Merry Ho Ho!!

Here I am in my new pj's (courtesy of Mandy and Dave - thanks guys!) sending you a Christmas kiss!

Hope the season is wonderful to you and yours...

Do you know the Muffin Man?

So I decided to do some grocery shopping late yesterday afternoon. Yes I know, how positively crazy of me! I was going to do a stock up trip and headed out to the Superstore. I went to the nearest one and spent a few minutes driving around the parking lot to find a spot. I was becoming frustrated and decided to drive to the farther one because it usually wasn't so crazy (worth the drive for that aspect alone) but it was also my preferred location.

I wandered through the store (without a list as I never shop with one) managing to remember cereal (see previous parenthesis - forgetting is easy when I shop). Considering I was only on day two of five days off from work I decided to pick up some cookie or muffin mix. While browsing the baking aisle I noticed Honey Bran and thought that sounds yummy and kinda maybe a little on the healthier side of things so I picked it up, then remembered that I didn't have a muffin pan. Off to the bakeware section I went and perused the various pans. I decided against silicon for the price alone plus I'm not convinced of their sturdiness. Due to my self-imposed budget I was initially looking based on price alone (for the amount of baking I do I don't need anything spectacular). I found one pan for about $7. On closer inspection it was way more fun than a regular muffin pan. Anyways I purchased it and decided to make muffins today during my marathon laundry session (two loads done, third in the dryer, forth in the washer - this is quite a feat since there is only one washer and one dryer for my entire building of 11 units). I took a couple pictures of the results:

Behold the Honey Bran Muffins!



Now, take a look at this picture. Can you guess why the pan is so special? Ok, ok, perhaps my baking skills aren't as top notch as they should be, but if you somehow guessed these are muffin tops, you win! Remember that Seinfeld episode about the muffin tops being the best part? Well apparently now there are now pans dedicated to making just the glorious tops o' muffins! Who knew?!



Well they aren't quite just the muffin top alone. The top does need a base to support it, but it's primarily the yummy crusty top!

Bon Appetite!

Dear Telus:

Please consider this your official break up letter from me.

I'd love to say it's me and not you, but the truth is it IS you.

You fail me when I need you. We're together for 6 years and I've received nothing from you. I even had to buy a new phone at full price. I suppose if I was on a monthly plan you'd be a little more into the relationship. The thing is, I'm a low maintenance kinda girl. I guess you just didn't feel needed...that is until I tried to break it off.

Only then do you tell me that perhaps a newer phone may help (right, but did you offer a free handset...or even just a discount? Nope, just the subtle suggestion that I should hawk out more money on our relationship). And when I tell you I'd started a new relationship you suggested I keep seeing you. Test things out you said. See who works better you said. Well Telus, I'm just not that kind of girl. I don't play around, I'm a one provider kind of girl.

So here it is, straight out. We're done. Consider this fair warning; I'll keep you around just long enough to use up my minutes but that's it. I may have considered a future relationship with you, but I draw the line when you question my research abilities. I don't usually jump ship without good reason.

Ah well. C'est la vie, you win some and you lose some. And Telus this is one girl you just lost.

Christmas and a Wedding

Well it's exactly one month today until Christmas. I shall be spending it here in Vancouver this year for two reasons. 1 - I have an every other year thing happening and 2 - I'll be home in Feb for a friends wedding.

I don't mind not traveling home at Christmas. The airports are crazy, the plane is packed and the weather in Ontario is never conducive to driving long distances. On the other hand, it's not much fun being alone here in Vancouver especially knowing that all the good family gatherings are taking place. At the end of the day, unless I plan well in advance the flight prices are enough to discourage anyone from traveling in Canada during the holidays.

My trip in Feb will be fun, but busy as always. I get in early Friday morning and will make my way to Trenton to spend time with friends prior to weddingpalooza on Saturday. Sunday morning I'll make my way to the P-dot area for another friends bridal shower. I'm lucky enough to be a part of that wedding (taking place in June) and since I'll be home we're multi-tasking by having the bridal shower then. I'll likely stay over Sunday night and do some bridesmaidy type things on Monday. Then I'll spend a couple days with the 'rents before heading back to Van City Wednesday night. Perhaps if there's time, and of course weather dependent, I'll squeeze in some other visits.

Happy Halloween!

Just wanted to wish you all a very happy halloween!

Last weekend my Little and I carved pumpkins. Here is a pic of mine:



Halloween here is celebrated with lots of fireworks! All night I've been hearing various pops and bangs are they are being set off. A little on the odd side to an Ontario girl...

It's just one of those days...

When I was younger sometimes I'd have days where I'd spend the afternoon laying under a blanket, crying off and on - but have no idea why. I didn't feel upset. Nothing bad had happened. I was just crying.

Today feels like one of those days. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's just plain ol' sadness. Maybe it's both. But whatever it is, I sure wish I had someone around to give me a hug and make me feel better.

The One With Some Sadness

Soooo!

Yes it's been a while. Like a couple of months. Hmm, so much has happened, this is bound to be random.

The summer has been pretty crappy weatherwise. Something like 6 out of 8 weekends were rainy. Blah! It seems like we're now starting right in with the rainy winter weather. Forget fall we're just jumping from summer to winter, do not pass go, do not collect $200.

My mom called me at work the Thursday before the September long weekend with bad news (it seems like almost everytime she calls it's with bad news). My dad's aunt had been sick throughout the summer and she'd passed away. She'd never had kids and since my family was like her own, she'd left everything to my brother and I. So that meant an emergency trip home was needed at some point. Considering I'd just been home that wasn't exactly something I'd planned for. C'est la vie!

So I figured out when I needed to be home and it worked out that I could fly home the week before Brandyn, Mel and Nate were coming to visit! This way I was able to fly back to Van City with them. Why yes, I am crazy for wanting to fly with a 6 month old! He was actually really good. There were a few other babies on the flight and they actually cried where Nate only got a little whiny.

We then spent the next week going to the Space Centre, Aquarium, Stanley Park, Victoria and Bear Mountain. Oh yeah and there were lots of walks and eating out too. I'm exhausted all over again!

Then on the Friday of that week my mom called again with more bad news: my grandpa had passed away the night before. I was very upset to say the least. I didn't see this one coming at all. To make matters slightly worse I was on the verge of a nasty cold, which never helps a bad situation.

So my guests left me on Saturday morning and I spent the rest of the weekend resting and trying to get better, since I'd just been home I wasn't able to get back for the funeral.

To end this random post, I leave you with a pic of grandpa at his birthday in August 2005.



I love you grandpa!!

Here's a post that my uncle wrote about grandpa...

The One With Not Much To Say

So I realized that I haven't updated in a while. Not sure why, I guess I just haven't had much to chat about.

Hmm...let's see...my trip home was very good. My birthday was good, although the weather was crappy and rainy. Got lots done on the long weekend. Been thinking about buying a bicycle, but decided to hold off for now since I need tires on Stella and want to get new glasses. Have an eye doctors appointment tomorrow and then I think I'm going to get the new glasses. Stayed home sick today so I'll see how I'm feeling.

Hmm, what else....Brandyn, Mel and Nate are coming out in September! So very excited about that. I've booked the week off so I can be a tourist with Mel and Nate while Brandyn is at his meetings.

Got a raise at work which is good timing because my rent is going up in November. It's not a lot but it's still going up.

Still trying to get my apartment more organized. Took 4 boxes of stuff to the Sally Ann a couple weeks ago, but I feel like there's more that could go. We'll have to see what else I can find that I don't really need.

Well that's all I can think of for now!

Yours til the kitchen sinks...

Brought to you by the Silver Bean Cafe...

The fact remains: slow and steady wins the race...

so sit back, relax and enjoy!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Just in case you forgot...

One More Sleep!

Ok, so this is it. One more sleep and I'm heading to the T-Dot!

In case you can't tell I'm quite excited!!

I've got plans for some days already, but I still have some free time left. If you want to get together and we haven't made plans, get in there quick because I'm going, going, gone!!

See you soon!

Happy Canada Day!!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy long weekend...

Interrupting for an important annoucement!

It's only 29 days 'til my birthday!

It's also only 13 more sleeps until I fly back for my vacation in the Greater T-Dot area. Are you excited yet?!

Back to your regularly scheduled programming...

The One Where I'm Heading to the T-Dot!

So...long time no chat.

Clearly I haven't had anything happening in my life that warranted a posting...or else I'd have written long before.

Well...now I do have something worth posting about. Watch out, because I'm coming to Toronto!

Yep, that's right. I've finally booked my some vacation time and decided to spend it visiting with the fam! I fly in Thursday July 5th and fly back out Saturday July 14th.

So you'd better be clearing your schedules...or else!

Diary of a Cat and Dog

Dog

8:00 am – Breakfast – dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm – Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

Cat

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies”. I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow – but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.

For now…

I got this at work and I couldn't resist posting it as it cracks me up every time I read it!

Welcome to the world, Devyn!

Congrats go out to my cousin Lisa, and her husband Steve, on the arrival of their first child.

Their daughter Devyn arrived today, safe and sound, at 9:30am (12:30pm EST), weighing 6 lbs, 15 ozs.

Can't wait to meet you!

The One Where I Had A Busy Week!

Wow, I've had a very busy week.

Tuesday night I went to see John Mayer with some co-workers. It was a great concert! I'm very much a fan now.

Wednesday I took the day off and spent the afternoon with Kenny. We had lunch at East Side's and then hung out at my place. It was nice to have a day off.

Thursday I took my Little to see Cirkids.

Today I went to a day long Self Defense course through the Vancouver School Board. It was fun but tiring both physically and mentally. But now I'm better be prepared, or at least I hope I am, should I ever encouter such a situation.

Not much else to report. Work is ok, the weather is getting better and I'm still single.

The One Where I'm All Crafty And Such

Today my Little and I made marble magnets. I saw the idea through a blog I read and thought it looked fun. Also, it's crafty which the Little likes.

It was pretty fun and I think I'll be doing it again. Now that I have the hang of it I think the next batch will turn out much better.

Nonetheless, here is a pic of the finished product for your viewing pleasure!



P.S. - please ignore the giant 'Admiral' item...it's a package deal with the fridge

I'm Over It

I’m over your lies
And I’m over your games
I’m over you asking me
When you know I’m not okay
You call me at night
And I pick up the phone
And though you be tellin’ me
I know you’re not alone

Oh and that’s why your eyes
I’m over it
Your smile
I’m over it
Realized
I’m over it, I’m over it
I’m over

Wanting you to be wanting me
No that ain’t no way to be
How I feel, read my lips
Because I’m so over
( I'm so)
Movin’ on, it’s my time
You never were a friend of mine
Hurt at first, a little bit
But now I’m so over
I’m so over it

I’m over your hands
And I’m over your mouth
Trying to drag me down and fill me with self doubt

Oh and that’s why your world
I’m over it
So sure
I’m over it
I’m not your girl
I’m over it, I’m over it
I’m over

Wanting you to be wanting me
No that ain’t no way to be
How I feel, read my lips

Because I’m so over
(I’m so)
Movin' on, it’s my time
You never were a friend of mine
Hurt at first, a little bit
But now I’m so over
So over it
I’m so over it

(Oh) Don’t call, Don’t come by
Ain’t no use don’t ask me why
You’ll never change
There'll be no more crying in the rain
No, oh oh
I’m over it

Wanting you to be wanting me
No that ain’t no way to be
How I feel, Read my lips
‘Because I’m so over
(I’m so)
Movin’ on, it’s my time
You never were a friend of mine
Hurt at first, a little bit
But now I’m so over
So over it

I’m so over it
I’m over it

(Wanting you to be wanting me)
(No that ain’t no way to be)
How I feel, read my lips
Because I’m so over

(I’m so)
Movin’ on, it’s my time
you never were a friend of mine
Hurt at first, a little bit
But now I’m so over
So over it
So over it

Spring has sprung!

The tree outside my building is nice and green!


I put some flower boxes on my balcony. I took the pots down to give them a good watering this morning. Note the damaged leaves on the tulips. That's courtesy of the hungry squirrel that insisted on eating my leaves and even digging out a bulb! Damn you squirrel!

The One With A Little Chocolate

So I went to the open house at Purdy's Chocolate last weekend and Willy Wonka was there!

Here's me in a hairnet!

Because...

The One Where I'm Angry

Ok, if one more person asks me exactly what it is that I eat I'm going to snap. Seriously.

Yet another person at work asked me that today. The no meat thing is obvious, but somehow it's hard to comprehend my dislike of fruit. I can't eat/drink anything citrus due to the cankers that plague me. This limits the fruit/juices that I can consume. And as for other non-citrus-like fruit, well some is ok, but I kinda figure why eat something if I'm kinda meh about it. Life is too short to eat things you don't enjoy just because someone else thinks you should.

You know, the way some people are shocked at my apparently awful eating habits you'd think it was really nutritious things I refuse to eat. In fact, it's the not-so-good stuff I don't like (coffee, mayo and other condiments for example).

As soon as my eating habits become detrimental to someone else's life, then I'll consider changing. Until then, you don't have to understand but you do have to accept it.

Oh and some other things that are pissing me off lately?

-people that park close to my parking spot at work even though the spot on the other side is empty
-the fact that my computer at work has been in a non-functioning state for 2 weeks now and I still don't have a replacement
-I've been feeling sick off and on since December (now would be an 'on' time)
-being forced to do stuff at work that I feel is a waste of time and in no way effects the day-to-day functionality of the office
-people that think they are considerate, when in fact they are no such thing
-people that do things because 'it's easier for them' without thinking how their action effects someone else
-people that fail to remove their clothing from the one washer in my building so I can put a load of laundry in
-feeling like taking some time off work will only put me in a worse position, although I really need some time off
-people who fail to do things for themselves although it's remarkably easy (when the stapler is empty, put more staples in!)

/rant

The One Where I'm One Step Closer...

to being debt free!

I've officially paid off my line of credit! It took me just over 2 years, but I finally did it! Now my only debt is my car loan which will be paid off May 2008. And I can finally up my monthly savings. Woo hoo!

The One With A Little Blogthings

You Are A Woman!

Congratulations, you've made it to adulthood. You're emotionally mature, responsible, and unlikely to act out. You accept that life is hard - and do your best to keep things upbeat. This makes you the perfect girlfriend... or even wife!

Are You A Girl Or a Woman?

You Communicate With Your Ears

You love conversations, both as a listener and a talker. What people say is important to you, and you're often most affected by words, not actions. You love to hear complements from others. And when you're upset, you often talk to yourself. Music is very important to you. It's difficult to find you without your iPod.

How Do You Communicate?

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ISFP)

Your personality type is caring, peaceful, artistic, and calm. Only about 7% of all people have your personality, including 8% of all women and 6% of all men You are Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Your Ideal Relationship is Serious Dating

You're not ready to go walking down the aisle. But you may be ready in a couple of years. You prefer to date one on one, with a commitment. And while chemistry is important, so is compatibility.

What's Your Ideal Relationship?

Your Birthdate: July 22

You tend to be understated and under appreciated. You have a hidden force to do amazing things, doing them your own way. People may see you as strange and shy, but they know little. Your unconventional ways have more power than they (and even you) know. Your strength: Standing up for what you know is true Your weakness: You tend to be picky and rigid Your power color: Silver Your power symbol: Square Your power month: April

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

The One With Some John

I'm totally going to see John Mayer again!

May 1st, floor seats, can't wait!

The One With A Little...

Sister!

Yep that's right. I have a Little Sister now. And for various reasons I shall not be telling you much about her, maybe just a few details of our visits. Our first one is this coming Sunday. Not really sure what we'll be doing. Probably go for a walk, window shop, grab some lunch. She's almost 13, so if you can think of any low or no cost things to do, feel free to share!

In other news, work is meh again. Lots to do and my computer decides to die on me. Fabulous!

Happy middle of March, kids!

The One Where I Join The Masses

So apparently facebook is the big thing right now....who knew?? Well I finally joined, after a few emails requesting my presence on the site. It appears to be amusing so far.

In other news...I have no other news. I'm feeling not too good today, so I'm just chillin' like a villian. No little sister yet. Work is getting less stressful.

That's all folks!

Happy V Day!!

The One With Some Barenaked Ladies!

So I went to the BNL concert in Vancouver last night. It was so much fun!! They played most of my favourite songs and some new ones too. And I had floor seats! Row 22 and pretty much right dead centre. How awesome is that?!

They actually played at least one song from each of their albums and then about five songs from the newest album (which is what the tour is promoting) and one song from the album that'll be released next week.

Here's what I remember them playing:

-Brian Wilson
-The King of Bedside Manor
-If I Had $1,000,000
-Jane
-Alternative Girlfriend
-Life, In A Nutshell
-Old Apartment
-Shoebox
-One Week
-It's All Been Done
-In The car
-Too Little Too Late
-Pinch Me
-Falling For The First Time
-Testing 1, 2, 3
-Bank Job
-Sound Of Your Voice
-Easy
-Home
-Wind It Up
-Running Out Of Ink

What a set list! And of course they added in a little ad libbing, like usual. Throw in a few Vancouver references and you have one great show!

The One Without The Peas

Apparently I missed the memo. What memo you ask? The one that informed me that all of the frozen peas are gone from the Superstore! I went grocery shopping tonight (Saturday night is a perfect time to shop, there's hardly anyone there!) and the one thing I specifically needed was frozen peas. I did my thing which means I end up in the frozen food aisle last. I get to the section that should hold lots and lots of peas. I found nothing. No Green Giant, No Name, nothing at all. It was seriously weird. And I still don't have any peas, dammit!

The One Where I Give You An Update

Ok, so it's official...I'm a Big Sister!!!!

I got my acceptance package in the mail yesterday and boy am I excited! Now I just have to wait until they find me a Little Sister.

Super cool!

The One Where I'm All Random and Stuff

So let's see....well first off. Happy 2007 to you all!

My trip home? Well, the red eye was surprisingly ok. I slept most of it and woke up just before we began our descent. Steve had breakfast ready when dad and I got home. Then I had to go to bed for a few hours. Spent the afternoon on the couch, had dinner and then we did the present thing. I did very well considering the year my family has had.

Boxing day is the day almost my entire family (on my mom's side) gets together for the afternoon/dinner. Got to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in a long time which was nice. Had a sleepover at Brandyn and Mel's. Slept in, then went for breakfast at the Fickle Pickle. So yummy!! Spent the afternoon on the couch watching a couple movies.

The next couple of days I spent having lunch out with my cousins and then with friends. I got to meet Keenan, my cousin's little guy. He's sooo cute!


And here are my girls!


Saturday I woke up with a nasty migraine and ended up sleeping most of the day. What a waste of a day, but what can you do?

Sunday I packed up my stuff and Steve drove me down to Amanda's apartment for New Year's Eve.

Here we are just before we headed to Queen St.


And here we are at the restaurant where we welcomed in 2007.


The flight back was ok, 'cept for the little kid kicking my seat every 20 minutes or so.

Since New Year's I've been feeling sick. Just kinda tired and run down. Yesterday my throat was feeling like it was closing over. I didn't have trouble breathing but it was a little scary, so I went to the ER. Diagnosis? No freakin' clue. "You have lots of breathing room. So we can do a throat swab, give you Benadryl or do nothing." Um, yeah I'll take option number 2 thanks. So that was a wasted two hours, but hey as long as they aren't concerned about my ability to breathe.

So that's all kids...ciao for now!