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

no geese in Punta Cana...

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

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

nuff said for now. See you Monday...

seriously bad blogging etiquette!

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

Maybe the goose got to me! HA!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

later bloggy peeps!

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 great U2 concert!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

cough, sneeze, sniffle, and presents

Well it's Christmas. How great is that?

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

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

Dontcha just love productive days?

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

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

Cheers! to Champagne years!

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

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

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

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

Little did I know what then would be in store…

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)

Au revoir Ottawa!

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

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

some of my favourite peeps:

Max, Robin and moi

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

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

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

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

YAY Day!!!!

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

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

yay yay yay

so peeps- what are you chair dancing about today?

"The one with all the answers"

Hey peeps...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Your turn! any questions????

POST #100!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. I love my friends.

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

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

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

A perfect fall weekend!

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

Ready I was.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it really over?

October 1st 2007.

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

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

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

Now what...

Its Monday night.

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

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

(Paddle Demons racing at the Olympic Basin)

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

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

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

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


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

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...