An Entry to Appease My Mother

Curtesy of Denise

1. Do you like blue cheese? In most cases no, but I do love some blue cheese crumbles on a hamburger. I think that's the only exception. One time I thought I'd be adventurous and I invited a bunch of people over for dinner and made steak with gorgonzola butter. About half the group either loved it or hated it, I was in the latter.
2. Have you ever smoked? Nope, not ever
3. Do you own a gun? That seems like such a silly question… I can't imagine anyone thinking I would own a gun.
4. What flavor Kool Aid is your favorite? I'm not really a Kool Aid fan, it's just so sugary and fake. I'd rather have water.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? Nah, I'm not really one to stress and the doctor is no exception.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? If they're those really cheap ones then they'd better be around a campfire with a smore to follow, if they're good quality, all meat smokies then this year I've discovered a love like never before.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? I know it's cheesy, but it's also a classic… White Christmas and A Christmas Story hold lots of family memories.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water. I know it's boring but I'm more a water person than a juice person. Although I did just discover this super yummy smoothie juice from Superstore. Too bad it's a little pricey.
9. Can you do push ups? Absolutely not. One time I decided I was sick of my really weak arms so I started doing push-ups at night before bed. I think it only lasted 5 days and then it was the weekend so I took two days off and never restarted.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding rings. So Sparkly and they represent something important
11. Favorite hobby? Softball. I'm slightly obsessed since it's softball season and I'm on a team. I could play every night, more than one game. That same sentiment is true of Carcassonne, I also freely admit that I have a problem and the Anvik's make great suppliers.
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No. I pride myself on being organized and attentive and I'm a good multi-tasker.
13. What's your weight? You know how people always tell you you'll gain weight after you get married? True in my case… we'll leave the number a mystery.
14. Middle name? Michelle. There's no good story behind it, it's just a name.
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment:I'm glad I won't have to walk home in the rain. Wish there wasn't dishes waiting for me when I get home. Wonder if thae Anviks will play Carcassonne after the Vipers game tonight.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Apple Juice (free at work) and a real fruit mix of something with mango in it that we buy when we feel rich.
17. Current worry? That we'll lose our next softball game
18. Current hate right now? MarshConnect… I don't want to learn a new system but more than that I don't want to do other's lame work for them.
19. Favorite place to be? Home with Brad, oh, or the Fireworks competition, that's a fave for sure.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? Games with family and friends, it was perfect.
21. Where would you like to go? Disneyland, Hawaii, the lake.
22. Do you own slippers? Almost more pairs than I can count… I've broken myself of that habit though and I don't replace them as they wear out..
23. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Cream with brown flowers.
24. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I've never owned any but I agree with Denise, I think I'd slide around too much. I like how cozy cotton ones are.
25. Can you whistle? Yes
26. Favorite color? Purple
27. Would you be a pirate? Nah, I'm far to high maintenance for that type of lifestyle. And I don't think scurvy would agree with me.
28. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower, never have. When I lived in the duplex next door to the 4 boys we used to be able to hear them sing in the shower, that was enjoyable.
29. Favorite Girl's Name? I've never been one of those people that picks out names… if I had to choose I'd probably go with Grace, after my grandma. It would take some serious thought though.
30. Favorite boy's name? Same deal as above minus the Grace Part
31. What's in your pocket right now? Girls pockets are just made to look fashionable. You don't actually use them.
32. Last thing that made you laugh? Last night when I ticked Brad, that was fun.
33. Best bed sheets as a child? I don't remember any fancy ones though I'm sure I had them.
34. Worst injury you've ever had? While running down the stairs my ring got caught on the metal plate. 3 stitches later you have my worst injury.
35. Do you love where you live? Yes except for how tiny it is. I love the price, the location and that I share it with Brad.
36. How many TVs do you have in your house? Just one and it's old and crappy. If my in-laws ever buy the new one they're planning on we'll get a free upgrade.
37. Who is your loudest friend? I work with this girl Amera. She's fabulous and fun and silly and beautiful and I love her but she's often very loud.
38. How many dogs do you have? None. And we'll probably keep it that way forever. Everyone in a while I get puppy fever but once I'm actually around dogs I remember that the novelty wears off in about 3 minutes.
39. Does someone have a crush on you? I bet Brad does :)
40. What is your favorite book? Maybe Wicked, or Life of Pi. I don’t know if they're my favorite but I enjoy them.
41. What is your favorite candy? Lindor Chocolates, gummy worms, sour soothers, Swedish berries, pretty much anything that's sugary.
42. Favorite Sports Team? That's a tough one. I watch hockey but only because Brad likes it… we don't have cable so I never get to watch baseball or I'd have a favorite for sure. I guess I would have to say the Flames but only because there's not much else to choose from.
43. What song do you want played at your funeral? I'm terrible at thinking of songs to fit the moment, this would require days of scrolling through my iPod.

Sorry it's not a better post but hopefully it'll be enough for now.
L

You'll probably roll your eyes and think this is sappy

There was a time when I came to be known as the airport taxi.
It seemed that everyone I knew was flying somewhere, I made trips weekly to the airport and there's one thing I learned.

I love picking people up at the airport. I love standing at the gate watching the crowd of people waiting for someone they love. That moment of anticipation. I love the little children waiting for the mothers and the girlfriend waiting for her boyfriend. The welcome is so sincere, the hugs are long and tight and sometimes there are tears.

But last night I was there waiting for the one I love, and I was finally one of them.
He was coming home for me and I missed him.
L

New Ideas about Love

I just read this interesting article on marriage and read three things that I wanted to remember, I figured what better place to put them than here.

The first is a little depressing,
"In a series of studies over 13 years, Gottman and his researchers observed couples from the first few months of marriage through the birth of a child. This year, he announced that 67 percent of the couples in his studies experienced a drop in relationship happiness in the first three years of a baby's life (and were twice as likely to divorce)."

67 percent is a staggering number! I was really surprised that it was that high. To avoid that he talks about how important it is become a team early on, before the baby comes and make sure there are no pre-existing problems.

The second point was a really good idea I thought. Peter Fraenkel, a doctor talks about how some couples are so busy they never have time for each other. He also suggested that scheduling time together wasn't much better as it just made for one more task to add to your already busy schedule. He suggested coming up with a list of 60 second pleasure points. These are all things that can be done in less than a minute like telling a joke, one long kiss, etc. Couples are encouraged to send a quick text message or e-mail links to a funny website or a restaurant review (and a note: "Let's do takeout from here tonight?"). I think those are cute ideas that would let you stay connected to your spouse.

The last thing I liked was how they talked about not waiting until you have a really horrible relationship before you try to fix it. They suggested three questions to ask yourself at least yearly:

1. Does my partner feel safe being emotionally vulnerable with me?
2. Does my partner feel accepted?
3. When I feel that life is yanking the rug out from under me, can I go to my partner for nonjudgmental support?

If you answer no to even one of these then there is a serious problem.

Brad and I have a great relationship but these are great tips to make sure it stays that way.
L

Attention Grabber

How did this come about, how many people had to approve this and who makes the decision that this would be a good ad.

I find it a little appalling really. And it also sounds sincerely disgusting. Honestly, peach cigars? Blueberry cigarettes? It's not right, but don't worry, It's Healthy!
L

The Sluggers

We played a double header last night and were lucky enough to not get rained on, that was a nice surprise.

The first team we were set to play was a couple spots ahead of us on the standings so it was an important one to win. The second team was a little below us.

Well the first game didn't quite go as hoped. We lost 10 to 6 but they were a great team and we had a lot of fun playing them. We probably would have had a chance at the win but we had one really bad inning where we let them score 6 runs.

We must have been nice and warmed up for the second game because it went very well in our favour, 23 to 6. In our league the maximum number of runs allowed per inning is 7 and it was exciting to reach 7 and have to stop. They were also a great team to play against, lots of fun. They really had some stand out performances too. The shortstop didn't move at all and the ball went right into her glove, no one was more shocked than her. The 3rd baseman did these incredible dives and one runner was great at sliding, all very impressive.

The best part of the night was my own performance which I've been pretty disappointed with the last couple weeks. My hits were solid this week and overall I played better this week.

Hoping for sunny skies next week
Laura

A Life of Crime

This weekend I added some flower pots to my balcony and I'm so pleased with the outcome! One box is full of colourful Begonias and the other has some fresh herbs in it. They make such a difference to the look of the balcony and I'm excited to add a cute bistro table and chairs. I want to add some lighting a throw-rug and I'm pretty sure that will cement my balcony as the cutest in the building.



I may have got the rocks for the bottom of the planters from a questionable, less than legal place.
L

Music Time

Thanks Kirsten for the playlist.com discovery, now you can enjoy some of my favorite music while you're here.
L

My Nose Deceives Me

Yesterday, it being so nice out I decided to sit on the patio during lunch. I really enjoyed it but ended up being just the tiniest bit sunburned. I figured I'd make sure my skin doesn’t dry out so I put on some after sun lotion.

I cannot stop thinking about Puerto Vallarta!

On our wedding day while taking pictures my neck got a pretty good sunburn and then we went directly to our honeymoon in Mexico where it was super sunny and hot so we both ended up very red. As a result we applied after sun lotion multiple times a day. It's a lotion that has a pretty distinctive smell which has now become associated with the honeymoon.

I keep thinking about the beach and the ocean and the beautiful pool with the yummy drinks and the blasted air conditioning in our hotel room. We used to eat these homemade tortillas and I'd fill mine with crème fresh and guacamole and salsa. Coconut ice cream, pineapple juice and these incredible doughnuts with caramel sauce for breakfast. There was a gecko in the hall and looking out our room looked a bit like tropical heaven.

These combined memories are making my workday pretty impossible, that smell just keeps coming though.
L

Humph...

I am ridiculously grouchy today.

The last couple nights have not included enough sleep and the discouraging softball loss didn't help either. Today I'm unfriendly and grumpy. I recognize it yet seem helpless to change my mood.

A few words on softball. We try to be a fun team to play, we try not be too picky about calls and in general we're happy to let things go because we're all in this to have fun, but when you start making up rules and then try to enforce them we're going to be cranky. When you give yourselves 4 outs in an inning we're not going to happy. We gave up a bunch of plays just to avoid confrontation. Looking back, as the team captain I really should have gone over and cleared things up, so I learned a lesson for future games.

So here's to surviving a very long Thursday.
I hope your day is going better than mine.
L

Wedding Bliss

I've seen the movie 27 Dresses twice now and while most of it is cheesy fluffy girl movie (which I enjoy) there's one particular quote that has hit home both times. It's the perfect way to explain the feelings on my own wedding day.

"That day I woke up and put on my 28th dress.I went to a wedding where no one asked me to hold the bouquet, fold a place card, or hold their dress while they peed. Everything was perfect, and I didn't care, because right then the only thing that mattered was the person waiting for me at the end of the aisle. And he was looking at me the way I'd always hoped"

While I haven't been a bridesmaid 27 times I've been to a lot of weddings. I've helped in the kitchen, I've served at the dinner, I've gone early to decorate. More recently I've helped take care of their music and sound.

But that day I wasn't asked to do anything, everything was taken care of for me and it was perfect. And I really didn't care. Nothing meant more than the way Brad looked at me.
L

Lonely

It's so heartfelt, you just feel for him.



Thanks for the discovery Andrew, I took your advice and watched it twice and loved it both times.
L

As Promised

This was an interesting choice for her second encore, so lovely

One of my favorite songs, So Many Miles, and it was performed so well live

This will go down as one of my favorite concerts.
L

Sarah Slean and the many ways I adore her

Sometimes you'll hear an artist and think they're pretty great, then you hear them live and the difference is incredible, turns out most of their greatness was effects and mixing from the producers.

Last night, her voice was so clear, we could have been listening to the album. The quality of the music was so amazing! The venue (Knox United Church) was so different. Sometimes there would be an extended note that was just Sarah, no accompaniment and the way it filled the room was beautiful, bouncing around that huge ceiling.

After the show we went up to look at how they mic'd the piano (Brad has to mic one this weekend) and the base player came on stage, gave us the set list and talked to us. Told us how often he's just in awe that he gets to be part of this. They'll get together to practice and even at 7:00 am she's just on. Really an original artist. Celebrities normally aren't really a big deal to me but I admit I felt a little start struck when I actually talked to her for a second.

Seriously one of the best concerts I've been to and I would go see her again in a heartbeat.

I love at concerts when the whole audience needs more, and you all join together and know that if you keep cheering they'll come back, they'll give you more. That was case last night and resulted in a second encore. She was so genuinely touched that we kept cheering and admitted that she had nothing prepared for a second encore. A few song titles were shouted out but she decided to go with something entirely different. Her Grandfather's favorite Hymn… an odd choice considering she's not religious but her version of Abide with Me was just beautiful (Video to follow).
A concert worth every penny.
L

Edmonton, the Undiscovered City

Coming from southern Alberta I have strictly held up to the loathing that is required of Edmonton. I tolerate it on the occasional visit because let's be honest, it's a pretty wonderful mall but that's about as deep as I've ever delved into the city.

This weekend we attended a wedding up there and I have to say my opinion may be slightly altered. We stayed at the downtown Marriott hotel and besides the exorbitant price for parking it was very lovely. The room was itty bitty but cozy and that king size bed sure was comfy. The restaurant we wanted to eat lunch at happened to be a short drive away and we enjoyed above average service. The wedding location was just as close as was Long and McQuade which was perfect when a last minute rental was needed (we were in charge of sound). I'd never been downtown and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. Playing catch in the sun was the perfect addition to an already wonderful day.

I'm not declaring my love for Edmonton or starting to pack up the apartment but it made for a great trip that I'd be happy to repeat.
L