Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
'Twas the Night before Christmas..
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snowGave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roofThe prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head, and was turning around,Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.He had a broad face and a little round belly,That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.And laying his finger aside of his nose,And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Sunday, December 20, 2009
B09BC: December 14th to 20th
I think I'm failing this blog challenge miserably. It's now the 20th and I think my blog challenges have become bigger and bigger.
ALSO, this is post 99 which means my Post 100 is coming up next! Thanks to everyone who suggested questions, if you have any others please don't hesitate!
December 14 Rush. When did you get your best rush of the year?
Ohhh I don't know. Wow. Tough one.
December 15 Best packaging. Did your headphones come in a sweet case? See a bottle of tea in another country that stood off the shelves?
This is by far the most random question. Hummmm..
December 16 Tea of the year. I can taste my favorite tea right now. What's yours?
Even though I know its super healthy, I really don't drink tea. I'm more addicted to Tea's sister: Coffee. My best coffee of the year is the new Caramel Brulee Latte from Starbucks. MMMMM Christmas-y goodness.
December 17 Word or phrase. A word that encapsulates your year. "2009 was _____.
I overuse "lol" online a lot, and probably "awww" in regular conversations. Oh, also "awesome" I say it a lot and generally end up sounding like a surfer.
December 18 Shop. Online or offline, where did you spend most of your mad money this year?
I would have to say Abercrombie. I know it's totally overpriced and over-saturated, but I can't get over the wonderful smell and the softness of the hoodies.
December 19 Car ride. What did you see? How did it smell? Did you eat anything as you drove there? Who were you with?
Probably driving in Romania with my dad. Romanian's are very...interesting..drivers and half the time we got lost, but it was an amazing adventure either way.
December 20 New person. She came into your life and turned it upside down. He went out of his way to provide incredible customer service. Who is your unsung hero of 2009?
Call me totally cheesy/obsessed/stupid/whatever but I'd have to say ShyBoy. Granted, he's technically been in my life for years now, but I feel like we got a lot (a lot) closer in 2009 and regardless of what may or may-not happen between us, I count him as someone that I'm very close to and who's friendship I value in many ways.
ALSO, this is post 99 which means my Post 100 is coming up next! Thanks to everyone who suggested questions, if you have any others please don't hesitate!
December 14 Rush. When did you get your best rush of the year?
Ohhh I don't know. Wow. Tough one.
December 15 Best packaging. Did your headphones come in a sweet case? See a bottle of tea in another country that stood off the shelves?
This is by far the most random question. Hummmm..
December 16 Tea of the year. I can taste my favorite tea right now. What's yours?
Even though I know its super healthy, I really don't drink tea. I'm more addicted to Tea's sister: Coffee. My best coffee of the year is the new Caramel Brulee Latte from Starbucks. MMMMM Christmas-y goodness.
December 17 Word or phrase. A word that encapsulates your year. "2009 was _____.
I overuse "lol" online a lot, and probably "awww" in regular conversations. Oh, also "awesome" I say it a lot and generally end up sounding like a surfer.
December 18 Shop. Online or offline, where did you spend most of your mad money this year?
I would have to say Abercrombie. I know it's totally overpriced and over-saturated, but I can't get over the wonderful smell and the softness of the hoodies.
December 19 Car ride. What did you see? How did it smell? Did you eat anything as you drove there? Who were you with?
Probably driving in Romania with my dad. Romanian's are very...interesting..drivers and half the time we got lost, but it was an amazing adventure either way.
December 20 New person. She came into your life and turned it upside down. He went out of his way to provide incredible customer service. Who is your unsung hero of 2009?
Call me totally cheesy/obsessed/stupid/whatever but I'd have to say ShyBoy. Granted, he's technically been in my life for years now, but I feel like we got a lot (a lot) closer in 2009 and regardless of what may or may-not happen between us, I count him as someone that I'm very close to and who's friendship I value in many ways.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
UPCOMING POST 100!
Good morning Bloggers!
I'm sitting at my desk at work at the un-Godly time of 8:15 even though I don't actually start until 8:30. There is no one but me here and it is eerily quiet. No sounds except for my typing.
I'm putting thr Best of 2009 Challenge on hold for a day, because there is something more important coming up. My 100th Post! This post is number 96 and i have 2 more already pre-scheduled, which means there is only 1 extra to go before reaching the big 1-0-0.
I wanted to do something special for the post, but I'm blanking on ideas. At first I wanted to do a blog overhaul, but I cracked early and did that about 10 posts ago.
What I was thinking of was doing a sort of open question and answer post. But I would need all of your help to make it work. I figure if you have any type of question for me, no matter how personal or random, either leave it as a comment or e-mail it to me and I'll post the answers as part of post 100.
How does that sound? If you don't want to participate no worries, I'll come up with something else for that post.
Thanks in advance!
I'm sitting at my desk at work at the un-Godly time of 8:15 even though I don't actually start until 8:30. There is no one but me here and it is eerily quiet. No sounds except for my typing.
I'm putting thr Best of 2009 Challenge on hold for a day, because there is something more important coming up. My 100th Post! This post is number 96 and i have 2 more already pre-scheduled, which means there is only 1 extra to go before reaching the big 1-0-0.
I wanted to do something special for the post, but I'm blanking on ideas. At first I wanted to do a blog overhaul, but I cracked early and did that about 10 posts ago.
What I was thinking of was doing a sort of open question and answer post. But I would need all of your help to make it work. I figure if you have any type of question for me, no matter how personal or random, either leave it as a comment or e-mail it to me and I'll post the answers as part of post 100.
How does that sound? If you don't want to participate no worries, I'll come up with something else for that post.
Thanks in advance!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
B09BC: December 10th through 13th
I can't decide if I'm getting better with blogging in December because so far I've actually managed to keep up with the blog challenge, or worse because I'm starting to group more and more days into one post. I'm blaming it on the holiday season and a general lack of time.
December 10 Album of the year. What's rocking your world?
Is it really terrible to admit I literally only bought one CD this year? And that I didn't even like it? I know I'm bad, but I download all my music so I've stopped buying albums.
December 11 The best place. A coffee shop? A pub? A retreat center? A cubicle? A nook?
This is a difficult one to narrow down. I know it sounds very sad, but my best place would probably be my room. I spend a lot of time there (obviously) and I've come to love it so much over the years. I've done small renovations and improvements to the point that I think it completely defines me and feels like the best and most comfortable place in the world.
December 12 New food. You're now in love with Lebanese food and you didn't even know what it was in January of this year.
I'd have to say Oatmeal. It's beige and mushy and pretty gross looking, but it's fast become one of my favourite comfort foods. My mom makes it with plenty of brown sugar and cream - it's soooo warm and good
December 13 What's the best change you made to the place you live?
I don't think there is one (yet!) BUT I'm getting a new table and chair set, hopefully before the end of the year, so that will qualify. We're in desperate need of new chairs around my house, it's become quite a problem.
That's it for now, hope you all have an awesome Sunday around the blogosphere!
December 10 Album of the year. What's rocking your world?
Is it really terrible to admit I literally only bought one CD this year? And that I didn't even like it? I know I'm bad, but I download all my music so I've stopped buying albums.
December 11 The best place. A coffee shop? A pub? A retreat center? A cubicle? A nook?
This is a difficult one to narrow down. I know it sounds very sad, but my best place would probably be my room. I spend a lot of time there (obviously) and I've come to love it so much over the years. I've done small renovations and improvements to the point that I think it completely defines me and feels like the best and most comfortable place in the world.
December 12 New food. You're now in love with Lebanese food and you didn't even know what it was in January of this year.
I'd have to say Oatmeal. It's beige and mushy and pretty gross looking, but it's fast become one of my favourite comfort foods. My mom makes it with plenty of brown sugar and cream - it's soooo warm and good
December 13 What's the best change you made to the place you live?
I don't think there is one (yet!) BUT I'm getting a new table and chair set, hopefully before the end of the year, so that will qualify. We're in desperate need of new chairs around my house, it's become quite a problem.
That's it for now, hope you all have an awesome Sunday around the blogosphere!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The first snow + B09BC: December 7/8/9
It's finally happened. After the first snowless November in 70 years, the white stuff has hit us with avengance. I woke up around 5:15 this morning to the sound of snowplows on my street, the sight was both beautiful and horrible. I enjoy snowy days when I can sit at home wrapping presents or baking, not digging my car out from under 3 feet of the white stuff.
Today was a long day and I'm very glad to be at home now cuddled up in bed with my trusty laptop on my lap. Without further ado I present the next 3 days of the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge
December 7 Blog find of the year. That gem of a blog you can't believe you didn't know about until this year.
Easy question! I only started blogging in March of this year, so my blog gems are all of you! I'm not kidding. I don't know how I didn't discover the blogosphere earlier, it has become such a source of knowledge, friendship and survival for me in many ways. I heart each and every one of you who stumbles into my corner of the internet and cares about my daily ramblings!
December 8 Moment of peace. An hour or a day or a week of solitude. What was the quality of your breath? The state of your mind? How did you get there?
My moment of peace occured on Canadian Thanksgiving this year. My mom was away in Europe and I was by myself. Thanksgiving never really meant that much to me so I didn't mind being alone for the most part. I woke up the morning of Thanksgiving with a yearning for a real feast for dinner and spontaneously decided to cook for myself. I got a chicken breast (no way was I attempting a Turkey by myself the day of) instant mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing mix and brownie mix for dessert. All in all I was very impressed with my cooking abilities. I sat at the table by myself and reflected on all that I was thankful for. It was a very insightful and educational experience. It was both lonely and freeing.
December 9 Challenge. Something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you?
This one is a toughie. Finishing up my last year of University and having the University go on strike for 3 months was definitely a challenge. I spent many late nights and weekends at the library in my final months working on papers and reading, which I actually do miss in many ways.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
B09BC: December 4/5/6
Hello lovelies!
I hope you're all having a fabulous weekend around the world and in the blogosphere. I'm getting over my sickness, but since I literally spent ALL DAY yesterday in bed, my body is slightly sore from lack of movement. Nothing that a hot bath won't cure. I'm decorating my Christmas Tree today! A mamoth 7"-something tree that is currently propped up in my living room. The cat is not pleased. Anyway, without further ado, here is the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge continutes:
December 4 Book. What book - fiction or non - touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?
Humm this is a tough one. I don't read as much as I would like, and I tend to re-read the same books over and over again. My top pick for 2009 is probably "I heart New York" by Lindsey Kelk. I travelled back home alone from Europe via Dublin this summer and had to spend a night in Dublin by myself. Browsing the bookstore in Dublin airport before my return flight, I happened across this book and bought it on a whim. Let me tell you, it made the 6.5 hour flight go by soooooo much faster!
Also a good read is Camilla Morton's "A Year in High Heels" because it is a type of life-survival-guide for a modern woman, detailing everything from How to care for your pearls to how to flip a pancake.
December 5 Night out. Did you have a night out with friends or a loved one that rocked your world? Who was there? What was the highlight of the night?
I would have to say my best friends birthday in early September. She and her fiance always have a joint party, which this year entailed going to a local club with a big group of our mutual friends. It was a good night, filled with fun, dancing, drinks and friends. The highlight of the night? Humm, I would have to say when at one point my bestest, her fiance, a few guy friends and I broke off from the group and wandered down to the other dance floor and ended up dancing on a platform.
December 6 Workshop or conference. Was there a conference or workshop you attended that was especially beneficial? Where was it? What did you learn?
I've never actually attended a workshop or conference, so I'm going to change this one slightly and make it a class instead. I would have to say my "Fantasy in the Modern World" class would be the highlight. My Proff was an AMAZING lecturer who I simply loved listening to. He had a gift for teaching and it was obvious how much he loved his job. He would tell the best stories and always find new and interesting ways to explain the topics. Thanks again Mr. H!
I hope you're all having a fabulous weekend around the world and in the blogosphere. I'm getting over my sickness, but since I literally spent ALL DAY yesterday in bed, my body is slightly sore from lack of movement. Nothing that a hot bath won't cure. I'm decorating my Christmas Tree today! A mamoth 7"-something tree that is currently propped up in my living room. The cat is not pleased. Anyway, without further ado, here is the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge continutes:
December 4 Book. What book - fiction or non - touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?
Humm this is a tough one. I don't read as much as I would like, and I tend to re-read the same books over and over again. My top pick for 2009 is probably "I heart New York" by Lindsey Kelk. I travelled back home alone from Europe via Dublin this summer and had to spend a night in Dublin by myself. Browsing the bookstore in Dublin airport before my return flight, I happened across this book and bought it on a whim. Let me tell you, it made the 6.5 hour flight go by soooooo much faster!
Also a good read is Camilla Morton's "A Year in High Heels" because it is a type of life-survival-guide for a modern woman, detailing everything from How to care for your pearls to how to flip a pancake.
December 5 Night out. Did you have a night out with friends or a loved one that rocked your world? Who was there? What was the highlight of the night?
I would have to say my best friends birthday in early September. She and her fiance always have a joint party, which this year entailed going to a local club with a big group of our mutual friends. It was a good night, filled with fun, dancing, drinks and friends. The highlight of the night? Humm, I would have to say when at one point my bestest, her fiance, a few guy friends and I broke off from the group and wandered down to the other dance floor and ended up dancing on a platform.
December 6 Workshop or conference. Was there a conference or workshop you attended that was especially beneficial? Where was it? What did you learn?
I've never actually attended a workshop or conference, so I'm going to change this one slightly and make it a class instead. I would have to say my "Fantasy in the Modern World" class would be the highlight. My Proff was an AMAZING lecturer who I simply loved listening to. He had a gift for teaching and it was obvious how much he loved his job. He would tell the best stories and always find new and interesting ways to explain the topics. Thanks again Mr. H!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Best of 2009 Blog Challenge
2 posts in 2 days - I think I'm on a roll! As promised, today I deliver a much more upbeat post. I woke up this morning with a zest to blog. I know that sounds strange, but all of a sudden I couldn't wait to get home from work and log into blogger and read all of your lovely blogs. Work was slightly better today, although I think I'm still annoying the heck out of my co-workers with my constant coughing. Thank you for all your sweet words on both work and my health!
After completely missing NaNoWriMo in November, I've decided to do the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. I'm already 2 days behind, and in all honesty I probably won't get to post every day so I'll just combine the days that I've missed whenever I do post.
I think this is a wonderful idea to reflect on the year as it is slowly very very quickly coming to an end. Here goes:
December 1: Trip. What was your best trip in 2009?
Wow, way to start off with a tough one to answer! I would have to say there's a tie. Either the 3 days in Dublin, Ireland with my mom or the week in Romania with my dad. This past summer was the first time I visited a new place with each parent that even they had never been to before. That gave both trips an added sense of adventure because it was foreign territory for both of us.
December 2: Restaurant moment. Share the best restaurant experience you had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands out in your mind?
This one is easier, I have one specific moment that stands out right away. I've been to NYC in August with a girlfriend the past 2 years. Both times we have a type of tradition on the first night. Dinner at the Olive Garden in Times Square. I love it beyond anything. I still mourn the fact that we no longer have Olive Garden in Canada because the food is amazing. Lizzie and I had dinner there and great drinks overlooking the crowdedness that is Times Square just talking about anything and everything and what a great city New York is.
December 3: Article. What's an article that you read that blew you away? That you shared with all your friends. That you Delicious'd and reference throughout the year.
Stay tuned for further "Best of 2009" posts as the month progresses
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Work Stresses
** warning: lots of whining ahead, you have been warned **
That's how I've been feeling the last 2 weeks. My company just got exclusive rights to Disney titles for a large chain of stores across Canada, and guess who they've decided to put in charge of this account. Yup that's right. Me. I'm honoured by the responsibility and that they think I can handle it, but to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I can handle it. I do small work for so many different accounts that no one really seems to know whow much work I actually do - and its beginning to pile up drastically.
I have a half day of vacation booked for Friday afternoon, but I'm starting to be afraid of leaving because of all the work and e-mails that will be waiting for me Monday morning. I figure this either means I'm becoming a good employee, or that I've sold my soul to the corporate gods. Any thoughts on which one it is?
On top of the work stresses, I believe I've finally succumbed to the germs that are floating around. Since last night I've been coughing to the point that I think my co-workers are afraid of me. The strange part is, aside from the coughing (and subsequent body pains) I feel completely fine. I don't know what's wrong with me.
Wow this post really is a downer, so much so that I feel a need to put a warning at the top. I apologize, and will return tomorrow or the next day with an up-beat Christmas-y post!
I hope all of you are having a better week!
That's how I've been feeling the last 2 weeks. My company just got exclusive rights to Disney titles for a large chain of stores across Canada, and guess who they've decided to put in charge of this account. Yup that's right. Me. I'm honoured by the responsibility and that they think I can handle it, but to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I can handle it. I do small work for so many different accounts that no one really seems to know whow much work I actually do - and its beginning to pile up drastically.
I have a half day of vacation booked for Friday afternoon, but I'm starting to be afraid of leaving because of all the work and e-mails that will be waiting for me Monday morning. I figure this either means I'm becoming a good employee, or that I've sold my soul to the corporate gods. Any thoughts on which one it is?
On top of the work stresses, I believe I've finally succumbed to the germs that are floating around. Since last night I've been coughing to the point that I think my co-workers are afraid of me. The strange part is, aside from the coughing (and subsequent body pains) I feel completely fine. I don't know what's wrong with me.
Wow this post really is a downer, so much so that I feel a need to put a warning at the top. I apologize, and will return tomorrow or the next day with an up-beat Christmas-y post!
I hope all of you are having a better week!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
When blogging may not be the best solution..
What do I do when I have an issue that is bothering me? I write. In other words, I blog. I treasure you all SO much because of all the things you have helped me through in the last year. Recently I've come across an odd problem. In the last 6 months or so I've opened up my blog to select friends and family. I've never had a problem with this until recently.
As I said before, usually when something is bothering me I write about it. I've been writing in journals for years and this year I started this blog. My issue is this, I have a problem that directly affects one of these aforementioned family/friends. If I openly blog about the issue, I may make myself feel better by getting it out, but I would also be opening an even bigger can-of-worms becasue that person would know there is a problem.
I know, the easy solution is to get the problem out, let it be fixed, and move on. It isn't that simple this time as this isn't something there is a solution for. The *problem* isn't a problem per se, rather something that has been upsetting me. So opening this can-of-worms would only hurt the other person and probably make things worse. I'll get over it eventually, it would just be easier if I could blog about it.
Has this happened to anyone else? What did/would you do?
As I said before, usually when something is bothering me I write about it. I've been writing in journals for years and this year I started this blog. My issue is this, I have a problem that directly affects one of these aforementioned family/friends. If I openly blog about the issue, I may make myself feel better by getting it out, but I would also be opening an even bigger can-of-worms becasue that person would know there is a problem.
I know, the easy solution is to get the problem out, let it be fixed, and move on. It isn't that simple this time as this isn't something there is a solution for. The *problem* isn't a problem per se, rather something that has been upsetting me. So opening this can-of-worms would only hurt the other person and probably make things worse. I'll get over it eventually, it would just be easier if I could blog about it.
Has this happened to anyone else? What did/would you do?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Daily Dose of Random: Cooking
Dear Bloggers,
I'm cooking as I write this (more specifically I'm making home-made Spaghetti). I also may have slightly stolen the idea for this post from Leanne over at Justified Purchases, but I think she'll forgive me.
Generally I don't cook. The weeks that I've been home alone, I've sustained myself on a diet of sandwhiches, soup and Sidekicks. There are a select few recipes I know how to cook and those specifically I do enjoy making. Spaghetti is one. I love love love pasta of all shapes and flavours and Spaghetti is the one thing I actually look forward to making at the end of a long work day.
Call me crazy, but throwing random ingredients and spices into a boiling pot and stirring somehow soothes me. My problem is the noodles.
I will forever be the girl that cannot measure noodles. Instead, I keep adding handfulls of noodles until I think I've made enough. Without fail, everytime I end up making enough to feed a football team. Aside from measuring, how do you decide how many noodles to add?
Since I will most likely be on my own next year (yes I currently still live at home) I've been trying to ease myself into cooking meals over the last few months. Perhaps my greatest accomplishment thus far is making a semi-traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for Canadian Thanksgiving back in October. True, there was no turkey. BUT there was a delicious roasted chicken breast with garlic butter, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy AND home-made brownies for dessert. I think I outdid myself just a little bit.
I'm off to enjoy my Spaghetti!
I'm cooking as I write this (more specifically I'm making home-made Spaghetti). I also may have slightly stolen the idea for this post from Leanne over at Justified Purchases, but I think she'll forgive me.
Generally I don't cook. The weeks that I've been home alone, I've sustained myself on a diet of sandwhiches, soup and Sidekicks. There are a select few recipes I know how to cook and those specifically I do enjoy making. Spaghetti is one. I love love love pasta of all shapes and flavours and Spaghetti is the one thing I actually look forward to making at the end of a long work day.
Call me crazy, but throwing random ingredients and spices into a boiling pot and stirring somehow soothes me. My problem is the noodles.
I will forever be the girl that cannot measure noodles. Instead, I keep adding handfulls of noodles until I think I've made enough. Without fail, everytime I end up making enough to feed a football team. Aside from measuring, how do you decide how many noodles to add?
Since I will most likely be on my own next year (yes I currently still live at home) I've been trying to ease myself into cooking meals over the last few months. Perhaps my greatest accomplishment thus far is making a semi-traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for Canadian Thanksgiving back in October. True, there was no turkey. BUT there was a delicious roasted chicken breast with garlic butter, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy AND home-made brownies for dessert. I think I outdid myself just a little bit.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all my American bloggie-friends! I Hope your Turkey dinner turned out good too!
What are your favourite meals to cook? And your proudest culinary achievements?I'm off to enjoy my Spaghetti!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Jumping on the bandwagon: New Moon!
I cannot believe it's been a week since I last blogged! Everytime I say I'm going to do better with my blogging, it seems to get worse. I did manage to update my layout last week (as you've probably already noticed). What do you think?
I know practically every blog (and newspaper, radio station, facebook status and commerical) is pretty much in New Moon fever, but I figured I had to jump the bandwagon as well. I have not *yet* seen New Moon, so please no one ruin it for me. I've obviously read the book so I know the basic plot, but everything else I'd rather be surprised about.
I work for the company that owns Summit Entertaintment (which produces Twilight) so it's kind of an exciting time at my office. There is Twilight buzz all over the place, and the amount of Twilight/New Moon movie posters hanging in people's cubicles is incredible. I admit I'm just as guilty, I have the Twilight movie poster hanging over my desk at work.
Generally I prefer the book to the movie, it was like that with the entire Harry Potter series and the first Twilight movie, but I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised with this one. So far I've pretty much only heard positive reviews, but we shall see.
What did you think of New Moon?
I know practically every blog (and newspaper, radio station, facebook status and commerical) is pretty much in New Moon fever, but I figured I had to jump the bandwagon as well. I have not *yet* seen New Moon, so please no one ruin it for me. I've obviously read the book so I know the basic plot, but everything else I'd rather be surprised about.
I work for the company that owns Summit Entertaintment (which produces Twilight) so it's kind of an exciting time at my office. There is Twilight buzz all over the place, and the amount of Twilight/New Moon movie posters hanging in people's cubicles is incredible. I admit I'm just as guilty, I have the Twilight movie poster hanging over my desk at work.
Generally I prefer the book to the movie, it was like that with the entire Harry Potter series and the first Twilight movie, but I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised with this one. So far I've pretty much only heard positive reviews, but we shall see.
What did you think of New Moon?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Pre-Christmas traditions!
Ever have one of those days where you REALLY don’t want to be at work/school? That’s me today. It’s a Friday, my supervisor is already gone for the weekend AND we’re ordering pizza for lunch! I’m having such a hard time concentrating on my work, so I thought I would take this time to blog.
As much as I love Christmas, I tend to love the pre-Christmas time even more. The anticipation of things to come, decorated malls and stores, Christmas music abound. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Earlier this week I began my favourite pre-Christmas tradition. Painting houses. My mom and I started this tradition many many years ago after seeing the village a friend of hers had created. There are white ceramic Christmas Village houses that you can buy at Wal-Mart and craft stores like Michaels for from $5-$10 usually. Over the past 12 years we’ve developed quite a village. I take great joy in unpacking them each holiday season. I can tell which ones were done at the beginning as my painting skills were sub-par at best, but I find it also nice to see the progress over the years. Below is the completed village over the years. Instead of candles I put a set of white mini-lights in and around to create the glow.
As much as I love Christmas, I tend to love the pre-Christmas time even more. The anticipation of things to come, decorated malls and stores, Christmas music abound. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Earlier this week I began my favourite pre-Christmas tradition. Painting houses. My mom and I started this tradition many many years ago after seeing the village a friend of hers had created. There are white ceramic Christmas Village houses that you can buy at Wal-Mart and craft stores like Michaels for from $5-$10 usually. Over the past 12 years we’ve developed quite a village. I take great joy in unpacking them each holiday season. I can tell which ones were done at the beginning as my painting skills were sub-par at best, but I find it also nice to see the progress over the years. Below is the completed village over the years. Instead of candles I put a set of white mini-lights in and around to create the glow.
I realize it looks a little like the houses are all on fire, but in reality it actually looks quite nice
The Farmer's Market - a work in progress
The Bookstore - my next project!
What are your favourite Pre-Christmas/Holiday traditions?
Monday, November 9, 2009
Daily Dose of Random: Opinion Poll
Well the time has come, right at this moment ShyBoy is in the sunny Dominican Republic probably relaxing in gorgeous sunshine. I'm so very jealous. I also have to admit that it feels a little strange not to talk to him at all today. My phone feels a little sad without the occasional text message from him. So I've decided to keep myself busy this week with work, friends and blogging.
The idea for this post came to me very randomly a few mornings ago. My mom made a comment to me that got me thinking. When I brush my teeth, I use warm water. Not scalding hot, but certainly not cold. I always find that cold water hurts my teeth a little. My mom said this is wierd and she could not imagine using warm water. It got me thinking. Which is normal?
Do you use warm or cold water? and why? I'm honestly sooo curious!
The idea for this post came to me very randomly a few mornings ago. My mom made a comment to me that got me thinking. When I brush my teeth, I use warm water. Not scalding hot, but certainly not cold. I always find that cold water hurts my teeth a little. My mom said this is wierd and she could not imagine using warm water. It got me thinking. Which is normal?
Do you use warm or cold water? and why? I'm honestly sooo curious!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Halloween and its aftermath
How is it possible that it’s been over a week since I last posted?? I hate when life gets in the way of blogging. I’ve been noticing a trend in the blogosphere though, it seems as though a lot of people are having a hard time lately keeping up to date on their blogging (me included). Is it this time of year? School is picking up, work is getting busy, we’re all slowly panicking about how fast Christmas is approaching. Today is a slow day for me at work, so I’m sitting at my desk and discretely typing this post into my e-mail and then quickly copying it into blogger.
I do have an update for all of you in the Shy Boy saga. The Halloween Party.
It was Saturday night into Sunday morning. All in all the party was a success I believe, only a few incidents that I would rather have lived without, but nothing can be done about that now. ShyBoy actually did come as the Nerd, as did I of course. There are a few pictures of us together, but only one I really like. I will post one or two for all of you to see, but that may have to wait until the next post, unless I put off publishing this one until I get home from work.
I have to tell you all about my incident at the beginning of the party. It is completely un ShyBoy related, rather this one falls into the category of “Ella is a hazard to herself”. Luckily most people were downstairs or in the kitchen at this particular time. The main floor of my house has tile floor, and friends were just arriving at the front door. I sort of ran down the hall and meant to slide and then get the door. Well..
I slipped. And fell.
It was similar to falling on ice, my legs went one way and I crashed right onto the tiles. I felt nothing that night, but then Sunday morning I could barely move. I think I banged up the whole right side of my body enough that no one spot was sprained or broken, but it sure hurt a lot! It’s better now, just one ankle is still tender and swollen.
The rest of the night was good; however, I have no updates in the ShyBoy specific department. We had a good time and there was lots of communication, but nothing happened. I am glad he came, and I’m glad it seems to work with all of our friends because we have so many mutual friends.
He’s going on vacation to the Dominican Republic with his brother and a few friends on Monday for a week. Needless to say I’m extremely jealous! As much as I would like to see him before he leaves, I also won’t suggest it because I’m waiting to see if he makes the effort. I think I’m getting a tad restless when it comes to ShyBoy. It’s coming up to that time of year (Christmas, New years and my birthday) where I would really like to have someone around, but yet I still seem to be stuck in limbo. I also can’t bring myself to talk to him, so I think I’m stuck. Or possibly I’m just feeling pessimistic today.
Dear reader, how was your Halloween?
I do have an update for all of you in the Shy Boy saga. The Halloween Party.
It was Saturday night into Sunday morning. All in all the party was a success I believe, only a few incidents that I would rather have lived without, but nothing can be done about that now. ShyBoy actually did come as the Nerd, as did I of course. There are a few pictures of us together, but only one I really like. I will post one or two for all of you to see, but that may have to wait until the next post, unless I put off publishing this one until I get home from work.
I have to tell you all about my incident at the beginning of the party. It is completely un ShyBoy related, rather this one falls into the category of “Ella is a hazard to herself”. Luckily most people were downstairs or in the kitchen at this particular time. The main floor of my house has tile floor, and friends were just arriving at the front door. I sort of ran down the hall and meant to slide and then get the door. Well..
I slipped. And fell.
It was similar to falling on ice, my legs went one way and I crashed right onto the tiles. I felt nothing that night, but then Sunday morning I could barely move. I think I banged up the whole right side of my body enough that no one spot was sprained or broken, but it sure hurt a lot! It’s better now, just one ankle is still tender and swollen.
The rest of the night was good; however, I have no updates in the ShyBoy specific department. We had a good time and there was lots of communication, but nothing happened. I am glad he came, and I’m glad it seems to work with all of our friends because we have so many mutual friends.
He’s going on vacation to the Dominican Republic with his brother and a few friends on Monday for a week. Needless to say I’m extremely jealous! As much as I would like to see him before he leaves, I also won’t suggest it because I’m waiting to see if he makes the effort. I think I’m getting a tad restless when it comes to ShyBoy. It’s coming up to that time of year (Christmas, New years and my birthday) where I would really like to have someone around, but yet I still seem to be stuck in limbo. I also can’t bring myself to talk to him, so I think I’m stuck. Or possibly I’m just feeling pessimistic today.
Dear reader, how was your Halloween?
Monday, October 26, 2009
Halloween Costumes!
I can't believe Halloween is less than a week away! Where did October go??!!
I don't know about all of you, but I've always liked Halloween. It's a chance to dress up and be someone different for a night, and yes, I'll be honest, it's a chance for girls to dress....provocatively...and not have people think bad about them. I'll admit my costumes in past years have been everything ranging from a German Beer Girl to a kitten.
Among my group of friends, "the Halloween party" always seems to be a legendary event. Something crazy happens pretty much every year. The party is always at my house, and always a good time.
I mentioned in my previous post about ShyBoy and I possibly going in matching costumes. So here's the story behind that.
Around March of this year (when I was still in school) he started calling me a nerd. It developed into a type of nickname, where he would message me and go "hey nerd how's it going" and so on. At first I fought against it and told him he was mean (all in the name of flirting of course) but then I started to like it. This somehow moved on to him making a special nerd emoticon on msn to use when we talked, and then he altered it in photoshop to make me a special "girl-nerd" emoticon.
She has glasses and a red bow. I think it's cute. I don't have a big enough picture to show you, but you get the idea.
Anyway, around the beginning of september the topic of halloween came up one night. He said I should go as a nerd, but make it sexy. His words exactly. So the thoughts began forming themselves in my head. Sort of a cross between school girl and bookworm. It wasn't long after that that he coincidentally mentioned something about going as a nerd for halloween. As far as I know he's still considering doing it, but that could obviously still change.
So there is a chance we'll be school girl and nerd on saturday at the party - and yes I will for sure try to get a nice picture!
what are your plans for Halloween? And what are you all dressing up as? I'm curious! Tell me! :)
I don't know about all of you, but I've always liked Halloween. It's a chance to dress up and be someone different for a night, and yes, I'll be honest, it's a chance for girls to dress....provocatively...and not have people think bad about them. I'll admit my costumes in past years have been everything ranging from a German Beer Girl to a kitten.
Among my group of friends, "the Halloween party" always seems to be a legendary event. Something crazy happens pretty much every year. The party is always at my house, and always a good time.
I mentioned in my previous post about ShyBoy and I possibly going in matching costumes. So here's the story behind that.
Around March of this year (when I was still in school) he started calling me a nerd. It developed into a type of nickname, where he would message me and go "hey nerd how's it going" and so on. At first I fought against it and told him he was mean (all in the name of flirting of course) but then I started to like it. This somehow moved on to him making a special nerd emoticon on msn to use when we talked, and then he altered it in photoshop to make me a special "girl-nerd" emoticon.
She has glasses and a red bow. I think it's cute. I don't have a big enough picture to show you, but you get the idea.
Anyway, around the beginning of september the topic of halloween came up one night. He said I should go as a nerd, but make it sexy. His words exactly. So the thoughts began forming themselves in my head. Sort of a cross between school girl and bookworm. It wasn't long after that that he coincidentally mentioned something about going as a nerd for halloween. As far as I know he's still considering doing it, but that could obviously still change.
So there is a chance we'll be school girl and nerd on saturday at the party - and yes I will for sure try to get a nice picture!
what are your plans for Halloween? And what are you all dressing up as? I'm curious! Tell me! :)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Winter Wonderland!
I feel like I’m getting so behind on blogging lately! I’ve been running over this post in my head since Sunday and it’s now Wednesday morning! I know you’ve all been waiting patiently, and I love that you all get so excited and want to hear about the ShyBoy saga, you have no idea how much this means to me!
So Saturday was “the Wonderland trip”. Although it isn’t officially winter yet, it sure felt that way Saturday night. The temperature dipped down to -4 degrees Celsius at one point. I have no idea what that is in Fahrenheit, but suffice to say it was cold. He picked me up to go to Wonderland, everyone else was going in one car, which left just me and him to drive together. We left a little late and had to stop and buy tickets. After traffic and parking we ended up meeting everyone else about half an hour late. The weather was starting to get colder by that point already, but being in the Haunted Houses was warmer.
ShyBoy and I chatted on the way to Wonderland (about a half hour drive) and then once we met up with our friends, we kept walking together and he stayed with me during the Haunted Houses. He didn’t really touch me, but there also really wasn’t opportunity to do so. The Park was P-A-C-K-E-D Saturday night so the Haunted Houses were a bit of a disappointment since people were walked through like Cattle. There were so many people ahead of us it was obvious whenever something jumped out because the people ahead would scream or laugh.
The newest attraction at Wonderland is a giant Roller Coaster called “Behemoth”. It is new to the park since last year and it is the tallest and fastest Coaster in Canada. One of my guy friends was dying to go on it, and since ShyBoy had been on it once last year, he convinced me to go. In the end, 4 of us braved the cold (and the lineup) to see what the hype was about. We waited for over an hour. I don’t think I’ve been that cold in a LONG time. I kept complaining about being cold, but so did everyone else, so I guess he didn’t take the hint.
At one point, both out of cold and out of frustration, I kind of went “I’m cold” and kind of leaned into him I guess. THAT hint he FINALLY took. He put his arm around me and kind of rubbed my back. He said he could feel me shaking. Unfortunately it didn’t last very long because we had to keep moving, but then the next time we stopped he did it again. Cue Slushy Feelings.
SO after almost freezing to death in line, we get on this ride. O-M-G the first drop is high! According to Wikipedia, the first drop is 70m (230ft) and the speed is an estimated 125km/hr (77mph). To find out more about Behemoth, go here
ShyBoy sat with me and kept trying to reach over and lift up my hands. Under normal circumstances I would have thought this was cute – when I’m dropping straight down a hill nothing is cute. Nothing. Not to mention, if I thought it was cold in line, that did not compare to having freezing wind blasting in your face. By the end I could barely move my face. I don’t know if it was fear or cold but as we got off my hands were shaking. I think ShyBoy felt bad for me after that because he kind of took one of my hands and rubbed my back a little to get me to loosen up.
We stayed at the park until about 12:30, by which point everyone was cold and tired, so we decided to call it a night. We walked back to his car, and had to wait about 40 minutes to get out of the park because everyone else was leaving too. I didn’t complain. His car had a nice heater so once we warmed up we had LOTS of time to talk just the two of us.
All in all, it wasn’t that much of an eventful evening, but it was really the first time we’ve been out together with our mutual friends so it was a different dynamic. By now I think most people have just accepted that we’re together a lot – but I don’t know what that means or what they think.
So that is a pretty detailed account of my night. As of right now we have no other movie-dates or anything planned except my Halloween Party at the end of the month.
Did I tell you? I think we’re going in matching costumes. That is deserving of its own post though because it involves a bit of a back story.
So Saturday was “the Wonderland trip”. Although it isn’t officially winter yet, it sure felt that way Saturday night. The temperature dipped down to -4 degrees Celsius at one point. I have no idea what that is in Fahrenheit, but suffice to say it was cold. He picked me up to go to Wonderland, everyone else was going in one car, which left just me and him to drive together. We left a little late and had to stop and buy tickets. After traffic and parking we ended up meeting everyone else about half an hour late. The weather was starting to get colder by that point already, but being in the Haunted Houses was warmer.
ShyBoy and I chatted on the way to Wonderland (about a half hour drive) and then once we met up with our friends, we kept walking together and he stayed with me during the Haunted Houses. He didn’t really touch me, but there also really wasn’t opportunity to do so. The Park was P-A-C-K-E-D Saturday night so the Haunted Houses were a bit of a disappointment since people were walked through like Cattle. There were so many people ahead of us it was obvious whenever something jumped out because the people ahead would scream or laugh.
The newest attraction at Wonderland is a giant Roller Coaster called “Behemoth”. It is new to the park since last year and it is the tallest and fastest Coaster in Canada. One of my guy friends was dying to go on it, and since ShyBoy had been on it once last year, he convinced me to go. In the end, 4 of us braved the cold (and the lineup) to see what the hype was about. We waited for over an hour. I don’t think I’ve been that cold in a LONG time. I kept complaining about being cold, but so did everyone else, so I guess he didn’t take the hint.
At one point, both out of cold and out of frustration, I kind of went “I’m cold” and kind of leaned into him I guess. THAT hint he FINALLY took. He put his arm around me and kind of rubbed my back. He said he could feel me shaking. Unfortunately it didn’t last very long because we had to keep moving, but then the next time we stopped he did it again. Cue Slushy Feelings.
SO after almost freezing to death in line, we get on this ride. O-M-G the first drop is high! According to Wikipedia, the first drop is 70m (230ft) and the speed is an estimated 125km/hr (77mph). To find out more about Behemoth, go here
ShyBoy sat with me and kept trying to reach over and lift up my hands. Under normal circumstances I would have thought this was cute – when I’m dropping straight down a hill nothing is cute. Nothing. Not to mention, if I thought it was cold in line, that did not compare to having freezing wind blasting in your face. By the end I could barely move my face. I don’t know if it was fear or cold but as we got off my hands were shaking. I think ShyBoy felt bad for me after that because he kind of took one of my hands and rubbed my back a little to get me to loosen up.
We stayed at the park until about 12:30, by which point everyone was cold and tired, so we decided to call it a night. We walked back to his car, and had to wait about 40 minutes to get out of the park because everyone else was leaving too. I didn’t complain. His car had a nice heater so once we warmed up we had LOTS of time to talk just the two of us.
All in all, it wasn’t that much of an eventful evening, but it was really the first time we’ve been out together with our mutual friends so it was a different dynamic. By now I think most people have just accepted that we’re together a lot – but I don’t know what that means or what they think.
So that is a pretty detailed account of my night. As of right now we have no other movie-dates or anything planned except my Halloween Party at the end of the month.
Did I tell you? I think we’re going in matching costumes. That is deserving of its own post though because it involves a bit of a back story.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Wonderland = prize for me, Award = prize for you!
okay I know that title is TOTALLY cheesy, but I needed something creative to combine both parts of this post.
As you know, today is the Wonderland trip with ShyBoy! I'm so excited and so far *knocks on wood* Mother Nature is cooperating with sunshine and 8 degree temperatures! Can you tell I'm excited?!
In other news, the wonderful Malin gave me an award about a week ago! Thanks so much again Sweets! It's called the Kreatif Blogger Award
As you know, today is the Wonderland trip with ShyBoy! I'm so excited and so far *knocks on wood* Mother Nature is cooperating with sunshine and 8 degree temperatures! Can you tell I'm excited?!
In other news, the wonderful Malin gave me an award about a week ago! Thanks so much again Sweets! It's called the Kreatif Blogger Award
The Rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might not know.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.
So here goes, 7 things you might not know about me..
1. I have blue eyes that do not change regardless of what I wear or what the lighting is like
2. I can pick things up with my toes
3. I tend to eat food in stages, for example if my dinner is chicken, potatoes, carrots and salad then I'll eat all the chicken, then the carrots, then the salad etc. I have no idea why I do it.
4. I have no tolerance for spices - I mean none. Sometimes pepperoni pizza and bbq chips are spicy to me
5. I very rarely crave chocolate or other sweets - my vice is pasta
6. I love to colour and do paint-by-number
7. I have a teddy bear I've had since I was 4 and I still sleep with him occasionally
And the nominees are..
Have a great weekend everyone!
Monday, October 5, 2009
I heart..
..I heart the fact that today was the first day in over a week where it didn't rain
..I heart the term "slushy feelings" (stolen from Emily)
..I heart having slushy feelings
.. I heart the fact that there's a long weekend coming up
..I heart sitting in his car talking about nothing for hours on end
..I heart taking out my UGGS for the first time this season
..I heart waking up with a smile
..I heart "good morning nerd" text messages
..I heart the term "slushy feelings" (stolen from Emily)
..I heart having slushy feelings
.. I heart the fact that there's a long weekend coming up
..I heart sitting in his car talking about nothing for hours on end
..I heart taking out my UGGS for the first time this season
..I heart waking up with a smile
..I heart "good morning nerd" text messages
What do you heart? Anything! I'm curious!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Farmville
I know that probably most (if not all) of you fellow bloggers also use facebook. I know I do. It's a very bad habit, not to mention time consuming.
I'm curious, do any of you play Farmville?
I've never tried playing it, but I'm getting increasingly annoyed at the constant stream of "Farmville gift" and "Farmville neighbour" requests I'm getting whenever I log onto facebook.
What is it about this game that is supposedly so addicting? Or, are you as frustrated by it as I am? Let me know what you think!
I'm curious, do any of you play Farmville?
I've never tried playing it, but I'm getting increasingly annoyed at the constant stream of "Farmville gift" and "Farmville neighbour" requests I'm getting whenever I log onto facebook.
What is it about this game that is supposedly so addicting? Or, are you as frustrated by it as I am? Let me know what you think!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Out of the mouthes of babes..
Dear bloggers, I've practically had nightmares that one day I would sign onto blogger and all my followers would have left me. Sad but true. I've soooooo been meaning to blog and read all of your lovely blogs for DAYS now - but I just haven't been able to!
Last weekend I was in Ottawa for my baby cousin's baptism, which was fun but also long and stressful. Although I do have the cutest story to share with all of you, I hope it doesn't offend anybody - I'm sorry if it does!
My cousin married a man 2 years ago that already had a daughter, Morgan. She'll be 5 in November and she's the cutest thing ever - and already a part of our family. My family is largely Protestant or Catholic, but Morgan's mother is Jewish, so she is raised in both religions. Last sunday was my baby cousin's (Morgan's new half-brother) Baptism. Sunday was also Hebrew school for Morgan.
It was the first sunday back after the summer holidays. Little Morgan walks into the Synagogue into a room full of children, parents and the Rabi and goes "MY BABY BROTHER IS BEING CHRISTENED TODAY!"
needless to say that did not exactly go over well - although I think the story is hilarious. Out of the Mouthes of Babes right?
I'd love to hear any similar adorable children's stories that you've all heard!
Last weekend I was in Ottawa for my baby cousin's baptism, which was fun but also long and stressful. Although I do have the cutest story to share with all of you, I hope it doesn't offend anybody - I'm sorry if it does!
My cousin married a man 2 years ago that already had a daughter, Morgan. She'll be 5 in November and she's the cutest thing ever - and already a part of our family. My family is largely Protestant or Catholic, but Morgan's mother is Jewish, so she is raised in both religions. Last sunday was my baby cousin's (Morgan's new half-brother) Baptism. Sunday was also Hebrew school for Morgan.
It was the first sunday back after the summer holidays. Little Morgan walks into the Synagogue into a room full of children, parents and the Rabi and goes "MY BABY BROTHER IS BEING CHRISTENED TODAY!"
needless to say that did not exactly go over well - although I think the story is hilarious. Out of the Mouthes of Babes right?
I'd love to hear any similar adorable children's stories that you've all heard!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
movies, music & more
I know I've been TOTALLY slacking in the ShyBoy updates department! I keep promising updates and yet don't follow through! Eeeeek. I don't even have a proper excuse except that working full time really gets in the way of blogging. It's so terrible!
Now to backtrack, the last movie I posted about was Inglorious Basterds about 2 weeks ago! Man time flies!
So Inglorious Basterds was an alright movie. Very very long. Like I'm talking almost 3 hours and it probably felt like it was 5. A lot of plot and very little action. Mind you, the action that there was is very gory and bloody, I had my hands in front of my face for a good portion of it! Of course ShyBoy laughed at me - he always does when I get scared in movies (which somehow seems to happen a lot)
Not much else to report about that night, nothing eventful happened in regards to ShyBoy. Conversation continues to move on so I guess its a good sign that he's more comfortable around me.
Then last week, I was teasing him about something (I can't remember what - it really wasn't important) anyway the gist of that was that he was going to "punish" me by making me watch a scary movie.
I'm probably the biggest suck in the world for scary movies, I have nightmares for days on end! Anyway, so because I didn't want to miss an opportunity to be with ShyBoy, I agreed. We ended up seeing Final Destination in 3D. So not only scary, but scary close-up!
The movie was completely predictable seeing as this was number 4 in the series! But the night was good. He laughed at me because I once again had my eyes covered at parts and jumped at other parts. Later on we were talking on msn and he said its cute that I jump like a little kid, which I suppose is a back-handed compliment, right? Also that I looked sexy in the 3D glasses, which means he's charming (and lying because no one looks good in those glasses haha).
Then Sunday. The important day. The last thing I told all of you was that there was a club-party on sunday night and that he was coming. Well he did, and boy was it a night!
I was a little apprehensive at first because as much as I wanted a repeat of the last time he invited me out back in June, I was nervous because practically all of our mutual friends were going to be there too - so it was awkward.
We got to the club early and it was pretty empty. I noticed that ShyBoy and I didn't really talk to each other at all so I was a bit worried that it would be like that all night, because I didn't just want to go over and talk to him and look wierd, and I guess he felt the same way.
The next little bit gets a little fuzzy becasue I may have done a few too many shots..
But then I remember him saying something about another shot, and then dragging me over to the bar. I remember this vividly because he put his arm around my waist as he was leaning in to ask what I wanted. A couple more drinks go by and then I suppose liquid courage kicked in for both of us because the next thing I know I'm dancing on a stripper pole (I know, classy Ella right?) and I pulled him up with me. On the way back down it was a far jump and I was in a skirt so I hesitated and he ended up kind of lifting me off the platform.
After that we really weren't sepparated all night long. I believe I might have grabbed his hand going through the crowd (or maybe he did, the details are a little fuzzy) and from there he basically held my hand whenever we were walking anywhere.
At one point it got pretty hot inside the club so ShyBoy and I headed for the patio to get some air. I know for a fact we were holding hands at this point because we had to wait to get outside and he didnt let go of my hand until I kind of put my head on his shoulder and then his arm kind of went around my waist rubbing my back.
At the end of the night I invited the whole group back to my place and we ordered pizza and just hung out for a bit. Not much else to say there except that he sort of hugged me as he was leaving.
THEN
wednesday night we're talking on msn as usual, and he starts talking about going to Wonderland. For anyone who doesn't live in the GTA, Wonderland is an amusement part like Six Flags. They have a special halloween type show they put on where people scare you. He suggested that we should go there, which of course I'm TOTALLY in for. An outing with ShyBoy that doesn't involve a movie! (..or alcohol for that matter..)
I told him that if he was going to make me scared at Wonderland that he owed me a chickflick sometime. He agreed and said it was fair and then made me pick on the spot. There really aren't many chickflicks out at the moment, so I said I was feeling pressure and that I would pick some other time.
He goes: "maybe I'm trying to suggest you pick one now so we could see it tomorrow" which I have to admit I actually found incredibly adorable.
I ended up picking "All About Steve". Save your money, the movie is not good. It has its funny moments, but other then that its kind of stupid. BUT the night was good and we lingered in his car in front of my house for longer then usual talking, so all in all I'm definitely not complaining!
Those are all the ShyBoy updates I have at the moment! Sorry they didn't come sooner, but working full-time really gets in the way of blogging! Its terrible!
Hope you all have a good weekend, I'm off to Ottawa to visit family!
Now to backtrack, the last movie I posted about was Inglorious Basterds about 2 weeks ago! Man time flies!
So Inglorious Basterds was an alright movie. Very very long. Like I'm talking almost 3 hours and it probably felt like it was 5. A lot of plot and very little action. Mind you, the action that there was is very gory and bloody, I had my hands in front of my face for a good portion of it! Of course ShyBoy laughed at me - he always does when I get scared in movies (which somehow seems to happen a lot)
Not much else to report about that night, nothing eventful happened in regards to ShyBoy. Conversation continues to move on so I guess its a good sign that he's more comfortable around me.
Then last week, I was teasing him about something (I can't remember what - it really wasn't important) anyway the gist of that was that he was going to "punish" me by making me watch a scary movie.
I'm probably the biggest suck in the world for scary movies, I have nightmares for days on end! Anyway, so because I didn't want to miss an opportunity to be with ShyBoy, I agreed. We ended up seeing Final Destination in 3D. So not only scary, but scary close-up!
The movie was completely predictable seeing as this was number 4 in the series! But the night was good. He laughed at me because I once again had my eyes covered at parts and jumped at other parts. Later on we were talking on msn and he said its cute that I jump like a little kid, which I suppose is a back-handed compliment, right? Also that I looked sexy in the 3D glasses, which means he's charming (and lying because no one looks good in those glasses haha).
Then Sunday. The important day. The last thing I told all of you was that there was a club-party on sunday night and that he was coming. Well he did, and boy was it a night!
I was a little apprehensive at first because as much as I wanted a repeat of the last time he invited me out back in June, I was nervous because practically all of our mutual friends were going to be there too - so it was awkward.
We got to the club early and it was pretty empty. I noticed that ShyBoy and I didn't really talk to each other at all so I was a bit worried that it would be like that all night, because I didn't just want to go over and talk to him and look wierd, and I guess he felt the same way.
The next little bit gets a little fuzzy becasue I may have done a few too many shots..
But then I remember him saying something about another shot, and then dragging me over to the bar. I remember this vividly because he put his arm around my waist as he was leaning in to ask what I wanted. A couple more drinks go by and then I suppose liquid courage kicked in for both of us because the next thing I know I'm dancing on a stripper pole (I know, classy Ella right?) and I pulled him up with me. On the way back down it was a far jump and I was in a skirt so I hesitated and he ended up kind of lifting me off the platform.
After that we really weren't sepparated all night long. I believe I might have grabbed his hand going through the crowd (or maybe he did, the details are a little fuzzy) and from there he basically held my hand whenever we were walking anywhere.
At one point it got pretty hot inside the club so ShyBoy and I headed for the patio to get some air. I know for a fact we were holding hands at this point because we had to wait to get outside and he didnt let go of my hand until I kind of put my head on his shoulder and then his arm kind of went around my waist rubbing my back.
At the end of the night I invited the whole group back to my place and we ordered pizza and just hung out for a bit. Not much else to say there except that he sort of hugged me as he was leaving.
THEN
wednesday night we're talking on msn as usual, and he starts talking about going to Wonderland. For anyone who doesn't live in the GTA, Wonderland is an amusement part like Six Flags. They have a special halloween type show they put on where people scare you. He suggested that we should go there, which of course I'm TOTALLY in for. An outing with ShyBoy that doesn't involve a movie! (..or alcohol for that matter..)
I told him that if he was going to make me scared at Wonderland that he owed me a chickflick sometime. He agreed and said it was fair and then made me pick on the spot. There really aren't many chickflicks out at the moment, so I said I was feeling pressure and that I would pick some other time.
He goes: "maybe I'm trying to suggest you pick one now so we could see it tomorrow" which I have to admit I actually found incredibly adorable.
I ended up picking "All About Steve". Save your money, the movie is not good. It has its funny moments, but other then that its kind of stupid. BUT the night was good and we lingered in his car in front of my house for longer then usual talking, so all in all I'm definitely not complaining!
Those are all the ShyBoy updates I have at the moment! Sorry they didn't come sooner, but working full-time really gets in the way of blogging! Its terrible!
Hope you all have a good weekend, I'm off to Ottawa to visit family!
Friday, August 21, 2009
T.G.I.F
That phrase has never meant as much to me as it does tonight. I've officially completed my first week of full-time work! This marks a bit of a milestone in my life, because up until 5pm tonight, the most hours I'd ever worked in one week was about 35 and that was retail during the Christmas season a few years back.
My official title is Sales Support Co-Ordinator. I'm not exactly sure what that entails yet, so far it has been a lot of spreadsheets and data entry. It's a completely new experience for me to work in an office environment, but so far it has been very positive.
One thing I have learned though, when a potential employer asks you about a specific computer program (say Excel for example) and how proficient you are in it - sometimes they really mean it. I've used excel and can manage to enter data no problem, so when she asked me I smiled and said I could use it really well no problem.
WELL
This is not the Excel I had in mind. These are complicated spreadsheets with specific formatting that I have to keep up. Needless to say the Paperclip Helper has become my new best friend. I may also spend part of my weekend learning all I can about Excel.
In other news: I had tentative plans with ShyBoy to go to the mall and help him pick out a birthday gift for his mom, but I had a feeling that wasn't going to happen so I didn't even bother mentioning it.
It seems my intuition was right. Yesterday he tells me that he has to work later today and therefore can't go to the mall. I'll admit I was a bit dissapointed, but what could I say.
THEN
out of nowhere, he goes "if ya want we could see a movie tomorrow instead"
Talk about forward. I think my favourite ShyBoy is making some progress.
I really want to see Inglorious Basterds (the new Tarantino/Brad Pitt flick) so that's where we're going, in less than an hour I should add.
He just texted me and told me he picked up the tickets already to make sure it wouldn't be sold out. Can I tell you that made me smile just a little bit?
I think that's everything for now. Hope everyone in the blogosphere has a good weekend!
My official title is Sales Support Co-Ordinator. I'm not exactly sure what that entails yet, so far it has been a lot of spreadsheets and data entry. It's a completely new experience for me to work in an office environment, but so far it has been very positive.
One thing I have learned though, when a potential employer asks you about a specific computer program (say Excel for example) and how proficient you are in it - sometimes they really mean it. I've used excel and can manage to enter data no problem, so when she asked me I smiled and said I could use it really well no problem.
WELL
This is not the Excel I had in mind. These are complicated spreadsheets with specific formatting that I have to keep up. Needless to say the Paperclip Helper has become my new best friend. I may also spend part of my weekend learning all I can about Excel.
In other news: I had tentative plans with ShyBoy to go to the mall and help him pick out a birthday gift for his mom, but I had a feeling that wasn't going to happen so I didn't even bother mentioning it.
It seems my intuition was right. Yesterday he tells me that he has to work later today and therefore can't go to the mall. I'll admit I was a bit dissapointed, but what could I say.
THEN
out of nowhere, he goes "if ya want we could see a movie tomorrow instead"
Talk about forward. I think my favourite ShyBoy is making some progress.
I really want to see Inglorious Basterds (the new Tarantino/Brad Pitt flick) so that's where we're going, in less than an hour I should add.
He just texted me and told me he picked up the tickets already to make sure it wouldn't be sold out. Can I tell you that made me smile just a little bit?
I think that's everything for now. Hope everyone in the blogosphere has a good weekend!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Some housekeeping
Wow I can't believe its been almost a week since my last post! Sheeesh I really am lacking these days. I promise this will not happen again and from now on things will quiet down some I hope. As you all know, I was off to New York City on wednesday. It was an amazing 4 days, filled with good people, good sights and good shopping!
Needless to say I'm more than exhausted right now (an average 3.5 hours sleep for 3 nights does that to you) and my body is sore from all the running around.
I'll get to posting pics of NYC probably tomorrow or wednesday at the latest. One of the highlights was a trip to Coney Island. That place is absolutely amazing! We walked along the boardwalk and even rode the legendary Cyclone roller coaster.
In other housekeeping news:
I got myself a job! That's right - Ella is a working girl! (In a non sex-trade related way of course) I had my first day today, which I think went pretty well. Except for the fact that I'm completely overwhelmed and I hate feeling confused. I suppose it will just take some time.
In ShyBoy news:
I really don't have much in the form of updates. *Sigh*
I bought a small little something for him in New York, but I'm still undecided whether or not I'll give it to him. When I mentioned bringing something back to him as a joke, he basically panicked. Told me not to bother and spend money on myself and that I didn't have to do it etc etc. So I'm undecided. Its really nothing major. His background is also German, so at the M&M's store in Times Square, I bought a small bag of "German flag" coloured M&M's. Nothing major.
What do you all think? Would it freak him out too much? The last thing I want to do is scare him away.
Needless to say I'm more than exhausted right now (an average 3.5 hours sleep for 3 nights does that to you) and my body is sore from all the running around.
I'll get to posting pics of NYC probably tomorrow or wednesday at the latest. One of the highlights was a trip to Coney Island. That place is absolutely amazing! We walked along the boardwalk and even rode the legendary Cyclone roller coaster.
In other housekeeping news:
I got myself a job! That's right - Ella is a working girl! (In a non sex-trade related way of course) I had my first day today, which I think went pretty well. Except for the fact that I'm completely overwhelmed and I hate feeling confused. I suppose it will just take some time.
In ShyBoy news:
I really don't have much in the form of updates. *Sigh*
I bought a small little something for him in New York, but I'm still undecided whether or not I'll give it to him. When I mentioned bringing something back to him as a joke, he basically panicked. Told me not to bother and spend money on myself and that I didn't have to do it etc etc. So I'm undecided. Its really nothing major. His background is also German, so at the M&M's store in Times Square, I bought a small bag of "German flag" coloured M&M's. Nothing major.
What do you all think? Would it freak him out too much? The last thing I want to do is scare him away.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Romania Part Two: Transylvania
I've been so busy with all the ShyBoy updates that I totally neglected sharing the rest of my Romania pictures. Before you ask, I have no major ShyBoy updates at the moment either. The movie I was hoping for before I leave for New York isn't going to happen, so hopefully after I get back!
I'm leaving for New York tomorrow evening on a bus trip for 4 days (coming home sunday). I love New York, its such an amazing city with so much to see and do!
Anyway, without further ado, here is part 2 of my trip to Romania. We spent about 3 days in Transylvania seeing all the sites and learning about Romania's awsome history. I still have pictures of Peles Casle to post, but I took soooo many pictures from there becasue it was so beautiful that it deserves its own post.
I'm leaving for New York tomorrow evening on a bus trip for 4 days (coming home sunday). I love New York, its such an amazing city with so much to see and do!
Anyway, without further ado, here is part 2 of my trip to Romania. We spent about 3 days in Transylvania seeing all the sites and learning about Romania's awsome history. I still have pictures of Peles Casle to post, but I took soooo many pictures from there becasue it was so beautiful that it deserves its own post.
At the top of the Cable Car in Brasov, 950 m tall
View of the Carpathian Mountains from the Cable Car
View of Brasov from the Cable Car
Brasov town square
Bran Castle (fictional home of Dracula) 
Grounds of Bran Castle
Bran Castle
Brasov, Transylvania Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Romania Part One: Bucharest
I am back home safe and sound. I got in friday afternoon and then left again saturday afternoon to go up North with some friends. So today is my first official day at home to catch up on everything. My trip was really amazing, despite not so amazing (read: crappy) weather.
Now its time to catch you all up on my week in Romania. We spent the first 2 days in Bucharest, exploring the city and taking a guided tour. I had no expectations on Bucharest before arriving there. It was an amazing and beautiful city. I never realized how much history Romania had!
I'm trying my best to remember all the various place names, but if I get it wrong, perhaps Miku you could help me? She's Romanian and gave me some great tips on things to see!
One of my favourite places in Bucharest was Unity Square (I hope I have the name right). It is a beautiful square in downtown Bucharest with the most amazing fountains. The day we visited, it was about 37 degrees Celsius, and I was seriously tempted to take a dip in the cool water.
Unity Square
Unity Square
Unity Square
Arch de Triomphe, Bucharest
The People's Palace
Now its time to catch you all up on my week in Romania. We spent the first 2 days in Bucharest, exploring the city and taking a guided tour. I had no expectations on Bucharest before arriving there. It was an amazing and beautiful city. I never realized how much history Romania had!
I'm trying my best to remember all the various place names, but if I get it wrong, perhaps Miku you could help me? She's Romanian and gave me some great tips on things to see!
One of my favourite places in Bucharest was Unity Square (I hope I have the name right). It is a beautiful square in downtown Bucharest with the most amazing fountains. The day we visited, it was about 37 degrees Celsius, and I was seriously tempted to take a dip in the cool water.
Unity Square
Unity Square
Unity SquareArch de Triomphe, Bucharest
The People's PalaceBuilt by Nicolae Ceauşescu during the communist regime, this building is the world's largest civilian administrative building (The Pentagon is the largest overall), most expensive administrative building, and heaviest building. The Palace measures 270 m by 240 m, 86 m high, and 92 m under ground. It has 1,100 rooms, 2 underground parking garages and is 12 stories tall, with four additional underground levels currently available and in use, with another four in different stages of completion. We took an hour and a half long tour and only saw about 5% of the building.
This is the view off one of the main balconies of the People's Palace
Downtown Bucharest, Old Quarter
This is the view off one of the main balconies of the People's Palace
Downtown Bucharest, Old QuarterThe city is in the process of restoring the old buildings
Downtown Bucharest
Downtown Bucharest That's it for now. Stay tuned for part two of Romania as well as other updates. Have a great day everyone!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
I'm still alive!
I know I've been a terrible blogger these last few weeks while I've been away, but I promise you I am still alive and I am still very much actively blogging. I'm in the process of composing a vacation journal of my week in Romania to share with you all when I'm back home in a few days, but I'll say a few things now.
Romania is an amazing country, the people are so friendly and helpful. There is so much history and so many things to see. The landscape is so different and vast. From Bucharest in the south to the Carpathian mountains and Transilvania.
I'll post a few pictures tomorrow, I just got back from Romania tonight and I leave for Dublin tomorrow night for the last leg of my vacation. I'll be back home in Canada around noon on friday.
I hope everyone has been doing good, I will have lots of time to catch up on all your blogs this coming weekend!
Also, I just wanted to add a small shout-out to Kimberly who I know is making the huge amazing move to Los Angeles this weekend (I believe) Good luck!!
With all this moving around and time changes I'm beginning to lose all track of days and times, the only thing I know right now is that I desperately need sleep!
Have a good night everyone!
Romania is an amazing country, the people are so friendly and helpful. There is so much history and so many things to see. The landscape is so different and vast. From Bucharest in the south to the Carpathian mountains and Transilvania.
I'll post a few pictures tomorrow, I just got back from Romania tonight and I leave for Dublin tomorrow night for the last leg of my vacation. I'll be back home in Canada around noon on friday.
I hope everyone has been doing good, I will have lots of time to catch up on all your blogs this coming weekend!
Also, I just wanted to add a small shout-out to Kimberly who I know is making the huge amazing move to Los Angeles this weekend (I believe) Good luck!!
With all this moving around and time changes I'm beginning to lose all track of days and times, the only thing I know right now is that I desperately need sleep!
Have a good night everyone!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
German Life in Pictures
Its been a week since my last post - ahhhhh!! I've been so busy visiting friends and family that a quick glance at your blogs is all I've been able to do lately. My time in Germany is almost done now, I leave for Romania on friday! I wanted to share a bit of the daily life in Germany that I've come across the last few weeks. Hope you all have a good weekend and enjoy!
Ps: Jo! I can't comment on your blog either! Maybe its your layout thats causing the problems? Thats all I can recomend.
Otzberg
View from the Otzberg Fortress
Rollwald
Otzberg
Ps: Jo! I can't comment on your blog either! Maybe its your layout thats causing the problems? Thats all I can recomend.
Seligenstadt
on the bank of the Main river (that's me!)
Seligenstadt
Duesseldorf Altstadt
Otzberg
View from the Otzberg FortressRollwaldOtzberg
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