Under the Umbrella Tree

Cooking Creations #2

2011-10-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate it when a restaurant takes your favorite food item off the menu? I was in love with the Thai Chicken Pizza from Boston Pizza... then they took my love away... pining sigh! Recently, I found a recipe for a similar pizza on the food network's website and it was pretty amazing if I do say so myself. Now I don't have to suffer any longer! My love has come back to me! Carrots, bean sprouts, green onions, red peppers, chicken, sweet, spicy sauce!

Cooking Creations

2011-09-16T15:05:00.001-07:00

Since I've been on maternity leave, I've been trying to hone my homemaker skills, specifically cooking. I have gotten better at baking over the years but cooking has always been more of a challenge for me. Having a husband who is a chef makes me feel more inspired to improve my cooking abilities and it is very gratifying to eat something delicious that I have made. I have always enjoyed going on various recipe sites like epicurious, foodgawker and allrecipes to find new things to try. However, since my sister has been recently cooking her way through a Moosewood recipe book, this has renewed my interest in the cook books I already own. I decided to go through my Moosewood Simple Suppers book and try a couple of recipes: A zesty lime accented corn and pepper salad and cheesy rarebit risotto using tomatoes from our garden. This was the yummy result!

4 Months Old

2011-07-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

The first few months of being a parent have been quite challenging. Now that Lyra is a bit older things have changed but there are always new challenges. We have breastfeeding down but now there are random crying bouts which could be teething, tummy troubles, tiredness? We have supportive people we can ask for advice though and of course I have a multitude of parenting websites I can check out with all my questions.

I have also been attending a "Breastfeeding Cafe" at West Winds clinic for a few weeks and that has been very helpful. It is lead by a lactation consultant named Helen who is very nice and makes you feel very welcome and encouraged. In the class we have discussions on different topics and there are often presentations by different experts. One time we learned how to give infant massages and this past week we learned about what to do if your baby is choking. Very useful information!

Meeting other moms and their babies and hearing their opinions and questions makes me feel less alone. It's nice to know other people are going through some of the same problems as we are. I would definitely recommend other mothers attend these types of classes. You are free to nurse your baby and take care of them however you need to--it is a very casual setting. It is once a week from 10:30am-noon on Tuesdays.

Milestones: Lyra had rolled over twice now and she is getting better at holding her head up. She can grasp objects and although she hasn't laughed yet, she can certainly show some delightful gummy smiles!

One Month Old

2011-04-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

It has been exactly a month since our daughter Lyra Katherine arrived! She was born on March 27th, 2011 at 10:30pm weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces. I was induced in the afternoon of that day and after going home and having supper, my labor progressed surprisingly fast and my contractions were quite painful and close together. We went back to the hospital and found out I was having an adverse reaction to the Cervidil that they gave me and our baby began to be in distress because my contractions were really hard and I had no time to recover because they were happening right on top of one another. Lyra's heart rate was going up really high and then back down really low and so my doctor decided because I wasn't sufficiently dilated to wait and give birth naturally, that the safest route for the baby and myself would be to have a C-section. When I heard Lyra's first cries when she was born it was the most beautiful sound! We were finally going to meet our daughter! She was here safe and sound! Mark was such a good supportive partner to me during the whole process which was a bit scary since it didn't quite go as expected. We are so grateful that everything turned out well and she is such a lovely little girl--we feel so blessed! Being a sleep-deprived parent can be exhausting but we are enjoying every moment and we love our little sweetie sooo much!

Any Day Now

2011-03-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends!
I know all of you are anxiously waiting to hear news of our imminent arrival! We are so excited to meet our little baby and all is ready for its debut. My last day of work was March 11th and I have been enjoying some time to myself, relaxing, cleaning and waiting all week. I was due on St. Patrick's Day but still have not felt any contractions. Mark's 30th birthday is tomorrow and I'm wondering if baby is waiting until then to be a special birthday present for him, but we'll see. Here is a recent picture of me with my mom and sister and pictures of the nursery which is finally all done! Mark or I will update you when we have something to announce! Thanks for all your kind comments and loving support!

Less Is More at the Academy Awards

2011-02-28T09:54:00.001-08:00

Simple and chic are where it's at in my books. The women whose outfits I most adored at the Academy Awards were understated and stylish. My Oscar for "best dressed" would be a tie between Celine Dion's and Gwyneth Paltrow's silvery sheaths. Which of all of these dresses do you like the best? Vote Now!

To My 16 Year Old Self

2011-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about how much I have changed since I was a teenager. I am turning 30 this year and I am older and wiser and happier now than I have ever been. I fondly look back on myself and remember that innocent girl who didn't know any better sometimes but who was sweet and more confident than she realized. What would I tell myself back then if I could have?

About My Body:

Pay attention and slow down when you shave your legs.

Using tampons is so much easier and way less gross than using pads. Take the time to figure tampons out even if it can be frustrating at first.

Don't be embarrassed about your big chest. Plenty of people would love to be in your shoes, or bra rather. Speaking of which, get a proper bra fitting so you have the proper support you need and then you will feel less uncomfortable.

Your metabolism won't always be this good, learn to comfort yourself in other ways besides through food.

About Boys:

Just because you haven't any boys to slow dance with at the Christmas formal, does not mean you won't find someone amazing later (even if he still won't slow dance with you).

There is a fine line between being friendly and being flirty. Sometimes guys can't tell the difference, so be careful what you say.

Be happy that some boys like you, even if you don't like them back. Hey, at least you know you're likeable!

Don't be too concerned about learning how to kiss. It's not that hard to figure out.

About Life:

Don't worry if you don't know what kind of career you want. Study what you are interested in and above all remember that what you think about yourself is more important than what other people think about you.

Don't feel pressured to make decisions you aren't ready to make yet. Do your best and don't worry about the rest.

Trying things for the first time is scary, but don't let fear get in the way of discovering things that you may love.

If you feel inadequate, fake it until you make it. Act confident and you will doubt yourself less.

No job is going to be perfect, but find one that you feel accepted and supported at and you will find that makes all the difference.

Show initiative! Don't wait for other people to help you. Learn and be bold and you will be proud of yourself.

Big jobs may seem overwhelming, but break them down into small steps and you'll get it done.

Don't hesitate to HAVE FUN!

Star Style: Neutral

2011-01-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

In my daily perusals of celebrity doin's I came across these two dresses which I quite like. Both are neutral colors which usually is quite boring and uninspiring, but I thought these ladies looked quite lovely.

Actress Olivia Wilde showed up in this subtly sparkly number at the Armani Prive Haute Couture show in Paris. I love the texture and diagonal designs (right).

Former Bond girl Gemma Arterton wore this pretty beige dress with unique neckline and waist detailing to a recent Gucci event (left). It looks quite comfortable and chic although I don't think the pockets in the front were really necessary.

What do you think of these dresses? Which would you rather wear? What changes would you make if you could? VOTE now!

Golden Globes Gowns

2011-01-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

I love watching awards shows. Mainly because of the outfits. I don't think I have ever watched the Golden Globes before, but last night I watched them with my friend Chandra and we had a delightful time commenting on our favourite outfits. The dresses I liked the best were as follows:

Kyra Sedgwick in a bohemian chic orange Emilio Pucci frock. I like it because it is fun and flirty and makes her look quite youthful. I like the cinched waist and the color is just so sunshiney and happy.

Eva Longoria in a simple and sophisticated black Zac Posen dress. The best parts of this dress I feel are her interesting neckline and the feather-like jewelled broach at her waist.

Last but not least, Megan Fox in Armani Prive. I love the pale pink color and the detailing on the bodice of layered sashes with a touch of sparkle. Her hair is very old Hollywood glam and the slit up the side of the gown shows just the right amount of sexiness.

Time to VOTE! Please comment and weigh in on your favourite gown!

Star Style

2010-10-13T12:04:00.001-07:00

Recently, two former reality show stars chose to wear dresses that I adore! They both look sophisticated and sweet. The first is this Notte by Marchesa short, white, lace-embroidered dress that Lauren Conrad wore (left).

The second is this long, purple dress by Michael Kors that Jennifer Hudson wore (right).

What do you think about these dresses? Which would you choose to wear on a date night or to a special event? Vote now!

Children Learn What They Live

2010-10-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

I was at my doctor's office yesterday for a prenatal appointment and while waiting I noticed this poem framed on the wall. I thought I would share it with you because I really liked it and it made me think about how to raise my child in a way that would allow them to learn the right kinds of things about life and about themselves as they grow up.

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Food That Feeds Your Sexual Appetite

2010-06-22T14:58:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered what certain foods can do to not only improve your physical well being but your sexual well being also? I have heard that there are foods which are supposedly aphrodisiacs i.e. help you get in the mood and enjoy yourself more in bed. Since I'm sure we can all benefit from this knowledge, I thought I would share what I have found out. ;)

Hot Chilies

Capsaicin, a chemical found in fiery peppers, increases circulation to get blood pumping and stimulates nerve endings so you'll feel more turned on.

Avocadoes & Asparagus

The vitamin E in these green eats helps your body churn out hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, which circulate in your bloodstream and stimulate sexual responses like clitoral swelling and vaginal lubrication.

Chocolate

Cocoa contains a chemical stimulant that conjures just the sort of subtle feelings of well-being and excitement that make sex seem like a great idea.

Bananas

Chiquitas deliver potassium, a nutrient key to muscle strength. So when you orgasm, the contractions will be super intense.

Oysters

These shellfish are brimming with zinc, a mineral that cranks up the production of testosterone, which has been linked to a higher sex drive.

Pomegranates

The pom owes its passion power to antioxidants, which protect the lining of blood vessels, allowing more blood to course through them. The upshot? Increased genital sensitivity.

Red Wine

A glass with relax you by helping to boost blood flow and improves circulation before and during intercourse.

Salmon & Walnuts

Contain omega-3 fatty acids which keep sex-hormone production at its peak.

Vanilla

Mildly stimulates the nerves making sexual sensations feel even better.

Watermelon

Makes you blood vessels relax and speeds up circulation which means it will take you less time to become aroused!

All Wrapped Up

2010-06-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know what is going on in the world of fashion and celebrities lately, but there are some truly strange trends going on. I often like to look at fashion/gossip websites that show pictures of stars on the red carpet wearing all sorts of interesting get-ups. I have noticed recently a trend--women wrapping themselves up like gifts. Extra material, weird textures and layers popping out all over the place. What ever happened to "less is more"? I find it amusing that some of these dresses ended up on "best dressed" lists. These women look quite beautiful but that is more to do with who they are and not necessarily what they are ensconced in. I have a feeling that if some of these outfits would have been worn to awards shows a few years ago, they would have ended up in the "worst dressed" lists. Would you wear one of these odd dresses? Do these celebrities do it for attention or do they actually like this trend? If you want to laugh at some of the other ridiculous ensembles celebrities have worn over the last few years, visit www.gofugyourself.com.

New Home

2010-06-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

As we were packing to move out of our apt on Windsor Street and move into our new house on Maxwell Street, we came across some old pictures from when Mark and I were dating. Just thought some of you would find these funny. :D

So, after dreaming and hoping and wishing for years... we finally have a place to call our own... a backyard... a cat... our own laundry... a mortgage...

We probably picked the lousiest weekend to move--the last weekend of May. It was rainy and cold the entire time and Mark ended up having to work some overtime that Saturday too but I got the Friday off and with the help of some family we got 'er done. Almost all of the boxes are unpacked and it's starting to feel like home now although it still feels surreal and I'm not quite used to the quiet yet.

Picture 1. Bowling with other counsellors we met the summer we worked together at Camp Evergreen.

Picture 2. Reading Calvin & Hobbes and National Enquirers in Mark's room. Chester his dog is using my bum as a pillow.

Having a yard is fantastic! We have a patio and an enormous tree in the middle! I'm excited to see what flowers are coming up in the beds in the front of the house. So far we have tulips and ladyslippers and some unidentifiable flowers... I'm not sure where the camera is right now.. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. When I find it, I will take some pictures of our new digs so you can see where we now live.

Much love to you all! Hope to have you over for a backyard bbq party some weekend this summer!

In the Spring of Hearts

2010-04-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

I found this picture by qianyu on deviant art in my internet wanderings and quite liked it... especially the name. Spring is such a lovely, romantic time for new beginnings. :)

My Easter Eggs

2010-04-07T16:30:00.001-07:00

As promised, I am posting pictures of my finished product. I used candy stars and milk chocolate on half the rice krispie eggs and skor bits and milk chocolate on the other half. Aren't they cute?

Easter Egg Dipper Treats

2010-04-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone!

I found this recipe at allrecipes.com and it sounded like a fun Easter treat to make for our Easter family gathering at my mom's place today. I thought some of you who are celebrating the holiday might be in the mood to try making something that will be fun to decorate and eat especially if you have kids or a whimsical spirit :)
I will post a picture of my rice krispies treat eggs covered in chocolate and sprinkles later. If you make them yourself, I would love to see how they turned out. Send me a picture!

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 (10 ounce) package regular marshmallows
6 cups rice krispies cereal
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels or milk chocolate morsels
5 teaspoons shortening
Multi-colored sprinkles

Directions

In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
Add rice krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
Using 1/4-cup measuring cup coated with cooking spray divide warm cereal mixture into portions. Using buttered hands shape each portion into 2 1/2- x 1 1/2-inch egg shapes. (Or, coat insides of plastic snap-apart Easter eggs with cooking spray. Press cereal mixture into eggs. Remove cereal mixture from plastic eggs.) Cool.
In small saucepan combine chocolate morsels and shortening. Cook over low heat until melted, stirring constantly. Dip bottoms of cereal eggs into chocolate. Decorate with sprinkles. Place on wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm. Individually wrap in plastic wrap. Best if served the same day.

Producing Food

2010-03-27T11:45:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was our first really big event for Mallard Catering. We made food for approx. 150 people that were celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the public health and epidemiology department of the health region. It was very exciting and a little intimidating doing an event this big but we knew we could do it with some help from our good friends Scott and Cassie. Mark is an amazing cook and the food turned out beautifully--everyone was very happy. However, it was a long and tiring day and it really reminded me of how much effort goes into the production of the food we eat. It is easy to go to a restaurant or a catered event and eat the meal without thinking of all the hard work and the many steps behind it's creation. Owning our own catering business makes me so grateful and appreciative to all the people who serve such a great need in our world. Without food, we would not be here. So, to all the people working on farms, in factories, fields, cafes, grocery stores and kitchens, I salute you! Thank you for making what is such an integral part of lives so much more than that. Food is not just a necessity, it is a pleasure and an art! Something we are constantly thinking about and planning for and enjoying. It is very satisfying to cook for yourself and for your friends and family. To bring joy and sustenance and satisfaction to others and seeing the smiles on their faces is what makes being part of the food industry so fulfilling.

Oscar Glamour

2010-03-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

As usual, I have to post my favourite gowns from the Academy Awards. I think I like Kristen Stewart's the best.

Reading is my life long love!

2010-02-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

*picture from Deviant Art

"Everywhere I have sought rest and not found it, except sitting in a corner by myself with a little book."
-Thomas a Kempis

I know this little girl is not by herself, but this picture was so peaceful and restful looking, I thought it would go well with this quotation I found the other day.

I love to read!

Making our dreams come true now, not some day!

2009-11-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

The other day, I was in Gap Kids, looking for a Christmas present for my little sister Chelsea, and I heard a pop-kid's version of "Someday My Prince Will Come" playing on the stereo. Listening to the lyrics as I perused the many cutesy girl's clothes covered in hearts, stars and princesses, I felt kind of disturbed. As I am considering starting my own family soon, it occurred to me that I will be faced with many choices about how I would want my own daughter to learn about who she is and what she can expect out of life. I pondered whether I would buy my daughter Barbies, let her watch Disney movies, read fashion magazines etc... As much as I loved playing Barbies myself and watching Disney movies about living "happily ever after," when I was a kid, as an adult woman, I know how the ideas presented in these products can have a profound affect on our attitudes towards ourselves and what our goals in life should be. We are all familiar with fairy tales like"Snow White", "Cinderella" and "The Little Mermaid" where the main character is only happy once she has met her prince and they marry. Women should not feel that they are only going to be happy if they find their "one true love". I want my daughter to be considered beautiful but not only for her looks but for her values, her generosity, intelligence, talent and loving attitude. She should be willing to work hard for the things she wants in life, not just expect them to come to her magically someday...

"Some day my prince will come
Some day we'll meet again
And away to his castle we'll go
To be happy forever I know

Some day when spring is here
We'll find our love anew
And the birds will sing
And wedding bells will ring
Some day when my dreams come true"

-Snow White

The following quotation encompasses my feelings about how people should see themselves and their own inherent gifts and abilities. We should not limit ourselves to what others say we should be. We do not have to be ashamed of our power and beauty! We need to be positive and create the lives we want for ourselves.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are we not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Nelson Mandela

Jacqui's 28th Birthday Celebrations

2009-11-09T18:35:00.001-08:00

Inside a Child's Mind

2009-11-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

"Mark Weaver is an Atlanta based designer and illustrator. His MSCED (Make something cool everyday) portfolio is an eclectic mix of retro references and modern collage. His clients include Wired Magazine, Paste Magazine, American Airlines, Stereogum and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame."-- IGoogle Home Page Artist of the Day.

A Nice Fall Dish

2009-11-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

With fall comes the desire to eat comfort food and to me that means filling, warm and familiar flavors. Mark asked me for a dinner suggestion last night and I requested lasagna. Mark took my idea and put his usual flair and twist to it and created a layered turkey and yam casserole.

Turkey & Yam Casserole

-1 onion, chopped
-3 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly
-1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
-2 slices of thickly sliced bacon, chopped
-1/4 cup of sage and rosemary
-can of tomato sauce
-salt and pepper

-1 pkg of frozen, chopped spinach, thawed, drained
-1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
-1/2 cup of ricotta or cottage cheese
-2 eggs
-salt and pepper

-yam, peeled, sliced very, very thinly with a mandolin
-1 1/2 cups of aged cheddar

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Saute the onions and garlic, until the onions are translucent. Add the turkey and bacon and saute until the turkey is browned. Add the tomato sauce and herbs and salt and pepper. Simmer for 1/2 an hour.
2. Mix spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, eggs, salt and pepper.
3. Grease a casserole dish and line it with a layer of yams. Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over. Cover with a layer of yams, spoon all the spinach mixture evenly over it and then cover with another layer of yams. Spoon the rest of the meat mixture over this. You should end up with (from the bottom): yams, meat sauce, yams, spinach mixture, yams, meat sauce, cheddar cheese.
4. Bake uncovered, for 1/2 an hour at 350 F. Cover with cheddar cheese and bake for another 15 minutes.

Chelsea

2009-10-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

Recently I found out I have a half sister who is ten years old. Her name is Chelsea and Ang and I went to visit her in late September. My dad lives in Wisconsin and now Chelsea and her mom live with him there. Our visit was very nice and it was amazing to meet my little sis. She is very caring and sweet, funny and smart. She likes to talk a lot and it was very easy to get to know her. She wanted to spend every moment with us and was excited to have sisters. She is very imaginative and outgoing. We are hoping to have her visit us next summer and perhaps some of you will be able to meet her also.

Apricot Almond Bars

2009-07-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

I love making desserts and now that we are getting our catering business up and going (we take over August 1st, although our new menu won't go into effect until later) I am trying new dessert recipes to use for the business instead of the old stand-bys I usually make like chocolate chip cookies, apple crisp and banana muffins. I found the recipe on Allrecipes.com and made these bars this week and they were a hit! I brought them to work and my co-workers also approved. They are pretty rich so make sure you cut them into small triangles. You could use other types of jams and next time I make it I am definitely adding more jam than it asked for! Jacqui loves her jam. I used to eat it just on it's own when I was younger and my mom would get so annoyed. Hee hee, anyway, I hope you try this recipe sometime!

Apricot Almond Bars

INGREDIENTS
2 cups vanilla or white chips, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup apricot jam
1/2 cup sliced almonds

DIRECTIONS
In a microwave, melt 1 cup chips; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in melted chips and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour. Spread half of the batter into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Spread with jam.
Stir remaining chips into remaining batter. Drop by tablespoonfuls over jam; carefully spread over top. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares; cut squares in half.

Looking Back: Evolution of Hair

2009-07-20T10:46:00.001-07:00

When I was little I had either a pixie cut or a hideous mullet-like haircut (mom what were you thinking?) Then when I was about 7-10 I had bangs and shoulder length hair. Then I had it really long with bangs. I grew my bangs out because I got sick of them and then in Grade 9, I chopped it really really short and used gel to spike it up in the back. I pretty much kept variations of the short hairstyle throughout high school. I am describing these hairstyles because I don't have pictures I can show you. Actually there may be some on Facebook that my sister posted...
I love getting my hair cut~the feel of it and how it can change how you feel about yourself. Every time I get one, I feel renewed and more positive. I have rarely had a haircut in my adult life that I hated. Except the time I tried to cut my own bangs.. yeesh...what a mess! My hair was also hot pink at the time. I think that photo was lost with a bunch of our early marriage pictures when our computer crashed. I have dyed it black, red, auburn and different shades of brown, but never blonde. Even though I had white blonde hair as a young girl, it darkened into a shade of greyish-brown that I detest so I have been dying it since I was in grade 9. Lately, I have decided to spend more time on my hair, (like 15 mins more time) to make it look nicer, since having long hair I've realised it takes more effort than short. I now have to blow dry it so it doesn't look limp and I like the look of super-straight hair so I use a straightening iron most mornings as well. I used to be a low-maintenance girl, what happened to me?!
Hope you enjoyed this look back! By the way, these are not in chronological order; I have issues with trying to shift my pictures around on this blogspot. :P

BC Alberta Trip

2009-07-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Bow Lake

Windermere, BC.

Banff, AB.

Canmore, AB.

July Joy Pinup Chalkboard Drawing

2009-07-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

My latest pinup girl drawing and my first attempt at a sparrow. I think I did well although only a pinup girl would wear high heels to play volleyball haha.

Vote on these Pinup Girl Stars!

2009-06-18T12:50:00.001-07:00

I know I've blogged about pin up girls before, but frankly, I can't get enough of them. Time to vote on which star makes the best pin up girl! Please leave a comment on which lovely woman is your favourite pin up girl and why you like their photo:
1.) Burlesque actress Dita Von Teese

2.) Singer and Designer Gwen Stefani

3.) Actress Haden Panettiere

Living Magic

2009-05-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been re-reading some of the classic stories I have always loved such as "Little Women", "A Little Princess" and "The Secret Garden." Here are a couple of my favourite excerpts from "The Secret Garden" which I have been contemplating as spring has been returning to our fair city.
~
"When Mary found this garden it looked quite dead," the orator proceeded. "Then something began pushing things up out of the soil and making things out of nothing. One day things weren't there and another they were. I had never watched things before and it made me feel very curious. Scientific people are always curious and I am going to be scientific. I keep saying to myself, 'What is it? What is it?' It's something. It can't be nothing! I don't know its name so I call it Magic. I have never seen the sun rise but Mary and Dickon have and from what they tell me I am sure that is Magic too. Something pushes it up and draws it. Sometimes since I've been in the garden I've looked up through the trees at the sky and I have had a strange feeling of being happy as if something were pushing and drawing in my chest and making me breathe fast. Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing. Everything is made out of Magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden—in all the places. The Magic in this garden has made me stand up and know I am going to live to be a man. I am going to make the scientific experiment of trying to get some and put it in myself and make it push and draw me and make me strong. I don't know how to do it but I think that if you keep thinking about it and calling it perhaps it will come.
~

"Do you believe in Magic?" asked Colin after he had explained about Indian fakirs. "I do hope you do."

"That I do, lad," she answered. "I never knowed it by that name but what does th' name matter? I warrant they call it a different name i' France an' a different one i' Germany. Th' same thing as set th' seeds swellin' an' th' sun shinin' made thee a well lad an' it's th' Good Thing. It isn't like us poor fools as think it matters if us is called out of our names. Th' Big Good Thing doesn't stop to worrit, bless thee. It goes on makin' worlds by th' million—worlds like us. Never thee stop believin' in th' Big Good Thing an' knowin' th' world's full of it—an' call it what tha' likes. Tha' wert singin' to it when I come into th' garden."

"I felt so joyful," said Colin, opening his beautiful strange eyes at her. "Suddenly I felt how different I was—how strong my arms and legs were, you know—and how I could dig and stand—and I jumped up and wanted to shout out something to anything that would listen."

"Th' Magic listened when tha' sung th' Doxology. It would ha' listened to anything tha'd sung. It was th' joy that mattered. Eh! lad, lad—what's names to th' Joy Maker," and she gave his shoulders a quick soft pat again.

Food is such a big part of lives!

2009-05-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, some friends of ours told us they were going to sell their catering business and asked us if we were interested in buying it. We discussed it and decided this would be a great opportunity for us. Mark is very passionate about cooking and I love to bake and this is a chance for us to do something together and work for ourselves. Mark has always dreamt about having his own bistro-style cafe but this would be an easier venture and a lot less complicated because it had already been started and they have a client base, website and they can pass on their knowledge to us. We recently bought a 2003 Ford Focus station wagon for making deliveries! It is our first car and we took it to Edmonton recently for our first trip in it. We are very excited about taking over the business probably in June which is called "First Fruits" and you can check out their current menu at cateringwithaconscience.com
They donate some of their proceeds to charity which I think is awesome and which we would likely continue. Mark would probably be doing most of the cooking while I would help out with grocery shopping, baking, prep, taking orders and handling the business end of it.
Here is a recipe for Peach Mango Almond Muffins that I recently made and were super-delicious!

~
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup of milk
Del Monte mango/peach mix or 1 peach and 1 mango peeled, pitted and diced
1 tbsp brown sugar
~
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 8 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Add vegetable oil, egg, milk; mix well. Fold in diced mango and peach. Fill each muffin cup to the top with muffin mix. Sprinkle a little brown sugar onto the top of each uncooked muffin.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Check muffins after 15 minutes of baking. Serve warm or cool.

Try This!

2009-04-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Easter!
I hope everyone is having a nice relaxing weekend! I know I am. I spend a lot of time looking at a few recipe websites. The ones I look at most often are: www.allrecipes.com and www.epicurious.com. Recently Mark tried out the recipe for Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake that I found and it was enjoyed by all. I brought some to my work and everyone really liked it. It isn't too sweet and the pecans with the spices just taste so wonderful. Mark blogged about it so check out his post for the recipe. I was looking for an easy appetizer recipe to make sometime in the spring if we have a dinner party and I found this recipe for apple goat cheese bruschetta. I tried it the other night and it was really tasty~the sweetness of the apples with the creaminess of the goat cheese mixed with some herbs... man! what a combo! Try it for yourself sometime and you will be pleasantly surprised how quick and easy they would be to whip up before the party starts! I also posted a picture of myself wearing the apron Ang made for me

Apple Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Ingredients:

1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
1 Fuji (or whatever sweet apple is your favourite!) apple - peeled, cored, and chopped
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
8 thin slices French bread

Directions:
1.)Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack 3 to 4 inches from the heat source.2.) Toss together the goat cheese, apple, thyme, oregano, and pepper in a bowl; set aside. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet; toast the bread under the broiler until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. 3.) Sprinkle the goat cheese mixture evenly over the bread slices. Return bread to oven to broil until cheese is softened, about 1 minute more. 4.)Eat!

Life is always changing

2009-04-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

hello. I know I don't write on here consistently enough but I really don't know what to write sometimes. I really love reading other people's blogs and seeing the pictures from their lives. I especially like it when people update their blogs regularly so I should probably try to do it more often too right? Since I don't have adorable children (yet) or enough money to travel a lot, I find it hard to write interesting things about my life. Lately, the job situation has kind of sucked. I don't get enough hours at my main job and the second job I had I recently got laid off from. I was feeling quite stressed and exhausted from double shifts etc.. and then some other incidents happened which made me upset at work so even though I won't go into detail, needless to say, I felt the need for change. I am trying to always be positive and see each experience as an opportunity for something new and possibly better. It is the dawning of spring in Saskatchewan--a time of celebration and renewal. I want growth in my life and I feel a change in the wind. I am hoping we find a house in the next few months and that is what I feel most excited about lately. The following are little details about me and my life right now:
-I am sooo into my straightening iron! It has transformed my hair to a point where I feel like I want to wear it down more instead of always having it up. I feel so smooth and polished and stylish when my hair is straightened. I'm growing it out right now and it is longer now than it has been in over 15 years I think.
-I found mini-bagels recently and it has been my favorite breakfast. I make two: one with peanut butter on it and one with strawberry light cream cheese.
-I am currently reading "The Time Traveler's Wife" to Mark and I just started "The Return of the King" for myself.
-I am excited for the return of Canada geese and pelicans to the river! Can't wait for this city to come alive again!
-I think Saskatoon is really coming into it's own lately. There are so many more cool restaurants and stores now than there used to be and downtown and Broadway are really being revitalized. Summer will be awesome! :)
-the bands I listen to most lately are: Vampire Weekend, Tegan and Sara and Sam Roberts.
-the shows I am most addicted to since we got cable are: Style By Jury, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Restaurant Makeover, What Not to Wear, America's/Canada's Next Top Model and The Food Channel.
-I love my igoogle page and find it so fun to change the theme or look of it often and I love my artist of the day application. Today's artist is James Roper whose artwork is at the top of the page. His art has been described as "sexually explosive".

The Present Moment

2009-02-21T18:27:00.000-08:00

Things are good.. Mark and I are both working two jobs and Mark is also going to school so we're busy but happy to be working towards good things in the future like a home of our own and the continuance of fun with friends and family. However, I notice I have a hard time living in the present as much as I think I am always in the here and now. I am trying to be happy living each day and knowing that the only way to be happy is to live full of awareness and joy.
I am reading "Living Buddha, Living Christ" by Thich Nhat Hanh and it is really helping me understand my beliefs in a way that helps me to see things from a fresh perspective.. I still have the same values but not conforming to one religion or way of thinking for me feels more natural.. I want to be open-minded and to practice experiencing the kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit in my life without being conflicted by confusion and past hurt. I am trying to learn from my life and I am exploring the different spiritual aspects of our world. I am trying to learn to meditate and experience peace without constantly worrying and looking ahead or to the past. I wanted to share one quotation from the book in regards to being mindful and how this leads to our own transformation and healing:

~ "Most of the time, we are lost in the past or carried away by future projects and concerns. When we are mindful, touching deeply the present moment, we can see and listen deeply, and the fruits are always understanding, acceptance, love, and the desire to relieve suffering and bring joy.... To me, mindfulness is very much like the Holy Spirit. Both are agents of healing. When you have mindfulness, you have love and understanding, you see more deeply, and you can heal the wounds of your own mind....For me, the life of Jesus is His most basic teaching, more important than even faith in the resurrection or faith in eternity." ~

Bananas Foster

2008-12-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bananas-Foster-I/Detail.aspx
I really want to try this! It looks amazing and definitely worth the effort! It's a dessert and a drink!

Tattoo Sleeves

2008-12-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

Since I got my flame lily tattoo this summer, I have felt like it should have accompaniment. I feel like a garden needs to exist on my arm. I've always loved drawing and I just love the idea of having art on my body. I really like tattoo sleeves and have been contemplating what I would do if I got one. The reason I got the flame lily tattoo was because it is the flower emblem from Zimbabwe and I wanted something to remember that very special beginning to my childhood when I lived there with my family. I think I want to get other flowers on my shoulder and upper arm of other that have special meaning to me.

Even though I was born in Saskatchewan, the first home I knew was Zimbabwe so I feel like it is good that I got that flower emblem first. However, the second home I had and truly where my heart resides right now is Saskatchewan. I have lived here the longest and though I long to explore and visit new cultures I definitely feel most comfortable here in Saskatoon. I would like to get a prairie lily to signify my love of this province.

Then there is the third home I have had in Alberta which also has very strong memories for me because moving to the birthplace of my new husband the day after we were wed and leaving behind my family and everything that was safe and comfortable to me and starting my own home and family was a big step and an amazing and challenging experience. I have so many dear memories of the early years of my marriage and all the new and exciting adventures that took place in Edmonton and Jasper.

So I think it would be only fitting to also get two wild roses to represent Mark and I in the flower of our youth (pun intended), in love and loving life. I'm sure once I have children I'll find some flowers to represent them and how special they are to me and before you know it I'll have a beautiful tattoo sleeve that reminds me of all the things I hold most dear in this life.
Some may ask: Why go permanent? Don't they sell those fake tattoo sleeves?
And I would answer: Why yes they do but I figure you either GO BIG OR GO HOME!

Pom me up yo!

2008-12-04T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hey all!
It's been a long time between posts as usual but you know, I don't always know what to write and find myself more drawn to facebooking than to blogger. I thought I would post some random things that might be of interest to you if I don't have anything personal to report. I have always wanted to know this myself: How do you eat a pomegranate? They are amazingly tangy juicy seeds inside that sucker but to get them all out without getting squirted with crimson juice is a challenge! Here are the instructions! Now go eat a pomegranate already!

Pomegranates are a great source of natural antioxidants, which can play a big part in keeping your cardiovascular system pumping efficiently.

Human clinical trials demonstrate that the antioxidant compounds found in pomegranates can help:

Maintain healthy blood vessels
Maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels
Support normal blood pressure levels

The pomegranate is proven to have higher antioxidant levels than green tea, red wine, cranberries, or blueberries.

Calgary work/fun

2008-10-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Veronica and I showing off our hot lab-coats!
Jolee and I after supper at "Milestones".
The brick building above the bank was where the clinic was.
One of my hotel rooms... nice big bed I didn't have to share.
View from my hotel room at night.
View from my hotel room at 6:30am.
Cool statue downtown.
Neat sculpture downtown.
Cute gazebo close to the hotel.
Neat fountain downtown.
Morgan and Jolee posing at the airport.
Katrina (who trained me) and Jessika.

I just got back last weekend from spending 3 weeks in Calgary training for my new job at Lasik MD--a laser eye surgery clinic. There is a new one opening in Saskatoon but unfortunately there have been some delays so hopefully the clinic will be open next Thurs like planned. I love my new coworkers and had fun learning my job at the clinic in Calgary. I got to witness 2 eye surgeries being done which was cool if a bit creepy. It was fun staying at the Best Western downtown and watching the shows on cable that I normally don't get to watch at night. I went out a few nights to restaurants with new work friends and it was interesting being on my own in a different city. There are some more pics from the trip on Facebook!

New Beginnings

2008-09-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm at work doing surveys part time for a company called Star Enterprises. I found out when I got back from La Ronge and Laura's wedding that my training start date got delayed for a couple of weeks. Just recently they told me I now have to stay in Calgary for training for about 2 1/2 weeks instead of 1 week. I am excited and anxious to start my new job and find out all the details about what I will be doing as well as meeting my new co-workers. Everyone I have spoken to from Lasik MD seems really nice and cool so I think it will be a positive change! I am going to miss Mark while I am in Calgary but the company is flying me home on weekends so it should be alright.
Mark is starting school at Kelsey probably tomorrow to get his red seal/apprenticeship in cooking so we will both be doing new things this fall. We are still planning on taking beginner ballroom dancing classes this year (last year Mark broke his arm so we stopped going half way through) and hopefully we will find a new house this winter or spring. I will try to update my blog more and let you know how everything is going!

I think I'm overdosin' on you Heidi!

2008-08-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

Although I have to admit I am a fan of the reality show "The Hills" ... I can't decide whether I should laugh or cry when I see Heidi Montag's latest attempt to put herself in the limelight--a second music video called "Overdosin' ". Since Lauren is the star of the show and they are no longer on speaking terms Heidi has to find something else to make her popular. Her new music video is I think trying to be funny and of course to show off Heidi's amazing.. uhh sense of humor? Heidi's first music video "Higher" directed and produced I think by Spencer Pratt (last name quite appropriate) featured Heidi carousing on the beach in a bikini looking very Barbie-esque showing off the real and (fake) goods! This latest grab at attention is like Olivia Neuton John's "Let's Get Physical" video but a bit more annoying because Heidi can't sing that well and the background people are kind of disturbing.
In case you don't watch the show (or admit to watching it ;) the deal with Heidi and Lauren is that they used to be best friends that moved to L.A. from Laguna Beach together and from one reality show to the next reality show. Their lives are video taped and edited for drama content. There's a lot of stuff about clubbing and the fashion industry as well as many relationship issues. Lauren and Heidi aren't friends anymore basically b/c Heidi has a horrible boyfriend. After Heidi started dating and spending all her time with this loser/player Spencer she became a lot less cool! At least Heidi is making the most of her 15 mins of fame!

New haircut, New furniture

2008-08-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Laura and Jack--The Perfect Match

2008-08-12T15:29:00.001-07:00

It's been an exciting week! I had my last day at Maritz Research and the next day we traveled with Mark's parents to La Ronge to prepare for his sister Laura's wedding. I had never been there before and it was good to get out of the city for a little while. We stayed in cabins at the Eagle Point Resort which were quite nice, had many a BBQ, saw northern lights and the wedding party got to know one another better over some beers. The first day we got there we had the rehearsal and set up the hall. All of the people involved in the wedding party were cool to hang out with and we enjoyed ourselves. The wedding was in a little Anglican church by the lake and it was a beautiful ceremony. It was a gorgeous day and Laura of course looked so elegant and lovely. It was a tiring few days but definitely fun and memorable! These are a few of my favorite pictures that were taken while we were there (there are a ton more on Facebook if you're interested).

New Job!

2008-07-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

After working at Maritz Research as a project supervisor for almost 2 years, I felt it was time to move on to something different, more rewarding and more challenging. I got a job working for Lasik MD as a surgical counselor. For those of you who don't know, Lasik is a laser eye surgery clinic and they will be opening up a new clinic in Saskatoon this September. Basically what I will be doing is after the patients have undergone all the necessary testing required to see if they are eligible for the eye surgery I will be talking to them about the surgery and going over all the information with them about what it entails, plans, aftercare and answering any questions they may have and booking their appointment for the surgery should they decide to go through with it.

I will be getting paid more than I make now and they have great benefits, corporate employee discounts and bonuses! If I choose to get the laser eye surgery I will have 50% off. I doubt I will get the surgery, but perhaps they have family discounts? They sound like a great company to work for and I think I will really enjoy the job itself. They will be flying me to either Winnipeg or Calgary all expenses paid near the end of August for two weeks of training which I am very excited about!

I feel so happy and hopeful right now! I was getting so sick of my current job because basically the job was very boring most of the time and I was annoyed with the lack of respect some of the younger employees at my work were showing--it feels like a highschool there because most of the people who work there as interviewers are under 20 years of age and it was a constant battle actually trying to get them to work and take their job seriously. Also, there were constant thefts at my work, in the past month, my purse and my lunch were stolen! I will only miss the other supervisors I worked with who have always been so caring and enjoyable to work with. I have made many good friends there and having that job has definitely helped me become more assertive and confident in my leadership abilities. I am so thankful for the way that God had provided for Mark and I since we have moved here and I am looking forward to my future more than ever!

6 years!

2008-06-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today is our 6yr anniversary! Hurray! I can hardly believe we have been married 6 years! It seems like so much longer. I am so very happy in my marriage and I couldn't feel more blessed. We've come a long way since we first met and I feel as if we are closer than ever. Mark, I love you with all my heart!
When we were in Edmonton last weekend visiting Mark's family,on our last night there we stayed in a jacuzzi suite at the Mayfield Inn to celebrate and went to the Cheesecake Cafe for dinner as well. Today we went to my mom's for perogies for lunch and am I smelling the wonderful dinner of ribs and butternut squash lasagna with herbed cream sauce... I am so spoiled! I love to eat Mark's cooking.
I posted some recent pictures from my life to show you--Mark and I, me having a picnic with Ang, hanging out with Cassie and Oliver and some of my new glasses.

Moving on, Moving Forward

2008-05-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is a song called "Wood" by Second Person. I had never heard of the band but found this video on Youtube and absolutely adored it.
So, I haven't written on here in a while nor posted a picture of my new glasses (which I love by the way). However, there shall be many pictures posted on here and on Facebook soon. We had an issue with our camera cable that allows us to download our pictures so we have recently replaced that cable and we should be good to go soon.
My dad was visiting this week for my graduation. I was so happy to spend more time with family this week and celebrate being done school. I now have my bachelor of arts in psychology and even though my graduation ceremony was extremely long and boring it felt really good to be publicly recognized and to have a bit of excitement this week. Next weekend we are going to Edmonton so that I can get my bridesmaid's dress for Mark's sister's wedding fitted. I am so excited it is beautiful and sunny and green out now. I hope you are all having a blast!
Mark and I are hoping to start house-hunting soon even though we love our apartment and living near the river. It definitely feels as though change is in the air and I am looking forward to finding a new job in the future now that I am done school (at least for the time being).
Much love to you all! Even if I don't get to see you often, know that I wish you well and that I spy on you if you are on Facebook.. hahaha!!

Spring Forward!

2008-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
It's been a really long time since I posted I know, but Facebook has become my main place of updates. I don't always know what to write here so sometimes I end up just posting pictures and videos I like so I hope whoever reads this will not mind. I am still working at Maritz Research as a project supervisor. Some days I love it and other days I wish I could pound some work ethic into some of the kids who like to slack off a lot. I am looking forward to graduating from the U of S this May with my bachelor of psychology degree but I'm not too sure what will come after that. I will be looking for a new job probably with the government of Sask or in public health. I just know that I want a daytime job so that I can see Mark more and I hope it will be a job in which I can help people to live their lives in a healthier and happier way :)
Mark and I are looking into buying a house or a condo this spring or summer with some help from his parents and so that is a very exciting prospect! Then if we have our own place we can have pets other than our fish and snails. I would love to have a dog or a cat or both. This summer will be lots of fun even though we won't be travelling anywhere exciting like last year, we are going to three weddings of close friends of ours and it will be great to celebrate love with them. Mark's sister is getting married in 08/08/08 (a very popular wedding date this year I'm sure) in La Ronge and we are both in her wedding party. Mark got his suit for the wedding this weekend at Le Chateau and he looks very handsome in it. I rarely get to see him dressed up so this will be a real treat and I will be sure to post lots of pictures. I get to wear a red shiny chinese-style dress so I can't wait to see what it looks like on me once it is made.
I just picked up my new glasses today and I like them a lot. Mark will also be getting new frames this week. I will be sure to post a picture on here in the near future. What else can I say? I am just waiting anxiously for spring to arrive and all the pretty flowers and green grass and outdoor activities. I hope all of you are doing well and I appreciate you reading my blog!

Kate Nash "Foundations"

2008-02-29T14:45:00.001-08:00

D.I.Y. this Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T06:51:00.001-08:00

I love ThreadBanger! For all you people who like D.I.Y. here is some Valentine's Day fun!

IntICEing Ice

2008-02-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

It's unfortunate that for some reason our windows fog and frost up in the winter and we are unable to see our beautiful tall trees and nice view outside our living room. However, there are wicked ice designs that show up on those really frigid days and I couldn't help but take pictures. Unbelievably cool... I think anyway.

Feelin' Weird

2008-02-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

I'm Pro-Age

2008-01-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

Belated Holiday Pics

2008-01-21T08:10:00.001-08:00

Mark at one of our fav places in Edmonton to eat: Dadeo's on Whyte
Jacqui and Vicky at Dadeo's enjoying Louisiana style food
Frost covered tree outside Mark's parent's place in Edmonton
Our Christmas tree in Saskatoon
Our living room window doesn't let us see much outside in winter, but it does make pretty frost designs
Laura and Taz
Taz McSpaz
Mark's dad playing Santa on Christmas morning.
Laura and Jack Christmas morning.
Mark's dad.
Laura and Jacqui in Edmonton at Christmas.

Two of our cacti that are part of the garden oasis in our living room.

Barbie a Bad Girl? Who would-a-thunkit?

2008-01-18T11:35:00.000-08:00

hi there friends (lower case "h" because I feel so pathetic and small right now)

I am sitting in my living room, post-dental surgery and nursing my swollen, half-frozen, achy mouth. I look like I've suffered a stroke. I had two cavities filled and am going to get one more done in February. I haven't been to the dentist in 6 years and look what happens. What bugs me is that I take better care of my teeth than some people and those other people don't get as many trips to the dentist as I seem to be accumulating.
I haven't been able to eat all day so forgive me if I sound cranky. I had plans to go out later but now I'm not going because I feel so wretched. I don't remember going to the dentist being this crappy... it's so invasive and creepy. The feeling or lack of feeling in my frozen face is so weird. I can't move my facial muscles on my left side. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for dentists because otherwise the world would be filled with people who have disgusting teeth and mouths and I am against that.

I dyed my hair today and while I was waiting for the dye to set in, I was traveling around YouTube and I found this video. Why am I not surprised? If anyone wants to comment on how they feel about Barbie, please do. Would you let your kids play with them? Why or why not? Are they more or less harmful than aggressive male stereotype dolls for boys like G.I. Joe? Is Barbie an innocent diversion or a path to harmful ideas about body image?

New Year.. New Game

2008-01-10T06:44:00.001-08:00

I've enjoyed my first week of the year 2008. Lately I've been thinking about how the good thing about life is that there is always a bend in the road or new discoveries and changes to come. Life isn't boring if you try to learn and have fun and work hard. What I don't understand is people who seem to create so much drama in their own lives. By overanalyzing things or by gossiping and making problems where there were none and for silly reasons based on pride usually. I have decided I want a simple, uncomplicated as possible life. I am done my degree now and I will be graduating in spring. I want to make myself more into the person God intended me to be and I know that "life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." It's up to me. I am responsible for the way I turn out. With each decision I make, I am deciding who I want to be.
On a lighter note, I've become an Ultimate Alliance addict. Mark bought a second controller with some of our Christmas money and now we are having a blast playing Marvel superheroes such as Spiderman, Captain America, Wolverine and Ms. Marvel and kicking some evil butt. The only other video game I ever really was addicted to is Tetris. Mark found this video of human Tetris made by Guillaume Reymond.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0LtUX_6IXY

Jan Pehehchan-Ho song-dance

2007-12-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

This video is played in the intro to "Ghost World" a very good movie starring Thora Birch and Scarlett Johanson based on a comic book. These people look crazy! I love finding cheesy videos. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Necessary for Human Survival

2007-12-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

In my studies today, I read this in my Developmental Research Methods text:

There are accounts, perhaps apocryphal, of ancient rulers who carried out quite systematic experiments in child rearing. One story concerns a 13th-century king named Frederick II whose experiment, like many a contemporary study, produced some interesting data but not of the sort that Frederick intended.

"He bade foster mothers and nurses to suckle the children, to bathe and wash them, but in no way to prattle with them, or to speak to them, for he wanted to learn whether they would speak the Hebrew language, which was the oldest, or Greek, or Latin, or Arabic, or perhaps the language of their parents, of whom they had been born. But he laboured in vain because the children all died. For they could not live without the petting and joyful faces and loving words of their foster mothers." (Ross & McLaughlin, 1949, p.366).

Dessert is an Art

2007-12-04T04:35:00.001-08:00

Baking looks easy, but baby, I can tell you that it isn't. Yes, you must follow the recipe exactly and there isn't much room for error or for improvisation. Once you know what you are doing though, you can make alterations and variations to the recipe. You can decorate and embellish. However, sometimes the dessert will speak for itself. I have definitely found dessert to be a challenge but it's also a challenge not to eat it. I find that if I don't have something sweet after a meal, it's just not complete.
My favorite desserts are apple crisp, cherry cobbler, butter tarts and chocolate trifle. I have flcker on my netvibes and I put in a search word and it will bring me random pictures people have posted to display on my screen and change throughout the day. Sometimes, it's amusing putting in random words to see which pictures have been tagged with those words. Right now, I just put in "dessert" and these were some of the delicious-looking results.

Fantasy Art Tours

2007-11-30T05:56:00.000-08:00

I like going to www.elfwood.com and taking tours of different fantasy art themes. Here are some from the favourite artists tour:

Risky Business

2007-11-28T05:46:00.001-08:00

RISK!
Mark squeezed between two lovely ladiesMark contemplating his next move... conquering the world!

Getting some puppy love

It's been awhile since I've updated you on my life. Recently I got promoted to lead project quality supervisor at work. It's a salary position and I am excited to finally be recognized for my hard work. I am doing a research proposal presentation with my lab group for my Developmental Research psych class today on the importance of the father's involvement in the life of a child--specifically looking at adolescent parenting. This is my last credit I need for my degree and I am very pleased to be graduating next spring!
Last weekend, Mark and I went over to our friends Cassie and Scott's place for appetizers, drinks and games. We played Risk and Life with the Grey Cup in the background. It is awesome having these friends of ours from Edmonton living in Saskatoon with us! We had to get their dog Oliver in a picture too because, well, he demands attention and deserves it because he is so darn adorable... even when he bites your toes.

"Kampung Kids"

2007-11-24T21:03:00.000-08:00

Every once and awhile I surf on www.deviantart.com. It's like going to an art gallery from home. I liked this image and thought I would share it. It's by Zeidrich.

Nouvelle Coupe De Cheveux

2007-11-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

Hello gentle blog viewers,
I had a vote a few weeks ago about which new haircut style I should get. Unfortunately I did not have a clear winner as the three people who voted each voted for a different haircut. So, I decided to go with a kind of mixture of the three. Let me know how you think it looks!

Mmm Tegan and Sara

2007-11-13T21:39:00.000-08:00

This is bad but I keep wanting to showcase the bands I am diggin at the moment and hopefully for a while until I overdose and get sick of them like I tend to do with everything... pickles, jello, butter tarts, Brendan Benson....
Right now I love Tegan and Sara. They're Canadian! Oh ya!
This video totally inspires me to bop my head back and forth like they do in the video. Mark thinks they sound kind of like the White Stripes and Ani DiFranco. Actually, the White Stripes do a cover of one of Tegan and Sara's songs "Walking with a Ghost" which is pretty high praise if I do say so myself.
This song is called "Back in your Head"

Joan Jett

2007-10-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

I've discovered Joan Jett.
You should too!

Last Tuesday Morning 7:30am

2007-10-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

Unicycle Tricks

2007-10-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Mark found this awesome video on Youtube of unicycle tricks! Totally awesome! I think trying to learn this would freak me out!

Death by Brownie Pudding

2007-10-22T07:01:00.001-07:00

Harvest Swing Dance

2007-10-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Last night Mark and I went to the Harvest Swing Dance for the UofS Ballroom Dancing Club we are in. With us were Ang, Julie, Amanda, Dennis and Jordan. I was intimidated at first by all the great dancers but it seemed everyone was into their own dancing and not too concerned about the mishaps of beginners like us. It was really low key and fun. Plus, fresh fruit, chips and cookies! It was a great place to people watch and get inspired to learn to dance better. Everyone looked quite sharp, especially my handsome hubby in black and red. My feet were quite sore at the end of the night but it was a good experience. I have to learn to let the guy lead and to not want to look at my feet or worry... just feel the rhythm and as they said, "when in doubt... dance!"

Vote now! I need a haircut!

2007-10-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! Two posts in one day! This has got to be a record. I am on a roll so I guess I will go for it!

I want to change my hairstyle slightly as I am prone to do on occasion. Help me decide which of these mid-length styles I should get next haircut!

CAST YOUR VOTE AND I WILL GET THE HAIRCUT WITH THE MOST VOTES!

I will post a pic of the haircut when I get it.
Will it be...
Haircut #1: Top
Haircut #2: Middle
Haircut #3: Bottom

Please let me know what you think or I will decide for myself.

Down to Earth

2007-10-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

I feel like the fact that we don't have a car makes us more down to earth in a way. Or close to it. Having to embrace the great outdoors is great if a bit cold, frigid and unwelcoming at times.

But oh! those days when if you're not outside you're missing out on a communal experience.

To smell the flowers, freshly mown grass, food smells coming from restaurants... to feel the sunshine on your face (or the fresh rain), to have your hair swept up by the wind, to suntan, to get rained on or to see a rainbow unexpectedly... to hear people laughing, talking, birds singing, cars and train whistles, church bells ringing... to see the frost on the trees sparkle as the sun rises, the leaves rustle and the heavens above us in their own world, constantly moving and changing.

To feel grounded and in touch with what is going on between the place you are leaving and your destination. To contemplate life and have time to think about how all this we take for granted came to be. The more I witness the beauty around me, the people I love, the unique culture that is our world, I believe that there must be meaning and mystery to this life!

October: Celebrating the start of something special

2007-10-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I love the fall is because of the changes in weather and the way the leaves turn different colors and winter comes. Another reason is that October is in the fall and contains my birthday and Halloween (both reasons to have lots of fun).

The main reason I love October is that it reminds me of when I first met Mark at Bethany and how I started to fall in love with him. He has changed my life so much. I cannot even imagine who I would be today without him. I want to dedicate the song "Hands" by the Raconteurs to Mark because right now it is stuck in my head, I love the lyrics and this song symbolizes to me our marriage. Check out more of The Raconteurs and their sweet music videos on their old-school style website at www.theraconteurs.com

"Hands"

Girl you got those hands that heal
help me get in touch with what I feel
'cause you understand
and you sympathize
and you know me best it's no surprise

Chorus:
When you're with me there's a light
and I can see my way
When you speak to me it's a song
and I know what to say

When you listen there's a hope and I know I'm being heard
When you smile at me and I know we don't have to speak a word
When you're with me there's a light and I can see my way
When you speak to me it's a song and I know what to say

Girl, you got those eyes
that see, help me find the good that's inside me
'cause you're the only one who really knows
how the feeling comes and how it goes

Thanksgiving

2007-10-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

Well I have to say I am very thankful for being a Canadian citizen and having free health care. Mark had an accident on his bicycle last week and broke his arm so I am glad we didn't have to pay to have that surgery done to fix it. Right now he is off of work for a bit and in quite a bit of pain but he has some drugs for it so it is tolerable. We are so grateful he didn't break his teeth because that would have been hard to pay for. We both need to go to the dentist and the optometrist though and right now we are wishing we had benefits at work to help us pay for new glasses and dental work. I do have a little bit of benefits but only for me and they don't give you much money.

Mark and I are in Edmonton this weekend visiting his family and resting. When we were waiting for our cab to arrive at 5:15am I realized how chilly it was outside and that I should have brought a sweater to wear under my jean jacket... so I was going to run inside the apt quickly and grab a sweater before the cab came and in my rush I tripped over a piece of cement in our parking lot and fell hard on the pavement on my hands and managed to scrape them up a bit and scrape my knee (also ripping a pair of my favourite black pants in the process). Unfortunately, our cab came just then and we had to leave while I was still in shock and pain, tears streaming down my face. At the bus depot we were lucky we had Mark's bandages and polysporin so I could fix up my knee. My hands were very stiff and hurt a lot from the impact and my knee was stinging really badly. However, again I am thankful I didn't hurt myself worse although I seem to have a knack for scraping my knees up.. I have several scars on them already.

Mark's mom called us the walking wounded and indeed we are a hurtin' pair but we are alive and happy and we have eachother... misery loves company. I am so thankful that our bodies heal and we have medical help available and that we have families who love us and want to help us. Mark's parents ended up offering to pay our $300 bus ticket tab which we are very thankful to them for.

All in all it has been an interesting week and we look forward to getting back to our routine and going to an upcoming dance for the UofS Ballroom Dancing club that we joined this year--lots of fun! Mark may not be able to do all of the dances for this one coming up, but by November I am sure his arm will have healed sufficiently and he will be jiving with the best of them!

Negative Fun

2007-09-23T08:10:00.001-07:00

It's amazing how different things can look when you see them from a different perspective or in a new way. These are some pictures I've taken using the "negative" feature on my digital camera. Sorry Ang, I know that one of you makes you look like an insane monster from Blackstrap lake but it was too funny not to put it in here.

Summer Dreams, ripped at the seams...

2007-09-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

It's officially September! Summer is technically over although I dearly hope we get some hot weather this month to make up for all the rain we had in August. Today, Mark and I are motorcycling to Waskesiu to spend two nights in a hotel there and explore the lake town. I doubt the water will be warm enough to swim in but I'll bring my bathing suit anyway. Too bad our hotel doesn't have a hot tub. I'm hoping we get to go for some hikes on nature trails and not run into any bears.
My last class at the UofS starts next Wednesday and I am excited to be able to be back on campus for one more semester. I love the UofS campus; so pretty in the fall especially. I will miss being part of an academic community. I like the industrious feeling one gets from being surrounded by other people wanting to learn or to find a spot in the library for a quick nap.
Yesterday, my mom and Ang and I went out to Blackstrap lake (where Mark and I were married) and enjoyed some snacks and a game of Bohnanza (yay stinky bean!) and then had a BBQ at Ang's place with Mark as well. It was a great way to spend the last day of summer. Above are two chalk drawings I did and a pic of me looking sad and forlorn that summer has ended.
Check out Secure Discover and the Socio Nacho later for pics and details of my trip to Blackstrap Lake with my mom and sister and my trip with Mark to Waskesiu!
Now go outside before it starts raining again!

Stuck in my head

2007-08-25T21:14:00.001-07:00

When I was on the plane home from Cuba, I was watching Much Music and saw Sean Kingston's music video "Beautiful Girls." Now, I've got it stuck in my head. I love the contrast of the hiphop with the 50's diner style dancing with the Juke Box. I hope you enjoy this catchy tune as much as I do and don't blame me if it gets into your head and plays and plays until you want to infect others...

Looking Forward

2007-08-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Well, summer is almost at it's end. I have definitely made an effort to do summery things during the appropriate season. I have been to festivals, the Ex, The Berry Barn, went to Cuba, swam in the ocean, slept under palm trees, flew in an airplane, rode on Mark's motorcycle, drank cocktails and beer, had a picnic, waded in the River, got suntanned and more freckled, ate a caramel apple with nuts, wiggle chips and a sundae from DQ.
Now, I am looking for a new job that will be during the daytime and that has benefits. I really need to go to the optometrist and get my eyes checked and get new glasses (I have had these glasses for six years and they are kind of scratched up and old looking) and go to get my cavities filled and get a cleaning.
I am one class away from graduating. I am so lucky I got into the class I needed because I didn't go to my academic advising in order to get on the waiting list and to get departmental approval to actually register for the class. I ended up making some phone calls, realized there were no more appointments available and then talked to the head of the dept who was very sweet and understanding and squeezed me into the last seat of the class I needed (which undoubtedly she saved for a loser like myself who procrastinates and then freaks out at the last minute when she realizes it's July and she should probably think about registering for that class she needs to finally be done her degree after 7 years of thankless toil ). Anyway, thank the powers that be, I am all registered and am ready to learn!
Scott and Cassie and Mark and I are planning a trip to Waskesiu this fall. We were hoping to rent a cabin for a weekend and have some post-summer partying before the long cold winter sets in.
The other thing I am looking forward to is the 2008 release of "Prince Caspian", especially when I saw the scrumptious actor they got to play that part. I love the Narnia series so there will be much anticipation for many years to come as I wait for all the books to be made... especially "The Magician's Nephew" which is my favorite, although I love them all.

Rainy Day at the Ex

2007-08-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Mark and I went to the Ex with Ang and her friend Lucy who was visiting from England. It was a rainy day and so we enjoyed the disgustingly greasy bad food and the hypnotist and walked around people watching. It was interesting looking at the local art talent contest and once it stopped raining we ventured outdoors and went to the Western Development Museum and I ate my favorite caramel apple with nuts. I don't like rides which make you dizzy or drop you so that pretty much meant all of them. Somehow the Ex doesn't seem as cool as it did when I was a kid. It is always good for picture opportunities though. We saw lots of cute goats, ponies, snakes, llamas, bunnies at the petting zoo.

Cuddling

2007-08-01T08:00:00.002-07:00

Tropicana Cabaret

2007-07-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

While in Cuba, we went to see the famous Tropicana Cabaret. It is set in an outdoor theatre with many trees surrounding you. Each couple receives 2 cokes and some Havana Club as part of the show and what a show! Holy crapamole--lights, waterfalls, dancing, ridiculous costumes, outrageous headdresses, bare bottoms, gymnastics, singing, dancing, sequins, frills, smiles, sexy men and women, lots of fun! There was one outfit these girls were wearing that was like a dress except there was a cut-out circle on the backside of the dress so that you could see the girl's bum! So shocking and delightfully cheeky (pun intended). Unfortunately after scouring the internet, I was unable to find a picture of this costume for your viewing pleasure/hilarity. I hope these pics I found give you a taste of that great evening!

Cuba

2007-07-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Good to go, nice to be back!

2007-07-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I'm back from our wonderful trip to Cuba. It is so nice to sleep in my own bed again and to be somewhere familiar. At first I was not looking forward to going back to work but once I was there it was quite satisfying and cool to do my job and feel productive again and to see my coworkers. Mark is travelling to Seattle on his motorcycle right now so I have the place to myself. After being around people constantly for a week and a half it is nice to have some alone time. I loved our vacation and it was so great to experience a very different culture and land. It was nice to travel with Mark's mom and dad and Laura (Mark's sister) and Jack (her boyfriend). To see pics from the trip check out SocioNacho! Some of my favorite parts of the trip were:
-driving through the countryside
-swimming in the beautiful blue, warm ocean
-drinking pina coladas, mojitos, cubalibres, beer
-exploring the city of Havana
-seeing lots of old vehicles and other strange vehicular traffic
-lying in a hammock reading under the shade of palm trees
-trying fried banana with honey
-overdosing every day on fresh papaya, guava, and pineapple (Fruitabomba!) even though it made me a bit sick...
-multiplying my freckles in the humid heat of a tropical sun
-snorkeling (I was a bit freaked out at first but quite enjoyed it once I got the hang of it)
-trying sugar cane juice
-touring some caves and going on a little boat ride in them
-seeing people make Cuban cigars (those people make more money than doctors!)
-RELAXING~
-ok and I have to admit watching TLC make-over and home-decorating shows for five hours straight on the plane ride there and back!

I Get Out (Lauryn Hill)

2007-07-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

I Get Out Lyrics

[Singing Chorus]
I get out, I get out of all your boxes
I get out, you can't hold me in these chains
I'll get out
Father free me from this bondage
Knowin' my condition
Is the reason I must change

[Verse 1]
Your stinkin' resolution
Is no type of solution
Preventin' me from freedom
Maintainin' your polution
I won't support your lie no more
I won't even try no more
If I have to die, oh Lord
That's how I choose to live
I won't be compromised no more
I can't be victimised no more
I just don't sympathize no more
Cuz now I understand
You just wanna use me
You say "love" then abuse me
You never thought you'd loose me
But how quickly we forget
That nothin' is for certain
You thought I'd stay here hurtin'
Your guilt trip's just not workin'
Repressin' me to death
Cuz now I'm choosin' life, yo
I take the sacrifice, yo
If everything must go, then go
That's how I choose to live

[Pause]

[Singing rest of Verse 1]
That's how I choose to live...
Hehehehe, awhh
No more compromises
I see past your diguises
Blindin' through mind control
Stealin' my eternal soul
Appealin' through material
To keep me as your slave

[Singing Chorus]
But I get out
Oh, I get out of all your boxes
I get out
Oh, you can't hold me in these chains
I'll get out
Oh, I want out of social bondage
Knowin' my condition
Oh, is the reason I must change

[Singing Verse 2]
See, what you see is what you get
Oh, and you ain't seen nothin' yet
Oh, I don't care if you're upset
I could care less if you're upset
See it don't change the truth
And your hurt feeling's no excuse
To keep me in this box
Psychological locks
Repressin' true expression
Cementin' this repression
Promotin' mass deception
So that no one can be healed
I don't respect your system
I won't protect your system
When you talk I don't listen
Oh, let my Father's will be done

[Singing Chorus]
And just get out
Oh, just get out of all these bondage
Just get out
Oh, you can't hold me in chains
Just get out
All these traditions killin' freedom
Knowin' my condition
Is the reason I must change

[Singing Verse 3]
I've just accepted what you said
Keepin' me among the dead
The only way to know
Is to walk then learn and grow
But faith is not your speed
Oh, you've had everyone believed
That you're the sole authority
Just follow the majority
Afraid to face reality
The system is a joke
Oh, you'd be smart to save your soul
Oh, when escape is mind control
You spent your life in sacrifice
To a system for the dead
Oh, are you sure...
Where is the passion in this living
Are you sure it's God you servin'
Obligated to a system
Getting less then you're deserving
Who made up these schools, I say
Who made up these rules, I say
Animal conditioning
Oh, just to keep us as a slave

[Singing Chorus]
Oh, just get out
Of this social purgatory
Just get out
All these traditions are alive
Just get out
Superstition killing freedom
Knowin' my condition
Is the reason I must die
Just get out
Just get out
Just get out
Let's get out
Let's get out
Knowin' my condition
Is the reason I must die
Just get out

Simpsons Avatar

2007-07-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow Simpsons fans!
Mark was looking at the Simpsons Movie Website and found that you can create your own Simpsons version of yourself. There is also a virtual tour of Springfield and some games. I have posted the avatars Mark and I made and you guys should try it too! I remember as a kid, drawing tons of body parts and clothing and then having my sister pick an eye from the eye group, an outfit, jewellery etc... and then I would draw the character for her. Ang you definitely have to check this out.

White Stripes Surprise Show

2007-07-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

On Canada Day I got to go to a free White Stripes' show at Eastview Bowl. During their Canadian Tour they've been posting on their website a locations for free shows at random place like youth centres and such. My friend Cassie is a journalist with the Star Phoenix and heard about the show. She also got to go to the real show that night but let us in on this 4-song amazing show in a bowling alley. Jack even bowled a couple! We were only 20 feet away and it was so cool seeing them close up and with a small group of people. Cassie and Scott's puppy Oliver witnessed his first rock concert at 3 months old. Here are some pics from the show and a video.

Travel

2007-07-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
Mark and I decided to start a travel blog together. It is called "Secure Discover and the Socio Nacho." You can either read it at the top of my blog or go to socionacho.blogspot.com. Our trip to Cuba will be our first adventure on this blog.

Strange Brew

2007-06-18T22:03:00.001-07:00

Jacqui Vs. The Monster Egg Salad Sandwich

2007-06-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

So the other day I went to pick up my sister at the Children's Festival where she was face-painting to go for lunch. We went to "Picknicks" downtown and I ordered an egg salad sandwich. Now, I have never seen a sandwich this humongous before! I believe they make their own bread there and the bread pieces were like outrageously thickly sliced. I mean, when they served it to me, I was happy that I got my $5 worth but honestly, how was I expected to consume something so big? I struggled in vain to figure out how to stretch my mouth that wide and in the end had to pick the sandwich apart and eat it with my knife and fork. Eventually, I gave that endevour up and scraped yummy innards out and neglected the bread altogether. The sandwich was tasty but I felt like I was on some hidden camera show and this was a joke. Who could realistically expect a customer to have a pie-hole that big? I think the Monster Egg Salad Sandwich from Beyond the World won!

Visual Life

2007-06-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!
I am enjoying the splendor of spring/summer... how 'bout you? I wish I were Fred Penner and had a special hide-out in the woods that I could get to by crawling through a log. Wouldn't it be sweet to have a puppet bird that teaches you how to spell too? Well, I might get annoyed with it and cut it's strings off or stuff it in Mr.Dressup's tickle trunk for all eternity...
Moving on, have you seen the new Spider-man 3? A pretty good movie (however much too long and according to some, too sappy). I am looking forward to "The Golden Compass" which comes out in the winter I think. Sigh, so long to wait. Also, "Hell's Kitchen" started this week and I am anxiously awaiting watching those poor cooks squirm under the evil eye of Gordan Ramsey. "Move Your Ass!"
Ok Ok enough rambling... I'll explain the pictures I posted. The top picture I took at Oriol Swann's house in her sewing room. The second picture is of the wallpaper in her sewing room except when I took the picture I put it on "negative" so it would look all wonky. The next one is of Mark on his blue old-fashioned bike riding around downtown after much celebration of me being done my class. I like the blurriness of the motion... looks like a dream. The next one is of the two lovely ladies in my life: my sister Ang and my mom. The last picture is of Mark again on his bike. I like the way the lights are all zigzaggy. Which picture do you like best?

Gaze

2007-05-28T16:27:00.001-07:00

Silly Love

2007-05-25T07:47:00.001-07:00

Back In Business

2007-05-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

Alright, finally I am back in business. Mark found out how to download our pics from the camera to the computer so here we go... blogging just isn't as fun without the pics, am I right? So, I went to my cousin Nathan's wedding, was in a fashion show, had a dinner party to celebrate spring, got my hair cut and finished school for the semester! Wahoooooo! Now here are some photos to illustrate:

Oooohhh Fire--Pretty!

2007-05-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

Amazing.. watch this. Some people have way too much time on their hands and I'm grateful.

"Not too Shabby" and other Slang

2007-05-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know that technology and I have a love-hate relationship. I try to learn about it so I can use it properly but it throws me for a loop (def.: to confuse or surprise someone) every once and awhile. Mark installed Linnux on our computer and now I have had to learn all new ways of doing things. One of the things we are trying to figure out is how to put our pictures on the computer. Also, for some odd reason, the sound does not work on my portion of the computer. I have all these pics from the fashion show and Nate's wedding and I can't post them...arrghgh. Anyway, moving on, my friend and coworker Will lent me his American Slang Dictionary which to me is a fascinating read. Here are a few slang def.s you may or may not have heard before:

Spizzerinktum: energy; vitality. The kid's got spizzerinktum! I like that.

On the bleeding edge: having the most advanced technology; knowing about the most advanced technology. Tom is on the bleeding edge when it comes to optical storage technology.
Grok: To "drink" in a concept or knowledge and assimilate it; to understand something; to appreciate someone or something. I don't quite grok that. Run it by again, would you?
Grody to the Max: totally disgusting. This pizza, is like, grody to the max!
Dudical: really good. It is truly dudical to see you here, Dave.

When you want to say that something is NONSENSE here are some alternatives:
applesauce, baloney, banana oil, beans, birdseed, bologna, booty-cheddar, Bravo Sierra, BS, bull, bull-pucky, buncombe, bunkum, corral dust, crap, crock, deja moo, eyewash, fadoodle, flimflam, fluff, folderol, fooey, fudge, fun and games, garbage, gas, gobbledygook, gubbish, guff, hogwash, hokum, hoo-ha, hooey, horse-feathers, horseshit, hot air, jive, kafooster, malarkey, mickey mouse, moonshine, mush, noise, nurts, phedinkus, phooey, piffle, poo, poppycock, rot, rubbish, scat, schmegegge, schmegeggy, slobber, tripe, whang(y)doodle, what a crock!, yap.

Deceptively Clean People

2007-04-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

So here is how it is at my place. If you've ever been over for a dinner party or to hang out, you have seen our apt in it's unnatural state. I like to be relatively clean but sometimes being the constant picker-upper (Mom I understand your pain now) of Mark's things gets to be frustrating. When Mark gets home from work, his routine is to take off his clothes as he walks to the living room (he doesn't quite get the concept of hanging things up in the closet or putting dirty clothes on the laundry mountain in our bedroom.) I get lazy sometimes myself and don't feel like cleaning so we leave things to the last possible moment. Case in point: our freezer got so encased in ice and frost that we could not close our fridge door anymore (we have a nice retro aqua fridge that has one main door and then the freezer has it's own door inside.) So, I finally got around to dealing with it. As I write this, our freezer is happily dripping away it's layers of ice all over my kitchen floor-- does this count as washing the floor as well?

Dear Spring: I Invite You!

2007-04-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been so craving spring! I am so sick of this stupid weather. Deceitful sunny days that are full of brisk, cold winds... I was reading my friend Naomi's blog; she lives in Chilliwack and she posted pics of green grass and sunny days and Konrad wearing shorts. I am getting desperate so I decided to create some "welcome signs" for spring. I have been diligently watering my plants and they look great. I made a chalkboard drawing of a bird and some flowers and butterflies, I wore my pretty sun-dress... to no avail. Patience, Jacqui, patience. I think we really appreciate summer here in the prairies because of all this crappy weather we have to put up with 8 months of the year.
P.S. I finally bowed to the peer pressure and joined Facebook!

The Power of the Media

2007-04-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

I had my last class of Sociology: Mass Communication on Friday. I thought I would post clips from two of the videos we watched: "Tough Guise" and "Killing Us Softly 3." I know the media has a power influence on all of our lives and how we view ourselves and what is considered "normal." We think these messages have no effect on our ideas about life and our ideals but I think it is important to really examine the messages behind the media we consume on a daily basis.

The Octopus and Elf

2007-03-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hmm.. "The Octopus and Elf", that sounds like a pub. Like "The Fox and Hound" or my fav to say:"The Yard and Flagon."
My latest chalkboard drawings: which do you like better? Why?

Snowy Slushy Melty Beauty

2007-03-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

French Maid T.V.

2007-03-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Ever find learning about how to do things on the computer very boring? Some people love learning that stuff and it is worth the effort in general. Having Mark care about how computers work has definitely benefited me. All I remember learning how to do in computer class in high school was how to type resumes, doing typing tests and playing with paint shop. Ever since Mark has been showing me all kinds of cool stuff that one can find on the internet and how much fun it can be, I have been spending more time on the computer. I added a couple of new links to my blog the other day. French Maid T.V. has these little videos of these way-cute girls dressed as french maids instructing you on how to do various things such as finding music on the internet. There's nothing like a hot babe to facilitate learning! Check it out.

I also added a link to ill will press. There are a bunch of videos that feature Foamy the squirrel who rants about various things that make him angry. They are pretty funny (especially his tech support and Starbucks/smucks ones).

Crazy Indian Music Video

2007-03-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have been at a loss lately as to what I could post that would be interesting enough... so here is a music video that gets me laughing every time and is certainly, um, interesting. They are oh so "fashionable" and silly yet serious. I love their fun dance moves; everyone should attempt to try them.