em.   I know you're engaged to a really awesome, funny and beautiful girl.  But if she happens to get eaten by one of those sloths she loves, I'll console you.  But not right away.  I don't want to be your rebound.  I'll let you sow some wild oats and get it out of your system.  Then I'll casually cross paths with you.  My awesomeness will emanate off of me and it's a done deal.  I figure we'll spend summers here and I'll head your way during the winter. I'm picturing some waterfront property on St Joe's Island where we'll have huge deck parties.  And a seadoo.  Sound good? 

Zac Brown - You are a bushy-bearded man that I want to cuddle with.  It will probably be at a bonfire.  I'll be cold and you'll lend me your checkered plaid jacket.  Even though you're probably sick of singing because you're on tour all the time,  I bet you pound back a few Bud Light and you're ready to rock.  You don't have to sing your own songs all the time either.  When you're 'off the clock' you can rock out to some Journey or Johnny Cash.  Whatever you'd like.  You could sing Raffi for all I care - I can listen to your voice all day long.  Currently, I have your song "Highway 20 Ride" as my ring tone.  When we get together I'll change it, because well, that's just awkward. 

Note: If you didn't get the reference I made about the sloth, you need to watch this video.  It's really funny.


Favourite of the Day:  It is starting to feel like fall and I love it.  I love the weather, I love the wardrobe, I love the pumpkin-y flavoured things.  PLUS - craft night tomorrow and were making a fall wreath.  Perfect.  

Stinky Marshmallows.

A few summers back my family was out at camp having a bonfire.  I found the perfect little haven of coals in the fire and went to town creating the PERFECT marshmallow.  I slow-roasted it, spinning it continuously so the entire thing was golden brown and the centre was surely creamy.  I was proud of it.   Jana was standing near by and I wanted to show it to her.

"Jana! Come over here.  I have to show you something." I said.   Then Darienne piped in, to offer her cousin some advice.  "Don't go over there, Jana. It's a trick. She's just going to fart."

While perhaps I should be somewhat ashamed that I somehow trained her to think this, or saddened that when I actually wanted to be serious, she doubted me. But honestly, I'm a little proud.  Proud that she was thinking two steps ahead - and prepared for it.

I laughed when it happened. I'm laughing again now. Happy 10th birthday Darienne.  May you always be thinking two steps ahead.

Darienne, Auntie Sara, Jana. 

Being silly.  Because that's what we do. 

Favourite of the Day:  My sister and I just got back from a movie. (Lawless - good movie!) We brought our 'movie blankets' because it is always cold in the theatre. As we walked out, carrying our matching popcorn patterned blankets, my sister noticed this guy giving us an odd look.  I love it.  The guy was probably just jealous of our genius move. I hope that someday when we are 65 (well, she'll be 72) we'll still be loving the movies, still be carrying our blankets and still be getting looks.

Summer Lovin'

Well, I'm back.  I got away from this thing for quite awhile.  But I'm back. I miss it.  Sometimes I feel like I just don't have anything worthy to say.  But I've come to realize this blog has been a diary for me.  It keeps track of my life, my thoughts and if for no one else, it's good for me to come back too and helps me remember periods of my life.

The absence, in part, is due to my new love for summer.  This has been my first summer having nights free and every weekend off. Boy do I love it and I have not taken it for granted.  In my prior life as a shift worker, I too often found myself saying "I can't, I have to work".  It brought forth frequent feelings of shame and disappointment.  After ten years I finally feel like I'm free to choose my own schedule and what better time to capitalize then during the lovely days of sunshine.

I was busy this summer.  I took golf lessons (something I always wanted to do), I golfed, I played baseball,  I went to London, I went tubing in Indian River, I went on a boat cruise in Munising, I went to four weddings (and I love weddings!!), I went camping in Thessalon, I went swimming, I went to bonfires, I had hot tubs, I went for a boat ride on Basswood Lake, I cuddled with my friends' cute babies, I fostered more kittens and their momma's, I went to camp with my family, I went skinning dipping at 3am in Lake Huron (Happy Birthday Few!), I proudly watched my niece Ryea graduate from grade 8 and kick some valedictorian butt.

I am so thankful I was able to do all of these things, but more importantly - I did them all with so many good people.  I know really good people.  How great is that?

As I embark on the final days of summer, I'm hoping to sneak in one last swim in the lake at my favourite place (St Joe's Island).  Then I'll put away the sunscreen, the sandy flip-flops, the stinky ball cleats, the dirty golf clubs and the wet bathing suits.  We all know happens next.

Let's lace em' up!! It's hockey season!!




Favourite of the Day:  Good visit with Natalie last night ( & Gorgonzola Gnocchi! Hello).  Hitting balls at Strathclair and getting excited about Tarentorus ball tourny!

By the way, the photo at the top was taken the same day I made the chipmunk my friend (more like bribed him to be my friend).  Anyway, I laid on the dock for hours.  It was so quiet and peaceful.  When I had to pee, I would just roll off the side, pee in the lake and hop back up and continue reading.  It was awesome. And don't even pretend you don't pee in lakes. You do.

 

Frolick Away, Goat Man

I stumbled on this today. I feel like this is straight off 'theonion'.  Here is my favourite part:  "...goat man pulled his mask back on and scrambled to catch up with the other goats."

Oh, how this made me laugh.  We welcome you to Canada, Goat Man.  I hope your wonderfully crafted suit fares you well. 



Goat Man Frolicking Through the Utah Wilderness Identified As a Hunter
by Sonia Von Gilder Cooke

http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/07/23/goat-man-frolicks-through-the-utah-wilderness/?hpt=hp_t2#ixzz21bTfNo8w

CODY CREIGHTON / AP

In this Sunday, July 15, 2012 photo, a person is seen in a goat suit in the Wasatch Mountains on Ben Lomond peak outside of Ogden, Utah.

(UPDATED: Tuesday, July 24, 12 noon EDT)

It’s not uncommon for hunters to use camouflage. But usually such outfits are made to blend in with the surrounding foliage — not the animals.

One hunter in Utah had a different idea. He donned a goat suit to better track his targets.

On July 22, a hunter quickly dubbed “goat man” was spotted clambering around the mountains of northern Utah, following a herd of goats. At first, officials were baffled– and worried. They were concerned goat man could be in danger once hunting season starts.

But after the story made headlines out of its sheer oddity, state wildlife officials say they’ve identified the man in the bizarre suit. He’s a 57-year-old hunter from Southern California, according to Phil Douglass, conservation outreach manager for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, told Utah newspaper The Standard-Examiner on Monday. Douglass fielded a phone call from the man but didn’t ask his name. “He gave me details that convinced me it was him,” Douglass said.

The hunter told the newspaper his suit was a simple hooded painter’s suit, which he adorned with fleece to give his costume a fur-like appearance. He said he was testing the suit in preparation for an upcoming goat hunt in Canada.

Douglass was initially concerned that if the hunter’s behavior continued, he could be a target in the upcoming hunting season. “My very first concern is the person doesn’t understand the risks,” Phil Douglass of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Douglass told the Associated Press Friday. “Who’s to say what could happen.” Hunting season begins in the area in September, and about 60 shooters are expected to receive permits.

(MORE: Top 10 Creepiest Product Mascots)

Officials said he wasn’t only in danger of being mistaken for prey by a hunter — he might have been attacked by one of his fellow goats. “They may get agitated. They’re territorial. They are, after all, wild animals. This person puts on a goat suit, he changes the game,” said Douglass, adding that wearing an animal costume in the wild is not strictly illegal.

The sighting of the goat man occurred 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, when a hiker saw a herd of goats about 200 yards away, and thought one of them looked a bit weird. “I thought maybe it was injured,” the hiker, 33-year-old Coty Creighton told the AP Friday. After looking through his binoculars, he saw something very odd indeed: a man in fake horns and a cloth mask with eye holes, traipsing around with the four-legged ruminants. “I thought, ‘What is this guy doing?’ ” Creighton said. “He was actually on his hands and knees. He was climbing over rocks and bushes and pretty rough terrain on a steep hillside.”

Creighton said the man pulled up his mask once in a while to check where he was going. Then, he spotted Creighton, staring at him from afar. “He just stopped in his tracks and froze,” he said. Creighton retreated behind a tree and started taking photos while goat man pulled his mask back on and scrambled to catch up with the other goats. “We were the only ones around for miles,” Creighton said. “It was real creepy.”

Creighton provided the Division of Wildlife Resources with blurry photos of a white blob scaling a steep mountainside. When the sighting was reported in local media, wildlife officials received an anonymous call from a so-called “agitated man” who said: “Leave goat man alone. He’s done nothing wrong.”

He Loves Me. He Loves Me Not.

Nate n' Lily

July 2012

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

This is my shower.  Take a look at the top left corner.  My newest purchase from Bed Bath and Beyond is a waterproof clock. My addiction continues. I feel, what I imagine a hoarder feels when they find VHS tapes on clearance at Big Lots:  Pure Joy.   


Favourite of the Day: This, obviously.

Spontaniety and Adventures

One random Monday night, I walked into my friend Matt's bedroom well after midnight with an odd suggestion.  "Want to go on an adventure?" I asked.  Without hesitation he said sure.  Surprised at his quick response, I questioned him.  "Don't you want to know what it is?"  Nope.  He said he didn't care what it was - he'd join in.  And he did. 

**********

A few years ago I went to Vegas with 3 of my friends.  One afternoon while walking around we found ourselves in an ice bar called "Minus 5".  While there, we noticed a guy close to our age having a drink. He was alone.  We thought it seemed like he didn't want to be alone.  I went over and asked him if he wanted to hang out with us.  "Sure" he replied, also without hesitation.  His name was Jim (well, it still is). He was there for a work conference and was going to be spending that day alone.  The five of us spent the day walking around the strip and later went out for dinner together.  It was a really fun day.

**********

Today I was reflecting on both experiences.  I love that both Jim and Matt didn't stop to ponder if they wanted to participate.  They just did - no questions asked.  Jim didn't even know us.  Granted, we didn't know him either.  But your gut just steers you in the right direction sometimes. (For those who will be negative nelly and say it's dangerous and 'crazy' to engage strangers - shut it.  I know that. Obviously.  But your conscience just knows better, I think. Also, I guarantee I have more fun than you.)

Sometimes you can't plan for things.  Things that are spontaneous can lead you to new things, new experiences and new people.  Having an open mind and an open agenda are required and often rewarding.  I like where life takes you when you're ready for it.  This is my personal reminder to be ready and willing to things that may come my way. 

Puck You, Cancer

Relay for Life is tonight. I am proud of my friends/teammates for raising an incredible $7670.00 (and counting) for the Canadian Cancer Society.  We are currently in the lead for the top fundraising team.  A shout-out to my friend Claudia for the highest individual fundraising efforts as well. $4500 is kick ass and you are awesome. 

 

The photo above is from an event I put on back in May, titled "Puck You, Cancer"  A way to raise money for a cause while doing something fun. Second year and another successful turn out.  We will hit the ice again next May. 

Thank you to everyone for your donations. 

Go Team Roadhouse!!

Today's Random Thoughts

• There is a kitten sleeping on my lap.  I can't get enough of this little peach.  She is so sleepy all the time and she loves to be snuggled. Yesterday I counted how many cats I've fostered.  This is #16.  Am I a crazy cat lady if I don't keep any of them?  People ask how I give them back but knowing I can provide a good home for new moms and their babies makes it easy. If I keep any, I can't do that anymore. I also love naming them.  I bought a 'Baby Name' book at a garage sale for $0.25 for the sole purpose of naming cats.  If having 16 cats doesn't make me crazy - that might. 

• Why are nude bras invisible through white shirts but white bras aren't? 

• At what point in my life will I stop watching Seinfeld episodes?

• I want to be comfortable wearing a swim cap at the pool.  I'm not there yet.  Yesterday this cute old lady was wearing a shower cap in the pool.  That made me laugh.  And think she was awesome. 

• I think I have Misophonia.  Me and Kelly Ripa.  For real.  Google it.  Gum chomping and mouth smacking makes my insides cringe. 

• I just read THIS ARTICLE about a small community in Texas who is standing behind a local man accused of murdering a man he caught abusing his daughter.  Most often these days, the news makes me sad.  Not today.  

• I have developed an irrational fear of bears.  A few weeks ago I saw one on the golf course and since then, have been dreaming about them.  They are taunting me in my sleep.  The frequent local bear sightings are increasing my anxiety.  They are no longer hanging out in the forest.  They are partying in suburbia now. Geez. I golfed again tonight and the sign posted at the clubhouse certainly didn't ease my worry.  There was a lady golfing one hole ahead of me wearing a black shirt and black pants.  I thought she was a bear about 6 times.  I'm an idiot.

Favourite of the Day:  I finally got my hands on baby Adellina.  Can you move home Emmilia?

Correction....

Friday night Emmilia sent me a text that said "I hate to break it to you, but you're 32 years old.  If I am turning 33, you're not 31."  That made me laugh.  When I wrote that on here I really did think I was 31.  I didn't even hesitate writing it.  The following day I was sitting in church watching friends of mine get married.  Out of nowhere a thought popped in my head.  I wondered - Am I 31? Could I be 32?  I whispered to my friend Shawn beside me and asked him if he knew.  He gave me a look that said "How the F am I supposed to know" and turned his attention back to the front.  I spent most of the ceremony thinking about it (sorry Mike and Eden).  Eventually, my stellar math skills told me that yes indeed, I am 32.

I spent so much time freaking out about turning 30 only to find that shortly after I can't even remember my age.  I wonder if, from this point forward, all the years blend together and age really is just a number? That works for me. Hope it will work for Neil too. 


Favourite of The Day:  Today is the official day Emmilia turns 33!! (Sorry to publicly announce your age, but I assume you're okay with it.).  Enjoy spending your 33rd year at home with your sweet Adellina.  I can't wait to see you both.  Her little cheeks are calling out my name. Happy Birthday my friend.  xoxo

TGIAND

"TGIF" isn't a new term.  But as of late I've become a lot more conscious of it and its popularity.  People are frequently on this countdown waiting for the glorious weekend.  This leads me to ponder a few things.

Are people flying to Hollywood on private jets to attend red carpet events with Brad and Angelina?   Am I missing out on something?  My weekends aren't that exciting these days.  I am fine with that, to be honest.   Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy my days off and I enjoy my downtime. But not to the point where my week days are dreadful.  I hope if I get to the point where I do feel that way I will recognize that I may need to change something in my life.

I may only feel this way now considering I've only recently begun the standard work week of Monday - Friday.  Years of shift work never gave me the standard 'weekends'.  Maybe a few more years of '9-5 ing' will leave me jaded. Regardless, I still want to make the best of every day. 

To be fair, sometimes I think people use the whole TGIF countdown as conversation fillers.  In the spirit of optimism, maybe just announce the weather instead. Some of us may live in cellars and need to know it's raining anyway.   

There are 365 days in a year.  Saturdays and Sundays only make up for 28% of the year.  To quote my Oprah, we need to live our best life.  Which to me means making the most of the remaining 72%. Today is a Monday.  And I say TGIAND.

Thank Goodness it's a new Day.

We'll go Dutch.

Yesterday Neil Pasricha entered the final post on  1000 Awesome Things.  Way back in June of 2009 I alerted everyone to this amazing website, so I hope this isn't news to anyone.   You've all been reading his daily posts right? 

I love Neil. He helped us be conscious of noticing and appreciating the small things that happen day to day.  Remembering the happy things from the past and reflecting on the good.  You simply can't have enough of that in your life.   It took him over 4 years.  Waking up every single day and making sure you find the good is a challenge not all of us could tackle.  

There was some anticipation leading up the final awesome thing.   The final words he left us all with is this: "Anything You Want It To Be".  Genius move, Neil.  Genius.  An open invite for us all to find it ourselves.  

I am going to challenge myself to find it as often as I can.  Here is one I will start with today:

Beating the car in the lane beside you in the bridge line-up.  Awesome!!

Also - just going to throw this out there.  Neil - If you happen to google your name (who doesn't do that) and you find this page - -  I read you're a 32 year old in Toronto.  Interesting.  I happen to be 31.  While I certainly don't believe chivalry is dead, I am also a modern day girl.  If you would like to go out on a date with me, I will gladly meet you half way.  ;) 

Favourite of the Day:  Mike and Eden are getting married tomorrow!!  My awesome long time friend marrying my awesome new friend.   Perfect.  

The Kittens

As I sit on my couch right now kittens dash across my feet stopping only to bite my toes and chase each others tails. Though I had very little to do with it, I feel like a proud mama watching them run and climb. Just six weeks ago I picked them up from the shelter at only 3 days old. They had fit in the palm of my hand with their eyes and ears closed. They didn't walk for the first two weeks. As time moved on, they slowly opened their eyes, their ears popped up and they took their first wobbly steps. There are four of these sweet babies whom I love.

I have their mama too, who has fascinated me with her nurturing nature. A mother's instinct is an incredible thing. In the first few weeks she often 'hid' all her babies and I quickly learned she wanted to keep them in a small confined place. They lived in the corner of my bedroom closet for the first while. If I had company over and we wanted to cuddle her babies, she was fine with it if we stayed near home base. As soon as we took them out of the room, she promptly followed, picked up her baby by the scruff of the neck and whisked them away. She cleaned and fed them constantly and though she loved to cuddle with me in bed, she always kept her visits short and returned to her babies.

Now the kittens are eating solid food and using the litter box on their own. I love it that they are now able to run around my house and play, their little personalities coming through loud and clear. They are very independent and the mama spends much more time with me, which has been helpful in getting them weaned. I have them for about 10 more days and they will be ready for adoption. I will be very sad to see them go but I feel confident other people will fall in love and welcome them into their families.

Here are some pictures and a video. When I named them, I had a 50% chance of guessing their sex correctly. Good thing I'm not a gambler. No one needs to know which one of my sweet princesses grew a set of balls.

Daphne - 3 days old

Delilah - 3 days old

Delilah - She is an observer. She likes to sit quietly and watch the others play. She is gentle and curious.

Digits - He has 7 toes on each front paw. He's the alpha male. The first to do everything and he's a rascal. Also the first to hit the big 1 lb!

Digits and Mama, having a nap.

Dixon - Terrible to say, but he's my least favourite. He's a whiny suck. He doesn't like being held and the scratches all over my hands prove this. He started out all black, but is evolving into something new. He has a white tip on his tail and one white foot. I think his fur may continue to change.

Daphne - She is my favourite by a landslide. She loves to cuddle and she has a gentle nature. Every morning I walk in their room to say good morning and she's the first to run to me.

This is when they were taking their first steps. It's so funny to see this now, as I watch them zoom past me and climb stairs. I tried to get a video of that for comparison but the little buggers are just too fast!

Favourite of the Day: Feeling like I'm getting caught up. On sleep, on laundry, on life in general. It feels good.

Randomness

(1) Did you guys know how amazing beets are? Not sure why it took me 32 years to discover that. They are not only delicious but they are beautiful too. Such a bright vibrant colour.

(2) I wonder if there is one person out there who's job it is to design the "Google" logo every day. I love how they are always thought-provoking, artistic or just plain clever. I appreciate imagination and creativity.

(3) On Sunday night I drove away from the gas pump with the nozzle still in my car. I was embarrassed when it happened but afterward I thought it was hilarious. I told my friend this yesterday and he said "Oh, Sara - you should keep that one to yourself." HA HA HA. He doesn't know me very well.

Not My Proudest of Moments

You know how when you go to wedding/baby showers you sometimes fill out an envelope with your mailing address on it and then they use it to mail you a Thank You card?

When I pull that envelope out of my mail box there is a SPLIT second where my brain thinks "Wow - whoever wrote that has the exact same handwriting as me."

Then I feel incredibly thankful no one was witness to such stupidity. Kind of like when you dream you are falling and you jerk yourself awake and then hope no one saw it happen? That.

.

Confession

I love my Kindle. I admit it. I love it.

When they first came out I scoffed at the thought. An electronic book? Ya right. I love books. I like how they feel. I like how they smell. I like the history and story that comes with an old novel. Used books or library books - who read them before me? Who loved this book before I did? I like passing by the books on my shelf and seeing the ones I love and remembering them with a smile.

The thought of laying outside in the sun reading something that requires batteries seemed ridiculous. Yet, even though I have one, the truth is I still think this. It IS ridiculous. Imagine not being able to finish reading something because you forgot to charge it the night before? I shake my head at the thought.

But when it came down to it - I chose convenience. It is small and slim and I can take it every where I go. The line-up at the grocery store is long? I whip out the kindle. It is just too easy. (Yes, you could do with this with real books, but I hate having tons of crap and weight in my purse, so I never would.) E-books are also much cheaper. And I've discovered "Kindle Shorts". Short stories that are usually $0.99. And the ultimate convenience? I never lose my page. Remember, I lose everything right?

I felt like a traitor wanting one but I came to the realization that choosing an electronic book didn't mean I had to give up real books. I could have both. I don't have to choose one over the other. I just have to choose the one that works best at the time.

Okay. Confession over. I feel better. Let's move on.

Favorite of the Day: Tonight I was witness to a kitten experience sight for the first time. I was there when he opened his eyes for the first time. Amazing. (More on the kittens coming soon).

Reading Rainbow

I haven't done one of these in awhile now. But I finally finished this book last night and I just loved it. I loved the character development, the story and the emotions it evoked.

The book is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, by Jonathan Safran Foer. This was recently made into a movie, which I have not seen. I probably won't as I'm almost always disappointed in those damn things. (Side note: My Sisters Keeper is the absolute most horrific example of a movie ruining a great book)

The main character is Oskar Schell - a young boy who lost his father in 9/11 and is on a quest to find the meaning behind a hidden key found in his father's closet after his death. The book is based on this quest - but through it, reveals the history of his family and the tragedies they endured. Oskar is a quirky boy and one of my favourite characters from a book in a long, long time. I wish he was real. I wish I could view the world through his eyes.

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

What is it about a talking shell with a baby voice? I can't figure it out, but it's cute. If you're not one of the 16 million people to have already viewed this - It is a sweet little way to start a chilly Saturday morning like today.

It was created by actress/comedian Jenny Slate and filmmaker/director Dean Fleischer-Camp.

Fun fact: Jenny Slate was the first actress to use the f-word on Saturday Night Live. I'm sure she doesn't want that to be her known legacy. Well, Marcel's video has had more views than that clip. That should make her feel pretty effin good.



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Porketta: A How To Guide

I mentioned Porketta Bingo in my last post. It was pretty hilarious. I figure most of you were jealous of this adventure, so I created a picture guide of how you too can win yourselves some pork.

STEP 1: Gather some friends. Head to the classiest establishment that would hold meat raffles. In our case, the Esquire.

STEP 2: Purchase some cards and your drink of choice.

STEP 3: Concentrate and focus. You need to listen for your cards to come up. This may be difficult with Boomer on the mic. There will be shouting and plenty of obscenities.

STEP 4: Match all your cards and yell out "PORKETTA!!!" Then make your way to butcher's station (formerly the dance floor). That's where you will receive your fresh, hot pork. Who doesn't want that?

STEP 5: Get your fingers dirty and dig in.

Favourite of the Day: I FINALLY have my own parking spot at work!! Doesn't sound exciting to most. But trust me - downtown parking is a nightmare. I've been on waiting lists for years. Years. Now, finally, my soccer mom car has a place to call home. It is delightful. (albeit expensive but worth every penny).

It's Always Nonsense In My Mind

Getting out of bed in the morning is torture. I set two alarm clocks on either side of the room and they go off within three minutes of each other. When I press snooze, they continue to go off in different intervals for often 30 minutes or more. It is absurd that I think sleeping in these 4 or 5 minute windows actually does anything for me. Let's not talk logic to 6am me. It's a waste of time.

As I lie there envisioning myself starting the day and carefully calculating how many more precious minutes I can stay in bed, I bribe myself. "If you get up now you can eat breakfast or pack a lunch." My favourite bribe, however, is "If you shower now, you can blow dry your hair while watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". (hilarious show, if you didn't know.)

The show airs every day from 6:30-7:00am and I turn on the closed captioning and watch it while the blow dryer hums. Sometimes at 7:00am, Cheers comes on.

Where am I going with all of this? I had an epiphany. A non-life changing epiphany that means very little. But it is this: Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman are the best celebrity couple of all time. They have mastered staying out of the limelight while being completely awesome.

Carry on.

Favourite of the Day: I'm going to Porketta Bingo at the Esquire today. Bingo in a scuzzy bar for bowls of meat with some girlfriends? Tell me a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Spunky Monkey

I donated blood today. (yah. I'm awesome.) I don't know if this is legible, but question #13 is my favourite part. It says:

"Have you, in your past or present job, taken care of or handled monkeys or their body fluids?"

It is physically impossible for me to answer without a smirk on my face. I don't know who gets to answer 'yes' to this question but I wish I could be there when they do.

"I'm sorry sir. We cannot accept your blood today, due to your previous encounters with monkey semen."

Favourite of the Day: Well this. and Dry Shampoo. I love it.

What time was it when I lost my mind?

At some point I became obsessed with clocks. Yes, clocks. Don't read that wrong. This problem snuck up on me for reasons I still do not understand. Reasons I can not explain.

I am a little bit embarrassed about this and for awhile I didn't tell anyone. But whatever. It's time, not heroin.

I need to have a clock in every room of my house. I feel comforted knowing I have access to one at all times. If I am somewhere without one I actually feel panicky. What is up with that? Seriously, when did I go crazy?

Both my kitchen and bathroom are rooms where I don't want to put a clock up on the wall, so instead I have small battery operated clocks 'hidden' in the cupboard. That way if I need to know the time, I can just peak in and see it.

I once bought one of those clocks that project the time on your ceiling. To wake up in the middle of the night and be able to see the time without moving is bliss. I had to get rid of it because the digital display was too bright and lit up my room. This made me crazy. In a bad way.

I recently started a new job and I was pretty excited to get a clock for my new desk. So I bought one only to find one of the digits didn't light up. So I bought a battery operated one and put that one up too. For a short time, I had them both on my desk. I didn't realize this time problem of mine was obvious to anyone else until this guy walked by the other day and said "Well, you got rid of one, that's good. What's up with you and clocks? You know the time is on your computer screen right?".

Yes. I know.

Two weeks ago I went to Windsor for the weekend. The clock in our hotel room did not work. Are you kidding me? I had to sleep with my cell phone within arms reach so that if I woke up during the night, I would be able to know what time it was. Guess who is going to travel with their own clock from now on?

The irony of all this is that I'm generally late for everything. Everything. For someone crazy about time - you'd think I'd learn to manage it better.

*Note: The picture posted above was taken from Pinterest. I love this clock and I want it badly.


Favourite of the Day: Everything. Loving work. Good food. Good friends. Good music. Being organized. Relaxing. I love life today.