The Calm

It's the day after my birthday, or rather... the day after the day after my birthday. I feel pretty good about that. Apparently it is also Blue Monday but I'm never effected by it. I had more of a Blue December... frig. That was an uncomfortable month for me. I'm glad that it's all over for another year.

Now, it's time to focus on my BFF's wedding. She is getting married February 2nd 2012, that's soon. Very soon.

I was listening to the radio this morning as I was getting ready, they were talking about marriage and divorce. I am scared of divorce, I never want to have one. Ever. I can have these relationships and screw-up and choose the wrong people or be the wrong person and all of it doesn't matter as much as if I had married any of those boys from my past. Yes, hearts get broken, but... those will mend. Mine has mended many times. I know better now what works for me and just what I am capable of. That's experience that I can't buy. I can't read about. It's learned.

It's nice not to have the pressure now of Christmas, New Years and my birthday. Chrismas was the worst, for the first time i looked at it with sober eyes. I was taken back by the amount of expectations, pressure, anxiety and money. It disgusted me... I've never really been that bitter over something so "joyous"

and Winter has finally come. It's bitter cold outside but we've made it most of the winter with decent weather. I'm not complaining, just marveling at how long it took for things to get cold.

Life feels good right now. Calm. Easy. I like that. Happy Blue Monday everyone!!

xxoo

The Gift of Eatible Love

There is no better gift then food. It's a tangible expression of love, passion and creativity that can be taken into the body with the intention to nourish. How fantastic is that. It brings comfort, strength, memory, joy. To be able to create this, see it, touch it, taste it... it's a special kind of special.

I bake. I am a baker. I have been baking since I was old enough to jump on the counter and reach things from the top shelf of the top cupboard. My mum had given me a book called Mudworks for Christmas when I was 10 and in this book was an architectural recipe for gingerbread houses. It was fragrant and hard as rocks. No matter how hard I tried to not over mix the dough or over cook the cookies, it was always hard. I would make sure that I always gave tea with the cookies so people like my grandmother wouldn't break their teeth. Now that I know what I know about baking, I realise that 6 cups of flour and 1 1/2 cups of water shouldn't be in any cookie recipe. But that is when I started to enjoy baking.

Now my ginger cookie recipe is chewy, soft and made with fresh ginger grated with care. There is no water in the recipe at all.

Over the weekend I baked for a collective 24 hours, I pounded out over a dozen different kinds of cookies and treats. I watched as a table filled with over $200 of ingredients slows diminished and beautiful, treats started to pile up beside it.

But not everyone likes cookies, cakes and sweets. Not everyone can have these things. I have a large family and between my mothers allergies to anything cow related to my aunts kidney disease, my dad's insatiable sweet tooth and my brothers cynical ways... I have to make sure that everyone can have something.

and then it dawned on me. What's easy to make, easy to alter and everyone (I thankfully do not have any gluten sensitive family members) can enjoy? Fresh Pasta. I received an old fashioned pasta maker and cutter for Christmas a few years back and realised that this might make a perfect gift. The pasta that is, I like my pasta machine far too much to give that up.

I picture fresh herbed pasta or cracked black pepper. My Dad likes really thin noodles and my mum just likes anything fresh and organic. This is easy, it's healthy and I'm going to do this.

I looked on line for direction and method. I wish I had been able to spend time with my mothers grandma who came over from Italy in the early 1900's as a teen. She used to cut pasta by hand, rolling it out with a broom handle and laying it out on the bed over a towel all the while her home made pasta sauce bubbled on the back of the stove. Using her hands she would motion for my mother to keep eating, at 10 years old she was thin for her age and this was the during the times that thin was out. It was my mothers grandma's mission to make my mum gain some weight.

**

This is the site that I found that I'm going to use as my method. I'll let you know (hopefully) how it goes!

Picture borrowed from: Here

HMMMM.... so I went looking for a lemon pasta thing I posted about a few months ago and I came across THIS post. Seems like I'm loosing my mind a little these days. Hahahaha.

A Different Christmas

This year, I don't want stuff. I don't want to give stuff. I want the world to feel safe, to feel peace and to feel love. I look at Christmas with all it's dollar value and shiny new plastic smell, I look at it and I want to crawl back into bed and not get out till my birthday. I feel like a Negative Nancy admitting that.

Christmas doesn't have to be about stuff, I look around and I see flash and crowds and unhappy faces. I see drunker stupors and internal expectations causing bouts of temporary depression. And glitter, there is so much glitter. I am sick of glitter.

I want my Christmas to bring joy to those around me. I want people to feel love. I want people to feel safe. I want people to feel satisfied. I can't buy that... I realise that. And if I could, it would only be temporary. I want to give myself to everyone... a little part of me. I am a child at heart. I play, I laugh, I eat cookies for breakfast and feel better because of it. I want to give everyone something that makes things a bit better. That's impossible.

I have to do what I can. Listen to my heart and go with it. I can't change the world, I can't take the pain away... but I can change me. That's as good of a place as any to start.

How Drunk Can You Get at Your Office Party

Last weekend I had my annual office Christmas Party, it's an open bar crazy night of fun times. Some people get silly drunk and others keep it to themselves. We drive out to beautiful Banff and stay at one of the lovely hotels nestled in the mountains. The company pays for our night and our breakfast. It's wonderful, a great way to ensure that people feel respected as well as so no one drinks and drives.

This year, Reena came with me because I broke it off with my last love interest a few days before. Both of us were single girls ready to blow off a little steam. We laughed, we danced, we took silly pictures and... stayed sober the whole night. We are classy girls and classy girls don't need to get drunk to have fun. We kept it to a glass and a bit of wine over the whole night. I also did one shot, but that's me. Can't be all class.

There were some silly drunk though, some of the mild mannered people who usually keep to them selves went a little overboard and in a scene almost like Westside Story, there was a fight between our Christmas party and another. Nothing really happened, but it was silly... and all as a result of alcohol silliness at 3AM.

If you have any doubts as to how much to consume at your new office get together, please check the handy guide below.

borrowed from here!

Halloween Costumes for Two

You can go with the traditional Sonny and Cher, Antony and Cleopatra, Sid and Nancy, Plug and Socket (this list goes on and on), but if you are a part of a twosome this Hallow’s Eve, why not go for something quirky and different? Here are ten great ideas to ensure you have couples everywhere slapping their heads in the proverbial “why didn’t I think of that” gesture.

1. Jay-Z and Pregnant Beyonce – Pick your favorite looks from the reigning King and Queen of music. Double points if you add the baby bump and wear anything from House of Dereon.

2. Boris and Natasha – From Rocky and Bullwinkle!

3. Go as each other – This idea only works when you attend a party with mutual friends who get the joke, but it just requires switching wardrobes and adopting your significant others’ charming mannerisms.

4. A pair of blue jeans - You both just need all blue attire and name tags that say “Gene” and “Jean” respectively. Inexpensive, clever and perfect for the guy who isn’t into costumes.

5. Lady Gaga and Jo Calderone - Great for the girl who wanted to do this look solo, great for the guy who just wants to dress like Danny Zuko.

6. Jake Ryan and Sam Baker – 16 Candles anyone? A letterman’s jacket and an awful 80′s bridesmaid’s dress is all you need to make this throwback costume golden!

7. Quailman and Patty Mayonnaise – Everyone’s favorite cartoon duo brought back to life! Pink polka dots for her and underwear on the outside of the khakis for him. For you third wheel friend, Skeeter Valentine is a great addition. Awwww.. love the show Doug.

8. Double Rainbow – The YouTube sensation comes to life when you construct two rainbow costumes. One smaller so one person can crouch down to make the perfect photo op.

9. Carmen Sandiego and a Globe (or map) – Won’t take a gumshoe to figure out that this idea is pretty great. Or she looks pretty good with Waldo too.

10. Jack and Sally – From Tim Burton’s most successful animated film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. This one is for real Halloween enthusiasts because it involves make-up and pretty specific attire.

You can also add “Zombie” in front of any and all couple costume ideas (much like adding “in bed” at the end of any cookie fortune) and it totally works. Zombie Ken and Barbie, Zombie Romeo and Juliet, Zom-bee’s (Zombie Bee’s) are just a few of the endless possibilities.

Vinyl Cafe Christmas

Let me tell you a story...

Stuart McLean presale started today. I got my usual 2nd row, center tickets. 1st row is too close for everyone. This is such a special tradition for me. I am so excited. The last two years we've seen Matt Andersen as a musical guest, he's amazing but to be honest. I'm a little tired of him. I want to see someone else. He was at Folk Fest this year and I didn't see him once. It was time for the rest of the world to discover him, I was off to discover other things. This year, we have Hawksley Workman, a musical talent I never would have chosen on my own to see. He's good, talented and the producers at the CBC do such a brilliant job showcasing wonder Canadian acts. I always comes away from it with a new artist or two under my belt and a deeper love for the ones I already enjoy.

There is something magical about the Stuart McLean Christmas Concert. It has been a family tradition since the year he started doing the series. To me, Stuart symbolises everything that Christmas is and should be. Warmth, family, kindness and gratitude. The stories he spins refreshes my image of the family I plan to have when I marry. The relationship I will fall into with the man I love. I wouldn't miss this night for the world. Last year, when I was so sick, shaking and clutching on to my mothers hands, it was Stuart that took me out of my head. The year before that, a blizzardy wintry day that I was sent home early from work because it was so bad out. We made it up to see Stuart and he walked around and greeted all his fans. He gave me the best hug of the year. The year before that, I was moved by the sweet, harmonizing voices of Dala and the lead singer from Salt and Poe Girl. Happy to be sitting along side my family and my best friend.

I couldn't think of a better way to start my Christmas off right. A Christmas Tradition that I will never give up till the day that I (or Stuart) dies.

**

Related Posts:

I've Been Waiting All Night For This

Music Obsession Monday: Introductions

The Brat Diet

My Dog, Dinner: Let's Talk About Christmas

Christmas with Steve

DYI: Steve Style

I once had a roommate named Steve, he was fantastic and I was sad the day he moved out. Sure, his furniture wasn't my style and he never ate the food I cooked. But we were good friends and those were good times.

Our first Christmas together was interesting. He asked me if I wanted a Christmas Tree and I said No. What's the point? We have nothing and we weren't allowed real ones in the condo (fire hazard) and I just didn't think we had room to store a fake one. Plus, we had to buy ornaments and there was a big computer desk taking up the whole front room. I just wasn't in to it.

One day (maybe a Sunday??), I was playing one of my computer games (which, I must add I had been playing for the whole day) and Steve came home. I noticed him walk in the door, I said "Hi" and just kept playing. He had bags of stuff, I think he had gone to Zellers and bought a bunch of cereal for the Mustard Seed (Steve had a charity at the time called Zombie Squad and he would do all kinds of wonderful, good karma things). I remember Steve moving about and doing stuff but that was about all I noticed until about 4 hours later when I lifted my eyes from the computer screen and noticed...

A Christmas tree had been set up and decorated in the front room. The same room that I was in playing my computer game. It's not that I couldn't see, of course I could see. I was just really into my game. I yelped at Steve but I guess he had also left for the night (This is why I need to be careful with how much computer game playing I do, I could loose a whole weekend and not even notice). Upon further inspection I noticed that it had been decorated with those little Winnie the Pooh cellphone charms that you get from the dispensers that are always sitting at the doorways of any department store. The star was Kane's mask from one of Steve's WWE toys. Or maybe it was Demolition's.. I don't remember because I use to change all their clothes around so it's all one big cross dressing mess in my mind now. I think there may have even have been a set of ear phones draped across the tree as garland.

CORRECTION: They were Ear Plugs and he also put a Count bookmark on the tree. But that was a the year after. See picture. One was never taken from the first year.

It was funny and so tacky but I loved that he did that even though I said "No Christmas Tree". A few days later when I was working on wrapping my Christmas Presents (it's an all day event that includes a glue gun and all kinds of bits) and took what I had left over and decorated the tree properly. Leaving the Winnie the Pooh ornaments in place I added colored balls, glittery stars and beaded garland making it actually look like a Christmas tree.

We put all our presents around it (Steve went to Kelowna for Christmas, I went to my parents) and I made sure my Menorah was close by (yes, I light one every year- and it's not because I am Jewish). The following year was much the same. I came home from work one day to find that fake Christmas tree set up in the front room in all it's delight (see picture) letting me know that Steve wanted to set up Christmas. I'd take it all apart and decorate it my way and start putting presents under.

This year I didn't bother with a tree, I made Steve take the tree with him when he left and I have all the Winnie the Pooh cell phone charms handing on my wall at work. I'll do the tree thing later, when I have a place that I am sharing with someone. Maybe it will be a mini tree or a real tree or a fake tree or one I have made out of hangyballs from the ceiling. Doesn't matter. The whole thing makes me laugh and is a fond memory in the back of my mind and I don't know WHY I am talking about this now, in April with Christmas no where in sight.

Santa Claus School

The First Lesson in Santa 101 is patience.

One of the many ambitions I had in life while growing up was to be a witch. Little did I know that there was a school called The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School (established in 1937). If I had know of this school earlier then I may have changed my sights and grown a white beard and a big fat jiggly belly. I mean, I already have the cookie binge eating down to an art. Sure. I'm not a man and I'm better with animals then I am with children but I can learn. I just haven't been around them.

Seriously though, was it even conceivable in your mind that there might actually be a Santa Claus school. It's magical in a way.

Charles W. Howard first portrayed Santa Claus in the 4th grade for a school play. He kept playing Santa and his reputation grew; he soon became one of the most sought-after Santa's in the area, and then the whole nation. Between 1948 to 1965, he was the featured Santa Claus in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and perhaps the most visible Santa in the United States. He taught his Santa philosophies and methods to both Santa's and executives from department stores across the country. Charles even went so far as to travel to Australia to teach Santa's there the way of "The Claus".

Charles W. Howard died in 1966 just shy of his 70th birthday. Today, the School continues running under Tom and Holly Valent, who themselves have portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus for over thirty years.

We all might benefit a little from a touch of Santa school, don't you think? Compassion, patience, and a little magic (never mind a healthy appetite)- all things that we could use more of in our lives.

Class begins at 9:00am on October 7th, 2010.

"Believing...Sincerely in Santa"

Let's Talk About Christmas

Don't let this be you.

I'm not pessimistic in any sense of the word. I've actually been called annoyingly positive and optimistic... I call my self a realist, somewhat rational. I actually just call myself Blanche. I say this because I am about to tell you that I am thinking about Christmas and I've been thinking about Christmas since June. True story.

Facts:

June 21st  is Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. As soon as that day pops up I know that the days are no longer getting longer and that they are in fact getting shorter. When June 21st pops up on the calendar I think to myself "Well Blanche, Christmas is on the way!". On the flip side, when December 21st (which is Winter Solstice-the shortest day of the year)  pops up on the calendar I think to myself  "Well Blanche, summer is on the way!".

I say this all because, it's true. I've been thinking about Christmas. Today, I just bought the tickets to Stuart McLean's Christmas Concert. So excited. You may remember my encounter with Mr. McLean himself at last years concert. This year, his headlining musical guest is the amazing Matt Andersen who toured last year with him. Breath taking talent. The other musical guests have been left in a bit of mystery with the only clue being that "This artist has never toured with us before".

This is what Jess Milton, the Vinyl Cafe Producer said regarding this years Christmas Concert:

"The Christmas concerts will feature two brand-new Dave and Morley stories. And, because you liked him so much last year, we'll be bringing our pal and musician Matt Andersen out with us on the Christmas Tour. If you saw Matt perform last year, I know you'll want to see him again. And if you missed him last year - you'll definitely want to catch him this year. In addition to Matt Andersen, we'll have another special musical guest along - someone we've NEVER toured with…so they'll probably be new to you too."

So, this is where I am about to tell you what to do-

If you have a chance, buy a ticket and go see him. Take your mum, you dad, your little one, your old one. Bring your best friend, your lover or your neighbour. Give it as a gift of love. It's worth it- trust me.

and now I promise not to mention Christmas until maybe October.

PS: I hate winter. Brrr....

Christmas In July

Last night I had a feast that was fit for Christmas- a British Christmas at that. All that as missing was a loud Italian family and presents (at least that is what my Christmas usually ends up being like).

my nut roast looked better but it was eaten before a picture could be taken

A friend and I made Nut Roast, a tradition Christmas dish with the vegetarian in mind. Pish-posh carnivores, I can hear you all groan at the mere idea of "vegetarian" but trust me, this is one of the few dishes that doesn't taste better when you add meat. It's amazing all on it's own. This recipe comes over the ocean from jolly ol' England directly from Laura's grandmother. It's authentic and simple-

Cashew Nut Roast

Ingredients

1 Large Onion diced

4 tablespoons corn oil

4oz Brazil Nuts

2oz Walnuts

2oz Cashew Nuts

4oz Breadcrumbs

Liquid Vegetable Stock (I use Knorr in a jar but you could use a veggie cube).

big pinches of sage, oregano and basil

salt and pepper

2 eggs (it calls for 1 egg but I find it a bit crumbly so I add another to make it stick better)

Method

1. Turn the oven on to 200°C (about 400/425°F)

2. Heat the oil and fry the onion gently until transparent.

3. While the onions are frying grind the nuts up (I use my Magic Bullet)

You can use any combination of raw, unsalted nuts in whatever quantities you like as long as the

add up to about 8oz (I often put a little more in and use Almonds, Hazelnuts,Walnuts,

Raw Cashews, Brazil Nuts etc..). 

4. Make your breadcrumbs (grind up in your food processor or liquidizer).

5. Once the onions are soft add all remaining ingredients and combine well.

6 Prepare you load tin by lining the bottom and at least 2 sides with baking parchment, it will

come out a lot easier if you use the parchment.

7. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan. Use some cling film to push it down.

8. Cover the top with foil. Pop in the middle of a heated over and cook for 30-40 mins.

Have a look after 30 mins. If you have a hot oven keep an eye on the loaf or it will get

overcooked at the edges.

9. Leave for 5 mins to settle and then tip it out and eat it!!

Serve hot with Mushroom Gravy
Feeds about 4 people with big appetites.

So we had a plethora of steamed veggies, baby potato's and nut loaf dressed up to the nines in mushroom gravy. Due to the fact that the recipe is so simple, it only took about an hour before the table was served and we were ready to devour our piping hot feast.

Delicious, I honestly think you should try it.




hat tip to the oh-so-British Barrett Family

Trigger Happy

Lucky for me, this year I got a brand spanking new camera for Christmas! That's right boys and girls- a grown up SLR with TWO fancy dancy lenses... I'm just starting to get the hang of it and has really helped bring my closer to my goal of taking lots of pictures before I turn 30. Here is a small little sample below of a few pictures I have taken with my new camera. Truth: they haven't really been edited other then to be resized... so they are as raw as they come.

This is my BFF Laura

Laura smiling for the camera (she hates that) we are out at Elbow Falls taking pictures in areas that were blocked off. We are rebels that way.


Potpourri- exciting I know but compared to my little point and shoot this impressed me because it just looked better. You may not care but I can see a major difference right here.



Typical Blanche picture- New Years Eve. Behind me is another one of my Christmas Presents. A painting of a picture I took over the summer done by Denise Staples in Cochrane. I love it.

This is at my families country house. These are 3 of my parents Golden Retrievers... they are looking down the hill at the cabin where my Mum was. She didn't go on a hike with my Father and I.

This is Dani- he's a beautiful dog.

Woody Wood Pecker- I was impressed with this picture because Mr. Wood Pecker was far away. I was able to zoom right in and actually get some decent detail. I believe that this is called a Downie Wood Pecker.

The Foothills- a view from the hike at my parents country house.

Frozen Elbow Falls- BRRRRRRRRR!!!! I was pretty far away from the falls as well... I don't know how far- maybe 40'? Just a guess... more then likely that is totally wrong.

The Man in the Moon. Good detail for something that is 384,400 km

Aspen tree in the winter

Ecumenical

Main Entry: ec·u·men·i·cal
Pronunciation: \ˌe-kyə-ˈme-ni-kəl, -kyü-\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin oecumenicus, from Late Greek oikoumenikos, from Greek oikoumenē the inhabited world, from feminine of oikoumenos, present passive participle of oikein to inhabit, from oikos house — more at vicinity
Date: circa 1587
1 : worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application
2 a : of, relating to, or representing the whole of a body of churches b : promoting or tending toward worldwide Christian unity or cooperation
__________________________________________________________

I have a love hate relationship with the word "ecumenical"- I use it a lot to describe my Christmas Traditions however when I try to use it in a sentence I can never figure out how to spell it. EVER... I always have to "call a friend", thankfully it's always the same friend so when I write "How do I spell that word again? that one that means 'celebrate all religions' Ecremenical... ??? " he knows what I mean and writes "I think you spell it 'Ecremenical', but I think everyone else spells it 'ecumenical'. ;)"

The word Ecumenical means to me is (and I quote Wikipedia)

Ёcumenism or Œcumenism (also Ecumenism, oecumenism or even eucumenism) now mainly refers to initiatives aimed at greater religious unity or cooperation.

In its broadest sense, this unity or cooperation may refer to a worldwide religious unity; by the advocation of a greater sense of shared spirituality across the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Most commonly, however, ecumenism is used in a more narrow meaning; referring to a greater cooperation among different religious denominations of a single one of these faiths.

I learnt this word from a Stuart Mclean story about a children's politically correct Christmas pageant Winter Festival called Morley's Christmas Pageant ("Morley's Christmas Concert") Priceless story even though I feel as though I am going to get into trouble for writing this- I beleive that is part of going to Catholic School my whole life.

Little Christmas

It was a few weeks before Christmas and all through the house

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

I sat by the computer Googling things with care,
in hopes that free Airmiles soon would be near.

True story!

I ended up doing a search for "Christmas" just for fun and found myself in Wikipedia reading all about it. Down near the bottom I saw a sub link titled "Little Christmas" - being little myself I though "Hmmm.. This sounds like a Christmas made JUST for me!" Well, my goodness... if that wasn't the best little find- I was delighted! Enter NEW Tradition!

The origins of Little Christmas (also know as Woman's Christmas) came from Ireland. Back in the day when woman did all the house work and men were expected to never lift a finger, the ladies were given a break on January 6Th when for one day the roles would change. Men all across Ireland would let their wives rest and send them out to the pub while they stayed home to tend to the chores. As time passed and the roles became more flexible the tradition has shifted somewhat. Still mildly popular in areas such as Cork the tradition has become more of a "girls night out" then anything else.

Being a sentimental girl who loves to eat who am I to scoff at a chance to take advantage of Ye Olde Tradition (even if I am of Canadian-Italian heritage). Had a lovely little dinner with my lovely little friend Rheann over a lovely little glass of Gamay with a lovely little dish of bubbly, gourmet Mac and Cheese and a little side salad. Mmmmm...

Much like my Menorah (yes I light a Menorah every year even though I am not Jewish) I hope this becomes another part of my collective cherry picked Christmas Traditions.

Happy Little Christmas everyone!

What A Rest Can Do For You

yes, this is me being "loved to death" by 3 Golden Retrievers and 1 Sheba Inu

Working in sales for 13 years did something to me where Christmas is concerned. Like a double edged sword I started in retail working at a high end jewelery store, selling shiny things to people who well... often had too much money. Our busiest time was Christmas which meant that I was busy selling and making money, far too busy to actually spend it and enjoy Christmas. When I finally got sick of that life and entered into the world of paper pushing and 9-5 hours I was delighted to have the flexibility to take the last few weeks off in December.

It's become almost part of the gluttony to enjoy the relaxation of the holiday season. I get my Christmas shopping done early and take full advantage of all the festivities going on. I stay away from the malls, eat, sleep and enjoy too much- it's delightful. This year was my first full on indulgence- I enjoyed my time off so much that I honestly forgot what day it was. I was only off work for 12 days but it was enough for me become a woman of leisure. I will admit that I dragged my feet all the way to work on Monday but when I got there I was recharged and ready to get my stuff done. I fell in love with my job again and I feel very optimistic about 2010. It was the perfect time off- the office was only open for 3 days of my 12 days off so I didn't have much work to catch up on. I just to deal with one broken ankle and a bunch of enrolment cards- not to shabby at all!

I spent time out of the city where I could enjoy the mountains and fresh air. I played in the snow like a child and ran with the dogs like I was part of the pack. I enjoyed a bit of the Calgary culture I'd been ignoring the last few months, found new places to eat and shop. Enhanced my senses and took a lot of pictures. I woke up in the morning not even looking at the time and read till I felt it was time to make a lavish breakfast. I have to brag- I felt so good! I can honestly say that this was the first time in a long time that I actually felt relaxed- I understood what the word meant. Finally...

Zoo Lights

The first time I went to Zoo Lights it actually wasn't called zoo lights- it was a light safari that I could drive though. I think it was by donation and you could drive though all these light displays in the nice warm car which had the radio station tuned to the private channel so you got a play by play explanation of the whole tour. It was fun and I didn't know what it was, it wasn't at the zoo either so it must have had another name.


A few years later, I heard about this thing called Zoo lights that was at *gasp* the zoo... you could walk around and see all these little light displays. It only shows up during December- just in time for Christmas! Laura and I went a half hour before closing. I'm not sure why we went and I'm not sure why it only took us 15 minutes to walk through the whole things but it did and we vowed never to go back again.

It was cold and there were too many wild, screaming children.

How quickly I forget- low and behold, I put "Go to Zoo Lights" as #16 on my list of things to do before I turn 30. Maybe it was the draw of over 3 million lights or the fact that it is the biggest of it's kind in Western Canada. Perhaps in my old age I am getting soft and the idea of Hot Coco and Outdoor fire pits have a real attraction to me.

Or maybe I'm like a dog and forget things within 15 minutes.

Regardless, I went... it was -20°c out and I was determined- I had coupons!! It was pretty fun- I don't think I'll go again any time soon but there is something sweet about strolling in the snowy dark with millions of colored lights glowing all around. Nice way to say farewell to the holidays and hello to the new year.

Dear Bernard

Dear Bernard,

I ate too much of your seasonal chocolate yule log- ugh. Why the heck do you make the whole thing out of your famous chocolate and then fill it with the same? Santa know that I can not resist anything chocolate that is left sitting on the tables in the lunch rooms.

My eyes are much bigger then my tummy. I'm going to undo my pants for the rest of the afternoon.

Ugh.

Love from,

PS: I really am talking about chocolate

Heritage Park

I haven't been to Heritage Park in years so last weekend I made a point of going. I had been grocery shopping at the Safeway near my parents place and they had given me two 50% off gate admission tickets. WHY NOT! It was on my list anyway... It was delightfully busy with line ups threading out of the bakery. Everyone I saw was content with a a hot coco in one hand a fresh cinnamon bun in the other. I just love the little town in the park- I enjoy looking through the old Heritage houses imagining that I could come home to one of them one day. With the many wood burning fire places, large kitchen, many bedrooms and sprawling porches I was in a dream world for a good 3 hours.

The dentist was the only thing that didn't look as though it had changed much- tee hee



"Please do not touch" but nothing said "Please do not sit"... top floor of an old farm house warmed by the afternoon sun



Eyeing up the horse. I think he was allergic to me as well



That's better . friends....



REAL Reindeer walking down Main Street! REAL Reindeer!



See REAL! At first I was a little annoyed (and impressed) that they would glue antlers on deer but then it dawned on me that reindeer actually do exist. Not my brightest moments.

Jingly Bell Hay Rides- I couldn't justify standing in line for an hour just to rise around the park in an over packed wagon. They were fun to look at though. I kept calling them cars though... "Watch out! Here comes one of those cars!"

Is that a Reindeer or a Blanche? I will never tell!

I had a wonderful time- they have done a wonderful job of keeping the park interesting and new. With the addition of Gasoline Alley (which I must admit wasn't worth the extra admission. I didn't pay it and just walked right in view the collection of cars. Naughty... I know) and many new stores plus a fancy dancy new restaurant that serves all the kinds of food I like, I was impressed. I totally plan to go again- next time though I plan to go when the rides are up and running. Nothing scares me more then a good ol' fashion Ferris wheel- EEK!

#15, you are now complete!

OOOOHHH! PS! I forgot to also state that they have an ice rink that NEVER MELTS! For real- I think because we have such hot and cold winters in Calgary they needed something that wasn't ice and wouldn't melt. As some of you remember when we had the 1988 Olympics we were in the middle of +20°c weather due to one of those lovely Chinooks.

Dance Like...

Dance like your pants are on fire and the only way to put it out is by dancing more! That is my rule for dancing, I don't know or even really care if I am any good. All I know is I have a lot of fun doing it (hence the 10pm solo kitchen dance parties I use to have until I found out that all that activity before bed was keeping me awake). What makes it even more fun? Having a people around who are the same way- I don't care if you know how to move your hips or not, just get out there and have a blast! The sillier the better and just so you know- I always hold the microphone (just like how I play air guitar and violin).

It was on my list to get out and dance before my birthday came and went. It's taken a back priority the last few years because I find myself surrounded by people who

A) don't like to dance or
B) are too cool to dance with me.

Some of my favorite fuzzy moments involve ridiculous glides across gymnasium floors or impromptu waltzes in the aisle at Walmart. Good times...

A few years ago I made the mistake at my company Christmas party of discovering that strapless dresses and dancing like a monster don't mix. It was only a matter of seconds but my dress fell down and for my dance partner to catch a glimpse of my boobs. OH WELL- that stop me though. I pulled it back up and kept right on dancing-sure, one hand was holding my dress up but the other was up in the air keeping time to my wiggling hips.

This year I made a similar mistake- though my dress was heavily boned through the bodice it still made dancing a little uncomfortable and I had to keep ducking into the kitchen to readjust. I have sworn to myself never to wear another strapless dress to another danceable function again.

Regarless, I had fun. I danced, I laughed and I then I went to bed. #12, you've been taken care of!

The Tale of Two iPods- No Wait Three! Or Was It Four?

I once dated a guy who gave me an iPod. It was a great Christmas gift! One of the craziest surprises I've ever had! He had put all my gifts in a fluffy red stocking and thrust it into my hands with a sheepish smile. I don't really remember what else was in there- odds and ends that were basically just stocking stuffers. One thing for sure was a pink protector case with a clear front. Impressed and not wanting to hurt his feelings I squealed with glee about how this would protect my already abused cell phone! Promptly grabbing it and stuffing it in this protector sleeve I threw it back in my purse. I think there was a stuffed animal in there, some chocolate and a big Book of Lifesavers- delighted I tossed them all a side and gave him a big hug. The end. But that wasn't the end- he wanted a Lifesaver (which I thought was strange. MINE!). So I opened the box (which was oddly wrapped in cling wrap but I thought- oh well!) and found that there were no Lifesavers in the box but a brand spanking new iPod Video (when they first came out). I swear I wet my pants right there! Going through I found that he had found obscure recording from artists that I was in love with. Writing all the song lyrics down to many of my Led Zeppelin recordings and even writing experts from letters we had written in the notes sections. It was beyond one of the most thoughtful gifts I had received from a boyfriend (it ranks up there with a handmade hope chest my high school sweetheart made for me- I love it even though he marvels at the fact I still have it). As it turned out the pink thing that I put my cell phone into was actually the protective case for the iPod- SILLY ME! I called it- actually I forget what I called it because I think he named it for me. As our relationship flourished and then turned sour so did that iPod- eventually he disappeared from my life and took the iPod with him. He can keep those memories thank you very much- I have the ones that only exists in my mind of once receiving a delightful gift. I entered into a another relationship which found me with another iPod- this one was given to me as he upgraded to something bigger and better. I was delighted to own something that carried 40GB of music. I called it "Pure Life" I filled that thing to the brim with all my favorite songs and when that relationship finally ended he didn't want it back so I was free to be with just my music and me. I had that thing for years- It came with me EVERYWHERE... always thrown into my purse it was my friend and savour through many events over the years. Keeping me company as I worked, walked and tanned (amongst other things). Me and my iPod- my iPod and me... we were joined at the hips. Or maybe I should say, the ears. One day though, it died. 100% died... I mourned over it like I would a family member or a friend. It was around that time that I won an iPod though some thing- delighted to have portable music, it brought new energy to my life! It was purple and I called it "Little B"- it was little and the amount of music it was kind of silly for me to use Little B for as long as I did. It was around that time that I found myself with a new guy who gave me what I call "Sirius Black" (yes, after the Harry Potter character- I am indeed a dork). It was his old one that he no longer needed because he had just purchased a fancy new gadget of his own. Sirius Black is the one that I have now, I no longer take it everywhere with me because I find run the risk of getting run over on the way to work. It's just on loan till I buy my own- one of these days I will... but for now, this is my take of four iPods. The End.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

My name is Blanche and I live in Canada, I am- well, I'm not going to tell you how old I am because that is a bit of a "sensitive" issue with me right now. I have been a good lady this year, so good in fact that I should be an angle at the top of a tree! I bet you already know that though. For Christmas this year I have my eye set on only ONE thing, it is a signed Blue Harmony solid body Guitar from singer/songwriter Leslie Feist. All the proceeds go to a good cause as it is being auctioned off for charity so really, it's a win-win-win situation. The Charity is called "Peace For The Animals"... though I must admit that if I were to get this guitar the animals around me may not have much peace for the first few months but I will make it up to them with lots of love and attention. Even the ones that I am allergic too. Pinky Swear!

I am excited for Christmas this year, I have spent a lot of time finding the perfect gift for everyone in my family- it's actually been a lot of fun! We finally got some snow here so you shouldn't have any trouble riding your sled over all the roof tops. Just be sure that you bundle up, it's been really cold. Make sure that the Reindeer also wear their sweaters. Thank you Santa for taking the time to read my letter, I promise not to let so much time pass between correspondence next time.

All my love,


PS: Though I don't have a fireplace at my condo I will leave TV on the Fireplace Channel and place some goodies for the Reindeer and a finger of Scotch for you.