2012: The Year that Was

It's that time once again to look back on the year that was. (Joanne will post hers shortly at A Warm Cup of Jo).

1) What did you do in 2012 that you have never done before? I got married! I also went to Penticton for the first time (that I can consciously remember), and I stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel. I ate edible gold, and tried fois grois for the first time. This was a year of many firsts!

2) Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions, and will you make any more next year? I did. Some happened (I blogged a bit more, I got married, I started a weight-loss program). Some didn't (I didn't blog as often, I lost the same 15 pounds over and over again, I didn't conceive a baby). I am OK with where I am and how things worked out one year later. There is always next year. And yes, I will make more mini-goals. I will post those next week.

3) Any major life events happen in your life? Yep. I got married!

4) Where did you travel? I went to Banff, Southern BC, Pentiction, Las Vegas

5) What did you lack in 2012 that you would like more of in 2013? I think if I had to pick one thing, I would say a backbone to speak-up and stand-up to others who think it is OK to dictate to me how to live my life, all while belittling me in the process. I did it a little bit in 2012, with good results. But I've bit my tongue a bit too much in 2012. No more putting up with bull just to make peace.

6) What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon  your memory? July 14, 2012 was my wedding day, so I better remember that! LOL.

7) What was yoru biggest achievement of the year? Getting married (and avoiding a destiny of being the cat-lady), and standing up for myself at work.

8) What was your biggest failure? Not being able to push past a certain weight plateau. It's one big mental hurdle.

9) Did you suffer illness or injury? No, thank God. If anything, my health improved quite dramatically!

10) What was the best purchase you made? For my husband's birthday, I bought him the 50 Years of James Bond DVD series. Not only have I finally been able to watch these movies, but my husband and I have grown closer. I look forward to our "Bond" date nights and the discussions afterwards.

11) What things/people inspired you the most? I am inspired by some of my Weight Watcher friends that I have met online, like Christina and Suzi (amongst many others). Not only have they been successful at losing weight, but they are also honest about the struggles, open about their journey, and just great people to get to know. They give me hope for my own journey, and have given me the encouragement to keep on truckin'.

12) What things/people disappointed you the most? I can`t say any one person really disappointed me. If I had to pick one, it`s politicians in general. I really wish that a politician would look above partisan politics and meet people in the middle to get things done. It was particularly bad this year...

13) Where did most of your money go? The wedding, without a doubt. Although our vacations were a bit of a wallet muncher too! LOL.

14) What did you get really excited about? Marrying the man I love! I also got excited when things seamlessly fell into place (because that never happens to me), and exploring new places with my husband.

15) What song will always remind you of 2012? There are so many to chose from, but for me, it will be an old relic, God Only Knows by the Beach Boys, because that was my wedding song.

16) Compared to this time last year, are you:

• Happier or hardened? Definitely happier!
• Thinner or fatter? Sadly, I am fatter. Blah.
• Richer or poorer? Richer in so many ways...

17) What do you wish you'd done more of? I wish I had exercized more.

18) What do you wish you'd done less of? I wish I had spent less time on facebook/twitter/social media in general.

19) What was your favourite TV program? Least favourite? I would say that Downton Abbey was my new favourite program this year (followed closely by Duck Dynasty! *Quack*). 

My least favourite was probably Season 13 of The Biggest Loser. It is normally my favourite show, but this season was uncomfortable and unbearable to watch because of certain contestants (Jeremy, Conda etc...). It was nasty and NOT the show I love. Next season promises to be better. It better be!

20) What was the best book you read? Worst book? The best book, far and away, hands-down, was Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I would even say it is in my top-five books of all time. It was that good!

I can't say that there was a bad book necessarily, but I have had to read some dry and boring books as part of my formation at work. Blah.

21) What was your favourite song/album/artist (and least favourite)?

• Fave song: Skyfall by Adele, followed closely by Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen (so addictive!)
• Fave album: Best of Bond: 50 Years of James Bond Themes
• Fave Artist: Zac Brown Band continues to impress me (as does Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry). I find country music has stronger overall artists then pop music (in general).
• Least fave song: Someone That I Used to Know by Gotye made me want to rip my ears off
• Least fave album: I had a chance to listen to Kisses From The Bottom by Paul McCartney. Not good. Not good at all. He needs to throw in the towel and just stick to the music we love from him.  {Memo to Rod Stewart: same to you buddy}.
• Least favourite artist: Gotye. What the hell was that?

22) Favourite film this year? Worst film? My husband and I didn't see a lot of movies, but Skyfall was definitely one of the better ones! Goon was also an excellent movie (unexpectedly so).

Because we didn't go to many movies, I don't really have a worst of 2012. But I did see Live and Let Die (the James Bond movie w/Sean Connery) for the first time, and I did not like it. Made me mad watching the stupid film. I am willing to suspend belief watching Bond films, but I refuse to throw my brain out of the room!

23) What was one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Being able to stick to my diet and actually loose more than the same 15 pounds over and over.

24) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? Is fat-clothes and sweat pants a fashion concept?

25) What kept you sane? My husband, repeatedly!

26) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Fancy the least? This may sound weird, but I had a lot of respect for Mitt Romney this year. It was clear to me (at least) that he was the Republicans choice because they expected to lose and want a better candidate then him in 2016 (when there is no incumbent president). He did way better than anyone, most of all Republicans, expected. While he had many "bozo eruptions", he also brought back the moderate voice that is missing in the increasingly polarizing, tea-party driven, conservative right in the USA.

Fancy the least? The following people can leave the planet: The Westboro Baptist freaks and Rhianna.

27) What political issues stirred you the most? The least? The Alberta election probably excited me for the first time in forever, probably because there was an actual opposition. Not a good one, but one none-the-less. 

I don't/didn't really care (maybe as much as I could) about any twitter/facebook-led political viral campaigns such as #kony2012 or #idlenomore. Too many sheeple who know nothing about the actual issue become two-second experts who do things (like post pictures on their walls) which have no real impact.

28) What news story did you like the most? Hate the most? I am a sucker for anything royal, so this was a good year to satisfy that (like the Jubilee events, the royal pregnancy, weddings, births and so on...).

Hate the most? It's not a specific story per se, but I cannot tolerate when real reporters clearly use Twitter or Facebook as their only or primary source without contacting or investigating the motives of the source or story itself. It is sloppy journalism. I have a general distaste for the latest trend that local news agencies (print, radio, TV) of reporting people's "twitter" reactions as news/stories.

29) What sports moment did you like the most? Hate the most? I liked the Summer Olympics, specifically Oscar Pistorius competing in a regular race with artificial limbs and qualifying. That was a great moment!

I am tired of any sporting news/moments that has to do with either the downtown hockey arena or the NHL lockout. But suck monkey balls and makes me angry!

30) Favourite blog (other than yours)? Blog Post (other than yours?). 

• Fave Blog: A Warm Cup of Jo
• Fave Blog (and my guilty pleasure): The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor
• Fave Blog Post #1: The Fart That Almost Altered My Destiny (I cried laughing).
• Fave Blog Post #2: Dear Sweet Mom That Feels Like She is Failing (I cried)
• Fave Blog Post #3: The Mom Stays In The Picture (I cried some more)

31) Favoutie Blog Post (of yours)? Well, with only 13 posts to choose from in 2012... I would say I tend to like my posts where I feel the most vulnerable and honest.

• #3: Happy Anniversary to The Cockroaches - 17 September 2012
• #2: I Miss My Friend(s) - 9 May 2012
• #1: Friday's Top Five: Things for Which I Am Grateful - 21 December 2012

32) Who is your 2012 Person of the Year? My husband. Best man ever.

33) Who do you miss? I fondly miss Wendy, Grandma & Grandpa, especially at my wedding. But it is time to move forward with happiness, always with them in my heart. Every ladybug, glorious sunset, and butterfly reminds me that they are there with me always and want me to be happy. So I shall be!

34) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012: Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you don't want people to walk over you, stop lying down.

35) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: It's My Life - The Beatles.

There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

Friday's Top Five: Things For Which I Am Grateful

Source: unknown

While 2012 was infinitely better than 2011, you would never know it by my general day-to-day attitude. I would like to think I am a positive personality, and I am, but when it comes to how I feel internally, I don't always gratefully reflect on the gifts I have been given. Nor do I take compliments very well - mostly because I feel unworthy of them.

Just the other day, I had a co-worker compliment my new haircut and said "you are so beautiful and photogenic," and I scoffed at those remarks. She said to me "you need to learn to take a compliment and be more grateful for your blessings." 

That, my faithful readers of five, is total and complete truth.

 

I have decided that for 2013, I will be more grateful. I will try to focus on the positive things in my life. This has to be a conscious decision on my part. This will also require detailed review of where I am negative, and how I can turn that into a positive.

One place where I can start is on my blog. Next week is Christmas, and what better time than to express my gratitude for my life's blessings. When you are done reading my list, leave a comment, then head on over to Joanne's Top Five list.

5) My Health

Source: unknown

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Lofgren's Syndrome, a mild form (spectrum-wise) of Sarcoidosis. While the worst of it is over (hopefully forever), I have basically spent the last two-years seeing specialists from every walk of life.  I am more-or-less done with those appointments now (except for a yearly follow-up to ensure that all is good). But there are three things that I am extremely grateful for, having lived this experience:

1. Excellent heath-care in Canada that I don't have to pay upfront for!
2. My disease is in complete remission!
3. Because of all the tests I had to take, other stuff has been discovered: asthma; a severe vitamin D deficiency and the related thyroid issue (both which are better now); a higher than normal risk for pre-eclempsia (sp?) if I am pregnant (which is good for the doctors to know so that I am more closely monitored).

Because of my experience, and the results from tests (expected and unexpected), I am in a much better position to take control of my total health moving forwards. I am grateful for my health.

 4) My Faith

Source: Creations Photos, Edmonton: Trina & Omari Lewis

It is not easy to live my faith. I don't live it particularly well all the time either. It's not easy to agree with all doctrines of my faith.  Plus, with my job actually being an administrative assistant for the Church, it can be a fine line between feeling like I am doing God's work vs. working for The Church. Add to that the constant negative rants I read on a daily basis from some of my Atheist friends (sometimes logical, sometimes hateful), it's just plain hard.

That said, I love my faith. I love that when I am down, out, and not doing so good, God steps in. I love that when I am up, in, and doing well, God is still there. I love the feeling I get when I step into church for the one hour sanctuary against the daily grind of life. I love that my Church has solutions, even if you disagree, with almost every aspect of life. I love that I can share my faith with my husband and friends - the people that matter. For all the rants I read, nothing replaces the experience and truth I feel. I am extremely grateful for my faith.

3) My Friends

Yah, that's how we roll! Source: Creations Photos, Edmonton: Trina & Omari Lewis

My friends make me laugh when I otherwise want to cry. My friends are the joyful sounds that comes out of the musical instruments of life. They are the soundboards for my rants, the vine for which the gossip flows, the vein of my heart that sustains me. Generally speaking, they are also one brick short of a load, but that's neither here-nor-there. :P

I love my friends. Simple as that. No matter how busy we get, or how things change in our lives, I will always be there for them, and they for me. I am grateful for my friends.

2) My family

This about sums up my family. Source: unknown

Why do they call it a family tree? Because if you look deep, you will find some sap!

 

I love my family. And now that I am married, I have more family to love. On any given week, someone is driving me nuts. I wouldn't have it any other way. When the going gets tough, you have family in your corner. I am grateful for my family.

1) My husband

Love. Source: Creations Photos, Edmonton, Trina & Omari Lewis

I love my husband with all my heart and beyond. He is everything to me. Every single day, I grow deeper in love. Our love is not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it means everything to me. I am grateful for my husband.

****

Merry Christmas everyone, all faithful readers of five! I leave you with this quote:

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln

 



 

Friday's Top Five (Late): Least Favourite Christmas Carols

Hello faithful readers of five (possibly six now). Today is not Friday, but I was kinda busy so I am posting this on a Monday. Meh.

A couple of Friday's back, I posted my Top Five Christmas Songs that I love. It was hard making that list, because quite frankly, I could have included at least twenty songs (some that I forgot about that would probably make that list, like U2's Christmas, Baby Please Come Home).

If I am completely truthful though, on the whole, there are waaaaay more Christmas carols that just annoy the piss out of me. I didn't realize just how many songs annoy me until some of the radio stations in Edmonton started playing 24 hour Christmas music. There is some seriously awful shite that has come out.  Having to choose just five? 

Like-but-don't-like-but-like Honourable Mention: The Pogues, Fairy Tale of New York

I actually like this song. I do. I think it is great. However, it's just...how do we say this... not Christmas. I mean it's fun and all. And possibly a great bar song with your mates, drinking over a hot toddy. But it's not one I would necessarily have playing in the background at pretty much any family event. So it's an honourable mention on the hate list (even thought I like it). Got it? OK then.

And now the real list!

5) Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer - Randy Brooks

This stupid song was a gag song written 30 years ago. It keeps coming back, year after year. The joke is clearly on us. What did your grandma do to you Randy? Did she hit you with a frying pan or something? If not, she should after this horrid song.

4) I Wanna Hippopotamus for Christmas - Gayla Peevey

General rule for a sucky Christmas carol: anything sung by kids for kids will be bad. Horribly bad. It will sound like some phony-contrived piece of garbage. This song is no exception. It's been annoying people for generations. Think about it for a second. Do you really want a hippo for Christmas you snot-nosed kid? Where are you going to store it exactly? Will you shovel the pooh when it takes a dump? No. It will be poor mom and dad stuck with that task.

But these questions are irrelevant, because the hippo will rip your family apart. They aren't that cute, and they are the most vicious beasts on earth. Better stick with the goldfish there Gayla.

3) I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Jackson 5

This song is the reason why parents everywhere decided to Irish-up their egg nog. Because it sucks. It is an awful song to begin with. Want a recipe for a great Christmas tune? Let's sing about how mommy is an adulterous hooch in front of her children.

Then, because the premise of the song isn't awful enough, let's have the Jackson Five sing the tune. How I can even listen to the song with all the blood spilling out of my ear amazes me. If you want to know why Michael Jackson turned into a pedo-freak, this song might garner some clues. Just sayin'.

2) Any Christmas carol sung by the Beatles

How does the greatest band on earth manage to suck so horribly much when it comes to Christmas Carols? Seriously? This is a lesson for all great bands out there: if your manager says "let's make a Christmas album" then fire him.

1.5) Anything sung by cats and/or dogs

I couldn't have a list without including this. Back in the late 80's/early 90's, some ass-clown decided it would be a stellar idea to make an album of cats meowing and dogs barking to timeless Christmas classics. The results are equal parts horrific and annoying. This is why Bob Barker begs us to have our pets spayed and neutered.

1) Last Christmas - by anybody really, but Wham specifically

I loathe this song (as does Joanne). I hate it with every fiber of my being. It's bad enough that it is sung at all by Wham. For a while, I thought it would just make an occasional radio appearance and move on. I was content with this song being a bad 80's memory.

But then that damn TV show Glee aired it on a Christmas special a few years back. Next thing you know, other artists jumped on board! The song started biblically begatting itself. "But it's a different version, sung by a different artist, so it must be OK to play it five times an hour" said the radio stations.

NO IT IS EFFING NOT! 

The song is beyond stupid. Just because you change a word with Christmas, does not a Christmas song make. "Last Christmas I gave you my heart..." That is the only time the word Christmas is mentioned in the entire song.  Why not just play the song all year long to go with the seasons?

"Last St. Patrick's Day, I gave you my heart..."   "Last Kwanzaa, I gave you my heart..."  "Last National Talk Like A Pirate Day, I gave you my heart....".

Utter and complete bullshit is this song.


So faithful readers of five, what are on your loathe lists? Leave some comments! Then head on over to Joanne's Blog to see her Top Five Least Favourite Christmas Songs!

Friday's Top Five: The Best Christmas Carols

This makes me laugh.

Hello faithful readers of five!

I had this wonderful awesome good idea that Joanne and I should blog about our favourite Christmas Carols! After all, it's that time of year where I can finally unleash my Christmas crazy, right? RIGHT?

This was hard guys. I love me some Christmas music, I do. How do I narrow it down to five? Sigh.

I decided that when selecting my music, it would be five songs that are simply enjoyable, that evoke an emotion or memory, or may possibly be used to torment any future children I have. Win-win all around!

Gather around children. Irish up your nog. Sit back and enjoy!
 
5) The Huron Carol 

I first heard this song in Church during Advent in 2008, a few months before I became a Catholic. It immediately resonated in my conscience and filled my heart. Sometimes, you simply cannot express how the beauty of a song can evoke an emotion.

This song is Canada's oldest Christmas carol, written in 1643 by Jean de Breabeau, a Catholic Jesuit missionary, to the Huron peoples. It was originally written in Huron as a way to explain the Christmas story. Haunting. Beautiful.

4) O Come O Come Emmanuel - The Civil Wars 

I love everything about this song, which we sing during Advent at Church. When I was searching for a version of this song, I came across this wonderful version by the group, The Civil Wars. This version is absolutely amazing. (I also recommend Enya's version, which weaves in Celtic lyrics in a haunting way).

 

3) Now the Bells Ring - Rita MacNeil

CRTC rules dictate that Canadian content be played on the radio every day. It is how I am able to hear Now the Bells Ring year after year. Which is fine by me. My mom loves this song, so it was played a lot at home. Rita MacNeil has one of the clearest and best voices out there.

 

2.5) Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys.

I know, I am totally cheating. I am a cheater mccheaterson. Whatever. I can't have a list without Little Saint Nick by the Beach Boys. So. Much. Fun.

2) Christmas is All Around - Bill Nighy (from the movie Love Actually) 

Some may ask how I can hate Wham's Last Christmas so much, and yet this song, which does basically the same thing (insert the word Christmas into a generic song), is my second favourite Christmas Carol?  Easy. This song, unlike the monstrosity of Last Christmas, is funny. I first heard it watching Love Actually. I laughed then. I laugh now. My husband loves it. I love it. Heck, we will even play the song in the middle of summer (and still laugh). We will even sing it in our fake English accents. Bill Nighy MAKES this song a classic.

Watch this movie clip. Then you will understand how I can defend this choice.

1) Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid

This is easily my favourite Christmas carol. This selection is all about happy memories and 80's nostalgia. I remember listening to this song over and over (and over) again at Grandma's house with my aunts and uncles.

This was back in the day when big stars got together to compile songs for charities (save the whatever cause of the day). There is no mistaking that this is an 80's song. All you need to do is listen and watch the video to determine that!

What makes this song great 28 years later is that it is still awesome, still a great song to listen too, and still socially relevant. I crank this song and sing along every single time.  Plus, it has Phil Collins, who you all know is my favourite.

Feeed the world...let them know it's Christmas time...

My selections either caused you to enjoy your rum nog, or drink more more rum nog. Leave comments about my choices and some of yours, then head on over to Joanne's blog to see her 5 choices.

Things that make me go hmmm?

Me this morning. Me every morning. Source: who knows.

Hi faithful readers of five. I'm here at work (not technically working), watching the snowmageddon arrive in my fair city. I feel like making random comments/questions/musings/ramblings about the world-at-large (mostly political). The things that make me go hmmmm.....

• I have heard the Progressive Conservatives of Alberta describe the Wild Rose Party of Alberta as extremists. If that is the case, then why did you let that element rest in your party for 30+ without censure, constraint or expulsion? Don't you have yourselves to blame for the party that emerged? Hmmmmm....
• I have heard the Wild Rose Party of Alberta describe the Progressive Conservatives as corrupt. Really? You sure enjoyed the hand that fed you for 30+ years without complaint. I guess as long as you don't get to share in the pork, then it's an issue. Hmmmm....
• Interesting debates about meals costs for politicians and health care executives. On some instances, sure the complaints are legitimate. But do we honestly think that you can have a meal for two under $50.00 in Edmonton anymore? Do people think that they should go for meals to McDonald's? Hmmm.....
• If I hear one more squawk about how awful the National Energy Policy was for Alberta in the 80's, immabout to lose my sh*t. First off, can we all deliberately ignore what was going on in the rest of the world that probably had a larger effect on the price of oil and gas? Also, it's been 30+ years. Policies have come and gone. Alberta is doing more than fine now. In fact, are we not now pushing for a national energy policy by our own conservative/federal conservative government? You can call it under any name you want now, but it is essentially the same type of policy. Hmmm......
• Let's stop pretending that any vote for Justin Trudeau as a leader of the Liberal Party of Canada is because of any policy ideas he is putting forth, and more to do with the fact that he is a Trudeau, and a handsome one at that. Hmmmm....
• On that note, how long will it take before anyone in the Liberal Party of Canada realize that Marc Garneau is the best possible leader of the current hopefuls? Will it be too late? Hmmmm....
• Why do we complain about how early Christmas music is released onto the public? I remember Christmas music blaring in the malls in November when I was a kid. So why are we all acting like this is some sort of new phenomenon? Hmmmm....
• Why do we treat Advent like Lent? It is not the same. One is a joyful period of anticipation. The other is a solemn period of anticipation. While we are always to be mindful and reflective of our interior selves, we don't need to treat Advent like a funeral. Hmmmm....
• How much privacy and platform changes will we truly accept from Facebook before enough truly becomes enough? Hmmmm.....
• Can we all agree that TWITTER = Total Waste (of) Intellect, Time, Talent, Energy and Resources? So let's stop pretending that we are intellects in 140 characters. Hmmmm.....
• For that matter, why do people act like self-proclaimed experts on all subjects on social media? Hey, I can pull a quote from a Google search too. A fact doesn't always trump a viewpoint based on personal experiences. Let's stop pretending our "facts" don't stem from a personal bias. I can hunt down any "fact" to support my bias too. Hmmmmm.....
• Can we all stop pretending that Gordon Lightfoot's performance at the CFL half-time show was any good? I get it. He is a legend. But it was not good. He needs to retire his guitar. Hmmmm....
• Speaking of not good, did the organizers of the CFL half-time show really think that those who like Justin Bieber would become fans of the CFL? Are you kidding me? Do you know the audience this boy attracts? More importantly, do you know your audience?  Hmmm....
• On that note, whoever decided that Gordon Lightfoot and Justin Bieber would be good CFL half-time entertainment should have tossed that plan in the garbage and booked Rush and Trooper. Surely they aren't busy these days? Hmmmmm....
• Now that Nascar, Baseball and CFL are over, sports TV suckssssssss! Hmmmmmmm......
• Is there anything good on TV anymore that doesn't involve "reality" TV and singing/dancing/food competitions? Hmmmm.......
• Why can't I get frozen borscht from the grocery aisle? Hmmmm....
• If men celebrate Movember for prostate cancer research, can I propose that women celebrate Janu-hairy for ovarian cancer research? I will gladly not shave my legs for a month. Hmmm......
• I will say this once: please stop playing Last Christmas by Wham EVERY FREAKING HOUR. It is stupid. Replace Christmas with any word and the song applies. "Last Ramadan, I gave you my heart...", "Last election day, I gave you my heart..." Adding the word Christmas randomly does not a Christmas song make. Hmmmm....
• For that matter, I'm tired of radio stations switching to an all Christmas music format. Can't you just slip some Christmas songs in between Careless Whisper and Boys of Summer? Hmmm....

There you go. I sound kind of angry. I am a bit owly today. I blame waking up. I had a nice warm blanket, was in dream land, and then woke up to an alarm clock with Christmas music. Bastard world!

Friday's (Way Overdue) Top Five: Vacation Destinations

Sheesh, you tired of me yet, faithful readers of five?

So it is time I post the second (and final) catch up FT5 post. Staring out my window, looking the snow, and longingly makes me think of my best vacation destinations.

This list reflects the places I have been and recommend to you all, not necessarily the places I want to go.

5) Penticton and Disneyland

 



 

I lump these two destinations together for one reason: this is my vacation future. Once I have kids, this is where I will likely go most of the time. I am A-OK with that.

Disneyland is magic, pure and simple. My time there was short and I only got to experience California Adventure. But I know that when I get to experience Disneyland through the eyes of my child, then this place will where my best memories will come from. Sometimes you need a vacation to simply experience happiness, and Disneyland is that place.

Penticton is relaxing, pure and simple. My time there on my honeymoon was restful and enjoyable. When we have kids, we simply won't be able to afford extravagant vacations. So we need a place that is a reasonable drive away, affordable, enjoyable, with lots to do but in a relaxing manner so that it feels like a vacation. Penticton is that place.


4) The US South


Source: Unknown

Y'all, I love the South.

My love affair started on the Great US Road trip of 2002 with Joanne when we travelled trough Northern Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina and Virginia. The South is like nothing I had pictured or expected. It was a sudden and passionate love affair, cut short by the journey I had to take north. I even said on the trip "Jo, now I know why the South tried to separate." It is truly like a different world. It feels like it's own culture, fiercely patriotic but distantly removed from the hectic pace and thought, that is the rest of America. I almost feel like I stepped back into a different (better) era when I stepped off the bus.

Everyone is so friendly. Everyone is so helpful. Everyone is so curious about you. Everyone is so hospitable. It is like the clocks stop because the connections with people are more important than anywhere you need to go.

The food - oh God the food. Where do I begin? You feel the love of the culture in every spoonful. You feel the pride in every bite.

Source: Travelwire.com

I had the pleasure of spending two weeks in North Carolina with a dear friend and her family in 2006. So I got to *know*  North Carolina. I got to *experience* North Carolina. There was simply so much to do, as is the case with all of the South. There is something for everyone...the beach bum, the military junkie, the history buff, the sports fan, the nature freak.

If you are looking for a slow-paced vacation with many options, go to the South.

3) Washington DC

Source: Telegraph.uk.co

I can't explain how much I love Washington D.C. There is much to love.

You have to appreciate a city has no skyscrapers (because no building can be taller than the the Capital Building). You have to appreciate a city that charges free admission to The Smithsonian's, giving everyone equal opportunity to experience historically and culturally significant artifacts that defined the nation. You have to appreciate a city so powerful and rich in political tradition. You have to admire a city that goes out of its' way to honour those who have served by way of vivid memorials and poignant grave sites.

There is so much to do that my one 3-day visit alone wasn't enough. There is so much to love. There is so much to recommend. Just go. You won't regret doing so. It will stay in your heart forever.

2) Las Vegas

Source: unknown

 

"Bright light city gonna set my soul, gonna set my soul on fire." ~Elvis Presley 

Vegas, you saucy lady. You grew on me. I didn't care for you at first. Sure, you had lights and excitement and endless buffets. But you were busy and hot. I was tired. I wrote you off.

But circumstances in my life kept bringing me back when I would have rather gone elsewhere. And each time, you revealed yourself to me, real and artificial. I got to experience a wedding, Vegas-style. Most importantly, I learned how to travel and be alone in a foreign city.

By around the third date, you and I decided to take our relationship to another level. I was with friends, and I got to genuinely enjoy every minute of you. I even got to see every bathroom in every hotel thanks to a pregnant friend. I got to see a whole new side of you...

By the fourth time, I was with the man I love. He took me to The Mix at the top of The Hotel at Mandalay Bay. With your beautiful lights displayed to me in an exhilarating fashion, the love of my life proposed to me.

When I tire of your bright lights and loud slot machines, I can rent a car a drive to both a man-made (Hoover Dam) and God-made (Grand Canyon) wonders. Each time I do come back to you, there is a new hotel or display or restaurant to explore. You continue to reinvent yourself.

I visited you again last month. It will probably be the last time for a long time. I got to eat the most amazing food, and relax by the pool without a worry in the world. You rejuvenated me.

I worry you are about to get tired, but I fear not because the cranes of construction tell me you are reinventing yourself again. I worry that you are starting to become elite and unaffordable to the masses, but you will adapt to the needs of the masses, like you have for the past century. So when the time comes to visit you again, you will offer me new attractions and new sites to explore.

1) The Canadian National Parks in Alberta and B.C.

This was my view from the Banff Springs Hotel!

I will summarize my thoughts in a haiku:

Breathtaking beauty
There is so much to explore
This is God's country

I am fortunate to live a short drive away from Jasper and Banff. Thanks do my brilliant husband, I got to explore the National Parks in ways I never have before while on my honeymoon. My husband took me hiking all over the place. We didn't just stop, take a pic, and drive on. We hiked around every lake we came across. I saw some of the most incredible sites of my life, sites I never explored the previous 20 times I went to Banff.

We continued our journey through Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park on our way to Penticton. I got to see amazing sites like Takkakaw Falls:

I would recommend that everyone take the time to really explore the National Parks of Alberta and BC. Stop on your journey to where ever you are going. Plan an extra day or two. Really live in the moment. You won't have any regrets.


What are your top five vacay places? And head over to Joanne's blog to see her choices!

Fridays (Way Overdue) Top 5: Guilty Pleasures

Hello faithful readers of five. I am way overdue on a blog post. Blame a combination of work-crazy, life-crazy, and laziness. Mostly laziness. OK. Just blame laziness and move on already.

My beautiful gurl crush BFF Joanne, at a A Warm Cup of Jo, has been faithfully committing to our quest to post weekly top fives. In fact, it was my suggestion to do this series as a way to blog more faithfully. How's that working out for me? Sigh.

So I need to catch up to the two posts FT5 posts she has posted (what a keener she is), I present my catch-up post #1.

We all have them. Some of them are more embarrassing than others. Here are my top-five guilty pleasures.

5) Libraries and Bookstores.


Source: National Library in Ottawa

I shouldn't feel guilty or embarrassed by my love of books, libraries and bookstores. There is nothing to feel guilty about.

 

But I take my love a new level. I will go in and wander just because. I have been known to have "dates" with my friends at libraries and bookstores. On a few occasions, Wendy and I went to Chapters just to look-around. Joanne and I spent many, many, many days in our youth going to the library (which was a conveniently located next to the fire hall *ahem*).

 

If there is time between bus connections at Northgate Transit Centre, I mosey over to Chapters. Bookstores and libraries are my paradise.



 

4) Weight Watchers

Source: Weightwatchers.com

It might be odd to have a corporation as a guilty pleasure. And for full disclosure, I am currently on Weight Watchers. But have you seen my WW stash? Have you seen the lengths I have gone to to attend a meeting?

 

True story. While I was on my honeymoon in Penticton B.C., I made my new husband drive around and then wait in a car for an hour just so I can attend a meeting. Was it dedication? Well sort of. But mostly, it was because I wanted to get my hands on products we couldn't get at our meetings at home.

 

My reading nook in the basement has an entire shelf dedicated to Weight Watchers. I have books going back to when Sarah, the Duchess of York was a role model. I have every single "weekly" magazine since the new Points Plus program came out in 2010. I have the latest book Weight Loss Boss by CEO David Kirchhoff (a book I highly recommend). I spend hours looking at other people's blogs. I go to message boards (via my App). 

 

So how am I doing in my own journey you ask? *cough cough*. Let us move on...

 

3) PBS

Source: PBS.org

Arguably, the previous two pleasure can be defended as reasonable and rational. But this is pure guilt at it's finest.

What is embarrassing about this choice:

• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch PBS.
• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch stuffy period pieces.
• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch documentaries and cooking shows

I know there are friends out there who would say "stand proud, stand tall" (right Rebecca?) I have always felt like an old soul. I have always felt that when I reject Jersey Shore and Honey Boo Boo for Downton Abbey, Jane Austen films, Ken Burns Documentaries and America's Test Kitchen, I am saying to the world that I am better than than you.

Which I am if you watch Jersey Shore and Honey Boo Boo willingly.

Yes, I am a snob. But some of the best 10 hours of TV footage of my life have been spent watching Ken Burns documentary Baseball. Seriously.

Source: PBS.org

 
2) Duck Dynasty

Source: A&E Television

I am a dumb complex individual. The same person who watches Downton Abbey while poo-pooing those who watch Jersey Shore will spend an entire Saturday watching Duck Dynasty marathon. My Wednesday nights have never been the same since I first saw welcomed the Robertson family into my life.

You have no idea how much I love this show. It is great for two reasons:

1. It is genuinely funny. Side-splitting funny.
2. The family are harmless and unoffensive in their red-necked ways.

Here are the gems they say on this show:

• "I don't know about this Justin the Beaver"- Kay
• "You kids ever hear of the term 'Nam' "- Si
• "Most people named Willie are either in prison or on the arm of a wrestling circuit"- Jase
• "First it's pretty tires. Next it's pretty guns. Then the next thing you know, you're shaving your  beard and wearing capri pants." — Si

Pure. Solid. Harmless. Enjoyment.

1) Cooking shows

If I had one guilty pleasure above all else, it is probably that I waste spend hours a week watching cooking shows.

There are the shows that I watch to actually learn how to cook, like America's Test Kitchen, Martha Stewart's various shows, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson et. al.

Then there are the shows I watch for pure foodie enjoyment, such as Chopped, Just Desserts, You Gotta Eat Here and so on.

Watching cooking shows, even in mass quantities like I do, wouldn't be other people's guilty pleasure. In fact, it would seem quite normal.

But shall I casually state that, much to the displeasure of my husband, my actual cooking skills are less than stellar? The fact that I am the anti-Nigella in the kitchen (under the delusion that I will actually get better by watching these shows) makes this my #1 guilty pleasure.

So head on over to see Joanne's guilty pleasures, and share your own guilty pleasures in the comment boxes.



 

 

 



Friday's Top Five (a few days late) - Things I Love About My City

Hi faithful readers of five.

I was supposed to type this on Friday. But work got in the way, followed by a weekend of laziness, followed by more work. Kind of a crazy time right now in the life of Dani.

However, I made empty promises to Joanne that I would blog about last week's topic...so better late than never. Unless this post sucks. Then you could say "she should've just kept her trap shut."

Last week I ranted about the things I hate about the city. One week later, the piss-tang-hooker-tears -ass-smell remains. But I would be remiss and irresponsible if I didn't blog about the things I love about Edmonton. There is a reason why I live here, stay here, and love my city (even though the piss makes it hard to smell Edmonton).

5) There is alway something to do in or near Edmonton.
Seriously. This city is always busy. I've have travelled to cities where, once you were finished the tourist-trap stuff, there was nothing to do. But in Edmonton, we are spoiled by a bounty of riches. There is a festival every time you turn around, with new ones popping up yearly (like What The Truck). There is festivals for food, festivals for heritage, festivals for arts, festivals for everything you could possibly think. There is even a festival for winter.

Beyond the festivals, there are shopping venues galore. I once read that Edmonton had the most shopping centres per capita than anywhere in the world...or Canada. I don't remember the details, but it was impressive for this northern city.

And there are sports. We have a professional hockey team (which some cities in Canada would love to have) with the Edmonton Oilers. We have a CFL Football Team (the Edmonton Eskimos). We occasionally have a minor-league baseball team depending on the year. We have a ton of other teams in a ton of other sports. Plus, as if we were not spoiled enough, we have world-class atheltes who have trained/are training here. We host great world-class sporting events.

Plus, we are a close driving distance to mountains, provincial and federal parks, lakes, and other interesting small towns.

Add to that endless restaurants and fantastic parks.... Edmonton is always hopping!

4) The People.
It's a cliché to be sure, but we have great people in Edmonton. People who care about their city. People who care about their neighbours. People, who when tragedy strikes, like the deadly tornado in 1987, will roll-up their sleeves and pitch in to help. If there is a fundraising goal, the people in Edmonton will make that goal a reality. We might, in our daily lives, be generally indifferent to our neighbours. We might, in our daily lives, kvetch about God knows what. But when it matters, we come through.

3) The Changing Seasons.
Joanne might disagree, as she hates winter. But I for one like the weather (for the most part). First off, I like that we have four distinct seasons. I love being able to walk the same river valley path at different times of the year and have something interesting to look at, always changing depending on the state of the tree leaf.  And I love that for the most part, no matter what season, we have fairly moderate temperatures. Sure we have our -40's or +40's, which both suck. But those extremes are pretty rare indeed.  But there is so much beauty in Edmonton's landscape, that the changing seasons really do enhance the beauty.

2) Edmonton is a beautiful city.
Edmonton is a pretty city. It is picture-esque. It has some interesting architechure. It has a pretty river valley with rolling hills and lush green grass, with trees that change with the seasons. We have a beautiful skyline. There is so much prettieness to the city.

1) The River Valley
I LOVE THE RIVER VALLEY. I do. I love that we have so much green space, and I take advantage of that space weekly. Mark and I love to go for walks there. I used to go there all the time with Jo. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Ok, so my blog was a bit lame this week. But I got it out there! Phew.

Go mosey over to Joanne's blog and maybe Junior's blog too.

See you this Friday!

Happy Anniversary to The Cockroaches!

(photo courtesy of Creations Photos)

 

Today is a special day in my heart.  September 17th has a special meaning and I don't want today to go by without The Cockroaches knowing just how special they are to me, and just how much I love them. Seldom do we celebrate our friendships, because every day we have with them are special and treasured. But for me, September 17th has a special meaning that is worth celebrating.

 

One year ago today, a group of friends gathered to celebrate. It was Mark's birthday week. But it was also the wedding day of two individuals who, of their own making, had decided to part ways from the rest of us. Rather than walk away peacefully, they took the cheap and immature way out, with lame excuses levelled at us to justify their own immaturity. Looking back, they were probably looking for an "out" for a while, and the excuses they created made it easier to walk away.

That prior year was emotionally exhausting, and we were drained.

 

So when an opportunity came to gather and celebrate, Wendy and I jumped on that. She herself was suffering from two personal losses and needed her spirits lifted. I wanted Mark to realize he was loved by those close to him. Monica and Nick and Nicole and Mike had just gone through the landmine described above that Jason, Wendy, Mark and I had experienced in the previous Autumn. So it was time to celebrate us. The fact that the Saturday happened to fall on said wedding day was pure coincidence.

 

Wendy and I planned it out. We would get together at Boston Pizza (Mark's favourite joint). Afterwards, we would take the party to Casa Konoza, eat ice cream cake, and play Rockband with our online musical group called The Cockroaches. It was going to be an epic night.

 

It turned out much more than that. Wendy said our group was solid that night. Our little group was together. We supported one another. This was what was important, not them. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we laughed some more. It was one of the best nights ever.

 

We had no way of knowing that night what would happen less than two weeks later, when Wendy passed away. For some, it was the last time they would see Wendy. When she passed away, there was a fracture in the collective Cockroaches heart.

 

Since September 17th, 2011, we have gathered as friends and supported each other. We were there to help Jason in his dark days. We were there to celebrate Mark's and I wedding on the bright days. We've gathered together as often as we can, strengthening our bonds. And most importantly, we have never forgotten Wendy's happiness that she had the day we became solid. I take comfort in knowing she was at peace with the situation that was, and was happy with us. We were solid.

 

So for me, September 17th is a day in which I want to personally mark as an anniversary. It is a day of love and gratitude for Mark, Jason, Monica, Nick, Nicole, Mike (and later on, new members to the roaches with the additions of Steve, Travis, Laura, Kevin...and whoever else wants to be part of the awesomeness that is The Cockroaches). It is a day of love and gratitude for Wendy, who is forever a member in spirit. We may come, we may go, but our love is solid.

 

On Friday, we are going to gather, celebrate Mark's birthday once again, and The Cockroaches will sing once more. I will love and cherish every single moment of that day.

 

Happy Anniversary Friends! 

Cockroaches Forever!

 

 

Friday's Top Five: Things I Hate About My City (Edmonton)

Hello faithful readers readers of five! Today's weekly top-five deals with things I hate about living in Edmonton (and about the city of Edmonton generally).  I generally try to be an upbeat person about the community in which I dwell. But there are things that, quite frankly, the city of Edmonton can do to be a better city. We have world-class events that put us "on the map."  But there are things that I am embarrassed about once people actually arrive here. We have our warts, and it is time to remove them.

5) NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) Syndrome & WOOTD (Waste of Our Tax Dollars) Syndrome:  We want ourselves and children (if any) to grow up in a vibrant community where they have access to recreation, schools, and amenities. We want our homeless to have shelter. We want roads built.

But when it comes to actually build something that will help with any of the above, the battle-cries come out. Affordable housing sounds great until someone proposes building it in a neighbourhood outside of the inner-city. Roads and bus routes sound great until it goes through your neighbourhood. Attracting tourists sounds fine until a multi-million dollar art gallery is proposed. I understand that there are real issues to consider, such as property values, usage factors, cost factors, design factors and so forth. And it is always important to gather input from all concerned.

However, we need to realize that sometimes, money needs to be spent to create a nice design vs. another concrete palace on the cheap that looks drab. That we need proper infrastructure to move around, even if it means 2 months of traffic snarls or noise. That we all share the responsibility of ensuring our citizen's are housed, not just inner-city and older neighbourhoods that are stretched to capacity.

If you want to yell "not in my backyard" or "what a waste of tax dollars", then do so. But then come to the table with a solution. Remember, lack of building infrastructure now means you will have to do it later and at a higher cost (read: light rail transit construction). And city/provincial planners: be realistic with costs, needs, and urban planning.

{Edit: This argument does not apply to the downtown arena proposal. My objections have nothing to do with NIMBY. Perhaps a little bit of on WOOTD, but that's for another post}

4) We forget we live in a winter city:  Hey there city planners, did you know we get snow for 6 months, sometimes longer? Really? Are you sure? THEN WHY THE HELL DON'T YOU PLAN FOR IT?  Hey there city drivers, did you know we get snow for 6 months, sometimes longer? Really? Are you sure? THEN WHY THE HELL DON'T YOU PLAN FOR IT?

Every year it is the same damn thing: it snows. We blow our snow budget by the time November rolls around. We are lucky to have 20 snow removal machines on the roads at any given time. We don't build bus stop with shelters. Good luck seeing a removal truck in your neighbourhood until March. And salt major routes? Why do that, when sand will work (not)?

In the meantime, every driver drives like it is summer. Proper tires? Bah. Drive slower during a blizzard? Bah. Remember the difference between daytime running lights and regular headlights? Bah...who needs to be seen from behind?  Because goodness knows everyone loves to spend hours trying to get home because of you...

3) Piss poor construction planning: I live in Castledowns. I work near-ish Bonnie Doon. To get home, I have to go north. This summer, the following roads were under construction:

• Fort Road 
• 82nd Street
• 97th Street
• 127 Street
• 127 Avenue
• 153 Avenue
• 167 Avenue
• Scona Road
• Jasper Avenue just as you come up MacDougall Hill
• Kingsway area

When my route home is under-construction, and all the alternate routes I can take are under construction...exactly how am I supposed to get home again? I get it. Roads need to be built and repaired. I'm all over that. But when you are repairing one geographical area, can you at least give drivers of said area some alternate options?  Plan better you morons.

2) Public Transit: Given that the cost to park and drive, it is no wonder why people prefer to take public transportation in Edmonton. But unlike every other major city in Canada, our city had no vision or care for public transport in the past. And now we suffer. Oh do we suffer.

Yes, we are finally building light rail transit to areas that desperately needed. But our transit needs in the meantime suck. When my bus arrives downtown to catch my connection, during peak times, it takes 20 minutes for a bus that goes to Northgate. Then when they do come, all 4 buses at once, they are packed, and I get  to pay to stand. Could we not stagger it out a bit?  Plus, there are no direct express buses to Castledowns from Downtown, so we all herd like cattle to the already overcrowded Northgate. When all is said and done, it takes me 1.5 hours to get home by bus. It takes 20 minutes by car. This is but an example of piss-poor planning.

And when we do get on a bus, there seems to be a lack of courtesy and awareness by people. Seniors standing while some young kid sits there in their little iWorld. I stand because I wouldn't want to ask the Coach purse or Safeway bag or backpack to move. And hey there menopause lady, when it's -35, it is perfectly alright to open a window, and then argue with people who want to close it because you can't take off your 4-layered jacket. And hey bus driver, where's the fire Jeff Gordon?

1) That stank smell on the corner of 100th Street and 102 Avenue on Churchill Square: What the hell is that smell? It's like some urine-tang mixed with ass and the tears of a banged-up prostitute. It's so horrible. And at a major event area, you would think that someone, someone, would try to clean that up a bit. Maybe through a Mr. Duck down the sewer? Mr. Clean on the sidewalk? A shot of Febreeze in the air? On the positive side, I have managed to reduce my gag reflexes to two heaves.

*****
So that my friend's is my rant on the City of Edmonton. I do love my city. I do. But the core issue in all of these is lack of proper planning. Maybe we can fix the way we plan? What say you Mayor Mandel?

I will post (possibly next week) the things I love about Edmonton. I truly do love this city. I love it more than I hate it. But I could love it more. Just sayin' is all.

Go see what my friend Joanne has to say at her blog, A Warm Cup of Jo.  And my buddy Junior, when/if he gets around to it, will blog about NYC on his blog Juice With Junior. {Edit: Joanne's husband also has a rant to so share on The Wayward Yankee}

Till next week!

And remember: comments are my she-ra sword!