Rib Fest Approacheth

Apparently Rib Fest '09 is starting up already.

I'm assuming you've heard of Rib Fest? If not: a) I pity you... and b) I'm going to wager a bet that you can guess what Rib Fest is all about. (Rib. Fest.)

Andrew and I discovered it last year over labour day weekend. We, along with a few other friends, wandered from booth to booth, sampling the fare which included everything from ribs (but of course) to blooming onions (think giant, greasy fried onion with batter...mmm...) corn on the cob and beer.

Each booth claims that their ribs are far superior to everyone else's - and the only way to determine if they're right or not, is to sample them.

And sample them we did.

We all walked out of Rib Fest '08 with full bellies, feeling more than content, and not sorry at all that we participated in a fest that is centered around nothing but gluttony. We also decided as a group that we would make it an annual event. Every labour day, we plan to meet up and go to Rib Fest together. (Such a lovely, healthy tradition, no?)

Imagine my delight when Andrew told me that Rib Fest was going to be around on Canada Day and friends of ours wanted to know if we'd like to go. You mean I don't have to wait until September for ribs and greasy fried onions?? Someone up there really likes me.

So that's what we'll be doing on Canada Day this year. I tell you, folks - nothing says patriotism like stuffing your face with meat.

Man, I love this country.

The Week of The Writer's Block

I honestly wish I had interesting things to say this week. But I just don't. Am uninteresting. Am failure. Must hang head in shame until some brilliant writerly-inspiration hits me smack in the forehead.

Apologies to you, Internet. Feel free to shake your head disapprovingly at me.

Go ahead. I will wait.

**Pausing for well-deserved Internet disapproval**

Will write something when interesting again.

Don't hold breath.

Sunshine, lollipops, rainbows and...

I'm turning into a whiny little twit with nothing exciting to say.

I feel for you, dear readers.

Last night, after going out for dinner with friends, I went home and unloaded on Andrew. Poor guy. I had kept all my annoying "things" inside during dinner (didn't want to ruin the pizza we were chowing down on), so I had to let loose on someone who wouldn't look at me like I was the WORST dinner companion EVER afterwards.

First, it was about how cranky I am lately. Then I went on to discuss how things people say really rub me the wrong way.

In conclusion: I was a delight.

On top of my crankiness, I've been exhausted and feeling sickly this week. Fun!

So, as you can see, my lack of blogs are actually saving you from the torture I've been putting Andrew through. Consider yourself lucky, readers!

And... have a sunshine-filled day.

Vacation, vacation, what's your function?

I'm REALLY feeling the need for vacation lately.

Although, I'm not quite sure why. Of course, other than the fact that I've realized I repeatedly walk into work in a chipper mood and end up downright cranky 2 to 3 hours later.

Nobody does anything in particular to bug me. There aren't any blow-ups or arguments (generally). I just get cranky.

Fun, eh?

So, that's usually a tell-tale sign of me needing a vacance. Not that I lead a stressful life or am overworked or need to get away from the craziness that is my life. I just need to leave stuff behind me and spend a few weeks with Andrew.

(How good does THAT sound right now? Pretty darn good, that's how.)

Sleeping in. Eating without abandon. Not checking email (well, not regularly, at least). Seeing new things. Doing whatever we feel like.

It's all about recharging the batteries. And other such clichés. (Like: Taking some "me" time. Unwinding. Getting a break from life. Taking care of number 1. And so on.)

Whatever way I choose to say it... I needs me some.

Ahhh...weekends

Sorry for the lack of blogging - again.

Honestly, just can't think of anything to write. It's the dreaded writer's block. Urgh.

Anyway, had a fabulous weekend, which included all of the following:

• Getting a pedi
• Having my hair did
• Shopping
• Going out for dinner with the fam for Ma's birthday
• Baking a birthday cake
• Eating lots and lots and lots of said cake
• Having a barbecue for Dad's day
• Purchasing a gold medal ribbon ice cream cake
• Eating lots and lots of said ice cream cake (notice there is one less "lots" in this instance. I ate a little bit less of the ice cream cake than the birthday cake - and that's only because my Dad insisted on taking the ice cream cake home).

All in all, it was a good, gluttonous weekend. Hurrah!

Art, art, bo-bart...

Last night I went to an advertising industry event called: "Art from the Unexpected".

The premise was this: leading CEOs, suits and other very important business folk (in other words, NON-creatives) in the advertising and marketing industry were asked to create a piece of art based around a certain concept.

They then had exactly one minute to present their art to the crowd, explaining the inspiration behind what they created. After that, all pieces of art were up for bid in a silent auction with all the proceeds going to Sketch. (An organization that helps homeless or at-risk youth by providing them with opportunities to create art).

Everyone started with the caveat: "I'm SO not a creative, but -" The truth was, they did some really cool shit.

Of course, when it came time to the silent auction, I can't help but feel that politics came into play. You know... so-and-so really wanted to make a business connection with that one guy, so he bid $600 on his art, even though he didn't really understand it. Or - this guy has a big name in the industry and so-and-so wants to network with him, so he bid on his art, whether it was good or not.

Meh.

The point is - some cool art was created, LOTS of money was raised for a good cause. And I got to hang out at the Steam Whistle Brewery and nibble on some delicious foods while enjoying myself at a creative event. Not a bad evening, I'd say.

Oh - and, being who I am (very resistant to the whole schmoozing/name dropping crap that comes along with advertising), I didn't even attempt to hand out a single business card or chat up some person I didn't know.

I will go far in this biz, I tell you.

As I don't want to disappoint my readership (Mom and brother), I am writing this new blog for you right now.

Of course, I haven't much to say. Well, actually that's not true. Lots to say, but don't know where to start.

So instead, I will show you pictures of me eating in various locations.

Here is a picture of me eating gelato in Italy. Note the giant scoop.

Here I am in my kitchen, eating some kind of vegetable that is difficult to make out. It's green though. Good for me.

This is me at a wedding, eating ice cream. Note the look of pure joy on my face.

Finally, here I am with twinkie in mouth at my brother's 30th. It was a white trash theme. I don't normally where that much blue eyeshadow. Honest.