Dec 28 2009

My brother's friend Marta sketched a photo of my niece Sophie. I think she did an amazing job! I wish I was artistic :(

The Original:

Dec 27 2009

Richard & Dexter playing catch at the tennis courts near my house. Dexter has so much energy - we were there for an hour and he was still going strong when we got home...



He had enough energy to dominate Dooley.

Dec 24th 2009

Picked Richie up from the Buffalo Airport at 130pm. This picture doesn't do justice to how happy I am to have him home for 15 days, but trust me, I am RIDICULOUSLY happy.



Not long after our reunion we headed up to my sister's house for lots of drinks & finger foods. This is me & my granny Iris.



My sister's friend Julius brought over some oysters for everyone to enjoy. He shucked them at record speed and gave us a tip for enjoying them - add Vodka! My sister busted out the Grey Goose & the party got started. Here is my brother taking his first Oyster/Goose shot.



My adventurous mother tried one too.

Video Proof:





Not missing Richard.

Dec 10 - My 24th Birthday

Christie and her birthday bitches, Maygol & Moi. (Celebrating at Fionn MacCool's on Front St)



Wes was very excited to have CHEAP beer. I like to think he's excited for my birthday. Maybe a bit of both?



Mustaches.



Vyrone Reyes made an appearance, all the way from Yonge & Eglinton. I felt special.



Happy 24th to me & Happy 27th to Maygol ;)

Dec 10 2009 - Work Party

My team celebrated Christmas on my birthday this year, so I decided to give my birthday pictures it's very own DEC 10th post, because combining it with something work-related is just sad.

That being said, here is a selection of pics from the RBC Homeline Closing Officer Christmas Party!



My BFF Christie Close organized the party & made it special for everyone (we all got candy canes! yay!)



Nothing says Christmas like JAMAICAN FOOD from a place called "Ritz" in Toronto. This restaurant doesn't even have a website. Sketchy, but DELICIOUS! This was my special vegetarian meal. I didn't bother using a plate since I didn't have to share with anyone. Classy & selfless, that's me.



John was so busy piling food into his mouth he didn't bother to pose for this picture. Understandable.



Time for "Pin the Post-It Note on the Snowman's Nose!" Kendall has a go of it.



My turn! (Claudia ultimately won... Damn her)



Tis the season...for your boss to flip you off, in a not-so secret way, at your work Christmas party. Happy Holidays, ya filthy animal.

Dec 3 2008

Meet my new pup, Dexter Elsom. He smells like cedar chips.

Nov 27 2009

After a week of bringing my lunches to work, it was decided FRIDAY would be the day I got to give in to my craving. My craving for a big ass burrito from Fresh West Grill. Wes and I had to wait in line for quite a while (this is what happens during the afternoon lunch rush) but it was well worth the wait.



I am so happy.

Nov 22 2009

The Barkers came over for breakfast this morning. Sophie entertained us with her piano playing skillz.



She doesn't even need to look at the sheet music. Uh-mazing.

Nov 17 2009

Took Dooley for a walk down at the Whitby Shores. We really enjoyed watching the sunset - if you look closely (or click to enlarge) you can see the Toronto skyline on the left hand side.

Nov 16 2009

Jess, Chantelle and myself dined at Pizzeria Libretto in T dot O dot (Ossington and Dundas) and dear lord I want to go back right now. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Funny story: We entered the restaurant at 11:58m or just there abouts. The host greeted us with "Sorry, we don't open until noon." Jess thought he was kidding, but he wasn't. Really, dude? Really? Why have the restaurant's main door open if you're not ready to seat customers?

We got a table because 1) They realized how ridiculous turning us away would be and 2) Chantelle is a cripple with a cane and she's willing to use it on anyone who stands in her way, especially when food is involved.



Drove along Bloor Street, blaring the "Glee, Vol 1" the entire way. I've never actually been in Honest Ed's. I think I'd like to go.

Nov 15 2009

My time in Oregon is up! I'm back home in Canada and happy to be here. Mainly so I can dress up my dog and make him look even sillier than he already does (What with being a small fluffy white dog).

The best part about all of this = My dad actually walked him around the neighbourhood looking this way.

Oct 31st 2009

Meow! Happy Halloween : )

Oct 29th 2009

In hopes of finding a new brother or sister for Maggie, we headed out to two animal shelters in the Salem area. I loved this little doggie! So cute.



This lil guy is JERRY. I want him. Look at his face.



A bird, no doubt angry we didn't take any dogs home, left a present for us on the car windshield.



On to the 2nd shelter! This cat's name is Richard... (Hehehe)



Yet another dog I wanted...

*MOM - when you read this - get Dad and show him. He will let me take one home!!!*

Oct 28th 2009

Liz plays in Advanced Orchestra at her middle school and we scored a very exclusive invite to the FIRST concert of the year.



I think at one point, we were ALL taking pictures/video. I think Jason watched the entire thing through his blackberry's screen ;)



Lookin' good Liz!

Oct 27th 2009

It's pumpkin carving time! Shamara and Derek invited their friends Larry, Christina and their daughter Jayden, over to carve pumpkins.



Liz didn't carve a very big opening to get her pumpkin guts out. Dig Liz, dig!



Jayden was everyone's little helper. She insisted she knew how to clean pumpkins properly - here she is helping Shamara. How nice of her!

Oct 25th 2009

It's kind of a big deal when Derek does household tasks. According to him, he needs to "be in the mood for them" which only happens once in a blue moon. He installed the mirrors in the master bath. Shamara had been doing her makeup in the dark for the past MONTH, which explains a lot... Kidding!

Oct 23rd 2009

Who doesn't enjoy getting surprise flowers? It's been overcast and rainy, so this was a bright spot in an otherwise dreary Oregon day.



I love you too, Richard! (and the lady at Roth's Grocery store Florist Department)

Oct 21 2009

Today I baked delicious banana muffins with Shamara. Recipe can be found at www.catcancook.com . Absolutely scrumptious.



We also took Maggie on a nice long walk. Autumn in Oregon is really really pretty - so many bright colours :)

Oct 20th 2009

So happy to be picking out pumpkins a local farm :)



There were a LOT to choose from, but I think we chose wisely.



Shamara's on the left, mine in the middle and Derek's pumpkin on the right.

Oct 18th 2009

We gathered at the Thornton home to celebrate (albeit a day early) Liz' 14th Birthday! Here's me with the birthday girl, who is wearing a sweater very similar to one I just bought. She has great taste, in my opinion.



Happy 14th Birthday Sista!