oh yeah, it's my birthday, gonna party like it's my...

the only reason a girl should be up at 7 am the morning of her birthday is because she's just getting in from a party the night before... well that ain't the case for me this year. As I get on in my years... hahah yeah right. Ok so she who loves to sleep-in sleep is awake. at 6:30 am on her birthday (let it be known this is earlier than most work days). Yep. I am. And without coffee as I type this (good luck to you who are reading). Why you ask? I know you're dying to know. It comes down to the importance of family. Ha- betcha weren't expecting that one. Yep FAMILY. Seriously as obvious as it may sound, family was definitely the theme for this year's Christmas. Maybe notsomuch theme, but it became abundantly apparent how blessed I am to be surrounded by so many who love me. The weekend before Christmas we were in Pboro with nao'r's family where gifts were certainly themed that way. From the Claddaugh rings that the three boys and his sister got from their mother, to the family gathering that was planned for the upcoming summer (including all significant others of course). then I came home where my brother had already been for a couple of days, having arrived from Alberta on Saturday. G-rents came over Christmas morning as we watched Bailey unwrap about 75 presents (you think I'm kidding)- and about 40 were from me. So this morning, the alarm (my sisters alarm to be exact) scared the begeezes out of me, of course why on earth should anyone have to hear an alarm on their birthday, and while at first I was happy (yay it's my birthday), a bit of sadness came over me. The reason the alarm had to go off is because we have to bring my lil bro to the airport for his 9am flight back to Fort Mac. His visit was short... and sweet. All three kids and mom even went into Leamington for a shopping trip on boxing day (mom took a pic- she wasn't sure when the last time all three of us were in the car with her for a shopping trip). I miss my lil' bro. He's kinda a great guy. Full of energy, generosity and love (I mean really he's gotta be awesome for putting up with me as a big sister). Well, gotta go get ready- goodbye pictures will be ugly if I don't brush my hair soon.

peace-out...

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!

On a lifeboat

Ok so I'm no longer drowning in a sea of boxes- it's now more like I'm drifting safely in a lifeboat but the shore still seems far away. The livingroom is 98% done (pics still need to be hung and the electronics in the tv stand actually need to get plugged in). Th dining room is set up, but I still have boxes under the kitchen bar. The kitchen - wow there's not a lot of room- but I only have my drygoods food box and cutlery left to put away. And considering lack of room, I may be dropping off the drygoods at a food shelter or something of the sort. The bedroom has my bed and two dressers and my tiny closet which doesn't nearly have enough room for my clothes. My shoes and purses are still in respective boxes as they too don't have a home yet. My den... My den. Oh my den. Let's just say that's the catch-all of "Miss where do you want this box?". With only a door frame into that room (no actual door to close) I do have a curtain up so I can live in blissful ignorance of the disaster that's in there. I just wish I had at least made a passage way. Good thing Tiffer's at my mom's- he'd have some great hiding places in there! Speaking, my dearest cat is apparently back to his old cuddly self- finding a spot on mom's lap when she sits in her rocking chair at night... I'm so glad I don't have to worry about the stress this move would cause him...

Ok better get off to work... later bloggy peeps... I'll let you know when it's safe to invite yourself over to the new place (since readership of this blog is fairly limited to people in Ottawa and Windsor- you pretty much have to wait until the den is clutter free which should be 2011 haha !

Countdown begins!

ok bloggy peeps- it's that time of year again! the countdown is officially on for the big day- you know that national holiday only celebrated by a few (ahem by me). Yep that's right- December 27th, the birthdate of yours truly, is now less then a month away... let the shopping begin!

Very funny old man winter!

Yeah. Thanks. I really REALLY appreciate the reminder of Ottawa winters. It absolutely figures that the 4 days I come to Ottawa to finish up the move just happens to be the same time that Ottawa gets its first snow storm of the year. For Pete's sake (no Sara, I'm not referring to PC). As you know things are going great in Mississauga- I'm really loving it. I must admit I didn't think much of coming back to Ottawa to finish up the move- I mean I didn't think I'd feel weird about it. Driving up the 416 Wednesday morning, I saw the snow on the ground and on the trees- it was beautiful. Met with Robin for lunch- it was so great to see her- I loved having lunch with Robin- so it was great to be able to do a normal thing of ours. Coming to the apartment was BIZARRE. It felt foreign. Not only that, but I have expected to see my cat Tiffer at the door waiting for me- as he always did. I took the opportunity of the downsize in apartments to do a clean sweep of my junk (and I ain't talking about the junk in my trunk- (haha I was just going to delete that last bit of the phrase given the gross reference if anyone saw last night's episode of Private Practice).

OK I have to back track and say a little something about the drive from Mississauga to Gan on Tuesday night after work. Oh the traffic... and the trucks. Seriously- I would support my (future) children in whatever they want to do in life- except maybe being a trucker. The truckers that I encountered on the drive up were terrible!!! Cutting people off left right and centre. Almost driving people off the road! It's insane. I'm very much looking forward to when they limit trucks to 105km/hr.

ok enough about that. oh one more thing- sleeping in an actual bed for the last two nights has been incredible- I don't know how I'm going to deal with sleeping on the air mattress for the days I'm waiting for my furniture to get to 'sauga.

Man these moving guys are just packing up everything- seriously. Even the magnets on the fridge. Kinda crazy watching my life being packed up by strangers.

Tonight will be interesting- just being here with nothing but boxes surrounding me. Boxes the size of me may I add.

holding my breath- as they take down and pack my beloved framed Patrick Roy Jersey- Ok no smashing, resume breathing.

This weekend should be fun... nao'r's coming up tomorrow and we're going to watch my cousin Andrew play against the 67's (during which his little 5 year old brother will be playing with his timbits time between the 2nd and 3rd! how cute!!!). Saturday nao'r gets to meet some very special people in my life. Cathy and Bill have been family to me for the past 8 years or so and are just wonderful people. We're having lunch with them on Saturday, and I'm quite excited for them to meet nao'r. Saturday night, as luck would have it miss SC is hosting a Christmas soiree pot luck. LOVELY. Can't wait! So glad I'm in town for this!!!

Sunday, I'll drop nao'r in Gan on my drive home.

To my new home.

leaving Ottawa.

F.o.r.e.v.e.r.

Oh my.

Happy belated bloggiversary!!!!

Dang-it I did it... I forgot to post on my bloggiversary (november 19th) and shame on you bloggypeeps for not noticing (ok not really).

WOWsers a year! ok I won't get into all that's changed in the year since I started writting in this crazy world of blogs because I think I just did that in my last post. What I will do is say a big thank you to my faithfull readers/commentators (or is that commenters?). Regardless, you rock, and I hope you love reading my zany posts about my ups, downs and diagonals as much as I love writing them.

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????

two homes

How did I end up with two homes?

No no- I didn't go on a spending spree...I'm just wondering at what point Ottawa became home... I wonder if I can pin-point it. Actually I can. Well not so much when it became home to me, but when I realized that it had- and that my friends was the day I thought about what it would be like if i didn't live in Ottawa.

Let's see, while I've been here, I've been a student, a fast-food worker, a public servant, I've been single, in relationship(s), in a long distance relationship, I've made friends, lost friends, rekindled with friends, and made myself a family (out of friends, not kids).

I have officially lived in Ottawa for 9 years, and one month less a day (minus one summer at home, and a semester in Europe). I've lived with roomates, I've lived alone, I've lived with my cat.

There are things about Ottawa that I'm ashamed I've never done while living here. I've never gone on a tour of Parliament Hill (though stood in line for hours when P.E.T. died). I've never had dinner at the revolving restaurant at that hotel that I can't think of the name. I've never (shrinking with embarrassment) gone for a hike in Gatineau park. I've never gone to find the cottage my grandparents lived in near Crown Point. I have gone to Ottawa Senators games, I have seen the ballet at the NAC, I've been to the Art Gallery and I've wondered the market many days and many nights.

I was educated in this city, and sometimes feel like i was un-educated here too. I grew up in this city. I moved here when I was 18 years old! A baby for crying out loud! That's a third of my life I've lived in Ottawa!

In the last while, when travelling, and people ask me where I'm from, my answer is, without hesitation, Ottawa.

What happens, if one day, i don't live in Ottawa? They say home is where the heart is, but what if I've left pieces of my heart in more than one place? Will there be room in my heart for a third?

a fun waste of time :)

Got this meme from Dani...

FOODOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Blue Cheese

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. The new Thai express at the Rideau centre

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Metropolitain

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. 15 - 20% - usually

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Toasted Tomato sandwiches and corn on the cob. Pretty sure this is my diet all summer long

Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. Vanilla frost

TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. @ home: a GAP picture of Wentworth Miller
@ work: a saying:
“I wish I was a glowworm,
A glowworm’s never glum,
’Cos how can you be grumpy
When the sun shines out your bum!”

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. two

BIOLOGY
Q. What’s your best feature?
A. My hair.

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Sorta.

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. according to my last optometrist appointment- it ain’t my eyes! I love food, so perhaps taste? Hearing- I can usually hear a song in a crowded loud restaurant, and well my sense of smell conjures up all sorts of memories… uh what was the question again?

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. Last year maybe the year before?

Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?
A. This question is worded funny. I suppose the heaviest item I lifted last would naturally be the last thing I lifted no? which was approximately 8 peanuts that I just shoved into my mouth. Assuming you’re referring to the last heavy item I lifted, that would probably be the 9 bags of groceries I carried from the car to my apartment.

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. I fainted once in the shower last year.

BULLSHITOLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. no thanx.

Q. Is love for real?
A. loved the answer Dani gave!: “If love isn't real, nothing is.”

Q. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
A. I think I’d go with Isabella, but considering my name varies already: Rebecca, Becky, Rebecca Lynn, Becca, Beck, Bex… I’m happy wuith what it is.

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Green (according to me and others). Black works too!

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. I’m sure I have. Does the sticker on an apple count?

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. I don’t think so.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Not physically.

DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
A. With two feet and a heartbeat!

Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. I’ve done it for free (drinks).

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. I don’t think so.

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. maybe

Q. Would you pose nude in a magazine for $250,000?
A. Yep

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?
A. Maybe $10K I could use the money

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. not in a million years.

Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
A. Sure would.

Q. Give up MySpace forever for $30,000?
A. Similarly to Dani- MySpace no problem… Facebook, whoa)

DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A. Wearing a dress, no pockets

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. I’m not one to ask.

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Carpet. I’m in an apartment. No choice in the matter.

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Stand

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A. I’ve done it before, could do it again- This question should be one of those money questions from above

Q: How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
A. hhhmmm… green with sequence, two ryders, one merrell, one roxy, I’ll say 6 for good measure.

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. Let’s see- there’s the speeding ticket from easter weekend…

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. A toys r us kid

LASTOLOGY
Q: Friend you talked to?
A. Lisa- we were trying to figure out how to use an excel pie chart!!

Q: Last person you called?
A. Lisa- she was too lazy to look up my number and call me so she emailed me which has her signature block, and the email subject line simply said “call me” with no actual message. Like a bitch, I quickly complied!

RANDOMOLOGY
Q: First place you went this morning?
A. to the kitchen to feed the cat.

Q: What can you not wait to do?
A. Start Dragon boat season!!!!.

Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
A. drawing a blank here… I saw parts of Shakespeare in Love Saturday night.

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A. With or without coffee? I’d go with I’m pretty friendly.

oh why not waste some time...

1. Do you sleep with your wardrobe doors open or closed?
Closed- my closet is too full if it's open the clothes would fall out

2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels? yes but oddly enough I take them so that the next time i go away, i can bring a small container, never do, and then take the ones from that stay...vicious circle really

3. Have you ever 'done it' in a hotel room? Hell yeah!

4. Have you ever stolen a street sign before? nope

5. Do you like to use post-it notes? everyday

6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? indeed

7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? bees

8. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? peanut butte & chocolate

9. Do you always smile for pictures? well the ones that i know are happening, unless i'm doing my sexy pose :P

10. What is your biggest pet peeve? people who don't use their turn signals!

11. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? out- i hate being restricted!

12. Do you ever count your steps when you walk? not that I can think of.....

13. Have you ever peed in the woods? Have you ever gone camping?

14. Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing? probably

15. Do you chew your pens and pencils? not intentionally

16. Ever talk on a cell phone in a public bathroom? perhaps at a bar...

17. Do you like popcorn from those big tins? no- woudln't that be stale?

18. What is your "Song of the week"? With or without you

19. Is it okay for guys to wear pink? yes but only if they have a tan

20. Do you still watch cartoons? movies yes, shows thank goodness not...

21. Whats your favorite scary movie? not a fan of them

22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? why would I bury it?

23. What do you drink with dinner? milk

24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? honey

25. What is your favorite food/cuisine? greek

26. How many countries have you been travelled to? over a dozen- various carribean islands, mexico, USA, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France,

27. Who was the last person you kissed/kissed you? I suppose if I say "I don't remember" that doesn't quite make me look good does it?

28. Last person you hugged/hugged you? Leah- when i left the bar last night.

29. Ever go skinny dipping? sure did! a few times

30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? well i wrote it in a card- injanuary

31. Can you change the oil on a car? yeah not so much...

32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket? nope.

33. Ran out of gas? nope

34. Favorite kind of sandwich? tomato on toasted whole wheat

35. Best thing to eat for breakfast? left over pizza

36. What is your usual bedtime? there is no usual... i suppose somewhere in the 11 o'clock hour...
37. Are you lazy? I have my moments...

38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? a rubics cube, 50s girl

39. Ever eat a Chaco Taco? don't know what it is...

40. How many languages can you speak? 2, but i can order a beer in a third...

41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? maclean's

42.Which are better legos or lincoln logs? No idea what lincoln logs are so I have to say lego

43. Are you stubborn? I like to call it independent

44. Who is better...Leno or Letterman? Jay's Jay0walking is hilarious, but Dave's top ten lists are classic....

45. Ever watch soap operas? yeppers, Y&R and Days of our Lives

47. Sing in the car? that's a given (although some may not call it singing lol)

48. Dance in the shower? i think so...while i'm singing that is

49. Dance in the car? hell yes, i bring sexy back to the driver's seat!

50. Ever used a gun? water guns only

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? December 2006- family pictures

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? no they're great! The Lion King was awesome! And Grease- hello!!!!

53. Is Christmas stressful? why do you think i add bailey's to my christmas morning coffee?

54. Ever been to GoofyAuctions.com? nope but i will when i'm done posting this

55. Favorite type of fruit pie? pumpkin

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid: a teacher, a marine bilogist

57. Do you believe in ghosts? only at hallowe'en

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? oh yes...

59. Take a vitamin daily? when i remember too

60. Wear slippers? yep. cozy and comfy ones

61. Wear a bath robe? indeed

62. What do you wear to bed? well, actually....

63. Your First Concert? New Kids on the Block

64. Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart? ooohhh Walmart, only because there's no Target here in Canada

65. Nike or Adidas? adidas, but only because i'm remembering that silly saying that went with it when growing up

66. Cheetos Or Fritos? Fritos

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? peanuts, or chocolate covered sunflower seeds

68. Ever have a hidden piercing? yep

69. Ever take dance lessons? yep, highland dancing, ballet, tap

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? other than being the love of my life- nope...

71. Can you curl your tongue? sure can!

72. Ever won a spelling bee? don't think so...

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? yes

74. Ever eat a booger? I'll assume i did when i was a kid...

75. Own a record player? yes I did

76. Regularly burn incense? not regularly

77. Ever been in love? I have been so lucky

78. Who would you like to see in concert? U2

79. What was your last concert you saw? Barenaked Ladies

80. Hot tea or cold ? is it summer or winter? day or night? both have their own plance and time

81. Ever ran around outside without a shirt? sure i have

82. Favorite kind of cookie? my nana's M&M cookies (that are actually made with smarties)

a little more about me...

A fun little thing...

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