She's Got Legs

Okay, let's see... where are we? It has been a couple of weeks since I have posted. I am really trying to be more consistent with this, but things have been crazy lately.

As most of you are wondering what the status is on my friend Patty, well, her leg is being amputated the week after Thanksgiving. This weekend we are having a "LEGacy Bowling Tournament", in honour of her leg. We also have to come up with a 'LEG' of some sort to bring her. Only Patty would come up with that! I am putting my creative hat on, because as always with Patty, most creative gets a prize! We are also raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society, which Patty is going to make one lump sum donation to Shear Madness. We reached our goal of $10,000 a couple of weeks ago, and we are now wondering if we can make $15,000 by December 31, 2007.

So, I have temporarily moved back to my parents' house while they are in Italy. The main reason is to take care of my dog (who officially became THEIR dog when I moved out and they wouldn't let me take her) and water the plants/grass. It took some adjusting to. My condo is on a busy street, so at night, I hear buses, transport trucks, emergency vehicles and other miscellaneous traffic noises. Annoying, right? Not at all. It's like my very own nature tape. However, my parents live on a quiet street, so the nights were pretty hard for me at first. I contemplated recording the sounds from my condo bedroom and bringing them to my bedroom at my parents. I adjusted.

The next thing to get used to was the dog sleeping in the bed with me. Not a big deal when she was at the foot of my bed. However, the second night I woke up to the dog breathing on me, as somehow, we were suddenly SHARING A PILLOW!!! It was crazy. We quickly worked that out, and now we usually sleep back to back - literally. She HAS to be touching me, all the time!!

This week is PREMIERE week for all the new shows! I LOVE this week! It is so exciting. I also hate this week, because it is when I am reminded just how much TV I actually do watch! It is crazy. Take tonight for example: I have five hours of TV that I have to watch in 3!! How am I going to do that? I watch Survivor (always thinking that, YES, this WILL be the last season), I watch ER (always thinking, that YES, this WILL be the last season), I watch Grey's Anatomy (because I am NOT crazy), I watch CSI (the Las Vegas one - for obvious reasons, and cause Warrick is a HOTTIE) and I watch Newport Harbour, (because I am 12).

I make plans around my TV shows. This holiday season, I will be will working two nights a week, in the mall, as a gift wrapper. I chose my shows based on my TV schedule. Tuesday nights - Dancing with the Stars Results show - only watch the last 5 minutes to see who gets the boot, and Wednesday nights - Private Practice and LOST (which doesn't start 'til January, so I am good). I can PVR Private Practice (if it even lasts that long - the premiere was good - not superb, but good). Ah, the PVR... I can go on for days about that... I LOOOOOOVE the PVR!

Work has also been busy. We are in contract negotiations with our Contractor, and I am invited to attend the meetings. I am, however, not allowed to speak at the meetings... unless spoken to. Direct quote from my supervisor! I guess he thinks that I might say something that could hurt the negotiations... something like, "SHUT UP YOU WHINY BABY!!!!" But really, would it be that bad?

Peace Out Peeps!
P~

Big Girls Don't Cry

Well, I am back from Vegas, and it was a fantastic trip. But this entry is not about Vegas. I will save that for another day. Today's entry is full of sadness, anger, hope and love.

A really good friend of mine found out yesterday that she has to have her leg amputated. Because of Cancer. Her WHOLE FREAKIN' LEG. I am devastated for her. She has 3 young children that need their mama, a husband that needs his wife, parents that need their daughter, siblings that need their sister, and friends that need her.

Selfishly, I am taking this really hard. I can't imagine my life without this friend. I am also having a hard time with this, as she is the first person that I know to receive a diagnosis of Cancer since I have shaved my head. I did it to help SAVE someone's life, and I guess I was thinking (or maybe hoping) that I would never know that "someone" - well, now I know EXACTLY where I want the money to go to. I want to shave my head all over again, if it means keeping her around.

I am trying to be very positive, especially when I am around her. I had a good cry when I got off the phone with her last night, but I am refusing to cry in front of her. Emotionally, I am not strong - I cry over commercials, but something came over me last night that I just can't describe. I will be the Rock that she needs throughout this.

The surgery to remove her leg could take place as early as this Wednesday, so she has a lot to process right now. She is struggling with her emotions, and rightfully so. I feel very helpless right now. And I don't do well with that.

She is going to be okay. She has to be.

So, if you could just think good thoughts every now and then for her, I would really appreciate it.

I love you, Patty! :0)

Peace Out!
P~

Look At Me!

Look at me! Back again - and it's only been a day. I am trying to make a real effort here! So, today is Saturday and this might be the first entry that I haven't started at work. In fact, this may be the only entry that I haven't done at work!! Oops~

So tonight we are having a Martini Night with the girls. I am most excited about this and will post some pictures so everyone can enjoy. I am responsible for making an appetizer - which is what brought me here today. I was looking for something new and fun and ended up blogging about it! Only in 2007 would that happen!

For Martini Night, we had to choose 2 songs - 1 old and 1 new for a contest. Music + contest = Me WANTING to WIN!!! LOL I had such a hard time picking my songs, especially because we have been on the 80's train this week at work, listening to some of our favourites - such as, TIFFANY, MILLI VANILLI & BOBBY BROWN (pre-Whitney & pre-crack-cocaine!) I was somewhat tainted with my choices, I think. But nonetheless, I still want to win!

As most of you know, there is a new craze called Facebook. It has taken over lives and relationships! It is crazy - and I love it. My favourite part is updating my status so EVERYONE knows what I am doing and when. Wow, that makes it sound a little creepy - and self-centred!

Okay, so back to finding a yummy appetizer.

Later!
P~

P.S. Vicki & Cass - I hope you guys are having an awesome day at the wedding - I can't wait to hear all about it!

Oh My God, We're Back Again!

Okay, so it has been just about 4 months since the last time I posted an entry. First and foremost, I want to apologize to all of you who have been waiting for a new entry. Sorry Vicki.

Here is a brief summary of what has gone on in the last 4 months:

-Most Importantly, I think: I SHAVED MY HEAD TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY!!!!
-Work was crazy busy with lots of students and lots of audits
- My cousin's wedding was in July and it was awesome! Tons and tons of fun while planning, preparing and executing the fantastic day!
-Planned a third trip to Las Vegas - we leave next week
-Became a Harry Potter addict - I am already on book #4
-Spent lots (but not enough) of well deserved time at the cottage
-Tried to spend time with family and friends as much as possible

That, sadly, is pretty much it!

So yeah, I shaved my head. Laura and I did it together. We were totally excited to do it. It took place on July 9th, 2007, at Rhododendron Gardens in Mississauga. We wanted to do it by Ricky's tree, but it was raining, so we couldn't. Tim shaved my head and Dave shaved Laura's. Our goal was to raise $10, 000 for the Canadian Cancer Society, and to date, we have almost reached our goal - we are just over $9,000 (I can't remember the exact figure).

The event took a lot of planning, hard work and dedication - not just from Laura and myself, but from family and friends. It was a blast!

My hair is growing in pretty quickly - quicker than I thought it would. I do have to admit that some days I wish it was all back, and some days I think it was the best decision I ever made and think about keeping it short!

It has also been very overwhelming to hear the awesome things that people have been saying. I have gotten so many compliments - and I am not referring to my appearance. Last summer, I was fighting through the awful things and the attack on my character that my cousin, so undeserving, laid on me. This summer, I am dumbfounded at outpouring of love, appreciation and admiration that I feel so undeserving of. How can 2 events that are so different, make me feel the same, yet so completely different at the same time?

I know that my cousin was completely wrong about me, and a year later, more than anything, I pity her and feel that she is lost without knowing how to find herself. I am no longer angry at what she did, but I know that there is no fixing it either. I am just trying to move on and live my life as if they were never a part of it. As you can imagine, easier said than done.

Okay, enough about that - now for the happy thoughts!!!

My niece turned 2, and I think she knows more words that I do. She has caught my singing bug and we can be found many evenings just singing our little hearts out, mostly to our favourites - "Old MacDonald had a Farm" and "Ring Around the Rosie". She is my whole world and I can't imagine her not being around. She is funny, saucy and the cutest thing. I wish I could bottle her and bring her with me everywhere I go.

I have also complete BOTH of my Las Vegas scrap books, which also took some time. They turned out great, if I do say so myself.

Speaking of Las Vegas, I am sure that you may be wondering why I am going AGAIN, and what I am going to see that is new this time! We are going for Timmy's 30th birthday and we will be seeing LOTS that we haven't seen yet - including Celine Dion (WOO!), the Neon Sign Graveyard (double WOO!!), the Hoover Dam (Seriously? Seriously!) and finally we are going to Red Rock.

Of course, we will be seeing a lot of Kerri and her good friend (now mine too) Deon! We are all very excited about this. The we is myself, my sister, my brother-in-law & Laura.

Lastly, I am going to talk about Harry Potter. How I missed this phenomenon for the last 10 years is beyond me. I started reading the series at the cottage and got through the first book and half of the second by the end of the weekend. I was hooked. I am trying, very hard, to stay away from any websites or anything to do with HP, so that the end isn't ruined for me. So far, so good.

I think that sums up my 4 months now. I PROMISE that I will write more frequently now, and that it will be more exciting than this post was... it will include pictures and other fun stuff too (I don't know what that will be)

So for those of you that are still checking this blog, Vicki, I hope you enjoyed the new entry!

PEACE!
P~

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of... ...Heckling!

So, we went to see the cast of The Hills on Monday night. Ang e-mailed MTV.ca and they said to show up at 888 Yonge St. before 6 PM and we wouldn't be turned away. A win, if you ask me...

So, we left work at 4:15 and headed to the T-dot. On our way, it began to rain so bad that even with my swish-swipers on the fastest they could go, I could barely see. But, we were determined, so on we went. 407 to 427 to 409 to 401... I didn't know we had so many 4's Hwys... When we were on the 401, it was still pouring and my cell phone started ringing. It was Susanne - the Vegas bride - she wanted to get her nails done at Yola's - where I go. So, I was trying to give her directions over the phone, drive in the down pour, figure out where we were going, and watch for the slamming of the brake lights... GOOD TIMES!

While waiting for the light to turn green on the off-ramp of the 401, we noticed a girl crossing the street, and her pants were wet from walking in the rain. They were wet all the way up her leg, to her mid-thigh. Ang and I burst out laughing - we SO knew that that would be us in a few minutes.

Cruisin' down Yonge St., we worried that we wouldn't be able to find where we were going. All of a sudden a looked up and saw the most giant sign that said "MTV CANADA"! We had arrived. We then noticed the throngs of people, most of them soaking wet, in line. With luck on our side, we saw a green P, just to our right, and it was a block away from where we wanted to be. GREAT! We pulled in and were told that it was $13, but if we weren't out before 9 PM, our car was going to be locked in overnight. Hmmm, no thanks! We pulled out of the lot, but were on the other side (not Yonge St.). There was metered parking, and as we were driving, the 2nd spot became available. We quickly jump in the spot and fed the meter as much as we could.

We started walking, Ang realized that she forgot her wallet, but no biggie - CLEARLY we were over the age of 16. Our tops fit us correctly, our pants fit us correctly, we were wearing coats - we were not 16. Side note - as we were parking, it thankfully stopped raining!!

We turned the corner, saw another, shorter line than the first, so decided to line up there. The girl in front of us told us that this was the line for the people that had e-mailed MTV and had received a confirmation e-mail. I looked over to Ang - we were SO in. Except that she forgot the e-mail, and her wallet. Really, MTV, we are who we say we are, we just don't have ANY proof!! Let us meet LC, PLEASE!!!!

There were so many random things that happened after that.
- Two clearly gay men that just made us laugh - not that we think gay people are to be ridiculed, but they were just so funny. Those butt-clenching, bag carrying fashion gurus! We LOVE you!
- The same people walking up and down Yonge St. OVER and OVER!
- The Po-Po -or rent-a-cop that drove his Prelude to MTV to direct traffic.

Ang and I couldn't stop laughing. Then it got good. Suddenly, the rent-a-cop came over and told us that the show had started and we weren't getting in. It was only 6:15. The outrage that ensued was hilarious. People yelling and screaming. People demanding to speak to MTV reps. Ang and I busted out laughing. Some girl walked out into the middle of the street so EVERYONE could witness her outrage. She was mad. She dropped the F-bomb. Then her mom told her to get off the road. Ang and I - laughed again...

Ang walked out a little to see what was happening, and I was still standing in the line. Just as she was walking away, a car started to drive by, and someone yelled out the window, "WOOOOOOOO THE HILLS!!!! WOOOOOOOOOO!", so we all looked up. We had just been heckled. By a Muslim woman in her hijab. Picture it in your head before you judge me for typing that. Being heckled by a women who wears a hijab to protect herself from being judged by others, who wears it to show that she will not fall to peer pressure, that will not be brainwashed by society, who wears it so people are forced to get to know her personality and not what she looks like. HECKLED!!! The irony is just too much! Ang turned around and looked at me, with, I am sure, the exact WTF!?!??!?!?! facial expression that I was looking at her with.

And we busted out laughing... and laughed, and laughed, and 5 days later, are still laughing about it.

'Dust In The Wind

Before I went to Vegas the first time, I was told that the Stardust was coming down on New Year's Eve. I was bound and determined to see the Stardust and get some pictures of it. Unfortunately, it was already boarded up, so we couldn't go in, but I was able to take some pictures of the building.

Stardust Hotel and Casino - December 2nd & 3rd, 2006.

I felt very sad that I wasn't able to go into the Stardust, but at least I had seen the inside on "Saved By The Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas" and I was able to see the building in person, before it came down.

When I was preparing to go back in March, I was talking to someone that has been there before and he said that he had heard that the Stardust DIDN'T come down on New Year's... I figured I would see for myself.

Our flight from Denver was delayed, so we got into Vegas late. In the cab, we decided that we were going to check in, hit the sheets and start fresh the next day. It was already midnight Vegas time, so 3 AM our time. At the hotel, the man checking us in informed us that at around 2 AM, we would hear a large "BOOM" sound as the Stardust was being imploded. That night. As I was standing on Vegas soil. Instantly, I was no longer tired and couldn't get my bags in the room fast enough and get myself to the Stardust.

The other girls were just as excited and we quickly headed down the strip. There were already a lot of people milling about and getting the "best" spot. As we were doing the same, we came across 2 older ladies. They were wearing Stardust jackets and said that they were a couple of the original cocktail waitresses that worked at the Stardust when it first opened! I was in such awe, that I FORGOT to take a picture of them. I am still kicking myself for that one!

We set ourselves up directly across the street from the Stardust and waited. And waited. And waited. At about 2:15 am (5:15 am Ontario time), a few fireworks went off. The excitement in the air was indescribable.

I was able to catch the next sequence of events on camera. This is what the Stardust imploding looked like through my eyes.

Stardust Hotel and Casino - March 12th, 2007.

Fireworks leading up to the main event.

Fireworks went off all through the building.

Just seconds away now. The crowd was cheering, some through tears.

The Official Countdown was in the centre of the Stardust.

The building was actually coming down. These pictures aren't bright enough. And they don't do the moment justice.

The cloud of smoke was all that was left.

Walking back to the hotel. Can you believe that we were in the opposite direction of which the wind was travelling. There was so much dust!

Stardust Hotel and Casino - March 13th, 2007.

Peace Out Peeps!

Oops! I Did It Again!...

...Take so long to post, that is.
It's April 20th - where has the time gone? It has been awhile - a long while since I have posted last. Here is what has been going on with me!

Today the weather is going to be 21 degrees. I am in love. With the weather. I got a pedicure yesterday and it is super cute. In fact, here is a picture of it.

I have a cute blue flower on each of my big toes. You can see it better in the picture below:

Preparations for my cousin's wedding are in full swing. The invitations are done and will be in the mail next week. The Bonbonieres are wrapped and ready to go (after we put the tags on them) and the first of 2 showers is this weekend. Our dresses should be in next month!

Since being back from Vegas, we haven't been able to get back on our work-out schedule. I am hoping that changes this week - can you believe I actually MISS it!?!?! I must be coming down with something.

I am almost finished scrap booking my FIRST Vegas trip. I told myself that I am not allowed to go back until I have scrap booked BOTH trips. Why I am punishing myself, I don't know.

My niece is speaking so much now. She is stinkin' hilarious and wants 100% of my attention. If I look away from her for one second, she calls me -"ZIA!!!" and if I don't look at her, I get "ZIA PAA-WA!!!!!". I love it. She rocks!

Work is still pretty busy, but looks like it won't be for much longer. I think we did pretty good. It only took us 3 weeks for our learning curve. I wasn't around when the Blue Box was rolled out, but I am sure that it took longer than 3 weeks to get a handle on things. We Rock!

On Monday night, I am going to MTV live to see (not meet) the cast of The Hills. Yes, I am 12. And I love Lauren Conrad. And Whitney. And Audrina - a little.

Top 5 Favorite Songs this week:

1. Over It - Katharine McPhee
2. Weak In the Knees - Serena Ryder
3. Listen - Beyonce
4. Just Another Day - Serena Ryder - AGAIN!
5. Not Ready to Make Nice - The Chicks - just can't let that song go!!!

Hope everyone has a happy, sunny weekend!
P~

Babies & Brides - Who Could Ask For More?

Sorry, it has taken me so long to update. I have been back from Vegas for a week and a half now and things haven't slowed down at all.

First and foremost, I want to congratulate one of my best friends and her husband on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Eilish Kennedy Connell was born while I was away, even though I told her to hang in there until I got! She was born just after noon on Wednesday March 14th! Happy 2nd week birthday, baby Eilish!! Please enjoy the beauty of this miracle!










Work has been extremely busy, as we prepare for the biggest launch since the blue box! It is all very exciting. It is also occupying the time that I would normally use to update this blog.

So Vegas. Sigh... Vegas was fabulously fantastic. I loved every single second that I was there. I loved it just like it was the first time. Yet, this time was completely different than the first time. The girls I travelled with were a lot of fun. Susanne, the bride-to-be, actually takes longer to get ready than I do. If you know me, you know that I take a long time to get ready - unless it is for work, because as much as I love my co-workers, they aren't going to get "Night-time Paula at 8:30 am! But Susanne! She takes even longer during the day than it takes me to create "Night-time Paula"! I was shocked.

Top five moments of my trip are:
1. Seeing the Stardust Hotel & Casino come down.
2. Finding out about "The Deuce".
3. Spending the day in California with the girls and Kerri (and Deon).
4. The Hollywood Sign.
5. Laguna Beach.

I will post pictures in another post, but for now here are some pictures of other memorable moments from my trip:

At Pearson, getting ready to leave - Patty, Laura, Me & Susanne.

Our connecting flight from Denver to Vegas was delayed. Notice how happy Laura is about it.

Gamblin' with the Gambler!

View of the strip from the top of the Stratosphere. The beige hotel is where we stayed at.

The bride-to-be!

Fremont Street. At night. Love it!

Hope you enjoyed it!

P~

Vacation - All I Ever Wanted

Today is my last day of work before I am off for a whole week. The week that I will be spending in VEGAS!!! I am so excited to go - I don't even think I can contain myself. I have been very busy here at work, trying to get as much stuff done as possible so I won't be burried by it when I return.

I had to go downstairs and speak with our contractor about work stuff - it's totally boring - but he took up so much of my time, I am barely able to write this blog.

Okay - so I am actually at my parents' house right now - it is Saturday evening. I didn't have time to finish my blog at work because of the above mentioned contractor!!!!

Anyway, I have just put some highlights in my hair and wasted a few minutes (or hours- one can't tell anymore) on Facebook. That shit is addicting!! Thank God I don't have a computer at home yet!!

So, I did some last minute shopping today, as the weather in Las Vegas is going to be in the 80's!! I am so excited about that! I picked up a couple pairs of Capris and some t-shirts. Tomorrow will be the day of laundry and preliminary packing. Don't laugh - I can make packing an Olympic sport! Tomorrow will also be our last work-out before the trip. Laura and I are very happy that we were able to commit right until the last day. We are going to continue after the trip, but for right now, tomorrow marks FREEDOM!

I really don't have a lot to say right now. Hope everyone has a great week and I will see ya when I see ya!!!

PEACE OUT PEEPS!!

Happy Birthday IDA!!!!

So, Saturday was my mama's birthday!! Lori, Tim, Bianca and I went over in the late afternoon to spend some quality time with her and to have dinner all together.

The quality time consisted of Lori and I leaving, almost immediately after we got there, to go and do some shopping for the friends and family that would be coming over to celebrate this grand occasion!!

We arrived back home in time for the Chinese food and Bianca slept through most of the "family dinner". I haven't had Chinese food in a looooooong time, and it was quite enjoyable!!!

After dinner, we gave my mom her gift, which was a digital camera. She has wanted one for a while. I am not sure she even knows how to use one, but she is now a proud owner of a pretty kick-ass Sony camera!!

Soon after the house started to fill up. One of my mom's best friend and her family came and cousins also came too. We had a really nice evening. Bianca, again, was the source of entertainment.

Karla, my 07-07-07 bride came with her fiance (Dino) and they had a sample of the wedding invitation, which is beautiful and the samples of our dress colours - remember, I am blue-jay blue. It is a really nice colour, and the more I see it, the happier I am that I am blue... Not that I don't like the other colours, but I really like the blue.

The evening was fun, and everyone had a good time. I think my mom actually forgot about the fact that her own sister (you know the one I am talking about - Jennifer's mother) did not show up, call, send a card, e-mail or text message her to wish her a Happy Birthday. Maybe I need further clarification as to why someone believes it is okay to act like a complete asshole when their child is in the wrong. If I ever decide to speak to these people again, that might be my first question. People have been giving my mother a hard time, wondering why she is letting something come between her and her sister, so I ask those people - who is really the one driving the wedge deeper, cause it sure ain't my mother!!!

ANYWAY!!!! This post was supposed to be a tribute to the awesome mom that I have and to wish her a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! LOVE YA MAMA!!!!!

The Princess & The Water

Incident/Accident Report

Date: Friday February 23, 2007

Time: 10:20 am

Location: Price Chopper Parking Lot

Parties Involved: Myself, Jason & two cases of water

Brief Description: After picking up two EXTRA LARGE cases of bottled water for the scale house staff (who were supposed to be reusing the bottles that they had, but decided to throw them out instead), Jason and I carried one case each. I should mention here that it was my decision to get the extra large cases. I should also mention that Jason offered to carry both cases, but I had to be a brave-star and carry my own. Women's Lib - MY ASS!!!

Jason was walking a few steps ahead of me and I was taking small quick steps, so I wouldn't loose my momentum. Well, I lost it. I tripped/stumbled/did absolutely nothing on some uneven concrete and fell down.

Jason turned and saw the case of water on the floor, but didn't turn around completely and therefore DID NOT SEE ME ON THE GROUND!!! I had to call out to him, "Jason? Jason, I fell." He quickly came over and bent down to ask me if I was okay. I started to get up, but first replaced the "Thank You" sticker on the top of the case, so everyone would know that I actually purchase the case of water that I had just thrown 50 feet. Okay, so it was only 1.5 feet, but remember - it was the XL case!

I twisted/rolled my left ankle on the uneven concrete and fell down on the right side of my body. My jeans were covered in dust, my boots were all scratched and dusty, but somehow, my WHITE vest was clean!!!

I started to get up and Jason picked up both cases of water and with NO EFFORT was able to put them in the Region truck. I limped to the truck and hoisted myself into the passenger seat. And started laughing. Laughing my ass off. I started to survey the damage. My left ankle was throbbing and my right knee was really, really hurting.

I went to dust off my pants, and the entire truck filled with dust from my pants - how gross! I lifted up my pant leg to find BLOOD! My knee was skinned and bruised and bleeding. Again, I busted out laughing. Jason told me to stop laughing, but I explained that if I didn't laugh, I would cry.

We made our way back to the scale house, and as Jason carried both cases of water, he almost slipped on some black ice. Suddenly the scale house door opened and one of the ladies remarked, "Oh look at the Princess who won't carry the water!!!"

Clearly, she didn't notice that the Princess was LIMPING, DIRTY AND BLEEDING!!!!!

I proceeded to tell my story to all 18 people in the scale house, all the while laughing (so I wouldn't cry). Jason re-enacted how I looked on the ground and my supervisor is making me fill out an accident report. Seriously? This is what that report looks like:

I was walking. I fell. I am an idiot. Jason didn't see me because he was ahead of me, so I had to say, "Jason, I fell. Jason?"

We then returned to the office, so I could fill out my accident report and retell the story one more time. We also had access to a camera, which is never good...

The injuries that my right knee sustained... There is no photographic evidence of the excruciating pain that my ankle is in.

The Damage done to my American Eagle Outfitters Boots (which encase you were wondering they no longer make!!)

Jason re-enacting my fall - notice the desperation in his eyes. The box is a substitute for the case of water.

Peace out People! Enjoy your weekend!

I'm So Excited!!!!

So, remember how I said that if everything goes well, I should be getting my passport the week of Feb 26th? Remember how I said that if I didn't get my passport in time, devastation would occur?

Well, never fear - MY PASSPORT HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!!! The dance of joy that I did in the lobby of my condo last night was a sight to behold! Then when I got back in my condo, I continued to dance, and knocked over a glass of diet coke - I didn't even care too much - except that it is a cream carpet, but nothing stained.

I spoke with Kerri yesterday and she said that she would be able to take some time off while we are in Vegas, so she can hang out with us for a few days!! WOO! HOO!!! She also requested that I bring her some All Dressed Ruffles potato chips. Apparently they don't have them in Vegas. I could live without them, I think!

I have officially filled out my Pledge Form for the Head Shaving Extravaganza that will take place this summer. And just so EVERYONE knows - we had this planned WAAAAAAAAAAY before Miss Britney had her breakdown and shaved her own head. Laura and I are going to raise (did you notice that I did not say TRY to) $5000.00 for Cancer research. We are currently making arrangements with Breakfast Television (there it is again, Ang) to do it live on television.

I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

I am also openly accepting donations!

Amendment to "This One's For The Girls"

In the below post, I mentioned that one of my friend's just found out about my blog today. Remember how I said that this blog was for her. Apparently, it wasn't good enough.

So, here is my amendment:

Janice, my friend and co-worker, whom I am lucky enough to sit beside, knows "someone" who started a blog. It is the worst blog ever. It makes you laugh and cry at the same time, because it is so pitiful. I said that I could understand because it was hard to blog. Janice isn't buying what I am selling.

For those of you who read one of my previous blogs where I said that I wanted to start thinking more positive, I am sorry, but with Janice YELLING AT ME, I had no choice!!!!

I am just kidding - Janice rocks and things are awesome now that she is back from her mat leave. Her babies are beautiful and will be strong and independent like she is!!!

This amendment is also for Vicki, who thought I should have mentioned her more!! Who is also now harassing me because she knows an amendment is on the way...

Here's a tip, for those of you who are thinking about blogging - DON'T ASK FOR PEOPLE'S OPINION - IT NEVER ENDS THE WAY YOU LIKE IT TO!!!!!!

Kisses!!!

This One's For the Girls!

Okay, it's been a couple of days since I have last blogged, but there really isn't anything new to update.

I am still waiting for my passport. My vacation is booked, paid for and has been approved at work. I just need my passport. I am refusing to think that it will not be here on time. The devastation that will ensue is just to much to imagine, so it has to come. It has no choice!!

This blog is for Ang, who is totally funny and super nice. The thing is, she kind of reminds me of Liza from Breakfast Television... Just kidding!! She doesn't at all - she is awesome and she should remember that all the time - NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS OR WRITES ABOUT HER!!!!

This entry is also for Vicki, as it entertains her. And if she wants to make a comment after every post I make, please don't judge her - she likes to do it, and I like reading the comments. It makes me feel like someone is really reading this.

This entry is also for someone else that just found out about my blog today. Her "sister-in-law" just started a blog and it's pretty ridiculous. I will give her credit because, I have to say, writing a blog is not easy. I stress out wondering if people will see my sarcasm, get my jokes or understand what I am trying to say, all the while trying to be entertaining. Sometimes I think that I am totally out of my league and should quit while I am ahead. Get out while the getting is good, ya know?

This entry is also for the Dixie Chicks who rocked at the Grammy's last week. They cleaned up with the best song I have heard in a really long time. As most of you know, I am a song buff. I relate everything in my life to a song. Whether it is a song that was playing at a special time in my life, or a song that reminds me of someone... But "Not Ready To Make Nice" came at a time in my life that was really hard for me. The words felt like they came right from my lips. Word for word, it describes how I feel about the entire situation with my bitch-ass cousin. That's right - I used the words "bitch" and "ass" to describe her, and it's only fitting... trust me!

This blog is for the Grand Marquis who was awesome during her presentation yesterday. She was literally thrown to the lions and came out on top. She is what the term "consumate professional" means, even if she swears at our boss every once in a while!

You might not be a "girl" February, but this blog is also for you. The month of February has been so awful to me and my family in the past. It's February 15th today, and so far, we have had to just survive your memories. Please be kind to us for the next 13 days....

Currently listening to my anthem, "Not Ready To Make Nice"

ROCK ON LADIES!!! ROCK THE FUCK ON!!!!

And the Beat Goes On

Okay, so I was off yesterday, and planned to spend my day in the passport office. As I mentioned earlier, I did not get an epass, so I had an old fashion application.

Everyone was telling me to be there at least by 6 am. Now, if you know me at all, you know that I just don't do mornings. When I had to be at work for 6:45 am, by 11 am, I had no friends. So, I decided that I was going to aim to be there at 7 am. My friend (who succeeded with the epass) who had tried once before to process her passport, but didn't have her birth certificate (that is another story in itself - we thought that she lost it and would have to wait for a new one to arrive!) gave me her passport to bring in as well, as she had to work.

Okay - here is the time line.

7am - arrive at passport office. 2 cars in the lot, nobody outside
7:05 am - start bundling up to go outside (I should mention that it is -30 with the windchill!)
7:06 am - car pulls up beside me; another lady getting her passport so we walk in together
7:08 am - there is a line-up; about 10 people in front of me.
7:15 am - Laura arrives with a hot cup of coffee in hand for me; wishes me luck and leaves for work
7:30 am - A wonderful government employee comes and starts separating the lines into passport applications, online applications and passport pick-ups
7:40 am - we are all moved upstairs in a cattle- like fashion
7:55 am - we are all handed numbers - I am lucky #11
8:02 am - the doors open, and the online applications, the passport pick-ups and the first eleven, yes 11!!!, people are asked to proceed forward. YEAY! That is me!
8:03 am - I approach my wicket and the lady is wicked!! She does not smile, she barely answers me when I say good morning and she starts processing my passport without even looking at me. She starts to give me a bit of a hard time with my guarantor, but decides against it.
8:07 am - my passport has been processed and I begin to hand her Laura's. She tells me that she can not process it because we are not blood related nor do we live in the same house. I beg for several minutes and see that I am not getting anywhere.
8:10 am - I pay and am ready to walk out the door. I ask one last time about Laura's passport, but it is a no-go.
8:12 am - I am back in my car. Yes, the ordeal is over. It took 12 minutes and about 6 years off my life.

I should mention a couple of things here:
1. Laura got her passport this morning. She was on her way to work by 8:15 am.
2. She was told that I should have been able to do it for her yesterday and that the lady probably just didn't want to - NICE!
3. We were both told (me yesterday and her today) that our passports should arrive the week of Feb 26th; which gives us two weeks before we are scheduled to leave.
4. Because I was done so early at the passport office, I had a very productive day - including getting my car checked for the 70,000 kms.
5. I will need new brakes and new tires in the spring/summer. Damn car - is this what it is like to have a car longer than 3 years!??!?! (I need an entire separate entry to explain why I have never had a car longer than 3 years...)
6. The work-out continues - we are all being very good about it, and I really feel that I will make my goal this time.
7. The working out gives me something to think about so I don't stress about the passport.

I will let you know when I have my passport in my hot little hands!!

Ang - if you are reading this - Since the song was in my head in the truck on the way to the PET place and it just seems fitting, I used it as the title of this post! See, I can be creative sometimes!

Leaving On A Jet Plane

WE BOOKED!! WE BOOKED!!! WE BOOKED!! WE BOOKED!!! We are leaving on March 12th!!! I am so excited!!! I have to go put in my vacation request now!!! WOO HOO!!! WE BOOKED!!!

LAS VEGAS - get ready for my return!!!!!!!

All Hail the Canadian Federal Government!

So, I am planning another trip to Vegas. I said I would. I am going with some friends, who have been planning this trip for a while. It is a stagette and it is going to be AMAZING!! Our departure date is March 12th, 2007. I am very excited about this, but apparently the Canadian Government is not. As of January 26th, 2007 (I think that is the date) Canadians are now required to carry a Canadian passport when travelling outside of Canada.

If you know anything about getting a passport here, then you know that it is easier to adopt a child from Malawi than obtain a passport. You have to take a day off work (Government hours of operation are 8-4:30) and be prepared to stand in line ALLLLLLLL day. Once you actually make it to the counter, you could be turned away for any number of reasons, including having your mascara smudged because you accidentally fell asleep on the guy in front of you, even though he smelt of curry and B.O. So, with your fingers crossed, you approach the counter, smile and hope for the best. But don't smile too much - you don't want them to think that you are up to something.

You hand over your documentation and they pick it apart. You hand over your passport photo, which I might add cost you $15 and it is the worst picture ever. Who doesn't smile in a picture!?!?!? MUG SHOT PEOPLE, THAT'S WHO!!!!! We have all seen http://www.thesmokinggun.com/, haven't we?!?!

Sorry, I digressed. So, you hand over your information, everything is checked and double checked and then you get the okay. Hopefully.

To avoid all this frustration, the Canadian Government has now made passport applications available online. This is to alleviate the work load for the people behind the counter. Yes, the same thing that you and I do everyday. Sit at a computer and type. This is too much for them. So, we can do it online and submit it, print it off to have our guarantor sign it (don't even get me started on that one), and bring it to the passport office and get moved to the front of the line. The hardworking Government employee will then type (sigh) in the bar code and after verifying the information that YOU have typed in, the process moves a lot quicker. But not too much quicker as we are still dealing with the Government.

Side note: I do also work for the Government, but it is Municipal, not Federal, so it is completely different. Well, maybe not completely different, but different none-the-less.

I came to work at 7am this morning, just so I could apply online. Oh right, now is a good time to mention that when you go online, it says to use the website during off peek hours, which according to them is 9pm to 6am. One would think off peek hours would be after 4:30pm and before 8am, but again, I digress.

So, I was here at 7am, and have been trying ever since to log onto the passport website and complete my online application. I could have had 8 Malawian babies by now!!!

I will not be deterred. I will go to Las Vegas in March. I will have a Canadian passport. I will. I will. I will.

Strange Day

Vicki said it best... Today is a strange day...

I woke up this morning in a pretty good mood. While I was getting ready for work, I decided to watch BT instead of my usual "Saved By the Bell" (It's the early years, with Miss. Bliss - I'm not really a fan!). Anyway, Kevin and the new Liza (that I am also not a fan of) were saying that today is the day that most people really get the winter blahs. That they realize how much in debt they are from Christmas, and that it's just not a good day.

I thought to myself, "Hmm, isn't that weird. For the first time on a Monday, I wake up in a good mood and today is a blah day." Off I went to work, stopping for some Timmy's on the way. Once I got into the office, everything changed.

There were 3 people waiting at my desk for me. One of the temp workers that was hired by our contractors apparently suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. I learned a short while later that the gentleman did not survive the attack. This made me very, very sad.

Shortly there after, I was speaking with Vicki, who is having a bad day. It is a truly justified bad day. Not a "my credit card came in and I really shouldn't have bought 4 pairs of Jimmy Choos" bad day, but a knock-down, drag out bad day. She is such a strong person, and usually trudges through her bad days with a smile. But not today. I wasn't able to give her much comfort or be of any great help to her. This made me very, very sad. Again.

Just a little while ago, the fire alarms went off in our building. We all evacuated and, luckily there wasn't a fire. One of the sprinklers burst in the plant. There was water everywhere. The rest of the temp workers that didn't leave after this morning's incident were sent home as there wasn't anything for them to do until the sprinkler is fixed. This is not sad, but just helps make this one of the strangest days in a while.

All this before noon! What will the afternoon bring?

Paula's Review of 2006

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
I went to Las Vegas. I lived on my own.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any new year’s resolutions last year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Too many, in fact.

5. What countries did you visit?
The United States of America.

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A passport.

7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 13th – My niece’s first birthday! August 18th – My closing date on my condo. November 30th – Left for Las Vegas.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having the ability and funds to move out on my own.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting something that I had no control over control my life.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Except for a flu that knocked me on my butt for 24 hours.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Condo.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My friends and immediate family who continue to rock.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Jennifer… what a disappointment.

14. Where did most of your money go?
My Condo. Car payments.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Las Vegas!!

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
“Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks, “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, “Irreplaceable” by Beyonce & “This Year’s Love” by David Gray

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier. Fatter. Poorer. Those last two answers don’t really fit with the first one, but it’s true!!!!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Travelling, like always!

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Crying. Trying to change things that I have no control over.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve with my parents, and Christmas day with my parents, my sister, her husband and best of all, my rock star niece!!!!

21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
No. I started to, but stopped before I did.

22. How many one-night stands?
None.

23. What was your favourite TV program?
Grey’s Anatomy. Lost.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is a very strong word, and implies that you care enough to have feelings for that person. So no. There are some that I truly cared for last year that I now don’t care for at all.

25. What was the best book you read?
“Why Moms are Weird” by Pamela Ribon.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hmmm. This is weird, but probably Beyonce. Up until a few months ago, I couldn’t stand her. Now, I enjoy her.

27. What did you want and get?
To go to Las Vegas. Spend lots of time with my niece.

28. What did you want and not get?
To win the lottery.

29. What was your favourite film of this year?
I didn’t see too many movies this year… I really enjoyed “The Queen”.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30 on my birthday and celebrated it in LAS VEGAS!!!!!!!! I had a drink at midnight in the Paris hotel to start. Was awaken with champagne sent from my parents and spent the day shopping the Forums at Caesar’s Palace. I could not have had a better day.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To have been able to tell a distinct few family members exactly what I think of them.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Jeans, jeans, jeans.

33. What kept you sane?
My parents, my sister and my friends. They are awesome and they will never know how much I value them.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
McSteamy!!!!! LOVE HIM!

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Not really someone that gets stirred by political issues, but seriously, enough of this war already… That and the hanging of Saddam. Never thought that would happen in my lifetime…

36. Who did you miss?
Hmmmm. I miss my aunt who passed away. Oddly enough, I really missed my grandparents this year. They passed away quite some time ago, but I really missed their presence this year.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
Wow. Um, Cassie. She is super fun, ridiculously funny and such a great friend.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
The worst thing that you are afraid of happening will happen, but you will survive.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I’m not Ready to Make Nice.

The Start of a GREAT Year!

So 2007 is in full swing, and I can honestly say that I have left 2006 behind for good. This year has so many possibilities that I can't help but be excited about it!!

We already started looking into prices for Vegas, and have a couple of options. The first is going with some friends for a bachlorette party in mid-March. Another is going in late April/early May before I jump head first into bridesmaid duty (more about that in a minute). The final option is late summer, after the summer rush ends. I wish I could do all three. In fact, I keep thinking more and more about a one way trip there! I don't know if it is because I just loved being there so much, or if it was because I promised my parents that I would leave all my family woes on Canadian soil and have the time of my life. ANYWAY - back to where I am - in a cube - a la Dilbert!!

So, as I mentioned before, I am going to be a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding. She and her fiance have been engaged since 1987... well more like 2004, but it seems so much longer than that. I remember when she told me - 07-07-07 - that seemed like years and years ago. And now here we are - the first of the 07's!

They have kind of a tropical/elegant island theme. The girls are all wearing the same dress, but in different colours. I am blue-jay blue. The dresses are really beautiful. And they should be, because we have been looking for them since 1987 as well. Okay, May 2006. ...So I exaggerate sometimes... The dresses will look really good on all the girls, except me, I think. They are strapless and well, I kinda need straps, if ya know what I mean. Karla said that I can add straps, but I think that I need a holster or something.

I think I kinda freaked my cousin out last week when I was there. I was asking her a bunch of questions - what shoes? what jewelry? shawls? when to wrap the bombonieres? etc... I need to slow down and remember that I am not planning this wedding. I can't take over and make decisions. The best I can do is offer my suggestions, but mainly just offer my services whenever she needs me and especially on 07-07-07!!!!

Couple of other things - my dad came over on the weekend to hang all my pictures and wall accessories. My mom came too, and so did Lori and Bianca. The condo was full and Bianca was a big help to my dad. He would put the hammer down, and she would pick it up. The same can be said for the tape measure, the pencil, the drill bits and picture hanging thingys. She figured out how to turn on the power drill. I know you are asking yourself, 'Why would we let her play with a power drill?" and the answer is, we didn't. My dad put it down and she was sitting beside him (as soon as you sit on the floor, she sits beside you, in front of you, on top of you, etc.). So, she scooped it up and we though, "okay, it's not on" and then she turned it on. We laughed and grabbed for the drill all at the same time, and all she said was "Nonno, Nonno" because it belonged to him!

Lori and I are going to start to work out. We are going to use the gym in my building. Since technically, I am paying for it, I might as well use it! Nothing crazy, but we are going to try and get ourselves loosely resembling our yester-years... I wrote it down, so now I have to stick to it. I can't act like it never happened cause now it is on paper. And I told the girls at work as well. It's out there, so now I have to do it. But more importantly, I WANT to do it.

It's the last little (maybe not so little) bit of 2006 that I need to get rid of!