THE MAN=GEORGE

It was only a matter of time before I dedicated a post to George Clooney. He is awesome. I love him. For some many reasons, mainly for that fact that he is 100% cool. Other reasons, he made my all time favorite show ER, I pretty much enjoy any film he is in, and he is still the mysterious bachelor. And his name is George I have attached a link to a quiz about him. Let me know your score!

http://www.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/quiz/quiz.cgi?quiz=arts_clooney

Things that I like about summer (I am trying to be positive here!)

1. BBQs
2. Summer Trips
3. Days that are sunny and do not pass 25 degrees
4. The lassier faire attitude people seem to take on
5. Cheesy summer flicks
6. ICE CREAM (okay - it makes every season)

Cooking tip of the day: BBQ!! Almost everything tastes better on a BBQ (except for maybe pasta).

I'm your #1 Fan

Tonight was a sad night for my brother. His beloved Sens seemed to have lost it all - Lord Stanley. I believe he is the Senator's #1 one fan. Truly heartbreaking. I am not an expert on the subject of hockey in any way shape or form, but what I noticed watching the last 5 games, was that the team had given up, and it showed. A metaphor for life?.... obviously.

So if you see my bro around in the next couple of days be kind. He feels the weight of an entire team on his back.

Why I love watching NHL playoff games:

1. They are exciting to watch

2. Getting together with friends to watch the game

3. The snacks that pop up

4. It's a subject you can pretty much talk to anyone in the city about

5. Emery

Cooking Tip of the Day: A great snack for game time or anytime is nachos. I like to cook some onions and peppers up in a little oil first, then place them on top of a single layer of nacho chips (the best are farm boy's), then add some of your favorite salsa, top with cheese (the best is extra old cheddar) and then some chopped tomatoes. Cook in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, for the last few minutes of cooking time, broil the nachos, that way the cheese will be nice and bubbly. Serve with sour cream and if your lucky some guacamole.

No Time for Excuses

It's almost summer, and I have been spending my on-line time on Facebook. That is not an excuse. It's been a pretty hectic few months. That's not an excuse. I have nothing to say. That is not an excuse (that in fact may be a lie). I am lazy, Again not an excuse.

I am very upset that my beloved Veronica Mars has been cancelled. A critically acclaimed show, cancelled because it doesn't make enough money, replaced by the reality show based on the Pussycat dolls. There is no excuse. Or how about Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip? A great show! Wonderfully acted and scripted.... cancelled because lack of $$$. Have you seen 30D Rock? If you haven't, you probably won't get a chance to see it again... it's been put on hiatus, probably being replaced by some pirate reality show. I don't buy the $$ issue as the main reason for these shows being cancelled, really a lame excuse. These shows make you feel good about watching television. Now I just have to feel guilty, when I watch Canada' s Next Top Model. Now that's definitely not an excuse. I really should concern myself with other issues.

Recent Ongoings

1. I work 9-5

2. My hair is a little longer

3. I got a IPOD thanks to SBP.

4. I saw spidey 3 ( and I liked it!)

5. On line dating continues...that;s all I really have to say about that.

Cooking Tip of the day: Make something with rhubarb. It's in season and it's growing everywhere this time of year and it is delicious!

What have I been up to lately?

It's finally spring, which is great! I have been pretty busy lately. My time has been occupied by nothing that significant but I love being busy. Work has been busy, with the Winter campaign coming to an end; my hours will return to normal in a few weeks and for that I am excited! Working at a University means summer arrives early. Once all the students leave, the University seems to take a nice long breather. I love my lunch hours by the Ottawa River, reading a book.

I have been out dancing at a bar twice. Yes, it is true!

I have been out on a blind date (well sort of).

I have been to the Le Nordik Spa. Unlike anything I have ever done before, but I felt great afterwards and my skin looked great too.

I have had many nice meals out with friends and family.

Oh and finally ( and maybe embarrassingly) I have joined facebook.

Life is good.

What I hope to accomplish today:

1. Clean the bathroom.

2. Bake some peanut butter and chocolate squares.

3. Laundry

4. Enjoy a fantastic easter meal with friends and family.

5. Watch some Grey's.

Cooking Tip of the day: My favorite and famous tomato sauce: 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2-3 gloves of garlic, a little olive oil, 1 tsp of brown sugar, basil 1 tsp, oregano 1tsp (if you happen to have fresh herbs, add them at the end) , a shake of hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Put all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil; then simmer for at least 30 minutes. At this point add some tomato paste until it reaches desired consistency. Simmer for another 15 minutes or so. Serve with hot pasta. My favorite is cheese tortellini. And finally sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan.

* this sauce is great the next day, and is awesome as a sauce for pizza*

The end of the weekend...

A picture that was taken on a weekend afternoon.

I really don't like Sundays evenings. A year ago they weren't so bad because Grey's was on, but they still have this depressing factor. Soon Monday will be here and with that the work week. Sunday evenings brings a little bit of dread. A list of things that should have been done but didn't, and a new to do list forms of upcoming tasks. UGGG!!!! and I am feeling that right now. Funny thing is I will forgot about this feeling at approximately 8:00 am on Monday morning.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and I wish you all a wonderful week!

What I did this weekend:

1. Saw Zodiac... great film.

2. Ate every single meal out... some would say that's a shame. I loved it!

3. Took my cat to the vet... again.

4. Bought a new watch..... which I love.

5. Watered my plant.

Now I know why I have that feeling of dread... I didn't accomplish anything but I did have great times with friends and family. Man.. are we ever hard on ourselves!!

Cooking tip of the day: Take a break from the kitchen every once and a while, you will come back with more energy and vigour.

Happy Anniversary!

Today is my 1st anniversary working at Carleton University. Time certainly flies. I have noticed a change in myself over the last year. I am happy. People who don't see me often have commented on how relaxed I look, I attribute this to my change in workplace. My last job did not make me happy. I was miserable. Some of you may know what it is like to wake up every morning and dread the upcoming day. It's terrible! In retrospect it wasn't worth it. Now it wasn't always like that. I did learn a lot in my position as operations manager, but the job and the corporate culture changed, and it wasn't for me. If you or someone you know feels this way about their current working situation, tell then to quit and find something else. It isn't worth it. Soon enough another opportunity will find your way.

I love working at Carleton, the people are great, the benefits are great and they are really flexible with your working arrangements, and in one year I have already been given many learning opportunities They are committed to seeing you grow professionally. A great working environment. Now don't get me wrong, there are tough times, but it is so nice to wake up and look forward to the day.

Projects I have take on lately:

1. I joined a political party

2. Started researching the possibility of completing my MBA

3.Internet dating - it is wacked! But seems fun!

4. Sent my resume to the Stephen Lewis foundation, I would like to volunteer there.

5. Researching the purchase of new tires for my car.

Cooking tip of the day: My new sandwich discovery (well wrap). Take a tortilla, spread some hummus on it, sprinkle with a little trail mix, feta cheese, cucumber and red pepper. Roll up and enjoy. It is my new favorite lunch.

Photographs!

I received a digital camera for my 32 birthday. In the last couple of months I have become the owner of 'new technologies'. First it started with an MP3 player, then a laptop and now a digital camera. Here are some pics I have taken over the last few weeks.


















Adelaide - Looking cute as always!

Cake - Christie's birthday cake... delicious and I was happy with the way it turned out.

Lalime - the picture says it all.

What I have been up to lately:

1. Work - last week I worked 52 hours. It was productive but I am still tired.

2. Filed my taxes

3. Dancing to JT in a bar... woo hoo!

4. Trying to grow indoor plants (no .. not that kind)

5. Watching some flicks (reviews to come later)

Cooking tip of the day: Bake some cookies for someone special. It doesn't take that much time, and the smiles you receive will be more than enough payback.