Thursday Quote

God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED.

To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.

Geek

When I was in highschool I was neither popular, nor unpopular. Or I don't think so, unless I was completely oblivious and in denial (which is entirely possible) I was a teacher's pet, I got straight A's, I graduated with honours, I was Student council president for a term, I tutored other kids, I was a spokesperson for the students on some weird council that the teachers made up with the parents. I think I only ever went to one meeting.

But the fact is, I was a geek. Its only recently that I've truly realized and accepted this fact. Quite happily I might add. I was a geek, I wasn't this hip stylish teen girl (even though I wished I was). I was barely in style (I think I might still have that problem....lol) I was as plain jane as it got, straight hair cut, only wore a bit of make up on the weekends and most people couldn't even tell I was wearing it (now I'm addicted to the stuff). Was a bit of a tomboy when it came to sports (that might fall in the jock category more so than geek), and towards the end of my highschool years I was more of a homebody rather than going out with friends on the weekend.

Now-a-days, I get my kicks from photography, photoshop, reading, blogging & a good debate. Seriously....a good debate I'm always game for. If that doesn't make me a geek I don't know what will.

But it's okay....I'm happy with who I am. And though geek is such a stereotype and general term, I'm sure I don't fit the profile exactly...just a lot of it :)

And because of this, it's lead me to come up with some ideas....one I'm going to share today. I've decided that in the new year I'm going to help my blog readers with Meal Plans. Yep I do meal plans (do you agree now that I'm a geek?) and I'm going to share it with you! So the idea is every Friday in 2009 will be Food Fridays where I'll do a basic meal plan for the following week (Mon thru Fri - weekends excluded since they're basically a free for all) with the intention of possibly having a theme in mind, for example a certain spice or vegetable. I might not always list specific recipes but just a vegetable and meat to cook and so on. I haven't thought out and tweaked all the details yet. What do you think? Will you participate and try some of the ideas?

Today's Quote:

"I am a bank geek, I just never joined the band"  ~ Jim (Jason Biggs) - American Pie 2

Pastry Pudding

Pastry pudding, heard of it before? Probably not unless you're from Newfoundland or have dined with Newfoundlanders. It's basically a bread pudding that's baked traditionally right on top of a beef roast in the oven.

A few Christmas's ago my parents came to visit and I decided I wanted to make pastry pudding to accompany our jiggs dinner. So my mom called her mom (my grandmother) to get her recipe. My grandmother is one of the best bakers I know. Seriously, she makes the best pastry (in my opinion, and I don't even really like pastry) which results in the BEST lemon pie....I'm not kidding.

Grandmother Bishops Pastry Pudding:

2 cups flour (white or whole wheat)
3-4 tbsp butter
2-3 tbsp sugar
2-3 tsp baking powder

Mix with approx 1/2 cup of COLD water. You should have a nice pastry now, not too wet and not too dry.

Now the step that is my take on it, I grease a muffin pan, yep a muffin pan with butter. Instead of the casserole dish or directly on the meat. I think it looks nicer and it's more of a serving size.

Bake in oven at 300 degrees for approx 15 minutes. If you like it crispier, just leave it a bit longer.

Remove from muffin pan and serve hot or at least warm. ENJOY!!

Today's Quote:

"If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another" ~Tenzin Gyatso

Weekend in Review

It was a nice weekend. Didn't do a lot which is terrible because you wouldn't believe the "to-do" list I've given myself to be completed before Christmas. Saturday I went to a local craft sale and finished up the "Newfoundland" gifts, hopefully that'll be in the mail by tomorrow. The rest of Sat & Sunday was spent wrapping for the most part and figuring out some photoshop stuff for my photography blog (see post there tomorrow)

However, I did have some time Saturday morning to get these cute shots of Boone. He's growing so quickly but still lots of fun.

He's so funny when he's excited and "leaping" through the air.

Here something caught his attention, its so cool just watching him being so attentive and processing what he's hearing/seeing

And here he's sniffing sniffing...which usually leads to digging or grabbing something he's not supposed to have and running away from us really really quickly. He's so bad but so funny at the same time. I know...so much for discipline...I'm going to be such a wonderful mother someday...he, he.

Today's Quote:

"All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out"  ~ Albert Camus

Be Yourself!!!

Read this quote the other day on the blog of a photographer that I follow....it might be one of my new favourites.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs

Also check out this post on the Lyved website.

It's Snowing....

I love snow...yeah I do. I hate cold, I hate driving in the snow, but in general I love snow.

Here's our front yard this morning, it makes everything feel SO Christmas-y...which by the way is another thing that I love. I think I might have mentioned that before...have I not?

Now for some techincal talk about these photos....I took them in manual mode with no flash. How did I do that and still get the awesome morning light with no blur? It's because I adjusted the ISO setting on my camera. If you looked at these photos on a bigger scale you'd see ALL kinds of grain but I didn't care about grain in these photos, I wanted to show the quiet morning abiance.

How can you not love snow when it looks like that?

Sidenote: Those who comment on the night gown post, I too LOVE pj's but for some variety I'm totally diggin' it :)

Today's Quote:

“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” - Lao Tzu

Night Gowns

Do you remember those night gowns that you received from Grandma for Christmas when you were little, and even not so little and trying to be a really cool teenager? You know the ones, the night shirt (as they called it) that came down to your knees and always had a picture of a kitten on the front?? Yes, now you know which ones I'm talking about.

Well this past weekend I was at La Senza and saw this:

It's called a "sleepshirt" and I'm in LOVE! I absolutely love it. It's a night gown, but long sleeve so I don't freeze to death and guess what NO KITTENS! Oh yeah baby....totally crushin' on it :) Very reasonbly priced too, this one is on sale for $12.50 CDN.

Today's Quote:

"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.” ~ Angela Monet

The Bonne Bay Girls

This past weekend I went to Niagara on the Lake for an Ice Wine tasting tour. It was so interesting, I've never tried ice wine before and was really liked how "sweet" the wine was. Very good!!! Now before you jump to conclusions you don't get large amounts of wine to taste at this sort of things so no ill effects, if you know what I mean.

Along with tasting the wine they had paired the 4 different types of ice wine with 4 different types of fancy appetizers that would compliment each of the flavours. Boy was I impressed....to the point that I wanted to go home and attempt to make all the wonderful food I had just tasted (leave it up to me to leave an wine tasing and want to cook food instead). The most surprising was the blue cheese & poached pear wrapped in proscuitto...because I don't like pear or blue cheese and loved the appetizer. Such a unique blend of flavours. And the whole experience which lasts about an hour only costs $20 (highly recommend if you're going to be in that area)

But the high-light of the evening was the drive....yep the dark & rainy drive. It was with two of my girlfriends from back home, good 'ol Bonne Bay. None of us live in Bonne Bay anymore so occassions to hang out are rare. I can't even express how AWESOME it was to be myself, have girl talk, no trying to impress strangers because these girls have known me since I was little, no pullin' the wool over their eyes....it was refreshing and exactly what I needed. I swear if you ever think you need therapy, try having a girls night before going and paying some Dr. They're the best therapists you'll ever need (to clarify a girls night where you're actually able to hold an intellectual conversation, not going to a bar to get sloshed) And because they're fellow women, chances are they can relate to exactly what you're going through...good & bad. Thanks girls, I had a great time & hopefully the time apart isn't as long next time.

Today's Quote:

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit"  ~Albert Schweitzer

A Great Recipe for Life

I have a confession to make.....

I've been really down lately. It might not have been quite so obvious here on my blog but those closest to me know I've been down. There are few things stressing me out (nothing serious) but enough that I've been in a funk that I've found it hard to get out of.

A couple of days ago a friend actually called me out on it, she said "are you down lately?" well funny you shoud ask, yes, yes I have.

But then I received an email called "A Recipe for Life" and I thought, I really don't have it that bad. And since reading that email I feel so much better. Like someone slapped me and said stopped wallowing in self pity and whining. So I have :)

Here's the email (the ones that I particularly liked I've high-lighted in red):

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is  the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to _________ today. I am thankful for_________

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument, agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what theirjourney is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________.

Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings, you'll be smiling before you know it.

Today's Quote:

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” - Albert Einstein

My Loyal Readers.....

Thank you for your oh so kind & funny words yesterday. You made my day and almost made me cry. I'm an emotional basket case on a good day and yesterday I was in a foul mood and you all being so nice made me feel like a complete bum but it made me feel so good too. Sincerely....thank you.

Some more hodge podge today....

First, welcome back Stephanie. I didn't realize you were back to the blogging world....I've missed you :(

Check out her blog here PS: she has a really cute little boy!

Secondly.....if you're close to an Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic, you must go the Smart Canucks website and print off the 30% off coupon valid from today til Sunday. Hint hint if you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet.

Also, speaking of Christmas, I have to agree with Tara that I'm already in the Christmas mood. To the point that I half of my shopping done! Yay....did I mention I LOVE Christmas??

AND.....last but not least....to help with some more of your Christmas shopping, my friend Myrna has become a Creative Memories consultant. For you scrapbooking illerate readers, it means she sells the "tupperware version" of scrapbook supplies. It's GREAT quality and a lot easier to look through a catalogue to place an order rather than take on the crowds at the malls. So if you're in the market, check out her blog for details.

Today's Quote:

"Be more splendid, more extraordinary. Use every moment to fill yourself up." ~Oprah

Writers Block

I've had it a lot lately....just that lack of creativity. Not to mention it's not like I get a lot of feeback on here,...you STALKERS that don't leave comments. You know who you are! **hugs** I love you all.

What keeps you coming back? The recipes...oh wait haven't posted any of those lately, the photos....meh...they've been lacking lately too, the awesome story telling?...nope, if that's what you're looking for, head over to Myrna's blog, ....it has to be me?? it's my oh so awesome insights, witty humour and intellectual conversation. No no, that's not it at all, I know what it is...it's that you love listening to the ramblings of a crazy lady cause it makes you feel better about yourself. I knew it!!   :)  Just kidding....

But with that being said, seriously, why do you come back? Today I'm asking for a favour, a small favour....leave a comment? Humour this crazy lady....just for a day? It can be anonymous...that's fine too.

Thank you, I appreciate your participation :)

Today's Quote:

“Remember in the end, nobody wins, unless everybody wins.” – Bruce Springsteen

Remember....

Today my thoughts will be somber. I'll reflect on those soldiers who have died for us. Those who fought and still remain with the horrid memories.

Please at 11am today take time to have a moment of silence in their honour.

Also my thoughts are with the Caines family. My friend and classmate has lossed his father in the battle with cancer. My prayers go out to you and your family that you might find peace during this difficult time.

Today's Quote:

"A smile is the beginning of peace"  ~Mother Teresa

Weekend in Review

I had a great weekend. It was the perfect blend of cleaning, checking things off my to do list, hanging out with friends and relaxing. It was just what I needed.

Saturday I spent some time with my friend Vicky & her son Reed, here's Kristen on the couch with his Godson and our puppy Boone. I apologize that these pictures aren't "nice" poses, but that's what happens when you're husband thinks he's funny!

Isn't it cute how Reed keeps smiling for the camera? Uncle Kristen probably thinks Reed is lauging at his "oh so funny" Godfather....not!

Just kidding hun'   :)

And maybe next time you'll smile nice for me!!

Yesterday I had a photo shoot, check out my photo blog. Last night I did some processing, watched a movie & relaxed! Told ya, it was a perfect weekend :)

Today's Quote:

"Every moment is enormous, and it is all we have... Our life is a path of learning to wake up..." ~Natalie Goldberg

Friday Thoughts

I have a bunch of stuff going through my head today....

First my thoughts & prayers are going out the Crisp Family. I do not know them, nor do they know me but I feel terrible for them. I can't even imagine how the parents feel. If you're not familiar with the story of Brandon Crisp, click here.

Secondly, I was watching Breakfast Television this morning and was listening to one of the ladies that won the lotto 6/49 last week....over 40 million I think the winnings were split between 4 co-workers. When asked how she felt she went on to say happy and terrified. Happy because you always hope you'd win the lottery but terrified because of all the changes that come with winning the lottery that she doesn't lose what makes her happy now. This lady will do just fine with her winnings, she seems so grounded :) Congrats!

Third, It is wrong for me to be excited about stores having all their Christmas stock out and actually playing Christmas music? I love Christmas....and this year is going to be a special one. Can't wait!

No big plans for the weekend, hoping to get a few things done around the house and another Christmas card shoot on Sunday. Other than that, just relax :) Hope you all have a great weekend & Happy Friday!

Today's Quote:

"The ideals that have lighted my way time after time and have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth" ~Albert Einstein

2008 National Poppy Campaign

Did you purchase a Poppy yet this year? I have and I'm wearing it proudly (when I don't forget to put it on the jacket that I'm wearing that day) Remember, people gave their lives for our Canadian Freedom.

Here's some interesting facts from CTV about the poppy:

Poppy protocol:

-The poppy should be worn as close to the heart as possible or on the left lapel of the outermost garment.
-The poppy should only be worn during the Remembrance period, starting the on last Friday of October and -ending at midnight on Nov. 11, or at other veteran-related special events.
-The poppy should never be defaced in any way including replacing its pin.
-An old poppy should never be reused. Appropriate disposal of the poppy is left to the discretion of each individual.
-Any poppies found lying on the ground would be best placed lying at the foot of a war monument or in a local cemetery.

Little known facts:

Until 1996, poppies were handmade by veterans in Vetcraft workshops in Montreal and Toronto. The work provided a small source of income for disabled ex-service persons.

While the traditional lapel poppy is the most popular, car models, large table varieties and metal pins are also available at most Legion branches.

The centre of the poppy was originally black but was changed to green more than twenty years ago to represent the green fields of France. In 2002, it was changed back to black to reflect the actual colours of the poppies that grew in Flanders, Belgium.

The poppy is an international "symbol of collective reminiscence."

Poppies have been associated with those killed in combat since the Napoleonic Wars of the 19th century, more than 110 years before being adopted in Canada.

Prior to the First World War, few poppies grew in Flanders. Trench warfare enriched the soil with lime from rubble, allowing "popaver rhoes" to thrive. When the war ended, the lime was quickly absorbed and poppies began to disappear again.

In 1915, Guelph, Ont. native John McCrae, a doctor serving with the Canadian Forces Artillery, wrote about the poppy explosion in his famous poem In Flanders Fields.

An American woman inspired by McCrae's poem wore the flower year round and exported the idea to Madame Guérin of France who sold the handmade poppies to raise money for poor children. Guérin later convinced friends in Canada to adopt the symbol as well.

For more information on the 2008 National Poppy Campaign, check out the Royal Canadian Legion's website.

 

Today's Quote:

"We are not asked ... to believe in a perfect world. We are asked to equip ourselves with courage, hope, readiness for hard work and to cherish large and generous ideals"  ~Emily Balch

Memory Quilt

I received this surprise gift in the mail last week.

I just couldn't believe it, I almost cried and everything.

My friend Daphne made it for Kristen & I....it's a memory quilt of our wedding day.

It's just so special and she did a GREAT job!

 Thank you sooooo much Daphne, you have no idea how much we appreciate the gift.

If you're interested in having a memory quilt made or giving someone a memory quilt definitely get in touch with me and I can pass along her contact information. She's very talented, you won't be disappointed.

Today's Quote:

"I think great people are great dreamers."  ~Tim Mayotte

Love Boone!

I love our puppy, even though he doesn't look like a puppy anymore.

But he sure acts like a puppy!

He loved running, jumping, & frolicking in the leaves on Sunday when we were attemping some family photos.

Kristen was trying to cover him up here in this photo....but Boone would have none of it. He wouldn't stay still long enough. Yes that's one in his mouth, not sure if he was just running with it or actually trying to eat it. He's a handful sometimes for sure.

Did I mention I love my puppy?

Today's Quote:

"...Love stays, where nothing is, and seeks."  ~Sharon Olds

Happy Halloween

It was a busy day on Friday, thus my lack of a post.....I dressed up as Ugly Betty this year, what can I say I'm a fan of the show :) Here's a photo of myself & Steph (the Cheerleader)

And here's Boone, Kristen & I bought him a Moose costume. Let's just say he wasn't too thrilled to have it on and wouldn't stay still long enough to take any sensible photos.

This one, I totally cracked up laughing cause he wasn't moving at all and just slying at me. I can imagine what he was thinking "I'm outta here as soon as I get a chance!"

And this one you can actually see the "moose" part a little better...he he he.

Hope you all had fun!!! I had a great time, despite not many kids showing up at my door, a whole 9 kids :(  Hopefully we'll get more next year.

Today's Quote:

The greatest joy of life is to accomplish. It is the getting, not the having. It is the giving, not the keeping. ~Frederick Banting