Wow, so much has happened since my last post! One week after the surprise party at Wayne & Sharon's, EIGHT bikers were found murdered just down the road from them! Crazy stuff! I got called in to work and was shocked to hear why. That week, Lynne Harper's body had been exhumed (a high-profile murder case in our area from 50 years ago) and I thought there was some kind of announcement that they had found some DNA to clear Steven Truscott. It was quite exhilarating to be in the newsroom during such a huge story. We were fielding calls from news media from all over...it even made news in China, New Zealand and England.

In other news, Char & I started taking line dance lessons! he he. I know most of you are probably laughing, but it is pretty fun. And difficult. Many times, I'm just standing there with a lost look on my face. I'm hoping the whole experience gives me some rhythm and a little confidence on the dance floor.

Next week I'm starting a Photoshop course at Fanshawe College. I'm pretty excited about it. It all came about after my Performance Development Review at work. I suggested that everything I do in photoshop has been self-taught and could be much better if I had proper training. So, the next week, I was signed up for a class at Fanshawe. I start next Wednesday and will perhaps post some of my projects here.

Also in the last few weeks, one of my favourite co-workers left the company. After a lot of bullying and personal belittling, he had enough and decided to call it quits. He's one of the funniest people I know and I miss him tremendously!

SURPRISE!!!

When I said I'd like a surprise party for my 30th birthday, I had no idea how surprised I'd be. That's because it was 11 months and 2 weeks early!!! Last Saturday was conveniently April Fools Day, and I made it through most of the day without any pranks. However, at about 7:30pm...they got me!

I had planned to get together with my friend Amy that day. She was coming down from Toronto for a long-overdue visit. However, it wasn't until after we had made our plans that she discovered she was being pulled into a web of deceit. :) I was quite impressed that she didn't spill the beans as we both have trouble keeping secrets and we were together all afternoon. Way to go Amy!

Apparently Char approached Jo-Anne before Christmas with the idea of having a party this year. Special thanks to Char, Jo-Anne, Nick, Wayne & Sharon who pulled off the whole thing without a hitch! It was really awesome to have so many of my friends (who don't necessarily know each other) all together. Thanks to everyone who came and to those of you that missed it...I missed you!

PS...sorry it took so long to post, but I didn't have any pictures until today. I didn't think to bring my camera to my surprise party! So, if any of you took pictures, please e-mail me!! Thanks.

A few weeks ago, I posted about my friend Derek borrowing my Johnny Cash biography and not returning it. I wasn't really sure what to do as he had it for almost 2 years and was ignoring my requests to return it. I ended up e-mailing him and being very blunt that I was irritated that he hadn't returned it and was ignoring me.

It worked! Two days later I got an e-mail saying that he was sorry to have pushed me beyond the breaking point and had ordered me a brand new copy from Amazon and was having it shipped to my house.

Wow, I thought that was really nice and then I felt guilty about the e-mail I sent. But then I realized...he did keep me waiting a long time for something that is already mine. He also ordered me the soundtrack to Walk The Line, for my trouble! Sweet!

Yesterday, I got a package from Amazon. It's always exciting to open a package...but I was shocked when I saw the book fall out. It is so small! The copy I had previously was a nice large hardcover and this is a pocket-sized paperback. He did say we could switch next time we see each other if I prefer my original, but after the chaos that ensued before, I think I should be happy with the new one. It has the same words on the pages.

Another year older, another year wiser

... well, another year older anyway. Last week I celebrated another birthday. If you don't know which number, you don't need to know! It was a great day spent with great friends. I actually started to celebrate early... Char & I went to see Great Big Sea the night before. We had 8th row tickets and it was such an awesome concert. They are so fun to see live. A great way to kick-start the celebration.

When we got back, she let me open my present early. I was quite intrigued as she told me she made it and Char is NOT crafty by any means. I was very curious. The first thing was a scroll of paper. (the part she made) It was a certificate for a Harley ride. For those of you that don't know...I LOVE Harleys. Char's mom has one and also her uncle. So, she arranged for us to go for a ride in the spring AND (the best part) her mom is decking us out in Harley attire! I'm so pumped. She did a great job on the "certificate" for someone that hates using the computer and anything "crafty". The second present was a Harely T-shirt. Very clever.

The next morning I started the day with breakfast at Smitty's with Char & Jodi. It pays to have friends that are teachers...they were on March Break last week! Since breakfast is my favourite meal to eat out, it was a great way to start the day. After that, Char & I headed to Port Huron to do some shopping. Neither of us had much luck, but it was a nice relaxing day nonetheless.

We then headed to Olive Garden to meet up with Karla Ann, Beck, Kathryn and a surprise appearance by the Debbie Raes. What a fun evening. Good food, good friends, good times. My present from Karla Ann was very clever...one for each of my 5 senses. Smell: bath stuff (yummy) Touch: scarf Taste: mini eggs (an annual favourite) Sound: CD Sight: Cosby Show season 2

Today I headed down to the folks to celebrate with the family. Mom & Dad just got back from Texas for 6 weeks so it was good to get everyone together. And any excuse to see my nieces and nephews is a good one! All in all, a good few days.

Old Friends...sat on a park bench like bookends.

In the past 2 weeks, I've reconnected with so many old friends...it's been great! This weekend I went for lunch with Nicole. We've known each other since going to Sunday School together when we were about 7. In fact, we decided we were each other's "oldest" friend! It was great to get together and catch up on each other's lives.

Later that day I stopped by to see my friend JoAnn. We used to work together and I miss her terribly. I've nicknamed her my "London Mom" as I can talk about anything with her. It was nice to finally get together after several "postpones". And she's obsessed with Walk The Line too! He he.

My friend Amy & I used to be SO GOOD at keeping in touch. In fact, when she lived in Halifax and I lived in Hamilton, we talked on the phone several times a week and exchanged letters, cards and packages in the mail regularly. Then, somewhere along the way, we both got "lazy" and we hadn't talked since before Christmas! YIKES. So we finally had a phone chat and arranged a day to get together and hang out.

I headed down the 401 to Toronto a few weeks ago to see Sarah. We used to work together and I can't believe she moved to OMNI 4 years ago. Where did the time go? We've always had so many things in common, so it was fun to get together again. We did some shopping, ate at a cool place and watched a HORRIBLE movie. I <3 augh="" awful.="" bother...it="" don="" haven="" huckabees.="" if="" it="" p="" seen="" t="" was="" you="">
I really hate it when you lose touch with people that you have every intention of keeping in touch with. I have so many awesome friends, I sometimes feel like I can't keep up! Hopefully if you're reading this and you haven't heard from me in a while, we'll get in touch soon!

McCartney's Autograph!

Last night I got PAUL McCARTNEY's autograph!! It was so cool. I was on a bus and I spotted him. I couldn't believe my luck, so I decided to hang back when the others got off the bus. And, I was in luck...he remained on the bus. I approached him and babbled something about being such a fan since I was a little kid and asked for an autograph. He was SO nice. Unfortunately, the only thing I had for him to sign was a blank CD I had in my purse. Although, he seemed totally cool with that. I was ecstatic when I got off the bus....and realized it was just at dream.

TV, Film, etc.

Last night was the premier of my favourite show! The Amazing Race. If you haven't watched it (where have you been?) you should! It is the best reality show out there. Check it out. Tuesday nights on CBS @ 9pm.

Also yesterday, Walk The Line came out on DVD. I went out on my lunch to get it. When I returned, I realized there is actually a "special edition" version, which of course, I HAD to have! So, Char & I went to Costco to get the Collector's Edition. I picked up a copy for my friend Jeff who hasn't even seen the movie yet, but is going on my glowing recommendation (and probably the fact that he really likes Johnny Cash has something to do with it too) We're going to watch it on Friday night. If you haven't seen it, it's a great movie. Normally, Joaquin Phoenix would be a natural for an Oscar, but I've heard that Philip Seymour Hoffman is going to get it for his role in Capote. I haven't seen this movie, so I can't comment.

I need some suggestions... I lent my friend Derek a video (John Lennon Tribute taped from TV...so I can't buy it) and my Johnny Cash biography in the summer of 2004. He lives in Toronto, so we don't see each other often. I asked repeatedly for about the past 6 months for him to please return them. He "forgets" every time and now he's ignoring my e-mail. I guess I'll never see them again, and possibly Derek. I just find it really irritating that I trusted him to borrow these items and return them in a decent amount of time. If he's lost them, I wish he'd just tell me. How frustrating.

Today is the first day of Lent. A few years ago I decided to give up chocolate for Lent. Wow, was that ever tough. Especially since my birthday is in the middle of it! (ok, I cheated that one day) This year, I've decided not to repeat the no-chocolate routine. I didn't even have pancakes yesterday! I totally forgot it was Pancake Tuesday!

Dave Matthews Band just announced a June concert in Toronto...anyone interested? It's at Molson Amphitheatre.

A Picasso or a Garfunkel

Some things in life are just not meant to be. For me, I think that is seeing Art Garfunkel. Two years ago, Karla & I had tickets to go and hear him in Michigan. After a full day of shopping, we arrived at the venue to find out he was sick and the concert had been cancelled. 

I decided to try again when I heard he was coming to Toronto. How could it be more perfect? Hearing that angelic voice in the fantastic acoustics of Massey Hall...great! My friend Adam & I got tickets. Unfortunately, the week before the concert, I got an ear infection in both ears! I was really hoping and praying my hearing would return before the concert, but alas, it didn't. I could "hear" but not fully appreciate the fullness of his voice. And the instruments sounded out of tune and "clangy".

He did lots of his Simon & Garfunkel classics including several of my favourites, Homeward Bound, American Tune, For Emily Wherever I May Find Her, Kathy's Song and of course Bridge Over Troubled Water.

After the concert, I really wanted to try and get an autograph. I had heard it was a really easy place to get one, so we headed to the "stage" door and waited with about 25 other people. To be completely honest, I was surprised to see so many people waiting...it was, after all, just Art Garfunkel. Some of them were really quite obsessed. It was a little disturbing. Anyway, when he finally came out, I didn't recognize him. He had a Tilly hat on and looked like an old man. Which, I guess he is!! Adam, being 6'7" tall, had an advantage and snapped the above photo. Unfortunately, he did not sign autographs. (Adam or Art)

Being Sick Sucks!

Ok, I've had enough of lying in bed in my pajamas. For the past week I've had a sinus infection that moved to my ears resulting in BOTH eardrums rupturing. I haven't had an ear infection since I was a kid, and the whole process has been horrible.

 Fortunately, my sister Jo-Anne and her husband Nick picked me up and took me to their house for 4 days and looked after me. How do you say thanks to something like that? I'm so lucky. (well, not lucky about being sick, but lucky I have such a great sister) Anyway, I'm back to work today, but I still can't really hear. Should be an adventure. A wonderful way to spend Valentine's Day, that's for sure.

Happy Birthday Madison!

Tomorrow is my niece Madison's third birthday. We celebrated on the weekend complete with a WIGGLES cake. Look carefully and you'll see Madison is on the cake with the Wiggles. Oh, the magic of photoshop!

Auntie Janice

My nephew Jesse & I had our photo taken this week. I'm quite pleased with the result.

Hodge Podge

Well, it has been for-absolute-ever since I've posted and I apologize. I went for lunch with Chris & Dana today and Chris was commenting on my lack of posts. I complained that I had nothing to write about, but alas, blogs are just about everyday life...so I always have something to write about.
Today is my 11th day in a row at work. Yuck. Since Monday was Canada's federal election, we had rehearsals all weekend and on Monday I worked from 10:30am-2:00am. Wow, was that ever a long day. After being live-on-air for 5 hours, we finally finished and I could go home. It was actually an amazing show with very few glitches. I think we ended up looking pretty professional.

I recently saw the amazingly talented Jacob Moon http://www.jacobmoon.com with special guest Evan Champagne. I had never seen Evan before but he is a very talented guy too. http://www.evanchampagne.com It was a great show and I highly recommend seeing either of these guys.

We continue to have crazy weather. Yesterday was a snowstorm and tomorrow the temperature is rising to +8 C. I'm not complaining as the winter cannot end soon enough for me. In fact, we have been pretty lucky so far. I thought we were off to a bad start with a few snowstorms back to back, but overall, it has been pretty mild with not a lot of accumulation. Fine by me...bring on the summer.
Speaking of summer, Char & I have decided (more or less) to do a trip to New York this summer. I can't wait. I've always wanted to go to New York...there's so much to see and do. We need to start planning right away. If anyone has any suggestions or tips, please let me know!

In other "breaking news" my nephew Jesse cut his first tooth yesterday. Way to go Jesse! (making his dental hygienist mom proud!)

The Curious George movie is coming out soon. I'm not sure I'm excited about the actual movie, but the soundtrack should be amazing with songs by Jack Johnson, Matt Costa, Ben Harper and G. Love. Wahoo...what a great line-up. Should be great. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CR7RDE/103-0007761-3095855?v=glance&n=5174

I'm heading to see Art Garfunkel in February. He is playing at Massey Hall in Toronto which, in my opinion is the perfect location to hear his voice. I think I'm equally excited about the possibility of getting him to autograph my "Old Friends" concert poster. Apparently Massey Hall is a great place to get an autograph.

That is all for now...

this is me & Kaelyn at Christmas.

The Peanut

I didn't have any pictures of Jesse opening his gifts, but this is the little cutie in the hat I gave him for Christmas. How adorable?!?!

Peter Pan for Christmas

This Christmas when I asked my 4 year old nephew what he wanted, he replied "A Peter Pan Set". When I asked what that was, his answer was so obvious "so you can dress up like Peter Pan and Captain Hook" ...why of course! Unfortunately, this is not an item you can buy in the store, so I set about to create this present. After finishing the hat the night before (with the help of my super-talented, miracle-working mom) I think the end result was worth the effort. He LOVED it... and is he ever a cute Peter Pan!

Tickle Trunk

Keeping with tradition, I made a tickle trunk (almost an exact replica of Mr. Dressup's original) for my niece Madison. I even filled it with dress-up clothes. It was a big hit on Christmas morning. Sadly, I doubt she's actually watched an episode of Mr. Dressup.

I was able to capture the excitement when my niece Abby opened her My Little Pony Dance Studio. It was all she asked for...so, what's an auntie to do? :)

Merry Christmas!

Well, the big day has finally arrived! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas filled with memories to treasure in the years to come. Enjoy the day and Merry Christmas!

Snow Snow Snow

Have I mentioned how much I hate winter? For the past few weeks, we have been digging out our cars in the morning and driving through sloppy, slushy streets. I've had enough and it's only just begun! Yikes. Last week I drove to my parents and halfway there I completely lost the road. It was so scary. I hit the rumble strips a few times and fortunately was able to follow a Ford Escape until I was out of the white out. It was horrible. Bring on the sun & hot weather. If it weren't for family and friends I would be seriously considering a move further south.

However, at this time of year, I can put up with the snow simply because it's the Christmas season. I love it. The music, the cookies, the shopping, the crazy schedule...it's so fun. I can't believe it's almost here again. Only 12 more days...hey, just like the song!

Jacob Moon

I saw the most phenomenal guitar-player on Sunday night. His name is Jacob Moon and he is from the Hamilton area. I first saw him about 2 years ago and have been telling my friends about him since! His CD is great, but until you see him live, you can't fully appreciate his incredible talent. His fingers fly over the frets and strum, pick and slap the strings. He plays alone, but makes it sound like there are at least 3 or 4 playing with him!

http://www.jacobmoon.com/video/leaving.html

I'm not sure of technical terms, but he uses a little foot-pedal to "record" certain parts and them plays them back and layers on top of himself. It is SO COOL! He played a Peter Gabriel song "Come Talk To Me" and got this really cool sound by "slapping" the strings. So amazing. As a bonus, he played a Paul Simon song, (my favourite artist) Under African Skies. He is coming back to London in January, so if you're in the area, you should plan on going to see him.

I also coined a new word on the weekend. Following a misunderstanding, I came up with "indecitis" which, of course, the disease where you can't decide anything! Feel free to use it in future conversations.