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!

Less Than A Week To Go...

Wow, I can't believe today is December 20th! Five days until Christmas! I'm actually feeling pretty prepared this year. My shopping is done, I only have ONE project unfinished (a scrapbook for my Grammie) and a relatively free schedule from now until the big day! As of Friday, I'm on vacation until January 2nd. Wahoo! In that time I have SO many people I'm getting together with...hopefully it all works out. I can't wait to meet Baby Elliott!

Yesterday I discovered the joys of text messaging. How convenient...it's like MSN on the go. Very cool. I'm hooked.

Tomorrow I'm having lunch with my friends Chris & Dana. Chris & I work together but never really get to see each other. Dana used to work with us and the last time I saw her was the summer. It will be nice to catch up and we're going to one of my favourite restaurants...Coppa Di Gelatto.

I think I'm going to rent "Christmas Vacation" tonight. It's one of my favourite holiday flicks and I haven't watched it yet this year.

Be sure to check out Simon & Claire's travel blog on the right of the screen. They are on a year-long trip around the world and Simon is an amazing photographer, so it makes for some pretty sweet armchair traveling.

I Did It!

Yesterday I finished my Christmas shopping. What a great feeling! And I didn't have to fight the crowds at the mall. I went to Petrolia and went shopping with my sister. It was great because there were no line-ups and I got unique items that I wouldn't have found had I just gone to the mall. As a bonus, I ran into a few people I haven't seen in a long time. Feels good to have that done :)

Getting to know me...

This is one of those things that gets sent around in your e-mail circles. I know some people find them annoying, but I think they're kind of fun and sometimes give you some insight into people that you wouldn't have known otherwise. I decided to post my answers here so you could learn a little something about me today!

1. What is your occupation? Graphics Girl - A-Channel, London
2. What color are your socks right now? black3. What are you listening to right now? Matt Costa - The Road4. What was the last thing that you ate? a berry smoothie for breakfast
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes… every day. Although I couldn't really when I bought my car :)
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Sassy Red
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Char
8. Favourite band: that's a really tough one...some of my top favourites: Beatles, Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, Matt Costa, Dave Matthews Band, U2
9. How old are you today? 2910. Favorite Drink? gingerbread latte11. What is your favorite sport to watch? none
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, that reminds me, I need to make an appointment14. Favorite Food? BBQ Steak15. What was the last movie you watched? The Holiday16. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Eve17. What do you do to vent anger? vent to Char18. What was your favorite toy? my cheerbear19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Fall20. Hugs or kisses? Both
21. Cherries or blueberries? Cherries22. Living arrangements? one roommate... Jodi23. When was the last time you cried? Monday night
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Christmas presents25. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Nicole26. What did you do last night? went to Williams for a chai latte with Sue.27. Favorite smells? fresh laundry, the beach28. What inspires you? hmmm, a deadline29. What are you afraid of? blue foods
30. Favorite dog breed? I'm not much of a dog person, but I think I like labs
31. Number of keys on your key ring? 632. How many years at your current job? 7.533. Favorite day of the week? Monday night...because of Prison Break (otherwise Sunday)34. How many states have you lived in? None ...just Ontario35. Favorite Holidays? Christmas & Canada Day
36. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? I LOVE motorcycles and heavy machinery... well, I'd say a tractor. I've driven a tractor.

I take that back...

Ok, last night I was singing the praises of the fluffy blanket of snow. Um, I take that back. While it is still really beautiful...it has basically shut down our city! Today everything is closed from the University to the bus line. I went out to shovel this morning (after shovelling at 9pm last night) and the snow was about 2 feet deep against the door. I managed to scoop out a little path to the sidewalk which was also completely filled in. So, I cleared a path to our laneway. Jodi (who is a teacher on SNOW DAY) is currently out there trying to uncover her car. The photo above shows how much snow fell after she came in last night at 10pm. Today is the first day in 7.5 years that work actually called me to say... "hold off on coming in until we see how things go". The crazy thing is that tomorrow the temperature is going above zero and will stay there for a few days, so I guess it won't be lasting long. In the meantime, if you live in London, enjoy your snow day. If you don't live in London, apparently you have no idea what I'm talking about!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

My intention was to rant about how much I hate the snow...and for the most part I do. However, as I went out to shovel the drive tonight, I realized that the snow can actually be quite beautiful...almost poetic. I went out tonight about 9pm and it was so quiet. The snow was coming down in giant white flakes and landing silently on the ground. Even the cars that drove past were somewhat muffled under the fluffy white blanket. When you don't have to drive in it, the snow can be a wonderful thing.

Random Thoughts

I consider myself to be a pretty healthy person. So, when woke up with a cold yesterday, I was surprised and a little annoyed. I take vitamin C on a daily basis in the winter months to avoid such situations. However, here I am...my sinuses all stuffy and a nice red nose. And tired! I can't believe how tired I am. Last night I took a Nyquil and went to bed by 9pm! Usually Nyquil is a magic drug and I get a nice sound sleep, but last night I tossed and turned, propped my head with pillows, then removed them, even trying to sleep in the chair in the livingroom for a while. All this to say I have a cold and am not enjoying the stupor that I feel I'm in.

I can't believe it's already December 6th! I haven't even sent out ANY Christmas cards yet! Yikes. I really need to get moving on some things...and SHOPPING is one of them. I bought gifts for my nieces & nephews in September and since then have had this idea in my head that I'm ahead of the game this year. However, I haven't done any shopping since. Now I'm perplexed for good ideas and am soon running out of time! On Saturday I'm planning a trip to Port Huron and am hoping that will finish things off.

Congratulations to my friend Sarah. She got a new job this week at City TV in Toronto. She'll be doing a lot of the same things she's currently doing at her job at OMNI but I think she's looking forward to a change. I believe she starts the 2nd week of January. Way to go Sarah!

Welcome to the World Elliott

I am happy to report that Amy & Patrick are the proud new parents to Elliott Graham Robitaille. He was born on Wednesday, November 29th at 3:10pm. They are all doing very well, and to quote Amy, he's "impressing us with his cuteness every minute of the whole day that we have known him."

what's on your i-pod?

I thought it might be kind of fun to see what people are listening to. Leave a comment and list the last 5 songs played on your i-pod.

Mine are:

All Of You - Tony Bennett
F-Stop Blues - Jack Johnson
Politik - Coldplay
Seymour Stein - Belle & Sebastian
Girl Next Door - Matt Costa

Crazy Day

During my lunch-hour today, I heard an interesting page on the intercom system. Apparently there was some sort of "situation" in the lobby. I decided to go and take a look. It was the same man that had come to the station last week when he wanted to let his views on poverty be known.

Today he came back and was more assertive than the last time. There was quite a little crowd gathering in the upper part of the lobby with several staff members in the lower part preventing the man from entering the building.

Before the police got here, he had urinated on our Christmas tree and lit up a cigarette inside the building. He was taken away without much incident, but it was definitely and interesting afternoon at the A-Channel Studios.

He Comes From The Land Down Under....

Last night I went to see Xavier Rudd at Centennial Hall. I think he's about the most talented multi-tasker I've ever seen! I thought it was pretty impressive when I saw Jacob Moon http://www.jacobmoon.com use the "jam-man" to loop his own music and play over it. But this was even better!

Xavier sat on a little platform amidst various drums, guitars, didgeridoos, and tropical-looking plants. As he sang, he also kept time with his barefoot on some sort of drum machine. He would also play the guitar, harmonica, didgeridoo as well as a multitude of other drums (even a clay pot at one point) But the impressive part was he was doing this simultaneously! VERY cool.

I was introduced to his music through my friend Laurence this summer. We both became a little obsessed and when I found out he was coming to London, we jumped on board and got tickets. It was an awesome concert and I encourage you to check him out at http://www.xavierrudd.com or watch the video below.