Goodbye January!

The weekend is over! It always seems to go by so quick doesn't it? Thankfully we have a long weekend in 2 weeks.

I love Sunday nights because they are so calm and chill. Right now I am watching the Grammys. Lady Gaga and Elton John just opened up the show together which was pretty awesome. It was almost like watching a pair at a duelling piano bar with Elton on one side and Gaga on the other. Who knew Gaga even played piano?! I sure didn't! But I applaud her. I think she is truly the next Madonna! She has that shock value where you never know what to expect. Her outfits, her hair, her sets....it's always one big unconventional show. She is one crazy lady and I like it!

This week was quite the week! On Wednesday I went to a USS concert presented by YouTube as part of Advertising Week in Toronto (see pics). This was my second time seeing these guys perform (first was at Sausage Fest in August). I've liked these guys since their hit song "Hallow Point Sniper Hyperbole" hit the airwaves early this summer. They have a very unique sound--kind of a spunky funk/dance feel. They also have amazing energy on stage! While they were performing on Wednesday they began jumping around on stage and even came down to dance with us in the crowd! I really love when bands have fun with the crowd, it really sparks a great connection with them. And what makes this band even more great? They are CANADIAN!! :)

On Friday night I went to another show at the Hard Rock Cafe with my friend Ashley. There was some sort of rock competition show going on and Ashley knew one of the bands, Moira Darling. They are a metal/grunge band from Belleville and to be honest, I am a HUGE fan of such hard rock, but these guys were pretty good! I like the Hard Rock Cafe, it's a nice comfortable venue and very clean. It's right at Dundas Square so the view is amazing while chilling in the upstairs bar area.

Last night I went to visit Eric in Barrie. We went out for a nice dinner and then relaxed at home. Today I went to visit my parents. It was nice to see them because I think they really miss my sister and I not being home all the time. I guess it's a hard transition period to see your kids growing up and fleeing the nest. But I hope that they know they are still needed and I will always be around for them. Especially now that we are getting our new puppy!! I have been thinking about maybe moving back home for a few months starting in March just to help out with the training. However, as much as I love being at home....it can also drive me a little crazy :S

So tomorrow is February! I can't believe it! I am very excited though because next week I am officially starting my condo search. The areas I am mainly looking at are Liberty Village, Bloor West Village and Downsview. It's going to be fun looking for a place to call my own, but it's also going to take a lot of work and patience. In the end I think it will be worth it though.

So goodbye January! Welcome Fabulous February :)

Life's Puzzle

Do you ever look inside your heart
to see what it is you really need
what you really desire
what you really crave
What is your reason to breathe?

You can blame the common people
for things you can not change
Conform yourself to one of them
Before it's too late

If for just one moment I could turn back time
Worry less and forget about the rest
I'd listen to the heart beat telling me to stop
Turn around and try again

Cooking can be fun! Who knew!?

Today is January 24th. JANUARY! And it is RAINING outside and 5 degrees!!! What is happening to this world. After spending 300 dollars on snow tires and 120 dollars on waterproof winterboots...I am a little ticked that there is barely any snow this winter. It makes me wonder more and more about global warming and what exactly is happening to our once beautiful green earth.

The weekend is over....it always seems to go by so fast! I had a rather pleasant weekend. Eric and I went to a cooking lesson last night for couples in Barrie. I bought him this as a present for Christmas. We arrived to the cooking school at 7pm (actually 7:05), Eric was late getting out the door which really angered me, but we got there and that's all that matters. Once we arrived we saw the other 11 couples waitig in a lovely dining room area and we were introduced to our chef/instructor for the evening. He was a cute old British man who reminded me of a typical chef you would see on a cooking show. He gave us each a menu with the courses we were to make for the evening. Everything looked so delicious...but also way over our heads! We NEVER cook, so this looked like a challenge!

We started with the dessert, a yummy tiramusu made with coffee dipped lady fingers and cream. Once the chef showed us how to do it, we all went to our own tables to make it ourselves. It was so simple yet so wonderful! It took all of 4 minutes to make! It was then taken away and put in the fridge for us to eat later.

The next instruction was on a delicious appetizer salad with mozarella cheese and tomatoes. Just watching him show us how to make it was making me hungry!!! He then showed us how to make mushroom risotto rice and three other entrees. We had a choice of which entree to make and us, like most of the couples, chose the chicken with sage and proscuito. It seemed hard at first, but with a little help we were soon grilling up the chicken on the stove and frying the asparagus in a pan of butter. We were actually doing it!! Amazing for first timers!!

Almost 3 hours later after all the slicing, dicing and flouring.....we were able to sit down to a delcious gourmet dinner with the other couples. I was extremely pleased with what we had made. At first I thought it would have been completely disastorous but it was actually awesome!! Who knew cooking could be so fun, simple and yummy!? Usually when I read recipes and see the huge list of ingredients, I get anxious, nervous and worried! Mostly because a) I don't know what half the ingredients are and b) It looks complex and time consuming. I realize now that cooking should be an enjoyable thing that takes practice and patience. I wish I didn't eat out so often, but I feel like society gives us no options...everywhere you go there is something quicker, faster and cheaper than making your own meals. Especially after work when you are tired and just want to go home and eat without worrying about boiling water, thawing the meat etc etc.

I think I am going to make more of a conscious effort to make my meals at home. It will be tough indeed, but I really want to try for my myself. For my health and my wallet! It will require some planning and organization...but I am good at that! Cooking can be for me and you! It can be for everyone :)

New Dog...Old Feelings

Well it's been 8 lonely months since our beloved West Highland Terrier, Calvin passed away. It's been so rough not having him in the house. I used to get so excited to visit home because I knew I would always be warmly welcomed with Calvin's sharp bark and warm cuddles. I feel like a piece of the family puzzle is missing. When Calvin was around, somehow, our family all connected. He was the center of our world. When he died, a little part of each of us died inside. I had never seen my father in such an emotional state; it was indeed the deepest tragedy our family has had to go through.







And now...here we are, already with a new westie ready for us to pick up and take home to call our own. It feels a bit weird to be getting another one so soon, but I am also excited. I know it won't be the same as Calvin, but I am hoping it will bring some happiness and life to the house, especially for Mom and Dad. With my sister and I gone from the house, they are pretty lonely and need something to keep them entertained.







It's amazing what animals can do for people and their spirits. It truly is a remarkable thing that I will always treasure. Pets are what make us complete. I never understood people who hated pets, because I feel like they are really missing out on great companionship, amazing memories and a piece of their soul.







I have attached a picture of my two previous pets, Buzzy the bunny and Calvin the westie. Sometimes just looking at the pictures make me weepy, but they also bring back old feelings of happiness and joy. In addition, I have attached a picture of our new westie, who is still nameless! We are getting him in a short one month's time! So far the names we like are: Mac, Charlie, Simon and Ben. What are your suggestions?

The Winter Blahs

It's January! Surprisingly the month is going by at a rapid pace. It seems like winter has been pretty calm this year as we haven't had any real major snow storms *knock on wood*!
I never really liked January, the holidays are over, everyone is miserably trudging into work from the snow and the days are frigid and unpleasant. But at least the days are getting longer! It is now still light out when I get home from work which is awesome. We all need a little sunshine in our life, and that doesn't necessarily have to come from the actual sun.

Sometimes when I am down I think about all the great things I am thankful for. I think about all the things in this world that cause me such great joy...no matter how big or small. Here is a list of just some of those things! What are some things that make you happy?

1-Taking a nice hot shower
2-Going to the salon and getting a snazzy new cut and sharp highlights--I feel like a true star :)
3-Ripping open a new CD and listening to it for the first time
4-Cruising in the car with the music loud and riding along the highway---I feel so free!
5-Spooning!
6-The soreness my body feels the day after a really good workout
7-Laughing until tears come out of my eyes
8-Coming home to fresh meals
9-Going to the library and collecting new books to read through
10-Riding a bike in the summer time to anywhere and everywhere
11-Cat naps
12-Dancing
13-A pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks--with skim milk and no whip!
14-Waking up on Christmas morning and seeing everyone's reactions to your gifts
15-Wearing a sexy pair of heels
16-Back rubs from my love
17-Getting an eyebrow wax
18-Snuggling by the fire
19-Sipping cocktails at a fancy bar
20-Getting a smile from a stranger

Goodlife Fitness--The McDonald's of Gyms

So I've been a member of Goodlife Fitness for the past 6 months now and I must admit it is quite convenient. There are clubs everywhere I go, so there is really no excuse for me not to work out. The location I use most is the one across the street from my work, I go there on my lunch hour almost everyday and I feel like it has now become part of my regular routine. If I skip the gym for one day I feel guilty and upset with myself. I like that I can incorporate fitness into my life because Goodlife makes it nearly impossible for me to make excuses about location or hours.

While I have a lot of good things to say about this gym, I only have one complaint and that is that each of their classes is exactly the same at every location! Same music, same moves, same types of teachers. It is like the McDonald's of gyms....it's always the same no matter where you go. So far I have done classes at three different locations: Toronto, Georgetown and North York and not one was any different than the other. Personally, I like going to any type of class where I can experience something new and make a connection with the teacher. But it seems like each instructor is so robotic that almost anyone can teach these classes. It also bothers me that the classes barely use any equipment i.e. yoga balls, light weights, steps, stretch bands. I feel like for the majority of their classes are moves you could do in your own basement on a video DVD.

Today I tried a BodyFlow class which was really good. It was a combo of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates. However, the whole time we just stayed on a mat. I think it would be more beneficial to use a type of stability ball or light weight in that type of class, but I don't understand why they don't do this. Yesterday I did the Body Attack class and all we did was run around the room non stop for an hour. It was just boring. If people want people to enjoy fitness programs, they need to make them a little more fun.

I love Goodlife Fitness for the most part, but that is just my one and only criticism.
As Body Break would always say "Keep Fit and Have Fun!"

Eff Resolutions!

So it's officially the new year...welcome 2010!
I suppose this is the time of year where people think it's a good idea to make changes. These changes aka resolutions, in my opinion, are stupid. Why must we wait until January to make changes in our lives? If we want something to change, why can't we do it right away? It never made sense to me. But I guess there is no harm in trying to better yourself. At least with a positive mindset, one can at least attempt to achieve these goals. But as I said, I don't make resolutions, because knowing me, they would be broken within two weeks. Instead, I like to look at what is ahead for the following 12 months and see what amazing things are ahead.
This year I plan to take a vacation to somewhere warm. Perhaps Miami or Mexico. This past weekend I just bought a pair of skates and hope to get out and actually try to enjoy the dreadful season of winter. My family is also hoping to get another dog in the spring, so that will be a lot of work on all our parts. But I am looking forward to it because I miss having a dog. This year shall bring some crazy fun, that is for sure! But I assume there will also be a lot of bad things happening in the world as well....
Yesterday night I went to the website for Psychic Nikki, a frequent guest on the Dean Blundell radio show on Edge 102.1. On her website she gives a giant list of her predictions for the upcoming year from upcoming fashion trends to celebrity deaths. At first I laughed as I scrolled down the list, until I reached the bottom of the page where it shows the predictions Nikki made last year and which of them were true. Among the 2009 predictions were the death of Michael Jackson, Sarah Palin's tell all book and the plane crash over the Hudson River.
This kind of freaked me out a little because of how accurate and specific her predictions were. For her 2010 predicitions, she predicts such things as a terrorist attack in Toronto, Buckingham Palace catching fire and an Obama assassination. How scary is that?!
I don't know much about psychics or how accurate they are, but if she predicted the above mentioned things for 2009, I am a little bit worried.
But who knows? Maybe she is just guessing. Or maybe it's like those tabloid "newspapers" you see on the stand that claim "Jesus is coming" and the "End of the World is Here". Complete and utter fluff. But who knows?! These are just the opinions and predictions of others, wheteher we choose to believe or not is another story.
Check out some of Psychic Nikki's predictions for 2010 here: http://www.psychicnikki.com/predictions.html