polkadot daisies

oh the holidays!

2010-12-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

Not only are the holidays joyous because it is the Christmas season, but also because I am now out of my chaotic student lifestyle. It is glorious! I had forgotten what it felt like to have time that isn't filled with reading books (that are mandatory), making study sheets and writing papers. Boy, does it feel good! I have time to put my feet up, lay in bed in the morning and just LAY, go out for coffee dates (that DON'T require me bringing textbooks along also), start little projects and catch up on hobbies! It's a wonderful feeling.
The Christmas season also means that I get to go back home, to where it truly feels like the holidays! I love walking outside with snowflakes falling all around, and big snowbanks, snowy road conditions, big coats, boots, mitts, hats - all of it! It's so Christmasy, I can't imagine the holidays without it!
The Christmas season means the Mariah Carey Christmas album on repeat, the Starbucks Christmas Blend, Peppermint White Chocolate Mochas, chaotic last minute Christmas shopping, PC Candy Cane Ice Cream, hanging out with family non stop, baking unnecessary amounts of treats. Oh - it's all so excellent!
My parents recently moved into a new (old) house, right by a great park! The house has so much character, and when it's all dressed up for Christmas that character multiplies! The park nearby is covered in Christmas lights, and it's so cute to go for wintery Christmas walks through the park.

I just love the feeling that Christmas brings, everyone seems a bit more joyful, more willing to lend a hand, send an extra smile, have a nice conversation. And for the people who don't, well I manage to find some extra Christmas patience.
So as I manage to find new hobbies, projects and events to fill my time with over the holidays, I will be enjoying every moment of this time - knowing that come January 10th, the free time will be hard to find!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My new found love...

2010-12-05T12:50:00.001-08:00

I have recently become an owner of my VERY first car! And let me tell you, I am incredibly excited about it! My new found love is a 1992 Toyota Paseo, bright blue with excellent accents on the side!! I never thought I would love a more than my parent's corolla at home, but BOY was I wrong! I'm sure all this will eventually die and I will not feel a wave of excitement everytime I open the door and sit down in MY front seat. But for the time being, I feel giddy and excited everytime I drive anywhere in my car - my friends can absolutely attest to that!
I have this new found freedom and independence that I have severely missed over the last three and a half years that I have been car less! It is glorious. I can go to the grocery store, to the gym, to school when I need to. It is absolutely excellent!
I look forward to all the adventures that will come in this little car, which apparently cannot be too long of distances with a large amount of people because you cannot quite sit up straight in my back seat! It certainly has character!

oh beautiful fall!

2010-10-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

With fall being my favourite season, and Ontario having, hands-down, the best fall I have ever experienced, I was pleased to know that I would be able to experience fall and thanksgiving back in good ol' ontario!
While 'beautiful British Columbia' does have it's beauties - I must say, it does not beat the beauty of fall in Ontario. Plus, the rain sort of puts a damper on the possibilities of what fall could entail on the west coast!
This is what I like about fall...
- I absolutely love driving down a street, with trees towering overtop, completely orange red and yellow, it's simply beautiful.
- I love the cottage in the fall - every single tree those colours - it's stunning.
- I love the brisk weather, not hot, but not cold - perfect weather for a sweater and jeans.
- I love being comfortable both outdoors, in the refreshing air, or indoors with slippers and a fire.
- I absolutely LOVE wellsley apple cider, hot on a cold day, or cold on a warm day! SO delicious.
- I love the season of thanskgiving.
- I love Victoria Park in the fall
- I love NOT having to rake, but being able to enjoy all the leaves!!

Oh, I'm sure there's more. I will be sad to say goodbye to the lovely ontario fall tomorrow, and to return to the west coast for a dreary winter!!

CIBC run for the cure!

2010-10-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Running has officially been brought to a new level for me! I have always had a desire to run for a cause, but always managed to find excuses as to why the time, place or cause was not appropriate. It's on my bucket list, and it being one of the more manageable things for me to conquer on this list, I set my mind to it! So... I chose a cause that is near and dear to my heart, breast cancer.
With only a week to prepare I sent out a few e mails to gain some financial support, and tied up my running shoes to start my 'training'. I found an end goal to really help me in my motivation for running! Sometimes running for pleasure and feeling good is enough motivation, but lately with my busy schedule, it just doesn't cut it. So knowing that I had to be prepared for a 5 km run within a week, I could justify taking 30 minutes out of my day to save from embarrassment and absolute exhaustion on the day of the race!
Turns out there were a lot of other people like me, who wanted to run for this cause! The venue was absolutely packed with people dressed in their choice of running outfits - all there for a common goal - to find a CURE! Some people had specific people who they were running for (which was awfully sad), while others just ran for breast cancer. It was an incredible experience, running with such a large pack of people through the paths of abbotsford! There were people at every corner cheering you on, offering you water, and everyone was just incredibly friendly - SUCH a positive experience.
So... sign me up for the next run for a cause!

30 Day Shred

2010-06-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

This is my newest workout challenge - the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. She is one of the trainers on the biggest loser, and she's intense!!
This workout program is not to necessary lose weight, but to 'shred', to become stronger - more toned! So - I thought I would take it up as a challenge - turns out it's pretty intense!
There are three levels to the program, and you are to stay on each level for 10 days, before switching to the next (or whenever you feel ready!). Each level has a variety of strength, cardio and ab workouts - and boy do they work you out!!
I have officially completed day seven, so I am nearing the end of level one - and am a bit terrified to start the next level - knowing how much the first few days of level one kicked my butt, I have to face that again!!
But, I am already loving the program! I have heard success stories, and am excited to see what it does for me! IT's sort of hard to workout EVERY day, because I mean - who isn't busy these days?! but, I think i forgot to mention - it's only 20 MINUTES a day! Yes 20 minutes a day can have you SHREDDED!
so - i'll keep you posted on how the program continues - so far so good!

and the growing begins...

2010-06-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

And now my new found hobby has blossomed into a hobby that will not only be enjoyable, but will hopefully support and provide for our dinner's for many evenings to come!! I have officially begun my vegetable garden, and I am very excited about it! As I mentioned in a previous blog, I was hoping to do this - and although it took me a while to actually purchase the vegetables and get around to finding a spot, and planting them - I finally have! And I'm very excited! I even sported the most important gardening gear, and that is a pair of crocs! Very exciting! I am just at the beginning of becoming a true gardener!
So I am now officially, as we speak, growing cucumbers, red peppers and cherry tomatoes in my backyard! HOW exciting! Now all I have to do is wait and watch them grow!!

my latest discovery.

2010-05-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

borrowing movies from the library. brilliant.
At my immature stage I had always thought that renting movies from a library is a bit lame, I mean, they wouldn't have any good movies anyway right?! WRONG! This 'movie renting' is the best thing ever! Having just come home from the library with three movies that I have wanted to see, Twilight (yes, i'm a new fan - but that's for another blog!!), The Jane Austen Book Club and Slumdog Millionaire - all movies that I haven't seen yet, I have felt and experienced the success of borrowing movies from the library. It's even just a nice feeling to know that you are BORROWING. It's like a little community who allows each other to borrow, return, and borrow some more! This makes sense for books, and it has always been that way - but i'm just LOVING that we can do it for movies as well!!
I wouldn't recommend going to get a particular movie, because it is somewhat unlikely that they will have it - but go in with an open mind to watch whatever movies are available! I was lucky, hoping to get Twilight because I just finished the book this morning - and they happened to have that as well as two others I wanted!
So.. the money that was previously spent on movie rentals can now be used elsewhere, thanks to the library!

gardening isn't just for the 'old' anymore!

2010-05-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered my 'passion' for gardening. I put passion in quotations for a reason, because I am not sure if it has reached the point of being a full out passion, or just a simple hobby - but there is room for development into a full blown passion, so it remains 'passion'.
I have previously had a negative attitude and opinion towards gardening. I have always thought it to be for 'old' people (I place that into quotations on purpose as well), I have thought it to be boring, useless, time consuming, unnecessary and a lot of work. However, my opinion has recently changed. I have now begun to accept all of these previously negative opinions about gardening and turned each one into something that now appeals to me in the 'sport of gardening'. It is not just for old people, it is relaxing, produces beautiful scenery, great to fill an afternoon and to spend time outdoors on a nice day, a great hobby and only as much work as you want it to be.
My recent experience of gardening that has transformed my opinion of it occurred at my cottage. I spent the long weekend sick, at the cottage with my parents - with not too much to do. So, we proceeded to pick out flowers for four different planters, and then planted and watered them. It was a blast! (Not a blast as in thrilling, a blast as in a great NEW experience that I had, for a nice afternoon when all I needed was a relaxing hobby!) I got to pick the flowers that were appropriate for the locations of the planters, pick appropriate colours and shapes for each planter, and then arrange them in ways that looked the best!
I was hoping that the plants would grow SO fast that I could see progress by the end of the weekend, but, of course that didn't happen - but I now understand why people continue with this hobby. There is a personal attachment and a sense of fulfillment that one has with the plants that they have planted - and I feel that! Gardening is addicting! I cannot wait to head back to the cottage and see the progress my flowers have made!
Meanwhile, I am going to try and grow tomatoes and cucumbers in my backyard!!

eat. pray. love.

2010-05-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

The first novel that I have completed within my summer holidays is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
I first wanted to read this book because I heard it was good, but really because I heard that the movie was coming out in August starring Julia Roberts, and I knew that I would just HAVE to see it, therefore I should probably read it first!
This is a book I recommend, but especially during the summer season for many reasons.
1. It is the PERFECT mixture between light chick lit (excellent for by the pool on relaxing afternoons), and substance.
2. It fulfills/accentuates any 'itch' to travel!
3. It is an easy read, and not too long - very manageable
4. but most of all it was a great read, and hard to put down!

This book follows the author on her adventure of self discovery in Italy, India and Indonesia. In each of these places the author discovers many different things about her own character, as well as many features about the places in which she visits. The author presents a very intelligent and insightful opinion about her surroundings that offers more depth to a 'light' story. In Italy she experiences food, in India she experiences religion, and in Indonesia she experiences love. Within each of these settings the author comes across a variety intriguing and interesting characters who continue the appeal of the novel.
I just loved the way that the author mixed the lighthearted content of travel and discovery, with more in depth and intriguing aspects through her different experiences and opinions, as well as the characters that she meets.
So.. go ahead.... pick up this book!

the simple art of flossing.

2010-05-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have recently begun to understand the importance of flossing. This is an activity that hasn't previously been included in my daily routine, for whatever reason. Flossing always seemed like such a pain, unnecessary and a waste of time! Turns out - none of that is the case. Going to the dentist, visit after visit, they ALWAYS tell you to floss - well, no duh! They are dentists - they always go above and beyond the necessary measures to take care of their own teeth - these measures are definitely not necessary for me, or so I thought.
It's not like i'm disgusting, it's not like my teeth are yellow, rotting and repulsive to look at - i simply just flossed my teeth a few times (if that) a month. Now - no judgement here, I know MANY of you out there share this pain of flossing with me - that's all it is, just a pain.
Well - my most recent visit to the dentist I realized the importance of flossing. It was one of those moments where it just clicked - all of a sudden I agreed with the dentist that flossing was important (especially because my teeth "genetically need to be flossed more than others" - thanks mom and dad!). So - I officially have decided to floss my teeth for 365 days straight (in hopes to continue beyond that!) My dentist visit was one week ago today - and I can proudly say that I have successfully flossed my teeth every day since then - and hope to continue this trend.
So - perhaps this will be the moment for one of you, that it will click in your minds that you need to start flossing again!

the market.

2010-05-01T09:54:00.001-07:00

The market (Kitchener's in particular) is this hidden 'gem' among city life. It is really neat to see such an incredibly diverse amount of people gathering at a market in the middle of downtown to get fresh and delicious produce, baked goods and everything else delicious that you can imagine
Trips to the market are one of my new favourite things, for many reasons. First off, a lot of people in our area go to this market, and give suggestions to us of the BEST things! So then we go pick them up, and love them as much as these people said we would - and then have a new found favourite (the hummus for example - all the flavours - INCREDIBLE!)
Also, there are samples - which always makes grocery shopping a great experience.
Knowing that the food is all fresh, is another plus, and seeing how much cheaper it is than a regular grocery store is another plus!!
Having the opportunity to stop for breakfast or a snack upstairs, or tour the isles downstairs makes for an awesome Saturday (or Thursday) morning experience!
Having this 'gem' within our community means that you run in to tons of people that you know, and would otherwise probably not see, and means you can often walk there (we can't, but that's our hope!).. and it's just the best!
I was shocked with how much I missed the market experience when I went out to BC. We don't have a market nearby (or I don't know of it, or am not able to get there very conveniently). Even though I didn't go to the market here all too often, and was dragged there by my parents as a kid - I have learned to appreciate the simple pleasure that a market experience is!!
So, for a great Saturday morning activity, go to the market!!!

popcorn at its finest.

2010-04-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have now officially experienced the best and most thrilling way to make homemade popcorn. Being a past user of an oldschool popcorn maker that was on it's last life, and really not that efficient in the making of popcorn, the one with the orange top - probably from the 70's! My family has now recently upgraded to an incredible popcorn maker. It's Quisinart. It's wonderful. It is so simple, makes perfect popcorn, and so convenient that it is made right into the bowl that you snack from, all you have to do is flip the bowl over after it's all popped - and eat! You then have the opportunity to add any flavours, salt or butter to make it the perfectly flavoured popcorn for your personal tastes. What more could you ask for in a popcorn snack!?
So, now more of this Orville Redenbacher, microwave use, fake butter stuff! All my votes go to this new and improved popcorn!! Plus - it is thrilling to sit in front of the machine and watch it pop before your eyes!!

home...

2010-04-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Home truly is where the heart is.
Arriving from one of the most beautiful places where mountains peak out everywhere you drive, and where you can get to the beach in twenty minutes, to a place where that same beauty is a bit more hidden, in places further away from suburban life.
Yet, this is the place that I truly love. Sure, "when you go out there, you never return", but what beats the place where you were raised? Where all the memories are? Where your family and friends are? All my favourite lunch spots, friends houses, and other hangout places. No beautiful mountains can beat a place with those memories.
Being back home is incredible (even if I have only slept for the majority of my time here), but this is the place that I will always miss, and this is the place that I will always love to return to.
So, while I know that the mountains are still beautiful and standing tall back in Langley, I am and will continue to enjoy my time here in beautiful Kitchener Waterloo.

"Run hard, be strong, think big!"

2010-04-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

As I begin to prepare for the time when I cross something off of my bucket list, when I accomplish a goal, and when I do something for myself - I am in awe of how motivated, content and happy I feel!
I am in the first step of my running career (I consider all previous times to merely be 'attempts' at beginning this career). It is as of recently that I have moved into a joy for running. I have no doubt that it helps that I am running in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Running with mountains surrounding you seems so much more enjoyable and much easier than to run down bland suburban streets. However, leaving this province in less than a month means that I will move into those streets once again, and my hope is that this mountainous motivation will not leave me!
This Saturday I am participating in my first official race/competition/run. On my bucket list I wrote that I would like to do a charity walk/run. Well - I have taken it upon myself (with the help of a very convenient race that I can participate in) to cross this off of my list. On Saturday I will be running for Wellspring, which is a school that some alumni from my school have opened in Rwanda. The race costs a certain amount of money, with all proceeds going to support this school.
I will be running 5 km's on Saturday morning, for both Wellspring and myself, with the hope that this will be the first of many. Having a point to reach, a goal distance has really helped motivate me to keep running! Knowing that I need to be prepared on Saturday encourages me to run more often! So I am hoping to set up a few more races throughout the summer.
So amongst the chaos of the final weeks of school, my attempt is to take time (most) days to clear my head, be motivated, become strong, and feel good!!

kindergarten rocks!

2010-03-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Big kids, little kids, girls and boys
books and paints and games and toys,
KINDERGARTEN ROCKS!
This is the moment that I leave my kindergarteners every Tuesday afternoon. They sing this song before heading home - and it's true, their kindergarten experience does rock!

I have always wanted to try out kindergarten, to see if I would be a good fit. I know that it takes someone particular to teach kindergarten, and I am realizing more and more how challenging it would be - but I LOVE it!
We sing songs all day, read picture books, perform plays, do art, and get excited about everything! That is the thing that gets me the most. These kids are just in awe by everything. Every little thing that they learn is so significant and allows them to become so excited - and as many could attest to - I'm not sure if I ever left this part of kindergarten behind. I feel like I am in my element in a kindergarten classroom. No, my skill level has exceeded kindergarten (thank goodness), but I just find the kindergarten classroom to be one of the most influential places - and I am discovering this more than ever!

The memories just flood back each day I go into this class, they are currently hatching eggs, and I remember so well doing that with Mrs. Diebel. That just makes me understand more and more the effect that teachers have - that's a big role that I will have to live up to! Those kindergarten memories last forever. And my teacher that I'm shadowing does an incredible job - if I could be half the kindergarten teacher she is, I would be pleased.

So, I feel like being surrounded by energetic and happy four and five year olds all day long, can do nothing but good for one's health - so since my practicum is coming to and end this year, I hope that I will experience kindergarten again because... kindergarten rocks!

a few of my favourite things...

2010-03-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

Birthdays and visits from my family! And I was lucky enough that today involved BOTH!

Today wasn’t any ordinary day. It was an extension of my weekend, a day for a visitor, a gorgeously sunny Vancouver day, my father’s birthday and a wonderful stress free break from classes. It just so happens that birthdays are my speciality, and my absolute favourite event of all time (as many of you may know) so I arrived at the airport this morning to greet my dad, excited for the day ahead.
It felt like a birthday of my own because I was being pampered and rewarded all day as well. I mean, a day off from classes being replaced by a beautifully sunny day downtown Vancouver, what could be better! After revealing the cupcakes that Clay and I so delicately put together, we proceeded on to the neighbourhood where my Dad grew up. We parked the car out front of his ‘house’, and continued on the ‘walk to school’. It is a gorgeous neighbourhood, and I would take a house there ANYDAY! It helped that the cherry blossoms were in bloom and the birds were chirping away as we walked through the parks and down the different streets. He had many stories to tell of him as a child, and I can only imagine how fun it will be when I have the chance to do the same! Sounded like he had a pretty fun childhood! We even got to tour the school (which was tiny) and saw many of the places where he spent his time as a child.
We hopped back in the car and drove along Marine drive, through UBC campus, along the water. It was beautiful. All the rainy days in the year make up for the incredible scenery that comes through on sunny days. We admired it all day, and were so excited that we could have our sun roof open, and not even feel a chill! We drove to Granville Island where we picked a cute little table by the water and enjoyed our Mexican food, followed by the traditional ‘burnt almond bar’. Trying to come up with something to do next, we backtracked along Marine drive to the Museum of Anthropology (which earlier, my dad advised me to go sometime in my life, and he would like to as well!) So, both of us not really being ‘museum people’, we entered the museum and did what museum goers do – look around at all the stuff! It was really neat, the totem poles I found most intriguing! There was an incredible view as well (when the sun is out, all views seem to be incredible).
Afterwards we continued back towards the airport, making a few stops on the way of random sites that triggered my dad’s memory, eventually arriving at the airport where we carefully made the trade of baked goods (homemade cookies from my mom, and homemade cupcakes from Clay and I) and he headed off to the great white (and cold) North, and I headed back home to the piles of homework that presently lay before me.

early mornings.

2010-03-16T06:55:00.001-07:00

While I have never been known as an 'early riser' (many can attest to that!) I have recently developed an appreciation for the early morning. There is something about the thought that you are the only one awake - everything is still and silent - and British Columbia mornings, I would have to say, are especially beautiful. How often do we really get to experience this?
As a result of having a roommate who gets up early, as well as an early morning nannying job, I have been encouraged to wake up earlier than ever, and have really begun to appreciate it. Maybe I appreciate it more, because it is inevitable so I might as well have a positive attitude about it, but I truly believe that early mornings aren't so bad!
Who knew that it was possible to have a relaxing morning where you can enjoy breakfast and reading while slowly getting ready - rather than rushing out the door. I truly believe that it is these rushed mornings that provide for a more stressed and anxious day. I used to set my alarm to the last possible minute, so that I arrive to my destination JUST in time - now I tend to wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book BEFORE getting ready for my day. I have begun to wake up slowly, and enjoy my mornings, because they really aren't so bad!
Maybe this is a sign of maturing, maybe I am growing up - but whatever it is, I am enjoying it!

history has been made... I WON THE GAME!

2010-03-14T21:19:00.001-07:00

Yes! That's right! I WON THE GAME! I WON A FREE COFFEE!
I never thought this day would come! I am just ecstatic! This is SUCH an exciting moment! I am on cloud nine! Those around me can attest to the fact that I was squealing my little heart out when I rolled up my rim and it said WIN COFFEE! So wonderful! I now feel like a true Canadian, now that I have own our national game! Now I can go to Tim Hortons (tomorrow probably) and get a coffee, guilt free because no money will be spent, and have the opportunity to win AGAIN! Imagine that, two wins in two days! OH wonderful!
No wonder everyone keeps playing this game, and no wonder they keep bringing this game back - it brings SUCH happiness and fulfillment to those who win! I will continue to play this game as long as it exists! A brilliant game, whoever thought this one up!

This has just topped off an already wonderful day! Lunch with my family, on my mom's birthday, over skype, grocery shopping, BEAUTIFUL view of mountains in Langley, lots of reading and TIM HORTON'S!!

what do you want to do before you die?

2010-03-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

This is the question that is continually asked on the new show "The Buried Life"! It is such a great and new idea for a show, that I am just intrigued! I love watching it! It is on mtv, and there are four guys who basically travel around trying to cross things off their 'list'. They made a list of maybe 100 things, some so challenging and extravagant, some not so much! So far they have either attempted or successfully accomplished
- attending a party at the playboy mansion
- make a toast at a stranger's wedding
- ask out the girl of your dreams (in this case, Megan Fox)
- help deliver a baby
- compete in a krump competition
- play basketball with Obama
- tell a joke on late night tv

Only one season has been completed - and I really hope for more! But this isn't all they do. While they are trying to accomplish these things on their list, they go around asking people what they want to do before they die - so each time they cross something off their own list, they cross something off someone else's! Some things are incredibly neat, like bringing father and son back together, or having a blind man ride a horse again... It's a really neat idea! And I just love it! I had already made a 'list', and am continually adding to it (seems like the list is getting longer, rather than shorter) - and being inspired by this show, I will share some of them.
- bake an extraordinary cake
- do a triathlon
- be in a bridal party
- do karaoke in public
- backpack somewhere
- see 'Annie' the musical
- plant and take care of my own vegetable garden
- swim with dolphins
- visit and teach in Africa
- do a charity walk/run
- make an article of clothing
- learn to play the guitar
- use a fire extinguisher
- coach a young kids sports team
- spend an entire day at the spa
- celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary
- climb the CN tower
- travel to ireland
- ride in a hot air balloon
- own a house with a turret and a wrap around porch

and those are just a few. So... what do you want to do before you die?

Dickens, Austen - no! I want Chick Lit!

2010-03-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

Here I am up to my nose in books by Austen, Dickens, the Bronte sisters - and I am looking ahead to the time when I will get to read for pleasure again. While being an English minor has provided me with a wide variety of literature - I continually think of the day that I can read my chick-lit, and other non-literary works again! I have been so consumed in the brilliance and large words of the authors - I can just picture myself sitting by the pool, reading useless entertaining novels, that fit so well with the relaxing summer days! So good.
So as I currently read three novels each week, written by brilliant authors, I continue to think about the novels that come ahead. The Twilight books, The Harry Potter series and books by Sophie Kinsella are just some of the novels I hope to read - if only I could.
I reminisce of the days where I read useless books, for pleasure, and not having to critique every word and theme imaginable! Now, don't get me wrong! I LOVE the literature that I am reading, and I love that I am being introduced to incredible new writing - but I await the moment where I can return, for just a short period of time, and rid myself of the deadlines and intense writings - and read the unnecessary and ridiculous novels that are my guilty pleasure!
So while I hate admitting to those of you who have raised and encouraged me to read wonderfully written literature, and to my professors who help me analyze and understand these novels - I would like to take a brief period where I put those books back on the shelf, and take off some of my 'old' favourites - and bask in their wonderful/non-literary loveliness!
But to redeem myself, I would highly recommend a few novels from my Bronte class. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Both extremely interesting and wonderful novels, that I recommend to be read! As for Austen, I can't exactly recommend her! I'm not her biggest fan - but as I have learned from my english prof, people tend to be "Bronte" people or "Austen" people, but not both. I am a "Bronte" person.

rrroll up the rim to win!

2010-03-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

This is one of my most favourite seasons - the season where I buy more coffees than ever before, for the sole purpose of playing a wonderful game called 'roll up the rim to win'. Now - I have participated in this for years, and have failed to win - that's right, I have not had the joy of even winning a coffee, or donut. I wonder how much money I have put towards this game - and come out with nothing.
I have never met anyone like myself, with such bad luck. Sure, when I was a kid my parents would give me THEIR winnings - but that's just not the same. I want the experience and joy of rolling up that rim, and being a WINNER!

A clear example of my dilligence to this game is the fact that McDonald's is handing out FREE coffees to anyone who wants one. Now I am a person who loves saving money- budgets, coupons and sales are the best things ever! And yes... I will not even enter McDonald's during this seasons to receive a FREE coffee because I am too comitted to this game of 'roll up the rim'.
I have participated a few times this season so far - each time being equally excited to empty the cup, and roll up that rim - for the opportunity to win another! I have been disapointed each and every time, but will not give up! I will continue to arrive at Tim Horton's each visit, with a hopeful smile on my face - and will continue going back until the miraculous moment occurs when I roll up the rim, and it reads something other than 'play again'.
Here's to drinking coffee all hours of the day, spending unnecessary money, and getting hopes up all for the purpose of 'roll up the rim'.

morning exercise.. yes please!

2010-03-07T12:01:00.001-08:00

I have discovered morning exercise to be the most fulfilling and fabulous thing ever! Knowing that I have started my day off with something productive encourages me to be productive in all other areas for the rest of the day! Morning exercise leads to eating healthy, cleaning, running errands, finishing projects, reading books ... Imagine all that I could accomplish if I did this every morning - endless!
It eliminates the feeling that I often have, when sitting around all day - that I COULD exercise, because since I have already done it that day, the guilt is gone!

This wonderful day continues with a grocery shopping trip (where I have 3 75% off coupons for bread! wonderful!) and the Oscars this evening! Lovely day!

Avatar is ...

2010-03-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

alluring, intriguing, bizarre, fascinating, entertaining, futuristic, luxriant, dynamic and satisfying.

The setting was immaculate. I wanted to bask in it's beauty and colours! I just sat there in awe of what these people came up with. I couldn't have even imagined something like that! The details were incredibly well done, the 3D just gave it that extra bit of incredibleness!! While some say the storyline was a bit weak, I was still intrigued - perhaps more by the setting, characters and 3D - but I was intrigued none the less, and that makes for a good movie! So now I suppose I know what everyone was talking about it - and I understand why it was STILL sold out yesterday, three months after its release!

Genius is genius!

2010-03-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

First day of the new blog, and it feels great! I have been itching all day to get on here and create my new thoughts!
So I just discovered the most genius thing ever, it's called genuis! Not sure why I have not used it before - but on Itunes you can 'start using genius' and it basically organizes your songs for you, ones that are similar in sound, or genre etc. I am not sure how many times I have been looking through my itunes and wanting to play 'songs like these'. Who knew there was someone out there organizing them for me?! Well - it's brilliant! I am currently listening to a genius playlist inspired by the song 'Saltwater room by Owl City' and it is just so wonderful! I am enjoying every minute of it! Although I am probably the last to jump on this 'genius' bandwagon, I encourage those of you who haven't, to do so! It is wonderful, and you will never go back.
In other news, I am finally going to see Avatar tonight! I got a notice in my e mail informing me that it is the last weekend it is in theatres, and colossus, my local movie theatre, encouraged me to go see it. So, I listened to their suggestion and am heading there this evening to see what all this hype is about!
julie.

Here I am!

2010-03-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Here I am! Part of the blog world! I have been looking at a variety of people's blogs lately, and can't stop thinking about how I want to make one of my own! So here I am!
I am not going on any great adventure, I am not travelling to any incredible place, and I am not living what others would consider an extravagantly wonderful life, but I will blog about the wonderful little things that fill up my life! New music, movies, recipes, small adventures, doing new things, books I'm reading etc.
So, take from this what you will and I hope you enjoy all of my ramblings and tidbits that this NEW and exciting blog will provide!
julie.