Brown Eyed Girl Bex

On the move!

2009-10-03T07:31:00.003-04:00

You know when you have one of those months that once it's over you kinda think "what the hells was that?" Well peeps, that was my September! We all know how crazy fast the summer goes, and of course this year was certainly no different. Nao'r and I had a wonderful summer, making the most out of the time we get to spend with one another. Then September hits and BAM! all of a sudden, people are back from vacation and work picks up (even though it never actually slowed down for the summer), the weather starts to cool, and the days get shorter.

You expect September to come with changes... be it school starting, the aforementioned weather, and the like, but I was NOT expecting this!

So many great things happened for me in September!

It started off with a BANG with me getting the results from my French tests... Exempt in all levels- I NEVER HAVE TO DO THOSE TESTS AGAIN!!! however now everyone thinks I'm a translator... which I assure you, I only got by by the skin of my teeth, so i wouldn't trust my translation.

Then, I get asked to work on a super cool project with the Big Boss. Very very cool opportunity on a topic that's dear to my heart... YAY! Mind you it's in addition to my normal workload of course.

By mid September, I get to see U2... not once, but twice. Concert recaps to follow, I promise. I need to capture those precious moments somewhere. It was magical. Being there with nao'r for one of the shows, and being on the floor, not 20 feet from the stage for the other... MAGICAL!!!

And to finish off the month that was, it's been decided that as a result of nao'r's promotion and transfer, WE are buying a house. And WE are moving to Belleville. On Sept. 30th, WE applied for our pre-approved mortgage and WE are starting off October by going house shopping.

We are over the moon excited and giddy about this. I'm so lucky to have a supportive work environment that is allowing me to continue my job by working out of another location. Nao'r and I will FINALLY be in the same city for the first time in almost 2 and a half years (i.e. our entire relationship)... GEESH I hope Belleville's big enough for the both of us! haha

I'm excited to be in a small city/town again. Don't get me wrong, I love the friends I've made here, and luckily I'll still be working with them, so I'm not really leaving them, but Mississauga's urban jungle just wasn't for me. I always new it was temporary. And I've always known that nao'r was not. I'm just a small town girl at heart, that's why i loved O-town so much!

I'm excited to be able to have the time to commit to a dragon boat team again, not having to put that on hold to travel every weekend (mind you for a good reason).

I'm excited to decorate a house.

I'm excited to cook again (let's face it, me and frozen dinners have become good friends these last few years without a roommate). I'm pretty confident that I'll do the cooking, and nao'r will do the cleaning. I'm going to propose that considering he's very meticulous about the cleaning and I like the cooking. Yep, that will work. Look our first compromise (does it count even if he wasn't involved in it?).

Well that was September for ya! Stay tuned for house news!!!

It's a Beautiful Day!!!!

2009-09-15T20:49:00.003-04:00

Six months ago I wrote a U2 inspired post about the concert that I had to wait FOREVER for. It's tomorrow night. Oh yeah, AND its Thursday night. That's right, I'm going to two shows. I've missed the last two tours (not without trying of course) so I'm making up for it by going to two separate shows. 500 level for night one, floor for night two.

It is going to be a beautiful day. They're going to have the roof open at the Rogers Centre- which is totally cool.

I'm already setting myself up for not hearing Mysterious Ways. And I'll be ok with that.

I can't wait to for the show. It's gonna be my show. Hells YEAH!

This girl is gettin' on her boots and is going to go crazy tonight (and the night after).

random procrastination

2009-07-16T21:41:00.003-04:00

I need to clean, I need to finish a report, so I'm going to blog since I haven't done so in months. As with most "resurections" of blogging, I'm going to start back with a few random thoughs from my brain.

1. I don't understand why everyone is complaining about how cool it is... So we haven't had smog days, wouldn't you rather be able to breathe in some fresh air? I know, I know, we're Canadian, so we have every right to constantly complain about the weather...

2. I love the blackberry commercials promoting the new U2 tour... or the U2 commercials promoting the new blackberry... whatever way you look at it, all I see is my wonderful Bono singing... only 2 months to the day and I get to see him perform again!

3. What's with the old man hat syndrome going on around town...I'm talking kinda like a fedora, or a straw hat with a ribbon around it, worn by all sorts of men...

4. I really like the new BYP song I got a feeling... it makes me happy. I like how positive it is. Who wouldn't want to hear that before going out for a night. I think this would even a great first dance for a wedding... I'm just throwing it out there...

5. Anyone elese think this has been a really long week? Anyone even bother still reading my blog since i haven't updated it in forever? yeah I didn't think so....

one word answers

2009-05-11T19:52:00.003-04:00

1. Where is your cell phone? close
2. Your significant other? Nicholas
3. Your hair? Jorge
4. Your mother? friend
5. Your father? distant
6. Your favorite thing? sunshine
7. Your dream last night?
8. Your favorite drink? amaretto
9. Your dream/goal? happiness
10. What room you are in? living
11. Your hobby? blogging
12. Your fear? loneliness
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Nicholas
14. Where were you last night? Peterborough
16. Muffins? apple
17. Wish list item? Nicholas
18. Where you grew up? Kingsville
19. Last thing you did? typed
20. What are you wearing? comfies
21. Your TV? on
22. Your pets? Tiffer
23. Friends? comfort
24. Your life? crazy
25. Your mood? sleepy
26. Missing some one? Nicholas
27. Car? red
28. Something you're not wearing? socks
29. Your favorite store? stylesense
30. Your favorite color? green
33. When is the last time you laughed? work
34. Last time you cried? Sunday
35. Who will send this back? N/A
36. One place that I go to over and over? Gananoque
37. One person who emails me regularly? Nicholas
38.My favorite place to eat? milestones
39. Why you participated in this survey? blog
40. What are you doing tonight? chillaxing

Two years ago…

2009-04-07T20:03:00.001-04:00

… my world changed.

On this very day, two years ago, I opened my facebook account- which at that point was only a month or so old, and I had a message in my inbox from someone from my past.

Let’s recap shall we?

Easter 2007 fell around April 7.
I was still living in Ottawa.
I was starting to get homesick.
Facebook was a knew phenomenon that was sweeping over Canada.
Dragon Boat season was starting- my first and only with the Paddle Demons.
I was slowly recuperating from a severely sprained ankle.
I had just recently won my ipod with RUTRTW thanks to my daily trips to Tim’s at the Rideau Centre.
I decided to go home for Easter because I was getting homesick.
I was sad.

Then, in a serendipitous moment (props to Cathy for the word), I opened my facebook inbox to see a blast from the past. Facebook had already reconnected me with old friends and acquaintances, but none quite like this.

“Sweet merciful crap! if you don’t remember me; I wont be too heart broken...”

au contraire mon frere!

I remembered him of course, from sitting beside one another in Political Theory at U of O. He even used to walk me home from class.

And so began a couple of months of chatting and flirting via facebook, and two months less a day later, I smooched him and our relationship started. On facebook and for realsies.

Thanks for finding me on facebook darlin’…. who knew one little message would bring happiness to my heart the way you have.

I love ya captain.
xo

How do you know spring is here?

2009-04-07T19:15:00.001-04:00

1. It’s light out when I go to work.

2. There are geese EVERYWHERE!

3. When you get into your car, it’s warm from the sunshine.

4. The roads are all dusty from the sand/salt.

5. They removed the carpets from the elevators

6. The one of a kind craft show in the t.dot.

7. Weddings are only weeks away.

8. People are wearing brighter colours.

9. It’s light out when I leave work.

and….

10. It’s snowing :)

I’ve found what I’ve been looking for

2009-03-25T19:33:00.003-04:00

September 16, 2009. 7pm. Bono. Larry. Adam. The Edge. Bex.

Hells yeah peeps. I got me tickets. Not GREAT tix, but I’ll be there. No ifs, ands or Mysterious Ways about it. I hope there is no Electrical storm in September. I’m sure it will turn out to be a Beautiful Day. No Achtung will need to be issued Baby. I’ll be singin' with my Boy Bono.

This concert will be the Sweetest Thing and nobody better be a sourpuss Lemon at the show. I might Wear That Velvet Dress but I’ll for shizzle be Gettin’ On (my) Boots. U2’s music is like my Miracle Drug. I am now One Step Closer to Breathe-ing the same air as the man with the yellow glasses.

In A Little While I’ll Walk On up the stairs and rise to the 500 level Elevation to experience U2’s latest and greatest. That Dirty Day I may become Numb with excitement. I remember the First Time I saw them. October 31, 1997. Larry Mullen Jr.’s birthday. That was a big year for me. Lots of ish went down. U2 helped me realize that Some Days Are Better Than Others.

It’s So Cruel that I have to wait just shy of 6 months until the show. I mean Geesh! One month would be hard enough. I’m not going to leave until the lights are turned on and I’m forced to Exit to Where the Streets Have No Name.

Bono, although you think that a Woman Needs a Man Like Fish a Needs A Bicycle, I need your lyrics. I need your music. You’ve given me hope. I’m so glad that I don’t have to wonder about whether or not I have to live With Or Without You.

See you in a few months for the Magnificent show.

pre-st-patty's

2009-03-15T23:01:00.003-04:00

green. dancing. fun. old friends. new friends. lack of sleep. lots of music. an Irish princess. a green sequined bow tie. a blessing by st. patrick. a Guinness float from county dublin.

a beautiful walk down the middle of yonge street and a nap on sunday. dinner with mom. lots of water.

a good pre-st-patty's day weekend.

where i wish i could be for st. paddy’s

2009-03-12T22:27:00.001-04:00

Ok so I’m trying Windows Live Writer as the editor before posting… So far so good. So I’m trying this map feature. How fun is this! Here’s Paddy’s Pub in Gananoque. Our favourite little pub in Gan!

Paddy's Pub, across the bridge from where the boat will be kept this summer!

Alright… that’s it for now.

xoxo
Gan Girl

stuff

2009-03-10T21:09:00.004-04:00

1. Jen and Mike had their baby boy Cole Marshall on 03/06/09 (yep, 3-6-9 pretty neat eh?). I heart him. He's so cute. It's so weird that Jen is a mommy now. Jen and I got tattoos together and now she's a mom. w.e.i.r.d.

2. I went home this weekend to meet Cole and got to spend some time with my mini-me Bailey. We decided that we will spend a weekend together this summer just the two of us. I'm making my mom and/or sister drive her to London where I'll pick her up and spoil her for a weekend.

3. U2 is going on tour. They will be in Toronto on Sept. 16. I will be there, come hell or high water. I heart Bono.

4. It's no real secret that I have a crush on my hair stylist. I often say I'm in hair love. I realize that I also previously had a crush on my physio therapist. Both were Colombian and have Spanish accents. There's a guy on American Idol who's name is Jorge (coincidentally the same name as my hair love- and yes you have to say it with a Spanish accent every time). Ryan Seacrest just announced that he was signing next and now that I see him, I realize that he kinda looks like my Jorge. Yes I said "my" Jorge. Don't worry, Nao'r is well aware. He had a crush on his personal trainer. It's ok.

4.5 I need to go get a hair cut ;)

5. I have a crush on my orthodontist. He looks like Richard Gere and calls me Bex. I heart him.

6. I'm looking forward to the summer. We're changing marina's and the boat will now be downtown Gananoque- an 8 minute walk from Nao'r's house. This is excellent.

6.5 I wish there were more job opportunities in Kingston. Nao'r can pay the mortgage, I can buy us a boat. We'd be happy floating around on the St. Lawrence. I HEART NAO'R

7. Have you heard of "kicking the cat"? NO NOT LITTERALY! I hadn't heard the expression before until only recently. It's pretty much summed up to taking your frustrations out on an innocent being. Well peeps. Don't kick the cat (literally or figuratively). It's not healthy.

U2.com > News > Manhattan Diary

2009-03-04T20:13:00.001-05:00

U2.com > News > Manhattan Diary

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Mama

2009-03-04T04:28:00.004-05:00

March 3 was my mama's birthday. She turned 60. My mother is exactly 30 years, 9 months and 24 days older than me. We both have big birthdays this year. She turned 60 and I'll be 30.

Rarely does a day go by when I don't talk to her. This started when I left for university. I figured, heck, if I stayed home and went to university I'd talk to her everyday, why am I going to stop just because I live down the 401 rather than down the hall?

My mom is an incredible woman. A teacher by trade for 40 years now (yes she's retired, but she's still supply teaching), she has been the best teacher I could have asked for.

She has had to deal with lots of crap. As a teacher, a parent, a woman. 11 years ago was a shitty time for the family and quite frankly I don't know how she got through it with such grace and dignity. Within a year; her husband of 28 years left, her mother died, she had to sell both the house she grew up in and the house she raised her kids in, start a new life in a new home and ship me off to university 8 hours away (ok that last part was me). My mother was a rock. Oh sure she had her rough days, she was human, but she was and is the strongest woman I know.

I remember the day I got in to the U of O. I had already been accepted to Western and Queen's... but without even having made my decision really, or having a conversation that I can remember, we both just knew Ottawa was where I needed to be. Acceptance letters came around the time that my grandma was in the hospital. Mom was picking up my brother and I from school almost daily to go to the hospital to visit. On this day, mom had stopped off at home first, and happened to check the mail. I remember that I was in another classroom than I normally am at that time, and mom, personally knowing the teachers/office staff of my school, ended up getting them to do an all-school announcement for me to come down to the office. I go down the atrium stairs and there standing through the glass walls of the office, is my mom waving the big envelope that I knew was from the U of O. The decision had been made with a big hug.

A couple of years ago I got really homesick. I went home for a long weekend, and when it was time to head back to Ottawa, it was the only time that I left my mom's house in tears. I was done in Ottawa. My mother (who at the time I think had my brother living at home with her, or my sister and niece had just moved in) said to me "If you need to come home, I'll call the movers. I'll come and get you and you'll be home". No mention of where I'd work or what I'd do. She was there for me.

She knows how I'm doing as soon as I pick up the phone, even if I haven't said a word yet. And I know the same of her. She loves me for my pack-rattish ways the same way she loved me for the procrastinating ways with my homework during school. She never got mad at me for a bad mark (i.e. less than an A in my mind) because she knew I was harder on myself than I needed to be.

If and when I need her, she drops what she's doing to be with me. She is the ultimate mother who will help her children with whatever they need. She doesn't coddle us, but she is there for us. She supported me when I did my highland dancing, and didn't force me to stay in it when at the age of 8 I said I was done. She came to every baseball game I had, and still does come to watch when she's visiting me and I have a game scheduled- and then comes out with my team after for drinks.

She's in a bowling league, supply teaches, helps out with girl guide camps and goes on group bus trips. She went to Europe last year for the first time. I was so excited for her and loved how although I wasn't there with her, I could share it with her having already been to some of the same places.

She helps raise my niece and takes care of her former in-laws (my grandparents) who live 5 minutes away from her in a nursing home, by visiting, taking them out for errands, meals and bringing them groceries.

My mom holds the biggest part of my heart. She's my best friend.

Happy birthday mama. I love you.

I have to wait another two days???

2009-03-03T18:43:00.003-05:00

seriously, all I wanted was the new U2 set. But no. I have to wait until March 5 when the whole complete package comes out. I could have bought the CD for 12.99 but then I'd be buying the whole thin in two days. Obviously not economical.

Now what makes matters worth is that the guy at hmv told me that they were already in the back, and not priced yet, but they were there and they couldn't sell them until the 5th.

boo urns.

guess I'll just have to rely on David Letterman until Thursday...

and bloggy peeps, you know I'll be asking for your help when it comes time to buy tickets for their upcoming tour....

the grass is showing...

2009-02-26T20:12:00.003-05:00

Ok so this week, the weather here in the 'saug has been warming up (don't worry, it's going to be friggin cold this weekend), but it's been lovely temp to walk to work. So much so, that the sun is warming up and I almost broke into a sweat on my way. But I digress.

With the sun, comes the melting of the snow. With the melting of the snow comes the showing of the grass. The grass showing remind me that spring is coming.

Spring. Green (ahem, favourite colour). Sunshine (love it).

Mating season for birds and other animals: SCARY AS HELL.

Yes, walking to work this morning, made my heart pump a little faster, and not out of excitment; out of shear FEAR of the evil Canada Goose during mating season. I'm so not looking forward to it.

Spring is coming... LOOKOUT!!!

UPDATED: The geese are BACK. I saw them, at the corner on the grass. There were four of them. And I heard them flying overhead this morning. They woke me up. This is so not good.

neighbourly sounds

2009-02-24T19:06:00.003-05:00

Occasionally I hear what sounds like a marble or two dropping on the floor.

Sometimes I hear the sirens of the fire trucks as they go by, and the sound so the transit bus lowering to assist a passenger to get on.

I don't hear the elevators like I used to when I lived in my apartment in O-town.

Nor do i hear people talking (unless they're on their balcony)

I've heard a drill go off at 10pm (again on the balcony)

But tonight, I'm sitting in the "silence" of my condo, listening to a neighbour practising the saxophone.

I think it's my neighbour from above (the one with the marbles), but it could be the one to the left of me.

All I know is that I love the sweet sound of music... it's like my own private concert!

Well I love it right now... so help me if they are playing when I'm trying to dose off into lala land! oh who am I kidding, I can fall asleep to music too (I do love my sleep!)

new look, new me...

2009-02-23T23:08:00.002-05:00

well I thought I'd change things up a bit. Still green (of course) but a little less in your face.

I've been slacking severely in the blogging department, and thought a new look would re-motivate me... kinda the way a new hair cut/colour makes me feel.

So yeah, I'm baaaaacccckkkk did you miss me? Well it's ok if you didn't, the important thing is I missed you and blogging, so it's back in my life and I hope you will be too...

talk to you soon peeps...

It's that time of year again!

2009-02-23T17:14:00.004-05:00

You know what I'm talking about....

Spring is almost here! How do I know???

1. It's February 23, according to the calendar, it's less than a month away.
2. The days are getting longer.
3. The sun is getting warmer.

And...

4. Those magical red cups with the big yellow arrow are being carried around by coffee addicts everywhere.

That's right kids:

TIM HORTON'S ROLL UP THE RIM TO WIN IS BACK!!!!

Now I don't have that same "this is my year", but that goes with the fact that my current situation doesn't include a daily run to Timmy's. BUT... the hope is still there.... it may not be as great as 2007, but you never know!

because i promised you a poem...

2009-02-17T18:36:00.004-05:00

mark is my friend
and he will be till the end
we try to go out for beer
when I'm in Ottawa and we are near
mark is a newf
and sometimes he thinks i'm a goof
he's pretty darn cool
and makes some girls drool
some think he's a stud
but to me, he's my bud
mark i wish you happiness and joy
cuz you're a pretty neat boy

xo

Mitten Karma

2008-12-08T17:03:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year folks... the hustle and bustle of walking through crowded malls, and packed into busy public transportation. Tis' the season of bundling up outside and needing to peel the layers off once you set foot through the door.

To ensure you get on Santa's good list, don't forget to take in the spirit of the season and be extra nice and holding doors open for people, let those carrying many packages the option of the only seat left on the bus, and when you see someone has dropped a mitten or toque, pick it up and let them know!

I was on the train yesterday coming back to Mississauga from Gananoque, and while getting off the train I noticed the gal who sat next to me left a mitten behind. I picked it up and let her know she had left it behind. Her soon to be cold hands were appreciative.

When i went onto the Go train, the conductor asked if someone had dropped a glove. i turn around, and sure enough it was mine. Not 1 hour after I had done the same for another.

If you can't be nice out of the goodness of your heart, or the fear of being on the wrong side of Santa's list, then surely do it for the good mitten karma that would be coming your way.

Props to a friend!

2008-12-03T21:11:00.003-05:00

My friend KERRY is moving to A NEW JOB NEXT MONTH. KERRY is the person I wish I could be: confident, outgoing, emotionally secure, and very professional in a work environment. Everyone knows KERRY because she's fun and she knows what she's doing. KERRY even leaves her DOOR OPEN at work every once in a while to see her colleagues who NEED HER ADVICE, all in the name of promoting colleagial relations. KERRY is also a risk taker, in the best type of way.

A YEAR ago, KERRY HELPED ME WITH THE DECISION about a job opportunity in Toronto. SHE thought it was a temporary thing, BUT I NEEDED A REAL CHANGE. WORKING FOR HER is what I'd give my right arm for, because working WITH KERRY is huge for your federal government career. But no, WORKING FOR KERRY WASN'T IN THE CARDS, SO I LEARNED AS MUCH AS I COULD BY WORKING WITH HER. SHE STILL LIVES IN a city which seems to REJUVINATE my soul every time I fly into its airport OR DRIVE INTO ITS CITY LIMITS. To live in Mississauga IS NOT THE SAME AS OTTAWA. KERRY UNDERSTOOD THAT. OTTAWA IS a city I CHERISH even when I live in Toronto BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE KERRY.

I told KERRY there was no way in hell I'd PASS UP AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR HER, BUT I TOLD HER I HAD TO take THIS risk, leave my OTTAWA job for one that required a huge learning curve and a higher cost of living, but with no pay raise. What if I didn't like it?

KERRY is way cooler than I am. She HAS BEEN ON SO MANY ADVENTURES I WISH I HAD THE COURAGE TO DO. EVERYONE LOVES KERRY UP there, ESPECIALLY HER peeps. SHE LISTENED WHEN I TOLD HER ABOUT THE AFTERMATH OF lookING for an apartment, and SUPPORTED ME WHEN I TOLD HER I took the job. She HELPED ME MAKE MY lists and BELIEVED I DID THE RIGHT THING WHEN I went with MY gut on this decision.

KERRY is the person I wish I was, and the person I HOPE to be.

KERRY, I'm going to miss you, as are a whole lot of other people I'm sure. I want you to know that I respect your decision, and I'm excited for you. This is gonna be good for you and your career. And I want you to know, you're way cooler than me :o)

*note: this post was co-written by Ms. Kerry herself. She likely doesn't remember, but I will never forget the words she wrote about me when I made my decision to leave Ottawa in October 2007. Kerry has a way with words that I only wish I could. So I took her post, edited it a bit and made it apply to the current situation at hand - my edits are in CAPS, Kerry's are in the normal sentence font.

Kerry is the type of manager I hope to be when I grow up. She's accomplished so much in her short carreer, and should be damn proud of herself. Strut your stuff Ker. You'll drop it like it's hott over there, and rest assured, you're leaving a legacy behind.

We have all learned from your leadership and your passion and have benefited from knowing you as a colleague, a leader, a friend.

You've inspired people.

You inspire me.

countdown is on!

2008-11-25T21:42:00.003-05:00

One month from now, the brunch will be over, the stockings hung and taken down, presents unwrapped, hugs shared and turkey eaten.

Snow has fallen here in the 'saug and still remains in a few spots despite the fact that we've had milder days. Ever morning i check the weather to help with the decision of which coat, scarf and hat combo will keep me warmest on my jaunt to work. Well that and weather or not my oh so cute polk-a-dot rain boots will be required to keep my little tootsies warm and dry.

ok so I'm about 90% done my Christmas shopping and presents are already wrapped and under my palm tree (yes you read right). I'm actually debating even putting my Christmas tree up. Maybe I'll just hang the decorations on the palms.... I don't know. Something in me just doesn't think the Christmas tree needs to go up this year. Then again, it's not December 1st yet, the usual date for me to begin decorating.

So have you started making your lists? Checking them twice?

told ya we were hockeyville!

2008-11-06T20:42:00.002-05:00

Only in a hockeyville does the zamboni driver get charged with drinking and icing!

This gal just couldn't wait for her vodka on ice... so she had vodka while on the ice! How redonculous is that?????? check the news stories... we made it across Canada and even down in the golden state of Cali!

we made the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-random4-2008nov04,0,203752.story

the National Post: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2008/10/31/ont-zamboni-driver-charged-for-driving-drunk-at-arena.aspx

The Toronto Star:
http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/528761

In one year...

2008-11-05T20:04:00.003-05:00

I've tried
I've cried
I've cheered
I've succeeded
I've learned
I've grown

It's been a year. Can you believe it?

One year ago I moved from Ottawa to the urban jungle aka Mississauga. At work today, I thanked my colleagues and my boss for this past year. I thought about how crazy quick it's felt like, but also thought about how it feels like I've worked with this team for ages.

Do I still have a lot to learn? Hells yeah, but that's the point of working isn't it? Well that and bringing home the bacon. But seriously. When you don't feel growth, either personal or professional, you need to look for not only the reasons why, but how you can create an environment where opportunities can flourish.

Thanks to everyone who's supported me over these last twelve months. I appreciate the words of encouragement, the smiles of support and your hugs of love that have been a part of my journey.

Here's to another great year.

and so this is Christmas...

2008-11-03T18:52:00.002-05:00

... and what have you done?

Ok so Christmas is officially on its way. Costco has Christmas stuff all out, and I just saw the first (and second) Christmas commercials of the season. And neither of them were hershey kisses playing jingle bells, or a commercial for a chia pet or the clapper. Yep good times.

Well at least capitalism waited until after hallowe'en this year! I just can't stand when consumerism doesn't let you enjoy each holiday on their own.

Seriously, Christmas is officially 1 month and 22 days away.

Are you ready for the festive season to begin?

bust-a-move

2008-07-17T21:04:00.002-04:00

or a foot in my case. yep it's for real. A stress fracture. Don't know what caused it. Not much else to say. Can't do much about it. just keep resting it and lay off the baseball and other impact stuff.

summer lovin'

2008-07-16T20:59:00.002-04:00

you know what I love about summer?

It's unpredeictable! Well, its planned unpredictability. I think now weekends are pretty much booked till the end of august. Fine by me considering I'm booked to spend some great times with good friends.

A trip to wonderland with my niece, a concert with Jack Johnson, a weekend walking the planks with pirates, a week off roaming the high seas (i.e. river) with nao'r and a trip to MTL and O-town.

Think I can manage my planned unpredictable summer with a bum foot? Yep remember how just sentences ago I said I like unpredictability? yeah how's a super injured foot that either has a stress fracture or just a big blotch in it... I saw my bone scan as it was happening. There is a white spot right where I'm sore, and the doctor will tell me tomorrow what it is and the course of action... or inaction...

so in the meantime, no planned baseball, or planned booty camp, but move over for planned rest and reading.

pretty sure i can find a beach or two around here to do that too... ahh who am I kidding, summer still rox!

what a weekend!

2008-07-09T20:30:00.005-04:00

1. why don't they make smaller jars of pasta sauce? I don't need a big jar. they make various sizes of mayo and peanut butter and even cheez whiz, why not tomato sauce?

2. I think U2's next album will be coming out soon. And I think they'll go on tour. I know neither of these for sure. It's a gut feeling. Only because I heard them twice today. Once in the grocery store and once in Sears.

3. My foot is sore. I hate being a gimp. I walk slow enough with my stumpy legs on a good day, let alone when I have a limp. Not fun. Not in the summer when I should be playing softball and enjoying walking outdoors. Good thing I'm not DB'ing I wouldn't be able drive off my leg.

4. "abso-bloddy-lutely". What a great word. Not nearly as good as Mr. Big's "abso-f'ing-lutely" but great anyway!

5. Nao'r's on vacation. I'm not on vacation. Nuff said.

6. I want to travel- and I want to travel to Europe. mom's heading there for two weeks- leaving on Friday. I want to go so bad.... I'm so excited for her- she's never been and she's going to have a great time! I'm kinda jealous. A lot.

7. I'm going home this weekend to go see my munchkin be a baton twirler in a parade. She's so cute. I can't wait.

8. I'm getting O-town home-sick. I miss that place. I miss the peeps. One of my peeps Robin came to visit me this weekend for a girls weekend. We had a blast drinking wine, shopping on Quuen West, drinking sangria, eating greek food and drinking wine (notice a theme?). We had ana amazing time just walking and talking and lauging- well I was limping, but still, she was a good sport and agreed to rest a time or two. Funny though how it stopped hurting the second we spotted the sale signs. The weekend was so successful Robin even tried on some wedding dresses and I found my pirate weekend costume. SUCCESS indeed!

told you there was wine... On Danforth, Greektown

tired after a day of shopping- on our way home ...but we couldn't resist the view. perhaps we should
have tried a self portrait for this, and not the timer feature...

Thanks for a great weekend Rob- I miss ya tonnes.... xoxo

is summer finally here?

2008-06-26T20:51:00.002-04:00

Ok it was a hot and sticky and humid day. Risk of thunderstorms are a daily occurance around here.

ok i'm stumped- why am I stumped? The weather...I'm writing about the weather. Why am I having writer's block? I haven't blogged in ages and i can't come up with a single. word. to. type.

but I'm going to type because I'm a blogger. Blogger's type.

ok I'm going to give up for now... stay tuned, I promise I'll have more soon.

Hi, nice to meet you!

2008-06-23T20:58:00.007-04:00

Hi there,

My name is Bex and I'm a bad blogger.

Admitting it is half the battle right?

I mean seriously...almost two months? Who does that... well, in one word... ME!

For the love of Pete! (who is pete anyway?), I have no idea where the first half of 2008 has gone...

I've travelled to a couple of countries, a province or two and several cities. Some for work, some with my bestest bff and of course some with my darlin' nao'r.

Life in the GTA is going well. Does it feel like home? Not really... I mean half the time I'm not home, or so it feels. This weekend nao'r's sister asked me how my apartment was and if it felt like home. I answered a very easy "No not really". I mean how can I? I'm working more and harder than I ever have... now that the summer's here, I'm out most nights either playing softball or working out, and then on the weekends, I make my way to my second home- Gananoque, to spend time with nao'r.

Of course I'm taking time for myself... I don't do anything I don't want to. That said, I will take any chance I get to spend time with my nao'r. We're limited that way- we don't always know if we'll see each other every weekend... our time together is precious... we try not to take any of it for granted. Crazy to believe that in my blogging hiatus nao'r and I celebrated our anniversary- it's kinda nuts how fast the best year of my life has gone by. He's taught me so much about myself, about love, trust, honesty, life and of course how i can't imagine my life without him. He's an incredible man and I kinda like him... yep I'm one locky gal!

Many friends of mine are hatching offspring lately... I can't wait to meet all the newest additions to the family. A trip to Ottawa is so needed soon... so is a trip home. My friends are incredibly beautiful, strong women, and I couldn't be happier for them, nor could I be more certain that they will be absolutely amazing mothers...

Ok what the heck is up with this weather- I'm just about done with the potential rain every.single.day. The pressure headaches aren't so great either...enough to drive me crazy.

Geese continue to scare the bajeezus out of me. Seriously. This weekend in the Patch, we were in the boat,a long the trent-severn canal and lo and behold there were geese lining the canal... and I mean there was seriously over a hundred of them... new ones, old ones, all sorts, and people were just walking around, lying there sunbathing while the geese wondered around... I was scared for them- the ppl not the geese.

I know, that was rather random... but hey so am I...

peace out peeps... and cheers to more blogging

no geese in Punta Cana...

2008-05-02T17:33:00.001-04:00

but there are flamingos and pelicans and peacocks oh my... roaming the grounds. Freely. And nesting... you know how I feel about nesting birds. And did you know peacocks cry? like a screaching cry- far worse than any geese honk. And they somehow kinda fly- like in a way that I saw them on a balcony of somebody's room on the second floor of a villa. And I've seen them in trees.

getting a tan, chilaxin' lots... Vacation ROCKS!

nuff said for now. See you Monday...

seriously bad blogging etiquette!

2008-04-26T09:47:00.002-04:00

ok so what is up with the no blogging lately? GEESH!!!!

Maybe the goose got to me! HA!

well I have seen the geese again, but no attacking THANK GOODNESS- but I swear they are after me!

Lots has been going on! Let's have a bit of a catch up, shall we?

I've been up to Ottawa for a weekend of good times with Nao'r, going to the Ottawa Gala, having a phenomenal evening! Great times!!!! Even ran into a few familiar faces there!!!

I've been home for a baby shower for one of my great friends who is having her baby in June. I'm so excited for her.

Also- big shout out to birthdays lately! geesh there's been a few- Ker, Robin, Lisa, and not to mention a new arrival joining the world any day now for Chris and Bryan!

Tomorrow my bff and I are heading to Punta Cana for her sister's wedding- what an amazing time we're going to have! OH. MY. GOODNESS. I'm so excited!!!! I can't wait!

And btw- anyone else here U2 are back in the STUDIO!!!! WWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

ok peeps, I hope to get into a better blogging habit once I'm back from vaca... I'll certainly be posting some pics!!!!

later bloggy peeps!

The goose is on the loose!!!

2008-04-10T18:22:00.002-04:00

It's spring. Finally! So yours truly is more often then not using two feet and a heartbeat to make her way to the office. Ah the joys of living 4 blocks from work. Or. So. I. Thought.

This morning, I woke up with an extra spring in my step. Tonight, I'll be making my way to Gananoque for a long weekend with my nao'r whom I haven't seen in three weeks.

And it's sunny. A lovely day indeed.

Now it must be said, i don't have the most serene of walks to work- I mean I do walk along Hurontario, aka Hwy 10, where no one would ever dare jaywalk considering it's 5 lanes wide in it's narrowest part. I happen to walk along is widest parts where it's 10 lanes...and at the corner of a major intersection in Mississauga.

So I'm walking along Hurontario, and I've just passed said major intersection. I can see my condo behind me and my office building ahead. I've just hung up the phone with nao'r, and am already jotting my mental to do list in my head for when I get to my desk and after the first sip of coffee has been ingested.

When all of a sudden I'm attacked by a goose.

(yep you read right)

A Canadian goose.

Attacked me.

(go ahead, laugh... I'll wait)

Twice.

It charged. It hissed. It honked. It flew.

(done lauging?? if you think so, keep reading for the full story)

There I am, minding my own business, walking to work, and out of the corner of my left eye, I see the goose. My he's getting quite close. Oh dear. He's coming. He's hissing. He's ATTACKING!!!

I squeel like the girl that I am. Duck for cover (no pun intended), and start half walking/half running, flailling about in the most ungraceful way along the. busiest. street. in. Mississauga.

Sensing my fear the goose thinks he hasn't had enough of me, so he tries some more. What the hell am I going to do? I can't very well cross the street! Thinking I'm a little safer closer to cars, I do go in that direction, but he keeps coming after me! Luckily for me, my knight in shiney jogging suit arrives with broom in tow and helps out this damsel in distress. He comes from the parking lot above and shoos the bird away while signaling to me to get on my way. (I also kinda think he's taped this whole fiasco and will submit it for America's funniest home videos- if only Ahston Kutcher had jumped out saying I was being punk'd!)

I don't know whether to laugh or cry so I do a little bit of both. Then I call nao'r who doesn't believe me and tells me it was likely a pigeon. He also reminds me- "uh honey, aren't you from the town of geese?"- referring to Jack Miner's Bird Sanctuary- I reply back something to the affect, of the goose having the nerve to attack one of it's own (sorta not really)! For crying out loud, our town has a Migration Festival every year for these birds!!! aside: For an intersting article from Time Magazine on Jack Miner- click here

I get to work and no one is around. First thing in the morning it's usually quite busy at the office with the two bosses having morning meetings that they need to prep for. So I surely couldn't share my story with them at this particular time. Then I realize two of my colleagues whom I know would laugh along (not at) me, were working elsewhere this a.m. so I couldn't share my horror with anyone! I emailed them and quickly received calls, where of course as soon as I answered, I hear laughter on the other end and know it's one of them.

Some suggested perhaps it was because it's mating season- I mean i was wearing grey pants and a black jacket- and did look quite cute if I do say so myself!

It was only when I called Mississauga Animal Services (where I could hardly tell them my story without laughing) that the Dispatch lady said that there's nothing they can do about the goose, he's nesting and they can't touch them. I'd have to call the Ministry of Natural Resources if I wanted anything to happen- but the Canada Goose is a protected species.

The goose apparently has more rights then me... I'm so glad I don't have to walk to work till next Tuesday!

BOO-URNS!

2008-04-08T19:44:00.003-04:00

Ok so Kingsville did not win as hockeyville... but we came close- only lost by 700K votes!

thanks to all my bloggy peeps who voted for my little town!!! we were close!

On a positive note, I FINALLY won something with roll up the rim to win! a coffee!! WOOHOO!!!!

Kingsville needs your votes!!!

2008-03-30T21:59:00.004-04:00

edited to add: check out the video for "Kingsville is Hockeyville" by Jen Knight that CBC aired on March 17th!

Ok bloggy peeps- we did it- Kingsville made the top 5 for CBC's Kraft Hokceyville 2008!!! And from now until April 4, we need to keep those votes coming in to officially give Canada's most southern town the title it rightfully deserves! I posted a while back about Kingsville making it in the top 10... and now we're on the road to number 1!

CBC did a great job highlighting our town through the course of this series- including hosting parts of hockey night in Canada with hosts Kelly Hrudy and Scott Oakes hanging out around town stompin' on some grapes at Pelee Island Winery and dropping the puck at the "centre ice" that was painted in the middle of the four corners of our Main and Division streets.

Kingsville rocks peeps... it's the best town in Canada! Thanks for your help in getting my town so far in this series- now let's keep it going!

Vote here peeps- and VOTE OFTEN!!!!! GO KINGSVILLE GO!!!
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockeyville/?lang=en

recap of last three weeks

2008-03-16T22:04:00.008-04:00

Oh dear goodness- I'm so exhausted after the last few weeks. When you read this recap, you'll here why...

1. I went to Ottawa for a few days for work. Great time at work, and GREAT time with friends. Made me realize how much I love that City and the people in it. I loved my visits with my friends and their babies (one still in the womb), friends off to far off lands, and those who just returned. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that Ottawa's snow is not like anything I've EVER experienced there! my heart goes out to my O-town peeps. My time there certainly made me realize that Ottawa's my comfort zone. But Mississauga is now home.

2. Mom, sis and niece came up for the first weekend of March break. Aunt Becky played tour guide, going up the CN tower, heading to the Ontario Science Centre and of course a trip to see the Dinosaurs at the ROM. Can't forget the countless times to the hotel swimming pool with Bailey to keep me busy!!! Now this was the same weekend that last year, resulted with my sprained ankle. And last year, the Ottawa Senators were staying at the hotel- this year, it was the Philadelphia Flyers. Perhaps Bon Jovi stayed there, but there was never any proof. Kristi had a great time at the concert Monday night, and all left on the train Tuesday. A lovely weekend for all.

3. Thursday night, I went to see Bon Jovi at the ACC. This man is beautiful. And holy cow can he, richie, david and tico still rock! Thanks to my friend Joanna, we had seats to the left of the stage, right beside the ramp. Jon himself even reached out and touched our hands... I don't think Jo's stopped smiling yet from that one.

the view from our seats!

4. Friday night, while waiting for nao'r to get to the 'saug on the train, I went to check out my cousin Andrew's game against the St. Mike's Majors. I got there in time to hear them announce his assist, and in time to see his goal! Great job buddy!

5. nao'r and I hung around Toronto for our St. Patty's weekend- including scoring some cheap t-shirts at Old Navy for the occasion, going to one of the best Irish pubs in the GTA for the night's events, and of course taking in the Parade. Here we are waiting for it to start.

We also ran into a familiar face while waiting there on Yonge St. Sara and her friend Kristy- who nao'r knows from work were there in their car!!!

The other way cool thing we did after the parade, was stumble on the movie set of Max Payne staring Mark Wahlberg- we didn't see him, but we saw how they transformed Toronto to New York, complete with a police station and NYC cabs!

What a great weekend... with my great Irishman!

Yep- I'm pooped...and still winless with Tim Horton's RUTRTW

its bbbbaaaaaccckkkkkk

2008-03-01T10:37:00.002-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

it's March 1st today, which also means its RRRRRRRRrrooooooooolllllll up the rim to win! Now here's the deal. I don't drink Tim Horton's coffee nearly as much as I did this time around last year... well i do, but i make it at home- and I don't have the special cups that give me things. So while last year I had that "feeling" I was going to win- and I did, well lets just say if I win anything this time around it will be a miracle. You see, I don't have a Timmie's on my short jaunt to work in the morning, so access isn't the greatest. That said, my old 'hood Timmie's at the Rideau Centre will be seeing my face Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of next week when I'll be in O-town for some training. The one coffee I had so far I was asked to play again! Sure will every chance I get!!!

Kingsville is Hockeyville

2008-02-17T20:48:00.005-05:00

Ok not officially yet, but Kingsville is one of the top ten finalists for CBC's Kraft Hockeyville 2008. (ok so I linked you right to the Kingsville Arena's page so you can vote directly- and go ahead, check out the video that was shown on CBC, and read some of the over 150 stories that my fellow Kingsville-ites shared!- did I mention we have a facebook group of over 1200 people too?) Come on peeps, this is my hometown- if you love me, you'll take the time to click on the link and vote. My town is the greatest town of them all- Canada's most southern town (not joking), it is on the north shore of Lake Erie, on the same paralell as northern California, home to Pelee Island Winery and the birthplace of yours truly.

While my family wasn't a hockey family, we did spend a lot of time at the arena. The baseball diamonds we played at all summer long are part of the arena complex. And throughout the winter months, every Sunday at 2pm we brought our skates, got them sharpened and headed off to the rink Public skating. Plans were always made after Church let out, when the inevitable question was always asked: "are you going skating today" the 2pm public skate was the happening place to be! And seeing as it was a 3 minute drive from my house (not much was more than 3 minutes from the house come to think of it), public skating was awesome- nothing like skating around in circles for an hour and a half.

While typing this post, I was able to catch the hockeyville special on CBC thanks to time-shift. On todays show, the top ten towns were announced selected from over 1100 entries submitted nationally. I waited until the last five minutes to see Kingsville- it was the last town profiled... which mom is convinced means it was the judges top pick and that they saved the best for last. And I tell ya, after just being there this weekend for a wedding shower, and now sitting in the 'Saug, I've got goose-bumps and chills with a tear in my eye. Our mayor spoke very well, and mentioned how he met his wife at the arena as he would cover the Kingsville Comets games as a reporter for our beloved town newspaper the Kingsville Reporter (affectionally referred to as the "Ripsnorter"), and how his now wife sang the national anthems at every game as she still does to this day.

Kingsville is a great town- we have the spirit of a wonderful, close-knit community; the town I know that I can always go home to.

Come on bloggy-peeps, my home-town needs ya! Vote for us! Kingsville IS Hockeyville!

what a great U2 concert!

2008-02-10T20:40:00.000-05:00

It's absolutely no secret at all that I love U2. I've loved them for a very long time... well you know, not since their beginning, but for as long as I can remember- I think it really started for me with Mysterious Ways, then to With or Without you. Really, those are my two all-time favourites (so much so that MW is my ring tone on my cell phone). I've been to one concert - the PopMart tour in 1997. It was a truly life-altering experience seeing them at the Silverdome in Detroit. It was drummer Larry Mullen's birthday, October 31st. Smash Mouth opened for them. Of course I tried to get tickets to the following shows, but was never able to snag tix despite trying with 2 cell phones, two land lines and two computers- but I'm not bitter (much).

How was it that I saw them in concert this weekend? Well let's give some context:

This weekend, despite working all day Saturday, nao'r took the train saturday night from Kingston, took me out for dinner at KitKat and drinks at Joe Mamas, both in the Entertainment district of the T-dot and then sprung for a night at a hotel so we didn't have to make the trek back to the 'saug. He called it my St. Valentine's weekend - since the day itself falls in the middle of this-coming week. He's now already back in Gananoque, having jumped aboard the 6:30pm train back today... A very short but sweet trip for sure.

This morning, after dropping off our bags for safe keeping, and after having some lunch we decided to go and watch a movie- a relatively normal, couple-like thing to do right? Thing is, I don't think we have ever gone to see a movie together... I mean our visits together are short enough as is, spending 2+ hours in a movie theatre, not talking just seems wrong... but, it was frig'n cold out with a windchill of 30 below, so walking around the T-dot just wasn't in the cards. We made our way to the huge Scotiabank Theatre back in the Entertainment District to see what was playing. As soon as we walked in, I went nuts- there it was, screening on the IMAX in less then 45 minutes from the time we walked in the door. The movie that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to great reviews: U23D

For the low price of $13 each including the use of the ~~fashionable~~ 3D glasses, nao'r and I sat smack in the middle of the theatre, thanx to my desire to go ~~grab seats~~ stand in line 30 minutes before the show. A word about these glasses- let's just say there were to kinds, ones for normal folk, and ones for those who where glasses- they were large enough to fit over people's glasses - this four-eyed girl was lucky!

Ok I like how I'm 4 paragraphs down and i haven't even typed a word about the show! Well, let me say this about that:

A. M. A. Z. I. N. G.

Oh. my. word. From the opening with Vertigo to ending with With or Without you and then through the end of the credits, the glasses were on, and Bono and the gang were closer to me then I ever thought would be possible... It gave every fiber of my being not to get up and dance throughout the show. And I wasn't the only one in the packed theatre wishing there was a dance floor! Nao'r was a good sport, I think he was holding my hand not out of love, but to keep my chair dancing from getting out of control! My feet were going, my head was bobbing, my fingers tapping... I caught myself singing a couple of times, but managed to lip-sync for the most part. Did I mention it was amazing? I swear, even at the end, I was whispering for an encore along with the crowd. The hour and a half show was non-stop music, with the usual political statements that Bono is known and loved for...

It was unbelievable how it was filmed, all sorts of different angles, from on stage with the band, to being in the crowd with other concert-goers arms waving in front of you, as if you were there with them! I really can't describe to you how phenomenal it was. And how lucky I am to have seen it- all by chance! It doesn't even open in most of the US, UK and Ireland until Feb 22!

Nao'r is a trooper- not many men would bring their girlfriend to sit and gawk at another man whom she has admitted her love for. But hey- considering I have many years ahead of me of walking through a boat show or ~~a thousand~~ two, the least he could do is sit by my side during an hour and a half movie of U2...

U23D was an experience. The ultimate U2 experience. I think the only thing better than this movie: Have U2 go on tour again so I can go to an actual concert (maybe I'll get that for next St. Valentine's Day)

btw- for a snippet of the show, check out the widget at the bottom of the page

what a week/weekend!

2008-02-03T20:43:00.000-05:00

Mom came for a visit this week... well sorta- she came up to the GTA for some meetings, I just happened to live here now, so we were able to squeeze in a nice short visit. I made dinner for her tuesday night, (ok left overs of the yummy stuffed peppers I made for nao'r last weekend, but hey it was DELICIOUS!) Then she was off to her meetings, but we met up again on Wednesday as my lil' cuz Andrew and his Niagara Ice Dogs came in to the 'Saug to play the St. Mikes' Majors. Andrew did not dissapoint!!! 2 goals and 2 assists (although they apparently took away one of the assists later). He had an amazing game, it was so great to see him in action!!!

Thanks to mother nature, mom didn't join me again till Saturday as the roads were just TRETUROUS with the storm of the season on Friday. Oh what a storm. After an attempt to drive to work, my snow-tire-less car barely made it, and i didn't want to risk itknowing the worst was yet to come, so parked the car again and bundled up as best I could for the trek to work.

Saturday, mom and I went to Niagara Falls to go hang out with the fam from O-town, who had come down to visit my cousin Andrew who plays for the Niagara Ice Dogs. They had a room at Great Wolf Lodge so we had a PHENOMENAL time going down the crazy water park! Mom and I decided to forgo staying the night in NF and head back home to the 'Saug Saturday night. After allt he fun at the waterpark I was exhausted (it's a work out going up those stairs to get to the tall huge slides). So cozy in my bed, sleeping like a baby, I hear an alarm go off- and nope, I ain't talking about the alarm clock... yep- my first fire alarm in my condo. Not knowing what to do, where to go, Mom and I left and headed down the 6 flights of stairs- SSSSSSSOOOOOOO much better then the 23 I had to do back in O-town.

so at 2:52 am here the site outside of my condo:

And Max- I know you're dying to know:
Did MFD send the hott or the old truck? well... definitely hott!

a month already?

2008-01-20T22:36:00.000-05:00

Oh dear goodness- I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last posting... Why on earth does it feel like I haven't taken 5 minutes to myself since October. I tell ya... I feel like I haven't stopped!

This weekend, was the first time in a while that I slept in- thing is, I didn't feel guilty about it- at all. I worked insane hours all last week, pretty much two weeks worth of work in one. It was CRAZY- and I loved every second of it. I was exhausted yes, but working off of this adreniline rush that I haven't felt in a while. I love the adrenaline of overcoming challenges.

While I spent most of last week in Niagara Falls, I'll be spending most of this coming week in Kingston- and it's not to see nao'r- it's for work, seeing him will just be a bonus! I'm also looking forward to seeing the peeps from O-town...

so how about a re-cap of what's been going on since my b-day:

Nao'r and I had a great time together over new years- we spent the week together just hanging out, taking road trips, watched movies, played board games- we were together, and loved every second of it. New Years eve was quiet, but lovely.

Naor's birthday was a couple of weeks ago, and he came down for the weekend so I could spoil him at the boat show (no I didn't spoil him with a boat) and an amazing dinner and night out with Trev and Jo. Staying downtown was great too- it was like a mini-vaca without all the travelling.

With all the work I've been doing this week, it's hard to believe that was only a week ago.

I've also heard great news lately, with friends of mine announcing their buns in the ovens are princess's, and with engagements going on- I'm just so blessed to have great things happening to my friends.

The apartment's still coming together. some more pictures got hung up, and now that I have the key to my storage locker, I've been cleaning stuff out and bringing things down there for safe keeping. It only goes down there if it's been looked at and cleaned out in some way or another.

All in all, it's been pretty good- exhausting, but pretty good. I'm looking forward to this weekend. Nao'r's come down this weekend again, but it'll be low-key... the honey-do list is already started... I mean he is the one who wanted to come to TO this time, having realized that he hasn't even seen my apartment furnished- with Christmas parties/holidays, and the boat show- he hasn't been to my apartment since November! seems as though I've been the one doing most of the travelling... hmmm I can feel that honey-do list growing already!

oh yeah, it's my birthday, gonna party like it's my...

2007-12-27T06:51:00.000-05:00

the only reason a girl should be up at 7 am the morning of her birthday is because she's just getting in from a party the night before... well that ain't the case for me this year. As I get on in my years... hahah yeah right. Ok so she who loves to ~~sleep-in~~ sleep is awake. at 6:30 am on her birthday (let it be known this is earlier than most work days). Yep. I am. And without coffee as I type this (good luck to you who are reading). Why you ask? I know you're dying to know. It comes down to the importance of family. Ha- betcha weren't expecting that one. Yep FAMILY. Seriously as obvious as it may sound, family was definitely the theme for this year's Christmas. Maybe notsomuch theme, but it became abundantly apparent how blessed I am to be surrounded by so many who love me. The weekend before Christmas we were in Pboro with nao'r's family where gifts were certainly themed that way. From the Claddaugh rings that the three boys and his sister got from their mother, to the family gathering that was planned for the upcoming summer (including all significant others of course). then I came home where my brother had already been for a couple of days, having arrived from Alberta on Saturday. G-rents came over Christmas morning as we watched Bailey unwrap about 75 presents (you think I'm kidding)- and about 40 were from me. So this morning, the alarm (my sisters alarm to be exact) scared the begeezes out of me, of course why on earth should anyone have to hear an alarm on their birthday, and while at first I was happy (yay it's my birthday), a bit of sadness came over me. The reason the alarm had to go off is because we have to bring my lil bro to the airport for his 9am flight back to Fort Mac. His visit was short... and sweet. All three kids and mom even went into Leamington for a shopping trip on boxing day (mom took a pic- she wasn't sure when the last time all three of us were in the car with her for a shopping trip). I miss my lil' bro. He's kinda a great guy. Full of energy, generosity and love (I mean really he's gotta be awesome for putting up with me as a big sister). Well, gotta go get ready- goodbye pictures will be ugly if I don't brush my hair soon.

peace-out...

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T19:57:00.000-05:00

Hey there bloggy peeps- Happy holidays to you and yours... have a safe Christmas season and a happy and healthy New Year!

xoxo
~brown eyed bex

cough, sneeze, sniffle, and presents

2007-12-23T18:08:00.000-05:00

Well it's Christmas. How great is that?

This weekend was nao'r's family Christmas in the Pboro. What a wonderful weekend. A house full of family, friendship and love. Naor's parents were so welcoming, so loving, so great. His brothers and sister and their significant others were all around for the festivities including gift exchanges and big turkey dinner Saturday night. We had so much fun... I did, up until I woke up at 6am this morning with a cold. Yep- that's right Merry Christmas to me and my cold. Oh well, such is life- nothing ~~a little~~ a lot of neocitran can't fix. Well that and sleeping on the couch watching movies, cozied up in my wonderfully soft blanket (a b-day present from naor's sister).

I hope nao'r loved his presents- I had so much fun picking them out for him. It was so great to spend our first Christmas together... and after going our separate ways for a few days, on the 28th I'll drive up to Gan to spend the week with him...including new years- can't wait to ring in the new year with him...hope the cold is gone by then, heck I'm hoping for a Christmas miralce and it'll be gone by the morning.

the one about the new hair

2007-12-14T07:09:00.000-05:00

Alright I'll start with one thing I've been meaning to post about for a few weeks now. Square One shopping centre. The thought of it gives me shivers- and I'm not talking the good kind here folks... It's so big I just don't know where to go. EVER. Again here, I'm not talking about my love of shopping and that I don't know where to start, I mean, once I set foot in there, I lose every sense of direction, I walk through those doors, and then 45-60 minutes later I. HAVE. NO. IDEA. HOW. TO. GET. OUT. And the directories don't help. I continue to go down the wrong aisle ways. Why can't the "you are here" sticker be more interactive and actually give me step by step directions. Maybe they should add that as a feature online... oooohh I'm, liking this idea- you know kinda like the google-map edition, a mapquest if you will... I WISH!

That being said, the one and only time that I didn't get lost, was last night (lunch was a different story). I knew where I was going- the hair place closest to the entrance/exit I most frequent. I was too embarrassed to tell my hairdresser how I chose the place when she asked (uh cuz it's the only one of 6 in the mall that I can get to with relative ease). So yeah. It was my hairdresser's birthday (and she had dinner plans - which means she didn't really care about me and my hair- as if!), and she had a cold (so help me if she gets me sick), and well I don't know. She didn't exactly style it the way i like and i don't think she cut off quite as much a I wanted her too. Oh I miss Chantal- my beloved hairdresser from Ottawa. And FYI mom (as if she reads this) guess what, Mississauga's even MORE expensive than Ottawa. Anyhoo- she did them a different way then I'm used to and I decided to go a little on the red side, which ended up being more on the red side than I intended. and the cut- right well I haven't done my hair yet this morning, so once I go back to styling my hair the usual way, cuz I don't think i can keep the style she did cuz I don't have a straightner (I know be still my heartI don't have one- ahem that ~~would have been~~ could be a good christmas OR birthday present...)

ok gotta get to work. TGIF!

edited to add- now that hair is done- it's AWESOME! love love love it. it could probably be a little shorter, but that's ok...it'll do for now! and the bangs are great- I was worried they would be too short, but i love them... oh yeah i forgot to mention that part before didn't I. Pictures next week, as I'll post some from nao'r's chirstmas party in K-town.

holy holiday season!

2007-12-12T21:44:00.000-05:00

Ok so apparently Christmas is in less than two weeks. I have for the most part the present-buying done. still need a couple, but somehow, I didn't get stressed about it this year. The apartment is settling... or is that I'm settling in my apartment? Even while last week I was out every night of the week, and have been busy catching up with old friends, and the weekend was spent with my mom and Bailey who came up to fill the car up with stuff I didn't have room for in my apartment. My den is now accessible- and one of these days I'll get the keys to my storage locker to be able to put some of the boxes in it. Bailey and I decorated my mini christmas tree, and added some silver garland to the palm tree plant I've got.

Oh did I forget to mention the impromptu Bon Jovi concert I went to last week? Yes ladies and gents... I found my way downtown, by car, parked and walked to the ACC all by myself till I met up with Jo, grab a drink and sit- err I mean dance about 150 feet from Jon Bon. Dag that man is hot. And boy can he sing. and dance. Well not really dance, kinda swivel around the stage. but he can sing. and SMILE... Nothing like getting a call at 7:15 pm asking what you're doing and how long it will take me to get downtown. In a city I. Don't. Know. So absolutely amazing. love being able to do that. Missed the opening act but saw all 2.5 hours of Bon Jovi. Man it was great- right up there with dare I say U2... Yep my sister hates me, but I think I'll be able to make it up to her somehow. She gets to see him in march, so I'm sure I can come up with something before then.

Mississauga and me are turning out pretty good. I think we're gettin' the hang of each other.

This weekend I get to go see my darlin' in Kingston. It's naor's work Christmas party, so I get to meet everyone he works with... and I get to spend time with him- which will be lovely, since its been three weeks, since we moved my stuff from Ottawa that I saw him. I wish he lived here. I kinda miss him a whole bunch.

Christmas cards are almost done... i think I'm about halfway there. You know if you wait to buy them till mid-December you get them 50% off. LOVELY.

Tomorrow I'm trying a new hairdresser. I'm scared. I miss my hairdresser in Ottawa. Keeping my fingers crossed- it will be good... hey you know- I can't help it- I love my hair... I'm selfish about one thing- my hair. A little worrisome being so close to the holidays but I have to do it. I know life's rough ain't it???

btw- i had a phenomenal day at work. I love my job.

i know random post. sorry.

Pass the salt please...

2007-12-03T23:10:00.000-05:00

Seriously- boy do I miss the NCC (National Capital Commission) and by that I mean I miss the salted sidewalks that I took to get to the bus to take me to work. Yep I love being able to walk to work, BUT frankly, I'd like to get there without pulling a muscle, or breaking a limb. I have a feeling I'll be a little stiff tomorrow morning after almost falling a few times on my way to work this morning (I didn't actually fall, but the arms flailing around the the coffee spillage were sensational- the drivers on Hurontario got quite the show). When it's safer to walk in the snow than on the "clear" sidewalk- you know you're in trouble... come on 'sauga peeps- who's with me... where's the army??? I mean there was an inch of snow- isn't it time to call the armed forces to save the GTA from mother nature's cold shoulder? At the very least they can drop off a bag of salt at my front lobby and I'd be more than happy to sprinkle a few cups of salt on my walk to work since no one else seems willing to take on the task!

weird sightings in Mississauga

2007-12-02T18:52:00.000-05:00

ok how's this for weird....

In the drive-thru line at Tim Horton's (the kind that's in the Esso gas station) and while waiting to order, I was looking around and in the parking lot I see a guy washing his car... with a squeegee. You know the squeegee that is next to all gas pumps, used to clean windshields. WINDSHIELDS not the entire car. And some of you may be thinking- well there mustn't have a been a car wash at this particular gas station- nope there was- and two kinds at that, the drive through and the DIY kind. And this guy is cleaning his Chrysler 300m with a squeegee. Hey if you can afford a car like that you can afford a car wash. WEIRD.

Dontcha just love productive days?

2007-11-29T21:58:00.000-05:00

Isn't it weird that the days that you get the most done- the ones that should make you the most exhausted are actually the ones that give you the most energy, most exhilaration- and then there are those days that you just don't accomplish anything and those are the ones that are the most draining- the ones that seem to suck the life right out of you...

Today was a good day- a great day- despite a slow moving morning doing the obstacle course of my boxes in the apartment. After the brisk walk home in the blustery wind tunnel commonly known as Hurontario, I grabbed a bite to eat, then decided the grocery store was calling me- made the trek out to box-store central, popped into Pier 1 to pick up some Christmas gifts, then loaded up the grocery cart with goodies before heading home and made my most favourite delicious hashbrown casserole- the comfort food I can eat morning noon and night! With all that, I thought I'd take the night off of unpacking a box or two- but considering my cheese grater's location was unknown, a box or two needed to be opened...and half put away - put away what I needed to in order to find one of my favourite kitchen gadgets! I don't know why this seems worthy of a blog posting... Maybe it's because that after a month, I'm starting to feel more settled- both at my new home and my new job. And like I said, it's just one of those productive days that deserves celebration- even if its celebration through blogging!

On a lifeboat

2007-11-29T07:18:00.000-05:00

Ok so I'm no longer drowning in a sea of boxes- it's now more like I'm drifting safely in a lifeboat but the shore still seems far away. The livingroom is 98% done (pics still need to be hung and the electronics in the tv stand actually need to get plugged in). Th dining room is set up, but I still have boxes under the kitchen bar. The kitchen - wow there's not a lot of room- but I only have my drygoods food box and cutlery left to put away. And considering lack of room, I may be dropping off the drygoods at a food shelter or something of the sort. The bedroom has my bed and two dressers and my tiny closet which doesn't nearly have enough room for my clothes. My shoes and purses are still in respective boxes as they too don't have a home yet. My den... My den. Oh my den. Let's just say that's the catch-all of "Miss where do you want this box?". With only a door frame into that room (no actual door to close) I do have a curtain up so I can live in blissful ignorance of the disaster that's in there. I just wish I had at least made a passage way. Good thing Tiffer's at my mom's- he'd have some great hiding places in there! Speaking, my dearest cat is apparently back to his old cuddly self- finding a spot on mom's lap when she sits in her rocking chair at night... I'm so glad I don't have to worry about the stress this move would cause him...

Ok better get off to work... later bloggy peeps... I'll let you know when it's safe to invite yourself over to the new place (since readership of this blog is fairly limited to people in Ottawa and Windsor- you pretty much have to wait until the den is clutter free which should be 2011 haha !

Countdown begins!

2007-11-28T15:12:00.000-05:00

ok bloggy peeps- it's that time of year again! the countdown is officially on for the big day- you know that national holiday only celebrated by a few (ahem by me). Yep that's right- December 27th, the birthdate of yours truly, is now less then a month away... let the shopping begin!

in a sea of boxes

2007-11-27T21:02:00.001-05:00

I'm drowning in a sea of boxes. My boxes. That I can't unpack until the un-packer(s) come tomorrow. I feel useless. I feel overwhelemed. Wow I don't have a lot of room in my shoebox. And some of my grand plans I already know wont work because the measurements are off by an inch. boo urns. Pictures to be posted soon, but really I don't want to subject you to the lack of space. At least I have my tv. And my couch. And my bed. And my duvet. And tomorrow someone will come and help me unpack and take the boxes/garbage away. For that I am truly truly grateful.

Very funny old man winter!

2007-11-22T10:56:00.001-05:00

Yeah. Thanks. I really REALLY appreciate the reminder of Ottawa winters. It absolutely figures that the 4 days I come to Ottawa to finish up the move just happens to be the same time that Ottawa gets its first snow storm of the year. For Pete's sake (no Sara, I'm not referring to PC). As you know things are going great in Mississauga- I'm really loving it. I must admit I didn't think much of coming back to Ottawa to finish up the move- I mean I didn't think I'd feel weird about it. Driving up the 416 Wednesday morning, I saw the snow on the ground and on the trees- it was beautiful. Met with Robin for lunch- it was so great to see her- I loved having lunch with Robin- so it was great to be able to do a normal thing of ours. Coming to the apartment was BIZARRE. It felt foreign. Not only that, but I have expected to see my cat Tiffer at the door waiting for me- as he always did. I took the opportunity of the downsize in apartments to do a clean sweep of my junk (and I ain't talking about the junk in my trunk- (haha I was just going to delete that last bit of the phrase given the gross reference if anyone saw last night's episode of Private Practice).

OK I have to back track and say a little something about the drive from Mississauga to Gan on Tuesday night after work. Oh the traffic... and the trucks. Seriously- I would support my (future) children in whatever they want to do in life- except maybe being a trucker. The truckers that I encountered on the drive up were terrible!!! Cutting people off left right and centre. Almost driving people off the road! It's insane. I'm very much looking forward to when they limit trucks to 105km/hr.

ok enough about that. oh one more thing- sleeping in an actual bed for the last two nights has been incredible- I don't know how I'm going to deal with sleeping on the air mattress for the days I'm waiting for my furniture to get to 'sauga.

Man these moving guys are just packing up everything- seriously. Even the magnets on the fridge. Kinda crazy watching my life being packed up by strangers.

Tonight will be interesting- just being here with nothing but boxes surrounding me. Boxes the size of me may I add.

holding my breath- as they take down and pack my beloved framed Patrick Roy Jersey- Ok no smashing, resume breathing.

This weekend should be fun... nao'r's coming up tomorrow and we're going to watch my cousin Andrew play against the 67's (during which his little 5 year old brother will be playing with his timbits time between the 2nd and 3rd! how cute!!!). Saturday nao'r gets to meet some very special people in my life. Cathy and Bill have been family to me for the past 8 years or so and are just wonderful people. We're having lunch with them on Saturday, and I'm quite excited for them to meet nao'r. Saturday night, as luck would have it miss SC is hosting a Christmas soiree pot luck. LOVELY. Can't wait! So glad I'm in town for this!!!

Sunday, I'll drop nao'r in Gan on my drive home.

To my new home.

leaving Ottawa.

F.o.r.e.v.e.r.

Oh my.

Happy belated bloggiversary!!!!

2007-11-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

Dang-it I did it... I forgot to post on my bloggiversary (november 19th) and shame on you bloggypeeps for not noticing (ok not really).

WOWsers a year! ok I won't get into all that's changed in the year since I started writting in this crazy world of blogs because I think I just did that in my last post. What I will do is say a big thank you to my faithfull readers/commentators (or is that commenters?). Regardless, you rock, and I hope you love reading my zany posts about my ups, downs and diagonals as much as I love writing them.

Cheers! to Champagne years!

2007-11-14T22:31:00.001-05:00

Do you remember yours? Did you have yours yet? Do you know what I’m talking about? I know I’m not alone here- Your champagne year is the year in your life when you’re the age of your birthdate. i.e. since my birthday is December 27th, my champagne year is the year that I’m 27 years old.

Since forever, I was looking forward to the year that I turned 27- somehow I always knew it would be a big year- which may in turn be why it has been… I’m going in circles I know- sorry.

Having a birthday so late in the year, makes it kinda more evident- I was going to be 27 for the entire year of 2007… from January through December, which is much different from someone whose birthday is in June and their ‘year’ is split over two calendar years. And with that it’s also kinda an easy way to remember my age- I’m 27 for the year 2007… since I was born with only 4 days left in ’79. I know silly little things, but they make me who I am…(which many think is a little crazy)

When I was younger I thought…maybe I’ll get married, or have my first kid when I’m 27- those were always the biggies- but as the years went by, and I approached the big birthday, single, I knew those were kinda not likely to happen. Still I knew something would happen- and I’ve always anticipated finding out what it was.

Little did I know what then would be in store…

I won’t go chronologically- cuz well I can’t think like that right now.

First and foremost, out of the blue, I met the love of my life. Ummm hello- that’s kinda huge don’t ya think? It’s true- he found me. I love him with my whole heart and every fibre of my being. He drives me nuts half the time, but I drive him crazy too - but somehow our chemistry works. I wouldn't quite say we’re each others opposites, but in some (most) ways we are.

My career is starting to take shape. I’ve made a complete overhaul of life by taking on a new adventure in Mississauga. Leaving a city I’ve called home for the last 10 years was the huge change I needed. And It’s been AMAZING. Only a week into it, and I’m continuously getting validation that I’ve made the right choice. It was a HUGE decision, I miss my life in Ottawa, I miss my friends, but they’re only an email and phone call away.

All of this is what has brought me to a much better place than I was a year ago. I struggled with a bunch of stuff last year, but 2007 has definitely been the turnaround. Love, career, overall general happiness…

Overall it’s a pretty good year… with just under 2 months to go, I’d say we’re looking as though it’s the Dom Perignon of Champagne years! I’ll cheers to that!

so it's winter eh?

2007-11-08T19:56:00.000-05:00

In all honesty, I being grumpier about how early the Christmas season was getting last year... This year, for the most part I think people/businesses waited until it was time- after Hallowe'en. And peeps, in case you haven't flipped your calendars- it's November... so bring on Christmas! Bring on the hershey's kisses jingle bells commercial, bring on the tim horton's christmas cups, and heck, why not turn on some lights!

Hello Mississississississauga

2007-11-06T18:06:00.000-05:00

Well I'm here.

No furniture yet- unless you count the lawn chairs and air mattress... and who can forget the suitcase that doubles as a TV stand... I have a roof over my head, and paycheque coming in, so can I complain- well I could, but that wouldn't be cool.

My internet is now fully functional *hello bloggy peeps!), my phone line has a dialtone (ahem, is free for calls from friends...anytime now), and I have a fuzzy-free tv (yay Prison Break!).

As luck would have it, my mom has meetings in Mississauga later this week, so when I went home for the weekend, we drove up together on Sunday and she's staying with me, till she transfers over to her hotel for her meetings beginning tomorrow. This means that she was able to be here for the cable guy, while I was at my first day of work... which she also walked with me to Monday morning- nothing like having compnay on the 13 minute walk it takes me to walk to work.

So far work is great! Not that I was expecting any differently- I've had good feelings about this from the beginning... it's nice to see I was right!

Anyhoo... now that I'm feeling quasi settled, I'm also starting the feel the cold that everyone's been dealing with and my body was saying "nope, we have too much to do to get sick right now...I'll just store it and keep it ready until we've let go of a bit of the other stresses".

good thing mommy's still here to take care of me :)

Au revoir Ottawa!

2007-10-29T22:18:00.001-04:00

Holy crap peeps- thank you so much for the amazing send off Saturday night... I gathered up some of my nearest and dearest at my most favourite place in Ottawa- Fat Tuesday's, for dinner/drinks/dancing and duelling pianos.

About 20 or so joined me for a goodbye that all (including me) think was needed in very short order! My sweet nao'r thought parting-gifts were in order so each of my guests received a framed picture of moi, that included my email addy and blog address, to be sure that they keep in contact with me... he found some 20 or so pictures of me from throughout the summer. What a sweet idea he surprised me with- he's so thoughtful!

some of my favourite peeps:

Max, Robin and moi

my honey and me on the dance floor- we're not posing, I swear!

the three wise men?
What an absolutely wonderful wonderful time! A night I will truly remember forever...
You all have a very special place in my heart.

Remember- my home is your home... when you're in the T-dot...stop by for a visit. And don't worry- I'll be back.
xoxo

last day of work tomorrow...
leaving O-town on wednesday...
two sleeps left.
Oh my.

YAY Day!!!!

2007-10-24T10:06:00.000-04:00

YAY #1:
I'm OFFICIALLY not homeless. Not only am I not homeless in Mississauga, it's a GORGEOUS place. Walking distance to everything including work. State of the art gym, pool and yes indoor/outdoor hot tub. Did I mention my laundry was included and the washer/dryer is actually IN my apartment?!?!

YAY#2
The beavertail shacks are being put in/on the canal. i.e. I get to see some resemblance of an Ottawa winter if by no other means, then for the addition of the delicious winter treat on the longest outdoor skating rink in. the. world.

yay yay yay

so peeps- what are you chair dancing about today?

"The one with all the answers"

2007-10-23T22:14:00.000-04:00

Hey peeps...

Ok here it is- the posting with all the answers... or not... well some...

so while the last few posts and status updates on facebook have been cryptic- it's been killing me not being able to put into words what's going on in my head. Drum roll please... I'm leaving O-town!

Yep this small-town gal who's been livin' it up in O-town is movin' to the the T-dot. From our nation's capital to the province's capital..

In true communications fashion, I figure I should prepare some products to help well, uh, communicate the news and all important messages:

Qs & As
1. Where are you going?
The T-dot- Mississauga to be exact.

2. To be closer to your man?
Uh no- actually I'll be further. I'm going for a new job.

3. A brand new job?
Nope, being transferred within the dept. But expanding my horizons!

4. So will you be doing the same thing?
Nope- Getting phenomenal experience in the region and doing more communications, something I've been trying to get into for some time.

5. When do you leave?
Well I start my new job November 5th. Not sure on exact departure date.

6. Do you have a place to live?
Luckily I do, I just went apartment hunting this weekend- and although exhausting, i found a place I think I can call home for at least the next year!

7. Wow that's a quick move?
Yep but I'll only partially move, I'll get movers to do all the tough work in a few weeks...

8. Are you excited?
Hell yes, but crazy nervous, and incredibly sad to be leaving Ottawa.

9. But you'll be closer to home?
One of them... yes I'll be closer to my mom, sister, niece and grandparents, and closer to my friends and from my hometown. But it means I am leaving some of the most important people in my life. Ottawa has been so important to me. My friends/family here are so important to me. I want them to know that I'm not leaving them. I'm still gonna be around. I'm still here on email, facebook and who can forget the blog.

10. Your turn! any questions????

POST #100!!!!!!

2007-10-17T23:34:00.000-04:00

Ok folks- here it is- Post number 100. And I haven't hit the one-year mark. That's good. That's an average of one post every three and a half days... sorta...

So the topic for the 100th post? HHHMMM talk about pressure!!! Well I was going to go with random sleepless blogging theme so i think I'll stick with that.

1. It's not Hallowe'en yet. I know- seems like a pretty random but factual statement... what's my point you ask? If it's not Hallowe'en it sure as heck ain't Christmas! So guess what HBC company- it really isn't time for the Christmas decorations display in the overpass hallway over Rideay Street. It's too soon. I don't like it. and I. love. christmas.

2. Some people are mean. Some don't mean to be, some are just mean and like it. That's not cool.

3. I love this time of year- the temperature is just perfect. HOWEVER- my feet are only slowly adjusting to not wearing flipflops and being confined to shoes and socks.

4. Stress is exhausting- i know nothing new here- but holy ish peeps- I'm pooped these days... doesn't help that I did a 13 hour day at work tuesday and a 10 hour day today. Good times...

5. I love my friends.

6. Facebook is still cool. I love how it connects people and keeps people connected.

7. It kills me how small our world really is... 6 degrees of separation- I'm sure of it!

That's all I've got for ya kids...Sorry I couldn't be more entertaining on the 100th post... I would try to go to 100 but I'm exhausted...

A perfect fall weekend!

2007-10-14T22:23:00.000-04:00

After sleeping in till way way late on a Saturday rainy morning, I cleaned the apartment and then got all dolled up as requested by the love of my life who simply sent me an email in the morning saying we had dinner reservations at 8 and for me to be ready.

Ready I was.

As soon as he arrived he whisked me away in a red and white limo (a la OC Transpo) and we got off somewhere downtown, walked a few more blocks and then got in the elevator at the Marriott hotel and made our way to the 28th floor for our dinner reservations at Merlot, the rooftop revolving restaurant. Having only heard me talk of it when I read him the draft of two homes. Taking two hours to revolve around, Nao'r and I had a most delicious steak dinner and some lovely beverages, and unbelievable service. I did however advise the the Maitre'D on the mistake in the wine menu that indicated that Pelee Wine was from Niagara-a big NO NO!!!

So I can strike it off my list- I went to the revolving restaurant and soaked in every second of the view! Thanks babe!

We capped off the evening with drinks and some duelling pianos at Fat Tuesday's (leaving only after they played my request- ahem Brown Eyed Girl obviously), then on to 18 for another nightcap. another drink then off to Casino Lac Leamy for a chance with Lady Luck... and we didn't lose money.

Sunday started off with us visiting our old stomping ground- starting with breakfast at Father and Sons- then a stroll through U of Ottawa campus... making our way tot he classroom where it all started 8 years ago...Nao'r even asked some passersby to take our picture on the steps of Tabaret Hall where we had our class together in Rm 333... It was a hell of a class... but I'm pretty glad I took it!

This weekend was amazing... I don't know how else to describe it...blissfully perfect.

Shout-out to Robin and Mark- we stopped in at their new house for a short visit- many laughs were shared among great friends...

now... let the work-week begin! meh

omigoodness he won't shutup

2007-10-12T19:10:00.000-04:00

So I got on the plane this morning heading to Toronto, from behind and to the right of of me I kept hearing this guy talking... and he kept talking and talking and talking THE. ENTIRE. FLIGHT. and loudly, and over the emergency spiel that the flight attendants make. I looked over my shoulder a few times, in disgust really because he was just so loud, and inconsiderate for the people around him. I also wanted to give a sympathetic look to whoever he was sitting with.

So now, after a very. long. day. I'm sitting having a delicious drink of beer and clamato juice (don't knock it till you try it) and typing away chatting with folks on facebook when lo and behold i hear a familiar voice. oh. my. God. It's him. He can't stop talking. the poor guy he's with can't get a word in edge wise. That guy btw totally looks familiar- I think I know him from school.

This also means that he's on my flight. which also means I'll have to hear him the whole way home. Oh thank goodness, his food is here and he's now realized that our flight is leaving shortly so he has to shutup and eat. But he's still talking.

GGGGGGGUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHH! (that's the noise i make when annoyed. those who know me, know it well. those who work with me can mimick it beautifully.)

Peace out. Flying home- hope my arms don't get tired!

two homes

2007-10-05T17:56:00.000-04:00

How did I end up with two homes?

No no- I didn't go on a spending spree...I'm just wondering at what point Ottawa became home... I wonder if I can pin-point it. Actually I can. Well not so much when it became home to me, but when I realized that it had- and that my friends was the day I thought about what it would be like if i didn't live in Ottawa.

Let's see, while I've been here, I've been a student, a fast-food worker, a public servant, I've been single, in relationship(s), in a long distance relationship, I've made friends, lost friends, rekindled with friends, and made myself a family (out of friends, not kids).

I have officially lived in Ottawa for 9 years, and one month less a day (minus one summer at home, and a semester in Europe). I've lived with roomates, I've lived alone, I've lived with my cat.

There are things about Ottawa that I'm ashamed I've never done while living here. I've never gone on a tour of Parliament Hill (though stood in line for hours when P.E.T. died). I've never had dinner at the revolving restaurant at that hotel that I can't think of the name. I've never (shrinking with embarrassment) gone for a hike in Gatineau park. I've never gone to find the cottage my grandparents lived in near Crown Point. I have gone to Ottawa Senators games, I have seen the ballet at the NAC, I've been to the Art Gallery and I've wondered the market many days and many nights.

I was educated in this city, and sometimes feel like i was un-educated here too. I grew up in this city. I moved here when I was 18 years old! A baby for crying out loud! That's a third of my life I've lived in Ottawa!

In the last while, when travelling, and people ask me where I'm from, my answer is, without hesitation, Ottawa.

What happens, if one day, i don't live in Ottawa? They say home is where the heart is, but what if I've left pieces of my heart in more than one place? Will there be room in my heart for a third?

I love me some TV

2007-10-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's because I had such a busy summer, but geesh I love me some trashy TV. I love checking my mind at the door and soaking up some hotness on the TV (I'm thinking Prison Break here), and trash-talking silly characters in the water-cooler chatter. Then there's the completely guilty-pleasures such as ANTM, Survivor and The Hills, the stuff I don't actually talk to other people about, I jsut keep those secret thoughts to myself. Don't ask me about them in person, I'll deny watching them to your face. Yep, that's me, using up all them brain cells I earned in University... oh yeah, I'm smart. SMRT. Don't judge peeps. Join in. Come on, you know you want to.

Is it really over?

2007-10-01T19:20:00.000-04:00

October 1st 2007.

While officially fall began on September 23rd, I'm pretty much a die-hard in keeping the summer alive. But considering it's now October, the leaves are changing colours and are even falling and rustling around online, I think it's time to actually succumb to the fact that summer is over.

I hate to admit it. I think it's actually over.

I love summer. This summer was so amazing. This was the summer. So many great things happened. In particular, Nao'r came into my life officially at the beggining of June and things are progressing quite well just the way they are meant to be. The sweetheart that he is thought it would be most fitting if we wrapped up the summer the way we began it- on the water and in Alexandria Bay. I'd post pictures, but they're still trapped in his camera... so I won't have any till the weekend. Oh well. I'm sure you'll survive.

GEORGE AND IZZY!!!!!

2007-09-27T21:51:00.000-04:00

Ok I haven't posted about tv- I generally keep that to the pros but uh HELLO Grey's Anatomy! Welcome back to my world... I love george and izzy. YAY. I like Derek and Meredith- She needs to get her ish together... I like Izzy-

holy hotness on Big Shots- The show is looking hilarious!!!

Now what...

2007-09-24T22:42:00.001-04:00

Its Monday night.

My schedule today was as follows: work, pick up the cat from the vet and uh nothing. Yep you read it right folks. It's Monday night and I did NOT go to dragon boat practice. But what about the beautiful summer-like weather it would have been perfect! Yep it would have- but here's the thing DB season is O.V.E.R. Am I sad? Nope not in the least bit. Don't get me wrong, you all know how crazy I am about this sport, but it makes for a long season when you start practicing on the side of the pool in March and not finish till Sept. 24. practicing 2 or 3 times a week plus a few weekend festivals certainly takes a toll on a body... my ankle, knee, shoulders, back, you name it, it hurt at some point within the last 6 months. So with my monday's and wednesdays free- now what? Well tonight I hung out with my BFF at her new house that she jus moved into. I brought her dinner, helped her bring in a few boxes and we vegged and stared at the boob-tube watching hottie Wentworth Miller in Prison Break. Then we started watching the Bachelor. It felt so good to do nothing and spend time with one of my favourite people on the planet. Not really feeling guilty about not doing the laundry that I know I have to do after the weekend in MTL.

Right- the weekend in MTL- this past weekend was the last DB festival of the season. The Quebec Cup was the culmination of many months of work, many hours of practice. I left on Friday night since we had to be on site for 7am Saturday. Having 2 mixed boats, a men's and a woman's boat meant Saturday's race schedule was 5 x 500m races and one 2000m race. Sunday- 5x 250m races and one 2000m race.

(Paddle Demons racing at the Olympic Basin)

Nao'r came along to MTL for the weekend. He watched a few races, but mostly wondered around the city, hanging out at the old port, and getting us tickets to see the Sens vs. Habs at the Bell Centre on Saturday night! We didn't actually find out about the game till that morning, so this was definitely an impromptu evening out. So much fun!!! I must admit I was a little conflicted- having been a habs fan for as long as I can remember, living in O-town for the last 9 years, and after the Sens trip to the Stanley Cup last year, how can I notcheer for my (now) hometown boys??? I was so hoping for a tie! While MTL completely dominated the game, gerber saved the Sens collective butts and the boys from O-town took the game 2-1... oh well- la prochaine fois boyz!

(Me and Nao'r at the Sens vs. Habs game in MTL)

Thank goodness the game started at 7pm, cuz that meant we were able to crash by 10pm since I had to be on site again for 7am Sunday morning. Nao'r decided I should take the car and go on my own- he was going to stay in downtown for the morning then join me at the Olympic Basin for the afternoon races.

We finished around 4:30 or so on Sunday, so got home at 7pm Sunday night... I was asleep a mere 2 hours later, and (barely) woke up to the sound of my alarm this morning.

Tomorrow I'm heading to my second NHL game in 4 days... not a bad stat if you ask me! This time, ther'es no mistaking it- GO SENS GO!!!

The people on the bus go...

2007-09-24T22:36:00.000-04:00

Ok peeps who travel on public transportation listen up, and listen good. When the bus is absolutely packed (and I mean no standing room left- with someone practically on the driver's lap), and your stop is coming up... just stay in your spot until the door actually opens when there is actually a possibility of the people around you to move around and give you space to exit. When the bus is that packed, when there's no room for somebody to turn around on the spot, how do you expect them to be able to move? Where do you expect them to go- climb out the window?

So next time you ring the bell for your spot, just sit tight until the doors open sesame and you've got room to manoeuvre! (and btw- thank you for using public transit and help in saving our environment)

Sound the trumpets she's alive!

2007-09-17T22:17:00.000-04:00

Ok bloggy peeps- I know, it's been quite some time. I'm sorry. Well only sorta sorry. I'm sorry that I haven't taken the necessary time I need to blog. So I'm kinda apologizing to myself, kinda apologizing to you, my faithful three readers. No excuses, just some good reasons: IT'S SUMMER! ok it was summer. Well officially it's still summer until Friday. And despite not having any weddings for me to go to, I was still incredibly busy! Dragon boating, softball, the new man, work, trips home, trips to Gan to be with the new man (who lives there). Let's give the new man a name. let's call him nao'r.

So where to begin...well I know I blogged about City Chase that Robin and I did, but I hardly said anything about my trip out east to Moncton- oh wait I did mention a bit of that previously... I know for a fact I didn't mention anything about the long weekend in August when Mom and Bailey came up to visit and they met (and love) nao'r. I think mom was just happy to see he wasn't a figment of my imagination. Poor nao'r, he also was subjected to the whole extended family out in Metcalfe, including my lil cousin Andrew, who's more like a brother. He was cute and kinda pulled the "protective brother" thing, it was quite sweet. A couple of weeks later, nao'r was subjected to the rest of the gang, including my older sister and little brother. It was matt's 25th birthday and that same weekend was the Tomato Festival... the Tomato Festival in Canada's Tomato Capital. My brother even marched in the parade, and that night, we had a lovely time at the good ole' beer tent- cuz a country-bumpikin festival just isn't the same without a beer tent! What a walk down memory lane- so many familiar faces. Not sure how much fun nao'r had there- I think he just enjoyed laughing at me the whole time. Yet again, nao'r's approval rating went through the roof. The whole family loves him, even Carmen, Jen and Lisa- my extended sisters... their approval was a must, and he passed with flying colours. It was so great to bring him home and show him that part of my life.

Here's a pic of me and my bro out the night of his B-day:

And of course, an introduction to Southern Ontario just isn't the same without a visit to the Dairy Freez- the best ice cream on the planet! (if you can see the size of our ice cream cones- you'll be happy to know those were the "medium"... the x-tra large was three times the size.)

When not at a dragon boat festival, or heading home, we spent much of the summer on the boat, cruising the thousand islands...heading to Alexandria Bay on more than one occasion- including the famous Pirate days- we even rented costumes if you can imagine (ok here's a pic, so you don't have to waste the energy imagining!)

I've had quite an amazing summer... filled with lots of new people, new laughs, new adventures...It's hard to believe October is just around the corner.

Unfortunately, I don't see a whole lot of blogging time available this week... But I promise (to myself) to get back to regularly scheduled blogging. Cuz I know you're all dying to know what's going on in my crazy world!

City Chase pics

2007-07-25T04:51:00.001-04:00

Thought you'd enjoy some pics of our crazy City Chase day!

Robin and I starting out our adventure at 10 am.

This is for the clue "Take a picture of one of the participants and an animal". I'll save you from the picture that we took that went with what Robin read: "Take a picture of one of the participants as an animal".

Robin had to eat wet cat food- I lucked-out with sardines! YUM! later on, we both enjoyed natural dog biscuits! Apple and peanut butter flavoured!

Growing up in the Tomato Cpaital of Canada- I decided I would take one for the team and have a tomato smooshed on my forehead...funny how for the reinactment we did to get the picture taken, Robin still felt the need to actually squish the tomato!

To the left we have us at the finish line....

5 hours and 57 mintues after we started.

And finally...enjoying our beer at the after party at the Honest Lawyer..... mmmmm...beer

holy it's been almost been a month!

2007-07-25T04:28:00.000-04:00

Hello folks- well it's that time again for another edition of random sleepless blogging. Actually it's just more sleepless blogging, because for obvious reasons i suppose (i.e. i can't sleep)... it's 4:30 am, the alarm will be going off shortly and I feel the need to be awake... ok perhaps it will be a more random post than I envisioned 4 lines ago...

Yes yes faithful readers- I know, I know- it's been what, almost a month you say? Things have been quite hectic...oh wait have they? I mean I was on vacation for a bit of that... but admit it- you know as well as I do that vacations can be hectic too!

ok well first there was Canada Day- and Nic whisked me away for a surprise trip to Montreal for the weekend... we had such an amazing time. After taking tonnes of pics (which we all lost somehow) we headed back to Gan on Sunday for Canada day itself where we took the boat down to Kingston, had a yummy dinner then hopped back on the boat and headed into the harbour to watch the fireworks from there.

Then there was the trip out to New Brunswick with my bestest friend... so...much...fun. Clam digging, walking on the ocean floor, eating tonnes of seafood and having the best bilingual conversations I've ever had- I think I was an Acadian in a previous life. Seriously though- an awesome time...sleeping in everyday reminded me how much i love to sleep (as if I needed to be reminded).

Throw in softball Thursdays, Dragon Boat practices still Mondays and Wednesdays, weekends lazying around in the boat on the St. Lawrence with Nic, and you've pretty much got zero time left... oh right I suppose I do need to continue getting that pay cheque huh? right- work. Work's been ok as of late. My pal Alana deserted me for greener pastures-bittersweet really considering I now have her old office with windows looking onto the Market....hehehe no really i miss her...all and all I can't complain too much about the 9 to 5.

Oh dear lord the City Chase! I almost forgot!!! Robin and I were in the City Chase on July 21st and came in 111th out of 260 teams! Picture Ottawa's version of Amazing Race with a few twists (i.e. only travel by bus or foot, and you actually have to figure out the clues in order to know where you have to go)... We had 6 hours to complete 10 tasks around our nation's capital and we finished with 3 minutes to spare- considering only half of the teams completed ten tasks, we did darn good!

Mom and Bailey are coming up for the long weekend in august- which is just next week and I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to see them- and I'm very excited that they'll be meeting Nic. So far he's doing good in the approval ratings, but we'll see if he passes mom and Bailey's tests... (hehe I partly wrote that just to scare him)... if they love him even half as much as I do, we'll be in good shape...

tag I'm it

2007-07-25T04:26:00.000-04:00

Sara tagged me so i best do it, or she'll disown me as a fellow blogger and friend (ok probably not, but she still kinda scares me)
The Rules: (I have to post these rules before I can give you the facts, as indicated in the rules below.)
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
Here goes:
ONE: I talk to my mom everyday. I'm 27.5 yrs old and I still call mom everyday*- I mean heck if I still lived at home I'd see her everyday, so why should it be any different just cuz I'm 8 hours away. Most of the time it's "hi, how was your day, ok not much else, talk to you tomorrow. love you, bye." but hey its important to tell your mom you love her don't ya think? (* plus emails)
TWO: If I'm bored, I'll sleep. I think it's my favourite pass-time. I love the comfort of my duvet.
THREE: I have two tattoos- which kinda makes me feel like a bad-ass. I don't know why but it does. Thing is- I sometimes forget I have them. Both are on my back, so unless I'm checking out my arse in a mirror in a dressing room that's generallyt he only time I see them. I'll be getting a third this summer (mom if you're reading this- deal with it). I've always wanted another one, just never knew what. Now I do...I just have to go and get'er done. BUT - I still have to figure out where (on my body #3 is going)... right- this one will be a dragon fly with the body being a dragon boat paddle... pretty neat eh? (any suggestions as to where I should put it would be appreciated)
FOUR: I love the water. I love being on the water, being surrounded by the water and living near the water- which i've been able to do my whole life. Luckily, Dragon Boating allows me to be in the water at least twice a year, and Nic loves the water too and the fact that he is a boater helps out in that regard too!
FIVE: I'm obsessed with just about anything having to do with Paris- movies, decorations, pictures, you name it, I love it.
SIX: I have a fear of growing up.
SEVEN: My favourite birthday cake to have is a Pumpkin Pie. This comes from 1) loving the taste of it which I think came from 2) the fact that when you have a birthday at christmas time, you're SOL when it comes to birthday cakes at the local small-town grocery store- yet they still have plenty of pumpkin (or pecan YUK) pies left.
EIGHT: Toasted tomato sandwhich, corn on the cob and mom's potato salad is my alltime favourite meal.

Ottawa rox!

2007-06-27T11:28:00.000-04:00

I love living in Ottawa (most of the time) . This morning is one of those days. I had a meeting downtown that was actually very very interesting (those don't come around all too often) and on the walk back to my office in incredibly uncomfortable shoes on an incredibly uncomfortably hot as hell day- ok the shoes are fine in AC but with the swelling of the feet on such a humid day made them uncomfy...ok back to why i love O-town. Right...so walking back from my meeting around sparks street area, I decide, oh why not, I'll walk along Wellington and walk past our parliament buildings... why? BECAUSE I CAN! the joy of living in Ottawa is that I get to enjoy the splendour of being in our nation's capital. Today- as luck of timing would have it, as I got closer to Wellington St, I heard a marching band! by golly, this wasn't just any marching band, this was the changing of the guard ceremony that happens every day at approx. 10am. So I veered up O'Connor and hung a right on Wellington and marched along on the side the dudes with the red coats, fluffy hats and big guns... it was lovely.

Oh right- can't forget the fact that when my colleague and I went for RibFest last week Ken Dryden walked right in front of us while we were standing in one of the lines (no he wasn't trying to cut the line)... That was pretty cool- not in the "he's a politician" sorta way, but in the "he was a Montreal Canadien" sorta way... we'll add him to the list of famous people I've seen in Ottawa

Go Paddle Demons Go!

2007-06-27T11:09:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the annual Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival held at Mooney's Bay. This is the largest Dragon Boat Festival in North America, with 190 teams participating... with 22 people per boat, this translates into over 5000 paddlers (not rowers!).

This year, I'm with a new team, and couldn't be happier. My team embodies sportsmanship, athleticism, balance and positive attitude. And while there was no celebrating in the beer tent between races or even after Saturday's races, once Sunday afternoon came around and tent-city was brought down, we headed over to the beer tent to celebrate a phenomenal weekend of paddling our best and of course to collect our hardware. One of our mixed crews won bronze in the B final with a time of 2 minutes, 8.6 seconds- making us approx. 11th overall fastest team of the festival (out of 190 teams). Our women's crew made the A final making us the 7th fastest women's crew of the festival and in the top 50 of the entire 190 teams with a time of 02:26.86- quite an accomplishment for a crew who only practiced together 4 times prior to the festival- and who had never raced a 500m race together before (let alone the four that the weekend called for).

I love this sport so much- the camaraderie, the exhilaration and rush of 20 paddles hitting the water at exactly the same rhythm for 2 solid minutes catapulting a 1000lb boat to glide over the water like a hovercraft- it's insane... I love it.

Brown Eyed Girl - live in concert!!!!

2007-06-18T11:08:00.001-04:00

This weekend, it came to my attention that the singer of the namesake of my blog is coming to O-town for Bluesfest. I haven't paid much attention to the bluesfest lineup because I'll be gone on a vaca out east with my best friend Dom. We'll be gone from July 5-July 13th- the bulk of Bluesfest. So last night while exhausted and trying to fall asleep, i remembered this very fact- so opened up ye ole' laptop and away i googled...Sure enough Van Morrison is coming to Bluesfest. Not only that- but he's coming on the night before i leave for vaca- July 4th! For some odd reason, his ticket is the most expensive single day pass of them all- I could download Brown Eyed Girl from itunes for 99 cents or I could spend $51.50 to hear it live... so worth it... so so so so worth it. Dag- i just realized I'm on vaca in 2.5 weeks! Gimme a hell-ya for that!

the trip home

2007-06-15T13:51:00.000-04:00

ok sorry for the delay. Here is the long-awaited posts about vacation and goings-on since the last post on my first day of vacation.

The last few trips home for me have not been the most pleasant. Not because i didn't love being there, actually that was the problem. At the time- I wasn't happy being in Ottawa, which meant leaving home (Kingsville) all the more difficult. Let me tell you, getting into a car for a 9-hour drive (alone) going to a place that after 9 years you question if that's where you're meant to be- makes that drive seem all that much longer. Everytime I've left, mom worries a little more- she worries about me not loving life, about me not being happy, and especially about me being too hard on myself.

This particular vacation home was unlike any other. It was filled everyday with visiting people whom I've been reconnected with thanks to Facebook, and oodles of time to spend with my pumpkin niece who at 5 (and a half) is the light of my life and the two of us had some very special times together, that I hope she will remember for years to come.

The reason I went home was because my darling niece asked me back at Christmas to come home for her first dance recital- tap and ballet. I couldn't reisist- she wanted me to be there so I did! She was so adorable... we took her to get her hair done and I did her make-up she was a little diva. It was so precious. When she got on stage, she saw me front and centre with my camera and waved as if no one else was int he audience. I don't know how she found me- but she did... She was so adorable. We bought her a bouquet and gave it to her after the show for her brilliant (i.e. she didn't fall) performance.

So thanks to Facebook I was able to meet up again with friends of mine from elementary school (go mighty Bees of St. Michel!) which considering our graduating class had 12 students and I grew up in a small town- these peeps were more like brothers and sisters. Jackie and I were very close in elementary school, but hung around different crowds in highscool and of course went to sepearate universities. Jackie lives in oakville now and was going to be home the same weekend I was- so we decided to hit up theclubs and do some damage! I will say this about that: going to the Honest Lawyer on a Saturday night when there's Stanley Cup Finals hockey on- you'd expect to have it playing on TV- well it was, without sound because back home the (not so mighty) Detroit Pistons were getting their collective arses kicked by the Cleveland Cavaliers and apparently the guys in the bar wanted to have the sound for the basketball game. Needless to say whent he Sens won that game, I was the only fool cheering in the bar! Met up with my good buddy JP that night too- JP and I have been friends for 20 years- and I think that (thanks to MSN) I've probably been in most contact with him over the years... mind you we rarely see one another when I go home... I also met up with an old boyfriend from highschool and we went to the local pub where we then saw literally a dozen people we knew. I also got the chance to hang out with my dear friend Denis. I'm so happy he found me on Facebook. That guy is awesome.

Hanging out with mom at Art in the Park (big craft show at a gorgeous park in windsor) was really nice- extremely hott, but nice. It was a difficult time for mom as she always went to this with my Aunt Pat-her sister who passed away in October. Who knew a craft show could be so emotional! that night- we decided to have a family picnic at the park in Kingsville. Mom's potato salad was the hit of the picnic. The table that we sat at even had the name Matt carved into it which meant somehow my brother living out in Alberta was a part of it too...

I also had dinner with Meaghan and Kelly and got to see Lisa with Silver who's now running around and is such a toddler and Lisa's bun in the oven- the un-named princess-to-be will be born in October. It was so good to see these girls. They are sisters to me. I love them very very much and am reminded why everytime we talk.

Shopping in the States with Jen on Monday was dangerous. We knew it would be. thanks to that trip- I now own a small share in Victoria Secret, Forever 21, Bath and Body Works and Abercrombi and Fitch. Most items were on sale- all were wonderful- us two gals spent an obscene amount of money in less than 5 hours, and luckily for us we got the pretty girls discount through customs and sailed right on through! I'll spare you the pic of me with all my shopping bags...

Tuesday was Aunt Becky and Bailey Day. She went to day care in the morning so i could sleep in (thanks to my sis for that brilliant idea) then i picked her up before lunch. We decided to go see Shrek the third. We decided (i.e. I decided) we were going to watch the 1pm show up in windsor- it's the baby-friendly one. I know she's 5 but hey it was super cheap and i didn't correct anyone when someone referred to me as her mother...My brother i.e. Uncle Matt made Bailey a Shrek doll at one of the make your own teddy bear places so we had to bring that to the movie. Bailey also received a Shrek face mask. Luckily she decided not to wear it the entire movie... but the pictures are too cute! So with Shrek on her lap and Bailey on mine, we snuggled and watched Shrek the third together. After which we went home and I napped (she had the luxury of doing so in the car ride home).

Throw in visits witht he G-parents, sleeping in and good times with mom and my sister, and you've got one grand vaca home! Leaving on Wednesday was surprisingly one of the easiest things to do. Was it because i knew i didn't have to go to work the very next day? Was it because I truly had an amazing time at home and spent quality time with people I love? Was it that somehow I knew something huge in my life was about to happen??.... maybe a bit of all

update coming soon

2007-06-10T23:20:00.002-04:00

sorry peeps- I've been slacking on the blog. I've been on vaca since May 30th and it officially ens in 8 hours... I promise to update over the next few days with highlights, stories and perhaps a few pics of quite possibly the best vaca I've had in a while...

stay tuned.

update coming soon

2007-06-10T23:20:00.001-04:00

Sorry loyal readers...I've been slacking- I've been on vacation and I've been blog-slacking. I appologize. My vaca ends in precisely 8 hours.

This sucks.

I promise in the coming days to report back perhaps even with some pictures of one of the greatest vacations I've had in a long time...

lineups

2007-05-31T23:36:00.000-04:00

Tourists don't know how to stand in line. I've witnessed this before, at my Tim Horton's in the Rideau centre- which has an unconventional line in that there's one line up and like 5 cash registers... frankly i find it to be the most fair of lines... and I'm not always mean, I'll let the occaisional tourist come between me and my coffee (I wouldn't want to start an int'l incident). But yesterday in line at one of the stops on the 401, I got there at the same time as a tour bus of germans, or dutch (the lack of coffee didn't help me being able to distinguish). So after waiting in line for five minutes, when the cashier asked "what can I get you", while looking right into these brown eyes of mine, the ladie behind me headed towards the cash...she was literally about to get between me and my coffee. First thing in the morning is one thing, but at this point I was about 1/3 done my trek home... with hours of car singing and fednign off truckers ahead of me... the lady was tredding in some rough waters...

So seriously, I don't understand how or why tourists don't understand the concept of a line... I know they have line=ups in other countries, I've been around some parts of our green earth, and have stood in line. Do they just not notice? I find this hard to believe considering line-ups are not a new phenomenon, and there pretty darn common, whether it be at a sporting event, at a restuarant, waiting for coffee, or when shopping for just about ANYTHING... I just don't get it.

what an amazing weekend!

2007-05-21T22:07:00.001-04:00

BBQs, patios, beer, hockey... what more can a girl ask for???????

How about zip lining through a forest, the occasional nap, getting my hair done, and why not throw in some shopping and a massage for good measure?

Yep that's pretty much what sums up my May 2-4 weekend! It was amazing! I spent such an amazing time with so many different friends, I truly was spoiled all weekend long!

Cathy and Bill spoiled me with a wonderful BBQ dinner Friday night to kick off the long weekend, and not to mention to celebrate my first compressed Friday off of the summer! Phil rounded out the bunch of us and as usual we had a phenomenal conversation and laughter. Saturday, Dom and a bunch of other friends we all went to Lafleche Aerial park for some zip lining and treetop obstacle courses. I have over a dozen bruises on both arms and legs (not even exaggerating here!). It was over three hours of an amazing adventure that I'll be sure to do again before the summer is over! After that, the group of us found a resto in Gatineau to watch the end of the Sens game cheering on our boys to the Stanley Cup finals.

Saturday night, I partied on the Sens Mile with some good friends, but alas, Cinderella was home by midnight as I had a couple hours of Dragon Boating Sunday morning to help out some new steers people (nothing like paddling in circles for two hours!). Oh I'm sorry, did I forget to mention that half of that time we were only 6 of us paddling per boat? Right. Oh yeah, and that zip lining adventure was a fricken workout. It was insane. That of course justified the 4 hour nap I then had on our rainy Sunday afternoon.

My buddy Jim then invited me over for a bbq.... and by bbq, I mean BBQ- steaks, salmon, grilled peppers, salads, wine, wine, wine... it was awesome! Great company with Kim and Ray too.

Kate and I met for lunch today in the market and then ventured to visit the Tulip Festival at Major's Hill park. It wasn't what I remembered, but it was still a lovely stroll around the park. Oh right- this was after a pitcher of Sangria at the Black Tomato. Quite possibly, the best Sangria in the city. DELISH! Then some shopping in the Rideau centre, which despite working right next too, I haven't actually shopped there a few weeks. Good deals, good times...

Cap the weekend off with another hour-long Dragon Boat practice, and VOILA, you've got one happy, tanned, tired blonde chick ready for a summer filled with fun and laughter!

pain. i'm in lots of pain

2007-05-13T19:34:00.000-04:00

but it's the good pain. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

This weekend, my dragon boat team, the Paddle Demons, went to Lachine (MTL) for a training camp. Two-boats worth of us went. Practices were from 10-2 Saturday and 9-1 today (Sunday). The first practice on Sat. AM we were taped, which allowed us to see what it is we look like when we paddle. I was so happy that the only comment the coach made to me was for me to keep my head straight, and he said i had already improved from the morning. YAY!

By the time the fourth practice came around this afternoon, we were spent. I was spent. Every ounce of energy I had had disappeared. Was it the sun? the wind? the cold? the 3 weeks worth of paddling crammed into 2 days? the copious amounts of beer we drank when we went out Saturday night? Yeah, I'd probably say a good combo of each. Actually the beer not so much. We were all so tired from Saturday's practice, and knowing very well we'd have to do it again today, and be sore before we even started, lots of water was consumed to help rehydrate.

I hurt. I'm sunburned. My body aches. My arse is sore from that damn wooden seat. My back is aching- I'm now aware of muscles that I don't know if I knew I had or if I just forgot they existed.

So much fun.... so so so much fun.

It's really here now! There's a humidex!

2007-05-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

Frizzy hair. Profusely sweating in the shade. Never leaving home without sunglasses and a water bottle. Oh yes. Summer is here. In full swing. Including a humidex of 29 today in our nation's capital, and the subsequent threat of thunderstorms followed by slightly cooler temperatures. Of course this now means there's a threat of the first softball game of the season being cancelled and the subsequent fleury of emails asking when we should cancel the games by what time. I'm going to count them. 18. 18 emails asking when we're going to call the games due to rain. It wasn't even noon yet. It's still sunny now and 3pm. And people wonder why being the captain of the team makes me crazy.

Summer is here...summer is here.... SUMMER IS HERE!!!

Halifax was a blast... Long live the Lower Deck, and the Alexander Keith's brewery. Oh yeah and work was very productive too. All in all a great trip.

My summer love

2007-05-02T22:05:00.000-04:00

I love dragon boating. I do. I fell in love with the sport the first time I put a paddle in the water 3 years ago. uh two years. yes, this is my third year. Right. Ok but it feels like longer, I think because I feel like it's such a part of me that I've just been doing it forever.

I love it. Tonight was our first practice. My first on the water practice with my new team, the Paddle Demons. It was frickin cold tonight, practice was from 8-9pm @ Mooney's Bay. Getting into my car and driving to practice even felt good. I could do that drive with my eyes close (I won't, but i probably could).

I froze my ass of with half of my new team, and we starting dusting off the cobwebs and shaking the bits of rust of and greasin' up the ole muscles. Man I hurt. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Did I mention how much I love it? Ok I'll stop.

The calmness of the water. The power in my paddle. The synchronicity and rhythm of 22 paddlers hitting the water all at once thrusting the boat to glide across the water.

Damn being in the water felt good.

btw- It's official in case you didn't notice: SUMMER HAS BEGUN!!!!!!!!

these are a few of my favourite things

2007-05-01T00:29:00.000-04:00

hearing the song brown eyed girl
sunshine
the perfect spring/summer day when you don't have to wear a coat and your toes aren't cold even though you're wearing sandals
hearing Bailey laugh
holding Livia on Saturday- she smelled so good... you know- that new baby smell? heaven
getting an ear massage (seriuosly it's awesome)
relaxing with friends...
people watching
dragon boating
hearing me laughing (something i don't feel i've done enough of lately)
thinking of vacation
opening the sunroof of my car
napping on a dreary rainy sunday morning with the cool breeze coming through the open window, being all cuddled in my comfy duvet with my adorable cat taking up 3/4 of my pillow
quittin' time at work
my comfy new green walking shoes
realizing that exactly one month from right now, I'll be at home in K-ville for a one week vaca, likely lying in a twin-size bed unable to sleep cuz my cat will be taking up 3/4 of my pillow and my niece will be taking up 3/4 of the bed. Even though she's five, it's amazing how much room she can take up over the course of a night.
getting advice from Orlando- my smartest car guy friend. I wish he was with me to help me pick out a car. I'm contemplating paying him to fly here for a weekend from Missouri to help.

blogging for the sake of blogging

2007-04-26T21:08:00.000-04:00

re-reading my latest entries i'm realizing a not-so-great pattern. I've been writting about nothing. Question is, do I really have nothing to write about? on the contrary. It's actually just like those awkward moments of silence you have with someone- more often than not, you have something to say, you just are having difficulty putting it into words. You just don't know where to begin.

Yes that's it. I have so much to write about that I'm almost scared to start typing for fear that I won't stop...

It's not that I have nothing to say to you... it's that I have so much that I want to say to you, I just don't know where to begin.

Well based on recent posts I've randomly thrown down into the blog whatever was around in my head. Or just answered questions that someone sent. Doesn't feel that I've really written about anything. Thing is... there's so much going on in my head that I just don't know how to organize it in any way that makes sense.

work... let's not go there
love... yeah well...I'd rather talk about work
friends... i must admit, I've got great friends. But I haven't been much of a friend. And I don't feel like blogging about my friends...

so I'll blog about not blogging.

I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

a fun waste of time :)

2007-04-23T16:44:00.001-04:00

Got this meme from Dani...

FOODOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Blue Cheese

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. The new Thai express at the Rideau centre

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Metropolitain

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. 15 - 20% - usually

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Toasted Tomato sandwiches and corn on the cob. Pretty sure this is my diet all summer long

Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. Vanilla frost

TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. @ home: a GAP picture of Wentworth Miller
@ work: a saying:
“I wish I was a glowworm,
A glowworm’s never glum,
’Cos how can you be grumpy
When the sun shines out your bum!”

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. two

BIOLOGY
Q. What’s your best feature?
A. My hair.

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Sorta.

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. according to my last optometrist appointment- it ain’t my eyes! I love food, so perhaps taste? Hearing- I can usually hear a song in a crowded loud restaurant, and well my sense of smell conjures up all sorts of memories… uh what was the question again?

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. Last year maybe the year before?

Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?
A. This question is worded funny. I suppose the heaviest item I lifted last would naturally be the last thing I lifted no? which was approximately 8 peanuts that I just shoved into my mouth. Assuming you’re referring to the last heavy item I lifted, that would probably be the 9 bags of groceries I carried from the car to my apartment.

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. I fainted once in the shower last year.

BULLSHITOLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. no thanx.

Q. Is love for real?
A. loved the answer Dani gave!: “If love isn't real, nothing is.”

Q. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
A. I think I’d go with Isabella, but considering my name varies already: Rebecca, Becky, Rebecca Lynn, Becca, Beck, Bex… I’m happy wuith what it is.

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Green (according to me and others). Black works too!

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. I’m sure I have. Does the sticker on an apple count?

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. I don’t think so.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Not physically.

DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
A. With two feet and a heartbeat!

Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. I’ve done it for free (drinks).

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. I don’t think so.

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. maybe

Q. Would you pose nude in a magazine for $250,000?
A. Yep

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?
A. Maybe $10K I could use the money

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. not in a million years.

Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
A. Sure would.

Q. Give up MySpace forever for $30,000?
A. Similarly to Dani- MySpace no problem… Facebook, whoa)

DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A. Wearing a dress, no pockets

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. I’m not one to ask.

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Carpet. I’m in an apartment. No choice in the matter.

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Stand

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A. I’ve done it before, could do it again- This question should be one of those money questions from above

Q: How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
A. hhhmmm… green with sequence, two ryders, one merrell, one roxy, I’ll say 6 for good measure.

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. Let’s see- there’s the speeding ticket from easter weekend…

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. A toys r us kid

LASTOLOGY
Q: Friend you talked to?
A. Lisa- we were trying to figure out how to use an excel pie chart!!

Q: Last person you called?
A. Lisa- she was too lazy to look up my number and call me so she emailed me which has her signature block, and the email subject line simply said “call me” with no actual message. Like a bitch, I quickly complied!

RANDOMOLOGY
Q: First place you went this morning?
A. to the kitchen to feed the cat.

Q: What can you not wait to do?
A. Start Dragon boat season!!!!.

Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
A. drawing a blank here… I saw parts of Shakespeare in Love Saturday night.

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A. With or without coffee? I’d go with I’m pretty friendly.

Monday morning recap

2007-04-23T13:29:00.000-04:00

1. Can you pass a kleenex please? Yep I think my cold came back. Either that or allergies. FUN!

2. Max had her baby on Saturday- but the poor princess munchkin is at CHEO for the next few days. Livia is so precious- she looks just like Max. And I got to see her when she was 4 hours old!!! So cute. And a tough cookie already- just like her mom.

3. Sangria. Sunshine. Patio. Good friend. That was Sunday afternoon. (I'll do a post later tonight on this event)

4. I'm SMRT! I got the call this morning to answer my skill testing question for the iPod I won with RUtRtW. I got the answer right- and should receive my iPod nano in 6-8 weeks!

5. I had lunch with Birthday girl Robin (I know 4 people whose b-day it is today. Robin, Kerry, Scott and Ray- Happy b-day to you all!!!- not to mention Lisa's tomorrow). Robin and I decided to enjoy the market and the sunshine by having lunch on the patio- which we enjoyed until pieces of our salad blew away in the wind. No joke. Lettuce was flying everywhere!

Dreams that make you go hhhhmmmm...

2007-04-19T09:51:00.000-04:00

Do you dream? well do you remember your dreams?

I have always been a dreamer. I dream vividly and I more often than not will remember them. And boy do they affect my mood for the day (good or bad)! Reason being, they're not always non-sensical fregments of my imagination. Sometimes they are a replay of a recent (or upcoming) incident with a slight twist of reality. You know like the dream you have when your partner is cheating on you and you wake up pissed off at them all day long to no-fault (or is it?) of their own.

Well recently, I had an event- or situation well whatever, recently something happened in my life that was very bitter-sweet. Actually it was sweet-bitter. I had quite the build up for this event, it was many years in the making so to speak, and it went great. Then it came crashing down... inexplicably really (to this day in fact). So in reality, initially it played out very good, then came to a screaching halt. To give some context the event just happened over Easter- so this is pretty recent folks.

I've had a few dreams about this event, both prior to and since. On all occaisions, the dreams were very vivid and very real- emotionally real anyway. Last night was one of those dreams (minds out of the gutter here folks). It was so real. It was too real. And just as I was starting to have some resemblance of getting over it, BOOM this dream hit me last night that has thrown me into a tailspin.

UGH.

Sunshine, Patios, Runners oh my!

2007-04-18T13:01:00.000-04:00

It's here folks... the best season of all- PATIO SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although we had that terrible nor'easter this weekend, it's here. It's really here. And I don't care if you all think I'm jynxing us by proclaiming it loudly (and by loudly I mean in Captial letters). PATIO season has arrived. In Ottawa, it's quite the busieness. Patio building that is. We loose 4 feet of the sidwalk, because every single restaurant, café or pub must have at least two tables outside or it risks closing down forever. (I've decided not to take this opportunity to complain about the smokers invading the patio spaces, because frankly, I don't want to think negatively right now about the patio season.) It's here. In all it's glory.

To celebrate, I even just bought a super cute patio mat to put on my super-tiny balcony. Needless to say it's green (not super-green, just green hehe). But you better believe, when I get home tonight, I'm cleaning off the balcony (safe for my bike) and tying that puppy down so that I can then perhaps finally buy the cute patio set I've been eyeing so that I can start enjoying summer evenings ~~drinking~~ reading on my balcony overlooking the city. It really is a lovely view.

I am now super excited for Softball and Dragon boat season to officially start, both only a few weeks away now. We've already booked rooms for our trip to MTL for our DB training camp.

aaaahhhhh.... it's here.

a few thoughts on this Snowy April day...

2007-04-13T09:24:00.000-04:00

It's April. For crying out loud it's actually the middle of April. And it's snowing. Big white fluffy snowflakes. COME ON!!!!!!!!!

Dragon boat season starts in 3 weeks, baseball in 4 and it's snowing. Uh did I mention dragon boating? that's right- we are to be on the water. Outdoors. At Mooney's Bay. In three weeks. Paddling. In a boat. OUTSIDE.

other random thoughts I need to vent about:

The Habs aren't in the playoffs. but neither are the leafs, so there's at least solice in that.
My weekend at home was extremely bitter-sweet.
My ankle/leg is still quite sore.
I can't find shoes to match my dress for the gala tomorrow night.
I have a friend going through a hard time who is slightly delusional in thinking I'm the strong one out of the two of us.
I miss my munchkin niece who kindly over the weekend said numerous times: "I wish you lived here with us" and "I wish you were my mommy" (luckily my sister wasn't in earshot for the latter). I lovingly explained to her that I would get mad at her too sometimes like her mommy does, and the reason she loves me so much is because I'm her Aunt Becky. She also climbed on to the bed to cuddle with me, tell me she loves me and that everything was ok when I was completely convinced it wasn't.
My cat is costing me a small fortune.
I don't know what I'm doing.

It's still snowing.

Super random thoughts

2007-04-04T11:51:00.000-04:00

1. It's new fiscal, which means 3 more weeks of vacation added to the pile, which means I now have 25.5 days (if i take 7.5 hour days) or 22.5 days (@ 8.5 hour days when I'm on a compressed which i will be for the summer)... which means 5 weeks of vacation!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 weeks. F-I-V-E weeks. that's a month. Imagine not going to work for a month and getting paid for it. aaaaahhhh bliss. Ok all of a sudden I'm saddened by the fact that I was able to carry over 2 weeks, because that means that I only took 1 week's worth of vacation last year. Of course I did use some overtime leave, but still. huh. that kinda sux. I need to go on vacation. who's with me...

2. It's raining. Hey at least it's not snowing.

3. I slept in today- unintentionally of course. I set the alarm for 7pm instead of 7am. The aforementioned rainy day, didn't help. I love sleeping. I especially love sleeping with the sound of the rain and the cold breeze and me all warm and cozy in my most comfy duvet... sorry off on a tangent there..Focus. Funny thing- I don't even remember setting the alarm last night. Actually last night was the first time in a long while that I was exhausted and actually went to bed because i was so tired. I wasn't just lying there hoping to fall asleep like i normally do. I think the excitement of going home is tiring me out. That and I've been going to many appointments lately that are costing me a fortune and making me feel old. (physio, the dentist, optometrist). So I'm poor and old and tired. And feeling fat because i haven't been able to properly work out because of ankle. wow wasn't that a stream of consciousness....

4. I'm going home in 1 sleep. Ok two, but the process is starting tomorrow after work. So I'm happy :) I'm so looking forward to it. I'm meeting up with an old friend who's very dear to me- (read: he's not old, our friendship is). I haven't seen him in 6 years, and I've known him since we were 7. That's 20 years. I'm very excited to see him again. We reconnected on facebook (I stumbled on his name - he was listed as a friend of a friend of a friend i think)... I hesitantly added him to list, petrified that I wouldn't hear anything back. But I did. And I'm very very happy about that. Obviously I'm also very happy that I get to be at home with my niece and take her to dance class (her request that I bring her instead of her mom or my mom), and that we get to have an Easter egg hunt (she's already declared what colour of eggs are hers, and what ones are mine). I can't wait to hug her. I love her so much.

5. I'm worried about boxing tonight- I desperately need to go, but I'm scared that my ankle won't be able to handle the 24 rounds of ~~hell~~ joy. Seriously that's what we call it... it's quite the workout.

the end.

Here I made you a playlist...

2007-04-03T00:09:00.000-04:00

... it just doesn't have the same feeling as "here I made you a mixed-tape" now does it? even a mixed cd... but really nothing will beat the era that was the mixed-tape mastering to show someone how you really felt. A guy made me a mixed-tape once. I was 12. He gave it to me before I went away on my summer vacation. I remember there was at least one Richard Marx song on it.

Creating a playlist is something of the same thing... selecting songs in a particular order that reflect emotions, thoughts, your general state of mind for a particular time. A playlist for working out, one for falling asleep, a soulfull one, an uplifting one, and kick-ass one (holla Player's Club)...

But I take my playlists seriously, and pretty personally- but would i want to share them? maybe. In the same way as I would have shared a mixed tape? (presuming I have someone to share it with), I don't know about that. Besides, there's something to be said for physically pressing play/record, adding enough time between the songs, etc, of the mixed tape, then of a playlist that can be sorted and shuffled on a whim.

I've recently made a playlist (sadly i'm having comp difficulties, so can't sync it to the ipod at the moment)... It's an amazing playlist. but I don't want to share it yet... I'm too affraid it would open a window to my soul that I don't think I'm ready to open just yet...

Of course it'll snow, they're cleaning the streets!

2007-04-02T21:48:00.000-04:00

In my lil' ole' apartment way up on the 23rd floor overlooking the city- there's one thing that coincides with cranking the window open to let the cool spring time air soothe me to sleep- it's the sound of those obnoxious and untimely massive trucks crawling by slower than a snail, apparently doing more than pushing around the dust left over from all the salt/sand mixture we needed to keep from sliding around the streets this winter.

So obviously with these trucks out, it means that the snow plows and salt trucks have been put away for another year... but it never fails (ok i think last year was an exception)- the week or so after the street-sweeping-cleaning-trucks (there's got to be a better word for those) the clouds open up not the the April showers that bring May flowers but to the evil snow that we missed in December. yes yes, I know I'm complaining there was no snow in December... last I checked I was Canadian, which means I have the right to complain about the weather (unless it's perfect patio season and sandal weather- no complaining there). And sure enough, it's supposed to snow in O-town this weekend- which is why I'm heading home to K-ville (you read it here first folks- I'll be home, so call me/message me if you want to see my gorgeous face)

Life ain't too shabby otherwise I have to admit, so that's all my rant is about today. Besides, I hardly think I'd be able to sleep without the soothing constant sound of the trucks crawling by....I'd probably complain if i didn't hear them :)

oh why not waste some time...

2007-04-01T11:11:00.000-04:00

1. Do you sleep with your wardrobe doors open or closed?
Closed- my closet is too full if it's open the clothes would fall out

2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels? yes but oddly enough I take them so that the next time i go away, i can bring a small container, never do, and then take the ones from that stay...vicious circle really

3. Have you ever 'done it' in a hotel room? Hell yeah!

4. Have you ever stolen a street sign before? nope

5. Do you like to use post-it notes? everyday

6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? indeed

7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? bees

8. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? peanut butte & chocolate

9. Do you always smile for pictures? well the ones that i know are happening, unless i'm doing my sexy pose :P

10. What is your biggest pet peeve? people who don't use their turn signals!

11. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? out- i hate being restricted!

12. Do you ever count your steps when you walk? not that I can think of.....

13. Have you ever peed in the woods? Have you ever gone camping?

14. Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing? probably

15. Do you chew your pens and pencils? not intentionally

16. Ever talk on a cell phone in a public bathroom? perhaps at a bar...

17. Do you like popcorn from those big tins? no- woudln't that be stale?

18. What is your "Song of the week"? With or without you

19. Is it okay for guys to wear pink? yes but only if they have a tan

20. Do you still watch cartoons? movies yes, shows thank goodness not...

21. Whats your favorite scary movie? not a fan of them

22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? why would I bury it?

23. What do you drink with dinner? milk

24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? honey

25. What is your favorite food/cuisine? greek

26. How many countries have you been travelled to? over a dozen- various carribean islands, mexico, USA, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France,

27. Who was the last person you kissed/kissed you? I suppose if I say "I don't remember" that doesn't quite make me look good does it?

28. Last person you hugged/hugged you? Leah- when i left the bar last night.

29. Ever go skinny dipping? sure did! a few times

30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? well i wrote it in a card- injanuary

31. Can you change the oil on a car? yeah not so much...

32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket? nope.

33. Ran out of gas? nope

34. Favorite kind of sandwich? tomato on toasted whole wheat

35. Best thing to eat for breakfast? left over pizza

36. What is your usual bedtime? there is no usual... i suppose somewhere in the 11 o'clock hour...
37. Are you lazy? I have my moments...

38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? a rubics cube, 50s girl

39. Ever eat a Chaco Taco? don't know what it is...

40. How many languages can you speak? 2, but i can order a beer in a third...

41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? maclean's

42.Which are better legos or lincoln logs? No idea what lincoln logs are so I have to say lego

43. Are you stubborn? I like to call it independent

44. Who is better...Leno or Letterman? Jay's Jay0walking is hilarious, but Dave's top ten lists are classic....

45. Ever watch soap operas? yeppers, Y&R and Days of our Lives

47. Sing in the car? that's a given (although some may not call it singing lol)

48. Dance in the shower? i think so...while i'm singing that is

49. Dance in the car? hell yes, i bring sexy back to the driver's seat!

50. Ever used a gun? water guns only

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? December 2006- family pictures

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? no they're great! The Lion King was awesome! And Grease- hello!!!!

53. Is Christmas stressful? why do you think i add bailey's to my christmas morning coffee?

54. Ever been to GoofyAuctions.com? nope but i will when i'm done posting this

55. Favorite type of fruit pie? pumpkin

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid: a teacher, a marine bilogist

57. Do you believe in ghosts? only at hallowe'en

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? oh yes...

59. Take a vitamin daily? when i remember too

60. Wear slippers? yep. cozy and comfy ones

61. Wear a bath robe? indeed

62. What do you wear to bed? well, actually....

63. Your First Concert? New Kids on the Block

64. Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart? ooohhh Walmart, only because there's no Target here in Canada

65. Nike or Adidas? adidas, but only because i'm remembering that silly saying that went with it when growing up

66. Cheetos Or Fritos? Fritos

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? peanuts, or chocolate covered sunflower seeds

68. Ever have a hidden piercing? yep

69. Ever take dance lessons? yep, highland dancing, ballet, tap

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? other than being the love of my life- nope...

71. Can you curl your tongue? sure can!

72. Ever won a spelling bee? don't think so...

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? yes

74. Ever eat a booger? I'll assume i did when i was a kid...

75. Own a record player? yes I did

76. Regularly burn incense? not regularly

77. Ever been in love? I have been so lucky

78. Who would you like to see in concert? U2

79. What was your last concert you saw? Barenaked Ladies

80. Hot tea or cold ? is it summer or winter? day or night? both have their own plance and time

81. Ever ran around outside without a shirt? sure i have

82. Favorite kind of cookie? my nana's M&M cookies (that are actually made with smarties)

i feel old...

2007-03-29T20:11:00.000-04:00

today was well a "geesh I'm getting old" day.

why? well I started my day by going to my physio appointment for my aching back and weak ankle and then this afternoon I had the optometrist apointment (havne't been in 3 years) and sure enough, as I suspected... I needed glasses. Well to give some context to that, I have glasses- reading glasses that i got at the last appointment (three years ago) and now I need glasses for distance. My once perfect vision has degenerated at the ripe ole' age of 27. No wonder i've been getting lost when driving lately, I couldn't see the street signs!!! no seriously, i've been missing my turns alot lately... I'm queen of the U-turns now! But holy crap do they ever make all the difference! I obviously used them to drive home from the optometrist and I made it home without getting lost! WOOHOO!

My mean coworker whose name is not Steve, was very mean when i said I needed glasses for distance... in addition to my reading glasses. his comment: Oh you need bi-focals! ok really... we don't need to be so mean do we????????????

and yes of course, new glasses=new fashion accessory!

George- you do love me!

2007-03-27T23:42:00.001-04:00

ok so perhaps not- but how else can you explain this:

******************************
From : The Hour
Sent : March 27, 2007 3:20:34 PM
Subject : Tonight: The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos

Hi,

I just wanted to let you know that The Hour will be on at a special time tonight - 9PM, and we've got quite a show lined up.

One of the biggest names in Hollywood, Mark Wahlberg is on the show. Plus we talk about the cost of our war in Afghanistan withMaster Corporal Paul Franklin. He nearly lost his life in a suicide bombing that killed a Canadian diplomat last year. Also RickMercer is on the show with his Best Story Ever, which, knowing Mercer, should be crazy. Finally comedian Russell Peters is coming byto do a bit on his favourite myspace friends - it should be hilarious. Watch it tonight at 9PM on CBC Television. For more go here: http://www.cbc.ca/thehour

The crew at The Hour

*********************
I'm not kidding peeps- I don't ever remember signing up at the hour for something which leads me to assume the only possible truth: George Strombo is in love with me. He's found me somehow and this is his way "in".

I heart George. George heart's me.

Disconnect/Reconnect

2007-03-27T21:31:00.000-04:00

Ok so... yes i haven't been so connected to the world back home- I've been going through a bit of a disconnect. Well that needs to change.

It's amazing how people can say things, or not say things and affect you the way they do. How one word, a sound, a breath can bring you back to a place from long ago- a place you had forgotten about and how it can all just come flooding back. Even if you're not the same person you were then, it reminds you of who you were... who you thought you were going to be, and where and why the disconnect between those people (your young self, your 'future' self and your present self) happened.

Reconnecting with people, especially people from your past, allows you to reconnect to yourself- the piece of you that you thought you had lost for the last little while.

I hope this reconnection stays connected.

Size does matter boys...

2007-03-27T12:53:00.000-04:00

...and girls.

It's true, I can't deny it any longer. The biggest factor in me consistantly winning the RUTRTW contest every day is the fact that I order an X-tra large every time- I may have one on the occaisional time that I ordered a large, but really, the winning streak is due mostly to the fact that when i need coffee...i NEED coffee and a whole lot of it...

So at last a definitive answer to the often asked question... Does size really matter?
Hell ya I say, HELL YA!

one drop of rain and the world goes mad

2007-03-26T09:31:00.000-04:00

Seriously Ottawans... get over it. Last time I checked, Ottawa has had rain before, and I'm pretty sure your car didn't melt because of it. So really, why must you be such inconsiderate, rude and stupid drivers the second the rain clouds open up?

I was cut off about 4 times on my short drive in this morning. And for Pete's sake the first occurance was before I left my parking garage! Let's just say, the horn was in full use this morning! (Max you'd be proud of my road rage- I dropped the four-letter words a couple of times- so much for me giving up swearing for Lent!)

ok that's all for now.

why my weekend was great...

2007-03-26T02:55:00.000-04:00

1. I didn't over-book myself
2. I did NOTHING friday night :)
3. I went to Dragon Boat practice with my new team Saturday morning
4. I got my hair done (yes again, and no I'm not blonde yet...but closer)
5. I got some great deals at Costco- like the chocolate covered sunflower seeds that are so yummy- (when i went to KC in january to visit Josh- his sister had them and that was the first time I've ever seen them. I loved them- they were so good, and ever sicne I've been looking at the bulk food sections at the grocery store, but to no avail.) I think i'll go back and stock up and freeze them or soemthing. they're so good- and perfect for trail mix!!!!
6. Went out with some friends on Saturday night- correction sprained ankle again on the way to the bar, so ended up going back home at 10:30
7. SLEPT IN!!!!
8. I got to see my family (aunt/uncle/cousins)- watch Logan play hockey and then we went out for dinner. I don't see them enough.
9. While playing around on Facebook, I found and reconnected with some long-lost friends, one of whom was my first love. This makes me very happy.