SED Sus

resolutions

2012-01-22T20:23:00.000-05:00

It has taken me a while but I am ready to write down some resolutions for 2012.

In no particular order:

1. Be tidy - for the sake of future marriage and the sanity of my future husband I will strive to be tidy. This is a significant challenge.

2. Look forward not back - I am a dweller. I harp on things I cannot change. This year I hope to accept the past and embrace the future. Deal with the now and what is to come.

3. Find a new hobby - I am on the look out for a new hobby. Something to try and something to learn. Not sure what it is yet, but hopefully soon I will know.

4. Drink more water - helps with all bodily functions. I will drink more water and less pop.

They seem small, but for me, they are big. I'll add if I think of anything else.

M&S

2012-01-18T20:18:00.000-05:00

I just came back from England and while there I was reminded of how great Marks & Spencer is. There is nothing that quite says England like M&S. They have everything. They have the best food! I would never have to cook again if there was a M&S near my house. They have ready to meals for anything you can think of. And the desserts...Amazing. Then again, it's probably better that we don't have one. I'd be fat and broke I think.

thought of the day

2012-01-18T19:03:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you just need to pick a path and go down it. One way or the other, it will move you forward. And at the end of the day, it has to be the right choice, because you made it.

kitchen savy

2011-11-20T21:29:00.000-05:00

Now these kitchen supplies are elegant and useful.

Two tier dish rack by Simple Human

Beautiful cutlery set by Maarten Baptist

germs

2011-11-16T18:47:00.000-05:00

I find as I grow older I have become a more and more disgruntled traveler. What used to be an exciting and fun experience, is now a long, tiring and inconvenient process. As soon as I step foot in the airport I am acutely aware of the many people sneezing, sniffling, coughing and being gross around me. The plane is so much worse. I have become one of those people who wants to wear a mask on the plane. I haven't gone that far...yet, but I have thought about it. I just got back from Mexico and the guy sitting in front of me on the way back had a disgusting cough. Each time he hacked away I wanted to run away screaming; instead I was trapped at 35,000 feet breathing in recycled air. Every sneeze around me, cough near by and sniffle I just wanted to jump off the plane.

My next adventure will be within driving distance, where the only person to gross me out is me.

thought of the day

2011-10-27T13:24:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I wish that...

saucy spaghetti squash

2011-10-26T22:17:00.000-04:00

Tonight, for the first time, I made spaghetti squash. What a cool vegetable! In my effort to eat healthy and not want to bore my taste buds into nonexistence, I have been trying out some new foods. It looks like any other squash as you cook it, but when done, it pulls apart just like spaghetti stands. I made a tomato, white kidney bean and sweet pea sauce to go with it. For the tomato sauce I use Victoria's All Natural Marinara Sauce from Costco. It doesn't have any extra sugar or additives like many others and it tastes amazing! A few chillies and some hot sauce to finish it off and wow! It was great! Even my meat loving, I won't like anything vegetarian finance loved it. Success!

rita's power protein crepes

2011-10-21T21:35:00.001-04:00

Due to my upcoming Mexican adventure, I have been watching what i eat - bathing suit and all. A friend of mine is a fitness model and she looks far better in a bikini than I ever will so I take what she says as gospel. She passed along her breakfast routine and turns out it's really tasty, super healthy and fast!

Here's what you need to do:

1 cup of egg whites
1 egg
1/4 cup of oats
1 banana
1 tsp almond butter

Combine eggs whites, egg and oats together and blend. I use a hand blender. This is your batter. Pour a small amount into a frying pan (spray first with Pam), make sure that you spread it around a lot and make a thin crepe. Repeat 3 times.

Mush up the banana and add the almond butter together. Add this filling into the crepe and roll them up.

Enjoy!!

paradise

2011-10-20T21:39:00.000-04:00

In a couple weeks time I will be sitting on beach soaking up the shade (sun is bad for my skin) in beautiful Mexico. We are going to Hualtulco - I had never heard of it either - but it is beautiful! My finace's sister is getting married at a beautiful 5 star resort and we get to go celebrate! Cannot wait! Not only for Jinny to get married, but to have a whole week away from home, away from work and most importantly away from my iPhone.

bcbg addict

2011-10-18T20:52:00.001-04:00

I have a mild, ok severe addiction to BCBG. When I'm shopping I always end up picking up anything BCBG in the store. I love the design and I love the colours. Here are a few of my favourites from this season.

These are in my shopping cart right now. :)

ted rossi

2011-10-16T21:13:00.000-04:00

While reading one of my favourite mags this month FASHION I cam across these amazing bangles from Ted Rossi. So I google the brand and am amazed at the line. There are so many beautiful accessories - I want everything. The actual bangles in the magazine were all variations of black and white poke-a-dots, but below I posted some of the other ones I found that I also love. I am now an avid Ted Rossi follower joining celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Megan Fox and Hilary Duff.

Beautiful!

out with unions

2011-09-07T20:42:00.003-04:00

London is on the verge of its second union strike tonight. The first and on-going is at Fanshawe College and the up-coming is at the University of Western Ontario. Right or wrong union strikes very often make me side with the organization. I truly disagree with strikes. In history unions had their purpose; I'm not sure they serve the greater good any more. No matter what the issues at Fanshawe is it really making a difference to the administration that is not bending to the union antics? Or is the strike affecting the new and returning students trying to adjust to a new school year? As I drive down Cheapside each morning to work and pass the entrance to Fanshawe, I pass the picketers holding up the cars trying to get into the college. I find myself angered, annoyed and really not caring about the issues and wanting to yell out my window to go back to work.

According to the local news the issues are job security, wages among others. Guess what? No one has job security. No one has guaranteed wages or the increase they think they deserve. Do you think my private industry company would think twice about letting me go if I wasn't doing my job or performing well? In this economy there are thousands on thousands of people who would kill for a job never mind fighting for more. And from what I understand, Fanshawe treats their employees well. Granted, I don't know what that compensation package is, and I'm sure there are issues that deserve to be discussed and worked out; but, I truly do not agree with banding together under the protection of a union to bully the organization into giving. Give the jobs to people who will appreciate the work.

Back to work people. Back to work.

Pinterest addiction

2011-08-25T22:17:00.000-04:00

I'm addicted to this website called Pinterest. It's basically a forum to post all the wonderful things that I like on the internet in one place so I can go back to them later. I just love it! I can catagorize all the things I "Pin" and share them with others on the board. It's so great! Especially because I'm always looking for ideas for our wedding right now, it's a great place to put all my ideas to go back to as I plan.

Check it out! Pinterest

genius!

2011-07-03T21:22:00.000-04:00

While running errands with my mum a few weeks back we stopped at A&W for a snack - necessary shopping fuel. While there I discovered something genius! The A&W ketchup packages are double sized! Such a genius idea! One is never enough, people then take far more than they need because of how little actually comes out. But not here, 1 maybe 2 is enough. Simple and brilliant. Way to go A&W! I am a fan.

summer 2011

2011-07-01T21:53:00.000-04:00

Due to the bathroom reno during spring and because we stayed with my mum while it was happening I was a month behind in my gardening. Shamefully I only today got to my pots done and planted some of the veg I should have planted in May. I had to go with veggies that will grow quickly and don't have a long gestation period due to the timing. Fingers crossed we get something out of it this year.

Here is what I have been up to the past two weekends:

Still lots to do, but it's a start.

bathroom reno

2011-06-30T22:41:00.000-04:00

The previous owner of our house fancied himself handy and redid the bathroom. However, the genius put standard drywall in the shower which quickly started to grow mold. Gross. So, Dennis and I decided that it had to go and we committed to reno the bathroom. Now when I say we, I generally mean Dennis doing the hard labour and me giving the disapproving looks and moaning about how long its taking.

Here is what the bathroom started like:

The highlights you will quickly notice are the lovely linoleum flooring, the 70s style storage unit/mirror and the wainscoting.

Because of the mold Dennis literally took the entire bathroom apart.

At this stage I was having a massive panic attack, but I kept my cool on the outside.

For the new bathroom we decided on glass tile for the tub area - which we found out later is one of the most difficult to install - gray tiles for the floor, a new tub, a new toilet, new paint colour on the walls and a new mirror.

4 weeks, much complaining, many drives to and from Byron (we stayed with Sandy B while this was all being done), 100 trips to Home Depot, many charges to the Home Depot credit card later the bathroom was complete.

Now that's better. But next time I think we will just pay the experts.

decisions, decisions, decisions

2011-06-20T21:03:00.000-04:00

I think I need a decision maker in my life. I need someone to tell me what to do so that I don't have to make the hard decisions my self. Don't get me wrong, I'm really good at telling other people what to do and what they should do, but when it comes to me - no idea. What gives? You would think that because I know myself best that those decisions would be the easy ones. But no! Not for me! I'm terrified of making one that I won't like, or that will disrupt me or challenge me a little too much. I want change, but I don't; I crave adventure, but I'm scared; I'm desperate to be brilliant, but I'm not. Why am I such a living contradiction. Just pick something. Anything!

Any volunteers for this thankless job? It is sure to bring verbal abuse, nasty moods and no you will definitely receive no thanks. Takers?

Anyone?

some people

2011-06-14T19:27:00.000-04:00

Some people you just can't reason with. The last few weeks have taught me this valuable lesson. Despite how logical, rational, educated or experienced or not, some people will just never really listen with an open mind. They are too stubborn, jaded, proud, self-important - call it what you want.

What have I learned from this experience? To never knowingly be that way myself. To always at least try to listen; to admit when I am wrong regardless of how I might feel about it; never assume I know everything; and never treat people with less respect than I would treat my mother. Because if you do any of these things, you are the only one who ends up looking stupid. I really wish I could write this to the person that taught me these valuable lessons. I feel like I should thank her despite her being a moron. Oh sorry! I'll rephrase, it is my opinion today that she is a moron; but, I am open to her proving me wrong.

In the pursuit of self-awareness...

shamless royal watcher

2011-04-24T20:03:00.000-04:00

We are just days away from the next royal wedding and I have to say - I can't wait! I just love all things royal. It's all the traditions, formality, history, scandal, jewels, clothes and mystery. I will be one of those people who wake up at an ungodly hour to watch the ceremony, until I have to go to work of course. But there is another thing to love about the British Monarchy on days like this, they declared Wedding Day a national holiday in England. Everyone gets a paid day off in celebration of the happy couple. As part of the commonwealth shouldn't that extend to us?? I think so! I can't wait to see the dress that Kate will wear down the aisel; having seen her fashion choices over the years I am sure we will not be disappointed.

good advice

2011-04-17T22:33:00.003-04:00

Scream 4

2011-04-17T22:32:00.000-04:00

Many years ago my friend Patricia and I became life long, die hard fans of the Scream movies. Just the right amount of scary, funny, cheesy and trendy. Apart from them killing off my favourite character (Randy) early in the franchise I have been a loyal follower. On Friday, also opening night, Patricia and I continued the tradition and we were not disappointed! Lots more of cheesy one liners to quote at nauseum, lots of celebrity cameos and a lot of suspenseful moments. I'll never get sick of the "what's your favourite scary movie?"and the rules of scary movies. I give this one a solid two thumbs up for posterity.

miracle mascara

2011-04-11T21:46:00.000-04:00

I have found the greatest mascara on the market. I'm convinced. Lancome Hypnose is amazing! It's super black, you can put it on in layers therefore magnifying thickness and there is no clumping. It's truly amazing. I haven't tried any more of the Lancome mascaras but I assume they are equally good. I will be trying them all in the near future, one by one. Reviews coming soon. Seriously every girl needs to try this mascara!

eyelash update

2011-04-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

So, I have been using Latisse for almost two months and I have to say it works! I have much longer lashes than I had before! I consider this a partial success. I had hoped for my lashes to darken up as I heard was possible, but no such luck. There is still hope and I will continue to use; my fingers are crossed for more results!

the best part of super bowl

2011-03-21T22:13:00.000-04:00

I realize that Super Bowl was some time ago however the only thing that impacted me from that event (not a foot ball fan) is this commercial. Love it! It makes me smile every time. I don't usually remember what this kid is selling, but I sure do like the rest of the ad....

PS Buy a Volkswagen...that's the message I guess.

causulties of winter

2011-03-20T18:12:00.000-04:00

The snow has been steadily melting with the warm weather the past week or so and left its wake is disaster. Today I did a walk around my house to assess the damage and I am not encouraged by the work ahead. And not only the work but the repairing. Just look at the Burning Bush I planted two summers ago! I'm not even sure this will come back. At the moment it looks like something sat in the middle of it spreading and breaking its branches.

And my little tree beside the front porch is also in sad shape. The branches have been stretched to the point of breaking by the weight of the snow.

But amongst all the carnage are signs of hope. Little buds popping through the still frozen earth, little bells like this picture - the first signs of spring. I just hope that with time all the causulties of this long and harsh winter that a swift recover can be made.

tick tock

2011-03-18T22:34:00.001-04:00

Even I may be on time if I had this watch...Love!

i want, i want hint hint hint

2011-03-03T21:16:00.001-05:00

I've never been that into technology, but the new iPad has made me want to become an expert! What a cool, practical, innovative device! Most toys like this I see just as that - toys. But the iPad is actually something I think I would use for work and play and I would really love to try one out.

Watch the video on the Apple website, it will make a fan out of you too: Apple iPad

best dressed

2011-02-28T19:25:00.000-05:00

My favourite dress of the night was hands down Michelle Williams. Simple, beautiful, timeless and elegant. Chanel.

oscars 2011

2011-02-28T18:57:00.001-05:00

Not so impressed. James Franco looked asleep and stoned and Anne was like a giddy school girl. What the heck? I get engaging a younger demographic, but at least find two people who have some chemistry together. Who knew Anne was a woo girl? whoo hooo! after every introduction. Seriously. There was however some great fashion.

Have to have Gwen, gorgeous as usual

Kate unusual but beautiful

Cute and age appropriate, Love!

Halle always stunning

Bad Bad Bad where is your stylist?

tgif

2011-02-25T23:28:00.002-05:00

Friday, ahhh

smiles all around

smile of the day

2011-02-24T20:33:00.000-05:00

If this doesn't put a smile on your face i don't know what will.

the signs of spring

2011-02-23T20:31:00.000-05:00

While on my way to work today- grudgingly - I decided today was a coffee morning. I've been trying to cut down but it's not gong well. I went to my usual Timmy's and when I was placing my order the little sign had a simple image on it that brightened my day. All of a sudden the sky seems a little sunnier, the cold seemed a little warmer and the birds started chirping. It was roll up the rim. (start cheesy music)

I placed my usual order - large black and drove around to the window. When I reached out to pass my money along the nice Tim Horton's lady told me the car, well minivan, in front of me paid for my coffee. How nice is that! The start of roll up the rim and a free coffee and nice people? Was I dreaming? And the icing on the cake - how could things get any better you ask? I won a free coffee with my cup. If only work went so smoothly.

The start of roll up the rim is the start of spring. We're almost there people; just a few more weeks. Thanks minivan people for making my day brighter. I will pay it forward tomorrow.

in pursuit of lashes

2011-02-19T17:48:00.004-05:00

For those of you who don't know me I have a slight obsession with eye lashes. For some people it's shoes, for some cars, for me - lashes. I don't know if my obsession stemmed from the pathetic eye lashes I was genetically bestowed or whether it built over time seeing friends with beautiful natural lashes (Sara, Patricia, Heidi you know who you are). What I do know is that I have done some pretty expensive and excessive things in pursuit of longer, darker eye lashes.

My obsession started with tinting. Not so bad you would think. In the summers I would tint them for those times I wanted to go swimming or to the beach and not have to worry about it. You have to understand things from my point of view. And those of you blessed with dark long lashes just won't understand. But having short white-blond lashes and white-blond eye brows makes your whole face look funny. It looks like there is something missing. Dramatic - I know.

Moving on, after tinting wasn't doing it for me anymore I moved on to fake lashes. A friend of mine from MAC showed me how to apply them and from that day on I sported the fakes more than my own (thanks Steph). Unknown to me at that time I had crossed a very thin line. There was no turning back.

After a few months of the fakes I saw a friend at a party and she was wearing fakes too! Only wait! They weren't fakes, they were extensions!! Hence a whole new stage of crazy was about to over take me. I found out where she got them and headed there within the week. From that day on I got lash extensions and LOVED them. In hindsight not the most sensible move I've ever made; however, in my lash desperation I had no hope of resisting. So for the next six months I sported long, dark, beautiful thick lashes. You'll notice I have omitted writing about the effort and expense involved in the miracle lash extensions, this is purposeful so that my one reader doesn't understand the extent of my craziness. (too late?)

Then one fated day I had an allergic reaction to the lashes. My eyes swelled shut and they were so itchy I wanted to scratch my eyes out. After suffering for a few days and many antihistamines later I came to the sad realization that they had to come off and I was destined to short, white lashes for my life. Depression ensued.

When I thought all was lost - an idea..I'd gone this far how could I stop now? Shameless! What is left you ask? Latisse! A friend who lives in the States has been using it for some time with great results! How have I not tried this yet? So off I go to buy the Latisse and I am 11 days in and already seeing the results. Nothing dramatic yet, but I was told when I bought it that it takes about a month for good results and two to ensure the best. Have I found a permanent solution?

Stay tuned.....and eye lashes crossed!

family day

2011-02-17T20:55:00.002-05:00

This Monday is Family Day. It is a newish holiday enacted by the government a few years back. It used to be an optional holiday for employers to bestow on their employees, but now, now it is an Ontario enforced holiday. I think the government felt sorry for the majority of us Canadians that are deprived of holiday time by only receiving the bare minimum of holiday time. And for our government to feel sorry for us! Common people! Really Canada 15 days a year? A YEAR! Not enough time. Seriously, give everyone one more week a year and I would bet a month's pay - ok maybe not - but I seriously believe that absenteeism, moral, productivity and general work-place efficiency would all go up. I would be happy to test my theory at any time...I hope my HR department reads my blog.

Happy Family Day all...I know I will enjoy the long weekend!

to brides

2011-02-15T19:36:00.008-05:00

A store I like a whole lot has now introduced a wedding line. Gowns, Dresses, Shoes, Lingerie, accessories and Cover ups. Anthropologie has always impressed me and now their bridal line is just as fantastic. These are a few of my favourites and you can find the rest and other fun wedding things at BHLDN.

my valentines

2011-02-14T21:09:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to my boys. Love you Den Den, love you Ewok! xo

gwyneth

2011-02-14T21:00:00.007-05:00

If I could meet anyone in Hollywood it would be Gwyneth. She is such a classic beauty. Elegant, classy, sophisticated and talented. She has had every hair cut I love, she always has great style and I just think she's lovely.

Vic's birthday breakfast

2011-02-13T19:32:00.004-05:00

Dennis, Vic and I went to a little place near Vic's temporary digs for breakfast this morning. What a cute little place! Hanks features local, fresh and organic foods as much as they can and the taste reflects it. I had a great burger and fries (against all allergy regulations for me) and it was great! With my burger I ordered a green tea and it came in this adorable elephant shaped tea pot. Loved it! The server told us they buy them at the local St Lawrence Market - I think I'm going to get me one :)

a sad day

2011-02-01T22:13:00.002-05:00

I will miss you Carol. You have been so strong and an inspiration to so many people. I know you will be watching over them. I hope heaven treats you better than earth did.

You will always be remembered. Find my dad will you? He'll be good company.

All our love,

SGB

a food revolution

2011-01-16T21:23:00.004-05:00

Day 1 of eating for health, prevention of disease, and balance within the body. The question is can I adapt and change everything about the way I eat? I don't know.

The rules:
- stick to the foods that go together and never mix foods that conflict
- eat 4-6 times a day
- eat nothing processed
- no protein and carbs at one time, potatoes with veg ok, cereals with veg ok, cereals with fruit sometimes...

Fruits: melons, grapes, cherries, and blueberries
Veg: zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, squash, celery

For a girl used to spice, Thai food, Indian, Korean and all things tasty this may just be the biggest challenge I've faced yet. The questions is: is giving myself the best chance at life worth the culinary sacrifice? Stay tuned....

great news

2011-01-12T21:13:00.000-05:00

I'M ENGAGED!

quote to start 2011

2011-01-04T00:08:00.001-05:00

"...the key to getting started down the path of being remarkable in anything is to simply act with the intention of being remarkable. "

Chad Fowler

2011-01-03T00:16:00.000-05:00

and then the holidays were over...

vacation time

2011-01-02T00:48:00.003-05:00

I believe Canadian companies seriously fail their employees. And I would even go so far as to say that the Canadian government also fails the Canadian population due to their lack of action. Most companies in Canada start new employees off with 2 weeks vacation a year after a year of service. This in my opinion is criminal. 10 days a year to recharge, take care of personal matters, spent time with family etc. Two weeks a year hardly encourages a good life to work life balance. In fact I believe our society encourages workaholics and actually makes people workaholics simply by denying enough personal time. I cannot understand how companies think that they get more out of their employees by having such standards. I would wager that if Canadian companies provided more vacation days to their employees not only would they have happier employees, but the would have more productive, well rested, more alert and positive employees.

After a recent visit to England - where I stayed for only one week because of vacation day restrictions - my family and friend in the country were astounded at our vacation allowance. It was often referred to as "archaic". In England every employee gets a minimum of 20 days starting their first day on the job. That is part time and full time employees. And most get more than that. My cousin gets 28 days a year at his job as a CA. Amazing! After further investigation my friend from Hungary gets 24 days a year and that is actually mandated by government. ALL employees receive a country standard depending on age. As you get older you receive more days. AMAZING!

Canada - figure it out one time.

2011

2011-01-01T14:22:00.000-05:00

New Year, New Ideas, New Dreams, New Possibilities, New Outlook, New Life.

Happy New Year!

Life is what you make it, make it count.

the walking dead

2010-11-14T22:07:00.004-05:00

What is the appeal of being scared? There is a new show on AMC right now called the Walking Dead and it is scary! I sit there at times with my hands over my eyes and my ears plugged, but I still watch it. Crazy! It certainly gets the blood pumping! If you like zombie movies then you'll be into this new series that plays out like a zombie movie but actually has characters you get to know and keeps the Adrenalin pumping.

The New York Times on the Walking Dead

2010-11-08T21:13:00.001-05:00

"Rules are guidelines for stupid people who can't make up their own minds" - House

jackson james neiles

2010-11-08T20:01:00.004-05:00

Just look at this face...

My best friend's baby - Jackson - turned 1 year old in October. I can hardly believe a whole year has gone by. Just look how big he is! Time is a funny thing. When you want it to go quickly it goes slow; and when you want it to slow down, it goes even faster. All I know is that this little guy has changed lives.

day light savings

2010-11-08T00:47:00.009-05:00

Today the clocks went back an hour. This is usually good news for a terrible sleeper like me because it's actually later at night when you go bed, therefore hopefully I am a little more tired when going to bed, and it's a little later before the alarm, helping again because I am always very tired after not sleeping much through the night. However, tonight despite the fact that it should really be 1:49AM instead of the 12:49AM it is I am still wide awake. Go figure.

I heard on CBC radio last week that in England there is a group of people trying to permanently alter daylight savings time in order to take advantage of the day light hours instead of sleeping through them. I think the theory is if you move the clock a little more than we do now for daylight savings we will wake up more of the year in darkness, but the afternoon will allow for more daylight. The theory of course being that you would be able to take better advantage of the afternoon daylight more than the morning daylight for activities such as sports, family time and leisure. Interesting thought. I find it fascinating and somewhat hard to grasp that we can just play with time regardless. You'd think if you just change the hours by a few to make the light better fit our lifestyles that there should be more repercussions. Isn't that human-kind toying with the universe? Then again time is a creation of man in the first place so why don't we mess with it to best suit our needs. I say go for it. Not sure it will change the fact that I'm lazy and if given a few extra hours of daylight it will most likely not entice me to go running more than I already do, but far be it for me to deny those people who would take advantage.

Let there be light! or is it Let them eat cake? Either one I'm good with...

Couple gives lottery winnings to Charity

2010-11-05T22:11:00.004-04:00

I can't believe this couple gave away all of the 11.2 million dollar winnings. I'm afraid I would not be so generous. Just the truth; does that make me a bad person? Does it make a bad person because I don't care if it does or not? :)

Article

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2010-11-05T21:53:00.005-04:00

The new Harry Potter movie comes out in a couple weeks and I already have tickets! The Harry Potter movies evoke a lot of emotions from me. They are most often released near Christmas, so I get a warm and fuzzy feeling around that. My family all loves the Harry Potter books and we, for the first movies, went all together to see them so that we could discuss together after. That part is bitter sweet now that my dad is gone. We still try and go as a family, but as much as we love them, it is always a sad experience at the same time. For the same reason the movies make me think of dad and I love them for that. He died before the last book came out and that is tragic for me. He would have loved the end.

For many reasons I am anxious, excited, exhilarated and apprehensive to see the next one. It is the first of the two movies that will tell the story of the last book - and I will be sad to see the end of the Harry Potter saga.

The trailer is a great one: check it out> Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Dear BB

2010-09-29T20:04:00.002-04:00

I miss your smile
I miss your wisdom
I miss your guidance
I miss your kindness
I miss your comfort
I even miss your Bob Marley - sometimes
I miss your books
I miss your letters
I miss your notes
I miss your tea making calls
I miss your humour
I miss your conversation

I miss you.

Love you always,
SGB

the finish line

2010-09-27T18:48:00.009-04:00

We did it. It's all over.

We really couldn't have asked for a better day. It was a cool 15 degrees partly cloudy and little wind; ideal conditions for the race. Let me tell you though, 5:30am came very quickly Sunday morning. It was so early we had to force down food and hope we had left enough time to digest. We started in the lobby with hundreds of other runners huddling to keep warm for an extra few minutes before venturing out to the start canals.

When the time came we made our way to the purple canal, which was not an easy task with thousands of other runners lined up and trying to get to their spots too. We finally arrived and started looking for our pace bunny. We decided to make a finish time of 2 hours and 15 minutes our goal. This was a bit of a stretch from our training time but not so much to be unrealistic. Once we got going I stuck to that pace bunny like my life depended on it. At least for the first few kilometers until I got my stride. The pace bunnies run with a specific end time in mind so that you can keep up with them and know when you will finish approximately. Very handy!

From the start gun we started moving forward finally crossing the start line. Then it was game time - Kilometer after kilometer. It truly was an amazing experience. Looking ahead of me all I could see was a mass of people from edge to edge of the street and as far as my eyes could see. Crazy! The last two kilometers almost killed me but somehow I made it through. Finish time 2 hours and 10 minutes. What a feeling! Crossing that finish line was such an amazing feeling and such a rush. The whole event was just so exciting with all the people lining the race way and people calling out my name, all the music along the way and people dressed up in funny costumes and the pure energy of thousands and thousands of runners.

I managed to raise almost $400 for the Sunshine Foundation and I managed to cross the finish line at a personal best and do it with such great friends. What a great day!

Pre race bib problems

Vic and I at 7AM

Finished the race

Thank god for these blankets!

That's a big check mark on my bucket list! CHECK!!

give me your money!

2010-09-19T21:30:00.006-04:00

It is finally that time. The race is exactly one week from today. By this time next week it will all be over. 18 weeks of preparation, countless hours of running, 2 pairs of shoes, night after night of training - ok, I didn't work that hard, but pretty hard! :)

I am raising money for the Sunshine Foundation. This is a wonderful organization; please go to their website and see all the amazing things they are doing every day. This wonderful organization once granted a with to a very special personal and family close to my heart. It is so important that we do anything we can to help them keep helping other families.

To sponsor me on my run and thereby support this great Foundation please click here:

Sponsor Susie and Sunshine!

Thank you for your support - I will do you proud or collapse trying...

jackets

2010-09-19T21:13:00.003-04:00

I love both of these looks. The jackets are so great!

Too bad it was the jeans that were up for sale...

new computer

2010-09-19T20:43:00.003-04:00

So I came home the other night and I got a huge present! A new computer!! Den bought it for me for completing my half marathon - only, I haven't actually done it yet. Turns out he is as bad as me at keeping secrets so he gave it to me early :) And I love it! It's fun to put all the settings exactly as I want them. I suppose I have no excuses now to not be the best blogger I can be :P

Thank you honey, I love it!

free is my favourite!

2010-09-15T01:45:00.003-04:00

Today I received a free sample of Pond's cleansing & makeup removing towelettes with my Chatelaine magazine. Yes, Chatelaine - don't judge me I love it. So being the lover of free stuff that I am I tried them out tonight and WOW, I love them. I am always looking for the quickest and easiest way to remove make up, that isn't greasy, too foamy, too smelly, travels well - yes I've tried a lot of these - and these Pond's are great!

Five stars for the Ponds! (If you are from Pond's and for some reason reading my blog, please send me more).

burning out

2010-09-13T01:38:00.003-04:00

It was bound to happen; too much work, too much life, too much stress. I officially have my first cold of the season. Stuck in bed for most of the weekend trying desperately to get over it before Monday. It's sad when you are literally too busy with work to take a day off when sick. I also missed my 20k run this morning because of this silly cold. It is hard to run when you can't get your breath walking up your house stairs! I also can't breath out of my nose, which is also a problem when trying to run. sigh.. I hope it doesn't set me too far back considering I only have 2 weeks till the big race! Two weeks! Better get better soon.

Back to bed...

animal lover

2010-09-10T00:14:00.003-04:00

Don't judge me but I love animal prints. I am in love with these Louboutin's; how could you not be? Gorgeous.

rhetorical questions

2010-09-10T00:08:00.002-04:00

At what point do you admit the truth? If only you know the truth. And life is easier pretending.

At what time do you make the right decision? Even if it would change your life?

What would it take? And, could you do it?

Would you spend your whole life wondering?

Could you live with the decisions you chose?

Hmmm.

Mess to some, comfort to others

2010-09-06T21:58:00.004-04:00

Ewok resting in the disaster that is my dressing room, or what was a disaster but has since been tidied up.

Girls Weekend

2010-09-06T21:46:00.004-04:00

Vic and I went to Toronto this weekend to visit with our friend Kristin. Kristin`s been away in Korea doing PhD stuff for the last several months and this was our first opportunity to catch up. We spend Saturday shopping, chatting and and roaming around Toronto - good times! Vic arrived in time for dinner so went over to the Mill Street Pub in the Distillery District. What a cool place. Kristin lives basically across the street, which was super convenient and she has been to the pub before and knew the food was great. After dinner we headed out to Chovski`s for some drinks and fun. We had the two funniest bar tenders (picture below). With their help we drank way too much but had a really fun time!

Cityslips...Genius!

2010-09-02T00:01:00.009-04:00

Today I came across a new item I have never seen before and I bought them immediately! Cityslips!! What a fantastic idea. So, you have a meeting, event, interview etc to go to that require you bust out a great pair of your trendiest heals, but you don't necessary want to wear the heels to walk to the event, all night at the event or after the big meeting/interview - what do you do?? Take your Cityslips in your bag/briefcase and as soon as you don't need your heels anymore whip them off and put on the slips. The flats fold up super small in their own little bag, then the little bag transforms into a larger tote to carry the heels you were sporting for the event. Brilliant!

They are pretty inexpensive and large on convenience and saving your feet from harm!

Look them up or order online at: Cityslips Genius!

1/2 Marathon update

2010-08-22T21:07:00.003-04:00

Almost didn't make it to the run this morning, I actually went back to bed before getting up again and getting it together! But Vic and I sucked it up and went. And what a great run! We only ran 13KM today but we felt good doing and felt great after. Progress.

We jump to 18KM next Sunday and that is very intimidating. But I figure if we get through that we can certainly do the 21.5.

Only 4 weeks to got. Can't believe it!

Also got new running shoes today and now have to break them in...no excuses now!

Danna Nicole

2010-08-16T21:36:00.003-04:00

It's worth the trip to Stratford...

Danna Nicole - check out the website!

I buy a Donna Ricco dress each season - Amazing! And the BCBG collection is outstanding!

Did I mention Danna tailors every item to your body so it fits perfectly? Where else can you shop and buy clothes so that they are made for you?

Day tripping in Stratford

2010-08-16T20:02:00.008-04:00

On Saturday Vic and I went to Stratford for the afternoon. Our purpose was to visit the store that one of our friends owns called Danna Nicole. Her story is inspiring and her clothes are fabulous!

She is one of those people who has achieved her dream. She wanted to one day own her own store, be her own boss, make the decisions, be the buyer and now she's done it! And her store is great! I buy fun accessories and dresses for work from her mostly.

While we were in Stratford Danna suggested a little chippy for us to eat at (Fish and Chip joint for those non-Brits). So we went to Simple for lunch. What a super cute place! And best of all, they offer gluten free batter for all their delicious dishes. So I ordered giant shrimp, fries (home made of course) and coleslaw. Vic had traditional fish and chips and we both loved it!

The food looked much better when it arrived to our table before I adulterated it.

Getting serious... 16K down

2010-08-08T20:33:00.002-04:00

Today's run was the longest and hardest yet. 16km. I thought last week at 14 was hard but once you hit 14...every kilometer is hard. My lungs are fine; if only my legs would cooperate little more I would be great! At the moment my legs start to tighten up at about 12kms and just get more and more tried as I go.

The more I run the more I realize that this race is more of a mind over matter race than the fear of not actually finishing the race. However I suppose not finishing is also a concern :)

Plugging along....7 weeks to go.

The Backyard DIY

2010-08-05T21:06:00.004-04:00

While Sandy B, Uncle Nick, Jenny, Victoria and I were busy with our projects, Dennis, John and Madamba got busy building the deck in the backyard.

Den and Vic on the deck for mom's birthday dinner...

DIY at 678

2010-08-05T20:32:00.013-04:00

It has been a busy time at 678 these past weeks. We have been diving into several out door projects and to get them done we had to call in the reinforcements!

First, Sandy B and Uncle Nick were called in to build the garbage caddie. For far too long our garbage bins and recycle containers have been an eye sore for me and the neighbours. So first, Den laid down a flat floor with garden tiles - I helped but not very much :). From there Uncle Nick and Sandy B built the lovely little house shown below for all of our ugly things

While the garbage caddie construction was going on my friend Jenny, my sister Victoria and I were busy staining the wood porch we put in last year. And wow what a difference a can of stain did!

Did I mention we also built a deck in our backyard the same weekend? That's for my next post :)

Inception - Simply brilliant

2010-08-04T20:52:00.005-04:00

Brilliant. Engaging. Thrilling. Adrenaline pumping. Twisty. Amazing.

Just looking at that one image in this picture evokes thought, emotion and mystery. Amazing!

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Definitely in my top 3, if not #1. A week later and I still am thinking about this movie and playing it over in my head. Any movie that gets in your head like that is outstanding! I can't think of any movie in the recent past that has done that for me.

And what a great cast! I am a Leo fan. Always have been and he again blew me away in this movie (and he's not bad to look at - at any time). Even Ellen Page impressed me and I find that she is a very one dimensional character for the most part; but she was really great in this movie! Listen to me the film critic - haha.

If you haven't seen it, go. If you have seen it, go again. All star movie!

PS Loved the guy on the right end here - amazing!

Ode to Stu

2010-07-24T15:45:00.004-04:00

So there is a family that we have known for our entire lives. They lived down the street from us on Somerset and our families were close from the start. Over the years things have changed a lot for the Young's and the Beasley's but some things have stayed exactly the same.

The characters. The Young children are Stu, Andy and Megan. Stu is one year younger than Vic and they have been BFFs for many many years. Andy and I are the same age and we used to terrorize Somerset Crescent as children, then we went to Queen's University and lived together for a short time. Megan is the youngest, nicest and cutest of the bunch.

Stu. I don't know anyone else quite like Stu. Now what prompted this Ode to Stu you may ask? Well, two nights ago my phone range at about 2AM and the next morning I found out that Stu and his brother Andy drunk dialed me. This has been a somewhat common occurrence over the years for Stu to drunk dial a Beasley. Off the top of my head I remember him calling from Venice and talking to my dad and my sister briefly before falling into a canal. There was the time when he missed the last train out of London England and drunk dialed us from a door way in middle of London - where he ended up sleeping I might add. And then there was the time he slept in a field and woke up to a wild Boar sniffing around... So the other night was not uncommon. Oh Stu.

Stu has a lust for life and the best attitude toward life that I have ever encountered. He does whatever makes him happy. He works hard and plays hard. And he doesn't take anything for granted. He truly lives with the saying "You only live once" as his motto. And what's more is he makes it look easy. He hated Ontario for several reasons including the weather and hated living in London because it is a soul sucking void of culture and ambition; his words, not mine and I may have paraphrased slightly. So he moved to BC - done. He wanted to travel. So he picked up went to England, got a job, experienced the life, traveled around Europe doing whatever and when ever (sleeping in fields, falling into canals - referred to earlier) then came home. He went to Uni then did his Masters and now works for the BC government assisting the big guys with public policy and strategy (or something) and loves it. And any time we have a conversation I leave thinking I can take over the world then I never to do anything.

The point of my story is I find him quite inspiring. I'm sure he will make fun of me for a long while after this post, but I really think something can be learned from the way Stu sees and lives life. Now just applying the life lessons..... that's harder for anyone other than Stu.

Stu, never change.

VEGAS BABY!

2010-07-21T21:20:00.013-04:00

Den and I went to Las Vegas last week for the first time. What a crazy place! So much going on all the time, so many people, so HOT and so fun! The funny thing about it is there is something to do at literally every moment of every day. And unlike other vacations you can get the best of all worlds. You can be busy everyday doing crazy fun, energetic, thrilling, dangerous things or you can laze around the pool drinking frozen cocktails and read a book. And let me tell you, we did it all. Ok maybe not the dangerous part but it wasn't because Den didn't want to. I can't even tell you how many times he tired to lure me to the Gun Range. Yes, he wanted to go shoot guns while we were in Las Vegas. I told him to save it for the boy trip - in hindsight, I may regret saying that.

Regardless, we had a fantastic time. We ate great food, did a little gambling (and lost), saw a couple shows (amazing, Cirque is crazy), lounged by the pool, shopped and went site seeing. I can't think of a better time. Just check out our pictures.

Glamping

2010-07-21T21:09:00.006-04:00

This morning I was listening to CBC Radio - like always - and they did a segment on Glamping. This is a word I have never heard before. So what is Glamping you ask? Well, Glamping is Glamour-Camping. I like it already.

I guess there is a fad now that people are very into camping; now this isn't new in and of itself, but it is the people that make the difference. The people that are into Glamping are people like me. People who maybe, over value the many comforts they enjoy in life - hair dryer, mattress and nice meals. For us types, we glamp. We show up at the camp site and it's already built. Not only is it built, it is a spacious tent, a bed and not a sleeping bag on the ground. There are cooked meals for you and your camp fire is already glowing away when you pull up all ready for smores. And the goodies to make your smores are sitting by the fire ready to go.

Now some may argue that this actually isn't camping. But I would argue who are they to judge what my camping experience should be like? If these luxuries make me have a great time while enjoying the great out doors then why judge? I question many people's choice in clothing; but I wouldn't ban them from going out in public.

So I say glamp on. I think I will....

Lapsed blogger

2010-07-16T22:45:00.004-04:00

It has been a very busy few weeks. Work, getting ready for vacation time, going on vacation, coming back from vacation. It's a hard life.

I will be better and post updates on the vacation and life shortly.

Veg Garden continues...

2010-06-28T20:45:00.007-04:00

There has been progress on the veg garden check it out! :) We're almost there!

Den's 30th Birthday Party

2010-06-28T20:37:00.005-04:00

Dennis decided that the best way to celebrate his 30th birthday was to go bowling. Seriously. So I planned a part at the local Palasad and we ate, bowled and played video games all night. It was really fun!

Here are some of the photos (once we figured out how to use the flash...)

The birthday boy preparing for his shot...

Me and Jenny

Yummy birthday cupcakes!

A sad day in football

2010-06-27T18:31:00.002-04:00

It`s official. We`re out. But, I have to say, England really didn`t deserve to move on. As painful as it is to admit, it`s the truth. Let this be a lesson for us to get it together for the next time. We have 4 whole years to make a change; then bring it like never before in Brazil.

Let`s see what happens.

To be continued...

Quest to 21.5K

2010-06-20T10:39:00.004-04:00

Getting up on a Sunday morning is not getting easier as the weeks go on - surprise surprise. But once I'm at the Running Room and we getting going, and especially when we finish, I'm really happy I got up.

This morning we did 9km for the first time in this clinic. We are starting week 5 of our training and things are now moving quickly. It's a beautiful day and quite hot. I can only imagine how much harder things are going to get as we move more into summer and hot weather and as we add on distance to our runs. This morning was hard, but good. I think we do 9km again next Sunday and then we move on with distance.

14 weeks from today is race day. Still motivated...

World Cup News

2010-06-18T21:55:00.003-04:00

Today I PVR'd the England vs Algeria match. I'm not sure why I bothered. What a terrible game. 0:0. England really? It's like you don't want to win?!? Fingers crossed that they can pull it together for the next one. Geeez!!

Korean BBQ

2010-06-16T20:25:00.009-04:00

One of the many perks of dating Dennis is his mother. She is a fantastic cook! She has introduced me to so many wonderful Korean foods. One of my absolute favourites is a meat dish called Kalbi. This is basically Korean ribs marinated in a mouth watering sauce served with rice. I can't describe how great the flavour is in Kalbi sauce - sesame, garlicy yummy goodness. A few summers ago President's Choice came out with their rendition of Korean BBQ sauce. I was intrigued, so I tried it. Amazing! Honestly it is so so good. Not Mrs. Kim good, but very very good.

So here's what you need to do now, like right now: buy the Korean cut spare ribs at Superstore/Loblaws and marinate them over night with onions in the sauce. Cook them on the BBQ or in a pan on the stove top and enjoy. You will not regret it!

Thought of the day....

2010-06-11T22:07:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I think I take work and life too seriously. At the moment, I'm so glad it's Friday; it's time to relax.

UFE London - June 5th 2010

2010-06-06T21:06:00.011-04:00

Den Den competed in a fitness competition yesterday here in London. He's been training for months! His diet was so boring and strict that it would test anyone. Egg white, chicken, green veg for months...not for me, but he did it!

At yesterday's show he was judged on fitness (how his muscles looked, how well proportioned he is etc...) and a "sport model look". He did great and came in 4th in his division. A girlfriend of mine from high school also competed and she looked amazing. Check them out!

Den before doing a back flip - show off!

Danielle and Den

Top 5

Abs, need I say more?

Proud of you babe...no more for a while though, K? xo

Could it be true?

2010-06-01T20:38:00.006-04:00

ABC to remake ‘Alias?’ This may be the best news I have heard in a very long time. I was a huge, no HUGE fan of the show Alias. My friend Madamba and I spent countless hours watching this show, some episodes two and three times - don't judge us.

This week there is talk that they may bring it back to fill in the void created by Lost. BRING IT BACK! BUT, only if the original cast come back and if J.J. Abrams (genius) is behind it.

Fingers crossed!!

Read about it for yourself: ALIAS

Paper or Plastic?

2010-05-31T22:24:00.011-04:00

This year the City of London has declared that only special plastic bags with a recycle symbol on them and paper bags will be accepted at the curb side. The catch? The plastic bags are 10 times more expensive than the regular ones and the paper bags fall apart after 2 days sitting on your drive way waiting for pick up.

So my call to all the inventors out there: I would like to partake in the paper bag, however we (all gardeners out there) are in need of a hybrid paper/plastic bag option that will hold up until yard pick up (rain/bugs etc) yet not break the bank. Anyone? Anyone?

Side note: How cute are these?

Herbs!

2010-05-30T19:38:00.007-04:00

I also got my herb planters going this weekend. I love adding fresh herbs to the meals I make. Rosemary is my favourite!

Let it grow!

2010-05-30T19:22:00.004-04:00

This weekend Vic, Jinny and I planted our vegetable garden! This year we planted:

Cabbages

Lettuce

Carrots

Hot Peppers

Cucumbers

Zucchini

Pole beans

Tomatoes

We planted some from seeds and some from small starter plants and I just can't wait until they start growing! I even checked today to see if there was any change...excited much?

It begins

2010-05-30T19:15:00.002-04:00

4 girls, 18 weeks, hot days, hills, bugs, clothes and early mornings; one goal.

It is officially started. We are rounding on week #2 of our half marathon clinic at the Running Room. The players: Victoria, Jinny, Jackie and me. Today we all woke up far too early for a Sunday morning and we were out running our 7KM run by 8:30AM. Believe me, when I woke up at 7:30-AM I thought I was crazy! However, I got up, ate and met up with group. And once I started running, I didn't look back! 21.5KM here we come!

17 weeks to go - Game day September 26th 2010 - Toronto Harbour Front marathon.

Mofongo what?

2010-05-20T23:10:00.005-04:00

I would like to share the food I learned about on tonight's episode of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Yes, seriously. Mofongo! What the heck is Mofongo you ask? Well, according to Wikipidia Mofongo is a plantain-based dish from Puerto Rico. Mofongo is generally made from fried green plantains (although fried yuca or breadfruit are possible) which is mashed together with broth, garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings or bits of bacon. It is often filled with vegetables, chicken, crab, shrimp, or beef and is often served with fried meat and chicken broth soup. Doesn't this sound delicious?? It is now my mission to find a place that serves this so I can try it. That or an excuse to go to Puerto Rico. I'm so hungry right now!

Looks so good!

It is official

2010-05-20T22:51:00.003-04:00

It has officially happened. I am old. I had a moment of clarity while driving home from Brampton on Wednesday evening. I was stuck in traffic around Waterloo so I turned on the local radio station, 91.5 The Beat to see if they would comment on what the traffic hold up was on the 401. While waiting for a traffic update I listened to song after annoying song by artists I've never heard of and I'm actually not even sure they are deserve the title artist. What is wrong with music? Is is it me? I used to listen to 91.5 and enjoy the music, but I think I may have crossed that fine line between still young and in tune with current music and finding that "cool" music ridiculous like my parents thought of the music I listened to growing up.

I am all grown up? I like to think not. But.....

Eat Local, CSA Community Shared Agriculture

2010-05-11T19:25:00.010-04:00

Recently I have become more and more conscious about what I am eating. Since my Naturalpath told me I have several food allergies I have been paying more attention to what is out there and what is in the food we eat. Further to that I have been reading more about how eating food that is grown locally to you not only helps the environment and your local economy but it is also better for you. Less pesticides and less additives in food can only make you a healthier person. I found this blog of a local girl who blogs about her quest to eat local and become more aware - very cool! Eat Local London.

While trying to find a local service that delivers food crates I found this neat place in England that does what I'm looking to do. Fresh fruit and veg get delivered to your door weekly depending on what is in season; great idea! Abel & Cole.

A good link for London area farms is Ontario Farm Directory. Happy eating!

To all the moms

2010-05-09T21:52:00.002-04:00

but especially my own, Happy Mother's Day xo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2010-05-03T22:22:00.007-04:00

In my struggle to find sleep over the past few weeks I have been reading more than usual. The last few nights I have tried to fill the wee hours with this book my sister introduced me to called The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. I'm only about a quarter way in but so far it's an interesting series of intertwining plots, that I can't quite figure out how they jive together, but that's half the fun! It has several interesting characters, each with their own quirks that add to the plot line and keep your interest. It takes place in Sweden, so after you get over all the names you can't pronounce and all the places you've never heard of it's quite an interesting read. I will provide an update and a rating once I finish. Oh, and apparently this book is now a movie out in theatres; so, for all those who may be less inclined to spend the time, savor the pages, and use your own imagination there is the Hollywood version to do it for you.

Nothing better than diner food

2010-05-03T22:15:00.006-04:00

Today I watched another episode of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. I'm a little addicted to this show! I love diner food! And this show is all about diner food; the greasy, fatty, fully loaded completely terrible for you food. The food you want but shouldn't eat and mostly don't but sometimes cave and do. I honestly do not know how Guy eats all this food all the time and hasn't had a heart attack yet - knock on wood!! I really like the host (Guy Fieri) I think his humour and quick wit adds to the show. Anyway, this is one of my guilty pleasures. It would be much guiltier if I ate all the things that I see on the show that I want - but guilty non the less.

Dots and Pearls! What's not to love?

2010-05-02T20:54:00.001-04:00

Love this dress! And outfit for that matter. Nice job Ashlee

Sometimes you just need to be pampered

2010-05-02T20:28:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I went for the Mediterranean massage treatment at Shear Elegance, a spa in London. The treatment was great! Relaxing, mellow, and not long enough! For someone who does not relax easily, it was a really nice 45 minutes. What I didn't like so much were the snotty receptionists. I don't know how people who are not friendly, not welcoming and not nice get jobs in customer service, and at a reception desk at a spa no less! I just don't get it. Would it kill a girl to smile and not make the guest feel like they are imposing? Kind of ruined the spa experience a bit. While I loved the treatment and the woman who actually did the massage was wonderful; the whole Shear Elegance experience was not so great. Don't think I would go back. I think I would rather go to a spa where I feel wonderful the whole experience and not just in the middle.

Today may have changed my life

2010-04-29T21:14:00.003-04:00

So being my usual dramatic self, I had an experience today that I feel changed my life. I set off at 7AM this morning, ok 7:15AM; I travelled no more than 25 minutes before traffic slowed to a crawl and then to a stop. I could see flashing lights ahead so I knew there was some sort of accident or construction or something. Not soon after we stopped I heard sirens and see flashing lights coming up behind on the shoulder. First an ambulance, then a police car, then 2 fire trucks, then another ambulance - at this point I'm worried and scared. This is a big accident. And by the looks of things people are hurt and badly. Next the LHSC helicopter is circling around. All the while I'm listening to the radio telling me about the accident up ahead and that the highway has been closed down at least for a few hours.

I was on my way to meetings in Mississauga, but didn't care at all that I was going to miss them. I was seriously happy to be alive. I know dramatic right? But really, I was probably 5 minutes behind that accident happening, because I was running late, and for some reason those people got hurt today and not me. When I drove by the accident and the part of the vehicles that were left, I have no idea how anyone survived that crash. I don't know if anyone did. I do know my fingers were crossed then and crossed now that those people are ok. And I also know that I feel lucky to be alive and I know that I feel a little different about things in my life at this moment: work, my family, my life, all of it. Sometimes it takes an event to put things into perspective...time for change.

Update: So SO SO glad to hear that no one was killed from this morning's accident! An elderly -man was airlifted to hospital and another injured, but non-life threatening injuries. Phew!

Why do people smoke?

2010-04-29T21:04:00.003-04:00

Having never been a smoker I'm sure I really just can't understand it; but really what is so appealing? I recently sat in a room next to a smoker for an entire afternoon and I could hardly concentrate on the key note speakers because I was so distracted by the ash tray sitting beside me. Perhaps I have an ultra sensitive nose? Or maybe I just let the annoyance build and build and held a grudge (likely), but really, I just think this person smelled. This made me think of all new questions: Do smokers know they smell? Maybe they know and just don't care? Granted not all smokers smell to the same degree, but they still all do smell somewhat. I don't get it.

You would smell better, have more money and likely live longer - what's the down side to NOT smoking?

Thank you

2010-04-27T21:59:00.003-04:00

I want to thank my dear friend Amy Turner for creating my new branding. I asked Ames to make me something fun that represents me; and there we have it. Thank you Amy! You're the best and I owe you one!

Today I'm thinking...

2010-04-27T21:56:00.002-04:00

Take time to breath. Take 5 minutes out of your day, and just breath.

Relaps

2010-04-25T22:23:00.001-04:00

I've been so so busy and no time to blog - I will do better this week. Ok I'll try and do better this week.

Sus