Christmas Cookies!

Sarah & I made Christmas cookies last week. I was quite pleased with how they turned out. We were inspired while shopping and saw "snowflake" cutters. I thought they were so beautiful and Sarah said she already had a set. I got a surprise that morning when Sarah showed up...she got me a set of my own for Christmas! Sarah's mom used to be a home-ec teacher so she has every cookie cutter imaginable...even a foot!! Isn't that funny? My contribution was a lone VW beetle. However, this is a very cool cookie cutter.

During my first year of working at A-Channel, a co-worker, Paula Jesty, discovered my love of beetles. She insisted that I have this cookie cutter from her collection. Somehow, it found it's way into my playdoh box and was "lost" for the past 2 years. Last Christmas I was very sad...I really wanted to make beetle cookies for my mechanic but couldn't for the life of me find my cutter. This year I was determined to find it and that's when I discovered it amongst the Mop Top Hair Shop and other fun toys!

When the cookies were iced, I did take some in to my mechanic. I think he thought it was cool. Although maybe he just thinks I'm a nut. Oh well...I think they're cute! Take a look.

Ironman

So, I wanted to do a post about my Ironman-friend Sarah. I'm so proud of her for completing this enormous feat! For over a year she trained...and trained...and trained! Many early mornings, long bike rides, rain-soaked runs, even a fairly serious tumble from her bike after being chased by a dog! Through all of this she persevered.

On September 9th at 7am in Madison, Wisconsin...the race started. I was able to be there to witness this amazing event. In fact, I saw her mount her bike after the swim! I was so excited :) I was able to see her again as she returned from the bike and transitioned into the run and again about half way through the run. Every time I saw her, she had a huge smile on her face. Finally, I heard her name: Sarah McGrath from London, Ontario...YOU ARE AN IRONMAN! With a final time of 13:39:36 she joined an elite group of athletes. Way to Go Sarah!

Chewing Gum....ewww!

All my life I've had a "phobia" of gum. I'm not sure where it comes from, but gum just grosses me out. I don't like the smell of it, the look of people chomping on it, or touching it (even in the wrapper). Big Red or any type of cinnamon gum is the worst kind. Yuck! Just thinking about it grosses me out. Most times I can just politely refuse if someone offers me some, but if you know me long enough, you discover my intense dislike of the substance. I even wrote an essay in high school about this aversion. My teacher enjoyed it so much she made me read it in front of my class!! In fact, maybe I'll dig it up and post it here.

Well, last week I discovered I am not alone. OPRAH WINFREY shares my gum-phobia. When I signed in to my e-mail one day, I saw a link to a story about celebrity phobias and GUM was listed as one of them. I just had to find out who THAT was. I was delighted to know I'm not the only one!

Also...an interesting side note...on Saturday Jason & I were at the Detroit Science Centre. As we were entering the building, I saw the best sign ever. (only wish I'd had my camera) Posted by the door was a large sign that said "This building is Gum & Smoke Free". Ha ha ha...too funny!

This is my boyfriend when he was four years old. How cute is this???

Catching Up

Yes, that is correct...a new post. Finally. I'm not even sure if there's anyone left that reads my blog as I've been so negligent as of late. I'm sorry! Since Facebook came around, I've totally slacked off blogger. For all of you non-facebook people...I'm sorry, but what is your problem? Join the sensation! Just kidding. Here I am, wondering where to start.

Well, the summer pretty much came and went when I was blinking. How did that happen? It seems like I was just celebrating Canada Day and here we are crunching through the fallen leaves and pulling the collar a little tighter on the jacket. As I write this, it is October 13th. Anyone know why that date is important? Anyone? Well....it is Paul Simon's birthday. As you probably know, I believe Paul Simon is the most talented songwriter out there. So, on his special day, I'm wishing him all the best!

So, one of my newest hobbies is running. If you know me at all, you might find this hilarious. But, hear me out. It all started with a weight loss challenge between me & Jason. We challenged each other to drop some weight and get trimmer in 3 months. When I told my friend Sarah about this challenge, she got very excited and said "I can help you win!" I wasn't sure I wanted Sarah to help me win. You see, this was about 5 days before she completed an IRONMAN. I do not want to do an Ironman, so I was a little concerned about Sarah's enthusiasm. However, after watching the event, I felt a little inspired. (not life changing, but decided I could give running a chance...what had it ever done to me?) So after returning from the race, we went out and got me some "running" shoes and Sarah started me on a schedule. I started out by running for 1 minute then walking for 2 minutes. The next week I continued to run for 1 minute but my walking went down to 1 minute. The next week was running for 90 sec. and walking for 1 minute. This week I've been running for 2 minutes and walking for 1. Yeah! I know this doesn't sound like much, but to me...it is. Right now I'm thinking I'd like to do a 5k run in December called the Santa Shuffle. However, it's not really that cold now and no snow on the ground...I might change my mind when that happens! ha ha. Sarah has been SUCH an encouragement, it's been great so far. She even took my picture on my first run. I'll try and get it from her to post here.

My niece Kaelyn turned 3 in September. (actually the same day that Sarah did the Ironman) In keeping with my new tradition, we spent the day together to celebrate. Lunch at McDonald's, of course! (what do they put in their food to create such young addicts?) and then off to the animal farm and play ground. She is such a little cutie!! What fun.

OK, I must go to bed now. I will post more tomorrow about Ironman and my new friend Kermit. :)

Punchbuggy

Since I can remember I have loved the Volkswagen Beetle. Of course, it was the classic Beetle I first fell in love with and for many years, it was my dream car. When Volkswagen came out with the new Beetle, at first I scoffed at it. How could they think of changing such a good thing? And, I thought they were ugly.

Well, as time passed, they kind of grew on me. Of course, it would be much more practical to drive a new car than one that has had a longer life than me! In 2002 I purchased my yellow Beetle (I like to call her Beatrice) At that time, the bugs were a novelty car and it got lots of attention. Now they're everywhere!

In fact, about a year after I bought mine, my friend Karla Ann bought a green one. It's always fun to park them beside each other and we've had lots of lemon/lime jokes.

Of course, driving a Beetle you get to see lots of people punching each other as they see you on the street. Not because this car incites violence, but because of the old "punch buggy" game. Jason and I have become avid players, developing a sort of "beetle radar". We each have our weakness...he never gets the silver ones and I often miss the green ones. It gets a little intense as there are FOUR punch buggies between my place & his. We both know where they park and strive to be the first to see it.

I thought everyone knew the punch buggy game. However, I recently punched my Grammie in the arm as I called out "PUNCH BUGGY" and she thought I had lost my mind! I've had similar experiences with my mom, friend Robbyn and my niece Abby. Abigail thought it was great fun and a few weeks later informed me she plays with her brother Josh, but she always wins. 'atta Girl!

Abby's Big Day

My niece Abigail turned 8 last week. I can't believe it...she's so grown up now! To celebrate her birthday we spent the day together yesterday. The plan was to go to Dishington's Tearoom for a "grown up" lunch. Unfortunately when we got there, they were closed for the weekend. Bummer. So, we decided to go to Cora's. (a new breakfast place in town...yummy!) It was a big hit. They even brought out an apple carved into a swan with a sparkler. Then we hit the mall. First stop was the bead store to make a bracelet. We then picked out a present for baby Liam. Mommy & Daddy, Josh & Kaelyn joined us for a BBQ and we finished the day off by going to see the new baby.

Welcome to the World Liam!

Last weekend I became an auntie for the SIXTH time! On Saturday afternoon I was talking to my sister and she let me know she thought the baby was probably going to come on the weekend. Cool. She called me back in about an hour to let me know that I should pack a bag and head over...they were headed to the hospital! I quickly followed orders and drove over to the Koiters. They were enjoying Swiss Chalet take out when I arrived. The contractions were coming closer together and it was soon time to head out to the hospital. I stayed with the little peanut (Jesse) who's life was about to change!! At 11:48pm Liam Nicholas Koiter arrived. Wow, does he have a lot of hair for such a little guy! he he. Totally cute.

The Big CD

Today started out as a regular day, but it turned into the day of new music! First of all, I was out shopping and decided to pick up the new Paul McCartney disc. I have heard mixed reviews on it, but have not actually listened to it myself. However, it is PAUL McCartney, so I thought it would be worth the risk! I headed to Futureshop and looked at the New Releases. I didn't see the CD, but I saw what appeared to be a DVD. Upon closer inspection I discovered it was actually a special edition CD with bonus disc and very cool packaging. For $15.99 why would I not get the SPECIAL edition???

The special packaging reminds me of a totally hilarious story that I had nearly forgotten about. Several months ago, I went to see Xavier Rudd with my friend Laurence. We both had a cold and were kind of "foggy" that night. While we were standing at the merchandise table I asked Laurence if there was a new CD format I wasn't aware of...because "what's with the big CD?" I asked. Laurence was like "wha??? it's called a DVD Janice!" I had been looking down a row of CD's and at the end there was one that was a bit larger than the others. Turns out I was looking at the end of a DVD (which is just slightly larger than a CD case) Ha ha ha...we both got a good laugh that night, and today when we relived the moment while discussing Mr. McCartney's new release.

So, after purchasing Memory Almost Full, I headed into work. I was in the process of unwrapping the disc and discovering the cool packaging when my friend Scott gave me MORE new music. He had ripped the new White Stripes disc for me. Cool. Oh, but that is not where it ends....no, no. Jason & I went to Starbucks tonight. (ooh, and as a totally cool sidenote...they are promoting Paul McCartney's disc like crazy there and have PAUL McCARTNEY GIFT CARDS!!! They are re-fillable debit cards for Starbucks. Um, ya...totally cool!!!) Anyway, as we were waiting for our tasty drinks, I was perusing the CD rack as I like to do. Starbucks always has cool music playing and available. Anyway, I discovered the Monterey Pop Festival double disc set including S&G, Buffalo Springfield, Mamas & Papas, Janis Joplin, etc. Love it!! After very little persuading Jason bought it for me. (with the expectation of getting a copy of course!)

So, I am going to be busy busy busy listening to all my new music. I will post a review when I make my way through it all.

Summer Kick Off

Last weekend was the first long weekend of the summer. Although the weather didn't really say "summer" to me. On Saturday my friend Scott Thompson got married. We headed down to Sarnia and just made it in time for wedding. Yes, we were actually walking up just as the mothers of the bride & groom were being seated! It was a nice outdoor ceremony.

Sunday was another chilly day. Jason worked in Goderich and when he was done, we headed to his friend Corbin's house for a BBQ. It was good to meet some of the Dryden boys. A bunch of highschool friends that now live in this area of the province. We were all wowed by the amazing display of fireworks that Corbin & Cathy provided...including one that exploded little parachuters!

We decided to head to Niagara Falls on Monday. We rarely have the same day off so we took advantage. After a bit of a detour in Burlington to find me a bathroom, we finally made it to the falls. I was blown away by the number of Starbucks! Seriously, there was one on every corner! Between the Starbucks there were all kinds of cheesy tourist traps. One place even allowed you to create a cast of your hand in wax. Ummm, ya. I thought that was a little strange. Since deciding to go Niagara Falls, all Jason could talk about was Dracula's Haunted House. So, of course, we had to go! I warned Jason that I would probably be jumpy. I wasn't prepared for HIS reaction in the haunted house. To be fair, he was the one being grabbed by the invisible creepy-crawlies. At the end of the evening, they had fireworks over the falls (because it was Victoria Day). It was a great weekend.

Catching Up

A new blog post? Really? Yes...it's true. I know I've been very negligent lately with my blog. I've had several people comment on this....so I thought it was time to post. I have to admit the main reason for this procrastination is FACEBOOK. This phenomenon is so addictive! Although, it's been pretty cool to reconnect with people I haven't seen in years.

So, what have I been up to lately? Hmmmm....well, after much consideration (and obsessing) I purchased a Mac Book Pro. In fact, I'm sitting on my couch with my feet up creating this entry! I love it. I haven't really discovered all the features yet, but so far so good.

My nephew Josh turned 6 a few weeks ago and we had a special day together to celebrate. We went mini-golfing, rode the go-karts and bumper cars and of course, had lunch at McDonalds. It was a lot of fun.

Mini Blinds, Paper Cranes and South Africa

While in my car on Sunday afternoon, I heard an interview on CBC radio with the Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa. Listening to the songs they played re-ignited my interest in South African music. Of course, I loved Paul Simon's Graceland album. From there I discovered Ladysmith Black Mambazo. However, it's been a while since I've listened to this style of music. I LOVE it! Great discovery.

Yesterday I started installing some mini blinds on my windows. At first it was a little tricky, but I was able to get 2 of 3 finished! I even got to use (for the first time) my cordless drill I got for Christmas! I'm so proud of myself. :)

Today, my mom turns 60 years old. As I like to remind her, she is now double my age. We celebrated the occasion when we all got together for Easter on Friday. By about Tuesday I decided it would be fun if I could give her 60 "somethings" for her birthday. But what would the somethings be? I finally decided on writing 60 memories on slips of paper and then folding them into paper cranes. What a delightful idea!! Tuesday night at work I downloaded paper crane instructions from the internet and taught myself the proper order of folds. For some strange reason, I didn't really work on them again until THURSDAY!!! When I left for work I had 5 done. Only 55 to go. I worked diligently during our newscasts (and our producers both thought I was insane...and maybe I was) and had 28 done by the time I got home at midnight. Since I had to have them done the next day, I made myself some tea, popped in a Gilmore Girls DVD and got to work. By 2:30 my finger tips were very sore and I had 54 paper cranes done. I went to bed as I could not fold another. My plan was to make another 6 and give them to my mom later...claiming to have found them after the fact. However, Jason wouldn't let me off the hook so easily. I taught him the folds with our napkins at brunch and we slipped downstairs and folded 6 more while everyone was cleaning up. So, the project was finished. And, my mom LOVED it! It provided some entertainment that afternoon as she unfolded and read aloud the anecdotes of our childhood. So Duane, if you're reading this...you owe me one. You of little faith, didn't think I would finish!!

The Big 3Oh

The big day has come and gone. Last Friday I turned the big three-OH. It actually turned out to be a great day! For some reason, I had been letting the number bother me, but I decided it was just another birthday and one to celebrate...so I did!

I started the day off by going to Tetherwood Spa with my sister Jo-Anne. It was such a great way to begin my birthday. We lounged in the sun room with a coffee and then had a relaxing spa pedicure. It felt so great, and our toes looked fantastic!! We had to wait for the polish to dry, so we headed back the sun room for a while.

Then I met Char for lunch. Being the old woman that I am, we met at Swiss Chalet for some chicken. Yes, I know...BORING...but why mess with a good thing? I love the chicken!! After lunch we headed out to do a little shopping. Overall, it wasn't terribly successful, but I did manage to get a new black sweater and an INSPI(RED) shirt from the Gap. I'd been wanting one for a while, so I thought I might as well pick it up then.

After an afternoon of shopping I headed home to get ready for the evening. Jason picked me up and we went for dinner at CASA Restaurante on King Street. What a fantastic place...great food, nice atmosphere. Unfortunately we were running a little late, so I kept a few people waiting at the Palasad! It was all good though. By the time I got there, everyone had figured out they were all waiting for me and were well acquainted!

I was so glad to have so many friends come out to join me. If you were one of them, I'm sorry I was running from table to table the whole night and not able to spend a lot of time with anyone in particular! I guess that's how it goes. But, I do appreciate you coming out to celebrate! If you weren't at the Palasad, I'm sorry I missed you!

03.14

Happy PI day everyone!

To Tattoo? Or Not To Tattoo?

For the past few years I've been kicking around the idea of getting a small tattoo on my lower back. After much consideration, I determined I'd get an autumn maple leaf. I'm very proud to be a Canadian and fall is my favourite season. (and I much prefer realistic foliage to the stylized leaf of the flag) Up until now I have been too chicken to actually get the tattoo. However, I decided to give myself a deadline...my 30th birthday.

Guess what is looming in the near future? Yes, my 30th birthday. So, now the time has come. To tattoo or not to tattoo? That is the question. I've been polling people for the past week, with mixed results. I've heard everything from cute to sexy. And then there's the flip side... "tattooing a woman's lower back is like sawing a violin in half". (well, that's a little dramatic) It's the only place I think I would consider getting one, and besides...I'd never have to see it!

So, until I am absolutely certain, my back remains a blank canvas.

Family Fun

The roar of the engine, the smell of diesel fuel, the rush of wind as you fly across the open field. This is snowmobiling, and I had forgotten just how fun it is until Sunday. Jason & I headed out to John & Karen's house in the afternoon. After bundling up in snowpants, scarf, hat, helmet, etc. we were good to go. Apparently I was taking it a little fast around the corner of the yard on my second time around because I TIPPED it! Yikes!! It was a gentle tip and soon we were back on track. (whew, but I took the corners a little more cautiously after that!) It was super cold on Sunday and my face felt like it was going to crack and fall off, but it was so worth it to whip across the vast expanse of white snow.

When we had enough, we headed inside and played a rousing game of "Polly Pocket" With Abby. A unique game where your little doll-player starts out in her underwear and you have to make your way around the board to find the pieces of your outfit. Being the super-shopper I am, I was able to get my top, skirt and purse before anyone else and won the game! Wahoo!

John went and picked up pizza from Alvinston (I had no idea you could order pizza in Alvinston) and we finished it off with apple pie. Jason & I were both introduced to a new concept from John: maple syrup on apple pie! After dinner I discovered my severe lack of skills at foosball and after a demonstration of Josh's newest suction-cup gun, it was time for the kids to head to bed and us to head back to Petrolia (just in time for the Superbowl)

Little Elliott

I love this photo! It is a picture of Elliott Robitaille. He is the son of my dear friend Amy and her husband Patrick. I just love the look in his eyes. He really is adorable! I'm so happy for them. And, of course, can't wait for a visit so I can hold him again! Babies are such a great way to start people!!

My friend Laurence sent me this quote today... and I thought it was worth sharing. "Music is what feelings sound like."

A Large Fortune ...Cookie

One day, as I walked into the newsroom, I noticed something peculiar. Everyone I passed was opening a fortune cookie. Perhaps there was some sort of chinese luncheon I missed? Strange. I made my way to my desk and I too was offered a fortune cookie. Our assignment supervisor had a HUGE chinese take-out box (with a CNN logo on it) filled with fortune cookies and was handing them out like he was Santa Claus. I took my cookie and asked Andy if I could please have the big take-out box when he was done with it. It just made me laugh and I had to have it!!
On Saturday night, Karla Ann came down for a visit. After an awesome dinner at Foolini Koolini's and lots of great conversation...we decided to make a giant fortune cookie for the giant take-out box. Being the crafty creature that she is...KA had made fortune cookies before. This skill came in handy! We determined to fill the box with regular fortune cookies and place one large one on top. The next day I delivered it to Jason. I think his face said it all! He He. If only I'd thought of the giant chopsticks!!

My Friend, the Radio Producer

On Monday night, I was driving home after my first afternoon shift. It was about 11:45pm and I had my radio tuned to FM96. When the song was over, I heard a familiar voice hit the airwaves... my friend Greg! I knew that he had a radio show, but had never heard it (due to the late hour) I was so proud! Greg writes, produces and hosts the show called Albums That Matter http://www.fm96.com/station/albums_that_matter.cfm on FM96. Check it out Sundays at 9pm or Mondays at 11pm.

Greg & I met while doing our co-op placements at (then) The New PL. He was in high school, I was in college. We really hit it off and have remained friends since then. Because our schedules are very different, we don't see each other often, but perhaps that will change with my new "evening shift". Greg is one of the funniest people I know. In fact, I like to call him my Superhero of Destiny. :) And of course, it's always fun to discuss our favourite show Gilmore Girls.

Grammie's 80th etc.

One week after celebrating Steve's 40th birthday, we celebrated my Grammie's 80th birthday! This is definitely a year of "ohs" in my family...with my 3-oh approaching much too quickly for my liking. Saturday was spent with family and friends, drinking coffee, eating cake and celebrating the remarkable life of my Grammie. Based on previous posts, I'm sure you can tell she is very special to me, so it was great to be able to celebrate such a milestone with her. I always like to tease her that she's half a century older than me!

Saturday night Jason & I went on a "double date" with Connie & Steve. We headed out for dinner at Wagg's and then did a little "rockin' bowling" at the Marcin Bowl. I actually surprised myself with my skill level that night! I'm not a bowler by any stretch of the imagination, but I actually got several strikes & spares and ended up with a final score of 102. Due to a technical glitch...Steve ended up winning with a fake score of 115 but really Jason was the winner of the evening, edging me out by ONE point.

Yesterday Jason & I spent the day watching Prison Break. Yes, I'm obsessed with that show...I've even posted about it before. What can I say? I love it. We ended up making our way through 10 episodes with 12 more to go.

Today I started my new regime at work. I discovered last Wednesday that as of today, my schedule would change to 3:15-11:45pm. Needless to say, this is a big change. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it yet, but I'm trying to look at the positives. I got to sleep in this morning and I'll be able to go to midnight movies if I want. (I probably won't but the option is there if I want!) It will be nice in the summer when I can head to the beach BEFORE work. However, it also means I won't see some of my favourite co-workers anymore as they will be gone by the time I get here, and I'll have no "evenings". I'm adjusting.

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I've been a busy girl. I'd like to introduce all my blog-readers to the person that's been taking up all my time... Jason!