Picture time!

In lieu of writing anything today, I present to you this Completely Random Collection of Photos.

First on the docket: The. World's. Most. Cutest. Dog.
Beware... he may just burn your eyeballs up with his cuteness.

And for no real reason, other than the fact that I love this pic, my adorable second cousin, with head cocked to one side in incredibly cute youthful curiosity.

Adorable kid: What are you doing to my toy, Hez? Let me play. Please?
Hez: Forget it, kid. You can't win me over with your perfectly wonderful blonde hair and innocent, cherub-like rosy cheeks. It's MY turn to play with your Christmas present, dammit!

2009 is shaping up to be the year of the weddings for hubster and I. Here we are in 2007, looking all smart-like. We clean up but good.

Hubster had a real "thing" for the empty chair sitting next to him at the last wedding we went to. I didn't really get it. But he loved Chair. I think I even heard him say that Chair was so witty and fun to be around. Who doesn't love Chair?


Shortly thereafter, I discovered that I sort of had a thing for Chair, too. Hubster wasn't wrong.

I suspect that all of this came about because of too many of these.

And also these.

Chair or no Chair... weddings make us mushy.

Open letter time again

An open letter to the 3 kind gentlemen who shoveled my car out of the snowbank that I so brilliantly crashed into this morning:

Dear 3 kind gentlemen,

Thankyouthankyouthankyou.

When I was driving along that curvy road covered in slushy snow, I thought to myself: "Self, you should probably slow down." So I did. But a few moments too late, obviously. Because the next thing I knew, I was becoming very well acquainted with the giant snowbank right in front of me.

And though you may not have noticed, I was mortified to play the damsel in distress card. (Yet, at the same time, I was SO thankful you stopped to help me). So, I have to say thank you, thank you, a million times thank you.

You've renewed my faith in humanity and made me remember something very important: people are good. 

You didn't need to stop. You probably had somewhere important to go. We're all busy people. But you pulled over. Immediately. I didn't even have to wait for more than 2 minutes before you were willing to lend a hand.

And you didn't make me feel bad, or stupid or inept. You laughed it off, got me out and wished me well as I went on my way.

I know I thanked you then - but I can't say it enough. Thanks for helping out. Thanks for being so nice. Thanks for making a potential crappy start to my day much, much better.

Oh - and thanks to you, kind gentleman #2, for saying that it was because I was so pretty that you stopped. My car may be hurt, but my ego sure isn't.

Television DOES control our minds. I'm proof.

You know what Hez did this weekend?

Nothing. And it was awesome.

So maybe some wouldn't consider it nothing, as I did manage to go to yoga, get the grocery shopping done and meet up with my running group for a 6k run. But other than that, I spent copious amounts of time in my pjs, lounging on the couch with many cups of tea. Didn't see any friends. Didn't visit family. Didn't shop. Didn't wine or dine. (All good things, seeing as I didn't even GET DRESSED).

Best part is - I actually took a nap yesterday. At 4:30 in the afternoon. (How could I have ever forgotten the true bliss of the Afternoon Nap??) I shall never forget its simple beauty again.

Anyway. Point is - I feel very rejuvenated today. A good thing, as today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. (Side bar: Who decides this? Who has the authority to say that some random Monday is going to be the MOST DEPRESSING DAY OF THE YEAR for absolutely everybody? You don't speak for me, Random Decision Dude. I find Tuesdays more depressing. Besides - had good, relaxing weekend. Am fresh. Am lovely. Am feeling like Monday morning goddess!)

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that part of the reason for my good mood is because of my obsession with Josh Groban. Yes. This is the part of the post where I tell you that I was influenced by Lisa Simpson last night.

While watching the Simpsons, Lisa and her little friend shared an obsession with Josh Groban. Which reminded me of my Groban obsession and also my lack of new Groban material on my iPod. So I quickly went to iTunes, downloaded the Awake album, and listened to it last night and this morning on my walk to the GO train.

Groban makes me happy, okay? He's got the voice of an angel. Shut up.

Anywho. That's it for Monday morning. Hope you're doing as well as I am, Internet. And if not - you may want to check out a little "You are loved (Don't give up)" by Josh. He'll bring you back from the brink of utter depression with the chorus. I'm telling you. The heavens will open up.

This post contains the word whore. Reader discretion advised.

It's Friday! Normally, I would follow that up with "at long last". But this week went kind of quickly... so I'm not really in the "workin' for the weekend" mode right now. Bonus!

So. Things that are going on with me. Let's see...

Hubby and I are dining out tonight, perhaps at one of our favourite local restaurants, and I'm quite giddy at the thought. Is it odd that I'm giddy at the thought of eating at a restaurant? Or is it just sad? You decide, dear Internet. I will be okay with your decision. Really, I will.

Either way. We're going out for some yummy food and then hubby's going out to play hockey with his beloved beer league, and I will go home and promptly fall asleep. (This also excites me). Because when you're almost 30? Your priorities change. An exciting weekend is eating out, having MAYBE one glass of wine and going to bed early.

Sigh.

Anyway - so yeah. Back to the 30 thing. I'm almost 30!! Only 2 weeks tomorrow, in fact. And you know what? I'm more than okay with it.

First of all - I love my birthday (hello - ATTENTION WHORE!) But seriously. When else do you get to be the center of attention and get showered with gifts, drinks, cake and your favourite foods? When else do you have people saying "Let me do the dishes for you. You shouldn't be doing them today"???

Second - I liken myself to a fine wine. I'm just getting better and better with age. Of course, this is just my opinion. If I were to ask hubster what he thinks, he may have a different opinion.

And c) I'm having a party at my house to celebrate. And I hear rumours that many people will be coming! And bringing booze! And we will party. And we will drink. And we will be merry. And that makes me happy.

Because really? What more is there to life than being happy?

Not a whole heck of a lot, according to this almost-30-year old.

Getting my suitcase out now

Hubby and I are considering taking a trip to Australia in the fall. One of the 32 High Street boys is getting married there - so it's the perfect excuse to take that trip I've always wanted to take.

We're heading off to Mexico in March this year as well... but if we can save up the money, why not take the opportunity to travel all over the place? There's a big, beautiful world out there. And, other than a mortgage, hubby and I have nothing holding us back or tying us down. (Even with a mortgage - there's no reason NOT to travel in shorter chunks of time).

So far, I've been lucky enough to walk the grassy cliffs and share a pint with locals in Ireland. Sample the wine and pizza and gelato in Rome. And hike through the most beautiful scenery in Cinque Terra, Italy. I've snorkeled with sea lions and penguins in the Galapagos Islands. And I've seen toucans on the outskirts of the Amazon in Ecuador.

And that's just outside of North America. Although, when you think about the size of the world, I really haven't been to THAT many places. There's so much more just waiting for me.

I think the island of Tasmania, the unspoilt beaches and the amazing wildlife in Australia are calling to me.

Remembering Dads

I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for my husband's roommies from university. Those boys - the 32 High Street boys - are among the most wonderful group of guys I've ever met. They're fun, easy-going, and were a big part of mine and my husband's lives back in the golden days of uni.

When I saw one of those boys yesterday, I was pretty conflicted. His father had suddenly passed away 3 days earlier, which meant we were seeing him at the visitation.

His Dad was a young (63), fit, healthy guy who was extremely close to his family. He had spent that day working, relaxing, going for a short workout on the treadmill... feeling fine. Just like any other day. When he went to bed that night, he couldn't really get comfortable, so he told his wife he'd sleep on the couch so that he wouldn't keep her awake.

The next morning, she went downstairs at 7am and he was dead.

Gone. Just like that.

As my husband, another friend and I tearfully hugged our old university roommie, he grabbed onto my shoulders and leaned in, making certain he was making eye contact with me.

"Hug your Dad the next time you see him. Okay?"

I will. I promise.

Vodkavodkavodkavodkavodka

Guess what happens when you mix 1 Hezzie with 7 parts vodka and a handful of 23-year olds? Yes. Sickness ensues.

Actually, I joke. I'm not really that sick. Just feeling a teensy bit hungover after I spent the evening gallivanting with the young'uns from my office.

We headed out to a heated patio (Best. Invention. Ever.) and had some drinks, interesting debates and a lot of good conversation. All in all - it was a good way to spend a cold, winter's night.

Even better, because I have THE BEST HUSBAND IN THE WORLD, I was driven home in a warm, toasty car. Door-to-door service! Hubster picked me up around 11pm downtown Toronto, even though he had to get up early for work today. He rocks.

Oh, and on the topic of the rocking-ness of my hubby... that reminds me of when I got to the "let-me-tell-you-how-much-I-love-my-husband" level of drunkeness last night. Yes. I went there. I gushed about how I find hubster (and I quote) "alarmingly good-looking".

My coworkers were sweet and indulged me for a moment before changing the subject to something less awkward. (Because really? What does one say when someone is gushing about how hot their husband is? How strange would it be if they agreed or disagreed??)

Anyway. So that was my evening. It was fun! I love my 23 year old coworkers. (And I have discovered a new love for vodka, too).

Top o' the morning to me

Went to the dentist this morning. So I didn't have time to blog.

But now... I have a moment AND a fabulously thrilling "my trip to the dentist" blog to regale you with.

For all of you who didn't immediately close this window upon reading that last sentence... don't worry! I'm not really going to talk about Hez going to the dentist. Just thought I'd try to make my morning sound more interesting than it really was.

I woke up today feeling pretty groggy and kind of grumpy. I was tired and feeling weak (before breakfast) and so not in the mood for anything. And then I thought about my sister-in-law who now has a wee one to care for 24/7.

What happens on the mornings when she wakes up feeling like I did today? She can never just "call in sick" on her baby. (I'm pretty sure that won't fly with the little man). She can't be rude and grumpy with her child (well, technically she could... but she wouldn't). She can't feel sorry for herself and crawl under the blankets and ignore the world.

Then again, parents tell me that just seeing their little mini-me make it all worth it. I obviously don't get that (not being a parent myself).

I think I'll stick with feeling sorry for myself.

I'm a foodie

So I've made it through another weekend without over-eating. Hurrah! (Gotta celebrate the little things).

Here's the sitch: I'm going to sunny Mexico for a wedding in March. It's a friend's wedding, so several of my friends will be going as well. Which means I'm very, very excited for the good times we'll all have in the sun and the sand and the surf.

However, despite the anticipation of good times, there's this little voice in the back of my head that calls out to me: "YOUR FRIENDS ARE GOING TO SEE YOU IN A BATHING SUIT?!?? REALLY?!?"

So, yeah. This would be the reason why I've joined Weight Watchers online. And I know I sound like one of the MANY that jumps on the January band-wagon and falls off by the beginning of Feb... but this time, I'm really serious. Seriously.

Actually, as much as I hate "diets" and the diet mentality and the obsession that comes along with it, I've learned something new this time around on Weight Watchers. I've got a whole new awareness. Of how much I eat. How much I drink. Whether I'm really hungry or just bored.It's pretty interesting.

I mean, I'm a total foodie. I LOVE food. (As I'm sure you're all aware, since I write about food quite often). So, I can't diet. It just doesn't work for me. However, this time around, I'm still enjoying all the foods I love, but in smaller doses. Normal-people doses. Which means it doesn't necessarily feel like a "diet" to me.

So even when the trip is over in March, I'll most likely still be conscious of what I'm eating. And I'm thinking that before I know it... I'll be looking pretty darn hot.

(Or at the very least, I'll be my ideal weight.)

Welcome to the world, little man

So. It's official. I'm an auntie!!!

Hubster's brother and his wife had their first little baby boy yesterday. And now hubby and I's main purpose and goal in life is to strive to be the "cool" aunt and uncle. (I don't think we'll have to try very hard... have you met us? Come on. We rock).

I haven't had a chance to meet the little guy yet (we're going to see him after work tonight), but I can tell you (from pictures) that: HE. IS. CUTE!

Hubby describes him as "squishy" (which is a good thing, according to him). And I just can't wait to get that squishy little guy into my arms. To welcome him to the world. To watch him grow over the years. And learn. And become his own little person with thoughts and aspirations and goals.

And then, when he cries, or gets fussy, or smells like poo, or - as he gets older - starts asking questions of an uncomfortable nature (ie: S-E-X)... I'll give him right back.

Being an aunt is going to be fun.

New thoughts

I honestly cannot think of anything fun/witty/cool/engaging to write today.

Instead, I leave you with a selection of some New Year quotes, from people much more funny/witty/cool/engaging than I:

New Year's Day - Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~Mark Twain

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world. ~Ann Landers

New Year's Eve, where auld acquaintance be forgot. Unless, of course, those tests come back positive. ~Jay Leno

New year, new me...

... is what I would title this blog entry if I wanted to be super-cliché-lady. Either way... I've jumped on the ol' bandwagon that everyone else does around this time of year.

And that would be the diet bandwagon.

I even went so far as to join Weight Watchers online in hopes of dropping my fair share of holiday weight gain. (And then some).

So, it begins. Obsessive counting of points (sorry - Points™). Endless thoughts about food. My clean break from my dear, dear love affair with the pale ale. And so on.

I'm so not going to post my weight in lbs. or even give you daily updates. Because - yeah. You just don't need to know the dirty details. But I will discuss it now and again, as it will definitely be on my mind for a while.

And if you care to join me in a quest for the perfect (who am I kidding?) adequate bathing suit bod, then hop right on the ol' bandwagon with me! There's plenty of room.

Cheers

Phew. What a year. What a holiday season.

I had one of the best Christmases I've ever had in my adult life (you just can't compare to the joy of Christmas being a kid... EVERYTHING is cool and exciting and fun and amazing about the holidays when you're an ankle biter).

Anyway, so I had an amazing season. Had so much fun with my extended family at our annual potluck Christmas party. Enjoyed a delicious meal and great company at the in-law's house on Christmas Eve. And had the BEST Christmas Day ever with my family... opening presents, playing games, eating, laughing, crying a little (happy tears!) It was perfect.

And now... it's a new year. An exciting year ahead, too. I've got 5 weddings to go to. I'm going to be a first-time Auntie in a matter of weeks. I'm heading to Mexico to watch good friends get married (and to enjoy a margartia or two in the sun, Momma Sita). It's all new and exciting. 

And things just keep getting better and better. 

Welcome, 2009. I'm so ready for you.