tell me more, tell me more

I recently found my self in a social situation where somebody I don't really know asked me to tell him about myself.  Awesome.  My mind instantly went blank and the most interesting thing that I could say was "I grew up in Squamish".  Riveting.  I've been thinking about this situation a lot over the past couple of days (I'm such an idiot), and, in doing so, I realized that it's really, really hard to tell people about yourself.  It also made me think about this silly thing that went Facebook viral a couple of years ago; it was simple, all you had to do was write 25 things about yourself.  I LOVED reading all the lists, and writing my own; I was always surprised to learn something new about my friends.

So, I decided to do it again, using different things about me.  Here is what I came up with:

1. At times, I can be a pretty jealous person.  I really never thought that I was, but lately I've found myself becoming really jealous of others. However, I've also found something that combats the jealousy: admitting it.  Yep, if I "own" my jealousy and actually admit to others that I'm completely jealous, all those envious feelings fade, and I can just be happy for the person.  Lululemon, you're right again: Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to.
2. Things that scare you are actually the best things for you.  Example: Pie crust.  Once I accomplished something that scared me, I had so much confidence that I felt that I could do anything; ok, maybe not anything, but you get the point.
3. I've changed a lot in the past number of years.  I'm different.  My priorities are different.  I'm a (eek!) grown up!  I've definitely changed for the better; I'm more confident in who I am, and I'm an all-around happier person.
4. I'm completely addicted to my iPhone, which makes me think about those families on Oprah who give up their "stuff" for 48 hours...I just might have to challenge myself to leave my phone at home for a day.  This is making me squirm just thinking about it...
5. Having a creative outlet is awesome for my soul.  I never realized how much I actually enjoy writing until I started blogging.
6. I'm a total cat person.  I never thought that I would see the day, but it's here.
7. I'm constantly trying to be a better person.  Not that I think I'm a terrible person, by any means, but I do believe that there is always room for improvement.
8. Even though marriage doesn't really change anything, I can't imagine anything better (except for kids).  Ever since Hubby and I have gotten married, things are the same as before, except better.  I can't explain it, and I have no idea what it is, but something is different, and it's awesome.  Trust me, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, but it is pretty amazing.
9. I need to travel.  My travel bug grows each day, and I can't wait until 2012 when Hubby and I can actually get the heck outta here!
10. Material things don't make make me a happier person.  Period.  Would my life be any different without my Jimmy Choo shoes, Macbook, or Coach purse?  Nope.  Not even a little bit.  Now, if only I can remember this as I'm standing in the store drooling over the beautiful shoes...
11. I ache to be a parent.  I want to have kids.  Right now.  However, it really, really scares me.  What will happen to my job, my career, while I'm on maternity leave?  How will we be able to support ourselves, and our family, while I'm not working?  I don't do well when I don't get a good night's sleep, how will I ever survive as a parent?  I know, I need to stop worrying; we will survive, and my job will be here when I come back.
12. If you haven't already noticed, I love commas and exclamation points!  I may or may not have a problem!  I also have mad respect for the semicolon.

yep, total cat lover now

So, I didn't exactly get 25 things, but I thought that 12 was pretty good.  I also realized that most of these aren't really random things about me, but things that I've learned since writing my previous list.  It's actually kind of neat to see how much I've changed in the past couple of years.

a festivus weekend

This past weekend was filled with so much festive excitement that I can't believe it's Monday already.  The first festive activity was my firm's annual Holiday Christmas Party.  I love these parties, they are always a lot of fun, however, this year was extra-special because one of my co-workers let Hubby and I spend the night in the hotel room that she rented.  It was a BEAUTIFUL room with the most spectacular view that I've ever seen.  I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday night.

this picutre just doesn't do the view justice

Satruday, my Mom and I did some cross-border Christmas shopping.  I managed to spend all of my Christmas bonus, but I finished ALL of my Christmas shopping.  Man, that feels good.  It was a long day, but it was so nice to spend the entire day shopping with my Mom.

we couldn't resist trying the eggnog truffle.  it was as delicious as it sounds

Sunday, the festive weekend continued, as Hubby, his parents, and I went to the Santa Clause Parade.  I love going to this parade, and I'm so glad that it's an annual tradition with Hubby and his family.  We got all bundled up, grabbed some festive drinks from Starbucks, and watched the floats, bands, and Santa Clause himself, march through the streets of Vancouver.  I love watching how excited all the little kids get at the sight of Santa, it makes me really excited to have kids; really, really excited.

We've also finished putting up all of our Christmas decorations; written, addressed, and sent all of our Christmas cards; and planned all the festive activities that we want to attend.  I love getting all the "stuff" (decorating, cards, shopping)  done early so that Hubby and I can relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Ho Ho Ho!

not-so-humble pie

Yesterday was such a great day; not only did I get to spend the day with family, but I also got to cross an item off of my life list!  What a great feeling to accomplish something that I've been nervous about for so many years.

Yes, folks, I successfully made an apple pie.  From scratch.  Crust and everything.  I know that this definitely isn't something that many people would consider a great accomplishment, but it was my Everest.  Ok, that might be stretching it, but it made me nervous just thinking about it.  For some reason I thought it was so difficult to make; I've heard so many people say "I've tried everything, but for whatever reason, I just can't successfully make pie crust".  Not me, not anymore!

so pretty!

Now, none of this would have happened if it wasn't for my wonderful mom.  She guided me through every step, and assured me that her recipes was, indeed, no fail.  She was right.  I really shouldn't have doubted myself while I had her helping me;  she will never admit it, but she is an awesome baker (shut up Mom, you are!) and always has been!

is there anything better than apples, cinnamon, and sugar?  no, no there isn't...

Hubby and I are taking the pie to our friends' house for dessert tonight and I can't wait to share my success with our wonderful friends!

I don't think Martha could've done any better.  actually, knowing her, I bet she could have...

savour the date

I'm so excited for tonight; not only is today Friday, but it's also date night!

I often forget the importance of scheduling a date night with Hubby every so often.  I honestly think that the last time we went out, just the two of us, was for our anniversary in September.  How sad is that?

So, when Hubby suggested that we go out tonight I thought it was an absolutely wonderful idea!  Our date nights are nothing fancy by any stretch of the imagination (usually we just go out for dinner and then see a movie), but they are perfect.  They fit nicely within our budget, yet they always bring us so much joy.  All week we've both been looking so forward to spending time together tonight.

Hubby and I at J&J's wedding

The million-dollar question is:  Why do we wait so long in between date nights?  These special nights make us feel so happy and connected that we should really be doing them more often, yet, we don't.  Or, is it the fact that they are so rare that makes them special?  Who knows, but in any event, tonight is going to be awesome!

nothin' says Christmas like steel drums

I'm back!! Feeling better and ready for Christmas!

With our first snowfall of this year this past weekend, I organized all my Christmas music and transferred it onto my iPod.  My commute is now filled with the sounds of the season; it really makes going to work that much more fun!

I have to say though, I'm pretty picky when it comes to Christmas music.  I know what I like, and certain songs or types of Christmas music just don't do it for me.  I love the classics; it's so comforting to hear Dean Marin tell his Baby it's cold outside, or Frank Sinatra wishing everyone to have a merry little Christmas.  Yes, the classics are wonderful, however, I also like songs or albums that incorporate a fun twist on the classics, I love the album called Christmas Remixed - it's so awesome!



you know all those trendy remixed carols on the Joe Fresh commercials?  you'll find them in this album!



The ultimate Christmas album for me?  Definitely Chiristmas with Boney M.  The songs on this album instantly transport me back to Christmas as a kid; somethin' about the steel drums mixed in with the Christmas carols makes me feel like I'm 10 again.  Another reason why I like this album is becuase it contains what I believe to be the greatest Chrstmas song ever written:  Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord.  If you've never experienced this song, I urge you to listen to it this season.  If nothing else, this song will make you want to jump up and dance; yes, it's that awesome. 

best. chrstmas. album. ever.

My family and friends also share my love for this song.  It's become a recent tradition among our group of friends to get together during the holidays, cook a turkey, drink martinis, and sing and dance to this song.  No lies, the song probably gets played AT LEAST twenty times during the night.  It's epic.

I love Christmas!

kleenex is my new best friend

Life changes, sometimes rapidly.

kleenex, oj, and vicks vapour rub - nothing better for a cold

At 4 am this morning I woke up with a full-blown head cold.  No warning, nothing.  I should have expected it though, as Hubby has been sick all week - there is no way that I could stay healthy while he is constantly coughing and sneezing .  Still, not impressed; I had big plans - French Apple Cake plans.  So, I dragged myself into the office at 6 am, completed all the work that I needed to get done, and then came home and fell asleep on the couch.

who wouldn't want to nap with this?

The thing is, I was really looking forward to all the new and exciting things that I was going to accomplish with all this freedom, and now all those things are on the back burner.  Oh well, life happens and the cake can wait.  This weekend is looking like it will be full of hot tea, fluids, movies, and cat naps.

freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better

Lately, my life has been filled text books, projects, and supreme court cases (oh my!).

yes, that's right, I'm taking Aboriginal law - ugh

I'm not finished the semester (my final isn't until December 8th), however, I have now completed BOTH of my projects for the course.  I didn't realize how much all these school deadlines were weighing down on me, but now that they are done I feel absolutely FREE - what a wonderful feeling!


best homework helper ever


I feel like I have my life back, so after reading an inspiring quote, I decided that I couldn't let all this delicious free time go to waste; I needed to challenge myself with new and exciting things.  Suddenly, the message printed on my lululemon water bottle was pounding in my head: "do it now, do it now, do it now"!

So I'm doing it now, er, tomorrow.  My plan is to make a French Apple Cake to take as dessert for our dinner date with friends on Friday.  French Apple Cake, really?  I know.  This is huge for me.  I'm not a baker, I never thought that I would buy a springform pan much less actually USE it.

Stay tuned, I'll let you know how it goes :)