It must be moving day...

...in Owen Sound. It's the end of the month. Some people would have a probem piling all their earthly possessions onto the sidewalk, outside their apartment, in the pouring rain:



Then again, some people might also opt to hire a moving van and not a cab to haul away the contents of their home:

Photography 101

Yesterday the radio stations hosted a Grey Cup Party. It went well. There was a bar, we fed people and there was lots of prizes to be given out. Here is a photo of one of the winners with her door prize:



If you'll zoom in, you'll notice the best part of this photo is how I managed to accidentally wander into the frame....here, let me zoom in for you:



I am such a dork. And not photogenic.

I tried out a new recipe....

....last night. It turned out sooo good. It was a Tomato Bisque (soup). I had never made it and at first it looked a little iffy. The boy christened it "Risky Bisky".

I watched this lady....

.....for an entire traffic light cycle, all the while, trying to figrue out if her hair was supposed to be like that or if it was just the wind. The only problem? There was no wind.

Before & After

So we just re-painted our bedroom. We only just painted it a year ago. When we painted it the first time I tried to step out of my comfort zone and actually use a real colour. Not white, or off white, or beige or tan or camel or brown or grey or greige (grey & beige). So I choose a pretty blue colour that I saw used in a store display.



I liked it for about two weeks. Then I regretted my decision and pined for a nice soothing, boring NEUTRAL. I got my wish last week. Our bedroom is now coated in a fresh coat of "Elephant Skin":



The boy is obviously colour blind as he maintains he sees NO difference in those 2 colours. Whatever. Oh, I also got my lamp up too. See?



He still hates it. I still love it. But as I mentioned he is colour blind. And those colour blind folks can't be trsuted.

The Tim Horton's Drive Thru lady....

.....almost had an aneurysm this morning. I must have been parked at the window for a good 5 minutes while the line-up behind me got longer and longer...and while she tried to figure out what she had done wrong. She actually snapped at me twice. It was scary. Her co-workers kept trying to soothe her but as I drove away she ripped her headset off and had her hands over her ears. I sure hope she's alright.

Slow day at work?

I've mentioned this website before but the link didn't appear to be working. If you are having a slow day at work and looking to kill some time, might I suggest the following:

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

Family photos are awkward at the best of times...and these ones are the cream of the crop. Here's just a sampling.....



As these two can attest, no one can resist the allure of denim.



Is that not how she got herself into that predicament in the first place?



Even the branch would have to agree that this is getting awkward.

You're welcome.

I was just thinking....

...maybe starting this blog wasn't such a great idea after all. When I have nothing to write about it is a harsh & constant reminder how mundane my life is.

So, to compensate for my lack of ability to entertain you, I'm turning things over to these guys. I know they can get the job done.

We got our tree yesterday!

We cut it down ourselves. Ok, the boy cut it down while I watched. He chops, I decorate.



I went with a new colour scheme for it this year. Gold & lime green. What do you think?

Friday Morning Re-cap

1. I got the best email today. A great way to start the weekend.

2. I saw New Moon last night and it was long but sooo good. There were 2 theatres and people lined up in advance and tons of young girls (and by "young girls" that group may also include a 28-year old woman..ahem) had made t-shirts for either Team Edward or Team Jacob. K, that's all I'm going to say about that so I don't geek out on you. But if you read the books, go see it. If you haven't read the books, don't.

3. I'm so excited for the kickoff to the Festival of Northern Lights tonight. Downtown is going to look sooo nice for the next month and a half. And it'll get me motivated to decorate my own house this weekend I hope.

4. I just spilled coffee down the front of my shirt. That'll teach me for goofing off when I should be working.

5. Last night I dreamt the boy & I were in an outdoor flea market in East Africa and the boy bid $10 at the East African Auction to win me this:



Then when I woke up this mornign I was totally bummed that I didn't have a new puppy. Well, except for the one we alreday have in real life. But still.

I just realized....

....that if I don't want to be mistaken for a 79 year-old woman I should stop carrying mini salt & pepper packets in my purse.

Where was this woman.....

....at our staff Christmas party when we needed her???

Yes, that is a mesh top you are seeing.

I was talking to my brother again the other night and he asked me what year the boy was born. I said '72.

Brother: "Wow, so he was loving it in the 80's then, huh?"

And it's moments like those where I wish I had a video phone so I could have shown him this:

I just geeked out HUGE...

....and purchased tickets (online no less) to the 10 p.m. advenced screening of New Moon at the local movie theatre tonight. This is what my friend Lisa just emailed me when she found out:

Lisa: "You probably feel like Owen Sound is the perfect location for a New Moon story to unfold.......dont you? I hate you."

There are lots of pick up trucks and greenery. So, um......maybe.

"Movember" - I apologize for this in advance....

...but it's all for a good cause. And if you have a sense of humour you may find this somewhat funny. If you are completely offended, I'm sorry. Either way, read on....

"Movember" is an annual, month-long celebration (during November)of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues - specifically prostate cancer.

The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. The guys behind it joked about 80s fashion and decided it was time to bring the moustache back. In order to justify their Mos (Australian slang for moustache), they used their new looks to raise money for prostate cancer research… never dreaming that facial hair would ultimately lead to a global movement that would get men talking about a taboo subject – their health.

A Mo Bro starts Movember – the month formerly known as November – clean shaven, and grows a moustache all month long, garnering support from friends and family in the form of donations. What’s more, a Mo Bro is a walking billboard for the cause as his new look opens the door for him to talk about prostate cancer – making the moustache a symbol, much like the pink ribbon is for breast cancer. Each Movember culminates in a Gala Partè in major cities around the globe where Mo Bros dress up to match their Mo, channeling the likes of Tom Selleck, Ghandi and Ron Burgundy, vying for the ultimate accolade: Man of Movember.

While growing a Mo is left to the guys, Mo Sistas (women who support their guys) form an important part of Movember by recruiting Mo Bros, helping to raise funds and attending the highly anticipated Gala Partés.

The money raised in Canada goes directly to Prostate Cancer Canada. Prostate Cancer Canada will use the money raised by Movember for the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.

In 2008 the Movember campaign in Canada raised $2.4 million making it the largest charity event for men. Significantly, awareness of men’s health issues has improved with Movember helping to spread important health messages directly to thousands of Mo Bros & Sistas.

This is my friend Brad. He is trying to raise money for Prostate Cancer Canada. He doesn't always look like this.






He usually looks like this:






An improvement? Perhaps. Anyways, he's sportin the Mo for a good cause so please go to this website:

http://ca.movember.com/donate/

Choose "Donate to an Individual" and search for "Brad Doiron". It's very easy. and it's for a good cause.

Now you can comment on my blog!

Some people said they were having problems leaving comments on my postings. I think I fixed that problem. But I know nothing about blogs....so maybe not. Anyways, try. Because I wanna hear what you have to say.

Here is a photo of me working out in my sister-in-law's gym last night.
Wine? Check.
Sens game on the tv? Check.
A good workout? Maybe next time.







Considering this was my first workout in 8 years...I didn't want to over do it.

Molly doesn't condone one night stands.....but she's all for having a little fun once in a while.

Do you ever have a TERRIBLE day at work....

.....and feel like you are on the verge of quitting?
Instead, what did I do? I went all passive-agressive and updated my resume. That'll teach 'em.

Sidenote

I also tried to convince the boy we NEEDED to go out to a Christmas Tree farm at night, in the pitch black to pick out our Chrsitmas Tree. But despite my best efforts, he remained unconvinced. So instead I bought myself some more Santas. These ones:







Some people have father issues. I have Santa issues.

http://discocowgirl.blogspot.com/2009/10/73-days-of-christmas.html

A less depressing posting

My birthday got much better yesterday after my little manic episode. I got some nice gifts and went out for drinks with the boy & his sister. Even the dogs got me some stuff to do my nails and some foot scrub too. Which is perfect because - don't tell anyone - sometimes I put on foot cream just so the dogs will lick it off. So gross...but it feels so good.

Molly & I are going to open a spa/salon where the specialty is foot massages by Molly. Except she'll have a weave and wear HUGE hoop earrings and go by the name Laquisha.

Something like this.....

It's my Birthday!

And....I've had a terrible morning this morning so far and I cried all the way to work and I'm tearing up as I write this....the sad part is....I have NO IDEA WHY! I think my hormones might be a little wonky today or something......I felt bad for the boy. He was trying to be all pumped and cheer me up for my b-day...and he could tell I wasn't feeling it...and when he asked what was wrong I just started crying. Whoa, crazy emotional lady.

Eeeaaasssy sista.

There are others!

I thought I was the only one of my friends nerdy enough to blog. In fact it took me a long time to even tell anyone that I had a blog. But then I found out my friend Meesh....back in Ottawa....has one too! And I literally read it from start to finish in about an hour. It made me miss her. She's all grown up now and married and talking about babies.....and her hubby is away with the Candian Forces and it's tough....but her blog is great and anytime I'm feeling sorry for myself I'm going to read it because


A) Meesh is funny and one of the most upbeat people I know


B) I don't have it so hard.





http://michelletiffanypyne.blogspot.com/

P.S. She will hate this photo. But I love it.

Start your weekend off on the right note

Some other funny things you should go check out, just because it's Friday. This one will be funny to everyone...just google "David after Dentist". I tried to upload the video but something's not working right.


This one might be especially funny to anyone who works in the media:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0QMe534owc

For anyone who has a funny relative:
http://twitter.com/shitmydadsays

Two Tired Girls

I took this picture on the drive home from Ottawa. Awww.....

I've had heartburn for 2 days in a row...

....I never get heartburn. It's awful. I think I know why. I devoured this entire tin of super-strong mints in like 2 days.

This town is too small

I had to run to the bank this morning. On my way I passed a man on the street.

Man on street: "So did you end up getting that light you wanted at Home Depot?"
Me:" Huh?....oh,um, yeah I did."
Him: "So you won."
Me: "I won."

The most magical place in the land

I know I am getting old and lame and domesticated when my favourite place to shop is Home Depot. 5 years ago I could never have gotten so excited about purchasing new crown moulding. 5 years ago, I never would have cheated on Walmart. And I still love Walmart. But sometimes a girl just needs to grow up and find a more suitable store to shop in. One that is more serious and dependable. Don't get me wrong. Walmart & I will probably have the odd fling once in a while. I mean, I'm not ready to settle down with Home Depot and commit just yet. But we're having a nice time getting to know one another.

On that note.....who would've thought a ceiling fixture could incite an argument between the boy & I? I feel in love with this light fixture over a year ago when we were shoppin gfor a new light for our dining room. Of course thi sparticular light wouldn't be right for a dining room....but now that I'm re-doing our bedroom I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Not since I first laid eyes on it. It's shimmery and sparkly and modenr but with a retro throwback kind of feel. Right up my alley.

Anyways, ever since I pointed it out to the boy, he's hated it just as much as I loved it. But last night...last night, I won. I got my light fixture. Not after a heated discussion about how much he despised it. He thought it was flat out ugly. He said the following:

-"I can't understand how you even like that light."

-"That is the ugliest light I've ever seen."

-"I hate it."

-"I've always trusted your decoarting instincts. I've never told you no. Doesn't it mean anything now that I'm tellin gyou how much I don't want this to be our bedroom light?"

-"Ok, just check every aisle one more time...maybe we can find somehting else you like."

-"What abou tthis one? Don't you like this one? I like this one. It's a compromise."

-"I don't get you."

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. But I love my new light. I actually kissed the box when I brought it into the house last night.

Back from Ottawa

SIGH.

What a breathe of fresh air. We got to sdo everything I was hoping except for visting with a few good friends as well as my aunt & uncle. We just ran out of time.

we had an early Christmas at my Mom's house. Visited my Dad & stepmom. The weather for this visit was incredible and we sat outside. I even got a bit of a sunburn! The short one played in the hot tub the entire time. There were lots of pugs running around. I surprised the boy with Sens tickets. They lost. we got tattoos together. And the short one got temporary tattoos. 5 of them to be exact. Thanks to that woman at the tattoo shop for being so nice. If you are in Ottawa, or going their for a visit, and happen to be in the market for some new ink, I highly recomment Ventura Blvd. Tattoo. Here's why:

-You don't have to go downtown. I love downtown Ottawa. But you have to find parking. And it's expensive parking. And in most of the downtown tattoo shops there are always dirty little kids who just hang around the shops because they think it's cool. I can't take it anymore. (And yes, I fully acknoledge I used to be one of those punk kids....but now I'm old. And I don't want to be around them). This shop is in a neighborhood subdivision. The burbs. It's very vanilla. And I imagine there are now a lot of soccer moms driving around in their mini vans secretly hiding fresh ink.
-The staff was so nice and polite. When I phoned to book an appointment I almost felt like I was speaking to someone at a bank. Not in a bad way. They were organized and warm.
-It was super clean. They played fun music. In fact, some old Will Smith came on and the boy, myself, Tara (our tattoo artist) and the woman at the front desk (I forget her name) got into a discussion about Fresh Prince (the TV show) and how good it was. Specifically the episode where Will gets locked in the basement with his date and she proceeds to remove her weave and all her fake nails. Um...ok, moving on.....

www.venturablvdtattoo.com

We saw lots of family.....ate like piglets......got spoiled rotten with early Christmas gifts & an early birthday celebration for me.

Today I am trying hard to ignore the feeling of homesickness and manic depression that always comes after a weekend back home. But, let me say...it's nice to be back. I missed my 2 pups that we left behind. I missed my bed.

Pet Paramedic

So we were driving home last night after work...and we were at Vince's Quick Mart and I was going to go straight and at the last second the boy asked me to turn right and go up the Parkway, so we could stop at his boss's and pick up his paycheque. Anyways, we get almost to the lights at Kelso Beach and there are all these cars stopped in the middle of the road...and there is a girl on the side of the road FREAKING out. So I pull over and the boy goes running over......everyone thought a kid had been hit the way the woman was spazzing.....turns out it was her dog...and it was STUCK UNDER THE CAR that hit it. And no one knew what to do and the people in the car were in shock and wouldn't even get out....so the boy, like a little knight in shining armour...or a superhero...ok, ok, enough.....anyways, he yelled at all the guys who were gathered around to lift up the car...and they did and someone else slid the dog out....and then the girl started SCREAMING and I started crying, only for an instant, and I turned around cause I didn't want to see it. But then the boy said he was fine so I looked and he was covered in blood but he wasn't dead......then no one knew what to do cause the girls who owned the dog didn't have their car with them (I'm not even sure if they were old enough to drive actually) so I ran back to the van and we wrapped the dog up in all the boy's work clothes and I raced like an ambulance driver through town to drive the dog to our vet's office. WHEW! Exciting.

Anyways, I'm sure the dog is going to be fine. I even emailed the vet to find out. But that was our exciting night. Isn't it good that we decided to go that way? And that we happeend to have a van big enough to haul the dog an dthe two girls? And that we know of an amazing vet? I think it was karma.....we owed a big thank you to the universe for all those people who gave up their energy and time and goo dvbes last year when my little Jonas was missing for 10 days. So this was our chance to give back.

Although the whole situation was sad and scary.....it was nice to see all those people who stopped and helped. I don't think that would happen in a big city. People would just keep going. But here, people all teamed up to lift a car off a dog.

Anywhere but here...

There are firetrucks parked outside the station right now. They have their lights flashing and everthing. and there are two cop cars parked across the street.

Sweet Jesus, if I'm about to die, please don't let it happen in this god-forsaken radio station.

Ok...I just went to investigate. No fire yet. No evacuation orders either. I'm dreaming & hoping that they have to get us all out of the building and that we get to go home for the rest of the day.

So we are leaving for Ottawa in 5 days. Friday...as soon as the short one is done school for the day. I can't wait. We'll be packing up the 2 small dogs. The big ones are getting dog-sat. I wish we could take them....believe me. But 7 hours in a 2-door car with 4 dogs....not a good idea.

Anyways, the reason for this trip is to have an early Christmas with my Mom & her side of the family. Both my mom & her parents are normally out of the country at Christmas when we head to Ottawa for the actual holiday. So for the past few years we've gone for an early Christmas in November as well. And since I'm obsessed with Christmas, having 2 Christmasses is ok by me.

There is no tree. There is no turkey supper. No decorations.

But there is family, and a great Italian meal (we're not Italian) and presents. We also celebrate my birthday since it falls in the middle of this month. That means more presents. This year I'm also going to be giving the boy an early Christmas gift. I've got him Sens tickets fo rthe Saturday night. He has no idea. I'm very excited. I'm also going to be sending some emails today to see if I can't get booked in for a tattoo apointment. We'll see.

Oh, I also started my Christmas shopping this weekend. That is really good for me. I am more of a "waiter" usually. So to reward myself, I bought myself 2 new shirts. There we go.