Guilty as Sin

I couldn't help myself. We're going away this week to visit Spence and Mich down in Oregon - and the thought of being back on the 15th and not having a single decoration up got me thinking...what would it hurt to put a few christmas items out? Sure it's early, but if starbucks can do it, why can't I?

The view to my right:

 

Judge me if you must....but I have no regrets.

Riders vs. Lions

My little sisters decided to split their loyalties last week at the Riders/Lions Football game. My Step-Mom is a die-hard Riders Fan(not that there is any other kind I suppose) and my Dad cheers for the Lions.

 

 How cute are they?!

 Muttie and Lissey representing the green!

Missing the Mustache

We've developed a bit of a family tradition for Halloween.  Every year, the fam-damily and our appropriate groupies (and by groupies I mean our beloved friends who put up with our ridiculous antics) dress up and party accordingly at my Aunt and Uncle's place. This year, the man and I decided to go for something a little different (alright, I decided, he conceded).  So without further adue, I give you Sonny and Cher:

 Truth be told, I'm almost positive that Dave thought he would make a beautiful woman once I put the look together for him....but acknowledges that this 'look' should never(and will never) happen again...although he did fill out his dress quite nicely if I do say so myself.

 

Trena as Dave the Mechanic, Jalen as a matured PEBBLES(or any cave woman for that manner), Tash as Amy Winehouse, and I as a shockingly convincing Sonny Bono.

* I should mention that Tash likes to point out how much shorter I am than the others in this photo.  I explained to her that my lack of height aids me in situations where I need to creep on people as much as possible. The mustache doesn't hurt the creep-factor either.

 This picture was snapped by Trena earlier in the day when I was putting on Dave's makeup (which, by the way, was possibly the greatest moment of my life to date)...

 Karla - looking sexier than usual.

Guy -ready to save Gotham with inflatable muscles.

Tracey - the cutest mouse in town....with quite the gut.

 NaTRASHa D'AgoNASTY as Amy Winehouse and her enabler, Mike the drug dealer. Classy bunch we are.

Overall, we accomplished what we set out to do - dress like fools and embarrass ourselves and others thoroughly. Great night everyone....

Overdue seems right on time

I had a birthday. A Champagne Birthday, in fact (24 on the 24th).  My friends, who are possibly the most fantastic women on the face of this world, celebrated with me for an evening out.  Beautiful people, excellent jazz, good wine....it was perfect.  Kudos to Jay for planning a wonderful night for me(knowing Dave was going to be out of town) and staying the weekend....I'm a spoiled not-so-young woman.

Chit Chat with Guy Smiley

Here is a picture-of-a-picture I found of my Uncle Guy and I taken in 1990 (or close to):

One thing I remember about my childhood is that I always loved to talk with adults.  I enjoyed being included in grown-up conversations, even when I had little to no idea of what they were talking about.  I'm not sure why I had such an interest in adulthood.  There are a lot of things I love about being an adult....but who doesn't long for the days when you could literally sip a glass of juice with your oh-so-hilarious Uncle Guy and feel like the most interesting girl in the world?  I know I do :) Good thing he still makes me feel that way.

In Her Shoes

My beloved sister and I went shopping last week for my birthday.  Not only was it a much needed catch up day with my Jay Bird, it was a chance for us to spend almost an entire afternoon trying on shoes and outfits without time restraints or bored husbands.  A few facts on my sister just to help you understandwhy I was privileged to have her as my personal co-shopper:
1) She is very stylish, yet unconventional.  She doesn't restrict herself to certain colours or clothing types - she simply puts together outfits and accessories based on what looks good and suits her.  I, on the other hand, fall prey to many stigma's and rules about what I can and definitely not pull off. 
2) She makes me laugh ALL THE TIME.
3) She patiently will wait for me to sort through an entire sales rack (when she knows full well that there is nothing in there worth even 50% off) just so I can leave feeling like I did a thorough job.
4) She's generous with compliments, and to be honest, that's pretty needed when you spend the day trying things on and not looking anything like the mannequins.
5) She makes me branch out and try clothing and accessories that I otherwise would rule out. 
Here is an example:

These booties looked FANTASTIC on Jalen.  She has long limbs and they were delighted to be extended in these.  She then persuades me to try them on.  Though I didn't get the A+ rating I had given to her, I did receive a B+.....and that's good enough for me! She bought me the shoes. I love them, I love her (but not in that order).

Bad Ass

I have now officially seen it all.

This little guy and his owner came to hear our band perform at the Children's Wish Foundation fundraiser last week.  Pretty hardcore, eh?

Though he's nowhere near as cute as Howie the Wonder Dog....even with a dramatic new haircut :

UGH - I love him.

One Fine Lady

My Grandma Saip is absolutely fabulous.  She is one of my very favourite people. She had her 79th birthday last week, and I can assure you that she is every bit as beautiful now as she was as a blushing bride 52 years ago. Happy Birthday Grandma - I love you!

Elda Lorraine on her Wedding Day

Canuck Fever

I love the canucks. I love going to hockey games, even minor hockey ones, but there is something entirely magical about being at a canucks game. Generally, when I'm heading downtown for hockey night, I'm somewhat nervous and anxious - anticipating the anthem-singing I have ahead of me. But not Saturday. Saturday, I simply had the full-on fan experience. It was the 40th anniversary for the Canucks - as well as the home opener - what a presentation they put on! Henrik was presented with his Captain's 'C', they had 16 members from the original team there, and the LA Kings played their first game with our former Canuck - Willie Mitchell. Our tickets were row 7, in the back left corner of the opposing team's net - great seats, great company, great game! Although it ended up in an unfavourable shootout for us.....we still had a fantastic time :)

 possibly the only time in our lives that we will wear the same outfit....

J Squared

I was offered last minute Jack Johnson concert tickets.  They were for a deluxe mid-level ice suite at Rogers Arena. I took them without hesitation.
Trena and I went with Ann and her friend Jen - we enjoyed the luxuries of a full catered evening and live music from one of my very favourite performers. It's evenings like this that I am reminded - Life is tough :)
We went out afterwards for cocktails at the Speakeasy on Granville Street. A perfect end to a fantastic evening.

 The host - Robby McRobertson and I

Kiwi Birthday

Trena Trena Trena.  She's fantastic. She's hilarious. She's a kiwi.  I love her.

We had a Girl's Night to celebrate her birthday in White Rock at Charlie Don't Surf. Here is the evidence:

 3 of my very favourite people.

 Ladies

 The lovely Darcy and I

The birthday girl!

Whistler Wonderland

Since we didn't have any vacation this summer, Dave and I decided to escape to Whistler for a little mini-getaway.  We had a fabulous time and a lovely stay at the Chateau Fairmont - what a place! Here are a couple of pictures from our trip:

 

walking to the village

 

saturday shopping 

 

he's the very best there is.

Tonight we'll be heading downtown for dinner and to catch the Canuck's home opener. Life is good :)

3rd time's a charm...right?!

I placed as a finalist....again! Here's hoping October yields a surprising win...

To see the winning caption and other finalists, visit Anne's site.

Like a Hobo

CHARLIE WINSTON - Like a hobo (FD acoustic SESSION)
Uploaded by faitsdiversshow. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Why? Because we love them.

They're leaving on Saturday.  Who? The other halves.  Right now i'm in a state of denial....but I know the time will be here soon.  Until then, I continue to get the send-offs ready....and kleenex.

Here is the book we put together at the Going Away party Saturday.....more pictures to come!

Liggity - Lyle

Here is an update (and brief summary) on Jay's blog of what's been happening in our family in the last little while....
Update on Lyle

I'm Definitely a Big Deal.

I entered a 'caption contest' on Anne Taintor's website.  I love her company and decided to try for a free shopping spree by entering some ideas for new product captions.  I didn't win for July - but I did get a shout-out on her website! Good enough for me :)

an honourable mention on anne taintor's website = possibly my crowning achievement.

See it on Anne's Blog

Fountain of Youth

This is a recent picture of myself and one of my very favourite people - the one and only Uncle Buggsy.  Please note the lack of wrinkles (or any signs of age for that matter) on this man.  He's the big 5-1. YES, I know - He looks 30. He's promised to pass on his youthful secrets to me....

he better.

Pretend it's the 9th, ok?

                                               My Father, doing what he does best...

Happy Birthday Dad!

Inked By Heart

Jay, Mom and I travelled south for a girl's getaway this past labour day weekend.  It was oh-so-fabulous -pretty farihaven strolls, outlet shopping, gorgeous dinner views and family tattoos.... yes, you read that correctly.
We mentioned the idea, we saw an open shop (old school tattoo) and we took the plunge. spontaneous, crazy...perfect. We're hardcore like that.

we saw an opportunity....

Being the bravest of the three, I went first.  They waited in fear...

she didn't love it. please note the uncomfortable expression.

The finished product today - fully healed :)

Kanga or Dingo?

Burgoo. That's the name of the restaurant we chose for our date night with the Bonsers a couple of weeks ago.  Though not the most appetizing of names for a restaurant, we had a fantastic time and plane to return in the near future.  The food, service and atmosphere (not to mention company!) was wonderful. 

Simbo and Lancelot enjoying the lack of proper picture-taking lighting.

Back from the Dark Ages

We finally, YES - finally, have an internet connection in our apartment.  As frustrating as it was to be without endless surfing options, we managed to get by with our BB's and chalk it up to a much needed cyber-break. Prepare for some catch-up posts...

Life Truths

I'm on a blogging hiatus (all due to the fact that I have been crazy busy AND without internet for almost a month now...I promise to do my best to return shortly) but here is a little something my Auntie Terri sent me that I thought was quite appropriate:

Life's Truths for Adults
 

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.


5. Really, how ARE you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?


6. Was learning cursive really necessary?


7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5.  I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighbourhood.


8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.


9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.


10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray?  I don't want to have to restart my collection ... again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring  (Hello? Hello? Crap!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail.  What did you do after I didn't answer?  Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good (and then having a hot flash) and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day.  What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewellers.  I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Light than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front.  Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty.  Underwear gets dirty.  Pants?  Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey  --  but I'll bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time 

She loves Feedback

My good friend and colleague Simone just LOVES to get countless hours of edits sent back to her.  It makes her day.

Not actually - but the ridiculousness of this feedback just HAD to be shared.  We either had to laugh or cry....so we're laughing.

Notice the sheer joy on her face....

I'm going to miss this. actually. 

A Drinking Problem

Here's the thing...
I like it. A lot.  It makes me feel good and helps with my digestion.  It's a good chaser for shots of wheat grass (yes, I've started taking shots of wheat grass in the morning), and it is brilliantly packages/marketed.  So don't judge me....just join me.

this is my stash at work. 

chill, I only have one a day.

Vanity is Relative

the newest addition:

beautiful ain't she? and mine all mine....

thank you craigslist!

He's a Jerk....but I love this.

Here is a hilarious email trail taken from David Thorne's website:


PARTY in 3C

From: David Thorne Date: Monday 8 Dec 2008 11.04am To: Matthew Smythe Subject: R.S.V.P. Dear Matthew, Thankyou for the party invite. At first glance I thought it may be a child’s party what with it being vibrant and  having balloons but I realise you probably did your best with what little tools were available.  I wouldn’t miss it for the world. What time would you like me there? Regards, David. From: Matthew Smythe Date: Monday 8 Dec 2008 3.48pm To: David Thorne Subject: Re: R.S.V.P. Hi David Sorry the note was just to let you know that we might be a bit loud that night. The house warming is really just for  friends and family but you can drop past for a beer if you like. Cheers Matthew From: David Thorne Date: Monday 8 Dec 2008 5.41pm To: Matthew Smythe Subject: Re: Re: R.S.V.P. Thanks Matthew, Including me in your list of friends and family means a lot. You and I don’t tend to have long discussions when we meet  in the hallway and I plan to put a stop to that. Next time we bump into each other I intend to have a very long conversation  with you and I am sure you are looking forward to that as much as I am. I have told my friend Ross that you are having a  party and he is as excited as I am. Do you want us to bring anything or will everything be provided? Regards, David. From: Matthew Smythe Date: Tuesday 9 Dec 2008 10.01am To: David Thorne Subject: Re: Re: Re: R.S.V.P. Hi David As I said, my housewarming is just for friends and family. There is not a lot of room so cant really have to many people come.  Sorry about that mate. Cheers Matthew From: David Thorne Date: Tuesday 9 Dec 2008 2.36pm To: Matthew Smythe Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: R.S.V.P. Dear Matthew, I can appreciate that, our apartments are not very large are they? I myself like to go for a jog every night to keep fit but fear  leaving the house so I have to jog on the spot taking very small steps with my arms straight down. I understand the problems of space  restrictions all too well. If you would like to store some of your furniture at my place during the party you are quite welcome to - if we  move your cane furniture into my spare room for the night and scatter cushions on the ground, that would provide a lot more seating  and create a cozy atmosphere at the same time. I have a mirror ball that you can borrow. I have told Ross not to invite anyone else due to the space constraints so it will just be us two and my other friend Simon.  When I told Simon that Ross and I were going to a party he became quite angry that I had not invited him as well so I really didn’t have  any choice as he can become quite violent. Sometimes I am afraid to even be in the same room as him. So just myself, Ross and Simon. Simon’s girlfriend has a work function on that night but might come along after that if she can get a lift with friends. Regards, David. From: Matthew Smythe Date: Tuesday 9 Dec 2008 4.19pm To: David Thorne Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: R.S.V.P.  Nobody can come to the houswarming party it is just for friends and family. I dont even know these people.  How do you know I have cane furniture? Are you the guy in apartment 1? From: David Thorne Date: Tuesday 9 Dec 2008 6.12pm To: Matthew Smythe Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: R.S.V.P. Hi Matthew, I understand it is an exclusive party and I appreciate you trusting my judgement on who to bring. I just assumed you have cane furniture, doesn’t everybody? Cane is possibly one of the most renewable natural resources we have after plastic, it is not only strong but  lightweight and attractive. Every item in my apartment is made of cane, including my television. It looks like the one from Gilligan’s Island but  is in colour of course. Do you remember that episode where a robot came to the island? That was the best one in my opinion. I always  preferred Mary Anne to Ginger, same with Flintstones - I found Betty much more attractive than Wilma but then I am not really keen on  redheads at all. They have freckles all over their body did you know? It’s the ones on their back and shoulders that creep me out the most. Anyway, Ross rang me today all excited about the party and asked me what the theme is, I told him that I don’t think there is a theme and  we discussed it and feel that it should be an eighties themed party. I have a white suit and projector and am coming as Nik Kershaw.  I have made a looping tape of ‘wouldn’t it be good’ to play as I am sure you will agree that this song rocks and has stood the test of time  well. I am in the process of redesigning your invites appropriately and will get a few hundred of them printed off later today. I will have to ask  you for the money for this as print cartridges for my Epson are pretty expensive. They stopped making this model a month after I bought it and  I have to get the cartridges sent from China. Around $120 should cover it. You can just pop the money in my letter box if I don’t see you  before tonight. Regards, David. From: Matthew Smythe Date: Wednesday 10 Dec 2008 11.06pm To: David Thorne Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: R.S.V.P. What are you talking about? There is no theme for the party it is just a few friends and family. noone else can come IT IS ONLY FOR MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY do you understand? Do not print anything out because I am not paying for something I dont need and didnt ask you to do! look I am sorry but i am heaps busy and that night is not convenient. Are you in Apatrment1? From: David Thorne Date: Thursday 11 Dec 2008 9.15am To: Matthew Smythe Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: R.S.V.P. Hello Matthew, I agree that it is not very convenient and must admit that when I first received your invitation I was perplexed that it was on a Sunday night  but who am I to judge? No, I am in apartment 3B. Our bedroom walls are touching so when we are sleeping our heads are only a few feet  apart. If I put my ear to the wall I can hear you. I also agree with you that having a particular theme for your party may not be the best choice, it makes more sense to leave it open as a generic fancy dress party, that way everyone can come dressed in whatever they want. Once, I went to a party in a bear outfit which worked out well as it was freezing and I was the only one warm. As it won’t be cold the night of your party, I have decided to come as a ninja. I think it would be really good if you dressed as a ninja as well and we could perform a  martial arts display for the other guests. I have real swords and will bring them. If you need help with your costume let me know, I have made mine by wrapping a black t-shirt around my face with a hooded jacket and cut finger holes in black socks for the gloves. I do not have any black pants so will spray paint my legs on the night. It is a little hard to breathe in the costume so I will need you to keep the window open during the party to provide good air circulation.  Actually, I just had a thought, how awesome would it be if I arrived ‘through’ the window like a real ninja. We should definitely do that.  I just measured the distance between our balconies and I should be able to jump it. I once leaped across a creek that was over five metres wide and almost made it. Also, you mentioned in your invitation that if there was anything I needed, to let you know. My car is going in for a service next week and I was wondering, seeing as we are good friends now, if it would be ok to borrow yours on that day? I hate catching the bus as they are full of poor people who don’t own cars. Regards, David.

From: Matthew Smythe
Date: Thursday 11 Dec 2008 3.02pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: R.S.V.P.

WTF? No you cant borrow my car and there is no 3B. I reckon you are that guy from Apartment 1. You are not coming to my house warming and you are not bringing any of your friends. What is wrong with you??? The only people invited are friends and family I told you that. It is just drinks there is no fancy dress and only people i know are coming! I dont want to be rude but come on man.

From: David Thorne
Date: Sunday 14 Dec 2008 2.04am
To: Matthew Smythe
Subject: Party

Hello Matthew,

I have been away since Thursday so have not been able to check my email from home. Flying back late today in time for the party and just wanted to say that we are really looking forward to it. Will probably get there around eleven or twelve, just when it starts to liven up. Simon’s girlfriend Cathy’s work function was cancelled so she can make it afterall which is good news. She will probably have a few friends with her so they will take the minivan. Also, I have arranged a Piñata.

Regards, David.

Meet Joyce

Here she is! My beautiful new-to-me car.  We needed a second vehicle and after a lot of Craigslist-ing and advice from my Brother, we found Joyce. I love her, bright seafoam green exterior and all.  She is named after her beloved owner who had her from birth (14 years people) and teared up as we drove away with her last Friday.
Dave refers to her as "Candy the Escort" (for reasons I'm sure you can put together all on your own)....we have compromised to call her Joyce by day, and Candy by night.  Because all good escorts have a night name.

My Joyce has a spoiler on the back - so she's much sportier than this guy.

I promise pictures of the real Joyce soon :)

Simply the Best

We used to visit this place every time we'd go to Nova Scotia.  I could really go for a chicken burger right about now....

I'll settle for 25

Things I would like to do before I'm....well, let's say 30 (it only seems far away, I know).

1. Bike down the California coast

2. Host a Radio Show

3.  Enter a Baking Contest

4.  Build Wine Crate shelves

5. Visit all the Major League Baseball Stadiums (3 down)

6. Write a short-story book

7. Sail in Mexico

8. Photograph a wedding

9. Brew my own beer (and not drink it)

10. Park-hop in Disneyland with Jalen

11. Visit Garnish, Newfoundland  - where my GramBea was born

12. Record a Christmas CD with my family

13. Send my husband to watch spring training in AZ.

14. Travel somewhere by horseback

15.  Stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Oregon

16. Learn to Swing Dance

17. See Elton John live

18. Return to the ChickenBurger in Bedford, NS 

19. Crochet my own Monkey

20. Swim at Big Beach, Wailea (again)

21. Host Christmas Dinner

22. Perfect the Spanish Language

23. Return to Cuba and tour the entire country

24. Have kids and embarrass them daily

25. Sit on my Aunt Suzie’s porch in Nova Scotia and eat fresh cooked Lobster with my family