My life has been an absolute whirlwind lately and it doesn't look to be letting up any time soon. I have a to-do list that is several pages long, and that doesn't even count the one I have at work.
Everything has gotten so wild and it's only the beginning. In years gone by I've tried to get all my shopping done before November 15th so that I can beat the rush - get all that I need to get so that I can just chill out and enjoy the holidays.
Today is the day I book off in November that I use as my day to finish shopping - but I feel like I've only just begun. For the first time, I have no clue where to start and what to get. I also don't even have a good list to pass on for what I want.
Last year, after having lost my mom, I found that the holidays were something to look forward to. I looked towards the lights and the wonder and the joy of the holidays. This year I seem to be stuck behind the rest. I know it's only November 12th and most people won't start thinking about Christmas until at least December 1st, but I'm not most people. I'm usually organized and ready.
Yes, I did start shopping for the holidays back in August when we went to the states and checked out Bonner's Christmas Wonderland. It was wild and overwhelming. Looking back, it seems so fitting considering how I'm feeling now. Perhaps it was an indicator of things to come? Or perhaps it was showing me that sometimes your visions of how things should be, aren't always how they turn out.
The only Christmas related thing I can seem to focus on right now is the Ugly Sweater Society and the Santa Claus Parade this weekend. So excited to get the float together and to see the joy on our teams face as we get the sweaters on and the spirit up. Once that's done I can really focus on the rest of the fun of the holiday season.
Monday, 12 November 2012
Sunday, 22 July 2012
The Last Templar - Book Review
The book I most recently read is The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury and reading it I can completely understand how it made the New York Times Bestseller List.
Set in modern times with a glimpse back into the final days of the Knights Templar the book takes a strong look at the Templar Knights, Christianity as we know it and archaeology around the world. It's no secret that I love a book that has strong religious undercurrents, especially if the book involves relics of a long ago time and action packed scenes where everyone seems to be fighting to get the relic. In this case, the book talks about a lost Templar treasure, perhaps the most damning treasure the world has ever seen.
I read the book in rapt fascination. I was raised in a Christian household but by no means was my family religious. The bible and all the bible stories that were taught had always seemed to me as nice stories. They were trying to point us on a good moral path. I was never really comfortable with the opulence of the church and the more I learned and read, the more I never quite understood how the greed of so many in the church gave it so much more power over people.
My religious beliefs were always "We are all people under god." It has nothing do with our religion, our sexual orientation, the colour of our skin. We are all people. We all seem to worship one god, and I'm a strong believer that faith can heal wounds and bring us through times of sorrow. It's all about choices. It's all within us. This book brought that all back for me.
I was not shocked when reading the "About The Author" on the back of the book flap that Raymond Khoury was a screenwriter. The book was action packed, and I felt that I was right there with the characters, heart pumping, mind racing over all the possibilities and wondering how things were going to come around. I'm happy having done a little research to discover that they turned the book into a mini-series, something which I'd love to watch. I haven't felt this way about any of the books I've read recently, including 50 Shades which has rumors of a movie in the works. There is something about this book that I think will play very well on screen and I look forward to seeing if they can capture the intrigue and wonder that was brought to light on the pages of Mr. Khoury's novel.
Only one minor thing I noticed in the novel that I would've liked more of, but know that most male writers aren't so good at - description. The story was fast paced and quick moving, but there wasn't a lot of detailed description and knowing that Mr. Khoury is a screenwriter probably lends everything to that. In writing scripts you leave a lot of the description to your set design team.
It's a good book and I really do recommend it.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
It's getting Sexy up in Here
It's no secret that things have been getting all sexy in my world this summer. It all started with a teeny weeny crush on Thor after watching the movie with my husband. Then I go to a barbecue and discuss hot men with some fabulous ladies who inform me that "everyone needs a list." I have delicious thoughts about that list, and finally put it together in a blog. This much you know.
My Channing was great - he was the best part of the entire movie. Ladies - if you are like me, you'll like what you see and will be very happy with his performance. Matthew, just looked like he was supposed to - as a slightly washed up male stripper who has been usurped as the big dog in town. Now the Kid - this hot new guy that people were drooling over - he was bad. I didn't enjoy watching him and all I wanted was for him to shave and do something about his bad hair. I couldn't get past how bad it looked and frankly, it distracted from the story line.
Now onto 50 Shades. Everyone is talking about this book. You know it, I know it. And it seems that everyone is either reading it, or wanting to read it so that they know what everyone is talking about. Even guys I know are talking about it, although I don't think many of them are reading it. The book is erotica, and it's now main stream and it's drawn attention to some so-called alternatives to Vanilla Sex.
What you don't know, is that I have finally watched Magic Mike and I've also read all three books in the 50 Shades series.
That's a whole lot of sexy.
I was so stoked to go see Magic Mike. It had two of my favourite men to look at - Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey. Watching them didn't disappoint. The story line though... wasn't so good. It was really predictable and frankly, not sexy enough. I know they were trying and really, the dancing guys were hot, but the story really wasn't. It need more... oomph. And yes-it needed more sex appeal. I honestly can't believe they are making a sequel. How can they ever turn it into a second movie?
My Channing was great - he was the best part of the entire movie. Ladies - if you are like me, you'll like what you see and will be very happy with his performance. Matthew, just looked like he was supposed to - as a slightly washed up male stripper who has been usurped as the big dog in town. Now the Kid - this hot new guy that people were drooling over - he was bad. I didn't enjoy watching him and all I wanted was for him to shave and do something about his bad hair. I couldn't get past how bad it looked and frankly, it distracted from the story line.
I do recommend watching the movie though - but I think it's a rental. I know - hard to believe since I was so pumped about it, but I think I would've liked watching it at home with some of my girlfriends over going to the theatre and having someone kick my chair periodically throughout the movie. I think it would've been better if we could've cracked some jokes, ate some popcorn together and shared a few laughs at the right times. Even still - I loved that my friends Devon and Steph could come with me. (Thanks ladies!)
Now onto 50 Shades. Everyone is talking about this book. You know it, I know it. And it seems that everyone is either reading it, or wanting to read it so that they know what everyone is talking about. Even guys I know are talking about it, although I don't think many of them are reading it. The book is erotica, and it's now main stream and it's drawn attention to some so-called alternatives to Vanilla Sex.
Before reading the book, I was told some really awful things about it. I had heard that the writing wasn't very good and that there are certain aspects of the way things are described that are too repetitive. I had in my head that the book would be terrible and that I'd read the first and that would be that. The number of times I saw the words "My breath hitched" made me laugh and the sex which was so incredibly often that it was unbelievable. What I didn't expect was to actually want to know what happens to the characters.
Book one was an introduction. It introduces the characters and shows how they behave before they meet and begin to get to know each other. It ends abruptly and predictably, but I found that I wanted to read the second book.
I had heard that the second book was much better than the first. I think that was because the nature of the second book - where it's not all one-sided and where the main characters have some give and take and you see a more vulnerable side to Christian Grey. It was better and it was worth getting through.
The third book I found could've stopped on a few occasions as there seemed to be some natural breaks in the story. But I get it. I think I get it more than I expected. The books introduce a lifestyle that shows that no matter what your sexual preferences are, your "kinky-fuckery" if you will, as long as your partner is okay with it, it's okay. It also showed that once a couple is married, they may be more willing to be honest about their feelings and what they are looking for from each other.
I've always been pretty open about reading sexual things. I think this gives me a more broad view of what's out there and what I do like and what I don't. I don't need a contract, as they lay out in this book, but at the same time I think this is good to show the prudish people of the world what's out there. So yeah. Read the book. Open your eyes and try and get beyond the slightly juvenile writing and far fetched story line. You can do it. Go on now... I won't tell anyone :)
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
The List
Recently me and the hubs found ourselves at a party at the beautiful Jenn Eades house (oh Aaron and Pete's house too but they are boys so I don't count them in on this post - sorry guys!)
At this backyard shindig, I had the pleasure of meeting a large group of Jenn's friends including some that she's known for decades. (And no Jenn, I don't say that to make you feel old - because there is no way that we are old if we have so much fun!)
The night started out with a huge but fabulous discussion about Magic Mike - a movie due out Friday that has definitely got my attention. Come on girls - you have to agree that it peaks your curiosity a little as well. Just think of it, a sexy Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and a multitude of other hotties, slowly taking off their clothes. Oh yeah. It's certainly tantalizing.
All the hot talk about the hot men got people talking about their "List." I know they had lists on Friends and such, but the whole concept of actually having a list of my own hadn't really crossed my mind. I know what I like, but time changes so my list would change and evolve wouldn't it?
But here we were, a group of confident ladies discussing different celebrities that they considered good for their list. What was most amusing as well, was that many of their spouses had lists and they talked about them enough to know who was on each other's list. One of the girls even had a backup list, you know, in case one of her top guys needs to drop out for some reason.
The idea was so interesting, and hearing everyone's ideas was really eye-opening. It was very interesting to see that some of the women had ebbed and flowed, and some were still they would've had adolescent crushes or fantasies about.
I knew that I needed to make a list. Other than the person, or rather character on top, the rest of my list is in no particular order. And here it goes...
1. Thor. Mmmmmm Thor. Oh how you have completely filled my waking and sleeping dreams with your strength and sexiness. Oh I know that the actor looks really good as well, but there is something about a tall muscly guy with that perfect triangular shape - you know what I'm talking about girls - broad shoulders, down to a tapered waist. Hot Damn there is a reason you are my current number one. I cannot wait for more of the movies to come out. Hell, I want to watch the Thor movie, over and over again. If you haven't yet - I highly recommend checking this sexy beast out for yourselves!
2. Within the past 6 months, I've really grown an affinity for the sexy star of Magic Mike, Channing Tatum. Knowing that he used to be a stripper doesn't even phase me. I recently found out that he likes girls that are a little bigger, and since I am, it's even more reason to love this sexy man. There is something about his eyes, and yes, I do know that I'm old enough to have babysat him. that's why this is a dream list, not an actual list.
3. This hunk of burning love has been on my list since the 90's. I try to watch all his movies, without even realizing I'm doing it. I even like his stoner character in Dazed and Confused. In fact, I can still close my eyes and hear him saying "Alright, alright, alright," as only he can. He just exudes hotness, sexiness and man-oh-man his accent is completely droolworthy. Oh yes, I'm talking about Matthew McConaughey.
4. Another actor who got my attention and was in Dazed and Confused I was a little hesitant to add as in recent years, I haven't wanted to break up his gorgeous marriage. Ben Affleck is someone that I've had a soft spot for, for a very long time.
5. Mark Wahlberg. I'm not talking about the really bad haircut for the movie that is coming out. I'm talking about Mark Mark and the Funky Bunch and the years after where he was more of an actor than a rapper. But hot. Still really, incredibly hot. Yummy!
6. Shemar Moore. Now that is a beautiful man. I imagine his skin to be as soft as butter, his arms strong and a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he only has eyes for me. I loved him on Y&R and can honestly say that I think he wins hands down as the hottest actor to ever be on that show (Oh please bring back the real Uncle Malcolm!) He's also the hottest guy on Criminal Minds. Hot with a capital H!
7. Joshua Jackson. I loved him as Charlie on Mighty Ducks but not nearly as much as I loved him as Pacey on Dawson's Creek. He was everything I want in a man, smart, funny, sexy and mischievousness. Just how I like my man.
8. Jason Segel - now who doesn't like a funny sexy man? As Marshal on How I Met Your Mother, he's genius. In my head, he's exactly like the character. Lovable. Funny. Loyal and great in bed. :) I think if I met him we could be great friends.
And that folks, is my list. I wanted 10 but as it's taken me all freaking night to put this together, I think I'll leave it at 8. There is definitely a pattern, although Thor broke the mold (rightfully so - I mean who can be more perfect than the God of Thunder???) So... who's on yours? Don't be shy. We're all friends here. :)
At this backyard shindig, I had the pleasure of meeting a large group of Jenn's friends including some that she's known for decades. (And no Jenn, I don't say that to make you feel old - because there is no way that we are old if we have so much fun!)
The night started out with a huge but fabulous discussion about Magic Mike - a movie due out Friday that has definitely got my attention. Come on girls - you have to agree that it peaks your curiosity a little as well. Just think of it, a sexy Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and a multitude of other hotties, slowly taking off their clothes. Oh yeah. It's certainly tantalizing.
All the hot talk about the hot men got people talking about their "List." I know they had lists on Friends and such, but the whole concept of actually having a list of my own hadn't really crossed my mind. I know what I like, but time changes so my list would change and evolve wouldn't it?
But here we were, a group of confident ladies discussing different celebrities that they considered good for their list. What was most amusing as well, was that many of their spouses had lists and they talked about them enough to know who was on each other's list. One of the girls even had a backup list, you know, in case one of her top guys needs to drop out for some reason.
The idea was so interesting, and hearing everyone's ideas was really eye-opening. It was very interesting to see that some of the women had ebbed and flowed, and some were still they would've had adolescent crushes or fantasies about.
I knew that I needed to make a list. Other than the person, or rather character on top, the rest of my list is in no particular order. And here it goes...
1. Thor. Mmmmmm Thor. Oh how you have completely filled my waking and sleeping dreams with your strength and sexiness. Oh I know that the actor looks really good as well, but there is something about a tall muscly guy with that perfect triangular shape - you know what I'm talking about girls - broad shoulders, down to a tapered waist. Hot Damn there is a reason you are my current number one. I cannot wait for more of the movies to come out. Hell, I want to watch the Thor movie, over and over again. If you haven't yet - I highly recommend checking this sexy beast out for yourselves!
2. Within the past 6 months, I've really grown an affinity for the sexy star of Magic Mike, Channing Tatum. Knowing that he used to be a stripper doesn't even phase me. I recently found out that he likes girls that are a little bigger, and since I am, it's even more reason to love this sexy man. There is something about his eyes, and yes, I do know that I'm old enough to have babysat him. that's why this is a dream list, not an actual list.
4. Another actor who got my attention and was in Dazed and Confused I was a little hesitant to add as in recent years, I haven't wanted to break up his gorgeous marriage. Ben Affleck is someone that I've had a soft spot for, for a very long time.
6. Shemar Moore. Now that is a beautiful man. I imagine his skin to be as soft as butter, his arms strong and a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he only has eyes for me. I loved him on Y&R and can honestly say that I think he wins hands down as the hottest actor to ever be on that show (Oh please bring back the real Uncle Malcolm!) He's also the hottest guy on Criminal Minds. Hot with a capital H!
And that folks, is my list. I wanted 10 but as it's taken me all freaking night to put this together, I think I'll leave it at 8. There is definitely a pattern, although Thor broke the mold (rightfully so - I mean who can be more perfect than the God of Thunder???) So... who's on yours? Don't be shy. We're all friends here. :)
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Hand me Downs
Growing up as the youngest of 4 kids - 3 of them girls, I got my fair share of hand me downs. Sweaters, pants, shorts, shoes - nearly all of my wardrobe used to belong to someone else. Even the dress I wore to my grade 8 grad was a hand me down from my sister - do you honestly think I would've worn a pink dress with ruffles and a big floppy pink bow? I like to think it looked really good on me, but I know that if I were given an option the pink bow would've been kiboshed.
On Friday, one of my coworkers gave me some hand-me downs. She had some pyjama pants that she had never worn, a dress top she only wore once and swore never to wear again and some jeans that for whatever reason she never wore - might be the sparkles on them. I was a little hesitant at first. It's been a really long time since anyone has handed me down their cast offs and I wasn't sure they'd fit me, let alone be something that I'd want to wear.
The first thing I tried on was the pyjama pants. They are funky colours, have polka dots and stripes and I had already decided that if they didn't fit/work that I'd be turning them into something crafty and fun. Success - they fit! I'm still contemplating turning one of them into some sort of fabric necklace or fabric flower or something (thank you Pinterest for making me look at everything in a completely different way!)
The second item was the jeans. They are black and a little long, and are actually a little bit big but they are really pretty. I figure until I feel like hemming, I'll be rolling them up all big and 60s style with a wide cuff. I'm a little crazy like that.
The third item was the pretty top that I had immediately looked at and realized was completely not my co-worker's style. It had ruffles and was a very thin gauze-type fabric that you could see through. The fabric was mostly white but had almost a floral pattern of black, grey and dusty rose. My coworker is more of an Ozzy fan, so the fact she had owned this shirt and worn it once was a bit amazing. As soon as I put this shirt on it was like it was completely meant for me. I own lots of tank tops (gotta hide my gigantic mammories somehow) so it was no issue to think that I have white, black and grey that could go underneath. The tones look really good with my skin even and made it look like I had a slight tan. I was so happy that I kept the shirt on all day long and received many compliments.
Sometimes a hand me down is just a wonderful gift that we can give another person. In a way, I can count my coworker as one of my sisters now. Now I only have to figure out how to repay the favour. :)
On Friday, one of my coworkers gave me some hand-me downs. She had some pyjama pants that she had never worn, a dress top she only wore once and swore never to wear again and some jeans that for whatever reason she never wore - might be the sparkles on them. I was a little hesitant at first. It's been a really long time since anyone has handed me down their cast offs and I wasn't sure they'd fit me, let alone be something that I'd want to wear.
The first thing I tried on was the pyjama pants. They are funky colours, have polka dots and stripes and I had already decided that if they didn't fit/work that I'd be turning them into something crafty and fun. Success - they fit! I'm still contemplating turning one of them into some sort of fabric necklace or fabric flower or something (thank you Pinterest for making me look at everything in a completely different way!)
The second item was the jeans. They are black and a little long, and are actually a little bit big but they are really pretty. I figure until I feel like hemming, I'll be rolling them up all big and 60s style with a wide cuff. I'm a little crazy like that.
The third item was the pretty top that I had immediately looked at and realized was completely not my co-worker's style. It had ruffles and was a very thin gauze-type fabric that you could see through. The fabric was mostly white but had almost a floral pattern of black, grey and dusty rose. My coworker is more of an Ozzy fan, so the fact she had owned this shirt and worn it once was a bit amazing. As soon as I put this shirt on it was like it was completely meant for me. I own lots of tank tops (gotta hide my gigantic mammories somehow) so it was no issue to think that I have white, black and grey that could go underneath. The tones look really good with my skin even and made it look like I had a slight tan. I was so happy that I kept the shirt on all day long and received many compliments.
Sometimes a hand me down is just a wonderful gift that we can give another person. In a way, I can count my coworker as one of my sisters now. Now I only have to figure out how to repay the favour. :)
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