Some Days Are A Complete Waste Of Make-Up

2007-01-21T22:55:00.000-05:00

Been a little preoccupied with Facebook this past week.
Blogging has taken a back seat.
But a telephone conversation tonight revealed that at least one person is missing me.
So this is for you. (p.s. I'm a little too tired to be witty.)

Been working on my knitting lately.
With the winter weather settling in here, I'm spending less time in my scrap room in the basement and more time upstairs knitting on the couch.
We need a little heater for the basement, but we keep forgetting to pick one up.
And for all these evening hours logged on the couch, I can't say that I've been catching anything particularly good on tv.
Thursdays are the only tv night I look forward to.
The fact that will not be a new episode of The Office is making a little bit cranky.
I mean, really.....why???

2007-01-11T17:34:00.000-05:00

Taking a 'Mental Health Day' today.
Spending the day baking cookies, getting groceries and cleaning up.
Tomorrow is my birthday.
I don't want to have to do ANYTHING tomorrow besides enjoying my day.

I was tagged by Val.

A= Available~ nope.
B= Best Friend~ Jimmy.
C= Cake or pie~ vanilla, cake or cupcakes.
D= Drink of choice~ Mmmm, Jimmy's been making amazing strawberry smoothies for us lately. I've been drinking them for breakfast, instead of a snack and/or for dessert. And when I'm fending for myself, I'll drink water.
E= Essential item you use everyday~ moisturizer & toothpaste. I really can't choose between the two. Don't make me.
F= Favorite color~ red.
G= Gummy bears or worms~ neither.
H= Hometown~ Timmins ON Canada.
I= Indulgences~ homemade cookies, sleeping late on weekends and beautiful stationary/notebooks.
J= January or February~ January. I'm a January baby.
K= Kids and Names~ none yet, but I definitely have names picked out.
L= Life is incomplete without?~ laughter.
M= Marriage date~ July 16, 2005.
N= Number of siblings~ one younger brother plus a sister and brother in law.
O= Oranges or apples~ not a huge fan of either in their fruit shape.....but in juice form, I'll take the oj.
P= Phobias or Fears~ the dark and being home alone.
Q= Favorite Quote~ not sure enough to say any are my favorite.
R= Reason to smile~ Banner.
S= Season~ I hate winter....any other season is a breeze.
T= Tag 3 or 4 people~ nope. tag yourself if you feel like doing this.
U= Unknown fact about me~ i'd rather be the passenger....you can even drive my car.
V= Vegetable you don't like~ celery and onions.
W= Worst habit~ eating when I'm bored.
X= X-rays~ just of my teeth.
Y= Your favorite food~ grill it on a BBQ and it's my favorite.
Z= Zodiac Sign~ capricorn.

p.s. I know you might not think it's as cool as MySpace.....but I'd joined Facebook. Add me if you'd like.

2007-01-03T08:19:00.000-05:00

Awww, a fresh new year!!!!
2007.

Got my new calendar, got my new agenda....
I opened to January and the first note I put into each was my birthday.
And I actually stopped and asked myself "Am I really turning 29 this year?!?"
before saying to myself "Way to go Raina, you already made a mistake in BOTH of your brand new calendars!!"
(Yes, as a matter of fact, I absolutely do talk to myself.)

Umm, it wasn't a mistake.
I really am turning 29 in a few days.
Not sure how I feel about it.

Skipped the resolutions last year.
This year I decided to try again.
I'm not a smoker. Or much of a drinker.
And deciding to lose those extra 10 lbs I've put on in the last year-ish.
Yeah, they're not going anywhere.
Instead, I've decided to just take better care of myself.
I'll start eating breakfast.
I'll remember to take my vitamins every day. Not just when I open the vitamin cupboard looking for tweezers.
Then I'll book an checkup appt with my family doctor, with my dentist and my optometrist.

2006-12-29T00:13:00.000-05:00

I already miss Christmas.
I’m ready to do it all over again.
Mostly because I didn’t get any pictures on the 24th or the 25th.
Very unlike me….
But got a bunch at the annual Boxing Day Bash.
Too bad I can't share any......Blogger's been uncooperative for the last two days......which is how long I've been waiting on posting this.
Finally gave up and am posting w/out pictures.

Got all sorts of cool stuff for Christmas.
But Mom wins the prize for getting me the most fabulous, perfectly perfect ‘Raina’ winter jacket. With the matching purse, of course.
And Jimmy wins the prize for making me cry. A good cry
And last but not least, cousin Dan wins the prize for making me laugh so hard I cried.....
"Raina is soo pretty she doesn't need to work. She should just be supported."
Bwa-hahahahahaha!!!
Obviously, I asked Dan what his feelings were on cousins marrying their first cousin.

Christmas Eve Eve

2006-12-23T22:13:00.000-05:00

It hardly feels like Christmas here.

We’re having some strange weather.
Don’t get me wrong, the fact that I can see my grass out in the yard is pretty rad!!
I practically neighbor the North Pole. It’s usually cold and snowy here this time of the year.

But as much as the weather is making me cheery, it’s not enough.I’m more poopy than I am merry this holiday season.

Last year as Jimmy and I sat in church on Christmas Eve, we held hands and whispered promises to each other that “next year will be different, we’ll have a baby. Or at the very least, we’ll be expecting.”

But it didn’t happen.
This year we celebrated our first wedding anniversary and bought our first house.
A small cozy house and in it, we have a really sweet little room painted yellow.
Waiting.
Empty.

We have a house, two full time jobs, health benefits, food in the refrigerator and a sweet puppy face greeting us every time we walk in the door.
So I should be grateful. I know.
I actually am.
But I’ve been bit by the baby bug.

I still have some wrapping to do.
And I have to clean two toilets.
But other than that, I’m ready for tomorrow.

And I’m excited to see what the man in red leaves me tomorrow night.

Santa, you got my list, right?
And you know I was definitely nice this year, right?
On the off chance my letter didn’t make it to the North Pole, here’s my list again.

a baby
a maid
to be 10 lbs lighter
365 days of good hair
grace and poise
2007 The Office calendar

It’s a safe bet that I won’t be posting till after all the holiday hoopla is over.
So I’ll take this time to wish you all a very delicious Christmas.

Cheers!! oxo

2006-12-10T22:35:00.000-05:00

Got the fa-lalalala kicked out of me on Saturday.
I guess I waited a little too long to try to finish up my shopping.
I’m gonna head back on a weekday evening. Gotta finish it this week.
So I can steer clear after that, sit back and actually enjoy.

This is exactly how long it’s been since I’ve uploaded pictures from my camera.

spooky

I’m not in the picture. I took it of Jimmy’s brother in law, his sister and Jimmy passing out candy at my in-law’s.

And Scotty requested a picture of our new van a few weeks ago…..I actually took it back when he requested it. The picture just never got uploaded till tonight.

the chickmobile.

And of course, a few holiday pics too.

hohoho

snowfolk

My theme this year is snowmen.
The plates were the first decorating I did this year.
This is an old picture....I took it sometime in the last week of November.

Jimmy and my dad have been busy working on my Christmas present upstairs so I took on the task of decorating the tree in the basement. And with Jimmy absent for the tree decorating, I was able to decorate the tree MY WAY!! I went 'matchy-matchy'. I hung my new red, burgandy and gold Martha Stewart shatterproof balls and only my snowmen ornaments. If it isn't a snowman, it isn't up there.

And I'll leave you with a picture of Banner. Does this look comfortable??

Banner

Apparently it is very.
It is also the exact position Banner is in every single day when I get home from work.
Yeah, the life of a dog sure ain't bad!!

2006-12-05T15:13:00.000-05:00

Ok, I’m inspired…..
I’m feeling holly jolly all over and will finally (since Halloween) dig out my USB cord and upload some pictures.
Some Christmas pictures, some Banner pictures……all sorts of stuff.
When I get home.

2006-12-05T12:51:00.000-05:00

ETA,
Nicole, you're right. It most certainly doesn't sound like anything I'd ever say. In my wildest dream!!
But unfortunately, today I found out just how low I really can stoop.
I'm actually a little embarrased now that I re-read it. Santa's gonna be disappointed for sure.
But then again, I've been taking abuse from this patient for almost two years and she's in every three months for her shot. She had it coming.

----------------------------
Nothing like a good ol’ fight with a patient to get your blood pumping!!
Dr. X caught a ‘Christmas bug’ and left me to cancel our office today and tomorrow.
I called every patient to reschedule.
Only one gave me trouble.
Not the patient who needed follow up for heart surgery, the patient with a lump in her breast, or the 3 oncology patients nauseous and in pain from chemo.
But a 23 year old wild child who was scheduled for a birth control injection.
She yelled, she cursed, stated Dr X was a f***ing sh*t doctor.
I was on the phone with this little psycho for 15 minutes.
As always, I start out polite and empathizing.
And rebook as soon as possible.
But I just KNEW this call would be something else.
She has a history of throwing fits on me.

I offered to rebook asap. (The very first day Dr X is back in the office…..pretty damn good if you ask me, right?)
Not happy….

I’ll spare you the whole conversation but share the ending…..You can bet that I took advantage of Dr X’s absence in the office to speak freely.

After about 10 minutes of abuse, I started to loose my composure.

Me: LISTEN, Dr. X is SICK!!! He won’t be in until THURDAY!!! What do want???
Her: I want to go in for my appt today. Or tomorrow. Or earlier on Thursday. I took today off work for my appt.
Me: Listen, you have a job??? When your boss tells you to do something, do you do it? Cause I sure as hell do what the person who signs my paycheck tells me to do. And I’m not going to call him at home and ask him to drive in to town specifically to see you.
Her: Well, this is bullsh*t. I waited 3 months for an appt and now you’re cancelling it.
Me: Yup, deal with it. I’m not just cancelling your appt sweetheart. I’m cancelling everyone who had an appts today. This is not “let’s screw ***** out of an appt day.”
You want to see someone, you can walk in to any walk in clinic or the hospital in town. They’ll make you wait anywhere between six to thirteen hours because you’re not coming in for an emergency!!! You act like a bitch every single time you call here for an appt and frankly, I’m tired of you!!!
You think I’m a stupid receptionist and you can yell at me because you’re a skanky airplane pilot?!? I’ll tell you a little something……I’m not a lowly receptionist. I’m Dr. X’s medical assistant. I’ve been trained and I know my SHIT!!!! I can read every diagnosis in your chart and tell you exactly how many STD’s you’ve caught in your short little life. I made the conscious choice to move back to Timmins and work as a receptionist at this job because I wanted to be near my family and also because I know Dr. X will ALWAYS have my back in situations like these. And that IS worth lowering myself to also working as the office receptionist.
Now my final offer is the appt I offered you on Thursday. Take it or leave it. I don’t give a shit. But one last thing to keep in mind for the rest of your life is that it’s always in your best interest to make nice with any receptionist you come across. We ARE the ONLY way you’ll have access to whatever services you’re inquiring about. I will never compromise your health. But I can definitely make you wait three months for an appt while others will be booked in for appts ahead of you.

And then……she hung up on me!!!!

2006-11-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

Alright, this post is mostly the same as the last one because there were definitely not enough suggestions for my liking!!!

That’s right, teacher’s mad now.
Her students didn’t read her blog and submit homework like she asked them to.

Here’s what was suggested so far:

Rocking around the Christmas Tree (Nicole, any specific version?? And please don’t say Jessica Simpson or else I’ll stop reading your blog.)

Mariah’s All I want for Christmas (Sarah…this was your one freebie….As you requested, I will not judge, but maybe try to redeem yourself with another suggestion…..preferably a kickass one.)

Bon Jovi’s Bells Will Be Ringing. (thanks Greta the Great. I’ll add this one.)

Trans Siberia Orchestra and Metallica's "Carol of the Bells" (A++ Yes Shoosh, powerful indeed. Mikey would also approve!)

Sarah suggested some entire Christmas albums that I am presently checking out…and good ol’ Bing. I agree, he needs to be added. It wouldn’t be Christmas without him.

And last but certainly not least, Queen Christielli. Rocks my face off with all her suggestion of Maybe This Christmas Tree. OH. My. GAWD!!!! Give it a listen.

Now, I ask again…..please please help me out with some suggestions.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, feels like forever since I posted a picture…..it’s mostly because I’m too lazy to upload pictures from my camera. But I’ll get err done this weekend cause the tree is going up and decorations are coming out and I want to share those.

But I managed to find something to share. Alright, welcome!!! My first house picture!! My little dining table is quite small. Got it years ago and seriously, probably only ate at it about 20 times in four years. We usually eat in front of the tv (I know I know!!! Soo bad) and occasionally at our little island in the kitchen.
Anyways, just wanted to share and get your opinions….

Check out the hallway….. We painted the upstairs lavender and painted the trim around the doors white. They were not painted when we moved in…they matched the doors. Now, my question is, how bad do the doors look unpainted??
We have all sorts of little things that need to be fixed around the house but Jimmy is obsessed with replacing the doors for white ones. (The doors we have up now have a funny finish on them that will take an eternity to paint over and we live in Canada so there’s no option to take them out to the backyard and sand them down….it’s freezing here and there’s snow all over the place.)
I told Jimmy to wait and we’ll get to the doors eventually….but he seems to think they look horrible. What do you think??? Should new doors be added to the top of the list of things to do/buy?? Or can they wait till next spring when we can either take them outside or afford new doors?

Fa lalalala lala lalaaaaa

2006-11-18T22:53:00.000-05:00

Jimmy’s newest love is the satellite radio he uses in the van.

This means I’ve been given full custody of the Ipod.

Just in time for Christmas.

In the privacy of my own home, I can do whatever I feel like doing.

(The Christmas tree is going up next weekend.)

I can listen to whatever I want to listen to.

(Christmas songs included.)

I’m not forcing anything on you. Just don’t come to my house for the next few weeks if you aren’t ready.

Don’t judge me!!

And I won’t judge you for waiting till December to get into the spirit.

But come December 1^stI unleash to the rest of the world.

I’m decorating the office and hiding Dr. X’s Great Big Sea cds for the entire month of December.

You know those ‘all Christmas music all the time’ radio stations?

That’s what I’m going for at the office.

I manage the place now. I am the bouncer, the ruler, the boss.

What I say goes.

So, help a girl out.

I want enough Christmas music to last the month of December.

And there are a gazillions Christmas albums out there. I know it’s possible.

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

2006-11-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

Been totally wiped lately. I think it's the weather.
All I want to do it curl up with a blanket on the couch.

I'm loosing my only real in-person scrapping friend.
Real soon. Like, this month.
She's moving to the Yukon. That's reeeeeaally far away from lil ol' Timmins.

New driver's licence arrived today.
With a new picture and new name!!!
16 months after the wedding, I've finally (just) changed my bank account and driver's license.
Still haven't changed my health card....or anything else for that matter.
But New Years Eve plans are made!!! So all is well.

I'm 28 going on 82.

2006-11-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

Prepare to read the funniest thing you've read in the past few days.

Jimmy and I bought a Dodge Grand Caravan yesterday.
Are you laughing yet?
No?!?
Weird, cause every single person we've told minus our immediate families have laughed at us and asked "What on earth for? Why a van? Why not a SUV? Are you pregnant Raina?"

I know, you're all sitting in shock and think "Ugh!!! A mini van."
But nooooo, it's a Grand Caravan with Stow and Go!! I can make the seats disappear at the snap of a finger....
I can do some serious shopping. <------ That was actually the angle Jimmy worked on me because I originally was asking "why can't we have a cute SUV?"

So yeah, we're kids without babies driving a Grand Caravan. But hey, we have a dog, so we qualify as a family in my books....and we'll eventually have kids. And it's not a beat up used van. It brand new. So there!!!! And it's soo fun! (AND, I now have my own vehicle.....of course, Jimmy gets the van for work and I get the little Echo....but my gas mileage is insane. With just me driving the Echo, I'll only need to fill the car up once a month or something stupid like that.)

p.s. I got to drive myself to work this morning instead of taking the bus. Took me 10 minutes to get to work.....as does the bus ride. However the drive home took wayyyy longer and was much more expensive than a bus ride because since I had the car, instead of going straight home, I stopped all the way home to pick things up for supper, for dessert, ran an errand, bought kleenex on sale at the pharmacy..... Took me 45 minutes to get home.

Oh and just to re-inforce the 28 going on 82...

1 - I stayed in last Friday and Saturday night. I scrapped and blogged and went to bed early.
2 - I had my first knitting lesson with my Nana tonight. At 28 years of age, I have finally set my very first goal. An afghan. Ooohh, ambitious, aint I?

TGIF

2006-10-27T15:54:00.000-04:00

Skipped out of work early today.
Got the house cleaned from top to bottom, got laundry done and supper is almost ready. And I have 6 minutes to spare before 4pm!!

This evening I'm tackling my scrap room.
And since I'm on a productive streak, I know I'm going to get it all clean tonight.
I'm just in the mood.

Halloween party tomorrow....and neither Jimmy or I have costumes yet.
Perfect time for me to feel like I can conquer the world.
I'll have something for each of us by 8pm tomorrow night.

Anyways, I'm off, got a whack of stuff to do.

I'll leave you with the perfect way to end a post.
And the perfect way to start a weekend.
With a funny video I've been watching for 2 weeks now.
And I still giggle.

Crocodile Hunter Meets His Match

2006-10-25T13:45:00.001-04:00

Where the heck did all our money go?
Oh yeah, we bought a house.

The latest project we’ve taken on was to replace the carpet in the basement. The basement is completely finished, however so was the carpet.
So we decided that before we put anything in the basement, the carpet would come out.
Choosing a carpet both Jimmy and I agreed on was more than half the battle.
Last weekend, on our third attempt, we finally agreed and bought on the spot.
This weekend, we finish it up with the trim…..cause apparently you should wait incase the carpet stretches… (Thank goodness for fathers and all their knowledge.)

Christmas is two months away!!
And I want the basement finished and furnished for the holidays.
I bought a Martha Stewart Christmas tree on clearance in the middle of the summer three years ago that we’ve never seen out of the box. This year it’s coming out.

Finally, I’ll have no qualms over leaving Banner alone in a house with an unattended Christmas tree while we’re at work. Banner can have the whole upstairs and the tree will be safe behind closed door in the basement.

2006-10-18T22:35:00.000-04:00

I finished this tonight.
I say that like I finished the book, right?
Nope, it was the actual movie. No reading involved.
It just takes me a while sometimes.
I only watch movies in their entirety when I have a movie night with Jimmy.
It takes discipline to sit still for 2 hours.
And my mind starts wandering halfway…. “hmm, I wonder what I’m missing on tv” or “holy crap, I just remembered the name of the song I need to download”

I completely enjoyed Shopgirl.
Which is why it only took me 4 nights to finish it.
I dug out my season of My So-Called Life on DVD right after.
And although I exceeded my TV quota for the evening, I popped in a DVD and watched the first episode of MSCL. (How many of you cried at the Christmas episode?)

Tell me, did you watch My So-Called Life?
Because I will forever wonder why it was cancelled after the first season.
I didn’t relate to Saved by the Bell and 90210.
But I could relate to Angela Chase.
I was that awkward. And I still miss her. After all these years.

p.s. Oh Jordan Catalano, you were soo dreamy. It pains me to look at pictures of you nowadays.

2006-10-13T14:03:00.000-04:00

It's freezing here.
Snow is forecasted for this weekend.

I was cursing myself while at the bus stop this morning for deciding against grabbing a scarf and mitts on my way out the door. I'll be better prepared on Monday morning.

While I sink into a near depression at the thought of winter, it seems like Banner is re-visiting Puppydom. He's been acting like a fool in the crisp weather. Completely ignores us when we try to get him in the house. When we finally do get him in the house, he flies up the stairs into the livingroom and then chases his tail like his life depends on his catching it. Then he runs circles around the upstairs level of the house before launching himself onto the couch.
This is the pattern every single time he comes into the house lately.
Can't wait to see what he turns into this weekend when we walk him in our walking trails.
With the arrival of the cooler weather, there are less people using the trails....it's mostly only dog walkers that are using them now.
Which means Banner can run loose....and scare the living daylight out of the partridge, bunnies, deer and whatever else we run into on our walks.

So any plans for the weekend? I haven't a clue what to do with myself this weekend.

2006-10-09T22:57:00.000-04:00

Thank you x 1000.
Your prayers and thoughts worked like a charm.
On Friday afternoon, Jimmy finally got the call he’s been waiting for these past two weeks.
He got the promotion he’s been working towards since Pepsi first offered it to him and then turned around and gave it to someone else last year.
Yeah, direct quote from his boss this time last year. “James, are you interested in the job? It’s yours! Go home and celebrate.”
Then the very next day “Umm, did you happen to tell Raina about the promotion? Because we’re interviewing tomorrow for that job I was telling you about yesterday. We decided that you need a little more experience. But stick around cause you’re a really valuable employee and I don’t want to loose you. Next time, the job is yours.”
He’s in shock. He honestly did not believe he was going to get it this time either.
I think he’s said to me “I can’t believe I got the job” at least 18 times since last Friday.
Timmins and it’s surrounding areas are complete and total Pepsi cities.
He’s walking taller. And feeling a whole heck of a lot better about himself.
It’s beautiful.

We had a great weekend in Ottawa.
The wedding was very nice.
I saw a few similarities between mine and my cousin’s wedding.
I guess I should be flattered right?

The reception hall had large tables sitting 10 people each. My table was smack in the middle of the hall. There were only 5 of us at the table and we were the loudest by a long shot. What we lacked in numbers we made up for in laughs.

"Wooohoooo 18!!!"
And seriously, my uncle was the biggest instigator!!

my uncle and my dad - such clowns!!

the boys; my uncle, Jimmy and cousin Dan

Raina & James

the girls; soo glad I had Renee at my table....

Renee, the actress in the family. Flew in fromVancouver to be with our family for Thanksgiving and we managed to snaggle her an invitation to the wedding. And I finally got my autographed 8x10 autographed picture. bwa-hahahaha!

Banner stayed home alone for the first time.
Jimmy usually stays behind and I attend out of town weddings and parties without him.
This time Jimmy came along.
We had neighbors check on Banner a few times a day to feed him and let him out.
When our neighbor dropped our house key off today, he said Banner didn’t eat a thing the first day but that he let Banner out 5 times a day. By the second day, Banner had warmed to him and was eating up a storm.
We smoothed things over with Banner with a HUGE bone from Pet Smart.
All’s well in the house tonight.
Banner and Jimmy are each asleep on a couch upstairs.
I just may leave them there tonight.

Banner

Banner & James

2006-10-03T22:59:00.000-04:00

Just popping in a few minutes.
I have a request. But I can't share too much info.
Please send prayers and good thoughts and whatever else you can to Jimmy and I.
Every single time we think things are looking up for us,
something happens to break us down.
I'm beat.
Jimmy's broken.

I feel a huge drunk coming on this weekend.

p.s. depending on how hard you pray, it could be a celebratory drunk.
p.p.s. if you know Jimmy & I personally, please do not mention this post around Jimmy.
he doesn't need to talk anymore. he's all talked out. i'll let you know everything once we hear the word.

2006-09-28T22:11:00.000-04:00

I don’t believe in saving a special outfit for a special occasion. Everyday is a special occasion.
I wear clothes that make me feel good.
And I don’t have 4 different wardrobes for the 4 different seasons. I have favorites and I wear them year-round, adding and taking away layers.

Soo, I was looking through my closet tonight trying to find an appropriate outfit for a Thanksgiving weekend wedding. I know I have plenty of clothes, no need to buy a new outfit.
Summer weddings warrant a new swingy skirt…..a fall wedding – not soo much in my books.

So, I came up with one outfit. Only one that I was really feeling. Tried, tested and true. It makes me feel great!

My question……is it alright to wear all black to a wedding?
I mean, black used to be ‘funeral’ but the last funeral I attended was quite colorful.
So, can I wear black? To a fall wedding?

2006-09-24T22:26:00.000-04:00

Made my Christmas wish list this week-end.
Been messing around with it for a few months, but I finally have a really good list.
And of course, I brainstormed gift ideas for my Mom & Dad, little bro Mikey, Jimmy and my Nana.

I have my Christmas cards bought. They’re pretty cute and were soo cheap during Boxing Week last year. I’ve worked it out. Each card cost about $0.10.
So, mailing the card will be more expensive than buying it.

Christmas Eve is three months away.

I leave you with my newest Photoshop work of art.
I'm going to do the same thing to pictures of Banner and Jimmy....and frame them all in black for my scrap room walls. Should be rad, right???

2006-09-20T07:16:00.000-04:00

Where does the time go?
I swear I can remember Banner’s 1st birthday party like it was yesterday.
Seriously, like it was yesterday.
But my calendar is telling me it was a year ago.

Banner is 2 years old?!?!

Happiest birthday B-man, Bannerbum, Stinky, Bannerboy but usually plain ol’ Bum.

p.s. Yes, when Banner is out in the yard and it’s time to come in, we open the door and call out “Hey Bum-bum, come on in, come get a cookie.”

And since moving into our new neighbourhood, we’re constantly asked “What your dog’s name?” and when we answer Banner, they always say something like “Oh, that’s not what I thought I heard you call him yesterday.”

p.p.s. We swear our neighbours across the street call out for their dog 'Nipples' all the time. Of course, when we finally meet them, I'm sure they'll say the dog's name is Nickels or something like that.

2006-09-13T23:11:00.000-04:00

Bittersweet night!
Rockstar Supernova finale left me happier than I’ve been with any other finale.
I’ve been an avid (almost obsessed…..ok, completely obsessed) watcher.
I lived for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
I have all the episodes recorded.
I’ve watched all the episodes a few times.
And I never for a moment doubted that Lukas and Dilana would make it to the final episode.
But is wasn’t a tough prediction to make. If you watched Rockstar, you knew they were the two to watch.
From the very first episode.
I think I fell in love right then.

I’ve been tidying up my scrap room for an hour and a half and it actually looks messier than it did before I started. And it doesn’t help that Banner keeps coming in and sniffing everything. And you know, where there’s sniffing, there’s drooling. And licking. And belly rubs.
It’s hard to get anything done with him around.

I’m thinking I need a whole new organizational system in this room if I ever want to see the floor again.

Maybe I’ll add that to the ever growing list of things to get done around the house.

We’re brainstorming the plan of action for the entrance at the moment. And I have a feeling we’re going to rip it all up. It’s doesn’t sound like it’s going to be a little job. A fresh coat of paint isn’t going to make us happy this time.

After buying the house, the original plan was to change the siding on the house and the windows. Cause I didn’t want us to be ‘the couple who live in the ugly house.’ But since we spend most of our time looking at the inside of our house and entertaining inside, priorities have changed.

11:18am

2006-09-08T11:23:00.000-04:00

Lousy Friday.
It's raining and cold out.
Just decided that I'm not going in to work today. (Fortunately, Friday the office is closed and it's catch up day for me. So, after missing countless buses downtown, I'm officially calling it a day.)

Going to spend the rest of the day being productive.
If I'm going to skip work and hang out at home while Jimmy busts him butt, then the house will smell of cleaning supplies and the kitchen of baked macaroni and cookies when he comes home tonight.

blogging the day away.

2006-09-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

I'm having a killer day at work today.
Actually, it's been a killer week and it is bound to continue.
Thank goodness it's a short work week.

But, all is well......
because I just discovered I have internet access!!!!
Dr. X must have 'forgotten' to tell me........ Good thing I found out.

-------------------

WHOA!!! bwa-hahahaha!!!
I almost died of laughter.
Accidentally clicked onto someone's blog and walked away without realizing......and the blog had the video for "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy".......
Yeah, not exactly the sort of music you want playing throughout a medical clinic right?
When I came back to my desk, the sweetest little older lady was standing at my desk bopping along to the song and said "Oooh, I really like this song!!!"

2006-08-27T23:10:00.000-04:00

It's inevitable. There's bound to come a day when everyone runs out of anything worth blogging about. Unfortunately, my slump came and stayed a really long time. Nothing going on. Still nothing.
I've just been reconnecting with old friends, working out and watching Rockstar Supernova. And developping a serious crush on Tommy Lee. Is that blog worthy??

Here are some pictures of me and my boys today. Been spending a lot of time with them lately. Enjoying the last few days of summer. Brought my camera along while we took Banner for a walk. Yes, our trails are stellar. They allow me to walk in sparkly flip flops. I get to look really cute. Just not very practical incase we run into a bear. Except I don't think you're supposed to actually turn your back and run.
So, as long as my boys cover me, sparkly flip flops it is.

I'd love to actually have pictures taken one day....but Banner doesn't always cooperate. For some reason today, he figured he'd humour us.

.

..

Jimmy & Banner

There goes the neighborhood

2006-08-15T18:54:00.000-04:00

Yes the helmet did a real number on the porno hair.
But fortunately….I don’t think I look too terrible wearing piggy tails….
And check out my cheeks, I’m darn flushed.
What a rush!!

vroom vroom

raina & jimmy

2006-08-09T11:49:00.000-04:00

Great weekend.
And in light of the stat holiday on Monday, Jimmy and I stayed in our pjs all day.
Ok, that was me….
Would you believe after a three day weekend, I still had a hard time getting to work on time Tuesday morning?
Like….three hours late. Yeah, when the doctor’s away, the medical assistant sleeps in. And then some more.
Because what could there possibly be for me to take care of, really?

Anyways, I feel like I’m about 80 years old.
Caroline and Lisanne really wore me out this weekend.
We didn’t stop…..all weekend.
Soo pooped.
We packed our weekend full o’ fun.

Amidst all the silliness (and there was lots) we road tripped to Cochrane to see the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village. Whoa. Polar bears are HUGE!!
Their paws are as big as my head including porno hair. Seriously!! HUGE.

polar bear habitat

lunch time

close up

raina and caroline

And that seems like the end of pictures as I'm completely unable to post any more. You'll have to meet out third partner in crime Lisanne in another post.

it's gonna be a good one.

2006-08-03T16:02:00.000-04:00

1. Long week-end is here (because in addition to us being off on Monday, I'm off on Friday.)
2. Payday today.
3. Got all sorts of summer drinks chilling.
4. The weatherman told me this weekend will be perfect to sit outside and drink some pretty drinks.
5. My bestest girl Caroline is in town.

Other than that, I really have nothing to share. Booo-riiiing! Summer in Timmins is all about sunburns and mosquitoe bites, neither of which I have (cause I'm finally smartening up).

FYI, Shania Twain is in town visiting family!! Of course, it's 'supposed' to be top secret info. However, I have a very good source who works at the Timmins Airport, and who happened to have a camera with him yesterday and e-mailed pictures of her to everyone he knows.

Today marks the first day of the 4th Annual Shania Twain Fan Club Convention. What do you think? Will she shock the shit out of all her fan club members and show up?

2006-07-27T22:04:00.000-04:00

Anyone got a membership to Costco??? Heidi Swapp embellishment kits have hit Costco and for some stupid reason, us Canadians are getting the shaft. Anyone wanna help a girl out? I live in crap-hole Timmins, hometown of Shania Twain..... my two scrap stores haven't a clue who Heidi Swapp is!!!!

I feel like a million bucks!!!
Jimmy cut and colored my hair tonight. Tomorrow morning should be a breeze to get ready. Do any of you wake up one morning and feel like your hair grew overnight? I was having good hair for the longest time, then I woke up one morning and BAM, too long to get it to do anything.

Tomorrow Jimmy's best friend gains a new family member.
Friend and Wife named baby #1 Melina after a character in Mortal Kombat (Is that right??? Not totally sure if it's that one, but I know it's a videogame.)
Baby #2 is set to get his/her name from the same game.

Grrr

2006-07-26T10:24:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'm having about 8 different problems with my computer right now.

Jimmy's doing a whole clean sweep on my computer. I'm using his computer for now.
I'm not computer savy enough to install the software to upload pictures from my camera onto Jimmy's computer so they are staying put in my camera for now. You'll see them when you see them. Hopefully Jimmy will have everything running smoothly for me by tonight or tomorrow.

2006-07-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

Some family and friends have invited themselves over tonight.
They're tired of waiting for an invite, they wanna see our house.

You can imagine I'm whipping around the house cleaning, tucking boxes away and finally putting up curtains and blinds.

Yeah, so......with the house in tip top shape, I'll take some pictures to share with you.

cheers!!

I wanna grow old with you.

2006-07-16T10:26:00.000-04:00

I Wanna Grow Old With You - Adam Sandler

I wanna make you smile,
Whenever you're sad.
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad.
All I wanna do,
Is grow old with you.
I'll get your medicine,
When your tummy aches.
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks.
It would be so nice,
Growin' old with you.
I'll miss you, kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold.
Need you, feed you.
I'll even let you hold the remote control.
So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink.
Put you to bed when you've had too much to drink.
Oh I could be the man,
Who grows old with you.
I wanna grow old with you

One year ago today, I married the love of my life.

One year ago today, Timmins was hit with the hottest day of the year. Seriously, broke a record. On the day I chose to marry my best friend in an outdoor ceremony.

One year ago today, Jimmy and I danced our first dance to an Adam Sandler song.

2006-07-09T21:28:00.000-04:00

One month today, Jimmy and I took possession of our first home. I fully intended sharing pictures by now, however time has this ability to get away from me. Summer is soo short around here that it just makes sense to spend time outside with my boys.

Ok so still no pictures of my humble abode. However, I do have some pictures of my Canada Day weekend to tide you over a bit.

I headed to Midland (and surrounding areas) this past Canada Day weekend for a huge family party. And I can honestly say, there is no other gang of people I’d rather party with than my own family. Friday night was THE wildest drunkfest I’ve ever participated in and/or witnessed. Seriously! And I’ve celebrated numerous graduations, 19th birthdays and bachelorette parties.
Thank goodness my cousin owns 86 acres of land. We were isolated, which enabled drunken fools to rock out till 5:30am. Man, my dad is a rockstar. Jammed along with whoever wanted to sing. Oh yeah, we had microphones….sorta like karaoke, but kicked up because we had live guitars and tons of booze.

Let me introduce you to my little shadow for the weekend - Natasha.
She kills me!! And I mean c'mon, anyone who thinks I'm cool is cool in my books.

Everyone wanted to be rockstars on Friday night!! Worse, everyone thought they could sing!! See below for prime example.

Who told me I should be up anywhere near a microphone!?!?

It's not a party unless there is a fire to stand around. At least in my family it isn't. The bigger the better.
And forget the marshmellows and weiners. We throw tuxedos and beer bottles in the fire!!

My cousin Renee. Moved to BC to become an actress. Huge goals. Soo proud of her. And miss her to pieces too.

This is a killer picture. I'd drive the 6 hours to Midland anyday to see this guy. Anyone have a cousin (or whoever) who means soo much to you that just the sight of him makes you cry? No?? Well then it's just me. This guy, soo accomplished, soo proud of him, love him to pieces. We grew up together, celebrated our birthdays together, and he protected me from boys (lol) in high school. Marc, I love you!!

Friday night hurt the whole lot of us, but we woke Saturday and dragged our tired bodies to the park to watch cousin Nicholas play in the park.

Me and my two favorite cousins. I love these girls.

OH YEAH, totally ashamed of myself. While MIA, I wasn’t able to thank Jamie for my RAK. Sooo much fun. Jamie effing rocks!! Thanks my sweet!!

P.S. On the music/television front……. a little ashamed to admit this but damn that Paris Hilton song is catchy. I cheered when she died in House of Wax along with the rest of the world but I I dig her singing debut.

And yeah, now that I’ve blown all my music credibility to hell, you’ll probably roll your eyes and ignore this…..but seriously Lukas Rossi is no joke!!! Rockstar Supernova is my newest obsession. I cannot wait to see what this guy will sing next. Rockstar may just crown another Canadian this season.
(Got a major case of 'Rebel Yell' on the brain. It's been stuck in my head since last week.)

I'm baaa-aaaack

2006-06-23T22:44:00.000-04:00

We’re settling in….nicely.
Home ownership agrees with me.
Made my bed six mornings in a row!! Trust me, this is huge!
I come home from work and actually want to tidy up and do the dishes after dinner. I’m sure the novelty will wear off any day now. But I’ll force myself to do it anyways….cause the first day I let it slide, someone will drop by unannounced to check the place out.

This was the best move ever!!!
Don’t get me wrong, It was hard work and it took three weekends but seriously, we were really lucky. Rent was paid till June 30th and we took possession on the 9th so there was no rush to move in. It took a whole effing week to paint everything. Five bedrooms homes are a real prize, until you realize every room is the wrong color and needs to be repainted.

And here is where I give credit where credit is due. To people who don’t even read my blog. Painting started immediately on the 9th (Friday) and we continued throughout the weekend. Jimmy’s parents and Jimmy’s sister put in full days painting while Jimmy and I went to work the following week. Can you believe it? I HATE painting…..this was a blessing!!! I never in a million years would have had the patience to finish everything. I honestly would have stopped on the second coat in my scrap room. (Angie, I love you……and yes, 4 coats later, I can feel some good scrapping coming on.) Yes, you read it, 4 coats!!!

Last weekend was the move. Did it all on Friday and Saturday. Then we spent Sunday unpacking. We still have some boxes to unpack…..but I’m planning on attacking them bright and early Saturday morning. And then hopefully I’ll be able to share some pictures by Sunday.

Alright, I’m out….. I have like what, three weeks worth of blogging to catch up on???

2006-06-15T20:54:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody!!!

No more internet or phone in the apartment. Blogging from my parents house. Cause I had to wish Greta a happy birthday.

This weekend is the big move. Catch you later.

2006-06-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

Well, it’s official, we’re homeowners.
But also still renters.
Our apartment is paid up till June 30th so there’s no need to rush the move. We’re taking the time to clean, paint and fix everything before we move furniture in.

We picked up the key to the house on Friday afternoon and brought Banner along. The dog went nuts. No, seriously!! He loves his backyard and basement. There’s tons of space for him to run around in.

Got him to sit still for a few minutes.

shiny new home owners

Wanna know what sucks almost as much as packing and moving……
Painting!!! I was soo excited about prospect of moving into a house with 5 bedrooms. The realization that they all needed to be painted came after

My scrap room has taken 3 coats already. Jimmy’s sister is much more meticulous than I am. She’s warned me it might take a 4th. We’ll see what it looks like when we go back tomorrow.

The rest of the bedrooms and living room should be completed tomorrow. Then we’re tackling the basement.

My back aches, my arms are sore. I’m a real fright. Can’t wait to go back to work tomorrow to sit and relax.

Cheers!!

Are we done yet?

2006-06-06T22:17:00.000-04:00

Jimmy estimated we’re 30% packed. Unfortunately, I believe that is a fair guess. We just have sooo much stuff.

I packed all my scrap supplies last weekend. Then today I bought some supplies.
Dumb idea. Now this stuff’s going to end up packed in a random box with crap I might not look for in the next little while.

My extensive collection of drinking glasses is causing me grief.
I am obsessed with glasses.
I’d throw one mean party if I ever busted them all out, be the talk of the town.
“Dude, I drank out of the most fantastic glass at that party last night” and “Whoa, that hot blonde sure has a cool collection of glasses’
However, I’d be too worried someone would break a glass to have a good time. So, I’ll pass.
But if any of you fine readers every drop by to see me, I’ll mix you up the most stellar strawberry daquirie you’ve ever tasted. And you can choose any glass you would like.

I’m soo sweaty and disgusting at home without AC. The only thing making me happy right now are my toes painted ‘discotheque’ – my own special combo of the most sexy red ever with a sparkly silver top coat. Add sparkly silver flip flops and you have a woman who could rule the world.

And with this, my fine readers, I leave you.

2006-05-31T20:39:00.000-04:00

Been busy packing up our apartment. Whoa, we have a lot of stuff!!! For the longest time, next Friday seemed soooo far away. Now, it's looming over me and I'm wondering how the heck we're going to pack everything up in only 8-9 more days.

Managed a little shopping with my Mom this past weekend. Our living room and dining room at smooshed together. Decided on a paint color for the living room/dining room and picked up this light fixture to hang above our dining table since it'll look fabulous with the paint.

Banner's being a doll thanks to the hot weather. I'm sweating up a storm trying to pack and wishing our AC was hooked up. Never got it installed cause we're moving. But don't worry, we're being smart and not over-exerting ourselves with packing. Jimmy and I take a break every hour or so and head downstairs to sit on the hallway ceramic floor and eat ice cubes with Banner.

Splish Splash

2006-05-24T23:11:00.000-04:00

Ugh, is it Friday yet???

This may be a little premature but, I think summer is here. We’ve had a few hot days – like AC hot - and then it cooled off. Heck, we even had a little snow this past weekend. Yeah, snow!! But, I am fairly optimistic now. This is it!! Summer has arrived and my flip flops are out for the long haul.

The arrival of summer brings the inevitable smell of wet dog.

Banner’s been swimming up a storm for the past month but Jimmy and I just recently noticed how much his swimming has improved since last year.

Banner-man today – 1.5 years old

Banner

Soo proud of my little man. Looks like it's smooth sailing from now on. A far cry from Banner's skills last summer.

For your viewing pleasure.

BANNER'S FIRST OFFICIAL SWIM at 8 months old

Banner and his playmate Rupert, who is the same age as Banner, wanted soooo badly to keep up with Gabby (my parent's dog ) & Riley (Rupert's older brother.)

Would you check out the water that pup is kicking up??? Banner continued to swim like that for most of last summer. He had soo much fun, but between you and me.....I was a little embarrassed for him.

first swim

Banner and his friend Rupert. Their very first swim. Splashing about, and in deep water. Seriously, get a load of those splashes.

I love my boys.

2006-05-22T00:18:00.000-04:00

I'm not usually this chipper on a Sunday night.
I'm not usually awake this late either.
Long weekends make me happy. I wasn't even bummed about the miserable weather today. Because tomorrow is another day.

Date night with Jimmy on Saturday. It was a last minute thing so I didn't get the usual date night dinner out. Actually, I barely had time to freshen up. It kinda went like this.

James - Hey Raina, wanna see The Davinci Code in an hour?
Raina - Sure, but you gotta hold my hand all the way from the parking lot till we get to our seats in the theatre. And we have to go out for ice cream."

Jimmy gave me one of those 'Oh Brother' looks.

To which I replied "I'm serious. I want people to look at us and figure we're on a second date or something. I want to look cute, not married."

Whether or not we succeeded isn't important. We arrived home at midnight and we were instantly transformed back into Banner's Mom & Dad. He greeted us at the door. Wagging his tail, his whole body shaking, soo happy to see us. I felt so bad for leaving him for 4 hours that I gave him a treat. A treat we usually reserve for work day mornings. I give him a chew as I'm going out the door for work. To soften the blow that he'll be alone for the day yet again.

And let me tell you what a huge 'grown up' move that was for me to give him a chew last night. Banner LOVES his Chew Eez. Soo much. But they make him fart. Knowing this, I still gave him a Chew Eez and Jimmy and I sat with him and watched tv.

Yes everybody, say it. "Eeeeeeewwwwwwww puppy farts!!!"

Banner & Jimmy

I joined Jimmy and Banner for a lunch hour walk this past Wednesday.
So what if date nights aren't as frequent anymore. And yup, I'm cool with bringing fast food home so that we can share our fries with Banner. These are my two boys and they are my life.

p.s. Jimmy and I have been talking babies a lot lately. We have this parental intuition kicking in already...we just know we're going to have a baby boy first. I always wanted a girl and Jimmy always wanted a boy....until now. Now I want a boy and Jimmy wants a girl. But we 'think' we'll have a boy.

So, here I am, toying with the idea of another boy in our housebold. And Jimmy pipes in "you'll be the lone girl in a house full of dong."

Crap, what was I thinking??? Boys talk silly and I'm gonna be smack in the middle of it. So, what are the rules??? If you want a boy, eat dill pickles. If you want a girl, eat yogurt????

fill in the blank

2006-05-17T22:10:00.000-04:00

If ____ was an Olympic event, I'd win the gold medal.

Mothers make the world a better place.

2006-05-13T23:06:00.001-04:00

I watched two cousins bury their father today. I was touched to see a large number of my family present. Realized I come from a family of good people. Good people who forgive. The service was ‘a thinker’. Made quite a few people cry for a person who made a lot of people cry. The son of the woman my uncle (do I say that if he’s divorced from my aunt?) was living with stood and eulogized. He spoke of the demons of ‘the bottle’ and of the fist fight that he had with my uncle. He didn’t candy coat anything. However, he ended on a high note. Pretty powerful stuff. Forgiveness is key.

Eek, that was sorta grim, sorry about that. But you are what you eat right? And well, I’ve been thinking too much about losing loved ones lately. Soo much so that I forgot a fellow blogger’s birthday. April, your tag is a little late. I apologize. This has been an emotional week and instead of scrapping and blogging…..I reverted back to my pre-blogging days. I snuggled up in a blanket, drank too much wine, stayed up late and wrote my feelings in journals and notebooks. Can you believe I now have eulogies (and I mean flipping good ones) written for my parents & my Nana?? Who knows if I’ll ever be strong enough to stand and read them. But they are done. Am I weird???

Eek, sorry….again too grim.

Onto something more cheerful. Mother’s Day is tomorrow. And I have a stellar mother and one fantastic surviving grand-parent; my Nana.
I look up to both of them.
-My Nana tells the greatest stories.
-Mom passed on her love for shopping.
-Nana makes killer gingerbread cookies.
-Mom was the ‘cool mom’ everyone came to talk to. For a year or so, I was a miserable little bitch. Then I realized that I shouldn’t be jealous of all the kids who were close to my mom. I should be grateful that she was mine.
-Nana can build things. She’s sooo independent. Always wanted to be a carpenter. For a while, she asked for power tools and such for her birthday and Christmas. Now that she turned 85 this year, we had to come up with something else because had we bought her anything of the sort, we know she’d be building things.
-I suspect Mom is more excited about our house than we are. Just today during the funeral service, she whispered over “We should head over to The Greenery after the service. They just re-opened and have oodles and oodles of house decorations.” Mom’s specialty is buying ‘Raina & Jimmy things’ to decorate. I swear she knows me more than I know myself. She shows me things I never would have picked up in a million years and then I see the beauty in them. Jimmy gets nervous when I shop with my Mom.

I’m a lucky girl. I have phenomenal women to look up to. Granted, I didn’t get all mushy about then in this post. But it’s cause I’m all mushed out.

I leave you with some pictures. Cause nothing makes a post more reader friendly than picures.

Me and my mom at my bachelorette party.

p.s. There were three bachelorette parties out and about that night. May I just say there was no excuse for the raunch we were subjected to. Mom told me she was very proud that we had such tasteful means for making me money. And seriously, I KICKED ASS in the bar. I made more money than the other two brides put together.

me, Mom & Nana

My camera was passed around between about 7 different people during the whole wedding day. This picture popped up on my camera. It isn't posed, it isn't the best, we were just hanging out watching the photographer working with the boys. No clue who took it but pretty grateful that I have it.

p.s. There's about 30 minutes left of April's birthday. So technically, I'm not late. It's all about Pfab for the next 30 minutes and my tag my not be soo belated.
Cheers!!!

Greta, I love you!!

2006-05-09T19:39:00.000-04:00

Whaa??? I go missing for a week and the only person who misses me is Greta???

Well, in the off chance there is anyone else that loves me and reads my blog, I’ll fill you & Greta in on the happenings.

Last week we got official paper work stating we get the house 3 weeks earlier than we originally anticipated. Closing date is now June 9th. Soo excited and anxious to get this all over with.

Soo embarrassed to admit this but…..just discovered MTV and I got sucked into the whole drama that is Laguna Beach. Took me the longest time to actually realize it’s a reality show. Isn’t it? Either way, I’ve been watching. No judgment please.

And lastly, a much better reason for my disappearance. The weather. Banner’s in heaven. Walks to the park, to the beach, to the walking trails….. Big dogs are big on energy. I can’t wait till Jimmy’s parents open up their cottage for the summer. Jimmy and Banner will be gone for the whole weekend every weekend. I join in the fun also but occasionally I’ll stay behind and just relish in having the whole house to myself. What a treat that’ll be.

FYI, soo cranky last week and I still am this week. Last Monday I woke up with a cold sore. Knew it would take a few days to clear up and decided to just accept it. Didn’t figure it would still be on my effing face a week later. Anyone have any secret remedies??

2006-05-02T20:13:00.000-04:00

Guys, I'm 100% positive that I was not supposed to open that box!! Some of you commented that Dr. X probably ordered those books as a joke, to embarrass me. Nooo nonononono. Those were for his very private collection.

Upon my arrival Monday morning, I realized I wasn't the first one in the office. The lights and the radio were already on. I arrive at 9am every day, the doctor arrives at 11am. Forever and always. What the heck is he was he doing in so early???? But I then decide I'd rather not know.

I'm on the phone when he finally emerges from the backroom/lunchroom. He leaves the office without looking at me. I already know the answer, but still I dash to the back of the office to check his mailbox. Yup, the box is gone. It seems to be the only thing taken out of his mailbox. Eeek!!! Now what?

I head back up to the front desk and try to look busy. Maybe he'll just walk past me when he comes back. Maybe he'll call me from his car and tell me there is an emergency at the hospital and that he will need to cancel the day. Maybe he'll just go straight home and get his housekeeper to call him in sick. Or maybe.....

He just dropped a muffin onto my desk?!!? A muffin and a juice?? That's supposed to buy my silence??? In that moment, our eyes met and I thought "The poor sucker's embarrassed. I promise I won't gossip about it to my family even though it's killing me." FYI, Dr X is not only my employer, he is my cousin's husband. Do you know how hard it was to keep it to myself all weekend being surrounded by people who know X.

Ok, in that instance at my desk, I promised myself to let it all go. But not before allowing myself one last freebie.

" Hey X, where are you taking me for lunch today?" cause I realized, I had nothing to embarrassed about and I was gonna get me a free lunch.

What's a girl to do?

2006-04-28T21:41:00.000-04:00

Dr. X is working at the hospital for the week. I’m alone in the office doing my own thing. Mail comes and there is a package for Dr. X.

I open mail but leave box untouched and page Dr. X to let him know that there is a package incase it’s something he needs. You never know right? Dr. X. sounds excited and says “cool, I’ll pick it up on my way home tonight.” When Dr. X comes in to pick up package later in the day, he looks at box completely untouched.

Dr. X: You didn’t open the package?

Me: Nope, it looked like a personal package. Didn’t want to open it on the off chance it was a Kamasutra type book.

Dr. X gives me one of those “oh please” looks.

Me: Hey, those are embarrassing books to buy in person. Everyone orders them online.

Dr. X: If I ordered any thing like that, I’d have it send directly to my house. I wouldn’t have it delivered to the office.

And to prove it isn’t smutty, Dr X. rips open the box and shows off the entire collection of Conan the Barbarian comics he’s purchased for himself and his three young boys to enjoy once they’re old enough. All I can say is “You’re such a dork”.

Fast forward to this morning when mail comes in. Mail, junk and another box. I sort through mail, and decide to open box so that everything will fix nicely into his mail slot.

I open the box and what do I effing see?????

Two books. One called The Female G-spot and a how to on Cunnilingus. Don’t ask me actual titles. I can’t remember. At that very moment, my head, my heart and stomach had attacks.

I pack everything back up, close the box up but wouldn’t you know it, it looks like a box that’s been tampered with.

Don’t think I can look Dr. X in the eyes on Monday.

My baby brother turned how old???

2006-04-25T08:25:00.000-04:00

We're getting our house early. Closing date was originally June 30th. Just found out we get the keys on the 15th, which would possibly turn into the 9th. Now I have 2-3 weeks less to wait. And I'm starting to get nervous. Really. Soo worried about the move. People do it all the time, but dude.....they're not moving MY stuff. I like my stuff. Jimmy & I started our life together with more than the milk crate chairs and patio furnature dining room set that our parents started out with. Dare I say I'm more stressed about the move than I was about our wedding??? Yeah, totally never moving again. I hope I loooove this house when we move in and make it our own. Because our first home will be our last.

Just between you and I, I think our house is quite adorable but the fact that there are 5 bedrooms is what got me. Jimmy and I decided years ago on having only two children (God willing, of course) so that means, we'll always have two extra rooms. Which means I'll never need to give up my scraproom. I'm totally overwhelmed with all the paint combo possibilities. Cause Jimmy doesn't need to live with it. It has nothing to do with him. Tell me, what color combo am I???

Happy 26th birthday to my baby brother!!!

Anyone shocked Mikey had to goof if up?? It's like his thing.

greetings from Timmins!!!

2006-04-19T18:39:00.000-04:00

Just being myself. Totally 'unscripted'. And I'm sure you caught it, cause it wasn't subtle. I freeking said 'eh'.

the title is the hardest part......

2006-04-17T21:32:00.000-04:00

Long weekends are fabulous. Extra long weekends are even better. Jimmy went back to work this morning and so did I until the office manager came in at noon and asked me “What the hell are you doing here? Didn’t Yves tell you it was a stat holiday??”

Nope.

I can’t be too upset. I did get a few hours in this morning, along with stat pay. With a huge down payment looming in my near future, I’ll take it. But I skipped out of the afternoon and came home to Banner.

Had a good weekend. Friday afternoon my mom, Caroline and I got ‘a little fix’ when we headed over to a friend’s house for tea and to wish her a happy birthday. A birthday girl always gets the last word and Paula informed us that tea didn’t sound like a very cheery drink to have on a birthday.

Thank God I think of my mom as a girlfriend rather than a mom because snippets of our conversations were as followed “my tits hang down to my snatch……snatches are ugly……..a dizzying spell of “Fuck” used as a noun, verb and adjective all over the place….every once in a while there was an ‘Esti de tabarnacle’ for moments when cursing in French seemed to work better. Ahhh yes, Good Friday!!!!!!! No meat please, but viva la vodka. I couldn’t come home smelling like a tavern cause meat-lovin’ Jimmy would have thrown a tantrum and burgers on the grill.

On Saturday I was Caroline’s date for the world’s longest baby shower…. Caroline and I showed up for 2pm and supper was served at 6pm and when we finally left, it was late enough to head out for drinks. Like Whoa!!!

Today was the first day of summer according to Jimmy, Banner & I. We sat outside, fired up the barbecue and ate like pigs. Cause c’mon, the first BBQ of the summer is always the most satisfying.

the face of an angel

the work of a devil.....seriously. if we hadn't given our notice to move out, I'm sure we would have gotten kicked out.

Decided to pass on meeting up with Erin this weekend. Thought about it some more since I spoke to her and decided she didn’t seem as torn up as she should have been about almost loosing me. And she maintains that she had no clue that she flashed mine & Jimmy’s family at our wedding. I think I forgave her for a few minutes when she confided that she was calling me while sitting at home on a Saturday at 1pm drinking rye & gingers and that she knew she had a problem and needed help but after hanging up, I was like ‘whoa, she got off really easy and she didn’t A) cry or B) really apologize. She just said something to the likes of “I’m such a screw up. What is wrong with me?? I almost lost my best friend because of my own stupidity…”

It’s not over. I haven’t given up on her, on us. I just keep hoping she’ll meet a nice guy and settle down. That she’ll grow up and out of her reckless stage. She’s a wonderful person, just not when she’s drinking, which is unfortunately too often. I just don’t want to sound like the boring, married friend. Or the hypocrite. I’ve done some pretty stupid things. And she knows about most of it.

Greta, this is for you……. I present to you Erin. (Posting these against my better judgement….however, they are good for me also. Each picture has a special memory that encourages me to hold onto our friendship.)

wha????? yup, Miss Porno Hair didn't always have hot hair.

snacking on Beer Balls.

bwa-hahaha ok ok, yet another evening wearing my favorite necklace.

with some of my brother's friends....one of the many nights she ditched me at the bar.

yeah yeah, same necklace....but this was all the same night.

Erin & I on my wedding day - for some reason, I wanted my picture taken pre-comb out. Something about the porno curls.

Erin and I, and the dress I never should have let her wear.....shoulda made her wear straps.

2006-04-13T22:12:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I was wrong. Caroline changed her plans and will be in town this weekend instead. Stay tuned….

A little late, but noteworthy…Jimmy was in a judo tournament last weekend and took 1st place in his category. I was nervous all day Saturday, worried he’d come home with a broken bone. In honor of the gold medal he brought home, let’s celebrate with a few pictures shall we??

Jimmy

Jimmy

Remember two months ago Jimmy got his black belt and I forgot my memory card for my camera??? Well, I finally got some pictures to share. Maybe in two more months, I’ll get the pictures that were taken of Jimmy fighting at the tournament.

Signing off in 5…..

5. I don’t wear lipstick. Ever. Don’t own it, don’t know how to apply it.

4. Banner is licking my toes at the moment. And I kinda dig it.

3. It’s 10:08pm on the Thursday before Good Friday and the weekend has officially started. I could stay up as late as I dare doing whatever I want…but I can barely keep my eyes open.

2. Jimmy and I are eating baked macaroni for Good Friday.

1. Caroline should be driving home as I type this. Can’t wait.

p.s. Word verification makes me crazy. I have the hardest time. So mine is gone. Enjoy!!

2006-04-06T20:55:00.000-04:00

Nothing to write about. Seriously.

Maybe I’ll have something this weekend….. Caroline will be in town. And even if I have nothing to write, I’ll at least have pictures.

And on Easter weekend Erin (aka Girl Gone Wild aka Easy E) will be home. I spoke to her last Saturday afternoon. She called and completely caught me off guard. She listened to me and acknowledged she has a problem. In return, I agreed to see her and we’ll continue our talk. No alcohol, no bars, no wild times…..

I’ll leave you with a few pictures….my two special boys. Banner makes appearances all over the blog, but Jimmy’s pics are far and few between.

The BannerMan
OMG, Banner is gorgeous when he wants to be isn't he? Or am I just a proud momma?

Raina & Jimmy
Voila! I really do have a husband.

2006-04-02T23:01:00.000-04:00

Is my Nana not stinking cute or what???? She the toughest lady around and at 85, she still acts like a spring chicken. She shovels show, mows the lawn, and fixes things around the house. Refuses to let my dad help.

My mom's sisters made the trip from Ottawa to Timmins to celebrate. My mom is standing above me. My dad shouldn't be too difficult to pick out.
A)because he's the only male in the picture &
B) because I've been told I'm his splitting image.

Week-end Recap

2006-03-27T21:12:00.000-05:00

Slept in Saturday and Sunday. Felt good. Disappointed that I got really late starts on both days, but couldn't find it in me to get out of bed. Minimal laundry and cleaning done.

When I finally did get dressed and out the door, I stopped in at my parent's house for a visit. Ok, I dropped in more than once this past weekend. But c'mon, I didn't move all the way home from Ottawa to not stop in for the occasional home made meal.

Mom bought this cause it was too cheap to pass up. A real leather purse on clearance + 50% off + my mom's 15% discount. Will I ever use this? Someday, I will have the perfect outfit and it will look smashing. So yes, my mom bought it with an eccentric aunt of mine in mind, but I visited my parents house before she did so I decided I was entitled to it. I mean, c'mon, adorable.

Oh yeah, I should clue you ladies in..... I found my sparkly flip flops. Uh huh, I did. And when you find something that you love and can't live without, do yourself a favor and buy it in every color. I almost died when I found them. I mean, I looked all over NYC last summer to replace the pair that broke the summer before. I had just about given up hope.....and then I found them in Payless.

And last but not least, I have to share......

When Jimmy went to meet the home inspector last week, I asked him to take some pictures of our house. I mean, we aren't moving in till July. I didn't want to forget what the inside looked like.

At the moment, there is a family of 5 living in this house. Tons of pictures on the walls, stuff all over the place. I don't feel like it's my place to flash their personal belongings to the whole world, so the only picture I feel comfortable showing is the kitchen. If ever there was reason to learn to cook......

See the little table/island right in in the front?? I imagine the chairs will leave, but the little island is definitely staying.

2006-03-19T22:32:00.000-05:00

My mom and I went into this gift store in the mall about a month ago and met the sweetest girl. She was working alone in the store and just engaged us in conversation as though we were best friends. I've never met anyone soo friendly. I wanted to eat her up, in hopes of becoming just a teensy bit like her. FYI my mom and I are the best judges of character in the world. Growing up, I believed my mom was a witch or something. Now that I've realized I have the same gift, I've dropped that belief.

So anyways, back to the sweet girl....my mom and I both believed every word out of her mouth was genuine. And most of the words out of her mouth were compliments. She told me that she loved my hair and that she also loved my jacket. It's been sooo long since I've been complimented that way. I left the store feeling pretty damn good about myself.

This past weekend I was at the mall with my mom and she said "let's go see if our friend is working." As we approached the store, we saw her and she looked up and gave us the biggest smile and waved. We chatted a bit and again, she told me that she really loved my hair.

I gave up cutting hair a long time ago, but I almost offered to pull my sissors out of retirement and give her the cut she wanted, that's how sweet she was. Thank God I caught myself before I said anything stupid though. I don't cut hair anymore...I only cut Jimmy's and my parent's hair. It's a rule of mine. And I almost broke my own rule.

That's what compliments do to me. They make me walk tall, feel invincible and want to make exceptions to my rules.

Most of the time, I'm lousy at accepting compliments. They embarrass me. But I'm even worse at giving a compliment. I just don't know how to give it without seeming like I'm scheming or trying to butter someone up.

So, I'm bringing a little challenge to the table. Play along with me, or not. Either way, I'm gonna try to give out a compliment this week. I know, you're thinking "one compliment for the whole week??" Well, knock yourself out and give out 100 empty compliments if that's what you're used to doing. I've saving mine so that it's genuine. I wanna make someone's day. Maybe even someone's week.

How often do you get complimented? And when you do, what is it that gets the most attention?

2006-03-16T18:40:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I was running around wearing a light jacket. I grilled our supper outside on a bbq. It tasted like summer. Like the rest of the city, I was really hoping the nice weather would be here to stay. No such luck. It’s been freezing here all week. I come home, put on some slippers and pour myself countless cups of tea.

I’m really taking this new home owner role to heart. I don’t want to go into shock when I actually have to pay heat and hydro bills so I’m starting to wean myself off of the cozy apartment feel now. The sooner the better. We’ve been living in the tropics for the past year. Jimmy would seriously change into shorts and t-shirts the minute he got home from work. No more….I’m putting my slippered foot down. Now Jimmy’s menopausal mother will be able to visit longer than 5 minutes.

Ok, for anyone wondering….I called and no, Erin didn’t answer. I left voicemail asking her to call me back. Still haven’t heard from her. I was ready to forgive and give her another shot. Now I’m mad. Ignoring her phone calls was my right. She flashed her goodies to my family and friends at my wedding. She was in the wrong and I was allowed to be disappointed. What are the rules?? She should have returned my call right? She should be grateful that I want to talk again right?? Well then, why hasn’t she called? She’s as stubborn as I am I guess.

I’m on a search for sparkly silver flip-flops. I had the cutest pair last summer that I wore every day. They were damn uncomfortable for the first few weeks but I was determined to break the suckers in. Anyone up to the challenge to help me search??? I don’t know what you’re reward will be, but I promise it’ll be huge!!!

like this, but with sparkles

2006-03-13T19:33:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for your congratulations. Jimmy and I are giddy. All we can talk about right now is house talk. Which makes for boring blogging…..so I’ll spare you.

Got a super sweet package from Alex today in the mail.

Jimmy’s always been a little suspicious of the friends I’ve made through blogging. He thinks you’re all actually creepy dirty old men and says he won’t let me meet any of you cause there’s no way I can be sure you’re who you say you are.

Jimmy has now changed his stand on Alex. “Yup, Alex is a real girl. No guy would go into a store that sells scrapbook supplies and sparkly little novelty signs.”

Alex, we have Jimmy’s blessing. We better meet before Jimmy changes his mind again. I'll wait till it's a little warmer in Toronto though.

Tonight’s the night. Gonna make a phone call that should have been made weeks ago when Erin (aka Girl Gone Wild from my wedding?) wanted to talk to me. Anyone wanna put money on whether or not she answers the phone tonight?

2006-03-11T09:10:00.000-05:00

Things just got crazy. Real fast. All of a sudden.

The first half of this past week bored me to tears. Nothing worthy of sharing with the blogging community. It’s hard to have a fabulous life all the time.

Wednesday morning as Jimmy was jumping out of bed for work, he mentioned we had three appointments to check out some houses. Whoa!! Jimmy’s sister just called her agent and booked the appointments without asking us. I thought to myself “what a waste of this guy’s time….we’re not even really looking” after Jimmy told me the three houses we were looking at. I wanted to just skip out of the whole thing. Two were too expensive and the third one was ugly. Wanna guess which one we bought yesterday???

Jimmy and I fell in love. Hard. With the ugly house. And I have officially learned a lesson. Give the house a chance even though it’s a plain on the outside. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. How many times have you heard that?? Cause it’s true for houses too.

We pulled up to the ugly house (which really just needs a coat of paint) and I thought “No way, I won’t live here.”

Jimmy asked me a week ago if I wanted to check it out cause it was in our budget and I replied “No, it’s not cute on the outside. We’re not looking for houses till cute ones come on the market.” Of course, all I knew was what the front outside looked like but still I was convinced it was nothing special.

Wednesday afternoon we saw it and were left wanting it. Thursday we went back and everyone, except for my dad because he had band practice, came and gave their blessing. Mom told Dad “it was not what I expected when I pulled up and saw the outside (like mother, like daughter) but once I walked in……whoa, different story. I could live in that house.”

Put our offer in on Friday morning and found out at 7pm that we got it. Let the crazy times roll.

We get the keys June 30. That gives us plenty of time to buy a fridge and stove.

p.s. 5 bedrooms means……1 for us, 2 for future babies, 1 computer/gaming room for Jimmy and best of all, a scrap room for me. I can’t believe it. That was kinda my selling point.

2006-03-05T22:19:00.000-05:00

Nothing dampens a mood more than noticing it 9 :41pm on a Sunday night.
I’m not alone in this feeling right?

I’m a totally ‘glass half empty’ kinda girl. The minute I wake up on Sunday morning, I’m like ‘Ugh, it isn’t Saturday anymore. It’s the last day of the weekend.”

Soo, Oscar night huh? Not my cup of tea. Of course, I watched the all-important red carpet pre Oscar shows this evening but I had my fill by the time the show started at 8pm.

Jimmy was feeling a little under the weather this weekend so I escaped to the mall on Saturday while he was having an afternoon nap. Leaving him is the kindest thing I can do when he’s sick. I make more noise when I’m trying to be quiet. Cups fly out of my hands and crash to the floor, if it’s a cup of a hot beverage then I yell, sometimes books fall of the bookshelf. So I went to the mall.

Bought a new book. Ok, bought a whole bunch of stuff and decided to leave the mall when I noticed the circulation in my hands was being cut off. But anyways, back to the book. Walked into the bookstore, just for fun. Not really looking for anything new cause I have a few still waiting at home. Looked up and saw this. Now tell me you wouldn’t pick this up.

Marley & Me.
Can you see what it says at the top? “life and love with the world’s worst dog”
Well that little face had me at hello…..but conviction is what made me buy the book. No way is this dog worse than Banner. No way!! And three chapters in, I’m in shock. Marley is an effing yellow Banner!!! And John and Jenny Grogan are Jimmy and I. Right down to their feelings towards pregnancy and the arguments they had about naming their new furry family member.

Marley was named after Bob Marley. He filled their home with his music. Banner was named after the road we lived on when we brought him home. Banner Road. Ok, now I’m just trying too hard to try to add parallel. Nevermind.

Oh, the first night (actually in all honesty it was the first 7 nights, but who’s counting) we put Banner to bed and he screamed for what seemed like hours. Suckers that we are, we gave in. Banner’s bed was moved from the kitchen to right up against Jimmy, who dangled his arm down to pet and soothe baby Banner to sleep. Exactly what John had to do for Marley his first night in his new home.

You just know that this book is gonna make me cry. I’ve been to John Grogan’s blog,Marley & Me , seen pictures of Marley growing up and know that Marley has passed, hopefully having gained entry into heaven. Banner and Marley will have such a blast someday together.

TGIF

2006-03-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

Thursday is always my last work day. I do work Fridays, but in jeans and totally alone!!!
Dr. X rarely works on Fridays.

Dr. X is out of the office for three weeks this month!!! On the + side, gonna catch up on everystupidthing on my desk.

However, I cringe when I think of all the patients who will be calling for prescription refills. They get nasty, they yell at me, they tell me my boss is a piece of shit that doesn’t care…… and seriously, what kind of response can I give to that? They're upset for good reason, but I'm just the messenger. I'm not the one taking three weeks off. I'm there Monday to Friday, 9-5pm.

Busting out the slow cooker today.It took me forever to peel 5 potatoes. Seriously, is there an easy way? I peel like a turtle runs. REEEEEAL SLOOOOOOOWWWW. I’m terrified of taking a chunk out of my thumb with the peeler.

Now, everyone hold your prayers. Cause I don’t need anyone praying for me to get pregnant. If it happens, it happens. Jimmy wants a baby more than I want to win the lottery but he already got a dog and a new computer. I’d get pregnant in a second if I wasn’t working for Dr. X. However, I am presently filling in for a maternity leave. If I get pregnant and leave, Employee A will come back and take my job. You’re thinking “yeah, that’s what happens when someone comes back from mat leave.” But…..Dr. X is doing a whole lot of restructuring in the next few months and I should be able to stay on full time even after Employee A comes back. She’ll have a job and I’ll have a job. If I get pregnant and leave, things might not work out in my favor.

Got my b-day tag from Gabby today in the mail. I love it. It’s sooo great to see it and hold it in my hands. This stellar sweetie put beads on my tag!!! How perfectly suited is that??

Scrapping the night away tonight. Meeting up with some friends and we'll play around. I go for the social aspect more than anything else cause I never get anything done when we get together. There's too much to chat about. And it's proven now.....last Thursday I went to a class alone. None of my regular scrap friends wanted to learn this particular class. I showed up alone and got my whole project finished at the same time as the other ladies.

2006-02-28T23:21:00.000-05:00

I’m alone tonight. Jimmy left for a business trip this afternoon.

I had the car all to myself, could eat whatever I felt like eating for supper, could dance around to whatever music I wanted and be however loud I wanted.

Wanna take a guess at what I actually did tonight??

Drove home from work, ate a bagel for supper, didn’t take the car to the mall and shop till I dropped, barely even danced to anything. No clue where the time went….but it must have slipped away while I was doing the dishes and laundry.

And now for the ??????????? moment of the day.

Came home to this in my mailbox!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you thinking my mailbox was ‘crank called’??? Nope, it WAS delivered for Jimmy & I. My aunt dropped it in my mailbox as -what she calls- encouragement. Unfortunately, I took in the actual smallness of the sleeper and (yes, stating the obvious, I know) Whoa, newborns are small!!!!

The sad thing is…..here in Timmins, seems like responsible, somewhat-ready adults like my 28 year old self are missing the pregnancy boat. In Dr. X’s practice, every 25+ year old trying to get pregnant is having difficulty conceiving. However, just this week, we’ve seen two brand spanking new pregnant 18 year olds.

2006-02-24T23:45:00.000-05:00

Umm, who's the biggest loser around?
Raina!!!
Check my snazzy slide show. Anyone notice that I apparently only have one friend - Caroline and one
cousin - Renee in the whole stupid thing.
I'm off for now, so I'll add other people and other pictures later.

2006-02-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

Whoa, party in my mailbox!!! Came home to find a little package waiting for me from Jamie. Of course Jimmy called to tell me about it………and made me sooo anxious for work to be done with. I almost made him drive the package to me at work. Then realized he’d divorce me if I insisted on the completely irrational request.

Jamie Jamie Bo Bamie….I love the goodies. I suspect they are not handmade…..but I KNOW they were picked out with love right? That’s all that counts. Coolest bracelets ever!!! Sooo ‘Raina’. I dig em. I’m wearing them both as I type this.

Yessss, of course I stopped everything to take these pictures…. Decided my blog needed a few pics today.

Oooh, check the lack of 'porn' in my hair. Piggy tails, or as I like to call them - rabbit ears, are my 'do of choice for scrap nights. And did I even get scrapping???? Nope, but cleaned off my desk and found two empty envelopes addressed to Kristi S and Sarah H. (Perfecto, all ready for their bday tags and they're being mailed tomorrow. Anybody know why I made tags, wrote up envelopes and still have them in my possession?? )

Here's a close up of the two bracelets. I can't decide which one will get more 'wrist time'. They're both very cool.

And while I'm at it.... my bday tags have started to trickle in. Thank you to April and Kristi S. Soo exciting to see them in real life. April's came first and then Kristi's came in a few days ago. I'm just too lazy to pull out my camera sometimes. Finally did it tonight. Then there is a card and tag from Jamie.

2006-02-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

FYI: ‘Comment of the Year’ came from an elementary teacher. How’s that for seeing a teacher in a whole new light. Growing up, I was intimidated by most of my teachers. Thought they were more like robots….figured they were all single, cranky and lonely. Now that I’m older and smarter, I know better.
And it doesn’t hurt that I’ve ‘met’ Christielli and Kristi S along my blogging journey.

This past Saturday I went to a surprise ‘Good Luck, Goodbye and Never Give Up’ party for my cousin Renee. She’s moving far far away to Canadian Hollywood (Vancouver BC) for 6 months of serious heavy duty schooling at the Vancouver Acadamy of Dramatic Arts. Then she’s charging full speed ahead with all her might to break into the business. Be it acting, directing, producing, writing.......who knows. She’s had experience in all aspects already. Whatever makes her happy…….I’m just hoping I can design a necklace for her to wear to her first award ceremony. Oh and hoping I get an invitation to a Hollywood wedding someday. (Trust me, she’s gorgeous and won’t settle for a poor bald man……we’re gunning for Keith Urban…..Renee’s fairly certain she can knock Nicole out of the picture.)

It was a whole production to get Renee out of the house on Saturday so the decorations could go up. Finally my aunt shipped Renee off to a whole afternoon at the spa. When she arrived home (fashionably late of course……) the party started up with a vengeance.

The guest of honor arrives finally.

me and Renee.

Renee & my adorable little brother.....who's barely ever given me a good picture in his 26 years.

What's a Hollywood send-off party without Hollywood clappers??!?!?

Renee, you're such a goof...........and I love you soo much. Good luck!!

Comment of the day

2006-02-16T22:50:00.000-05:00

At work today, registering patients for the clinic. Trying to get blood pressures done at the same time. Trying to keep up with Dr. X who is going mighty fast and emptying exam rooms quicker than I can fill them.

And there is a snotty little kid (with boogers I mean, not snooty) who keeps escaping from his mother and sneaking behind my desk. And taking things off my desk. And talking to me. And poking me..... Get it, he was bugging me.

Finally get him and his clueless mother into a room, sit down to relax....and a woman comes up to my desk, leans over, and whispers "that kid is the load his mother should have swallowed!".

Amen.

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T08:28:00.000-05:00

And that's all the acknowledgment I'm gonna give to this day.

Still haven't called Erin yet. I need to get her phone number. Worried I might have to call her parents to ask for her new number. I just know that Erin told them 'I don't know what I did'. So by default, I'm the bad one. What if they don't give it to me?

I've officially won the 'Worst Wife' award. Jimmy's big night last night and I forgot my memory card!!! Hopefully Jimmy's friend's parents will e-mail us pictures of Jimmy receiving his black belt. I've been obsessed with checking our e-mail since I got home last night. Hopefully they arrive today. Seriously, my Rebel is the first camera I've owned that doesn't take even 1-2 pictures without a memory card.

I"ve been playing around with Photoshop and I dig it. Yeah, dig is my new word. I've been using it a lot lately and Jimmy's getting a kick out of it. I'm still learning so I don't want to share quite yet. But I've mastered the fabulous 'enhancing with color' feature.

Off to work. Hopefully everyone is planning lovey dovey evenings for tonight so the clinic will be quiet this afternoon. I can use a catch up day.

Breaking up is hard to do

2006-02-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

which is why I haven't called Erin yet. I will though. This weekend sometime. When I have an hour to spare cause I know it's gonna be a huge long cry-fest. And after I say everything that I have to say, I wonder if we will ever talk again.

Thank you to all of you ladies, and Scotty too.......you guys have all given me the encouragement to call. I really do want to hear what she has to say now. Before my last post, I thought I could just ignore her and she'd go away.....but I live in a small town and I ducked out of a Tim Horton's last week cause I would have run directly into her dad. Erin moved away to Toronto a few years ago and comes home about twice a year. I avoided her this past Christmas, but she should be coming home this summer. I know I'll run into her, so it's better we get the talk over with.

I called my friend Tina yesterday, who is the third girl in our trio. We met together and became fast friends. We've been through everything together so she knows Erin and all her dirty secrets too. I was wondering if Erin called Tina to talk and I was right. Got the whole scoop.

Erin thinks I'm mad cause she went skinny dipping at my wedding with my brother's friend. Totally not the case. Actually, when she finally did disappear to the lake, the flashing stopped so I was grateful she was out of the way. So is she playing dumb???? Cause I've never done anything while I was drunk that I could not remember the next day. I've done stuff I regretted, but I could always remember it.

Seriously, how do you remember only skinny dipping? She totally over-indulged in the free bar, Steve was licking icing off her, she was flashing her boobs to mine and Jimmy's family.

Anyways, on to something else ok? I'll let you know how our chat goes down later.

I'm a single gal this weekend. I have the whole place to myself. Woohoo!! Jimmy left this morning at 6am to drive to his black belt grading with his friend and his judo sensei. Jimmy's sensei is really a friend more than a sensei so he's going down to Sunridge (wherever the heck that is....) to sit on the grading board to make sure that Jimmy and his friend get their belts if they deserve it. Right now there is a crooked judge who might fail them because he knows Jimmy and Chris and is mad that they switched from his judo club to the one they are currently enrolled in. Oh the drama!!!

So, what's a single gal to do for a whole weekend???? Gonna scrap, eat cereal three times a day, listen to dance music and boogie all over the place and spend hours in the bathroom curling my hair.

Oh no, waitaminute.......gonna also spend some time getting aquainted with Photoshop. I got The Photoshop book for digital photographers by Scott Kelby that has everyone raving. Started playing a few days ago....and WHOA!!! Good book!! Let me play today and then I'll have tons of pics to share.

cheers!
xox

p.s. Happy Birthday to Kristi S. Your tag is assembled....just not glued yet. Cause I push things around a bazillion times before making anything official. I'll post later.

2006-02-07T21:47:00.000-05:00

Give me a shake…cause I think I might be overreacting.

I’ve had a friend for 10 years. She just left a message on my voicemail and I listened to the whole message without picking up. She’s left a few messages on my voicemail since my wedding this past July, and I’ve yet to speak to her.

Tonight, she called, left a message and started to cry. Begging me to call her back. Telling me she loved me and that I was one of her best friends.

Erin is my ‘Samantha’ friend….you know, from Sex and the City. I wanted to write her off after she acted like, well……Samantha at my wedding.

This is a girl I’ve been friends with forever. She is also the only friend I have that ditched me over and over at the bars, when I was a bar-hopping single. I don’t think she ever left the bar with me to go home. She always went home with someone different. And told her parents she stayed over at my house when she got home the next morning. I love her, she has the biggest heart and is the greatest girl when she’s not drinking. She’s funny, she’s beautiful, and smart!!! However, when she drinks, she turns into a Girl Gone Wild.

I’m a married woman, my husband doesn’t like me hanging out with her. She knows what she does is wrong, yet she continues. She’s gonna get hurt someday and then what???

My mom says I should get over it. Her exact words were “Raina, you knew what she was like before you asked her to be a bridesmaid. You knew the way she acts. Forgive and forget.”

Yeah I knew, but I guess I hoped she’d act respectful. She told me she was a bridesmaid for a friend the year before and said “Raina, you’d be soo proud of me. I acted sooo responsible. I barely drank the whole night.” I seen pictures from the wedding and she actually did look sober….so I guess the truth is, I’m hurt that she couldn’t refrain on my special day.

I knew her track record when I asked her to be a bridesmaid. And I didn’t actually talk to her and ask her to refrain from her usual antics. But should I really have asked???? Isn’t it a rule to not over-indulge on the free bar and flash your boobs?? Wait I’ll paint a clearer picture……REPEATEDLY flash her boobs…..even after my maid of honor told her to cover up. Nope, she kept flashing married men, single men, uncles, cousins, friends…..told Caroline “but I’m soo drunk I can’t help it!!!! I’m just having soo much fun!!! Weeeeeeeee!!”

And then as we were cleaning up, she took off into the darkness for a midnight swim with a friend of my brothers. I was beyond mad. I knew her track record stood undefeated, but I just thought for one night, ONE NIGHT, couldn’t she act like a effing lady?

Now, obviously she’s figured out what I’m mad at her. I think the grown up thing to do is call her back.

But I haven’t a clue what to say to her?

p.s. Am I being too hard on her if there were many drunk people staggering around at the reception?? My wedding was on the hottest day of 2005 and immediately following the ceremony at 2pm the bar opened. And well, nothing feels better on a hot day than a cold beer (or whatever else you please) right? Hot sunny day + delicious wet bar = drunkfest

Picture of the Day

2006-02-06T19:16:00.001-05:00

We got slammed with snow!!! It started Saturday night and snowed all day Sunday. I swear everyone was still shoveling out this morning for work.

At Jimmy's request, his dad came over this afternoon with his snow blower to clear our driveway and our backyard. Now I can finally let Banner out to pee without worrying...yesterday we kept having to get dressesd to go outside to dig Banner out of the snow when he got stuck.

Crappy weather makes for good scrapping so that's what I'm doing tonight.....and tomorrow it'l be even better cause I came home to a delivery notice in my mailbox....Ordered all sorts of goodies and I can pick 'em up tomorrow. It's all sorts of beautiful KI papers and schtuff!!

2006-02-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

what the hell is wrong with blogger???
cause everything is wrong at my place????

2006-02-04T23:33:00.000-05:00

Had a belated birthday dinner at Jimmy's parent's house. The installation of new cupboards collided with my birthday so it needed to be rescheduled. New cupboards were higher on the list of priorities since it was something Jimmy's mom had wanted before Christmas but they couldn't hire anyone who would promise that the kitchen wouldn't be in shambles on Christmas Eve. Anyways, it's cool.....I kinda like spacing birthday dinners apart.

Went to a bridal shower for my cousin Michelle this afternoon. If ever I have a moment of regret for moving back to Timmins from Ottawa, I'll make myself remember that being close by and able to attend family functions like this makes it sooo worth it.

Spent Friday at my aunt's house preparing for the shower. After all the food was made, we sat down and laughed till we cried and chatted late into the night. And this is the norm in my family...I've spent countless days, afternoons, evenings and even a few weekends partying with our family. But those days are coming to an end.

My cousin Michelle is getting married next weekend. That'll mean we'll see a little less of her now that she has to share holidays between two families. I don't blame her. I do the same thing too. But still, I'll miss having her around. Her fiance just returned from a 2 year mission in Guatamala this past October and since then, we've seen significantly less of her.

My cousin Renee is leaving me also next month. She's off to Vancouver BC for 6 months to attend school at the Vancouver Academy of Performing Arts (or whatever the name is.) As excited as I am about the prospect of having a celebrity in my family (and ultimately her falling in love with a leading man and throwing the biggest effing Hollywood party when she gets married) I am sad that she's leaving. However, I officially have a place to stay and a reason to visit BC once she's settled.

My two closest cousins - practically little sisters - are moving on. And I'm the most sensitive geek in the universe. I can't think about all the memories we've shared without getting misty-eyed.

Sunday morning we're off to check out a house for sale. (Why Jimmy booked chose 10am on a day off is beyond me.....Sunday is my day to sleep-in and stay in pj's.)

2006-01-31T22:56:00.000-05:00

don't mind me.....just trying to talk Chrissy through a profile post.

2006-01-30T18:16:00.000-05:00

Whoa....I've been on blogging hiatus. Took the week-end off and it was just like the good ol' days before I wasted my entire weekend on the computer. Decided that since like 80% of the blogging/scrapping world was in Vegas for CHA, I could afford to take time off from the computer, cause it would be a snap to catch up. So that is what I will do tonight, play catch up.

And I have nothing to feel guilty about because since I spent minimal time on the computer this past weekend, I got a ton of cleaning done. And organizing. And scraping. And I even got my hair cut and colored. Can I just say "Whoa!"....every time I look in the mirror....I'm freeking blonde!! And to top things off, Saturday night I had another birthday dinner at Jimmy's parents house......had to wait for their new kitchen counter and cupboards to be finished before we could celebrate but man was it worth it

Now I'm anxiously awaiting the end of the week.....my parents are in Ottawa this week and while they were down there, I thought I'd get them to pick me up THE HOTTEST photoshop book. April's been blowing me away with all the stuff she's been learning....and well, I'm Photoshop-clueless so any book that will teach me step-by step is the way to go.

I'll leave you with the pictures April played with.........

Flashback to 1965 or something like that...

2006-01-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

We brought our car in to have the oil changed and the tire drum or whatever it's called changed.

Jimmy decided to go to the best place in town. Pulling into the garage, who do I see? A tiny little woman in coveralls, grey hair, mid 70's sitting down smoking. Who would believe this little woman works all alone fixing up cars for $12 cash.

Nu-uh, not me. I'm a ' have to see it to believe it' kinda girl. I made Jimmy take me with for obvious reasons.

She only takes cash or Visa. Cash gets you a cheaper price. This woman freeking rocks!!!

Jimmy asked her once the car was ready, if we could run to the bank machine to get cash....she said "sure" without hesitation. I asked her if I needed to stay behind as collateral and she snorted!! While I was hairstyling, when clients had to 'go to their car to get their wallets' my big Italian boss made them leave their watch or jacket or something behind.

Total cost = $12. Plus a $3 tip. She wouldn't take anymore than that!!!

2006-01-23T16:08:00.000-05:00

Nothing like a Monday morning to cure a case of insomnia.
I hit my snooze button for an hour this morning. When I finally dragged myself outta bed at 8am, I was running severely late. Rushed around trying to get showered and ready for work till I remembered I would be alone in the office today and tomorrow since Dr. X is out of town. Broke out my jeans and a huge goofy grin. I love easy days.

With a heavy heart and Little Miss Batman-Loving April in mind, I agreed to watch Batman Begins last night. April, you owe me two hours of my life back. I can’t say I saw even a glimmer of Batman’s hotness. There was potential….but he was covered in his huge cape the whole time. Did you see an unrated version or something!?!? Bwa-hahaha.

Took the trip out to vote and I’m not sure cause it’s been a loooooong time, but I think I got hit on!!! Standing in line, waiting my turn, the guy in front of me turns and starts talking about hating voting cause he never knows who to vote for since they’re all **bleepity bleep bleepers!!!** Nice huh?

I said “Well, voting today entitles you to that same kinda opinion for another couple of years since you actually came out and voted. I always tell people that if they don’t vote, they’re not entitled to an opinion.” He must’ve thought I was charming or something cause he leaned over and whispered “Well, I was gonna play eenie meenie miney mo and choose one, it don’t matter to me. If you agree to a date with me, I’ll vote for whoever you tell me to.”

2006-01-22T00:45:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, weekends are just fahhhh-bulous.

Got a whole lot of nothing done today. Barely got dressed actually. And that’s exactly the way I like to spend my Saturdays in the winter. Inside relaxing.

Since I didn’t do anything today, I have nothing to write about. Perhaps tomorrow will be more blog-worthy.

Alright, one last thing....the people have spoken and now I know……my delightful afternoon pick-me-up aka Smarties are available to my Parisian friend Alison but are not available in the US. What a shame. As soon I finally get dressed properly…..I’ll pick up a few boxes to RAK off. Stay tuned for Smartie Awareness. (Yes, you just might have to compete!!)

Just got off the phone with my brother………
Tell me this isn’t true……while sharing the news that Smarties are completely unknown candies in the US, my brother informed me that you also do not have Ketchup flavoured chips?!?!?!?!!? (Sorry, I can’t RAK those off…..chips wouldn’t survive the Canadian postal service.)

***edit*** I should clarify..... Ketchup chips do not rock my socks off. I do not eat them, unless I'm offered them from a cute little 4 year old....you know how they always wanna share?? They're soo cute and you can't really say 'no' cause you want to encourage them to keep sharing.

There are grown up chip flavours and kid flavours....kids favour Ketchup flavour.

And I'm gonna say something now to all you who live in the the country of the cherry cola. That is DISGUSTING!!!

when you eat your Smarties, do you eat the red ones last?

2006-01-19T22:23:00.000-05:00

I'm scrappping tonight. And I'm really feeling it!! This layout I'm working on....it's gonna be my newest fave. Just decided to take a break for a few minutes to ask my fellow bloggers a question. And it's a real easy answer....either yes or no. Oh, and tell me where you live.

I wasn't under the impression that Smarties were Canadian candy....however, through the wonderful world of blogging, I've run into two people who've sorta boggled my brain..... One girl wrote on her blog about receiving Smarties for Christmas and likened them to M&Ms but way better in an attempt to introduce Smarties to her readers. I was like "What the heck??? Who is she talking to, doesn't everyone know Smarties?" I just chalked it up to the fact that she lived in Utah and perhaps, Smarties weren't in wide circulation.

Then, when I stated 'not eating the brown Smarties' as a quirk of mine a few post back, I got this comment:

" Brown smarties? Whoever heard of such a thing? Wait a minute.. I just realized
(as I was typing that) that you're probably not talking about the same smarties as
I am thinking of... hmmm..."

Soooooooo, my question is....... Do you know Smarties? Yes or No? And where do you live?

p.s. I included a picture of the Smarties (candy coated milk chocolate, delish!) I'm munching on as I type this......notice there are no brown Smarties. I took them all out for the picture and gave them to Jimmy. It's his job to eat the ugly Smarties.

2006-01-17T22:12:00.000-05:00

Ugh, spent too much time online tonight. Nothing got done except one load of laundry that was washed and put in the dryer before I started chatting with Alex tonight. However, I have the teensiest better understanding of 2peas. Practice makes perfect. Thanks for your patience Alex.....

And just cause I'm late thanking everyone doesn't mean that I'm not excited, in awe, stoked, giddy and whatever else about the birthday tags I stand to receive. I'm actually shocked!! Really....I didn't expect any kind of birthday surprise from you fabulous peas. I mean, I'm not exactly a model Pea.....so why the heck would any of you take the time out of your busy schedules to make something for little 'ol me. I'm touched...as sensitive as I am, I'm shocked I didn't cry.....however, MAJOR FLUTTERS in my belly as I made my way through the gallery.

With that, I have officially posted my first layout. Take it easy on me. I did the best I could with the supplies that I allowed myself to use. Decided to create something using no-name supplies....you know, the stuff people who have no clue about scrapping buy for scrappers. The kinda gift you open and hope that your smile doesn't betray you. Well, incase my sister in law ever asks me if I've used the bazillion little Dollarama stickers and papers she bought....I'll have something to show her.

www.twopeasinabucket.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=230371

2006-01-14T12:32:00.000-05:00

Alison tagged me, so here comes another Q&A with Raina.

Four jobs I've had:
-grocery store cashier; first job ever and also the best....seriously, who worked in a grocery store with a bazillion other kids and didn't have fun screwing around in the back room? Seriously, my brother was ALWAYS GONE.... "I swear I was outside collecting carts this whole past hour."
-hairstylist; worst job ever. what a slap in the face....I cried almost every single day when I got home from work. and for the record, I was a good stylist.
-and from hairstyling, I surprised everyone and became a boring insurance underwriter
-until I moved home to Timmins where I am currently working as a medical assistant.

Four movies I'd watch over and over:
The whole Lord of the Rings trilogy (Does this count as 1 or 3 movies?)
Dirty Dancing

Four places I've lived:
only lived in three different cities
Timmins ON
Gatineau QC
Nepean ON

TV shows I love to watch:
Sex and the City
Related
Kenny vs. Spenny.... pretty sure it's Canadian...what a great waste of time.
Other than that, if Jimmy isn't in charge of the remote, it's on CMT cause it's background noise on the only channel that doesn't make Banner howl. Every other channel has a bazillion commercials with puppies in them.

Four websites I visit daily:
Hotmail
Google
CelebritySmack
and many many blogs.

Four places I've been on vacation:
-Midland ON
-Toronto ON with a brief stop in Niagara Falls
-Ottawa ON (before living there)
-New York City

Four foods I love:
strawberries
strawberry daquiries & shortcake
chicken fajitas
BBQ'd anything

Four places I’d rather be:
-This birthday girl with a pocket full of money wishes she were at a scrap sale
-or a bead store
-ok, or a clothes store.
-But I'm quite content relaxing at home today and waiting for Jimmy to be ready for a walk in the bush with Banner.

Four people to tag:
-Hey, if I wasn't actually the last person to get tagged (again) and you haven't done it....go nuts.

Now you're all wondering right.... how was my birthday dinner with the parents and Mikey. One word - delicious. The weather has been unseasonably warm around here so I decided on a summer BBQ supper.

Me with my Mom and Jimmy and anyone surprised? my baby brother. Dad took this picture and Nana didn't want to participate.

Oh and Mikey took this picture....funny guy and a real whiz with a camera. For real, any of you single gals need a boyfriend?

For your reading pleasure:

***CONVERSATION FROM AROUND THE DINNER TABLE***

Dad: "Wow, great dinner!!"

Mom: "Don't thank me, thank Raina for the delicious suggestion."

Raina: "Yeah well since I've always wanted my birthday in the summer, the recent warm weather gave me the great idea to choose BBQ. It almost feels like summer, sitting around the table, drinking summer drinks and eating burgers."

Dad: "Yeah, this nice weather is sooooo un-January like. Nothing like the Friday the 13th in 1978 when Raina was born."

Brother: "Yeah wasn't there a huge storm when Raina was born? Soo big that Dad ended up in a ditch on the way to the hospital? And as he was rushing to the delivery room, they brought Raina out and he took one look at her and thought "Oh my God, my daughter is retarded."

I'll never live that down. And I'll never let the doctors use forceps on my babies when I deliver.

Yo!! I'm a birthday girl!

2006-01-13T08:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Me
Happy Birthday to Me
Happy Birthday Miss Raina
Happy Birthday to Me.

Oh and ditto to that sensational little redhead who is sharing her birthday with me.
Happy Birthday Jamie!!!

Soooo, I'm dragging my 28 year old body around this morning, and reeeeeally don't want to go to work. But because I'm a trouper, I will.......but I'm coming home early.

Then it's off to my parent's house for dinner and, wish me luck on this..........getting everyone to agree to pictures.

Caroline and I paired up while she was home at Christmas and made this for Jamie's birthday. It was Caroline's very first attempt at a card. I merely supervised and taught her how to attach the eyelets.

Just cause you're using a Rebel doesn't mean you'll get good pictures

2006-01-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

This year, all I want for my birthday from my family are a few nice family pics. Oh, and a free meal, but that's a given.

Will my birthday wish come true with a brother like this invited to my party???

would'ya look at that.....Jimmy makes a rare apprearance in the blog limelight.

2006-01-07T21:37:00.001-05:00

Being at home on a Saturday night with my computer isn't the end of the world..... I actually dig it nowadays. But don't tell my parents....they think I act older than a 27 year old should. Always telling me stories that begin with "When we were your age......."

Well, there is only soo much tequilla a girl can handle. I was a good kid. I can't say I never drank an ounce of alcohol before my 19th birthday...but I never over-indulged. I saved that till I turned 19. And then, boy did I catch up to my friends in a hurry. In my first years as a legal drinker, I must've spent the amount of a downpayment on a house. And I kick myself now. Cause with every night of doing shots of tequilla with Jimmy, there was a new cute outfit to go with. What a waste. But I wasn't smart enough to realize that all those years ago. And my biggest accomplishment was staying home one Saturday night while my parents were entertaining, joining them at the table and outdrinking everyone including a 300lbs drinking machine. Me, a tiny 120lbs kid had the alcohol tolerance to outdrink someone more than double my size....and I got up and went to work the next morning while the man's son came in to work and told everyone what a monster I was cause his father was home hurting in a HUUUGE way.

So, I mastered the art of the tequilla shot. I outdrank a monster....(lol I love BC and I'd hate for him to know I called him a monster....he really isn't....but for the lack of a better work at the moment, I'm sticking with it...it was a true David and Goliath story.) I can't tell you how many times I came home after sun came up. Hell, Jimmy & I slept on a bench downtown one night. Is that hardcore enough?

Now can I just be an old 27 year old? I'm home in a tee and yoga pants. I have slippers on. It's Satuday night and I started a movie at 7pm so that I'd be sure to be awake for the whole thing. Now.....does anyone have a problem with that?

Cause my 28th birthday is in less than a week..........and I haven't a clue what is in store for me. I might just move into a retirement home.

a little potpourri....

2006-01-05T19:59:00.000-05:00

Genious that I am, I'm just gonna empty out my head right now....which will probably leave me empty for blogging material for a day or two. No problemo.

First, got tagged by Greta to share 5 quirks....feel like I've just been giving and giving..... anyone tired of me yet? I'll do it though...cause I'm a trouper and cannot leave someone hanging.
1. Jimmy eats my brown Smarties for me. It was one of my quirks years ago that has faded out, but because 7 years ago, at a time when my actions, hair and dance moves resembled the finally cancelled 'Dharma', I pronounced to the world that Jimmy and I would marry and live happily ever after because we both loved Ketchup and he'd save me the burden of eating brown Smarties. And even though I'm older and wiser and know that giving away my brown Smarties means less for me, I can't break our tradition.
2. The first concert I ever saw was Shania Twain...she came home and Timmins had the biggest concert ever outside in the park.
3. Lately, I'm really digging country music. And I effing cry at the real sappy sad videos. And Banner sits with me on the couch and cuddles with me to try to cheer me up.
4. My birthday this year falls on a Friday. I was born a Friday the 13th baby.....and again I'll be celebrating on a Friday the 13th. Any suggestions what I should do to celebrate?
5. It takes me approximately 4-5 hours to complete a scrapbook layout! I can't commit!! I can't glue it all down. And I'm soo self-conscious about my layouts afterwards because I put soo much work into it and I worry what people are thinking when they look at them. (Oh yeah, only a select few have seen my scrapbooks.....however, my new years resolution is to start posting on 2Peas.)

Alright, next......I hate to even record this in my blog....I'll come back someday and delete this cause I don't usually fill my blog with useless celeb gossip and info....but hit my link for Celebrity Smack if you dare and listen to a brainless single off K-Fed's album. Yeah, I said IF YOU DARE. But I decided it is a dare now.....and I want to know if any of you actually suffered through the entire song, cause I certainly didn't.

First birthday cake of the year yesterday...headed over to my parents house to celebrate my Dad's birthday. (My dad worried I might meet crazies while blogging and voiceed concerns about my posting pictures and using my real name....so I'll respect him and only post this 'faceless' pic of him from the Boxing Day Jam Session in my uncle's basement.)

I put this hat on my dad cause I thought it was appropriate enough since we were all joining in on a wicked rendition of The Gambler that was to Kenny Rogers what American Idol's (many) horrible renditions of I'll Be was to Edwin McCann. (Sorry Kenny......but did we ever have fun!!)

Hmm, Blogger's actually letting me post pictures tonight.....let's see what else I can come up with.

Did some dancing on New Years Eve..... Couldn't even begin to try to remember what my mother-in-law and I were doing.

However, I do remember trying to teach Jimmy's uncle the 'slap it' dance.

I'm really enjoying Jimmy's Ipod I bought him...and he's thoroughly enjoying taking pictures of Banner & I with my Rebel.

Ok, I'm done....and my brain is still buzzing with words.....but these pictures killed me and I must get off for now.

p.s. I'm a Pea now!!! Still really new at the whole deal, but I'll be visiting and can now leave pea praise to all my Pea Pals.

2005-12-31T15:40:00.000-05:00

Found this on a few blogs and decided to snatch it up.

2005; A Year in Retrospect.

JANUARY
Did you make a New Year's Resolution this year?
January seems like forever ago. I can’t remember. Don’t think I did though.

Who kissed you at midnight?
Jimmy and I spent New Years Eve moving into the apartment we are living in now. If we were still awake at midnight, Jimmy would’ve been my midnight smooch.

Took this picture right before heading to bed....and one year later.....everything still looks pretty much the same... I won't show you any pictures of the basement where the bathroom and bedrooms are. The upstairs was unpacked and set up that first day...and we slept on a mattress on the floor downstairs that night.

Did it snow where you live?
Yeah, January is a big snow month.

Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop?
Nope, but Jimmy and I were in Times Square this summer during our honeymoon and I know exactly where the ball drops from.

FEBRUARY

Who was your valentine?
If I said anyone other than Jimmy, I’d be in trouble. No, waitaminute, there was also Banner. Ok, I had two valentines.

What did your valentine get you?
Whoa back up!!! Who gets gifts? I’ve never gotten anything.

MARCH

Are you Irish?
My mom says she has Irish in her family, so that means somewhere down the line, I am a teensy bit too right?

Did you wear green on St. Patty's Day?
I don’t think I even own anything green.

What did you do for St. Patty's Day?

Me and my Nana - no comment on who was the worse influence..

APRIL

Do you like the rain?
Not particularly. I have high maintenance hair. Porno hair looks more like drowned rat hair in the rain.

Did you play an April Fool's joke on anyone this year?
100% positive I didn’t.

Did you get tons of candy on Easter?
Jimmy’s family buys all sorts of shit. Too much actually. And my mom buys me those huge bags of Mini Eggies. Like 3 lbs of them.

MAY

What's your favorite kind of flower?
I’m the kind of girl who wears daisies my hair. I like them all. Bright colorful bouquets, small simple ones, whatever. I went slightly simple with my wedding bouquets and now….they are my new favorite and because the wrong ones were delivered, I haven’t a clue what they were.

Oh, and while I was searching for a pic of my bouquet, I found this and just wanted to share.

Do you like the spring?
Yup, it’s not too hot and not too cold.

Finish the phrase: "April showers bring..."
May flowers. (couldn’t think of anything else…if it aint broke…)

JUNE

What year did you graduate from school?
Grade 12 June 1996 and went back for more torture....OAC (Grade 13)
Did you go on any vacations last June?
Nope, too busy with wedding planning.

JULY

What did you do on the 4th of July?
The Canadians I know do nothing on the 4th of July. But on July 1st this year, it was cold and rainy so I skipped the Canada Day celebrations.

Did you go on any vacations during this month?
Yup, honeymooned in NYC.

AUGUST

Did you do anything special to end off your summer?
We always one last big BBQs a pig roast and end of the summer parties out at cottages.

What was your favorite summer memory of '05?
My wedding and honeymoon.

Did you go swimming a lot in the summer?
I haven’t owned a bathing suit since I was 14.

Did you go to the beach a lot? Girls who don’t wear bathing suits don’t hang out on the beach.

SEPTEMBER

Did you attend school/college in '05?
Nope. I’ve forgotten what that is all about.

Who is/was your favorite teacher?
Mme Chenier…..was my creative writing teacher and also creative writing club supervisor.

Did you like fall better than summer?
Things started to cool down…so yeah.

OCTOBER

What was your favorite Halloween costume ever?
Cruella Deville. I’ve dressed up as her for 3-4 times. I really dig her hair. It’s sooo Raina!

What's your favorite candy?
Any of those little mini-chocolate bars.

What did you dress up like this year?
Cruella…of course. She’s a meanie, but soo darn fashionably fashionable. Bwa-hahaha.

NOVEMBER

Whose house did you go to for Thanksgiving?
What’s wrong with me…that wasn’t too long ago but for the life of me, I cannot remember. Hmm, where the heck did I go? Either to my parents or Jimmy’s parents.

Do you like stuffing?
I say no, but the truth is that I’ve never really tasted it. Doesn’t it come out of the turkey’s butt?

What are you thankful for?
My family and friends, Jimmy and I both have jobs, health, happiness and electricity. Oh, and hairspray.

DECEMBER

Do you celebrate Christmas?
Yes I do. With a bazillion happy healthy family members.

Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe?
Don’t think I ever have.

What did you want this year for Christmas?
All the things I mentioned wanting were under the tree.

What's the best present you ever got for Christmas?
Soo many good ones, but this year was the year of The Rebel!!!

Do you like cold weather?
As if!

How would you rate your year on a scale of 1-10?
Soo much happiness in 2005, but lots of bad news too.
I have way huge expectations for 2006….. Bring it!

The Post-Christmas post.

2005-12-29T23:48:00.000-05:00

It's all over. Caroline is leaving tomorrow to head back to Ottawa, work is just around the corner. And so is a brand spanking new year. Sooo ready for a fresh start. I have huge expectations for 2006. Finally, Jimmy and I are gonna get some luck.(at least I hope.)

So in a nutshell.... Christmas Eve was with my family. My immediate family pays our annual once-a-year visit to church and then it's off to my aunt and uncle's where my dad's side of the family gets together, we play 'Christmas' games and then the food follows all the midnight Christmas kisses. Then with full bellies, we head home to bed.

Being newly-weds, this year was different for Jimmy & I. We both ALWAYS woke up at our parents homes and opened gifts separately. While we were living in Ottawa, when we came home for visits, we moved back into our childhood bedrooms. Nowadays, Jimmy and I are living in the same city as our parents. (When I drive, I time everything by songs....my parents live 1.5 songs away from our place and Jimmy's parent's are 2 songs away. Soooo different from Ottawa.) This year, I decided Jimmy and I should open our gifts together with each parent. Jimmy's parents house was the first stop at 8am. The tree looked like it had puked up gifts, there were soo many. And one gift was opened at a time....with everyone else as the audience. Sooo different than at my parent's place. It took 3 hours and Jimmy's father and brother in law got lots of tools. They all looked the same to me.

Then it was off to my parents home. I told Jimmy to prepare for the whirlwind cause we did things much different. Unlike Jimmy's parents who wrap money, my parents give mostly gifts. Soooo, we open gifts and then throw the paper on the ground. At Jimmy's parents, we have to keep the paper money separate from the wrapping paper so as we unwrap, the paper goes into a garbage bag!!!! Seriously, who does this? Anybody else?

After opening gifts, Jimmy and I ate breakfast with my family before heading home to shower and dress for dinner with Jimmy's side of the family. Lots of running back and forth. The things we do for free meals huh?

Finally came Boxing Day. The last party for a few days. Back to my side of the family for yet another free supper. My uncle is the coolest. After his divorce from a crazy woman, he moved into his own house where there are no rules!! Bwa-hahaha. After his two daughters (both equally selfish) decided they'd rather move away to live with their mother and her rich boyfriend (ah yes, money buys happiness for these two morons) my uncle decided there was no point in sitting around waiting for his girls to come back (or even call). Boxing Day is his day and we make sure we all show up, party hard (and loud) and show him that he love him.

I have a REALLY special family. I have a family that most of my friends are jealous of. All my uncles and aunts are suportive, cool and very open-minded. And whereas most kids party with their friends, in my family we party with our parents who are our friends. We're young, we do stupid things....and our parents outdrink the best of us. We spend the weekends with our parents and invite our friends along to join in....and our friends are blown away every time.

Is it really over?

2005-12-27T10:08:00.000-05:00

Christmas flew by this year. Our annual Boxing Day Party is the last till New Years. Now we just wait, rest and prepare to do it all over again in a few days.

Today's agenda includes doing a little cleaning, putting away all our gifts that have been stashed in the bedroom (so that Banner couldn't get at them while we were out whooping it up with family), spending time with Banner and giving him a walk AND THEN.........finally installing software for my best Christmas gift ever.........I want to see my REBEL-tastic picures pronto!!! But before I get dessert, I must eat all my veggies!

2005-12-15T21:05:00.000-05:00

Christmas is just around the corner and I've yet to step into the mall.

My Christmas cards are laying around and not mailing themselves.

My staff party is tomorow night and dinner will be served at 6:30pm. My tummy will be rumbling at 5pm.

My peppermint schnapps advent calendar...drank it, again! Thank goodness the the liquor store is next door to the office. (I'm almost positive I can make it last till 24th. I only need 9 shots outta this bottle...then the rest can accompany me on Christmas Eve.)

I smell like a large candycane.

2005-12-13T21:58:00.000-05:00

Now if this ain't a Christmas card picture, I don't know what is.

no just kidding, here it is.

Ok, the Christmas spirit is sneaking up on me. Still haven't finished shopping, but my parents came over with a fibre optic tree, no lights or decorations needed. Did the trick. Alright Christmas, come to Raina!!!

Weather update: EFFING COLD OUT!

Randomness

2005-12-11T01:04:00.000-05:00

Got tagged by Jocelyn to share 20 random facts about myself. And seeing I'm such a trouper, I obliged.

1. Christmas is just around the corner and I’ve yet to start shopping. This is sooo unlike me. I usually have shopping completely done by now. And I have no idea when it’ll actually get done. Jimmy and I do everything together, like a team. Because of our jobs, we don’t see each other anymore. It sucks.

2. I’m a huge flirt. It’s gotten me into trouble soo many times. Now I'm more careful.

3. One of the biggest thrills of my life.

4. It’s A Wonderful World was playing at the same time as the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show tonight and I opted for the fashion show. (p.s. I’ve never seen It’s A Wonderful World.)

5. Christmas is coming, and then my birthday is in January. Everyone is asking me for gift ideas….who needs anything right after Christmas?? Not me. Anyways, I can’t even think of anything that I need for Christmas this year. Soooo after thinking really hard, I finally came up with a teapot, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea and a new bra.

6. I make lists. Lists of everything. They're scattered everywhere throughout my home. And if I make a scribble or a spelling mistake, or just plain don't like my handwriting......I start the list all over from scratch.

7. I didn’t put my wedding rings on today. My hands are naked. And they usually are, up till the last second before I leave the house.

8. I’ve broken a few hearts, but never gotten my heart broken.

9. I have one younger brother. I call him my big baby brother. And because he's soo much bigger than I am, I haven't been able to get a recent picture taken with him to save my life.

10. I stopped watching American Idol after the second season when Clay Aiken lost to Ruben.

11. Jimmy bought me my first digital camera for my 24th birthday. I yelled at him and told him I couldn’t believe he spent soo much money on me soo soon after we had just moved in together. (FYI, digital cameras were JUST coming out. I was the first person I knew with one and I was clueless as to how they worked and all the wonders digital photography entailed….plus we were broke from having to actually pay our own bills) Anyways, I brought my camera out on the town with me, showed it off to my friends….and less than an hour after yelling at Jimmy for buying it for me, I was practically making out with my little Kodak, I loved it soo much. (RIP Kodak, you were good while you lasted.)

12. I realize I’ll sound like a teeny-bopper….but I love Jacob Hoggard. Ok, got another Christmas idea…. I want Hedley's album.

13. I’ve been reading this same book The Dogs of Babel for months now. I swear I’m gonna finish it if it kills me……I’m just too busy to sit and read lately.

14. It’s official….Jimmy and I are shopping for our first home. Snooped through my very
first two houses yesterday. And it felt soo wrong to be snooping through closets and looking at the people pictured around the houses. (Haven’t found it yet……but we’re checking out a few more on Sunday.)

15. I was born on Friday the 13th.

16. Scrapbooking is the first and only pastime I’ve ever taken up. So far so good.

17. Today is Saturday. That means I got to sleep in. I finally dragged my butt out of bed around 10ish.

18. My new years resolution is to start posting layouts on 2peas.

19. My favorite movie of all time is Dirty Dancing. Patrick Swayze still sets my heart aflutter to this day. And he’s what…like 50? Anyone see him lately? He’s looking older, but man………

20. I’m a sucker for random 20’s like this. And also those damned surveys friends fill out and e-mail to each other. I read them all. And I save them all…..for me to fill out on a rainy day when I have nothing to blog about.

Now let the fun begin....... Who shall I tag? I promised April that I'd tag her. We were chatting while I was making up my 20 tidbits and she practically begged me not to tag her, but I love her too much to pass up the opportunity to learn more about her Pfabulousness. So, April, show us what you're made of.

Okay, now just to show April that I'm doing this cause I love her...not out of spite, I'll tag two other people....people that I like. (Oh I like all of you, but I just want to get a point across that I'm not doing this to be mean.........)

How about my Canadian friends....we gotta stick together....
Toronto gals Alex and Christielli. Some day I'll make it to Toronto and we'll do everything up right. And token male reader Scott. If you wanna play with the girls, you have to share your secrets...or at least some quirks.

And Caroline make me proud and play along. You're being a blog slacker lately.... p.s. Can't wait to see you at Christmas. And since you haven't.....I'm posting the pictures Lisanne took of us....just for shits and giggles.

Remember, we don't pretend to have really exciting lives up in Timmins.

Dog For Rent.....real cheap

2005-12-06T20:06:00.000-05:00

......just for the holidays.

-15 month old Black Lab (with just enough Chocolate Lab in him to make him, for a lack of a better word, CRAZY!)
-answers to the names Banner, B, Deelio, Bannerbum, Bannerman, Bum, BB, Satan.
-Male....and soo damn curious.
-Always up for a snack
-And boy, does he snuggle nicely.

For your viewing pleasure........

Now, here's the catch....possession of this little beast entails a very sparsely holiday decorated living space.

This is what I have soo far.....and I suspect that I wont be able to pull too much more out of storage this weekend. Will Santa still come if I don't have a tree? Eeek, I don't want to find out. We'll have to work something out.

Yeah, Christmas is just around the corner......I have yet to begin shopping and all I have as decorations are a table cloth and 4 plates.

Oh hey, forgot to tell you...... Saw Rent with my Mom and friend Paula. Soo glad Paula was there, because my mom doesn't cry at movies. She just doesn't cry!! Yeah, where the hell do I get it from?

Oooh April.....I found TEAL staples! I picked them up, along with blue, green and pink ones!! Gonna play with them tonight.

Lastly party girls......when you're out and about......can you request Girls just wanna have fun and think of me? Cause dammit.....Jimmy's staff party was this past weekend and the DJs were killing me!! NO Cyndi Lauper??? And no I wanna dance with somebody!!! Now, I get it. They're old tunes....but HELLOOOOOOOOO, some oldies are goodies right? And the straw that broke my back.....NO BLACK BETTY!!!! Dude, is a party a party without Ram Jam? Black Betty is to my family what Black Eyed Peas' Let's get it started is to the MTV music awards.

Anyways, I'm off to have a little shot of Christmas.... The only thing that is getting me through this (undecorated) holiday is my nightly shot of Peppermint Schnapps. Instead of an advent calendar with a dinky little chocolate....I have a shot of peppermint...either in my peppermint tea or as dessert. Tonight I forgot all about Day #6 so I'm just gonna take it like a man. Cheers!

2005-12-01T20:13:00.000-05:00

YO!!! This girl wants music on her blog!!! And Christmas music none the less.
Who can help? I've been everywhere looking, but the only Christmas tunes that have videos to go along with them are Mariah Carey vids....and she doesn't make me happy, much less merry.
Is it possible to just play music? Ok, I KNOW it's possible, because I've heard it coming from blogs.....but can't remember who and where and when.... Anyone know the secret?

I'm sure I wrote this before.....but this time I mean it. Kinda like an early resolution. From now on, I will not publish a post on my blog without a picture. Who's a genious? You'll all make sure to visit more often if you know there will be a new picture right?

Jimmy's gone to judo...check out who's keeping me company.

We wrestled, he kicked me in the head, instead of getting mad I had a glass of wine, he gave me kisses, he posed for some pictures and I'm on my second glass. Why not, hot date = sippy drinks.

2005-11-26T14:44:00.000-05:00

Long time no update huh? I've been busy. Would you believe I cleaned all week-end long? ...Yeah, I wouldn't have believed it either, but I did. All week-end!!

My bathroom has never been cleaner.

And neither has my bedroom... Aww, now there's my nicely made up bed. Welcome to my sparsely decorated bedroom..... Seriously, any other renters out there with bedrooms that look like mine? Jimmy and I bought this HUGE 7 piece bedroom set just before we got married and since we're actively looking for a house, we're living in an apartment that doesn't feel as cozy as it could be.....just incase we have to pack up quickly. However, it may take us a year to find the perfect home. And I'm sticking to my guns.....no decorating the bedroom..

Beautiful weather this past week-end. The snow was fluffy and light..... not cold at all.
I did take a cleaning break in order to go for a walk with Jimmy and my dad. Banner is such a little punk....the whole walk he acted like Satan, and while my dad and Jimmy laughed, I protected the honor of my parents golden retriever Gabby.

And with that..... I'm off to get some scrapping done.

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2005-11-06T10:35:00.000-05:00

Ugh, poopy poopy me. I slept on the couch last night. I was up soo late chatting with April and when I finally signed off, I didn't want to crawl over Jimmy to get into bed and wake him because he had to be up at the crack of dawn. I hate waking him cause then he tosses and turns the rest of the night away. Soooo, I grabbed a blanket and Banner and I settled on the couches upstairs. Banner slept peacefully, nestled in between my legs until 6am when Jimmy ventured upstairs to find his wife snuggling with the other man in her life. And after he kissed up goodbye, I convinced Banner to go back to sleep for an extra two hours.

SLURRRRRRPPPPPPPP, 8am. WAKE-UP!! Banner was giving me all the love he could muster up. And trust me, there was a ton on enthusiasm. Sooo gross.

So, Jimmy's home now and said to me "were you up till 2am on the computer?" WHA???? How did he know?? I thought he was sound asleep. That's why I slept on the couch.
"I could hear you typing, and laughing soo hard you were snorting!!" Bwahahaha, ok, April and I were up to no good last night. And that's all I'm gonna say.

Also, this is a little news for Timmins folk....sorta. Well, Caroline lives in Ottawa now, but you get the idea right. Oh and Shooshoo too.

I had the longest chat last night with Noonie. Jessie asked her to marry him. It was soo spontaneous, but I can tell Noonie is over the moon. She asked if I'd take some engagement pictures, and I laughed and told her to use the above picture because it was taken the night before at our family Halloween party.

Does everyone see all the wasted space on either side of my blog?? Anyone know how to change my margins? I want to make everything wider.

cheers!

Walking in a winter wonderland

2005-11-04T16:31:00.000-05:00

Short and sweet. Pictures taken about half an hour ago. It's the beginning of November!!! It was summer a few days ago, Jimmy was in shorts.

It's waaaay too early for all this white shit. And there's so much of it, Jimmy and I suspect it won't all melt tomorrow. It might be here for a while.

It's actually gorgeous out. This is such a nice time of the year. For walking dogs. Not for driving. I'm retiring my driver's licence till the roads are bare again. For anyone who knows me, this is a good thing since I'm a terrible driver. Tried with all my might to get a picture of Banner in the snow, but the coolness of snow on his paws energized him to the point that he was doing back flips and making snow angels at a speed that my camera could not capture.

Jimmy took my picture and was like "show your hands.....some of your blogging friends have probably never seen mitts before".

p.s. funny little blurb on the radio on the way home from our walk........ "When you were young, you were always on the lookout of killer weed. Now that you're old, you're thrilled to find awesome weed killer".

One-effing-thousand!!!

2005-10-03T23:29:00.000-04:00

Never in a million years did I think I'd ever reach 1000 hits!! If it wasn't a Monday night I'd crack something open and celebrate. I'll pray tonight for another 1000 hits.....and let's try to gun for a Friday or Saturday girls!!!

Well, Jimmy and B are both sound asleep so I can't even share my excitement with them. What's a girl to do on a night like this........... call up my new boyfriend 'Michael' and tell him to dump Lauren Fenmore. Cause I'm hot stuff......

p.s. Seriously though, hitting 1000 means a lot to me. I appreciate each and every comment I receive and I am sooo stoked to have met some fab girls and one Pfab girl. A, you are my #1. I live for your comments and I'm addicted to you and yours.

Happy 1st Birthday Banner

2005-09-23T15:00:00.000-04:00

My little Banner-Bum is a whole freeking one year old.
This was supposed to be the magic number. He had such high hopes....

By one year old, Jimmy & I were sure that Banner would be trained to act like a gentleman when visitors stopped by. He was also supposed be trained to sit on command instead of waiting till we coaxed him down with a cookie.

For sure we spoiled him, heck I'd even go as far as to say he ruined him. But he's our pup with the craziest personality, we love him and we've accepted the little monster as part of our family.

Need further proof that we've ruined him to the point to no return. His birthday dinner was steak!! Jimmy insisted that Banner NEEDED a steak dinner.

I made a special trip to the grocery store to buy nothing else but mini cupcakes from the bakery for Banner. Really, nothing else, not even a gum or apples.....just cupcakes. Vanilla ones.

.

And would you check out this stash of goodies.

Yeah, I fed Banner his cupcakes one by one.....he loved every lick.....and somehow managed to get icing on my tablecloth. But fear not, he licked the tablecloth clean in no time.

my happy list

2005-09-22T20:08:00.000-04:00

Beautiful day out today..... the first day of autumn was yesterday (?) or was it today? Can't remember, but autumn is upon us whether we like it or not. However, the weather was nice enough to take a walk with my boys after work.... Banner even got a little swimmy-swim-swim.

Remember my keyboard and sexy mouse rant a while back (fyi, I'm digging them now)...... Well, the necklace that Jimmy bought me to smooth things over came in the mail today. And holy crap, do I ever love it. I didn't make it, it's totally someone else's creation, but I'm gonna wear it every chance I get.

Mai Ling accepted me as a new friend. LOL, the easiest friend I ever made. I just asked. And check out my hair.....she nailed it!

Banner and all his kisses he's been giving me lately.....ok, well he blinked in this picture, but usually his eye are filled with love for him mommy.

2005-09-21T23:10:00.000-04:00

Spent the night sitting at my scrap desk instead of the computer. I had nothing to really write about tonight. So instead, I scrapped my heart out until Banner needed out to pee. (Crap, I forgot he's still outside.)

The most fabulous family week-end (possibly EVER!!)

2005-09-20T20:30:00.000-04:00

And the reason I say it was possibly the best ever is because when I got married two months ago, my adrenaline was kicking soo hard that I didn't really feel anything. This week-end I was able to sit back and relax.....no decorating and no running around town.

A huge chunk of my family travelled to Midland/Lafontaine this weekend to attend my cousin Marc's wedding. And although the main purpose of the week-end was to attend the wedding, we had a ton of time to kill between Friday afternoon and 3pm Saturday. And boy, did we ever make the best of it.

My cousin Marc is pretty special to me. Our parents are each others god-parents and our birthdays are one day apart so we spent many birthdays celebrating together and also soo many week-ends together while growing up. He was a fixture in my life I as I grew up, and I hope he held me in such a light as the bright light I saw him in.(Marc, if you're reading this, I love you!!) Yeah, we all had to drive 7 hours to get to Lafontaine and drive back home two days later, but to be with Marc and Stephanie as they exchanged marriage vows, my whole family would have driven to China if we had to. Marc has the most infectious laugh and the flippin' friendliest personality you'll ever come across. Ugh, and genuine and funny......and I could go one for days. So that takes care of the groom.

Marc's beautiful bride Stephanie...I cannot write such a flowing review. When one shy girl meets another shy girl...there isn't very much talking that takes place. I've only met her a handful of times, but after being a guest at the wedding, I got a much better understanding of the person that she is. A wedding is a reflection of a bride and groom, and from what I saw this week-end, I love what they have become together. During the speeches, we 'met' Stephanie's sister and her parents, and they're all 'good people'...so Stephanie, welcome to the family. (The question is, after Dan's tuxedo episode, do you want to join?...more to come on that)

Ok, so here's a breakdown of the the week-end.

First thing we did once we got into Midland was eat big ol plates of fish and chips... This is my and cousin Renee after lunch.

We shopped around a bit downtown before heading to the bed and breakfast. completely rented out my by family. to drop of our luggage. Lots of fun. No need to tip-toe around late at night when it's all your family in the rooms around you.

Then we headed to my cousin Chantal's house to spend a 'quiet' night in, in preparation for the next day. (Yeah, quiet my a$$, I heard something about the the groom not going to bed till 5am!!)

We were boozing and singing and having a great time. Here's a pic of my dad singing with some of his sisters.

Here's Natasha, Renee and I up past our bedtimes....

My brother was up quite late the night before the wedding......and even without 8 hours of beauty sleep, he's still a cutie!! Anyone want dibs? He's single!!

Part 2

2005-09-20T20:15:00.000-04:00

The church was beautiful. The bride was stunning. The groom looked like he was on cloud nine. All in all, a very happy day.

My favorite touch, very much 'Marc & Stephanie'

I'm sure my cousin is most proud of his new bride, but I know that closely behind his love for his wife is the love he has for his truck. This is priceless!!! His Big Red was their getaway vehicle!!!

The Bride and Groom's first dance.....

Pic of the groom's sister and groom's cousin. My adorable cousin Dan was in the wedding party and rented this tux for $300. A month ago we were chatting and he was like "$300 and I don't even get to keep it. They're thiefs!!" Fast-forward to the night of the wedding....sometime after the reception ended, wearing his fabulously expensive rented suit at the after party around a bonfire....too much alcohol.....and Dan decided to throw his jacket into the fire!!! My brother egged him on and said, "Hey Dan, you're wearing a vest, how about that too" Yup, into the fire too!! Then my brother added, "Three's a charm, how about the shirt?" Do I need to tell you what happened??? Soo, Dan closed the night half naked wearing only black dress pants suspenders surrounded by Marc's new in-laws. The story of the $300 tux turned into the $1500 tux.

I want to introduce you to my dancing partner Nicolas. I had a blast dancing with him. He put me to shame a few times with some of his moves. Everytime my old body told me to take a break from dancing, Nicolas would say "Ok, take a break but come get me when you're ready to dance again ok?" Never in my 27 years have I received soo many 'you're a great dancer' and 'you look really nice' compliments. Girls, he's gonna be a keeper.

Ok, this isn't my finest moment.....I'm such a bad influence. Maybe this is why Nicolas thought I was soo pretty.....he wasn't seeing straight!! My cousin Chantal (the beauty dancing with tuxedo boy a few pictures up) is gonna get an eyefull when I send her a copy of me with her two angelic children.

Part 3, the Final Chapter

2005-09-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, so recap..........great week-end.

The wedding - Fabulous with a capital F!!

Anytime you can dress up and buy new boots (Me!!) is a good week-end. Check us girls out!! Aren't we hot? LOL, and my biggest accomplishment.....Nathalie and Renee are gonna start scrapbooking with me!! Wow, no more scrapping alone. (Paula, if you're reading this....aren't you proud that I recruited another two for our crew?)

Dropped $60 on scrap supplies in a little under 15 minutes. And my parents joined me in the store and Dad bought me a Silent Setter because he thought I needed one.

We picked pototes in my cousin's backyard.

We shopped for pumpkins.

And now I'm home safe and sound wishing we could do it all over again.

T.G.I.Thursday!!!

2005-09-15T21:29:00.000-04:00

My weekend is here a day early!!

Friday morning, I'm waking up with the birds. Jimmy & I will duke it out to see who gets the shower first. He'll probably win...because I won't have the energy to put up a good fight. Mornings aren't my 'thing' and I can't function until my head is sopping wet. Nothing like a shower to put the zip in my doodah.

This weekend I'm making my first appearance as a 'married woman'. It'll just be a little hard to tell that I am, because Jimmy isn't joining me. He has to work all weekend, making me the only 'single' married guest at my cousin Marc's wedding. But don't worry about me folks, my cousin Renee offered to share her date with me....nice eh? Too bad he's only 22.

Anyways, what are the rules now that I'm married? Can I still wear a cute outfit to the wedding? Or do I have go out and buy pant suits now? Keep in mind that I am not real sophisticated and grown up. (I mean, 21 year olds hit on me because they think they have a chance.) I've never been told I was beautiful or sexy like most women, just cute & fun and 'girl-like'. I CAN'T SETTLE with a closet full of married suits, at least not happily. Can I still wear sparkles????

Anyways, I'm off to pack my bag for this week-end.... And until I'm told otherwise, I'm wearing a really 'cute' outfit to the wedding. With sparkles!! LOL

cheers!