Silber & Gold

A funny story to let you know I am alive

2011-05-31T22:42:00.001-04:00

8 Days until my exam - woohoo!

Tonight while Kev and I were walking the dogs we were discussing our slight ant "problem". You see, there have been a few ants in our house, not a lot. Kevin has taken it upon himself to kill any and all ants on our entire property. I can't even tell you how many bottles of ant killer he has gone through. (This is a touchy subject that causes the OCD to flare up big time.)

Anyway, so on the walk I mentioned that I have only ever seen one ant in the house. Not a big deal to me, it was one of those small little ants.

Our conversation went as follows:

Me: I've only ever seen one ant in the house.

Kev: Where was the ant? When was this?

Me: In the front hall, when I was putting on my shoes. It was like 2 weeks ago. No big deal, just a little squish and he was gone.

Kev: You can't just squish them and leave them there!!! Ants come to get their dead people!!!

Me: You are crazy.

Kev: No seriously, they leave little trails behind them, that is why they walk in a line. When they come across a dead one they pick it up and take it home. I've seen them do it.

Me: Awww, that's kind of nice of them to do that.

...anyway, that is our conversation. The bolded line is really the only reason I even posted this. I practically peed my pants when he said this to me.

Adventures with dogs

2011-05-18T21:49:00.000-04:00

There have been three puddles of pee in our house in the past three days. We know from past experience that this means that something is wrong. Our girls do NOT have accidents unless something is wrong!

Someone is sick, but who???

All we have are puddles of pee, but no clue who is creating them.

So, not wanting to clean one more puddle, Kevin and I decided that both dogs would visit the vet and we'd let them figure out which dog is having the issue. Kev called the vet and made an appointment for both dogs today at 3:30.

I left work at 3, went and got the dogs, and brought them both to the vet.

They were expecting us, and as soon as I walked in, the vet tech said "so Bailey and/or Burgundy isn't feeling well??" and I said "yes, we're not quite sure who!"

As I was saying that, Bailey squatted on the mat in the waiting room to pee. Alright, problem solved, Bailey is the one you need to deal with! So she quickly went and got a syringe and sucked some pee right up from the floor! It obviously had tons of bacteria in it (because it was from the floor) but the vet was comfortable giving Bailey some routine antibiotics to hopefully clear up any bugs that are giving her troubles right now.

Isn't Burgy a lucky girl?? She was about to get a needle stuck in her bladder to extract urine...and it would have been for nothing. Maybe Bailey knew it and was trying to save her the trouble??

Regardless, it was just too funny not to share :)

A bit of a confidence boost!

2011-05-13T22:40:00.000-04:00

I got my grade back for the last course I did - 82%! Woohoo!

My grade was accompanied by a letter from the CGA congratulating me on my "academic excellence"... The letter is prominently displayed on the fridge. In university, 82% wasn't such a big deal, but the course was so freaking hard that I am over the moon. This is another reason why I am very excited to do the next 12 or so courses through a University!

My Econ exam is on June 9th - I'm in the final month, which actually makes it much easier to buckle down and focus (even more) on schoolwork. The end is in sight - and I can't wait!

St. Paddy's Day Kegger

2011-05-10T22:08:00.000-04:00

Brace yourself, I'm about to blog about a social event. There will be real pictures, not taken with my Blackberry. Prepare to be amazed!

This year, we were invited to a St. Paddy's day Kegger at our friends Ian and Laura's house. It made me feel like I was back in University again. Oh wait, I am back in University again. I guess I should say that it reminded me of the fun kind of University.

Court sporting some beer goggles pretty early on!

Kev and Scott - looking good in green!!

Can't have a St. Paddy's party without green beer!

So fun! I ate so much green food.

Smiley Jen

Scott is doing us all a favour and posing to prevent any indecency. You can use your imagination.

Laura (our wonderful host) and Jimmy!

Lola and I

Megan and Justin

Kerri

The stretchy green people...

Catherine and Court - looking good!!

"....allll by mysellllfffff...."

(Jackie took this picture and explicitly told me the caption I had to use)

The sun is still a shining!

Justin and Jack

Love these boys!

Keg stands on the balcony - in the afternoon? I think yes.

Perfect juxtaposition against the kids playing in the park, lol.

Cuuuute siblings! :)

Evinou's + 1

Uh-oh - it looks like Laura fell victim to the green ball.

What a meanie, not telling her that if you were holding a pitcher, you didn't have to drink the entire thing when the ball is dropped in it!

Jackie is having a good time.

Justin and Ian.

Jen, Cath and Jane

Kev and Wheats - posing interestingly...

Me and the hubster!

Court's turn with the keg

Thank you Laura and Ian for having us!

I'm baaaaaack!!

2011-05-05T22:31:00.000-04:00

I'm probably not going to be near as faithful as I have been in the past to this blog, but I am over my blogging funk. I think it must have been the two consecutive days of sunshine we've had. Totally threw me for a loop.

A quick update: I have a little over a month until my Econ exam - not looking forward to that. However, I am now officially a student at Athabasca University (in Alberta, LOL) and I start my next course through there on June 1st. I am looking forward to it, as I know it's not going to be near as difficult as doing courses directly through the CGA. (The credits are a direct transfer though.)

Anyway, work is going great as well. I don't really have much to complain about - I've just been so darn busy. Since I've only been getting to the gym twice a week, I've had to find other ways to get some exercise... and that includes going for walks with my sister and our dogs!

Today (and yesterday) Sarah and Sadie came by after work to go on a nice 6km walk with me and my girls. It was just too beautiful out today - THIS is what we've been waiting 6 long cold months for!!

When we got home from our walk, we hung out in the front yard a little bit - so the dogs could slobber and drool and drink water like wild animals. (I'm talking to you Sadie!)

I noticed that our Magnolia tree, which was gifted to us last Spring, has a BLOOM! Only one, but it's a bloom nonetheless!

A closer look... don't mind the quality, I took these pictures with my Blackberry!

This is my attempt at getting a portrait of the girls sitting next to our blooming magnolia tree!

I can guarantee you that they would not have been this cooperative if they weren't so gosh darn tired!

I'm so proud of that little tree. It braved a brutal winter!

I would have to say that my mission is complete!

...and one more, just because I love this picture of Bailey. Could she look any happier??

Hiatus

2011-04-09T08:28:00.000-04:00

If you haven't been able to pick up on it - I'm on a slight hiatus from my blog.

There are two main reasons for this:

1) I am drowning in this economics class. I can't keep up with the material and can't understand it even when I try to keep up with it. So that means I have to put even more effort into it, because I only have to get this one ECON course and then it's back to accounting. I'm so mad I even have to take this course in the first place - probably because it's sucking the life out of me.

2) Because of #1, I have zero life right now, so really I have nothing interesting to blog about even if I had the time or energy. But that's really not true I guess, I used to blog about nothing.

After a night of doing economics for so long that my hand has literally stopped working, my brain is so fried I can't even begin to think about writing something here. I have been feeling really guilty about that and have brought up the screen once in a while to come up with nothing.

I'm not going to let myself feel guilty any more - of all of the 'to do's' nagging in my head, this blog is just not very important right now.

I'll post something here and there for sure, and maybe once I disassociate this blog as being an obligation, I might have more interesting things to write...but for now, I need a bit of a break. :)

1 year ago

2011-04-05T22:41:00.000-04:00

One year ago today we lost our sweet girl Madison. She is still greatly missed by all of us and we still cannot believe that she is gone. :(

She had such a bright, shining spirit that we can't help but smile when thinking about her.

We love you Maddie, and miss you forever and ever!

(Click here to read my memorial post for Madison)

Sunday Update!

2011-04-03T23:12:00.000-04:00

I'm well into my next course: Economics.

I do NOT like economics. I just don't get it like I get accounting. I loved doing my accounting work, but doing Economics feels like such a chore. I do not know how Kevin actually did a masters degree is this horrible subject.

Unfortunately, due to this distaste and non-understanding, it means that I need to spend even more time on economics than I did accounting - if I have any chance of passing. The good news is, when I get through this course, I won't have to take any more economics for the rest of the CGA program!

I'm making sure to write all of the notes out and draw out all of the stupid graphs, and this equals major major hand cramps. I literally write until my hand starts spasming and refuses to work any longer. Then I surf the internet and drink wine. It's a great little system I've got going here.

While surfing the net tonight I found the cutest video of a golden retriever welcoming their mom home from Afghanistan. SUCH a cute video in itself - but it's super neat for me, because I have never seen another dog act exactly like Bailey does when she is greeting people. She cries just like this - and can sound like she is actually in pain.

People who know and love her know she is not in pain, people such as my mom, my dad, my sister and allison all get major cry-fests.

Other people who get cry-fests are kids. Any kids. Regardless of whether or not Bailey has ever even met them before. If she sees a kid, or group of kids, on our walks - she will start crying as soon as she sees them. Kids don't always immediately go up to a new dog and pet them (as they shouldn't) but sometimes they indulge her. She will throw herself at their feet and cry and cry and cry.

We tell the kids that she does that when she's happy, but we can't help but think that the children think we abuse poor Bailey and she is saying "get me away from these horrible, horrible peopleeeee" ;)

Check out the video!!!

Do you know what day it is??

2011-04-01T23:12:00.002-04:00

We have a pool!

2011-03-30T21:33:00.000-04:00

Except it's not the fun kind that you can float on.

Nor swim in, if that's your thing.

Our pool is a special breed of pool that comes about when previous owners fill in an inground pool. The cement casing is still there, so until we do some major regrading this spring - we have a pool.

Do you want evidence of this?

Here is my dear husband in the middle of the pool, setting up the pump in order to pump out all of the excess water.

It's a good thing both of my parents have pools, so we have a pool pump at our disposal!

This pool is the reason why we've had to fence off our yard for the past few months so that the dogs don't decide to go for a roll every time they're let outside.

Cause that is totally what they would do if given the slightest opportunity!

Oh well, thanks to Kevin's diligent pumpage, the pool now has very little water in it. Now, we just have to hope for a relatively dry spring - so we can get this taken care of!

Sunday Cuteness!

2011-03-27T23:33:00.000-04:00

These should be good for a smile or two or five. :)

These two lions remind me so much of my two girls! From the fighting to get the most attention to the long blonde hair ;)

...and this...is Burgundy right here. She is most definitely a cat in a dog's body!

...and this video reminds me so much of our dearly departed Madison <3

I think that is enough cuteness for one Sunday night!

Wayback Playback: The art of the Expo

2011-03-26T23:04:00.002-04:00

Back when we were crazy kids (and still now...occasionally) the Expo was a very integral part of any party.

If you passed out, you got vandalized.

In hindsight, we were actually very kind, as the Expo marker is pretty much the most washable marker of all time.

Imagine if Sharpies had been used?

Sanne is an exception here. She got Expo'd while fully awake - but perhaps she was not 100% coherent. ;)

Mike however, is experiencing a full-on passed-out Expo'ing.

Expos done by girls tend to be a little more loving than those done by boys. You can consider yourself lucky Mikey!

Ooops, I stand corrected. Alex did getting in on the action.

Shameless girls, shameless!

Now we're going to go way back. Like really really way back.

I have lifted these pictures from the Expo group on Facebook that was made years ago.

Jared awakes from a nice little cat nap.

The damage was extensive.

If your face is not available to be expo'd, creativity does need to be exercised.

Girls are not immune to the expo.

A very young looking Ian!

...and Will.

...and Brendan!

Ian again...

...and Jared again.

Love this one. So simple and perfect.

Uh-oh, the big bad Kevin has passed out on the floor! Whatever shall we do??

Lets start with some nice block letters.

Sarah is about to bring the Expo to the next level.

No need for anything derogatory.

A good old fashioned mad-lib is a perfectly acceptable Expo.

Of course it is only a viable option if the person you are Expo'ing has arms the size of tree trunks.

Kev's Snow Structures

2011-03-23T23:36:00.000-04:00

You know what is just icing on the cake to having the worst cold ever??? Having a freaking blizzard on March 23rd!

Thank you mother nature! I hadn't quite gotten enough of the white stuff this year...

Don't mind me, I'm just bitter and miserable. I survived the day at work today, and I honestly can't really tell you how I did it. I was so doped up on cold meds that I was in a nice little haze the entire day.

These pictures are old, but appropriate, given the current weather outside.

Kev likes to shovel the backyard, that is no secret. He also likes to construct play structures for the dogs.

This is a nice platform he made for Bailey so she can "lie on top of it and chew her bone". And that is exactly what she did with it. No pictures, sorry.

Burgundy really enjoyed the snow piled up high against the fence.

What are you looking at??

Different day - through the window. She loved being able to spy on the neighbours.

How freaky it must have been for them to see a golden retriever head popping above their 8 foot fence!

This is my world.

Such a pretty girl <3

Sick...yet again...

2011-03-22T23:06:00.000-04:00

I have been off of work the past few days because I am super congested and miserable. I'm going to work tomorrow regardless of how I'm feeling when I wake up in the morning. Think positive thoughts for me please!!

Have a few minutes to spare???

2011-03-19T20:49:00.000-04:00

My sister Sarah is doing a market research project for school and her topic is dog grooming. She needs to get 250 people to do the survey - and she has 64

If anyone has 10-15 minutes to answer some questions on dog grooming and such, she would REALLY REALLY appreciate if you take the time to complete the survey! (She wants me to mention that it is completely anonymous and that all information gathered will only be used for her school report and will not be shared)
Thank you in advance...

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/doggroomingsurvey2011

Wayback Playback: St. Paddy's in Guelph 2007

2011-03-18T23:08:00.000-04:00

It is definitely safe to say that St. Paddy's Day doesn't seem to have the same meaning as it did back in University.

A few glasses of wine and wearing a green shirt is about the extent of the celebration these days.

(We WILL be having some belated celebrations with friends this weekend though, so that will be fun :)

I thought it would be fun to revisit one of my favourite St. Paddy's days ever! Kev and I went to Guelph for the weekend to celebrate with some of our Oakville friends.

Sanne made an absolutely delicious looking batch of green scrambled eggs.

As if scrambled eggs could look any grosser.

Some green(ish) pancakes...

Brunch fit for kings.

Yummm....

Alex is a fan of Guinness.

I'm pretty sure that these boys had just come home from a breakfast kegger. Boy were they ever pumped to see such a large spread of food!

Alex and Pat are looking like they really did stumble upon a pot of gold!

After eating the yummy breakfast, they were absolutely floored by the shamrock-shaped cupcakes.

Yes Pat, you get one too!

With tummies full of green goodies, it was time to embark on a kegger.

Did you know that it is perfectly acceptable to drink in public on St. Paddy's day??

Here is Kevin walking way over on the other side of the field - to avoid getting his shoes muddy.

Some things just never change.

Lots of spirit at this party.

...in the basement we found a snake!

Sarah seemed a bit more hesitant.

The afternoon sun agreed with us. So young, my goodness!

Sarah, Alex and myself.

Alex and Kev.

I remember taking this picture because I couldn't believe it was only 4:42.

Sarah and I again! <3

Alex and a guy whose name I don't know. (I didn't then either)

We lost Scott at some point in the afternoon and upon further investigation, we found him curled up (fully dressed, don't worry!) in a bed.

Sometimes you just gotta take a nap!

I <3 Snakes!

Time to head out - still light outside...

We made a pit stop at the mall where we fueled up before heading to an evening kegger. This is where my pictures end though, I probably deemed it unsafe for my camera to remain out.

Thanks for remembering with me!

I DARE you not to laugh!

2011-03-17T17:25:00.000-04:00

This is the funniest video I have seen in a really really long time!!

Happy St. Paddy's everyone!!

Paws for Japan

2011-03-16T18:50:00.001-04:00

It's situations like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan that remind us how precious - and volatile - life is. One minute you could be happily petting your cat or dog on your couch, and the next, homeless, injured, unable to locate loved ones, or worse.

BlogPaws Be The Change for Pets is committed to taking action to help relief efforts for animals in Japan. One of our community members, Cathy King, is the founder and executive director of World Vets, an organization dedicated to providing veterinary aid worldwide. The first World Vets responder deployment is en route with supplies to Japan to meet up with a coalition of Japanese animal welfare groups.

To assist World Vets in their extremely important work, Be the Change for Pets is asking the online pet community to help raise funds and awareness for the World Vets efforts.

Thursday, March 17, 2011 is Paws for Japan Day.

(PS - I did not write this, I copied and pasted. Please donate if you can.)

Bet you wish you flew south!

2011-03-15T22:40:00.000-04:00

Seriously, Geese are just getting dumber and dumber I think?!

Taken in the parking lot at Costco this weekend.

Hawaii!

2011-03-11T21:25:00.000-05:00

No I didn't actually go.

My mom is probably the biggest fan of my blog. She reads it religiously, it is very sweet.

Lately it has been no secret that I haven't been taking many pictures, nor doing anything exciting in my life.

My mom gave me a USB port with pictures from her recent trip to Hawaii for my blog.

I thought it would be fun to upload them here and go through them for the first time, right here on my blog. Just so we can all be jealous together.

Here is my mom and my step-dad Mike.

Oooooh, and here is a very pretty picture, taken in the evening I'm going to venture to guess.

And here is my step-dad with their rental car. I might be totally making things up as I go because I never really heard too much about this trip, nor have I gone through these pictures with my mom.

Creeper picture of a man on the rocks. ;)

Ahhhh so pretty!

What I wouldn't give to be transported from this awful, rainy, cold weather to this beach.

Believe it or not, my mom does not have an SLR. When I bought my D90, she bought my last camera. It's a Sony "advanced point and shoot", and I'd say it's pretty great!

...and another...

Here are some surfers.

This is a super awesome picture.

Wow, you're a good photographer mom!

She has a very good grasp of the rule of thirds! ;)

...another pretty beach picture.

OMG!! Dolphins! I didn't know you saw dolphins! I've always wanted to see dolphins!

Oooohh...wait a minute, these were taken with the super duper zoom right??

I'd like to think if you were actually this close to dolphins, you would have told me about it!

Lovely!

I'm assuming this was taken at an aquarium.

This one too. What a strange fish. It's butt looks like a face to trick its predators. If there is one thing I learned in animal physiology, it is that fish are always trying to trick their predators. The question remains: what are they trying to trick their predators into thinking?

An angry fish.

Ahhh, bring me here mom! You get to go all of the time, bring me!!!!

Hmmmm...this picture was taken when they were pulled over on the side of the highway.

Ahhh, as was this one! Not sure who took this picture.

So beautiful.

I can't take it! I'm so jealous.

Beach again. There sure are a lot of beaches in Hawaii.

...and rocks and hills...lots of those too.

This picture leads me to believe you were in some sort of aircraft?? Or maybe just another strategic roadside picture?? Mom - I think you're going to have to explain a lot of these pictures.

Some random people snorkeling.

...and there you go! My mom's trip to Hawaii! Hope you enjoyed it as much as she did, lol!

Daytime Frolic

2011-03-09T23:02:00.000-05:00

I'm posting a real post! I've missed this blog. :(

I took these pictures a long time ago. You can tell this two ways:

1) I was still thinking that the snow was pretty. I'm totally past that at this point. Bring on Spring!

2) I actually took these pictures. My camera is pretty dusty right now, I must change that soon!

The girls love the snow!

Bailey has found a stick, and she is trotting around showing off her prize.

That's a nice one you got there Bay!

This stick is quite nice.

However there are so many sounds out here right now I am having trouble focusing on the task at hand here.

I just took these following pictures in succession. They are boring pictures, but they show how similar and in tune these two dogs really are to each other.

What is that over there??

Do you see that squirrel Bailey?

Dog barking across the street...

Back to the squirrel...

Sniffing the morning air...

At this point I'm getting somewhat cold crouching in the middle of the backyard in my robe and slippers so I make my way to the blacktop.

Of course, Burgundy was happy to join me.

I was trying to get her to sit and stay seated while I stood back to take her picture.

She didn't really feel like it.

But I don't want you to take my picture.

Put that camera down and pat me.

Right now please.

Burgundy sulks off...

But she realizes she really has nowhere to go. So she comes back.

There we go, these were the pretty posing pictures I was going for!

Love my Burgy! <3

The only thing more interesting than me, are the squirrels that live in the roof of this shed.

(Not our shed, I don't understand why these people put up with the squirrels destroying it!)

They briefly catch Bailey's attention, but she knows it's a waste of energy to try to get those suckers.

I'm good with this stick thanks.

MELT MY HEART!

...and look who is back. My shadow. I missed you Burg!

One more of Bailey...it's getting pretty cold out here.

...and that's it!

All of these pictures were literally taken within a span of 5 minutes, and I was in my robe and slippers. That wasn't a joke.

I hope you enjoyed our morning as much as we did!

I'm back!!

2011-03-09T19:21:00.000-05:00

I survived my first CGA course!

I wrote my exam last night and I think it went pretty well. That non-stop studying paid off!

It was very weird to be writing an exam again. I had forgotten that feeling at the beginning of the exam where you clam up and your mind goes blank for a few minutes. Those are always good times. Once I found an easy question, I got my confidence back and it went smoothly from there.

My next course has already started (even though I have yet to open the book - I need a day at least!), and my first quiz opens on March 16th. Not too much of a break. My next course is Micro/Macro economics. I'm hoping that Kev will be able to help me out a little bit. :)

Tonight, I am lying on the couch and watching TV. I might even have a little nap.

I will post with pictures later tonight!

Taking a trip down memory lane...via Photobooth

2011-03-04T23:37:00.000-05:00

So I'm just chilling here on a Friday night. I've given up on studying.

My exam is on Tuesday night - THANK GOD!

I figured it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane and share with you some pictures from the Photobooth on this laptop.

I thought I'd start with a very *ahem* real picture.

This picture is one of the ugliest pictures of me that exists. But it's so freaking hilarious at the same time.

Why am I posting it on my blog you might ask?? To prove once and for all that I do not give a shit what anyone thinks. And that I have no self respect. Either one.

Just giving you some warning

Tada!!

Don't you love it?? This picture was taken a really long time ago, back when we were living in my dad's basement. I was VERY sick. I don't think I had left the apartment in days at this point. I clearly was delirious to even take this picture in the first place.

Too funny to not share.

Some of my favourite things about this picture:

- My breathe right strip. (No longer just for at night time yo!)

- The TP strategically placed in my nose to hinder drippage that just would not stop

- The big zit on my forehead

- The dazed/stoned look in my eyes

- My neck rolls

- My nakedness (I blame my fever)

Just all in all a big hot, sexy mess.

OK...I'm sorry for that.

On to more Photobooth fun!

Here is a nice family shot of Kevin, Bailey and myself. It nicely showcases a dimple that I do not have. Strange.

Here goes Kevin with the middle finger. He thinks it's going to prevent me from using this picture.

He thinks wrong!

Awwww.... a 500 pound Kevin and a slightly challenged Bailey.

Ugh, you are so embarrasing dad!

Me combating the profanity!

Poor Bailey.

What are you laughing at woman??

....and....my favourite!

Pretty girl.

Sarah showcasing a yummy American chocolate bar.

...and probably one of the first pictures of Sarah + Sadie. Taken when we first went to meet her down in Michigan!!

The start of a beee-u-ti-ful relationship!

Bailey is a B*tch

2011-03-02T23:25:00.000-05:00

Bailey has had a bit of a brat-like streak lately.

The items that she has destroyed in the past 2 months include:

2 pairs of my eyeglasses

2 pairs of Kevin's shoes

My cell phone (thankfully I confiscated it before she got past the protective cover!)

A pair of my shoes

Approx. 10 pairs of my underwear

...many more that I can't think of at the moment...

But these, I was really pissed about!

These Timberland boots cost like $120! I'm super cheap and so that is a big deal to me!

This was my punishment for going out to Brendan and Jackie's house. (Again, a long time ago... my current life has no stories or pictures)

UGH!

Kevin and I have very similar parenting techniques. We will see how well they translate for real children.

Lets make her sit next to the ruined boots.

This is not happening right now.

I'm not sure if she is feeling the remorse that we are trying to drag out of her.

Are we done yet?

Ok. I'm sorry. There. Can you leave me alone now?

Yeah...that's it...I'm really sorry you guys...

If they only knew what I have next on my list of destruction....

A night out with some friends!

2011-02-28T22:26:00.000-05:00

I have called it quits on studying for tonight, with the help of some sauvignon blanc. ;)

To remind myself of fun, social times, here are some pictures of our most recent night out with friends. And by recent, I mean like a month ago.

Loser: right here.

These are pictures from Jackie and Brendan's housewarming party!

Kev cuddling on the couch with Keira and Christine.

Ian, Jimmy and Pat.

Ian and Brendan were participating in some sort of Grade 9 throwback '40 drinking competition'.

Like a champ!

Ian=huge loser. Sorry bud!

Marcus and John.

Freaky weird picture of Ian.

Me and my lovah!

Lola and MJ, with a sexy backdrop of John and Brendan.

Jackie, Carey and Megan

Megan and Justin.

Carey and Megan.

Bren, John and MJ

Sarah and Jimmy

Kevin telling a super interesting story...or not.

Have to get the obligatory ball-in-air beer pong shot.

Jackie's enthusiasm makes her a winner. Every game.

Moi.

Carey and Megan! Again!

...and to round out this batch of pictures - here is Justin and Kevin.

Love you all and miss you!!

I am alive

2011-02-27T23:35:00.000-05:00

No lie, I actually went through some pictures just now to think of something to write about that wasn't me just whining and complaining. But alas, I was unsuccessful. I do not have it in me right now to produce any sort of creative output from my brain.

This past weekend was one big intensive study session - as the next 8 days will be for me. I am actually very pleased with how well the studying is going so far, I think I am right on track.

It does need to be mentioned that I am not accustomed to doing schoolwork without copious amounts of napping in between sessions.

Hell, now that I look back, University was just one big nap. School plus a full time job plus many other obligations equals very limited napping time. Truly heartbreaking.

Oh well, 8 days. There is an end date in sight. 8 days.

T-14 days!

2011-02-22T22:51:00.000-05:00

Two weeks from this exact moment I will have just finished my exam.

That is the good news.

The bad news is, I have only two weeks left to prepare for the exam!!

I have been doing a pretty good job so far at keeping up with things, but now it is time to shift into overdrive!

In order to study without any distractions, and to somewhat clear out the office that I have trashed over the past three months, I have moved all of my school stuff down into the spare bedroom in the basement.

When I do my work down there it is pretty intense. There is no TV, no computer and I don't even let myself bring my phone down there.

If I don't buckle down and study that way, my slacker ways will soon take over.

So I know that all of you blog readers out there will be very forgiving of me. My blog might only consist of whining and complaining for the next couple of weeks, but after that it should get better!

In other CGA news, I have already enrolled in my next course which starts immediately after this one finishes.

Micro and Macro economics - so Kevin will probably be able to help me just a little bit. :)

Tuesday Morning Giggles!

2011-02-22T00:09:00.000-05:00

You're welcome! :)

Love the weekend

2011-02-20T22:56:00.000-05:00

We have had such a great weekend so far, and it isn't even over yet! Yay Family Day!

The snow is coming down like crazy out there, which makes it especially sweet to realize we can just sleep in tomorrow morning.

Kevin and I went to have dinner with our friends Carla and Walter last night. Carla is such a great friend to me. Our friendship started at the gym - we have the same obsession with spin class. We have have since found that we have so much more in common as well.

Walter and Kevin both go to the same gym too, so when the four of us get together there is never a lull in the conversation.

I didn't bring my camera to Carla's - but the dinner was fantastic. I did bust out the camera on my phone when it was time for desert though! Look at this spread!

Needless to say, Kevin cheated a bit on his 'no carb' rule.

It would have been downright rude if he hadn't. ;)

YUMMMM!!!

This morning was a lazy morning.

I was detoxing from all of the wine, lemoncello and GRAPPA I drank.

Bailey was totally down for this plan.

If I wrap her tightly in a blanket and tell her to give Kevin the sad eyes, he usually lets her stay on the couch with me. It's her Sunday morning treat. She doesn't even try to come up on the couch unless it is Sunday morning.

Tonight we went over to my dad's house to hit up the hot tub and visit with my sister and Sadie.

Burg was just chilling. She didn't move from this position for over 2 hours.

Sadie would have preferred to spread out a little bit, but she enjoyed sitting next to her cousin Burgundy.

Look how cute I am.

Excuse the quality of these pictures. In order to not have Sadie look like she has freaky alien eyes, I had to take these pictures with no flash, in low light, on my Blackberry.

Her cuteness still shines through I think!

I think I'm making her uncomfortable.

I'll stop now.

Adele!

2011-02-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

I am so hopelessly obsessed with Adele!

She has the most amazing voice I have ever heard, and I have been listening to the two songs below on repeat for a week now. Listening to them relaxes me, which might be why I keep listening. I have so much other stuff to be thinking about right now, Adele is just a small slice of heaven for me.

Adele is my sister's age - only 22! She writes all of her own music as well and is just amazing.

She is coming to Toronto in March, but the show is already sold out. I am very bummed.

Enough of my blabbering - these videos speak for themselves!

(My ulterior motive for doing this post is so I can just come to my blog and have both of these videos right together to listen to over and over. You too can use my blog as your very own 'Adele facilitator' - just click on 'Adele' to the right!)

Wayback Playback: 2006 Cuba trip with my girls

2011-02-19T00:13:00.000-05:00

I can't help but feel affected by the short, dark, snowy days. These days are started too early, and after the work day is done the school day begins. I forget what sunshine even looks like.

Once the winter is over, at least I can study outside.

(Correction: I can study for 7 minutes and then sleep on the back lawn for 3 hours)

I'm glad I uploaded these pictures of my memories of sunny, carefree times!

In 2006, three of my best girlfriends and I embarked upon Cuba and had such a great time!!!

It was on this trip that I fell in love with red wine. I also got such a bad sunburn on my ass that I couldn't sit down for like 3 days. But the alcohol helped soothe the pain.

(It was while I was away on this trip that Kevin realized how utterly hopeless he was when I was absent. He decided he was going to propose to me, and enlisted the help of my mom to help him find a ring!)

Sanne and Carly flash some smiles from the pool:

Carly, Sarah and Sanne - this was taken on our arrival day.

Me, Sarah and Sanne.

Sanne loving the all-inclusiveness!

The view from the roof of our building.

Us on the roof. These pictures are better than I thought they would be considering the shitty little camera I used to take them.

Sanne, Carly, Sarah and myself.

Carly lounging by the pool.

You know when you're relaxing on the beach and you have this overwhelming ~~desire~~ need to play chess??

Well if this happens to you often, this is the place for you!

The girls walking to our pig-roast on the beach.

A beautiful, wonderful, picturesque evening.

Minus the pig being roasted :(

Love you guys!

As usual, Sanne is not looking at the camera.

She is smiling, showing that she is perfectly aware that she is posing for a picture.

But her eyes?? We will never know what was going through that head of hers!!

Hahah I'm such a model!

Sarah and Sanne at a cigar shop in Guatalavaca. (Guaranteed that is spelled wrong)

Me with a kitten who lived at the resort.

I was so young and carefree. Look at me picking up and loving upon this stray kitten, not even caring that he probably hosted a thousand diseases and a million parasites.

Oh well, it was a good photo op.

...again...stalking of the kitten.

I definitely am not ashamed to admit that I had no idea Cuba had any mountains until I went there.

Picturesque.

This goes down as my all-time favourite picture of Sanne.

The girls (can't tell which ones) embarking on a Hobie Cat expedition with our new friend Ricardo.

Ricardo's story (whether real or fabricated) touched us so much we parted with many of our belongings and gave a whole big bag full of stuff to him.

Parasites and diseases?? Psssshhhhttt!!

They were feisty little things.

Pretty flower.

Carly being forced to sing.

Myself, Sarah and Sanne on the night of the pig roast. These pictures are so out of order.

We look so young in this picture! I love it.

We shared our room with some indigenous creatures.

So beautiful!

Loving the all you can drink aspect of this vacay!

Sarah, Ricardo and Carly.

At the airport about to head home...

To Moncton??? (for us to be able to afford this trip we had to spend a night in Moncton. No biggie!)

Just an update

2011-02-16T23:43:00.000-05:00

I figured since this blog is like a journal, I should document my seemingly ever changing life.

I apologize to my sister Sarah, because she will surely be upset that this is another boring "Only Words" post. Sarah does not like my blog unless there are pictures.

Today was my third day at my new job.

Each day so far has been better than the previous, and has gone by quicker.

Today, I stayed a bit "late" vouchering a batch of invoices. I was literally the second last person being ushered out of the building because they were locking up. I got home at 5:03. You just can't beat that!

I can tell that staying late is not the norm, but for someone like me who is used to staying until 5 anyway, I didn't even really notice what time it was! On any other day - I will be home by 4:35.

Today, we had a "team lunch" for the accounting department at a Sushi restaurant up the street.

The accounting "team" consists of the CFO, Controller, Financial Analyst, AR Coordinator and AP Coordinator (me!).

It was really nice to sit down with these people who I will be working so closely with and get to know who they are as people. They are all animal lovers, so they are A-OK in my books!

I mentioned earlier that my CGA path will be taking a minor turn. The financial analyst who I work beside and very closely with, just recently completed her CGA. I was explaining to her how I am starting from scratch.

Unfortunately, none of my biology credits are transferrable. Poop.

She told me that she did the majority of her CGA through college, and then transferred the credits.

She also explained that doing the courses through the CGA directly is literally the hardest way to go. Of course, there are some courses that leave you no choice but to do through the CGA, but basically, unless you HAVE to - DON'T.

You can do your CGA credits at lots of different colleges or universities in Ontario. You need two college courses to make up one CGA credit, so I will not be going the college route. However, the approved equivalent University credits are fully transferrable and you only need the same mark of 65% to pass.

She suggested to me Athabasca University - all the way out in Alberta. They have a really good distance education program, and it has the most credits that are transferrable into the CGA.

After this upcoming Spring Session, once I have completed Micro/Macro Economics through the CGA, I will become a student at Athabasca University! Woohoo!

The CGA courses are BRUTALLY hard. Excruciating even. I spent 30+ hours on a 26 page assignment - that was only worth 10% - and I only got 75% on it. Based on the feedback I am hearing, I should be happy with that mark - but it is just downright ridiculous. All CGA courses have a final exam with a weight of at least 70%. No pressure or anything!!

Taking the courses through a University will not only make the exam worth a reasonable amount of 40-50%, but the assignments will actually be worth a good chunk. And, the course is just all around easier. :)

Not to mention that I could potentially do the program quicker if I do it this way. The CGA year is split up into 4-3 month sessions, where the University year is split up into 3-4 month sessions. You can only take 1 CGA course per session - no exceptions. So at 4 courses per year, we're looking at MINIMUM 5.5 years to complete.

Doing it through the University, I can double up the courses, and do 2 in the 4 month period (which I think will still be easier than one CGA course) and I will be able to get 6 classes done per year instead of 4!

I'm sure I've totally lost every single person reading this except for my mother.

But, sometimes it's good to get things out and off of your chest.

So much change, so much to do, so hard to stay sane. But I can honestly say that I have found what it is in life that I am most passionate about, and am so excited to be on this journey. Even if it is far, far, far from over!

If Kevin won't let the dogs on the couch...

2011-02-14T23:22:00.000-05:00

Well then I will just join them on their couch.

It's not exactly uncomfortable - those dog beds sure are plush!

I needed to tell my girls all about my first day at my new job!

(It went great by the way - I talked at length to a girl who just completed her CGA. She told me a much quicker, EASIER way to complete the program - which I am absolutely thrilled about. But that is another post for another day!)

Ugh, lets ignore him now. Making us sit on the floor like animals.

Bailey is so hard to please...

A pillow propped against the toy box provides the perfect lounging position.

Please excuse Burg's nose in my crotch, she has horrible manners.

My sweet Burg.

Love my girls!

(and I love how Bailey seems so pissed that we're on the floor - what a brat!)

Wayback Playback: Melissa and Kevin

2011-02-13T22:59:00.000-05:00

As I was dusting off my camera today, I came up with a consolation to my lack of picture taking as of late.

I may not be taking pictures as actively as I once did, but that does not take away from the 37,000 pictures currently on my computer does it?!?

I have so many memories on my computer, and going back through them a little bit at a time, makes me smile. It also reminds me that even if my life consists solely of schoolwork now, there were better times that I can think of fondly. And then I can cry myself to sleep.

No, I'm just kidding.

Tomorrow is my first day at my new job, and it also happens to be Valentines day. Kevin surprised me tonight with a diamond "key" necklace that I had randomly mentioned I wanted a while back. He gave it to me tonight instead of waking me up in the morning and giving it to me before he left for work. I greatly appreciate that!

He's so sweet, and it was very nice of him to give me such a thoughtful (and dare I say romantic) gift. (I think he can tell I've been a bit stressed lately!!)

Some of the pictures I was going through today were some really really old pictures of us.

Like this one, which was taken in my moms backyard before formal in High School.

("Prom" for any Americans out there ;)

Look at that afro!!

This was taken about 3 hours later. At the pre-party (which was actually a 'pre-drink' with no actual 'drinking' taking place at the event) Kevin drank about 6 beers before being ushered right into the limo to take us to formal. This was in the fast lane of the highway in the middle of rush hour grid lock. Not surprisingly, having 8 people hanging out of the limo taking pictures of him gave him a bit of stage fright.

I can't remember how old this one is - maybe 5 years?

I've always liked this picture. Here we are on a camping trip with our friends Alex, Sanne and Carly about 6 years ago. We all look so young!

Here we are at a Leaf game! We look like such little babies....

And here we are at University 7 years ago. Again, loving the fro Kev!

After we got engaged 4 years ago, this was our cake. :)

Kev proposed the day after my birthday.

My ring :)

Me and my babe!! Love you Kev! Happy Valentines Day!!!

Born this way!! LOVE IT

2011-02-12T00:34:00.002-05:00

My beloved Gaga sure did not disappoint. I can't wait for her Grammy performance on Sunday!

I also cannot wait for her new album to come out.

I am such a loser.

It's all good!

2011-02-11T00:09:00.000-05:00

So once again, me ranting and raving about life on here last night caused today to be not so bad.

Sure it was super stressful, but it was much better than yesterday.

I have the sweetest husband ever.

He is an avid reader of my blog (I think it's the only time I actually have his full attention ;)

This morning he calls me and says that he can start doing my laundry for me if I want him too.

Remember yesterday how I made a list of my worries, and laundry was on there?? Mind you, it was the most insignificant one - but Kevin looked through my list and found the only thing he could actually help me with and he offered to do it for me.

I think I will politely decline his offer - my laundry has too many rules.

I'd also feel too bad if he did that, poor Kev already does so much around here! If I let him do my laundry next thing we know he's going to be wiping my ass for me as well. I sure do appreciate his willingness to help alleviate any stress that I might have.

So tomorrow is my last day at Armtec (or Durisol, as it is in our hearts). I have worked there for 4.5 years! I feel that everyone there is like a family to me and it really hasn't even hit me yet that I'm not going to be going there every day.

I will miss my lunch time family so much. Every day at 12:30 we go into the kitchen to eat our lunches, and we talk about everything under the sun. Urine is usually mentioned at least once.

I'm such a routine person that I really don't know how tomorrow is going to go for me. I think I will be a blubbering mess. They are having a pizza and ice cream cake party for me tomorrow. (The only kind of cake I like - from DQ to boot!) It's going to be a rough day.

What will make it better though, is that Lady Gaga's new single is coming out tomorrow!!

I am so excited!

I haven't anticipated the release of a song like this since Backstreet Boys 'I want it that way' was released.

I was babysitting, and I was listening to the radio on my walkman waiting for the song to come on.

Out of curiosity, I just looked it up - that was back in April 1999. OMFG. Does that ever make me feel old!

Anyway - I am super excited for the song. Super sad about leaving my job... I'm sure I will find a nice middle ground numbness that will take me through the day.

I think I'll forgo the mascara tomorrow.

My Life

2011-02-09T23:28:00.000-05:00

I am in the throws of yet another assignment.

I JUST submitted my last one a week ago.

This one is due Tuesday at noon. I haven't gotten very far (at all).

I must say, it is comforting to read the online message boards and realize that no one else has any clue what they're asking of us either. So now we're all just sitting back and hoping that the course administrator comes on and answers some of our questions.

I found out the hard way, from my first assignment, that those nice little part marks I received all through University for being so creative with my words - yeah, they don't cut it here. It's actually bullshit. If you do one calculation wrong, that whole section gets ZERO. No part marks for the explanation, nothing... if your final numbers don't match the answer key, you get zero.

I'm not sure, but I don't think this is standard. I think there may have been one marker that just did it, as others have complained about as well. Needless to say, we're all just waiting for clarification before we proceed, because if we aren't 100% sure how they want certain calcuations done, it's going to be one big, fat waste of time. What a mindf*#$!!

In better news - I think I may have found a way to free up some time in my week. I got a "Yoga for the Warrior" DVD as suggested by a friend. I figure if I can cut 1-2 gym workouts out of my week, I will save myself a lot of time. I can do it when I want, and there is no travel time involved. :)

The workout was good! Just like my favourite Saturday class. Whoever thinks that Yoga is just a big long stretching session is NOT doing the right classes.

You should SWEAT in Yoga.

You should HURT in Yoga.

Most importantly, you should feel like you have just had your batteries recharged after Yoga.

So far, I'm 2/3. We'll see how badly I hurt in the morning!

Tomorrow is my second last day at work. I am such a mixed bag of emotions this week, I just can't even think straight. Some of my favourites:

- Sad to be leaving all of my current work friends

- Excited to be embarking on a new challenge

- Scared silly about my assignment and final exam in less than a month

- Worried about "tying up all my loose ends" at work

- Wondering if I will ever again have time to do my laundry

- Scared to attempt a hardcore diet overhaul that I have decided I want to start on Monday

Does anyone know any healthy alternatives to sleeping?

I am open for anything, with the exception of Crystal Meth.

I'm Keeping up with the Kardashians...

2011-02-08T00:16:00.000-05:00

...even though I can barely keep up with life!!

(Clockwise from Top: Rob, Khloe, Kris, Bruce, Kim, Kourtney, Kendall, Kylie

Seriously, I do not know how I went so long without watching these fine folks. And no, I'm not even being sarcastic.

I don't get to watch nearly as much TV as I would like to. BUT, when I do find myself doing my schoolwork in the living room, this show is usually on in the background.

Unfortunately, I'm calling Kevin out here, as he was the one actually watching.

Rather, he was, until I got completely hooked as well. This is a big problem.

We hardly ever agree on TV shows. Kev prefers anything hockey/UFC related, whereas I will opt for anything on TLC. Because of this, we rarely sit in front of the TV together.

However, we now have a joint love, and it airs on E! approximately 4 hours per day!

"What do you want to watch?"

"Toddlers and Tiaras??"

"No"

"Kardashians??"

"Hells yes" (that was Kev by the way)

...and they stay on for the rest of the night.

I should not be watching any TV at all.

Seriously, it was much better when sports were on so that we could be in the same room and I would be completely tuning out the TV. Therefore I could focus on my schoolwork and hang out with my hubby all at the same time. Instead, I'm completely transfixed by these people.

But since I'm already talking about the Kardashians, I might as well tell you what I love about them!

Kourtney/Scott and Baby Mason: Love these guys! Scott was a major d-bag in previous seasons (E! has no shame with regards to reruns!) but he has really started to grow on me. I love Kourtney's monotone voice, she is just hilarious. And Baby Mason is just too adorable for words.

Kim: She is actually my least favourite. She is obviously gorgeous, but in my opinion she has the least likable personality. She is by far the most famous and rich Kardashian, and you can kind of tell it has gone to her head a little bit.

Khloe and Lamar: LOVE HER! Before I started watching the show, I only knew of Khloe from Perez, and he was not very kind to her. (Before he got all nice on us). I was so surprised when I started watching the show that she is the funniest and most likable on the show. At least in my opinion.

Kris/Bruce: Kris is one hot mama and Bruce looks like a crazy mad scientist who has just electrocuted himself. They are hilarious together and Bruce makes me laugh constantly. I have just a crush on this whole family, I need an intervention.

Rob/Kylie/Kendall: The "other" siblings... not well known, but still cute, and entertaining.

The thing I like the most about the show is that they really seem like genuinely good people. With the exception of Kim, I find them all to seem very down-to-earth.

I feel like the 16 year old me has just taken over my body. I can't believe I just did an itemized review of the Kardashian family.

Oh well, I knew I was going to crack eventually.

Dinner with all of the "others"!

2011-02-07T00:07:00.000-05:00

We were recently lucky enough to have ALL of us siblings and our significant others together for dinner...all at once! It had never happened before, but I hope that it happens again soon!

Behold, our lovely dinner, courtesy of my mom.

The lovely blurry look is a special feature brought to you by a foggy lens.

My mom's heavenly caesar salad with homemade croutons...yummmm!

Not a particularly good (or clear) shot of anyone...but my mom wanted to get at least one of us all at the table.

We took our little photoshoot downstairs where it was warm.

Sadie didn't think it was warm enough apparently.

I didn't take these pictures, I'm assuming either my mom or sister did - and they are so cute!

Such a pretty girl...

See if you can spot me hard at work in the background. ;) The studying never stops!

Well, ok...it occasionally does for a photo op.

Clockwise from top left:

Sarah (my sister), Brandon (her bf), me, Kevin, Andrew (my brother), Kat (his gf)

Yay, this one is kind of nice! I wish my ugly sloppy sweatpants weren't taking up 2/3s of this picture.

Perfect! Even if 4 out of 12 eyes are closed, there are 6 smiles, and that is good enough for me!

Sarah and I are very well trained. The others have begun to lose all interest.

The brown dogs want in the picture too!!

Now girls, kiss the boys on the cheek!!

If you resist me Kev, I will lick your face. Keep that in mind next time Kev.

Alright enough of that... the moment has passed.

Love you all!! xoxo

I love this bitch

2011-02-04T00:36:00.000-05:00

It is literally impossible to look at her and not melt.

Her nose has gotten so pink this winter.

She is the sweetest creature I know, and I am so honoured that she loves me as she does.

(I know this because her tail is blurry.)

Yah...not so much.

2011-02-02T17:54:00.000-05:00

There was snow, quite a bit of snow...but then it stopped.

I was able to dig my car out and I made it to work...and home... ALIVE!

I just love this:

Snowmageddon: come and get us!

2011-02-01T23:39:00.000-05:00

So we're supposed to get the biggest storm, like, ever, tonight.

I just feel like I should, like, interject the word like into one sentence as many times as like, humanly possible. I watched a clip of Justin Bieber on David Letterman and holy crap - 1/3 of the words out of that kids mouth was 'like'.

I mean, I love the good old Stratford kid at all - but please, lets work on this little problem so we can give a bit better of an impression of the Canadian school system! Geeze!

I'm not sure why it bothered me so much, but it did. It was too painful to watch, I had to turn it off!

So anyway, this big storm is heading our way and the girls can tell that something is up. The snow has just started, but the wind has been going strong for a couple of hours now. Our mailbox has been rattling like crazy (Note to Kev: fix that) and Bailey has been barking and growling at the racket all night.

Bailey got the prime real estate tonight - nestled right in between Mom and Dad. Burg got the shaft, and she knows it. No dog ever lasts very long lying on Dad's legs, he is not nearly as accommodating to comfy dogs as mom is.

Please don't move me Daddy, I'm so comfortable here...

Here is what Bailey thinks of Mom taking pictures with her phone - in bed of all places.

Is nothing sacred Mom?

Sorry Burg, request denied.

She is rudely thrown onto my side of the bed. Where Bailey and I welcome her with open arms.

In case you were wondering, we have a Queen size bed. Could probably make use of a King.

Cuddle in tight girls, it's going to be a long night!

New Years!!

2011-01-31T23:17:00.000-05:00

I finally submitted that devil of an assignment that I have spent 30+ hours of my life on over the past two weeks. Ugh.

Being that it is officially February tomorrow, what better thing to blog about than New Years Eve?!

Boys looking all spiffy for the black and white soiree...

One of the three spreads of food at Tamara's house.

So cute!!

What party is complete without a huge martini glass filled with gummi bears??

More food...

...and even more.

So delish.

Boys.

Boys eating chocolate covered fruit.

I have an obsession with taking pictures of food.

Ok, I will stop.

Instead, here is a shot of some tequila shots.

In order to escape the millions of calories that were calling our name, practically stalking us, Sarah and I sought refuge in the front room where the (absent) DJ had set up an amazing sound system.

We knew we were going to lose to the food. It was just too delicious.

Our strategy? Dance all freaking night.

Literally.

Just us, alone most of the time.

Missing the countdown? Who cares!

Disgustingly sweaty? Who cares!

So many blisters on your feet you can't even move? Who cares!

In fact, I handed off my camera to Kevin at one point, and thankfully he took some pictures, or there really would be none of this night.

Rather than the 'almost none' that I actually have.

I don't know your name.

If I touch you I will break out in hives all over.

You look like you want to kill me right now.

But I LOVE YOU!!

Paparazzi shot.

My camera always does super freaky things on New Years!

I had a different camera last year - but it was doing the same thing!

One of the only shots of me from this night. The ever classy bathroom mirror shot.

Backyard fun.

Taking a breather for a second.

Handsome men.

Not in focus, but I have to prove I actually was there.

Tequila shots - those are always an excellent idea.

Notice my sweaty hair starting already.

OK.

Rob and Cathrine.

Kev shoveling so fast his hand is a blur ;)

So cuteeeee

Don't know these people, but they were posing...

Rich and Tamara - our lovely hosts for the evening.

Shot boy - giving out shots.

Our alternate DJ :)

The DJ - finally in his place!

Sarah making us some more drinks.

My goodness look at those legs. They only have about 15 inches on mine, LOL.

Camera has officially been handed off to Kevin at this point. I figured he would just put it down somewhere.

But this is how boys have fun with a camera.

GREAT one Kev!

He totally got into it, I am so proud.

We are just a bit beyond glistening at this point.

I just had to post this picture to illustrate that I was not exaggerating.

Cutie Maria!

I'm a little bit scared

2011-01-30T22:41:00.000-05:00

...for my blog.

I haven't picked up my camera in over a week - so in a few weeks, I'm going to run out of pictures to blog about.

I wish it was easier to just "pick my camera back up" and solve this little dilemma - but my bigger problem here is that I am now a super boring loser.

This is weekend #2 that I have done absolutely nothing social at all. I'm not going to complain about that - because the reality is that this is how my life is going to be for the next five years if I want to get through the CGA program.

When I'm not working, or at the gym, I'm doing schoolwork, or watching the Kardashian's on E!

Now that I will be starting a new job in two weeks, I will have a whole new dimension of "learning" in my life. My life will be accounting, accounting, accounting.

My sister often tells me that I need to update my blog more. She tells me that I should update multiple times per day, like Perez. If I actually made money off of blogging - that might be an option.

Instead, I have suggested to Sarah (informally before, formally now) that she needs to become a permanent "guest blogger". To help a girl out.

Sarah is very funny, almost as funny as her big sister, and I know that she would come up with super fun things to write about. She is a marketing student afterall!

So what do you think Sarah?? Will you help your sister out??

Ok, so I lied a little bit.

2011-01-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

So when I apologized for being a horrible blogger because of my "assignment" I wasn't exactly truthful.

The assignment has been a huge pain in my ass, that was no exaggeration... but that wasn't the only thing on my mind.

My big news:

(No, I'm not pregnant)

I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!

It all happened so suddenly, it has completely consumed me for the past week.

I found an ad completely randomly on the local papers website of all places, and applied last Wednesday. I haven't applied to a job in 5 years and I wrote the cover letter and updated my resume that night.

I got an email from the HR Manager on Thursday asking me to have a quick phone interview on Friday. I called her on my lunch break, and that worked great. She then asked if I could come in for an in-person interview on Monday with her and the VP of Finance, who is also an owner.

I coincidentally had Monday already off - and so it worked out perfectly. I was there for an hour and a half and really hit it off with both of them.

On Tuesday, I got another email asking me to come in for a THIRD interview with the Controller, who would be my boss - and who is a CGA, on Thursday. (Makes me realize that *I* could actually be a controller one day!!)

I went to that interview, and there were a lot of more technical questions, but I did well I believe.

The HR Manager called my references on Friday....and today I got a call and they offered me the job!!

Woohoo!

The best part (besides the fact that I will be using what I'm learning and doing what I love) is that the job is a 4 minute drive from my house.

I meet with her tomorrow at 10 am to sign the papers and make it official... I give my two weeks notice on Monday - and will start my new job on February 14th!

YAYYYY!!!

Nightly battle of wills

2011-01-27T23:25:00.001-05:00

This is sort of an experiment. I took this video with my phone, and uploaded it here - from my phone.

Not bad!

I just really wanted to capture this nightly ritual between Kevin and Burgundy. I always say "I have to film that!" but we're all already in bed when it happens.

Burg is lying between us and her and Kev battle it out to determine who will be the victorious one with their hand on top. She is so tired in this video that it didn't go on for nearly as long as usual, and she doesn't have the same determination she usually does - but you can get the picture. :)

My excuse!

2011-01-26T23:40:00.000-05:00

Why have I been so preoccupied lately you might be wondering. (Probably not...)

Well, there is this assignment I have been working on that is going to be the end of me. It's not that it's particularly hard, or that I don't understand what I'm doing.

In fact, I actually somewhat enjoy myself when I am working on it. (Which reassures me that I'm doing the right thing - even if it's literally all I do now)

It has taken me over 12 hours so far and I still have a lot of tweaking to do.

On the top of the assignment, it says "Estimated time to complete: 7.5-9 hours". That made me freak out a little bit. So I went to the online blackboard site, and saw that there were so many people saying that it took them WAY longer than that. We're talking 20-30 hours.

I'm just jealous that they're done!

But we collectively have some very valid concerns! If they tell us that this is going to take 9 hours and it takes me 20...what does that say about my ability to complete your exam at the end of this whole thing?

The course administrator assured us that we're ok. I don't think they really put much thought into the "working time" estimate. Whew!

Regardless, I am really really looking forward to this assignment being done. It's the only "really big" assignment I have this session. And it's only worth 10%...

But when the final exam is worth 70%...and a passing grade is a 65%...I need every freaking point I can get.

Here are some more "Torch Photos" taken at my moms house...of the dogs begging of course :)

I got a new Blackberry cover in the mail today that I bought off of eBay.

I left my phone on the table where I usually do, and went into the office. I heard a *crunch crunch* and ran out of the room.

Bailey (who else) had my phone on her bed and was CHEWING on it!! I had literally put the protective case on it an hour earlier! Thankfully, it did it's job and there is no horrible damage to my phone.

I have placed a repeat order for a new case. Best $3.57 I've ever spent!

Can you tell that they had just been wrestling?? Any dog owners out there will know the tell-tale sign!!

Evening Frolic

2011-01-24T21:49:00.000-05:00

It has been so cold lately - and there has been so much snow.

You know who is thrilled with this? Bailey and Burgundy.

Not me.

Kevin - bless his OCD heart - works extremely hard to keep the lawn well shoveled.

Sometimes, when he shovels the snow, there is dog poop in it.

Sometimes, the girls dig through these snowbanks to find and eat the yummy poopsicles.

Just sayin'.

They are completely in their element when there is snow on the ground.

They would stay outside all day if we let them.

Even though they have thick fur coats, I still worry that it's just a little too cold out there.

Bailey's got the stick!

Whatcha gonna do about it Burg??

There's nothing she can do!!

Don't even think about it, this is my stick.

But Mom, I want a stick too!

This just isn't fair.

Burg tries her hardest to beat Bailey to the stick... but she falls short.

In true Burgundy form, she immediately turns around and runs towards us with so much excitement, that we can't help but praise her failure.

It was just her day, what can I say?

Throw it again Dad, throw it again!

Bailey taunting Burg.

She's such a little bugger.

Burg is the most enthusiastic loser ever.

What did you just call me??

In her element.

Oh look - Burg got a consolation stick.

Those trees are a constant source of sticks.

Go figure.

Throw it! Throw it! Throw it!!!

Bailey jams as many sticks in her mouth as physically possible.

Are you sick of pictures of Bailey with a stick in her mouth yet?

What about now?

Oh look - he's going to throw it again! Burgundy is very focused, I have a feeling this might be her time to shine.

I'm on it!!!!!

...and the stick is snowbanked. Who is going to get it????

It's a battle royale.

Who else?

Yayyyyy!!!! Mommy and Daddy!!!!! I didn't get the stick but I tried so hard!!!!!

Burgundy looks like she is getting a little tired of this trend.

Ok, NOW is my time.

That's right Burg, we believe you. ;)

Uh-oh - snowbanked again.

C'mon Burg!! Get it!!

Damn you Bailey!!!!! I wanted that!!!

She's not going down without a fight.

oooooooooooh SNAP!

But Bailey holds strong.

And that is our evening frolic. I really tried to make fetching a stick over and over again interesting.

I probably failed, but whatevs!

I'm Horrible

2011-01-24T00:10:00.000-05:00

I know I've been a horrible blogger...but my life has been so busy and hectic lately.

Please forgive me??

Tonight I did take time out to hang out with one of my BFFs Allison - which I haven't done in what seems like forever. Allison and I dragged Kevin out to see Black Swan.

What a messed up movie that was! I still have no idea what happened, nor do I even want to waste brainpower trying to figure it out.

If someone can give me the run down really quickly - that would be great.

Kevin and I are off tomorrow on a much needed vacation day. The holidays are just too far away now, and it is just so deathly cold outside I feel somewhat trapped indoors at the moment.

I actually felt my eyeballs almost freeze today. I will not miss this cold.

Note to cold: go away.

Anyway, time for sleep.

Brody's 2nd Birthday

2011-01-21T23:25:00.000-05:00

After the 'grown up' party for Laura on the Saturday night, Brody had his 2nd birthday party on the Sunday morning.

When we arrived, the birthday boy was still sleeping. That is perfectly acceptable if you are two.

Keira arrives, ready to par-tay.

So much yummy food!

You don't even want to know how much of this cheese I ate.

And it was delicious.

Oh look! The birthday boy is making an entrance!

I guess it is a tad overwhelming to wake up from your nap and find 25 people hanging out in your house. It doesn't help that they are all staring at you.

Raphael was unimpressed.

As soon as he got started on the presents, he didn't seem to mind the audience so much.

Yayyy! My Janey is back from Korea. She is the only fellow photog I have ;)

Brett and Jen got Brody a cool car. The only problem being that it needed to be assembled.

Take two extremely hungover party guests and a pink tool box, and well... they just weren't moving fast enough for Brody's liking.

While Courtney and Brett scratched their heads, Brody moved on to some more gifts.

mmmmmmm...is that chocolate I see in your hands little man??

What chocolate?

Enjoying his Toy Story telephone from Kev and I.

Raphael decided it was time to show these two how it's done.

Alright, good job guys! It's starting to look like a car!

So much love for such a little guy!

...and finally...the moment arrived!

This car gets a big fat 'Brody Stamp of Approval'!!

It was worth the wait!

This is going to be fun

2011-01-19T23:47:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Kevin and I will be commuting into Hamilton together.

He has a course to attend downtown, and I work there.

Usually, Kevin is up and out of the house two hours before I even wake up. So to him, tomorrow will feel like a sleep in. For me however, it is the exact opposite of a sleep in, as we have to leave earlier than I am accustomed to.

Because parking costs so much downtown, and I have free parking at my work which is 1.5 km from where his course is, we have concocted this plan:

At 8:15 we will leave our house, in separate cars.

Kevin will go to Tim Hortons to get a coffee, and I will drive to the gym to park my car.

Kevin will meet me at the gym, and we will drive into Hamilton together. We might sing some fun songs in the car, but probably Kevin will be annoyed with me by this point and won't cooperate.

We don't mesh well in the morning before the coffee has been consumed.

Once in Hamilton, we will drive into the heart of the city (yay!) where he will hop out of the car and I will turn around and head to my office.

When he is done his course, he will walk to my office to hang out until 5pm. This reminds me I need to bring the laptop in case he has some time to kill.

At 5, we will leave my office and Kevin will drop me off at the gym on his way back home. My car will already be waiting for me, and I'll actually have a good parking spot. Score!

I will then proceed to do Body Pump followed by RPM (spin), shower, and be home by 8:15!

The only thing I haven't thought about is what I'm going to eat between my classes.

If you can't tell, we both like to have things planned out perfectly. If either of us weren't like this, we'd absolutely drive the other one mad.

Anyway, I need to go to sleep, I've got a big day ahead of me...haha

Night!! xo

Birthdays, Shots & Kitty

2011-01-18T23:37:00.000-05:00

So our good friend Laura celebrates her birthday mere days apart from her son Brody.

This is back in December of course, you know how I roll.

Anyway, we went to Laura and Ian's place on the Saturday night to celebrate Laura's birthday - and then we returned on Sunday morning to celebrate Brody's 2nd birthday!

Here is their kitten, Raphael. I sure hope that is the right name. I'm willing to risk it since he's a cat and he won't be reading this.

I am still so saddened that I am allergic to cats. CU was the only cat that I was not allergic to, as we got her when I was 7.

Somewhere in there I developed a horrible allergy. If I hold a cat, I have to wash my hands and arms right after or I get hives on my skin.

I think that means it's a pretty bad allergy. I don't have to touch my eyes or anything like that.

Cat-to-arm contact can do me in. Insert a billion crying faces right here.

However, I am not allergic to taking pictures of cats, no sir.

Courtney reenacting The Lion King, as per my request.

This looks like a fun game if you ask me. Nicole came up with it. The main idea was to get the birthday girl drunk I believe.

Nicole handed out questions about Laura. We went around the room answering the questions.

If you got it right, Laura had to take a shot.

If you got it wrong, you had to take a shot.

Needless to say, the birthday girl had to take quite a few shots.

...you won't be smiling for long Laura!

That's a lot of shots gone.

I will say that there were quite a few also taken by non-birthday girls.

Oh look, Melissa has been drinking and therefore forgets that she is allergic to cats.

More like doesn't really care.

I'm pretty sure I washed my arms about 5 times in the span of an hour.

But it was well worth it...I need to get my kitty love from somewhere!

Sunday, Lazy Sunday!

2011-01-17T23:33:00.000-05:00

At least until 9:30am. There are no more true lazy Sundays in my world anymore.

However, it's all about quality, not quantity, when it comes to special moments that rejuvenate your soul.

Take for instance my good morning cuddle with my pups.

Every morning, weekdays included, starts out this way. It's pretty much impossible not to smile.

Bailey is just pretending that I am forcing her to be there. She's going through a stage where she is just too cool for school. Can't be photographed cuddling with mommy.

But she loves me. And I love her. And Burg is just super pissed that she doesn't have the prime mommy real estate. They do alternate, so Burg gets her morning cuddles as well.

What can I say, Bailey was just the lucky one this morning.

However, I am the lucky one every single morning and these two girls make it a pleasure to hop out of bed to serve them.

Orillia: Night Time

2011-01-16T22:38:00.000-05:00

Mid-way through January is the perfect time to post the last of the pictures from our family Christmas in Orillia.

These are the night time pictures.

During this particular night time, we all went down to the lake to curl, skate, and just have fun.

Here is Kara, with her boyfriend Jake.

Kara is attending her first year at Queen's. Our Papa went to Queen's and has encouraged each and every one of his grandchildren to follow suit. Kara knew if she went there, she would quickly nab the spot as favourite grandchild.

(I kid, I kid...)

Uncle Chris being brutally attacked by Blaire.

2/3 of the Gunnarson girls!

The other uncle Chris - looking a bit like a madman.

My beautiful sister Sarah.

...and her beautiful doggy Sadie!

More cousins! Jennie and Tori.

The girls outnumber the boys in our family 2:1.

Oh right, we went down to the lake after the hockey game was over.

Scott received yarn and crochet needles in the gift exchange.

Since she knew he would not be using them, my aunt Arlene crocheted this lovely scarf for him in about 3 hours.

Myself, Mike and Emily.

Blaire and Tia (with step-dad Mike in the background)

Tia is so cute. She flops into this position at the first hint that someone will rub her belly.

Aunt Lisa and Blaire.

Alright, now it is time to go down to the lake.

Mike and Diana are showing some serious Canadian pride here!

I smell trouble!

Jonah ready to go!

Kevin and Bailey.

Bailey is working her magic so that he'll let her come and join in the fun at the lake.

Time for some curling!

Oh look, Bailey was successful at sucking up to her daddy. Here she is going after the "rocks".

Tia chewing on an old deflated soccer ball. Super fun.

Kara!

Trying to keep warm on the lake in the frigid temperatures.

I absolutely adore my step-dad's hat, don't you??

Uncle Chris and Tori.

Uh-oh, we have a casualty on the lake :(

Kara and Blaire :)

Jake and Kara.

My attempt at getting a shot of the pretty colours of the moon without a tripod.

Back up at the house, Burg is holding down her bed.

My camera is a little foggy from here on out, due to the extreme cold outside.

Mike and Diana.

...and Burgy in the morning. Looks like someone partied a little too hard!!

My Current Fav Song

2011-01-14T23:56:00.000-05:00

I go through song obsessions. I hear a song, I love the song, I play the song over and over until I hate the song. There are very few songs that can pass this test, so when I find one - I'm going to share it!!

This one is going on a month or so now, and I still L-O-V-E it!!

Staying Alive: Christmas Bowling

2011-01-14T00:11:00.000-05:00

I love Christmas, and I am so sad to see it go. :(

The other day, Kevin unplugged the Christmas lights and I got all pissed off and said it was way too soon and Christmas isn't really over yet.

The next day I heard people on the radio complaining about people who still have their Christmas lights up.

WTF!? It's called keeping the spirit alive. Whatevs.

So to keep my blog in the Christmas spirit, I'm going to share with you some pictures of a Christmas bowling excursion. You will notice that everyone is dressed like Christmas.

(This wasn't just a coincidence)

~~Jon~~ Santa and ~~Brandon~~ a scared little elf.

Taryn and Josh.

In preparation for this event, I went to the one person I knew would have a ton of ugly Christmas sweaters; my Aunt Debbie.

Debbie is a Pre-K teacher, so it is practically in her job description that she must dress in themes.

Luckily for Kev, she happened to have a very big Christmas sweater.

Taylor and Cathrine...with a creepy Santa in the background.

Jolly old St. Nick

...apparently I did something to anger this elf!

This new-age Santa is sporting some major bling!

Brandon and I chatting.

This is the last you'll see of my 'Christmas wear' as I got way too hot wearing it.

So much spirit - I love it!

Liam and Maria.

Rich and Tamara

Cute girlies...and Darryl

I think it's almost time to go bowling,

Lisa and Kevin

Sarah, Kevin and myself...

Hey wait a minute, you didn't go to Blakelock!

It's crawl on the counter time!!!

It's never not appropriate.

I love this one...so much happiness!!

Ok, time to get off the counter.

Sarah and myself.

Lisa and Darryl Brown.

They aren't married, they just have the same last name.

Pretty convenient if you ask me!!

OK - things are really starting to get rowdy.

Definitely time to go bowling.

Wait, didn't I say that already??

OK - just a few more pictures first.

Kev, Liam and Maria.

Brandon and Taryn.

Rob, Geoff and Alison

Yayy!! We finally made it to the bowling alley!!!

I'm not sure what kind of shape everyone was in to be bowling, but we did in fact make it there.

Laura as Santa.

Naughty Santa!

The Christmas cow.

What Christmas party would be complete without a Christmas cow??

Love this.

Maria's super awesome Christmas outfit looks even more super awesome under the black light!

Taryn and a very serious Brandon.

Liam trying his hardest to be a good bowler.

Maria and Liam, photobombed by Taylor.

Like a Christmas fairy bowling.

Or at least I believe that was the description I gave this picture at the time.

Too cute.

...and now it's my turn to bowl ever-so-gracefully and lady-like!

Sarah and I

Taylor and Cath

A Laura sandwich!!

Laura and Kev.

Who, by the way, I cannot believe was still actually wearing such a heavy sweater at this point!

Yeah, don't sit in that chair. There's beer in it.

Sarah and I made the same mistake as well.

Note: Tyler's earrings. Aren't they awesome?

These two wannabe bowlers, who I don't think actually bowled one little bit....

The cow blends in with the table.

C-U-T-E!

Boys being silly.

And this took me a whole lot longer than I thought it would! I hope you enjoyed bringing the Christmas spirit back alive with me!!! :D

Elastic ball

2011-01-12T22:57:00.001-05:00

I am so tired tonight, this is going to be very brief.

On the plus side, I am so faithful to my blog that even when I am so tired I can barely keep my eyes open and tried to take a quick nap while walking to the bathroom earlier, I am still posting.

Here is my elastic ball at work. Crazy huh??

I've been working on this baby for 4.5 years now. It's sad really.

Picture taken with my best friend, my Blackberry Torch.

Night!

(oh, and PS - Buddy's family went and got him this morning!!)

Strange Days

2011-01-11T23:49:00.001-05:00

Tonight turned out to be quite eventful for an evening set aside for schoolwork, schoolwork and more schoolworkl!

It started off with a good laugh. At Kevin's expense.

Sorry sweetie!

Kevin arrived home after me today, which was really strange.

Why was he late? Well, when he got caught up in his daily foot race with a fellow commuter lady from the train to the doorway, he managed to throw himself into the stairs while attempting the ever-safe 4-steps-at-a-time maneuver.

Being the first one off the train, meant that everyone had to step over his crumpled up body at the base of the stairs while he had a chance to recover.

Even though his pants did not rip (thank you MWW!), his knee is pretty badly scraped up and the bruising is showing up rather quickly.

I'm a horrible person because I can't picture the scene without laughing so hard I'm practically crying!

Does that make me a bad wife?? I don't really care!

So even though he was crippled, he took the dogs out for a walk and left me to my assignment.

He got back much earlier than usual, and told me to come outside, he brought a dog back. He was a couple of streets over, when a dog came barreling towards him all Sadie-like. He grabbed the dog, hooked our guys together on one leash and was just standing in the middle of the sidewalk with this 90lb+ lab.

A nice lady was just leaving her house and offered to help, so they loaded the dog in the lady's car and she followed Kevin home as he hobbled along to the best of his knee's ability. Once the dog was safely in the backyard, was where I stepped in to figure out what to do with the dog (after taking pictures of it first).

A complete side note: I just got the Blackberry Torch yesterday and I absolutely LOVE it. I didn't get it for picture purposes, but the camera is AWESOME! It's a 5MP camera with a flash and auto-focus and face recognition...the list goes on and on! I am very very impressed. This means I will always have a pocket cam with me, and with a few clicks I can upload the pictures right here and talk about them the same day.

It's a very revolutionary concept here at Silber & Gold.

Anyway, backed to the unnamed, wild beast in our backyard.

These pictures, as I mentioned, were taken with the BB Torch - in the pitch black outside...not bad!

Kevin did not want to let this dog in our house, and while I felt bad that he was probably really cold, I knew Kev's OCD tendencies would overrule on this one so I didn't argue.

Here is 'Buddy' - enjoying a Milkbone.

He didn't really want the kibble we put down for him. He would take one kibble, walk away from the bowl, and then chew it up. He did this about 5 times.

Clearly, he was not starving.

Despite the collar, there were no tags on this fella.

We did let Bailey and Burgundy out to play with him. I'm sure you can imagine that they were going nuts to see that not only was their Daddy outside without them, but he was playing with a strange dog!

Bailey and 'Buddy' ran around and around and had a great time together. He got a little frisky after a while and was quickly overpowering her. I think his nervousness was overriding any fun he was having.

Kinda like: 'I know you're a pretty blond girl and all, but I don't know where the hell I am. Can I get a raincheque on this playdate???'

I had a really hard time getting him to sit still, even with Kev's help.

So anyway, I ended up calling animal control. Don't worry, it's not like in the movies where it's a rusty old van with an old guy and a net in it. It was a nice new clean City of Burlington van and a lady who promised that they would NOT kill Buddy, no matter what happens!!

I will call and check on how he's doing tomorrow, if he hasn't already been claimed.

He's a lucky guy, right after he was picked up a massive snow storm started and has been going strong ever since! I sure hope his family knows that he is safe and sound and don't think he is out in this crazy weather right now.

The girls just did not like this arrangement at all. Well more Bailey, Burg didn't really mind being opposite a sheet of glass when it came to this guy.

She is the queen of garnering unwanted advances from males.

Where are you going with my Daddy fool??

Buddy gets one more milk bone for the road, before the big bad animal control lady takes him away!

;)

Orillia: Time for Presents!!

2011-01-10T23:59:00.000-05:00

Because I miss it, we're going to go back to the Christmas holidays.

Back to Boxing Day, in Orillia.

Oh look, we're just in time to open gifts!

Here is me and my favourite person in the whole wide world: my Papa!

He really is the best.

Here is my step-dad Mike.

I just love this picture so much because it totally looks like Kev is about to knock Papa out!

I can assure you that this was not the case.

I cannot explain that look...or that fist, but there was no negativity, I promise!

Bailey getting some love from Emily!

Even though Bailey was about a month post-skunk, everyone commented on how much she smelled like skunk.

Maybe she is destroying our stuff because she feels like a leper?? (Today's victim: my glasses)

In case you're wondering, my cousin Jonah was manning my camera, hence why I am actually in some pictures.

Here is an extreme close-up of Uncle Rick, with a cute photo-bomb by cousin Blaire.

Blaire JUST had knee surgery this morning - so everyone think positive thoughts that she is up and running (playing soccer) very soon!!!

My two crazy uncle Chris's.

Kevin and I watching Papa receive his 36th sweater.

I made a 'yearbook' for my grandparents, aunts and uncles.

I have a feeling that I will have to uphold this tradition, they were a hit!

Papa enjoying his yearbook...

Our gift from Nana and Papa this year: a scale!

If it wasn't us, this might be considered a slightly offensive gift, but it is perfect.

We love it.

Did you know that I can pee 1.4 pounds in one go? I bet you did not.

Thanks to Nana and Papa, I can accurately measure these sorts of things.

You just can't fake this kind of joy.

Uncle Chris still enjoying the yearbook...

OK after "presents presents" there is an interlude of sorts where the girls go to the mall and the boys go to the lake to play hockey.

Every single year on Boxing Day the girls go to the mall.

Every single year the adults say "why would you want to go shopping today??".

This year was the first year that I did not partake in the Boxing Day shopping trip with my cousins and sister. For the first time ever I actually thought "you couldn't pay me to go into a mall today".

After the girls get back from the mall, the appetizers come out. Because all culinary energy is being spent on creating a monster feast, we are all pretty much starving by mid afternoon.

This is the feeding frenzy caused by some seven-layer dip, nachos and some other goodies that did not last very long.

I made them stop for just a moment.

THEN it is time for the real fun! The gift exchange where you steal and make enemies amongst your family.

Debbie and Chris. They totally remind me of how my brother and I will be forever. No matter how old they get, Chris is always picking on her and she always gives him that reaction he is looking for.

This looks all fun and innocent, but I'm pretty sure there was some arm twisting going on right before this picture was taken.

Jonah, Emily and Jennie

Lots of laughs.

Brothers: Mike and Jonah

I am extremely happy that Jonah seems to have gotten over his fear of my camera!

Mike, the mechanic, always needing more screwdrivers of course.

Jennie and Kara

Sarah and Sadie Lou (who is tied up to prevent her from ambushing the food table)

Just what every twelve year old wants for Christmas.

He traded my mom for chocolates after the game.

And then I drank them. Thanks Jonah/Mom!

Lovely. <3

Even though this is not the most flattering picture of anyone, I just had to include it.

Uncle Chris did not want anyone to steal the glasses he had opened up, so he took one out of the box and licked it all over.

It caused quite the chuckle.

The glasses were stolen regardless.

Even tied up on a 2.5' lead, right beside my sister, Sadie managed to destroy a coaster.

Pretty Darwin.

...and last but not least, Burgundy.

This is the first and probably only picture of a dog you will ever see on my Nana's furniture.

She is definitely a 'no dogs on the furniture' type person, and though she is very very tolerant of the six large dogs that invade the house on a regular basis - this rule is never broken.

That is, until this year, when an overwhelmed Burgundy hopped up right between my Nana and I to try to get away from the commotion. Everyone immediately yelled at me "get her off!" but Nana looked back and said "she can stay...just for a bit..."

And with that, history was made. Probably never to be repeated.

But it proves what a special (neurotic) girl I've got. <3

Pet Spa Cabin

2011-01-09T09:35:00.001-05:00

So my friend Sarah BBMed me this morning to tell me to check out today's WagJag.

It's basically a dog grooming session - regular price $25 - for $10. Sounds great!

Go to this website: Once Upon a Tail and watch the videos! I have never seen anything like it before...

You stick your dog in this "Pet Spa Cabin" - and apparently not only do they not freak out, but they enjoy being bathed and come out fluffy clean!

I would totally be willing to put Bailey in the machine, not even really caring if she enjoyed it or not. The little brat ate my Timberland boots last night while we were out! I was fine with her targeting Kevin's shoes - but I don't have 104 replacements!!

I think that despite their claims - Burg would freak the f*ck out!!!!!

What do you think??

The Apocalypse is coming!!

2011-01-07T21:45:00.000-05:00

1st clue: Dead birds are falling from the sky all over the world

2nd clue: Dead fish are washing up on shore all over the world

3rd clue: Kevin is downsizing his shoe collection!

Want in on the action?? First batch is up for sale NOW!

I wanna buy Silby's shoes!!!