My World

My Year In Review

2011-12-27T21:02:00.002-05:00

WOW! What a year!! There are many things I will especially remember about this year.

I married the love of my life in September. It was the most amazing day of my whole life. The weather was perfect and everyone had a fabulous time!
My beautiful and wonderful little sister had a beautiful little girl in September as well. Aurora has already stolen my heart and I would do anything for that little girl.
In August, Canada lost a wonderful man. Jack Layton lost his battle with cancer. He wanted only the very best for Canada and Canadians and I hope that we will make him proud.
The world saw weather craziness like it hasn't seen in ages! I can holy hope that we listen to Mother Nature and heed her warning.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to the best start they have had in 10 years (I think I will wait until March before I start thinking "playoffs").
My new sister-in-law also got engaged this year, which means I get to look forward to another wedding!

There are a lot of other little things that happen every day that I am thankful for. I think everyone should take a few minutes to reflect and think about the past year. Not necessarily "resolutions", but just remember.

Happy Holidays!

Wedding Pictures

2011-10-20T21:44:00.003-04:00

Just a few of the many many pictures from our wedding.

My Beautiful Niece!!

2011-10-16T19:43:00.001-04:00

Born on September 26th. She joined the world weighing 7lbs 3 oz. My heart is already overloaded with love for this little girl!!

I am so proud of my sister!!

Welcome to the world Aurora!!

A sampling of wedding pictures!!

2011-10-16T19:37:00.003-04:00

www.janiceyiphotography.ca

Things I Learned While Planning My Wedding.....

2011-09-05T16:00:00.002-04:00

With my wedding to the love of my life only 5 days away I'm sitting reflecting on what I learned about myself, families and planning weddings in general.

First, planning a wedding is a TON of hard work. Sure, picking the big things like, caterer, florist, DJ, location, etc is fairly easy, there are a hundred little things you need to think about. I only very recently (2 days ago, to be exact) picked what music I will walk down the aisle to. That was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.

Families are likely the most difficult piece of planning any wedding. Suddenly people who you barely talk to you, have generally nothing to do with, or who are just not part of your life seem to think they have a say in who is invited to your wedding. Everyone needs to remember that a wedding is NOT about ANYONE other than the bride and groom. Parents - NEWS FLASH - this is not your day. This actually have very little to do with you. This is a day for you to be proud that your child has found someone who makes them happy and who loves them unconditionally. If you can't expect that, then just shut up and smile. Also, just because you share DNA with some, it doesn't make them family. That makes you a relative. And if that relative hasn't met the soon-to-be-spouse, then guess what...they aren't going to be invited!!

I have always been an organized person but planning a wedding takes it to a whole other level. I learned that I am strong. That my fiance is the love of my life. That relatives or "families" will just generally be difficult, brake promises and give you nothing but a headache all the while telling you how happy they are. My relatives decided that my wedding was a good reason to attack me for reasons beyond me.

I could go on and on but here is my advice to future couples:

1. Elope!!

Oh...I guess that's it!! :)

RIP Jack Layton

2011-08-24T14:22:00.003-04:00

"My Friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better then despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world" - Jack Layton

Even in his final days we was thinking of Canadians and a better Canada. My hope is that in the future we will look back and say "this is the man that change Canadian polictics. That made people believe we could be better and made people want to vote".

I was surpised by just how sad I was when I woke up the news that his cancer had won. As the tributes poor in and cover Toronto City Hall, one stood out, "Thanks Jack, we'll take it from here".

Let's make him proud.

Shame On You Vancouver

2011-06-16T14:13:00.002-04:00

Seriously?! I am ashamed to call Vancouver a canadian city right now. You riotted and hurt innocent people because your team lost? Get over it! The store employees in The Bay, Sears, Future Shop and Chapters had NOTHING to do with the fact that your team CHOKED!

Being from Toronto, I am really sick of Vancouver, inexplicably, blaming us. Really? How do you figure? Did we call you up and say "hey, you know what would be a good idea? Go light that police car on fire! Oh! And don't forget to smile for your mug shots!" Contrary to nation wide popular belief Torontoians to NOT "hate" the rest of the country! We were cheering, and crying, right along with you.

And, please Vancouver, stop comparing your riots to the riots here last June during the G20. That was polictal. This was just asinine.

If you are going to riot everytime your team doesn't win (you did it in 1994), you truly don't deserve a hockey team.

I certainly don't hold this against any memeber of the Vancouver Canucks. Although, I do think you, as an organization, should be saying more than "that's too bad". I know it doesn't fall to you to make it right, but you might be the only voice of reason.

I will, sadly, think long and hard before I ever decide to visit Vancouver. Clearly you don't care about your economy, tourism or how you are viewed in the rest of the country.

Torontians - when our turn comes, lets all act like the nice and respectable people we are, ok?

ONLY 100 MORE DAYS!!! SOOO HAPPY....

2011-06-02T17:16:00.002-04:00

Snack time with Tim & Dino

2011-04-17T09:50:00.003-04:00

Tim & Dino...Let the adventures begin...

2011-04-13T19:53:00.002-04:00

My Girls!!

2011-01-12T21:09:00.003-05:00

My wedding party!! I'm so lucky to have these girls in my life!! Thank You!!

(That's me in the centre. Clockwise from the left - Sandra, Shawna, Sherri and Jen)

LOL (stolen from Jen and dedicated to Shawna!)

2011-01-05T12:05:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T19:50:00.002-05:00

As Christmas day 2010 winds to a close I stop and think about those near and far. My thoughts are with the soldiers over seas. With my grandparents, who mean more to me than anything. With my sister, her fiance and his family who are in Calgary. With my best friend (who is also in Calgary - but I get to see in less than 2 weeks). With my wonderful fiance, who is the most wonderful person I have every met. With my mom who continues to be an inspiration to me every day. And finally, with my dad. While he may not here with my any more, I treasure every memory I have of all my Christmas' past.

Take a minute and think about what you love, those you cherish and everything you are thankful for.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!

Happy Birthday December Babies!!!

2010-12-10T09:14:00.001-05:00

(That means me...today...YA!)

NKOTBSB!!! WOO HOO!! (yup...I'm SOO going!)

2010-11-23T11:05:00.001-05:00

Engagement Photos

2010-11-18T11:17:00.006-05:00

http://www.janiceyiphotography.blogspot.com/ - These pictures were taken by a good friend of mine. She did an amazing job!!

Remember...

2010-11-11T11:25:00.000-05:00

I Get Presents?

2010-10-29T13:03:00.002-04:00

http://www.moneyville.ca/blog/post/882275--how-much-should-you-spend-on-wedding-presents

When I got engaged 3 weeks ago my first thought was "YAY, I'M ENGAGED!". My second thought, and many thoughts there after, were on things like when, where, what time, flowers, food, dress, etc, etc. Even after Remi and I discussed registering (where, etc) it never really did occure to me, or sink in, that the REASON we had to register was because people will bring gifts.

I'm getting married because I love Remi will all my heart. And I want to celebrate with my friends and family. We are planning an outdoor wedding in a park, followed by a reception at the Royal Canadian Legion (where my mom is a memeber). It never would have occured to me to get married somewhere else because "I'll make that money back". In fact, Remi and I are trying as hard as we can to keep costs as low as possible. That includes not inviting people we aren't close to "just because they should be invited, and they likely wont come anyways." (seriously, this was said to us).

I honestly think now a days, that if you have to travel to the wedding (my MOH & Sister both live in another province, and there are various friends and family that live many hours from us) than THAT is your gift. I would NEVER expect a present, for anything!

I just want to have a good party!! :)

2010-10-22T10:02:00.000-04:00

Meerkats on a Pumpkin! :)

2010-10-18T16:52:00.001-04:00

My Engagement Story...

2010-10-10T14:44:00.003-04:00

Remi and I have been talking about getting married. I knew that the expense of an engagement ring can be pretty high so when money issues kept coming up, I just thought that our engagement would have to wait for awhile.

About 2 months ago I realized that I wouldn't even know when he would go ring shopping because I had our car 2 nights a week and he had stuff to do with this friends (clearly I was wrong, and apparently a bunch of them were in on it!).

On Friday October 8th, Remi and I drove to Niagara Falls for a family weekend. We were going to attend a birthday party of my little cousin, visit my cousins, and just generally have a nice weekend for the 2 of us. Thanksgiving weekend is always hard for me as this was my Dad's favourite time of the year.

We arrived in Niagara Falls around 8pm and checked into our hotel (The Howard Johnson by the Falls). We got to our room and dumped our stuff. We splurged on a room with a heart shape jacuzzi tub! It's a little cheese but we enjoyed it!

I said "ok, I'm going to go to the washroom and then we can go to dinner".

When I came out of the washroom, Remi grabbed me and told me how very much he loved me and that he was so happy with me. He said "you know I never want to be without you".

He then got down on one knee and said...

"Will you marry me?"

Then I hit him! It's not what you think. For the last month or so (and even on the drive to the Falls) I had said that I was a little disappointed that we would have wait but I loved him SOO much that I was ok with that.

Then I yelled and said "YES!! OF COURSE!!"

I then spent the next hour calling all my family and friends to tell them the great news!

Remi and I are so happy!! We are enjoying every minute!!

Wedding plans are going to start pretty slowly but I will keep you posted!

YAY!! Big Bang Theory!!!

2010-10-08T15:28:00.001-04:00

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/article/872452--salem-exploding-audience-brings-big-bang-stars-here

Cool Lego Pictures

2010-10-08T13:50:00.003-04:00

Ever Wonder About The Skeletal make up of Lego People?

2010-10-08T13:48:00.002-04:00

Our New La Z Boys Chairs!!

2010-10-07T15:42:00.002-04:00

On Oct 2nd Remi and I got our BRAND NEW La Z Boy chairs.

That night Remi turned to me and said...

"I love you...and this chair".

:) Good to know!!

The Decline of Coffee Crisp

2010-10-07T15:36:00.003-04:00

So, today, I needed a sugar fix. I took myself to Shoppers Drug Mart and decided to try the Coffee Crisp Bites (not terrible and good in small amounts).

A co-worker friend of mine came over to my desk and asked if he could try them. I, of course, said yes.

After a moment or two, Jason said to me "not to bad, but I have discovered over the years that the quality of Coffee Crisp has been on a decline".

"How do you mean?" I asked.

"The filling in the centre is getting smaller. It's now almost all waffer".

"Oh."

There are some things you just don't notice until someone points them out. :)

Stupid Cyclist!

2010-09-22T10:49:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I had a first! Not the kind of first that people normally get excited about (first kiss, first car, first house, etc). Yesterday, I was crashed into by a Bike Courier running a red light and she crashed right into me! IT HURT! A LOT!! I left work and went to the hospital only to discover that I have a "rib injury" (should I thank the government for the funding cuts that stopped them from actually doing an xray?). But, it is a first! This is the very first time I have ever had something like this happen to me. In hindsight, I should have called an cop or ambulance or something, but that is a lesson learned.

To all the cyclists out there - traffic lights are to be obeyed by EVERYONE!! You are NOT above the law when you are on a bike! And you don't get to decide whether you are a pedestrian or vehicle, you are a vehicle, so act like it!

An Evening with The Cake Boss!!

2010-09-19T11:39:00.002-04:00

BUDDY!!

Remi & I having so much FUN!!

Some pictures from my adventures in the mountains!

2010-09-19T11:26:00.006-04:00

Me & Laura rocking the matching Mickey Mouse shirts

Such a pretty lake (we don't actually know what it's called - so we named it "Jen's Lake"

Me, Jen & Mt. Rundal

Me & Andrew (who is trying to be a player!)

Jen & Andrew

Only one of MANY MANY beautiful mountain pictures

Todays date is 90210

2010-09-02T10:16:00.003-04:00

I can't take credit for pointing that out, that goes to The Toronto Star Entertainment blogger Malene Arpe

http://thestar.blogs.com/stargazing/ (which, by the way, is hilarious!!)

The importance of proof reading!!

2010-08-23T16:13:00.002-04:00

After Remi and I went on a test drive of the Lancer in December 2009 we received this email from the sales person (read it out loud - it's funnier that way):

Maple Mitsubishi
(the address and contact information has been removed)

Dear Remi,

Thanks for considering maple mitsubishi. Any questions after you test drive the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. I hope i provide the enough information about the vehicle that you are interested.Any further questions please feel free contact with me!

Sincerely,
(the name is withheld for obivous reasons)

I got photo bombed!! :)

2010-08-03T21:22:00.004-04:00

We went to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in April. It wasn't until about a month ago that I noticed the guy just behind Remi's left shoulder.

Good Times!! :)

Adventure's in Bellecombe, QC

2010-08-03T21:02:00.004-04:00

Paddle Boating

Canoeing

YAY BABY!! Riding Lawnmower!! :)

I like the signs in Quebec!!

2010-08-03T21:00:00.000-04:00

ALEX!! (so cute...)

2010-07-22T16:05:00.002-04:00

2010-07-22T16:04:00.001-04:00

Anyone who has met these to crazies, knows that for them to "cuddle" like this is VERY rare!!!

2010-07-22T15:52:00.000-04:00

2010-07-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

Is This My Toronto?

2010-06-27T10:45:00.004-04:00

http://www.thestar.com

Yesterday I saw (via the news, of course) a Toronto I have never seen before. I saw 14,000 + police with riot gear, protests turned super violent, 3 police cars set on fire and over 400 people arrested. I watched the pictures in shock and with sadness. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Is this my Toronto? Is this the city I so very proudly call home?

And who are these people? Why do they think that destroying a Starbucks would make any kind of point? All that does is make people mad.

How DARE they come into my city and do this! What gives them the right? And who the hell are they? Don't these people realize that the people they are protesting are the very ones we elected to power?

My suggestion to the cops of any city hosting this kind of event is this, for the evenings of the event, enact a city wide curfew. Anyone on the streets after the curfew gets thrown into lock-up. This would help the cops weed out the people that are there to cause harm, and those that are just there to take pictures.

I personally can't wait until my city is back to normal.

Happy Father's Day Dad - I miss you!

2010-06-20T09:12:00.000-04:00

Thinking of you Today

2010-06-11T10:16:00.001-04:00

Dear Dad,

I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you today, on this, what would have been your 57th birthday.

I love you miss you more than words can say.

Super cute!!

2010-06-09T10:11:00.001-04:00

And The Crap Continues...

2010-06-09T09:39:00.003-04:00

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/820701--ottawa-fights-back-against-rising-tide-of-criticism-over-fake-lake?bn=1

Ok, am I missing something? How is building a FAKE lake in a country that this FILLED with natural and beautiful lakes "showcasing Canada and the Muskokas"? Wouldn't it be better to actually TAKE them to Muskoka? I know that "aren't allowed" in Deerhurst, but that isn't the only place they can go. And what about Wasaga? Is the Worlds Longest Fresh Water Beach not good enough for the foreign journalists? Heck, they could have spent a quarter of the $2million to clean it all up nice and pretty.

This whole summit is a joke? How can the Canadian government justify spending billions of dollars on a summit that is supposed to deal with the world economy and debt issues?

Am I the only one to see the irony here?

Toronto & The G20 Summit

2010-06-08T10:53:00.002-04:00

GOOD GRIEF! I, for one, love living in (near) Toronto. I think this is a great city with many wonderful things to offer people.

In a little under 3 weeks times, the great (??) leaders of the world will be holding court, here in the Big Smoke. The articles below are out the the Toronto Star.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/820274--g20-leaders-get-their-soccer-game-on?bn=1 - I for one am THRILLED to know that the leaders of the world are focused on the important issues!!

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/820221--tories-defend-2m-fake-lake-being-built-for-summit?bn=1 - Keep going Harper, you are pretty much guaranteeing a Liberal government in the next election!

So, to sum up, this is going to cost us (and by "us" I mean the taxpayers who had no say in this whats so ever) over $1.1 BILLION dollars so that the foreign Journalists (who don't like us anyways) can write articles about how AWFUL it is in Toronto (because you can't smoke in doors) and so that the leaders, our ELECTED leaders can be concerned with where they can watch the World Cup.

Seriously?

My Phone made me do it...

2010-05-31T11:23:00.000-04:00

http://www.thestar.com/business/companies/google/article/816724--woman-who-walked-onto-highway-sues-google-maps?bn=1

Good Grief!! (That's really all I can say about this!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!! I love you bunches!!

2010-05-26T00:12:00.000-04:00

LOST...and possibly found?

2010-05-25T09:56:00.002-04:00

On Sunday I sat myself down to watch to conclusion of the show I have invested 6 years of my life to. I was hoping for some answers, but I, unlike the majority of fans, didn't want everything to be answered. I wanted a bit of mystery to remain.

As the final credits rolled, my friends and I turned to eachother and said, "WHAT? That's it? They're all dead?" Needless to say it took me a while to completely figure it out. Here is my take on the LOST Series Finale...

Yes, they are dead. Everything that happened on the island was very real and did infact happen. However season 6 is the mystery. I realized that as we have been watching we all believed that whatever was happening in the "alt-world" in the sideways flashs was happening at the same point in time as whatever was happening on the island, however, I now believe that is not the case at all!

The "alt-world" was actually limbo. The issues that the surviours needed to resolve in there lives (while they were alive) were all made good in limbo. Swayer was a cop, Jack was a father, Charlie and Hurley both found love (not with eachother...), Sayid gained redemption and Sun and Jin got to be happy for the pending baby. On the island all kinds of crap was happening that ultimately lead to Miles, Swayer, Kate, Richard and Frank flying to safety, Hurley (with the help of Ben) became the guardians of the island and Jack finally found peace in dying.

My moments of understanding came at the very end. As Hurley is going into the church he says to Ben "you were a great #2" to which Ben responds "you were a great #1". This folks is the time line clue, how would they possibly know that if what was happening on the island was happening at the same time in limbo? Fact is, yes, they were all dead, but the "when" they died, for some, is not clear.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a huge fan of happy endings and this gave me my happy ending.

What are your thoughts?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!! Have a great one!!

2010-05-18T00:15:00.000-04:00

And In The Blink of an Eye...

2010-04-27T21:34:00.003-04:00

...our vacation is over.

Disney World was amazing! We did and saw

as much as we possibly could (and have over 1600 pictures to prove it).

We did all 4 Disney Parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom) along with the 2 water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon). We went on amazing rides and meet all kinds of characters!!

I highly recommend it to anyone who has even one favourite Disney movie! It truly is the happiest place on earth!!

WOOT!!! ONLY 7 DAYS!

2010-04-08T08:12:00.000-04:00

Baby Platypuses!!!

2010-04-06T16:14:00.001-04:00

I know 2 people I can give this to!

2010-04-05T16:49:00.002-04:00

In My Day....

2010-04-04T10:32:00.003-04:00

So, on Friday night I had a date night and went to see How To Train Your Dragon. It was a very enjoyable movie and one that I will be adding to my collection when it comes out on DVD.

While we were waiting for the movie, Remi and I played a "remembering" game (which is always funny because Remi has no memory whats so ever!).

It all started with the comment "In my day, Pluto was a planet". I can remember VHS, and actually knew people that had a BETA machine. I remember no CD's or DVD's. I was in Grade 8 when my public school finally got a computer lab. I remember keeping film in the fridge, because digital camera's when still many years in the future. I remember walkmans and cassettes and a time when the radio actually played more then one or two decent songs in a row.

I do remember many more things but I do think that the funniest is...

"In my day, Pluto was a planet"

What do you remember?

As of tomorrow...

2010-03-31T20:55:00.003-04:00

ONLY...

...DAYS UNTIL DISNEY WORLD!!! woot!!

Happy Sunday!

2010-03-28T16:19:00.002-04:00

Brought to you by me and Gilmour! Well, we had a very eventful day today! It included vacuuming, cleaning all 3 bathrooms, doing the kitty litter, clean the front hall way and taking down the garbage!!

How did you spend your day?

YAY Weekend!!

2010-03-26T15:22:00.000-04:00

YAY it's the weekend! After an eventful couple of days that include vomit and other gross things, I am very much looking forward to the weekend!! What does this weekend have in store you ask? Well, there is a Open-House-Going-Away-Moving party for the BF's parents (the kind of party no one has ever heard of but apparently we are hosting), then a dinner at a resturant I have never heard of and then (blissfully) bed! Sunday brings us scrapbooking with mom.

Of course, most present on my mind, is that it is only 20 days until Disney!! WOO HOO!! Still too early to pack?

Maybe I will go see "How To Train Your Dragon", it could come in handy...if I ever get a dragon...which would certainly come in handy in the Zombie invasion...don't you think??

Have a good one!!

kpn2010

2010-03-24T11:23:00.003-04:00

IF YOU EVER POST YOUR SPAM CRAP ON MY BLOG AGAIN YOU ARE GONNA GET IT!! YOU ARE A PARISTE AND I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO DESERVE YOU POSTING YOUR CRAP IN MY COMMENTS FOR POSTS I HAVE MADE IN THE LAST 2 YEARS!!

IF YOU EVER EVEN TRY TO POST AGAIN I AM REPORTING YOU!!

JERK! (and believe me...that's not what I want to call you...but I'm a lady!)

Disapproving Waxy Monkey Tree Frog

2010-03-08T21:02:00.000-05:00

I want this one...;)

2010-03-04T19:48:00.002-05:00

(are you paying attention honey?? LOL)

How I Met Your Mother

2010-03-04T19:35:00.003-05:00

So, you may have noticed that a bunch of shows have (once again) gone into re-runs. Now, after the wonderfulness of the Olympics some of the shows have come back. One of my favourites is How I Met Your Mother. I was watching season 4 today and it makes me remember some of my most favourite moments.

1. When Marshal is talking about miracles and it shows the guys at the bar throwing pencils into the ceiling. One of the pencils falls and bounces into Barney's nose. Seriously, makes me cry I laugh so hard!!

2. When Marshal is coaching a kindergarten basketball team and goes so crazy with power that Lily yells at him and then throws a chair at him (his high-pitch scream is just awesome!)

3. A recap episode of Marshal and his charts. My favourite shows the song Cecila.

4. Teds (2nd) surprise party on the roof and Marshal keeps trying to jump to the roof next door.

Granted, I am not explaining these very well (but I am confident that anyone who watches the show will know what I am talking about) but I highly recommend the show.

2010-03-04T17:24:00.002-05:00

ONLY 43 DAYS UNTIL DISNEY!!! Ok, sorry...I'm a little excited!! After the sadness of the Olympics being over, and a potential new job, I am very much looking forward to seeing Mickey & Goofy, eating some great food, having a ton of laughs and making a million memories!!

LOOK OUT MICKEY...I'M COMING!! :)

At A Crosswords...

2010-02-25T18:39:00.002-05:00

So, very recently I applied for another position within my company. Today, I received a call for an interview. Now, I know, it's just an interview for a position a 100 people in our company would love to have but since it is what I actually went to school for I am rather nervous. I have been in my current role for 4 years. I know my job. I actually really like my job. And I am really rather good at my job. So why would I want to leave and start something new? I do enjoy the challenge but it is also a desire to be better, learn something new. Be apart of a team that helps you succeed. I want to be part of a team that works together and helps each other. I can't say as my current team is like that.

Still, changing jobs is scary. Making the decision to stop doing something you know and start something new is nerve wracking! It takes a long time to really know your job and what you need to do and focus on when you get in in the morning, or how to plan your day.

I am confident that I can do pretty much anything I put my mind to!

I guess, whatever will be, will be. Wish me luck! :)

Proud to be CANADIAN!

2010-02-19T21:18:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned before, I am super proud to be Canadian. I don't reserve my Roots Canada clothing to just Canada Day or sporting events. I will proudly wear anything with a maple leaf (red or blue) on it. I think Canada is the best country in the world to live in. No, we aren't perfect but that in itself is perfection. We Canadian except our faults. We get behind our leaders whether we agree with them or not, but we do question and test them. We are extremely loyal to anyone who is also proud to be Canadian.

Recently on the CTV Olympic programming, they did a special on Canadian pride. What is it about the Olympics that is bringing this country together? Maybe we had it all along. Maybe this pride was always here, simmering under the surface and we just needed an outlet. After all, if we went out into the world and proudly proclaimed who are, we wouldn't be as well liked in the world. We, as humble Canadians are not known for being vocal. We are known for being strong, silent supporters. I have to say, while watching that special, I had a tear in my eye. I would have loved to be in Vancouver, celebrating not just the wins but the athletes from all over the world that fought through more issues than I will ever know to come here and represent their countries with the same pride us Canadians are over flowing with.

If you are a Canadian, put it out there! Where something everyday that is red and white or that has a maple leaf on it. Go to Roots and buy something that just proudly says Canada on it. Go to the Bay and (even though they are all made in China) outfit yourself in Olympic gear.

And when the Olympics are over, keep wearing it. Show your pride in everything you do.

GO CANADA GO!

Some of my favourite pictures

2010-02-19T20:09:00.003-05:00

Puppy Love

2010-02-19T20:03:00.003-05:00

This is Gilmour. He is my baby. My most favourite thing about him? He takes his cuddling VERY seriously! As you can see...he is practicing with his dolly.

Team Canada 2010

2010-02-18T20:16:00.003-05:00

I am love Canada. I love (mostly) everything about this country. I am so proud of all our athletes at the 2010 Olympic Games on right now in Vancouver. Well, proud of all but one. I do not like Dany Heatley AT ALL! As far as I am consider he should be in jail, or at least banned from the NHL. Heatley, for those who don't know, was in a drinking and driving car "accident" that claimed the life of a team mate. This is not someone I want representing me and my country.

Other than that...GO CANADA GO!!!

Still Learning...

2010-02-16T19:30:00.003-05:00

So I have now had my new Mac for 5 days and I am starting to get the hang of it. It helps that I didn't have all that many files to move from my PC to the Mac (mainly just pictures and my iTunes). The picture quality is amazing and I was actually quite happy to see the "welcome" intro and the picture was SO clear.

The iPhoto suite is really nice. I love the ability to tag faces. Now all my pictures of family and friends are easy to find. I can create books, calendars and cards in only a couple of easy steps!

I haven't explored the iDVD or iMovie too much right now as I am the type of person that needs to have a project to do in order to do it!

I do recommend the following books to help with your transition to the Mac. All are available on www.Chapters.Indigo.ca

Macs All-In-One For Dummies 9780470537985

Switching To The Mac The Missing Manual 9780596804251

Teach Yourself Visually iLife '09 9780470508398

iLife '09 Portable Genius 9780470417324

iWork '09 Portable Genius 9780470475423

OLYMPIC FASHIONS LOOKING TO SCORE - Toronto Star Thurs Feb 4th‏

2010-02-07T10:27:00.002-05:00

Is the point not to support our Canadian Athletes? To bring the country together with a shared sense of purpose and harmony? For just 18 days we are all united in common purpose. So why are all these retailers so pissed that everyone wants to make "Olympic Gear".

Yes, The Bay is the "official" licensed of the games, but all that really means is that you get buy the same product that the athletes wear. Frankly, the quality and selection of The Bay's product no where near matches that of Roots...AND it's made in China, not Canada. The Roots product was made in Canada, by Canadians to support Canadians. It was so well liked the the USA team wanted Roots to make their gear as well. It seems to me that greed is the driving force behind the complaint NOT the unity. It's a "someone is eating a small piece of MY pie and I'm pissed" But, typically like any other policital move, the idiots on the Canadian Olympic Commity ruined that to.

Let's just remember that the games are about the Athletes, to bring countries and people together, NOT about who can make the most money. Well, at least that is what it SHOULD be about...but the message seems to have gotten lost over the years.

If the Government and the the VANOC really wanted to help the Athletes, they would allow ALL retailers to create their own "GO CANADA GO" gear and make them pay 20% (or so) to the Athletes.

Problem solved!

Crossing over to the dark side...

2010-02-03T20:44:00.003-05:00

I am excited (and a little scared) to be getting my very own Mac Book. I am looking foreward to being portable. My current PC laptop has the suckiest battery life ever!

I will keep you updated with my progress from PC to Mac.

eeee...:)

FYI...

2010-01-21T21:36:00.000-05:00

...Smokers...you suck AND smell bad!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2010-01-14T16:23:00.002-05:00

With my Disney vacation now planned I am anixously awaiting word on when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to open at Islands of Adventure in Orlando. All things keep pointing to "spring 2010" but as we all know "spring" is a relative term and can mean up to 3 months!!

Picture is from the Orlando Sentinel, which has more here:

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/01/islands-of-adventure-fresh-pictures-of-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-construction.html

The Morning Commute

2010-01-12T10:23:00.001-05:00

Anyone who has taken both the GO train and the TTC knows that the GO train is (usually) the more civilized way to travel. Almost everyone gets a seat, line depending of course, and those who do have to stand usually give those around them plenty of space. Most people speak fairly quietly or (like the loudly snoring man to my right) catch up on some sleep.

My beef is this...stay in your seat. I don't mean getting up and walking around, but making sure your jacket, computer, bags, arms and legs don't interfer with anyone else. This morning I sat curled up against the window because the fellow beside me clearly needed all of his seat and half of mine (ok, the snoring guy is really getting on my nerves) to work on his laptop and eat breakfast.

No one wants to go to work on this -19C day, but we have to so I think we should all just have a little respect for personal space.

Walt Disney World in 99 Days!!

2010-01-06T11:39:00.003-05:00

Look out Mickey...I'm coming!! Here I sit, bundled up, while the wonderful Canadian winter weather rages outside I think "in just 99 days, not only will winter be over (hopefully) but I will be in WALT DISNEY WORLD!!" I haven't been in 19 years so the thought of experiencing a whole new theme park (well, parks really) is amazing!!

Is it a little crazy that I have 6 travel guides and an almost detailed plan of what I want to do for the full 10 days I am there? :)

Happy Christmas Everyone!!

2009-12-24T11:13:00.003-05:00

Punta Cana, Barcelo Bavaro Palace Dec 13 - 20

2009-12-23T12:40:00.007-05:00

What can I say about beautiful blue skies, warm water and such a wonderful boyfriend! Having just spent a week in the Dominican Republic I can honestly say I can handle anything this winter decides to throw at me!

I am still tanned and remembering fondly the white sandy beach, the swim up bar and some pretty great food!

Thanks honey for the best birthday present ever!!

Welcome to December!

2009-12-01T10:59:00.002-05:00

Well, it seems winter has arrived! Many people woke up to snow-ish conditions this morning. I am still waiting to find out if we made it to the official end of the first snowless November in 172 years!

Break out the winter gear folks!!

The 407 are just legal bullies!!

2009-11-30T11:04:00.001-05:00

For all car owners in Ontario, please read the following:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/fixer/article/732443--407-bills-can-hound-drivers-for-15-years?bn=1

ZOOM ZOOM!!

2009-11-30T11:01:00.003-05:00

I am SOOO excited!! Remi and I FINALLY made the big, huge decision to get a car.

Our choice is the 2010 Mazda 3 GS (with moonroof). It's in the new 2010 colour, Celestial Blue. I agree that is a "light" blue for a guy but Remi is getting his moonroof so I won the colour choice!

I can't wait to get behind the wheel!

ZOOM ZOOM!!

http://www.avantemazda.com/en/index.spy

Here Comes Christmas!!

2009-11-30T10:54:00.002-05:00

Christmas is just around the corner! Only 24 more sleeps! After MUCH decision, headaches and feeling slightly sick we FINALLY came to a decision about what we wanted to do for Christmas and what we ARE doing for Christmas. Yes, those are 2 different things.

What we would like to do is just spend the 4 1/2 days off relaxing at home, playing games (both board and Wii), watching movies and eating the large amounts of chocolate that always seem to appear.

What we ARE doing is different. We still get to be home on Christmas day, but on the 26th we head off to Remi's family to spend (what is sure to be a fun but stressful day). We still aren't really sure of what the plan is for that day but I am sure it will be tiring.

Christmas should be just about being with the people you care about. Whether that is on the 25th or the 20th, it doesn't REALLY matter does it?

Here's wishing everyone a stress-free holiday, even though I wont be so lucky!!

Lest We Forget...

2009-11-11T16:08:00.003-05:00

Thank you for fighting for me, for my family and mostly importantly, for our country.

Thank you for all you do, for all you continue to do.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Where's MY H1N1 Shot??

2009-11-09T15:05:00.000-05:00

Congratulations!!

2009-11-02T11:55:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of watching a very good friend get married. I sat there and watched as she and her new husband smile from ear to ear as they exchanged rings and vows in front of family and friends. I was very honored to be included in that group of people.

I also sat there watching as the dance floor was close to bursting and thought about my own wedding (not yet being planned but thought about none the less). She had close to 300 people. I don't think I even know that many! She had a father - daughter dance. My dad passed away 2 1/2 years ago. She had 8 bridemaids. I am hard pressed to find 5.

I say that because I am not the greatest as staying in touch. I love my friends very much but I would rather hang out and see people than chat on the phone. I like to write note's in cards, rather than email or facebook.

Either way, I vow to be a better friend. I vow to suck it up when I disagree with something. I vow to be patient and understanding when I would rather say "what are you thinking?". I vow to reach out more.

Congratulations Bonnie and Andrew! You make me want to be a better person!!

Meerkats & Pumpkins

2009-11-02T11:54:00.004-05:00

Shot...Or No Shot?

2009-10-30T09:48:00.001-04:00

Recently Ontario has opened H1N1 Flu Shot clinics in and around Toronto. Within an hour of opening on Oct 29th, one clinic had to close their doors because they had over 1000 people waiting to get the shot. This morning, the clinic at Metro Hall was handing out numbers and the line was snaking around the building.

Question, Am I to assume then that ALL those people talked to their doctors and ALL the doctors told them they should go and get the shot? Oh wait...It's very likely that not 1 person who ran out their door at 4 am today even bothered to ask their doctors because the government said they should get the shot. What? The government that nobody really seems to trust or believe in said to go and get vaccinated against something most people will be able to fight off and everyone just says "oh ok"? Does that make sense to anyone?

Listen up people!! Ask your self "when was the last time I had the flu?" (and I mean the real flu not the flu you tell your boss you have just so you don't have to go into work). If you don't remember then the chances are, you don't need the shot. And in the case of a "new" strain, ALWAYS ASK YOUR DOCTOR!!! The reason there are new strains of anything is because we keep pumping our bodies full of vaccines we don't need. Germs are smarter then us, they will win.

Ahh...The Leafs

2009-10-13T13:09:00.000-04:00

And when I say "Leafs" I mean the Toronto Maple Leafs, not leaves. Toronto has to be the hardest team in sports to be a fan of. All Leaf fans know the cost, both financially and emotionally of being a fan. Ticket prices are the highest in the NHL and our records are among the worst. What's a fan to do?

Stand by your team. If you have ever paid for a ticket, a jeresy, or anything with the logo on it, then you have the right to be mad, sad or critize. However, when someone else puts the team down, be prepared to fight. Yes, Toronto isn't doing so hot right now (0-5-1) but things will get better. Maybe not this year or next, but they will. Harping on the goalie or the defence, or lack of leadership isn't going to help them. The team needs the city to stand behind them, cheer when things are going so well and not so well and just generally be supportive.

Toronto is an original 6 team. We have been here since the beginning. I know for a fact that Leaf great Dick Duff (TML 1954 - 1964) is shock and angered at what this city has done to the team. It's too corporate. Fans can't get the tickets, and the ones we get cost a fortune.

Tim Horton, Bill Barilko and Frank Mahovlich would be so disappointed, not just in what has been done to the team but in the fans. These guys didn't make millions, not even close. They played for the love of the game and the love of the fans.

Come on Toronto! Stop whinning! Each loss teaches us something. Each time you show your support the team gets just a little bit stronger. I, for one, am always there until they turn the house lights on. Stand up and show your support...or move!

2009-10-05T11:01:00.003-04:00

I have soo many things to look forward to coming up...it's hard to keep track!
As of today, here are the countdowns!!

Trip / Trip date / # of Days

Halloween Dance / 31-Oct-09 / 26
Bonnie's wedding / 01-Nov-09 / 27
1st Football Game / 07-Nov-09 / 33
Dominican (Punta Cana) / 13-Dec-09 / 69
Christmas / 25-Dec-09 / 81
3 Yr Anniversay / 15-Mar-10 / 161
Disney World /15-Apr-10 / 192

A Wonderful Wedding Weekend

2009-10-05T10:56:00.002-04:00

On this past weekend, I had the pleasure of watching close friends of the family get marries...after being together 26 years already!! It was a full weekend of laughing, drinking, extreme croquet, great times with great friends old and new!

Celebrated in the scienic Collingwood area I can never get over how beautiful the country is, know matter how many times I see it. I think once you feel indifferent to the beauty around you, it's time to change the view!!

Congratulations to Richard & Donna I hope you have many more years of happiness!!

2009-10-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

Happy October!!

The leaves are changing colour, the weather is getting cooler and people are starting to think about Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and New Years. People are also planning their winter vacations and already thinking about those warm summer days that we never really got in 2009.

At this time of year, my thoughts turn more so to family lost and friends near and far.

Enjoy the fall, because before you can say "pass the turkey" the snow will be here and you will be saying "pass me my presents!!" :)

Holy Hamburger!!

2009-09-17T14:42:00.002-04:00

(http://thestar.blogs.com/stargazing/)

RIP Mr. Swayze

2009-09-15T09:13:00.002-04:00

Dirty Dancing, Ghost & Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newar - My favourite movies of the late Patrick Swayze.

You will be missed.

September 14th

2009-09-14T14:20:00.003-04:00

Interesting (or not) today is the 257th day of the year...only 108 more to go!! (In 90 days, I'm going to Punta Cana, that's important to me but not necessarily important to anyone else). Funny enough (but not a shock), nothing that most people would care about happened on this day in history.

SUPER FLOATY!! I want one!!

2009-09-14T14:16:00.001-04:00

Ok, it's not actually a floaty, but it is a super big duck!! (www.cuteoverload.com)

Yup it's real!

2009-09-03T10:40:00.000-04:00

New Look!

2009-09-03T10:29:00.003-04:00

Is there such a thing as a "fall resolution"? You know, like a "new year's resolution" where you promise (or "resolve") to do or change all kinds of stuff that you never end up sticking to? Well, I am making a fall resolution. This includes changing some things about my lifestyle. I am "resolving" to get more active, get into better shape and stop being such a loaf! What is prompting this change you may ask? Well, in December I am off to Punta Cana for a week and in April it's Disney for 10 days. Both of these trips will involve a large amount of time in swimsuits and shorts and dresses, and frankly, I just don't want to be as jiggly as I am. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not out to lose a ton of weight or anything, but just be in better shape.

Can I do it? Can I stick to my fall resolution? Only time will tell.

Barcelo Barvaro Beach - Punta Cana

2009-08-31T09:50:00.002-04:00

Because I have the best boyfriend in the ENTIRE world...he is taking me to the Barcelo Barvaro Beach Resort in Punta Cana for my birthday in December. For 1 week, our biggest (and most difficult) decision will be to lie on the beach or next to the pool!! Count down will begin soon!!

Remi

2009-08-31T09:45:00.000-04:00

I have to think "how did I get so lucky"? 2 and a half years ago, as I went through some of the most difficult moments and situations of my life, I went a truly wonderful man. He has give me strengh, knowledge, kindness, respect and his love. Our relationship has not been perfect and we work at it every day, some more than others, but we do try. Latelly I have been feeling frustrated with work and life in general. I've been feeling lonley and confused. He went on vacation (to Vegas - not some place I desire to go) and when he came he gave me a beautiful purse and matching wallet. This may seem like a small thing, but to me, it's huge and thoughtful!! And just today, he tells me when are going to Punta Cana for my birthday in December!!

Big or little he cheers me up in the best way.

Remi, I love you with every beat of my heart. You are a wonderful amazing person and I am so thankful every day that I am the one you love!!

It's a good day!!

2009-08-14T14:54:00.001-04:00

I might just die from the cuteness!!

2009-08-14T14:51:00.001-04:00

Always watch your back!!

2009-08-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

Kung Fu Panda!!

2009-08-06T16:07:00.002-04:00

Munch, munch, munch - Lovin' the bamboo!!

Giant Panda's are found in the remote mountain regions of China. A typical adult panda spends 12 hours a day eating and it takes 28 pounds of bamboo to satisfy THAT hunger!!

Panda's are solitary, have a highly developed sense of smell and just generally try to avoid eachother when not mating.

Unfortunately, there are no panda's that the Toronto Zoo, you will just have to go to China and hope to see one!!

To learn more: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/giant-panda.html