On the move!

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

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

So many great things happened for me in September!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm excited to decorate a house.

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

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

random procrastination

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

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

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

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

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

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

stuff

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

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

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

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

4.5 I need to go get a hair cut ;)

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

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

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

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

Hi, nice to meet you!

Hi there,

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

Admitting it is half the battle right?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

peace out peeps... and cheers to more blogging

recap of last three weeks

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

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

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

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

the view from our seats!

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

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

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

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

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

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

what a week/weekend!

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

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

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

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

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

a month already?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

holy holiday season!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

i know random post. sorry.

Hello Mississississississauga

Well I'm here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The one with all the answers"

Hey peeps...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Your turn! any questions????

Sound the trumpets she's alive!

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

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

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



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


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

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

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

holy it's been almost been a month!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the trip home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday morning recap

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

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

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

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

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

a few thoughts on this Snowy April day...

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

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

other random thoughts I need to vent about:

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

It's still snowing.

random recap

Ok so it's been a few days... ok so it's been a week... Needless to say, I've been a busy gal.

The ankle update: It's officially sprained.
I'm not off the crutches (edit- I am off. I was off last friday. I was not on them when I worte this post. Let's bame the fact that I was writing this at 2:30am for that error) . It still hurts like an SOB and of course everyone I talk too reminds me how much worse sprains can be than breaks. Thanks. So I started physio on it- which of course meant I had more time to spend with my crush. Well the crush is over. Yep it's official. While last Friday i totally loved him more- the foot massage did me in- I am now over him. Today's session not only physically hurt me (after one particular treatment i told him "for the love of God don't ever do that to me again" after he attached the muscle stimulator directly to a nerve in my leg. I swear I thought I was getting electrocuted). I'm still hurting. Right so my heart also broke- ok slight exaggeration here- I overheard someone ask him when his baby is due... DOH! damnit...another one bites the dust... let's just add him to the ongoing list of the unavailable/unattainable men in my life.

I've decided to attempt going to boxing tomorrow (i.e. later today- note time this entry was posted). Perhaps I'll be avoiding skipping on that ankle, but I should be good otherwise. I'm also thinking maybe I'll start swimming- thanks for the suggestion Dom... Whatever it is it's time to turn the Jello into HELLO! (credit for phrase to Mlle. Lisa Marie) as bikini season is fast approaching. Not to mention so to is Dragon Boat season- I can't wait to get to the pool Saturday for pool paddling practice with my new team!!!

Weekend recap: SUPER busy-
Friday night was AWESOME! Son and Tony were fantastic hosts to a bunch of us crazy gals and significant others (thanks to Sara's husband for not being able to make it, i didn't feel like a complete tool for not having a significant other to bring). Not that these girls make me feel bad for being the only single gal of the bunch- they don't they're awesome. I'm so lucky to work with such a great bunch of friends.

in pic:
Lisa, me (with bad hair day), Sonia, Jae, Sara and preggers Dal.

Saturday was St. Patty's day. I'm hesitantly admitting that this was the first time I actually partied/celebrated the occasion- not for lack of want... i just don't ever remember doing so. It certainly helped that it was on a Saturday- which allowed Hannah, me and company to start early- in line by 3:15pm and out till after midnight. So much fun (and green beer) was had. I was bummed I couldn't dance nearly as much as I wanted to given my ankle, but I managed to squeeze in a few dances in here and there. Luckily for me Hannah (and I) weren't so drunk that my ankle was not forgotten. I did sit for the most part... We finished off the evening with some karaoke at the scary internet cafe on Rideau street... I did my usual rendition of Brown Eyed Girl (and I think one of my best efforts to date) and before I left, Hannah made me do our usual duet of Summer lovin' (I play Sandy, she takes on Danny Zucco). Hannah rocks. I heart Hannah.
Sunday was Max's birthday brunch at the casino du lac leamy. Awesome brunch buffet on a hangover... not so awesome for someone with a sprained ankle. Damn this thing is ankle business is getting on my nerves... anyone feel like signing up to be my man-servant for the next while (send photo and resume to...just kidding- well sorta).


Dal's baby shower was in the afternoon- and again- so much fun. A few of us from the dinner at Son's on Friday made it, and again we had a blast. We all chipped in to get her the baby swing from her registry- hopefully the little princess will enjoy it and mommy can get some rest (or things done) while she's doing so. Dal's gonna be a yummy mummy don't ya think???

Work's been crazy. I worked over 12 hours Monday because of the Budget announcement. Woohoo. I love work. I had to miss Prison Break because of it. I love work.

Well that's it for the update for now... maybe I'll be able to sleep (doubtful, but one can only hope)